Cyclone Hale leaves long tail of aftermath in our district

Published on 11 January 2023

As Cyclone Hale departs the Coromandel, it has left considerable damage in its wake. Expect a long tail of aftermath with the storm damage to the district.

Our teams continue to conduct rapid impact assessments across the Coromandel and work to resolve issues including isolation, road closures, slips, and flooding.

Slips, some significant, have come down on the Thames Coast Road at Ruamahunga, the 309 Road, the Kōpū/Hikuai Hill, Kennedy Bay, Colville and the Kauaeranga Valley. These may take a day or two clear and we appreciate the patience of our community as we ensure these roads are safe.

Flooding between Hikuai and Tairua continues to isolate the northern half of the Coromandel, but after high tide at 11am today waters are expected to begin receding quickly.

“The impacts will most certainly be felt over the coming days as well, our catchments are saturated and further slips and trees falling across roads are anticipated” says our Civil Defence Controller Garry Towler.

“Be prepared for more isolation and travel delays right into the weekend and next week as the clean-up continues.”

Our Emergency Management Team is working with local Community Response Groups to support isolated communities and vulnerable people during this time.   

“Now the rain has cleared, we are going to get the clean-up done fairly quickly,” says Mayor Len Salt.

While we’re dealing with incidents right across the district, there’s been no major property damage aside from erosion outside the Mercury Bay Boating Club in Whitianga which has undercut the deck. Read more about this here.

It is important to check for weather and road conditions before departing to travel on, off or around the Coromandel. 

Check for updates with MetService | Thames-Coromandel District Council Facebook | Waka Kotahi/NZTA.