NEMA warns flooding and landslide dangers haven’t fully passed

The National Emergency Management Agency is urging caution for the public, warning that dangers posed by landslide and flooding haven’t passed following the recent severe weather events that have hit the upper North Island.

NEMA’s Director of Civil Defence Emergency Management John Price says the heavy rain over the past few days will continue to cause impacts for some days to come, including widespread flooding damage, road closures, and the high risk of further landslides.

“The dangers posed by landslides and flooding still exist. Put safety first and don’t take any chances.

“Floodwater is dangerous as it often contains debris and is contaminated, which can make you sick and cause harm. Be careful around floodwater and when cleaning up after flooding.

“Alongside flooding, landslides are a continued risk. They can happen quickly, without any warning, even after the bad weather has passed. More rain, wind or minor earthquakes can all shift already wet and unstable land. The nature of being in New Zealand means that landslides are one of our most dangerous natural hazards, and we need to be vigilant.

“We have seen the tragic consequences of landslides at Welcome Bay and with the ongoing search at Mount Maunganui Hot Pools and Camping Ground. Our thoughts and aroha are with the families who have lost loved ones and those with family members unaccounted for.”

John Price says it’s important to take care around and stay well away from existing landslide sites and in places you think a landslide might happen.

“I urge everyone to stay away from existing landslides until they have been properly inspected and authorities give the all-clear. More landslides can happen in the same place.

“Please be aware of the warning signs of a potential landslide.”

Warning signs of potential landslides include:

  • Small slips, rock falls, and sinking land, at the bottom of slopes.
  • Sticking doors and window frames, which may mean the land is slowly moving under the building.
  • Gaps where window frames are not fitting properly.
  • Steps, decks, and verandas, moving or tilting away from the rest of the building.
  • New cracks or bulges on the ground, road, footpath, retaining walls and other hard surfaces.
  • Tilting trees, retaining walls, or fences. 

John Price says that if you think a landslide is going to happen in your area, evacuate immediately.

“Your safety is your number one priority. The danger isn’t always visible but it is real.

John Price says if lives are in danger dial 111. Otherwise, contact your local council once you are in a safe location.

For interview and further inquiries, please contact the NEMA media team – 04 494 6951 or [email protected]

More information

Find out what support you can get if you have been affected by the recent severe weather.

If you have no power:

  • Turn off all appliances including cookers and heaters so that when power comes back on, you reduce the risk of a fire from unattended cooking, or flammable items left close to heaters.
  • Use torches rather than candles if possible. If you must use candles, keep them away from curtains and other flammable objects. Never leave a candle burning in an empty room.
  • If you are using camp cookers or alternative forms of heating, always make sure they are on a stable surface. Do not use outdoor cooking or heating equipment inside.
  • If your mobile phone says you have no network connection you may still be able to ring 111. Even if your phone says you have no service, try the call.
  • You may be able to charge your phone with your car’s battery using a car charger.
  • If you no longer have access to a phone, a solar- or battery-powered radio or your car radio can help you keep up to date with the latest news and alerts.
  • If you use a portable generator, it must be located in a well-ventilated place. The generator must never be used in an indoor space where people are present; this includes areas such as an internal garage. Using portable generators after a natural event or emergency | WorkSafe
  • Avoid getting sick from unsafe food:
    • Eat foods that will expire soon first – such as bread, meat, salads, and dairy products. These spoil more quickly than non-perishable food.
    • Eat canned and non-perishable pantry foods last.
      Open your fridge and freezer as little as possible to help keep it cooler for longer.
    • Leave already frozen food in the freezer if possible. Freezers will remain colder for longer if they are full (2–4 days) than if they are half full (1–2 days). 

Cleaning up after severe weather:

  • Look for broken utility lines (power, telephone) and report them to appropriate authorities. Reporting potential hazards will get the utilities turned off as quickly as possible, preventing further hazard and injury.
  • Throw away food and drinking water that has come into contact with floodwater, including canned goods.For more information on food safety during and after an emergency visit the Ministry for Primary Industries website. Food safety in natural disasters and emergencies | Ministry of Primary Industries
  • Clean and dry your house and everything in it. Floodwater can make the air in your home unhealthy. When things get wet for more than two days they usually get mouldy. There may also be germs and bugs in your home after a flood.
  • Talk to your doctor or another medical professional if you have questions about cleaning or working in a home that has been flooded. If there is a large amount of mould, you may want to hire professional help to clean up the mould.
  • Throw away anything that was wet with flood water and can’t be cleaned.
  • Throw away any wooden spoons, plastic utensils, and baby bottle teats and dummies if they have been covered by floodwater. There is no way to safely clean them.
  • Disinfect metal pans and utensils by boiling them in clean water.

Published: Jan 23, 2026, 11:48 AM