Rotorua Māori Wardens

12/04/2026

⚠️ Latest from Rotorua Lakes Council ⚠️

Rotorua Māori Wardens are here in Ngongotahā and will be ready to assist if required.

Stay safe and be ready!

12 April 2026
🌀

🔺Update: no official evacuations are in place at this time and if that changes we will let people know. If people want to self-evacuate they should go to friends and family in the first place. If that isn't an option our Energy Events Centre is open to take anyone who needs somewhere to go. If able please give us a call so we can assess needs ahead of arrival (07) 348 4199 (24/7).

‼️Residents close to Ngongotahā Stream are advised to stay on high alert and prepare for potential changes due to rising water levels.‼️

🔴 We're seeing more rain than forecasted in Ngongotahā catchment.
🔴 The stream is still within capacity right now.
🔴 We’re closely monitoring the situation on the ground and alongside Bay of Plenty Regional Council.
🔴 Things can change quickly - residents are encouraged to stay on high alert.
🔴 Keep an eye on local and council channels.

Updates will be added to our website here rlc.net.nz/cyclonevaianuprep

If you have somewhere you could go and stay, consider going there now as a precaution. If you do that make sure you let family members and/or your emergency contacts know.

If you want to leave but have nowhere to go call 07 348 4199. 📞

➡️ If official evacuation is required help will be available and you’ll be advised about where to go.

Advice for preparing to evacuate in the event of flooding:
🔶 Lift valuable household items and chemicals as high above the floor as possible.
🔶 If you do leave, turn off utilities as it can help prevent damage to your home. Unplug small appliances to avoid damage from power surges.
🔶 What to take with you: warm clothes, medications, toiletries, some food, water and important documents such as passports, family photographs and insurance policies. Don’t forget your pets.
🔶 Never try to walk, swim, or drive through swift water. If it is moving swiftly, even water 15cm deep can sweep you off your feet and 30cm of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Call 111.
🔶If you have a disability or need support, call 07 348 4199 to speak to our Civil Defence staff.

In an emergency call 111 🚓🚑🚒

Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Rotorua Chat Line Rotorua Māori Wardens Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council

11/04/2026

Kia Mataara! ⚠️🌀

Our Wātene Māori will be out tonight and tomorrow morning, assisting where required as Ex-Tropical Cyclone Vaianu makes its way into the region.

Please be sure to follow the advice given by Bay of Plenty Civil Defence as this situation progresses.

In an emergency - Call 111.

Kia kaha e te iwi!

Rotorua Māori Wardens
11 April 2026

⚠️❗ The Bay of Plenty and Rotorua Strong Wind Warning has been upgraded to RED with the strongest winds expected on Sunday.

Full details: https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home

Area: Bay of Plenty and Rotorua

Period: 16hrs from 4am - 8pm Sun, 12 Apr

Forecast: Severe gale easterlies changing to severe gale northwesterlies Sunday afternoon, with damaging gusts of 130km/h in exposed places.

Impact: Threat to life from flying items and falling trees. Destructive winds will cause widespread damage including powerlines and roofs, with dangerous driving conditions and significant disruption to transport and power supply.

Action: Stay indoors or seek sturdy shelter away from trees. Avoid travel. Be ready for power and communication outages. https://getready.govt.nz/emergency/storms

NZ Civil Defence Bay of Plenty Civil Defence

10/04/2026

- update from BOP Civil Defence

Hi Bay of Plenty – this is a longer post, but it contains important information ahead of the severe weather forecast for this weekend. It’s understandable that some people may be feeling unsettled, so we’re sharing what you need to know to help you prepare and where to find official, trusted updates.

Cyclone Vaianu is forecast to bring strong winds, heavy rain and large swells to the Bay of Plenty. This storm has the potential to be a significant and damaging weather event. With more rain expected on already saturated ground, impacts such as fallen trees, landslides, surface flooding, and dangerous river, sea and coastal conditions are likely.

