Te Puke Community Notice: Cyclone Vaianu Tracking & Preparation

8 April 2026

Hi everyone — the team at Vector Group Charitable Trust / Troppo has been monitoring weather models for more than two weeks, since the first signals appeared around 28 March. We are committed to keeping Te Puke informed as this situation develops.

Always follow MetService and official Civil Defence advice for the latest warnings.

The “possible” cyclone we have been watching is now Severe Tropical Cyclone Vaianu (Category 3). It is moving south of Fiji and was expected to track toward the North Island that weekend.

Timeline of updates

• 28 March: First long-range models picked up a potential system.
• 30 March: Two major global models (ECMWF and GFS) began to agree on a trajectory toward New Zealand.
• 5 April: System officially named Cyclone Vaianu near Fiji; initial Pacific warnings issued.
• 6 April: Vaianu upgraded to Category 3. Modelling suggested a direct threat to the upper North Island.
• 7 April: Wind gusts of 173 km/h predicted at the core. MetService preparing to take over tracking as the system crossed the 25°S line.
• 8 April: Modelling at that time showed the centre could make landfall near Tauranga / Bay of Plenty around 3 pm Sunday, moving inland over Rotorua and Taupō.

Critical window: Heavy rain was already affecting the Bay (up to 140 mm) from a separate subtropical low, saturating the ground before the cyclone’s main impact. Key times for Vaianu’s influence were flagged as Friday midnight through Sunday lunchtime.

How to get ready now

Do not wait for the wind to pick up. Use the window you have to prepare:

• Secure the yard: Turn trampolines upside down and anchor them. Secure BBQs, outdoor furniture, and loose timber. In 150 km/h gusts, these become dangerous projectiles.
• Clear the drains: Ensure gutters and driveway drains are free of leaves and debris.
• Water management: Use sandbags for low-lying doors or shallow trenches to divert water away from your home where appropriate.
• Power outage prep: Charge devices and power banks. Have torches with fresh batteries and a battery-powered radio if mobile networks fail.
• Food and essentials: At least three days of food, water, and medicine. Include pets in your plan.

Community care

Check on your neighbours today. If you can help someone secure a trampoline or clear a gutter, please reach out. Many in Te Puke remember the feeling from 2023 — we get through this by looking out for one another.

Stay safe, stay connected, and follow the latest MetService and Civil Defence updates.

Contact Vector Group · Troppo · Community programme