Media release - weather event update - 16 Feb 6.00pm

Published on 16 February 2026

Whanganui District Council will focus on the clean-up of slips, fallen trees and providing support to isolated communities following the heavy rain and high winds that has impacted the district since the weekend.

The Emergency Operations Centre has been staffed since Sunday afternoon, after weather warnings and watches were issued by MetService.

Controller Catherine Dutton says roading and tree contractors have been in full swing today, responding to reports of flooding, fallen trees and slips. The rural roading network was the most affected, although there have been trees down in several residential areas and in Whanganui parks.

“The community will notice a lot of debris on footpaths and roads. Tree contractors are working to capacity and have cleared what they can today. They will be getting to the remaining trees and branches as soon as possible.”

Roading contractors will continue to clear slips in rural areas, and there is an ongoing risk of slips in our hill country due to the ground saturation levels.

“We’re urging those travelling in the district to take care, slow down and drive to the conditions. Avoid unnecessary travel tonight. Please also avoid our parks as clean-up continues.”

Emergency management staff have also worked with isolated residents in the Kauangaroa and Mangamahu areas, to ensure they had adequate supplies while roads are cleared.

Whanganui River levels have remained steady throughout the day while there has been isolated flooding in some rural areas.

“The weather is settling and there’s been a slow reduction in rivers and streams. We’ll be keeping a close watch overnight on the smaller rivers and streams for any changes.”

 Weather update

Weather warnings and watches have been lifted for the Whanganui district this afternoon. Check MetService for the latest updates. Weather Warnings & Watches | MetService

Road closures

Local road closures can be found on Facebook, the council website and Antenno.

If you must travel, check your route using the NZTA journey planner for state highway closures. Journey planner | NZTA Journey Planner

Please drive to the conditions and watch for fallen trees and debris.

Power

The Powerco website is the best place to receive updates. Outage Map

Contact centres

If you have need to report an emergency situation call 111.

If you need to contact Whanganui District Council about a weather-related issue, please call us on 349 0001. This number is monitored 24/7.