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23 October 2025, 10:42 am
Manawatū-Whanganui Civil Defence is stepping up resourcing in its Emergency Coordination Centre in response to forecast Labour Weekend weather.
Tararua District is under a heavy wind warning from 10am today until 3am tomorrow, with severe gale winds gusting to 120 kilometres per hour. Horowhenua District is under a heavy wind warning from 9am until 7pm today, with severe gale winds gusting to 120 kilometres per hour. The Tararua Range is under a heavy rain warning from 10am until 8pm today. Expect 80 to 100 mm of rain, with peak rates of 15 to 25 mm per hour. There is also a heavy rain watch for Tongariro National Park from 3pm until 11pm today. There is a moderate chance this will be upgraded to a warning. Group controller Craig Grant says staff have been monitoring the situation throughout the week, but more staff are being brought in to support the region’s response. “With many watches and warnings across the region, and the worst of the weather forecast to come through this afternoon and evening, we are ensuring we are prepared for any situation. Staff are rostered throughout the weekend, including into the evening. “We are in contact with district and city council emergency management teams, as well as partner agencies such as emergency services and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, to ensure everyone has what they need to respond to local issues. Mr Grant says people should take the time to prepare. “While Horowhenua, Tararua and Ruapehu are under watches and warnings, the weather will also impact other parts of the region – such as Manawatū and Palmerston North. “There are simple things you can do like ensuring you have supplies ready in case you need to stay at home for a prolonged period, as well as preparing a grab bag of essential items for if you need to evacuate in a hurry. “Further damage to trees, powerlines and unsecured structures is possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles such as campervans and lighter vehicles such as motorcycles. “People travelling to the area for camping or recreation during the long weekend should ensure they are prepared for the weather. Take plenty of supplies, and be sure to have a radio with a list of key frequencies.” Residents should drive to the conditions and, if possible, avoid any unessential travel, Mr Grant says. “Thunderstorms are possible this afternoon, so we may see hazards across our roading network. Please stay home if you can and keep up to date with the weather conditions.” “We’ll be keeping a close eye on this one and you can keep up to date with any key information on this weather event on the Manawatū-Whanganui Civil Defence Facebook page. “If at any time you, your family and/or your property are at risk, immediately contact emergency services on 111.” A list of radio stations to listen to during an emergency event in the Horizons Region can be found here. General preparedness messaging for storms is available here. Image: A map of watches and warnings in our region.