Cyclone Gabrielle Update

Keep up to date with the latest information on Cyclone Gabrielle and its impact on the Manawatū District.

Updated on Tuesday 14 February @  5:43pm

Ōroua River Update

The Ōroua River has started topping over the stopbank at Kopane. It's unclear at this stage yet as to what the impact will be. However, any floodwaters are likely to impact Ōroua Road, Lockwood Road and Rongotea Road.

Signage will be place this evening. We'll provide updates as we get more information.

Timona Park 

Timona Park is closed due to flooding from the Ōroua River breaching the banks at the park. Please stay away from the park and don't go near the river.


Pohangina and Pohangina Valley Residents

The majority of Pohangina and Pohangina Valley East is cut off due to flooding and blockages.

We understand that Finnis Road via Taonui Road is open for residents needing to get in and out of Pohangina Village.

Please take care whilst driving.

If you need to evacuate because you are in danger, move to higher ground or stay with a neighbour.

There's been significant damage to roads throughout the Pohangina Valley due to the high river levels. Here is what we know:

  • Churchill Road Bridge has been washed away (Churchill Road is closed also)
  • Konewa Bridge on Pohangina Valley East Road is impassable
  • Diggers Creek Bridge has been damaged and is closed to traffic
  • Makiekie/Cole Creek Bridge has been damaged and closed to traffic
  • Raumai Bridge is still closed and will need a structural assessment before opening

Tangimoana Residents

Things are looking more positive than earlier - Horizons Regional Council are comfortable with how the Rangitīkei River volumes and flows - we are confident the river will remain within its banks and the risk to Tangimoana has reduced.

But of course we are still keeping a close eye on the situation.

We're not past the peak yet, the high flows are due around 6:00pm - 7:00pm so we will know more around that time. We will update you after 7:00pm with the latest information.

Road Closures

Excluding the road closures in Pohangina Valley, these are the roads that are closed elsewhere in the district.

  • Hoihere Road from the corner of Lockwood Road and Main Drain Road
  • Coulter Line bridge near Kiwitea
  • Ridge Road (from Te Awa Road to Makoura Road)
  • Main South Road (north of Apiti)
  • Colyton Road from SH54 to Colyton Village

For a full list of road closures please see our Current Road Status Map

What to do?

If you are in immediate danger, please call 111.

If you want to let us know of any urgent welfare needs that you have, please call us on 06 323 0000 and one of our team will be in touch with you as soon as possible.

General Preparedness Information

Civil Defence have put together a list of things that you can do to help prepare yourself, your family and whānau for any scenario. 

Click here for the latest update from Horizons Regional Council.