Mangatārere Response Planning, February 2026

Across the region, communities have responded quickly and generously to significant severe weather events impacting our communities. Some Community Emergency Hubs opened their doors in case people needed to evacuate or to provide overall community support. Marae opened their doors to provide manaakitanga and shelter; and residents checked on each other using social media groups to share information, offer help and coordinate accommodation.

Waitangirua EFKS Hub Opens, April 2026

This was especially evident in Wairarapa, where communities faced a second severe weather event in just 12 weeks. Despite flooding, slips, road closures and power outages, neighbours supported one another and local response plans were put into action. Alison from Mangatārere Valley commented that their local community response planning really paid off. A community WhatsApp group, established as one part of their response planning, became an important way for residents to offer assistance to those who were cut off or at risk of evacuation.

The Mangatārere community response was one of many examples of how personal preparedness, trusted local connections and community response planning can make a real difference when severe weather affects the region.