Ministry of Education of New Zealand

01/29/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/28/2023 19:48

Severe weather event advice and guidance

Severe weather event advice and guidance

29 January 2023

A 'state of emergency' has been announced for the Auckland and Waitomo districts due to severe weather causing flooding.

This is a major disruption for our school and early learning service communities, and we will be providing support in their recovery efforts.

We know that many of you may live and work in the areas which have been affected by the severe weather event. The safety of you and your whānau is a priority during this time; we hope that you and your whānau are safe and dry.

Possible School, Kura, and Early Learning and Kōhanga Reo Service closures

The best information will come from schools, kura and early learning services. We advise parents and whānau to check their website or Facebook page for the latest information.

The decision to close remains that of the Board of Trustees for schools and Centre Managers/Owners for Early Learning services.

Our support is available if needed.

The Ministry is awaiting more information and this page will be updated when it becomes available.

National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) updates

Information on 'how to keep safe' and 'what to do' can be found on the NEMA website.(external link)

Civil Defence Centres (as of 29 January 2023)

Those who need to evacuate and cannot stay with friends or whānau can go to a Civil Defence Centre.

  • West: Leonards Road School, 15 Saint Leonards Road, Kelston
  • North: Massey University Albany Campus, Sir Neil Walters Lecture Theatre, Massey University East Precinct, Albany Expressway SH17
  • South: Mana Tukutuku, 32 Riverton Drive, Randwick Park

Bring with you any essential items you may need - for example, medication, warm clothing, baby items.

Support and assistance may be available if you've been affected by flooding in your region.

Ministry of Social Development (MSD) contact numbers:

  • Dedicated line for impacted residents: 0800 400 100 (lines are open today until 5:00pm, Sunday hours are to be determined)
  • Urgent accommodation assistance: 0800 22 22 00
  • Accommodation for those who have COVID-19 pathway is still business as usual. Where people have COVID-19 and must leave their homes and cannot be accommodated with other whanau the number to call is Health 021 227 4908
  • Marae across Auckland are offering support, including the Manukau Urban Māori Authority, Papakura Marae and Manurewa Marae.
  • More information is available on the MSD website.(external link)

Last reviewed: 29 January 2023Has this been useful? Give us your feedback