Cyclone Vaianu has made landfall in New Zealand’s North Island on April 12, 2026, triggering floods and widespread power outages. The cyclone crossed the coast near the Maketu peninsula, packing winds exceeding 130 km/h (80 mph). In response, authorities have placed several regions under emergency declarations and issued ‘red’ level wind warnings.
The cyclone has forced hundreds of residents to evacuate, with mandatory evacuations carried out at 270 properties in the coastal Whakatane District. As a result of the storm, approximately 5,000 homes are currently without electricity, with significant impacts reported in Wairoa and Gisborne.
MetService recorded wind gusts of 130 km/h and 24-hour rainfall totals exceeding 100 mm in Whangarei. Fire and Emergency New Zealand has responded to over 100 calls for assistance related to wind damage and flooding.
Mark Mitchell, a local official, noted, “It’s moved more to the fringes and more to the east, which means that we haven’t quite seen the intensity that we had prepared for or that we thought we were going to get hit with. So that is good news.” However, he cautioned that the most concerning time is from 2pm onwards, when high tides will combine with large swells.
Heather Keats, another official, stated, “Things do improve from tonight and tomorrow, but at the moment this is still a life-threatening weather system.” The cyclone is expected to cause coastal inundation due to high tides and large swells.
Air New Zealand has cancelled more than 90 turboprop flights due to the cyclone, further complicating travel plans for many. The cyclone is tracking southeast away from the mainland after causing significant damage.
Officials have drawn comparisons between Cyclone Vaianu and Cyclone Gabrielle, which resulted in 11 fatalities in 2023, highlighting the potential severity of the current situation. As conditions are expected to improve, observers are closely monitoring the aftermath and ongoing response efforts.
John Price, a local emergency manager, urged residents to “Act now and not later – later may be too late!” As the storm progresses, authorities continue to assess the situation and provide updates to the public.
