The state of emergency for the Bay of Plenty after last month’s storm has now been lifted.

The regional declaration was made at 12.42pm on Wednesday, January 21, when a MetService red weather warning was followed by intense rainfall causing widespread damage and loss of life. This was extended on Wednesday, January 28, for a further seven days.

“Although the immediate response phase has ended, recovery efforts will carry on across the region,” the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence said in a statement today.

Following the lifting of the state of emergency, the Tauranga City Council said, the region was now shifting to a local transition.

The Notice of Local Transition period, under Section 94B of the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002, took effect at 12.42pm today and ends on March 4, unless it is extended or ends before then, the council said in a statement.

Tauranga emergency management controller Nigel McGlone said that while the state of emergency had ended, this transition period meant support would continue to be available to those affected and the ongoing response activities from the past two weeks could be finalised.

“Essential support activities will continue for our isolated and impacted communities for as long as they’re needed,” McGlone said.

The slip at Mauao, Mount Maunganui, as seen from the air. Photo / Screengrab, Amy Till

Council recovery manager Paula Naude will now assume responsibility for the local transition period.

“While Mount Maunganui is largely open, access to Mauao is still restricted and geotechnical specialists are assessing conditions to determine when areas can safely reopen,” Naude said.

“This will take some time, but once it is deemed safe, work can begin on clearing tracks, reassessing risks, and putting any necessary long‑term safety measures in place.”

Naude said additional permanent fencing would be installed and shipping containers put in position as a precautionary measure to stop any potential debris movement.

The council would work closely with the Mauao Trust to develop a plan to assess the damage and outline a strategy for reopening Mauao.

“Teams on the ground are working hard to have the area open as soon as practicable, but we don’t have a time frame for this. We do acknowledge the effect this has had on local businesses,” Naude said.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council recovery manager Kerrie Little said the Western Bay has formally transitioned to the Recovery phase.

“A Recovery Team has been established, and we will continue working to support our community throughout the recovery process. The transition notice will remain in effect for 28 days from today.

“A transition notice signals the shift from immediate emergency response toward long term restoration. It enables a 28-day local transition period, during which the Recovery Manager is granted specific powers to manage, coordinate, and accelerate recovery activities. These powers support actions such as debris removal, securing unsafe structures, and facilitating safe and efficient community rebuilding.”

Western Bay weather recovery meetings

Residents affected by recent local weather events will be able to speak directly with key agencies involved in the response at three evenings coming up.

The Western Bay of Plenty District Council said it was preparing a series of Pathways to Recovery – Severe Weather Support and Information Events held across the week starting February 16.

In a statement today, the council said the events would be in the three most affected areas – Welcome Bay/Waitao, Katikati and Ōmokoroa – where landslides, access issues and property damage displaced residents or created ongoing uncertainty.

The thick mud blanketed the properties on Welcome Bay Rd, Pāpāmoa, Tauranga, after a fatal landslide on January 22, 2026. NZ Herald photo by Dean Purcell

Each gathering will include a presentation from recovery leads, followed by breakout areas where residents can speak one-on-one with welfare and psychosocial support, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, roading and infrastructure staff, police and other agencies.

The council’s emergency management recovery manager, Kerrie Little, said the events were an important part of “supporting communities through what continues to be a deeply challenging time”.

“These events are about listening, connecting and making sure people can speak directly with the right experts,” Little said.

Pathways to Recovery – Severe Weather Support and Information Events:

Welcome Bay / Waitao Road:

- Monday, February 16

- 6.30-8.30pm

- Summerhill Base

Ōmokoroa:

- Wednesday, February 18

- 7-9pm

- Ōmokoroa Pavilion

Katikati:

- Thursday, February 19

- 6.30pm-8.30pm

- Pātuki Manawa – Boyd and McKinney Rooms

For more information and a link to key resources, including the council’s Mayoral Relief Fund, visit: Weather Event Information Hub – Western Bay of Plenty District Council

Latest road status update

The only road still closed is Te Puke Quarry Rd between properties 662 & 777 (no property access between these two properties is not affected).

Gates have been installed to restrict through access.

All other roads are open, but several are down to one lane in places because of washouts. These washouts are all signed, but motorists should still drive with caution. These include:

• Welcome Bay Rd
• Waitao Rd
• Kaiate Falls Rd
• Rocky Cutting Rd
• Reid Rd
• Te Puke Quarry Rd
• Woodland Rd
• Wainui South Rd
• Manoeka Rd
• Grammer Rd
• Busby Rd
• Lund Rd
• Little Waihi Rd
• No. 4 Rd
• Bledisloe Park Ave

Western Bay walkways update:

• Waitekohekohe Recreational Park – several trails are closed by slips (updates and photos on the Waitekohekohe FB page https://www.facebook.com/Waitekohekohe)
• Tanners Point coastal track from the Jetty to Moana Dr – closed by slips
• Beach access #27 Mako Ave & #28 Bonito Ave are closed because of dune erosion. Alternative access is at Tuna Ave
• Kaiate Falls (Te Rerekawau) remains closed until further notice.
• The Ōmokoroa cycleway is closed between Ridge Drive and Flounder Drive because of a significant slip.
• Caution is needed on the cycleway between Ōmokoroa Esplanade to Beach Grove as the track is narrowly taped off because of cracking at the edge of the track.
• The Kaimai Views track is closed between Traverse Lane and Carriage Close, with significant cracks above and on the track.
• The “informal” track at Sandleigh Drive Esplanade Reserve in Athenree is closed because of a slip.