What you can do now to prepare:
🔸 Bring inside or secure anything that could be blown around in strong winds. Turn trampolines upside down and tie them down firmly.
🔸 Clear leaves and debris from gutters and drains, if it is safe to do so.
🔸 If you live in an exposed area, don’t feel safe at home, or are worried, consider relocating early to stay with family or friends in a safer place. Leaving early is safer than travelling during severe conditions. Take pets and essential medication with you.
🔸 Check on neighbours, especially anyone elderly, isolated, or without communications.
🔸 Prepare a grab bag and emergency supplies.
🔸 Have torches ready and a battery or solar powered radio so you can receive updates if power is lost.

📰 Where to get trusted information:
Your local councils (who are also part of the Civil Defence Emergency Management Group) are the first port of call for local information (like roading impacts, sand bag information).

Tauranga City Council
Western Bay of Plenty District Council
Rotorua Lakes Council
Te Kaunihera ā-rohe o Whakatāne - Whakatāne District Council
Te Kaunihera ā rohe o Kawerau - Kawerau District Council
Ōpōtiki District Council

For weather warnings and forecasts, visit MetService - www.metservice.com
Check NZTA https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner or NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Waikato & Bay of Plenty for the latest on BOP state highway conditions

📻 Emergency radio stations
If there is a civil defence emergency, listen to your radio (battery, solar, or car radio if the power is out).

These stations will broadcast official information:
🔹Tauranga & Western Bay
National Radio 101.0 FM & 819 AM
Newstalk ZB 90.2FM & 1008 AM
The Hits 95 FM
Breeze 95.8 FM
More FM 93.4 FM
🔹Rotorua
National AM 1188
National FM 101.5
Concert 90.3
Newstalk ZB 747 AM
The Hits 97.5 FM & 90.9 FM
More FM 95.9 FM
🔹Te Puke
1XX 89.0 FM & 1242 AM
🔹Whakatāne
National Radio 101.7 FM
1XX 90.5 FM
SunFM 106.5
TumekeFM 96.9
🔹Edgecumbe, Ōpōtiki & Kawerau
1XX 90.5 FM
SunFM 106.5
TumekeFM 96.9
🔹Ōhope Beach
1XX 92.9 FM
SunFM 106.5
TumekeFM 96.9
🔹Te Teko, Tāneatua
SunFM 106.5
TumekeFM 96.9

We'll be here monitoring and responding to the severe weather and will keep you up-to-date with any changes.

Take care everyone, and stay safe ❤️

31/03/2026

A considerable acknowledgement to Waka Ama New Zealand and Te Waiariki Purea Trust for another successful year hosting the Secondary Schools Nationals. Well done to the Māori Wardens and appreciation is extended to Moutoa Maori Wardens, including Trish and Potaua, for travelling to support the kaupapa.

This half-week event embodied Manaaki and Aroha for rangatahi, kaiako, whānau, and manuhiri who travelled across the country including those who flew in from Tahiti for another year of Secondary Schools.

Congratulations are in order for the cadets who immersed themselves in learning the role of Māori Wardens, exceling in their duties with utmost respect and dedication, making the event truly memorable.

Gratitude also goes to Bay of Plenty & Taupo Police for supporting the wardens by providing the Community Hub as our command centre & extra van which made our operation significantly smoother, safer and connected.

Finally, congratulations to all those who participated! We look forward to seeing most of you again next year 🌀

24/12/2025

One more sleep until Christmas and our wardens would like to wish you all a very happy and safe holiday season. Whether it be with your whānau, friends or enjoying peace at home 🎄

Our team of volunteers will see you all out and about these holidays so be safe, be well and enjoy your holiday wherever you are 🙏🏽

02/12/2025

Kia Ora ki te Kaatoa o taatou Nga Wātene Māori o Te Arawa tae atu ki Te
Waiariki. A message of kindness and remembrance to us all, the old and new Rangatahi members.

