From 5pm tonight, Wairarapa will move out of a State of Emergency and into a Local Transition Period (LTP) to support recovery planning. 

This Notice of LTP will be effective across the three District Councils of Masterton, Carterton and South Wairarapa to enable the transition from our initial response into the longer period of recovery.  The Notice of LTP will expire on 22 May 2026, unless terminated earlier.

Local Controller Simon Taylor says the transition reflects the significant progress made by response teams over recent days.

“We’re seeing more roads reopen, river levels continue to recede, and daily life steadily return closer to business as usual,” he said.

“While this is encouraging news, it’s important our communities don’t become complacent – the impacts of this event are not yet over. Although conditions have improved, there is still considerable clean‑up and ongoing work required to fully restore the region.”

While many roads have reopened, there are still access issues in some areas due to debris, with four‑wheel drive vehicles required in places.

“The recovery phase will support ongoing clean‑up efforts, with a focus on restoring full access to communities and ensuring safe, reliable travel throughout Wairarapa.”

“I strongly urge our communities to remain vigilant when travelling, particularly on roads that have been affected by flooding. Please continue to check Council websites for the latest road updates,” Mr Taylor said.

“I’d also like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone involved in or who supported directly or indirectly, the Wairarapa Emergency Operations Centre, as well as to our communities who supported one another throughout the response, and to all agencies and partners who contributed to this collective effort.”

The Wairarapa Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) will stand down from 5pm tonight (Friday 24 April). If you do require assistance or support from CDEM Wairarapa can be reached on 0800 239 247

What the change means 

During the response phase, the state of emergency provided broad powers to deal quickly with immediate threats. The transition and recovery phase focuses on coordination, problem solving and longer term support. Sam Bishop has been appointed as Group Recovery Manager. 

Under the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act, Recovery Managers have powers to coordinate recovery activity, manage access to affected areas where safety issues remain, support restoration of essential services, enable assistance for impacted people and communities, and reduce or remove ongoing risks where practicable.

These powers support an organised recovery while allowing everyday life to resume where it is safe to do so.

Ongoing risks and advice 

While conditions have improved, significant risks remain, particularly due to widespread ground saturation.

Slips and landslides can still occur even after rain has eased. Roads, bridges and tracks may be unstable or debris affected, and floodwater, mud and silt may contain contaminants. Even moderate further rain can quickly increase risk.

People are urged to:

• take care when returning home and during clean up activities
• follow public health guidance in flood affected areas
• avoid unstable slopes, slip areas and damaged roads
• stay informed through WREMO, local councils and MetService
• check on neighbours, friends and whānau who may need help, if it is safe to do so

Ongoing support 

Some residents will continue to need support in the days and weeks ahead. Needs assessments are ongoing, with councils and partner agencies working together to ensure people receive the help they need. 

Emergency Assistance Centres may transition or change their role as recovery arrangements are put in place. Information about available support will continue to be shared through council and WREMO channels. 

Further information about the formal transition to recovery, including termination of local states of emergency, will be confirmed shortly.