Thriving together
Mō te taiao, mō ngā tāngata
Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council is responsible for making sure the local environment is managed sustainably, so people and the environment can thrive.
Cyclone Vaianu Update
Regional Parks
Both Pāpāmoa Hills Cultural Heritage Regional Park and Onekawa Te Mawhai Regional Park are closed on Sunday, and will remain closed until they have been assessed as being safe to open.
We’ll provide an update on when they are again open as soon as we are able and thank you for your patience and understanding.
Harbourmaster
Strong winds and potential storm surge can place significant additional strain on moorings and vessels and increase the risk of vessel damage or sinking. To report incidents, hazards in the water and issues with moored vessels, call the Duty Harbourmaster on 0800 5KNOTS (0800 55 66 87).
Potentially life-threatening conditions on the water with dangerous sea swell, high winds and storm surge. The Harbourmaster is recommending that all vessels remain off the water or safely on their moorings in the coming days.
Due to the dangerous sea swell, high winds and storm surge forecasted to accompany Cyclone Vaianu the Bay of Plenty Harbourmaster will be closing the Whakatāne bar from sunset Saturday until sunrise Monday. All mooring and vessel owners are advised to check their vessel and mooring well before the weather hits but only if safe to do so.
Due to the risk of landslip and the associated maritime safety risks around Mauao/Mount Maunganui, a 30 metre exclusion zone has been put in place by the Bay of Plenty Regional Harbourmaster.
Public Transport
Baybus and Cityride services are currently operating as usual, but the severe weather forecast may affect some services across the region. Delays, detours, stop changes or cancellations are possible depending on local conditions.
Please check the Baybus website at www.baybus.co.nz for service alerts and the most up to date information before you travel.
Rivers and Drainage
The Regional Council’s rivers and drainage operations team is on the ground checking flood defences (including stopbanks, floodgates, pump stations and drains) and will continue to monitor and respond to the impact of Cyclone Vaianu.
Engineering staff continue to provide real-time river level information and data to supporting agencies (such as local councils and Waka Kotahi), to assist with planning and responding to local communities.
Local councils are also monitoring the situation and will be providing updates via their websites and social media channels around roading, blocked culverts/drains, and water/stormwater/wastewater.
See our Flood Room page for more information.
Pollution Hotline
Our Pollution Hotline will continue 24/7 during this time.
If you can see or smell any environmental pollution that’s of concern, call 0800 884 883.
For emergencies, such as hazardous spills, contact emergency services by calling 111.
Living in the Bay
Environment
Your council
CLOSED: Annual Plan 2026/27 and Long Term Plan Amendment consultation Annual Plan 2026/27 and Long Term Plan Amendment consultation
Submissions are now closed.
Late submissions may be accepted at the discretion of Council. Please send your submission to LTPAnnualPlan@boprc.govt.nz if you would like a late submission to be considered. Hearings are scheduled for April 2026, with deliberations in May 2026. If you indicated that you wish to speak at our hearings, we will be in touch with your direct. Both documents are due to be adopted in June 2026. We will keep you updated with the outcome of this process.