Manawatu-Whanganui Emergency Management urges residents and visitors to be prepared for Labour Weekend weather

Manawatū-Whanganui Emergency Management is urging people in the region to be prepared as MetService New Zealand has forecast potentially serious weather either side of Labour Weekend.

Group controller Craig Grant says parts of the region have been impacted by weather in the past fortnight, and the forecast indicates more rain and wind incoming.
 
“Forecasts predict a low to the west travelling from Australia on Thursday, causing an associated front to move across central New Zealand.
 
“This system is expected to bring potentially damaging severe northwest gales to exposed places in Tararua District. There is a strong wind warning for all of the Tararua District from 10am until 10pm on Thursday, with severe gale northwesterlies gusting 120 km per hour in exposed places.
 
“There is also a strong rain warning for the Tararua Range from 10am until 8pm on Thursday. People should expect 70 to 100mm of rain, with peak rates of 15 to 25mm per hour on Thursday afternoon and evening, with thunderstorms possible.”
 
Tararua District is still dealing with the impacts of Tuesday’s weather, which caused multiple power outages, saw roofing iron taken off of houses, and large volumes of rain in some areas, says Mr Grant.
 
“People in Tararua District should take precautionary measures ahead of the strong winds, such as either tying down or moving inside objects such as garden furniture, pot plants and trampolines. 
 
“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 thinking of travelling in this weather should take caution and pay attention to the conditions.”
 
“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.”
 
Catchments across the region are saturated from previous rain, so waterways could rise quickly if there are large volumes of rain, says Mr Grant.
 
“People camping near waterways should keep this in mind. Keep an eye on the forecast and waterways, and be prepared to move. It is always better to move earlier rather than later. If in doubt, delay or postpone your trips.”
 
While it is too early to say with certainty how the weather will be on Monday, early forecasts indicate there will be more rain the region, says Mr Grant.
 
“We will learn more as we get closer to Monday, but currently it appears there will be another front similar to what we have experienced recently moving north through the region.
 
“We’ll be keeping a close eye on the situation throughout the long weekend, with staffing organised. People can keep up to date with any key information on this weather event on the Manawatū-Whanganui Civil Defence Facebook page and via news outlets.
 
“If at any time you, your family and/or your property are at risk, immediately contact emergency services on 111.”

Image: A screenshot of MetService's weather watches and warnings at 10am on 22 October 2025.