Kaitaia Volunteer Fire Brigade

10/06/2026

PSA 👇👇 This weekend 🚨🔔‼️

⚠️ New Zealand's annual test of the Emergency Mobile Alert (EMA) system will be sent on Sunday 14 June between 6pm-7pm to all capable phones and other SIM-connected devices ⚠️

31/05/2026

Every number represents a response, a team effort and a community we are proud to serve.

Thank you to our volunteers, their families and supporters.

31/05/2026

Follow Civil Defence Northland for any further updates.

Updated 6.15 am, 2 June:

Mōrena Northland,

Just a quick update this morning to let you know that all watches and warnings for the region have now been lifted.

While some areas experienced periods of heavy rain and downpours, mainly in the northwest of the region, for most places the rainfall was not as intense as forecast.

As you head out this morning, please continue to drive carefully and watch for any lingering hazards. Happy Tuesday everyone 🙂

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Updated 9 pm, 1 June:

Kia ora Northland,

This evening MetService New Zealand has updated the Heavy Rain Warning for our region.

While many areas have not yet seen significant rainfall today, heavy rain is still expected overnight, with the forecast now covering the period from 8pm tonight through to 6am Tuesday.

On top of what has already fallen, a further 50 to 90mm of rain is expected, with higher localised totals possible, especially in the north of the region.

Please check out the full warning and watch details here:
https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home -north

There remains a risk of intense downpours, with peak rates of 25 to 40mm/h, and possible thunderstorms.

Although total rainfall amounts have reduced slightly, the risk of localised heavy downpours and impacts remains.

Please continue to stay up to date with the latest forecasts and take extra care if travelling, especially overnight tonight and early tomorrow morning.

If you come across any storm-related damage or road issues, please report them to your local council, or NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi for issues on state highways.

And remember, if at any time you feel you, your whānau, or your property are at immediate risk, please call emergency services on 111.

Our team will keep monitoring conditions and will share any further updates as needed.

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Updated 11 am, 1 June:

Mōrena Northland,

MetService New Zealand has updated the weather warning for our region this morning.

🟠 An Orange Heavy Rain Warning remains in place for Northland, as well as a Strong Wind Watch 🟡.

Early this morning we saw some heavy rain move across parts of the region, with Kaitaia recording around 30mm/hr at 5am. While rain has eased in many areas since then, MetService is advising that more heavy rain is expected.

The warning has been brought forward, with more heavy rain expected to redevelop later today, especially from Monday afternoon into the evening, with periods of intense rain and localised downpours likely. These downpours could be heavy and develop quickly in some areas.

A Strong Wind Watch is also in place, meaning damaging northeast winds are possible, particularly in exposed areas.

With these forecast conditions we could see:
• Rapid rises in streams and rivers
• Surface flooding and slips
• Hazardous driving conditions, especially later today and tonight
• Reduced visibility during downpours

If you’re travelling this afternoon or evening, plan ahead and be prepared for changing conditions.

✅ More key reminders and tips:
➡️ Take care on the roads – slow down and watch for surface flooding
➡️ Stay away from streams and rivers during heavy rain
➡️ Be aware of landslide risks, especially in areas prone to slips
➡️ Clear gutters and drains while conditions are quieter
➡️ Secure outdoor items in case winds strengthen
➡️ Be ready for possible power outages
➡️ If conditions worsen and you feel unsafe, be prepared to move to a safe place
➡️ If at any time you feel you, your whānau, or your property are at immediate risk, please call emergency services on 111

📲 Stay informed:
🔗 For the full weather warning details and to stay up to date with the latest conditions: https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home -north
🚗 State highways: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions/northland or follow NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Northland
For local road updates, check your council channels:
Far North District Council
Kaipara District Council
Whangārei District Council

Our duty team is continuing to monitor this system closely and we’ll share updates as things develop.

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Kia ora Northland,

This morning, MetService New Zealand has upgraded the earlier Heavy Rain Watch to an 🟠 Orange Heavy Rain Warning for all of Northland, starting tomorrow as we head into the end of the King’s Birthday long weekend.

After a stretch of settled weather, this system is expected to bring heavy rainfall across the region from midday Monday through to Tuesday morning.

If you’re planning to travel back to, or around, the region at the end of the long weekend, please take extra care. Conditions may become hazardous, particularly Monday evening and overnight, with heavy downpours and reduced visibility.

Please keep a close eye on conditions, especially if you’re in areas prone to flooding or slips.

Key reminders:
➡️ Take extra care on the roads – slow down and watch for surface flooding
➡️ Avoid streams and rivers; they can rise quickly during heavy rain
➡️ Check drains and gutters are clear ahead of the rain
➡️ Have supplies ready in case of power outages or road closures
➡️ Report fallen trees, debris, or blocked drains to your local council

Stay informed:
🔗 Weather warnings: https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home -north
🚗 State highway updates: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions/northland or follow NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Northland

For local road information, check your council channels:
Kaipara District Council
Far North District Council
Whangarei District Council

Here are the full warning details:

🟠 Heavy Rain Warning – Orange
Area: Northland
Period: 20hrs from 12pm Mon, 1 Jun – 8am Tue, 2 Jun
Forecast: Expect 80 to 130 mm of rain, with localised totals possibly reaching 150 to 200 mm. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h are expected Monday evening and night, with isolated downpours of 25 to 40 mm/h. Low chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact:Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions are possible.
Action: Clear drains and gutters, avoid low-lying areas, and drive cautiously.

Our duty team will continue to monitor the situation and will share updates if anything changes.

27/05/2026

As well as fires, we are also responsible for
Hazardous Material incidents.

Last week, we were invited to Ventias site to familiarise ourselves on what we might face if we were called there.

