The Wairarapa Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has been established to coordinate the response to the severe weather impacts from late last week and over the weekend. The main focus is ensuring the welfare needs of isolated communities are met.

Roading teams are continuing to work across the district to address slips, road damage and to reinstate access. Some of this work will take time, so we ask that everyone respects road closures and signage. Roading crews cleared slips and debris from White Rock Road, Tora Road and Cape Palliser Road on Monday and as we gain access to more areas around the South Coast, we anticipate identifying further damage.

All routes into Martinborough are now open, with the Ponatahi Bridge operating under a temporary 10 km/h speed restriction for vehicles crossing.

While many roads are reopening in some capacity, there are still local closures in place. Please keep up to date with the latest information via Council social media and our website.

We are aware that the South Coast, including Ngawi, is currently without power. The EOC welfare teams are maintaining regular contact with isolated communities in Cape Palliser, Lake Ferry, Whangāimoana and Ngawi to identify any additional needs. An airlift of essential welfare supplies departed just after 1pm on Monday 29 June to deliver support to some of our isolated communities without access to supplies. 

The Turanganui bridge repair is underway and the bridge is expected to open later this week to allow crossings. There will be further works required over time. We encourage community members to check in over the phone or online with whānau and friends in these areas. However, please do not attempt to travel to or access these locations. While we understand there is interest in the damage, visiting affected sites puts individuals and others at risk.

We would like to acknowledge and thank our communities for their patience, understanding, and continued support of one another throughout this event.