1) May you excel in all your endeavours.
2) Prioritise the well-being of one another, our Iwi, Hapu, and the wider community.
3) Serve with compassion humility and respect.
4) Always appreciate the blessings you receive, upholding truth and honesty.
5) Thank you for being exceptional individuals.
6) We appreciate your voluntary peacekeeping efforts.
7) Rejoice in every moment, embracing each new day.
8)Your presence is acknowledged and valued daily.

Do not turn your backs on those that help you to do what you enjoy doing.

Do not ever bite the hand that feeds you.

Appreciate that we are all in this together.

Enjoy your weekend at the stadium and blessings for all that you give readily to each other.

29/08/2025

E te iwi, we can’t wait to see you ALL at Koroneihana 👑💚 so here’s what you need to know before you arrive:

🔹 Road Closures: in front of the marae from 7am to 7pm daily
🔹 Public Parking: George St + Manaaki House (off River Rd)
🔹 Accessible Parking: via Kimikimi, show mobility card
🔹 Kaimahi Parking: by Whareroa riverbank
🔹 Bus Drop Offs: on River Rd next to Kimikimi
🔹 Bring cash: for the Tiitii Tent + kawhe kart
🔹 Koha Office: in Rourouiti

Friendly reminders ☺️
📱keep your phone in your pocket during poowhiri
🫶🏽 PLEASE be patient + listen to our Wardens
🚗 we recommend carpooling
🌱 no parking on lawns or driveways

Let’s park smart, safe and stress free so everyone can enjoy Koroneihana together 👑💚

24/07/2025

‼️Registration cut off date for Koroneihana has been ! Head to the link below to register your Māori Wardens online NOW!!
If you need a PDF form, email the Koroneihana Māori Wardens Management Committee on [email protected]
https://forms.gle/vpDpQbTFnuLNhnVJA

11/07/2025

‼️3 Weeks to go to get your registrations in for Koroneihana! Head to the link below to register your Wardens group NOW!!

If you need a PDF form, please email the Koroneihana Māori Wardens Management Committee on [email protected]

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeVvhHqfG7cpw6ZsE0X-buG8vXucYG4QOYbLrw0DJlNroIERQ/viewform?usp=send_form

19/06/2025

As Matariki rises once more in our morning skies, we acknowledge this sacred time to reflect, to remember, and to reset, both as individuals and as kaitiaki within our communities.

For us as Māori Wardens, Matariki is a time to honour those who have walked before us, to celebrate the strength and resilience of our people, and to renew our commitment to aroha ki te tangata, the heart of everything we do. Whether we’re supporting our whānau on the ground, keeping watch over our hāpori, or simply gathering with loved ones, this is a moment to pause, breathe, and give thanks.

As the stars of Matariki guide us into the new year, may they also guide our mahi with compassion, courage, and connection.

Ngā mihi o te tau hou Māori.

30/03/2025

The largest Waka Ama event took place in Rotorua last week, with over 2,000 paddlers registered to compete in the National Waka Ama Secondary School competition from all over Aotearoa including a couple of international teams.

We give thanks to our Moutoa Māori Wardens for assisting Waiariki District to complete another duty for our rangatahi & community. Thank you for your hard work, commitment, and dedication to the kaupapa.

A huge thanks to wakaama, Te Puni Kōkiri - Waikato-Waiariki, and Te Waiariki Purea Trust for your support over the incredible week that was. We look forward to working with you all again in 2026!

Ngā mihi nui,
Waiariki District Māori Wardens

12/11/2024

It’s been a long and very hard year of mahi within our Hapori (Community) our Marae, Sporting events, Kura, Tamariki and Mokopuna.

This is a shout out to acknowledge the commitment and dedication of Nga Watene Māori o Te Waiariki Collective. I take this time to thank you for your passion, presence protection and reducing crime and prosecution in all that you do.

Our Rangatahi, you are the true essence of our kaupapa of “Aroha ki te Tangata”. You are the new way forward and the future for our self sustainability of being proud to be Māori.

Thank you to all for being who you are🙌🏼👏👏👏 Service with a Smile.