We thought it would be a great opportunity to make it a scenario based exercise, to get the most out of our training night. Big thanks to Ventia for the invite and passing on your expertise

21/05/2026

This team are taking part in this weekend's annual Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge in Auckland.

Each carrying 25kg of kit they will climb 1103 stairs, up 51 flights, over 328m vertically.

To date they have collectively raised $10'373.00 thank you to our local community who dug deep and have supported them for this worthy cause, Blood Cancer New Zealand.

Its not too late if you would still to make a donation you can do so via the following link

https://firefighterschallenge.org.nz/t/2026-kaitaia-volunteer-fire-brigade

We love you Kaitaia!

Give it heaps team, you've got this!

13/05/2026

Training last night with our neighbouring brigade, Ahipara Volunteer Fire Brigade, refreshing our water rescue skills out in the field, led by a couple of our station officers.

Always a great time filled with banter and awesome comradeship.

24/04/2026

"Lest we forget"

This ANZAC Day, we honour the courage, sacrifice, and service of all those who have served and continue to serve. 🕊️🎖️

📷 Naomi Austen-Reid

18/04/2026

Throw back to some weeks ago when crew headed to Whangarei compete in the Combat Challenge. An event of grit determination and strength - they returned home uninjured - well done team 👏

Congrats to the lads team of Tay, Josh H, Josh P & Dan who took out 2nd place in the teams events.

11/04/2026

A long but important post with relevant information from Civil Defence - follow their page for all the relevant information

Kia ora Northland, us again!
We have another long but important post for you. Take a moment to read through, as there’s some key info we want to share to help you prepare and stay safe.

MetService New Zealand have updated their latest forecast, and the ORANGE Warnings and Watches previously issued for Northland REMAIN in place for this weekend 🟠

Severe winds and heavy rain are expected across Northland, with heavy rain likely to impact eastern areas most.

❗Because Northland has experienced ongoing severe weather in recent weeks and months, the ground is already very wet.

As a result:
🌧️ Further heavy rain could lead to flooding happening more quickly, especially in low‑lying and flood‑prone areas.

🌬️ When combined with severe winds, saturated ground increases the likelihood of trees falling, which may cause damage and power outages.

🌊 Cyclone Vaianu is also driving large swells and storm surges that could affect low-lying and exposed coastal locations, particularly during high tide at around 3am Sunday 12 April.

⛰️ There is a heightened risk of landslides following heavy rainfall and strong winds. This risk can remain well after the worst of the weather has passed.

This remains an evolving situation, so please continue to stay up to date with the latest forecasts and information from MetService New Zealand here 👉https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home -north

💪 GET READY:

Thank you to everyone who has already taken the time to do so, it really makes a difference 🙏

There is still time to safely prepare for Cyclone Vaianu.

If you haven’t already – here are some key reminders on how to prepare:

➡️Clear drains and gutters

➡️Secure loose outdoor items like trampolines, furniture, and building materials

➡️Move vehicles, valuables, and livestock away from flood prone areas

➡️Bring pets indoors and relocate animals from low lying land

➡️Prepare for possible power outages – charge phones and power banks, and make sure you have food, water, torches, radios, batteries, and any essential medications

➡️Have a grab bag ready with warm clothes, important documents, and essential items

➡️Decide where you will go if you need to evacuate and make sure everyone in your household knows. Your evacuation place will probably be with friends or family, so make sure they know your plans.

🔗 More tips on how to prepare here: GetReady.govt.nz

🌧️ DURING THE WEATHER:

⚠️ Put safety first. Don’t take any chances.

⚠️ During a storm, stay inside. Don't walk around outside. Don't drive unless necessary. Strong winds can fell trees and poles, tear off roofs, and cause branches and debris to fly at high speed.

⚠️ Act quickly if you see rising water. Floods and flash floods can happen quickly. If you see rising water, do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater.

⚠️ Do not try to walk, play, swim, or drive in floodwater.

⚠️ If a landslide occurs – or you see any signs that the ground is unstable – evacuate immediately. Watch for warning signs like small slips or rockfalls, water flowing out of a slope, trees or fences that start to tilt or doors and window frames that start to stick.

⚠️ Don’t wait for emergency mobile alerts or other official warnings if you see flood waters rising or suspect that a landslide is about to occur – trust your danger sense and act immediately.

📞 If life or safety is at risk, don't hesitate to call 111.

📱Stay informed

🤳Follow updates from MetService, your local council, and us here at Civil Defence Northland

🚧 Information about local roads and infrastructure is best accessed through your local district council

🏠 If welfare centres or marae are opened, this information will be shared via district council websites and social media. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye out on your community pages for updates.

District councils:

Far North District Council | Phone: 0800 920 029 | Website: www.fndc.govt.nz

Whangarei District Council | Phone: 0800 932 463 | Website: www.wdc.govt.nz

Kaipara District Council | Phone: 0800 727 059 | Website: www.kaipara.govt.nz

For State Highway closures:
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Northland
journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner

Local councils, emergency services, and Northland Civil Defence are meeting regularly and coordinating closely for this event. We are monitoring the situation with MetService and the NRC Hydrology team, and positioning resources across the region so we can respond effectively if needed 🤝

❤️‍🩹 Finally, a reminder to look after yourself and each other.

Periods of severe weather can be stressful and unsettling, especially as Northland communities have been dealing with challenging conditions for some time. It’s completely normal to feel anxious, overwhelmed, or tired during events like this.

Please remember that you are not alone.

Checking in on neighbours, whānau, or friends, and keeping up to date with official advice and preparedness information can all help you feel more grounded and supported.

We’ll continue to share updates as the situation develops.

Look after each other, Northland! 💙