Rawene Volunteer Fire Brigade

22/10/2025

📍Northland fire chiefs are asking the public to check if conditions are right before lighting outdoor fires.

👉Please go to checkitslaright.nz

🧯And remember, to make sure your fire is always completely extinguished afterwards.

Northland fire chiefs are asking the public to check if conditions are right before lighting outdoor fires.
Extreme weather has fanned wildfires in the upper South Island and Hawkes Bay, and fire risk is very high in parts of the country experiencing warm temperatures, extreme winds and low humidity.

Te Tai Tokerau Northland Assistant Commander, Denis Cooper, says the region is currently in an open fire season except for a restricted season across Muriwhenua in the Far North and a prohibited fire season for all Department of Conservation islands.

He says little or no rain over the past few weeks means conditions in Northland are dry, increasing the difficulty of controlling fires quickly once they have started.

“As we have seen previously, it takes a large number of our fire brigades, many of them volunteers, with supporting resources and aircraft to contain and control wildfires in Northland,” he says.

It took eight days to extinguish a wildfire at Cape Reinga in 2023 at a cost of more than $1.5m.

“It’s these sorts of fires we are trying to avoid, so please go to checkitslaright.nz before lighting a fire,” he says.

There, you will find the fire danger rating for your area and fire season status as well as weather conditions and fire safety requirements.

And remember, to make sure your fire is always completely extinguished afterwards.

30/07/2025

📢For up to date information about the Tsunami warnings please following the Civil Defense Northland page: https://www.facebook.com/civildefencenorthland

For further updates see our recent post here: https://www.facebook.com/civildefencenorthland/posts/pfbid0y5ZAK86PajYEAq6cszMxBxKNXf2sUBdsxCFk6xpjNfzN6EDjHpjy787v6uXw4v46l

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Updated 12.26 AM (31/07):

Here's the latest update from the National Emergency Management Agency on the Tsunami Advisory👇

New Zealand remains under a national strong and unusual current threat.

This threat level is expected to remain until at least 3.00pm today.

From 3.00pm today, it is possible the threat level will decrease across the west coasts of both the North and South Islands.

Due to the reflections off South America, there continues to be a possibility for continued beach and marine threat overnight for the east coasts of both the North and South Islands.

A further National Advisory will be issued mid-afternoon.

We urge the public to continue following the National Advisory and exercise caution around coastal areas, especially during today’s high tides.
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Updated 9.25 AM (31/07):

The National Advisory for tsunami activity remains in effect this morning following the significant earthquake near Kamchatka, Russia.

While no damaging impacts have been reported in Northland overnight, surges and tsunami activity have been observed in parts of the region, and strong, unusual currents and unpredictable coastal surges are expected to continue throughout the day.

These currents can be dangerous and unpredictable, posing risks to swimmers, surfers, fishers, and anyone near the water. The first surges are not always the largest, and activity may persist for several hours.

We urge the public to continue following the National Advisory and exercise caution around coastal areas, especially during today’s high tides.

Please continue to stay informed in case the advice changes. Visit: civildefence.govt.nz/ for the latest information.

Our team will continue to monitor the situation closely alongside NZ Civil Defence (National Emergency Management Agency) and will provide updates here as more information becomes available.

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Updated 5.50 am 31/07:

Tsunami Advisory Update

As we head into the morning the National Advisory for tsunami activity remains in effect following a significant earthquake near Kamchatka, Russia yesterday.

It is expected to stay in place until at least midday at this stage.

Strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges are expected along the coast.

Strong currents and surges can injure and drown people. There is a danger to swimmers, surfers, people fishing, and anyone in or near the water close to the shore.

We are aware that tsunami activity has already reached parts of New Zealand. The first currents and surges are unlikely to be the largest and are expected to continue over many hours. The threat must be regarded as real until this Advisory is cancelled.

Our team will continue to monitor this event alongside NZ Civil Defence (National Emergency Management Agency) and provide further updates as more information becomes available.

If you are on land and away from the shore, you do not need to evacuate.

But please continue to:
• Stay out of the water (including the sea, rivers, and estuaries).
• Stay off beaches and shore areas, including marinas.
• Do not go sightseeing in coastal areas.
• If you live aboard a vessel, please do not return to it until this advisory has been lifted.

At this stage, there is still no expected threat to land, so tsunami warning sirens will not be activated. We will continue to monitor the situation and reassess the need for further warnings, including the potential use of sirens, as more information becomes available.

Northlanders are advised to stay updated with the latest information in case this advice changes. Follow NZ Civil Defence and visit their website: civildefence.govt.nz/ for the latest information.

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Update 9:20 PM 30/07:

The National Advisory for tsunami activity remains in effect following a significant earthquake near Kamchatka, Russia. It is expected to stay in place overnight and into tomorrow morning (31/07).

Strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges are expected along the coast.

Strong currents and surges can injure and drown people. There is a danger to swimmers, surfers, people fishing, and anyone in or near the water close to the shore.

Forecasted tsunami activity is expected from midnight tonight, which coincides with high tide times in parts of Northland. The Tsunami activity is also likely to continue over many hours into tomorrow.

This advisory applies to all coastal areas of New Zealand, including Northland.

If you are on land and away from the shore, you do not need to evacuate.

But you should:
• Stay out of the water (including the sea, rivers, and estuaries).
• Stay off beaches and shore areas, including marinas.
• Do not go sightseeing in coastal areas.
• If you live aboard a vessel, please consider staying with friends and whānau tonight

At this stage, there is no expected threat to land, and given the time until the expected wave arrival, tsunami warning sirens will not be activated. We will continue to monitor the situation and reassess the need for further warnings, including the potential use of sirens, as more information becomes available.

Northlanders are advised to stay updated with the latest information in case this advice changes. Follow NZ Civil Defence and visit their website: civildefence.govt.nz/ for the latest information.

Please share this information with your friends, whānau, and neighbours.

Our on-call duty team will continue to monitor the situation throughout the evening. However, unless there are significant developments, no further updates are expected to be issued overnight.

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UPDATED 4.07 PM 30/07:

A National Advisory for tsunami activity has been issued following a significant earthquake near Kamchatka, Russia. Strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges are expected along the coast.

Forecasted tsunami activity is expected from midnight tonight, which coincides with high tide times in parts of Northland. The Tsunami activity may also continue over many hours into tomorrow.

This advisory applies to all coastal areas of New Zealand, including Northland.

If you are on land and away from the shore, you do not need to evacuate.

But you should:
• Stay out of the water (including the sea, rivers, and estuaries).
• Stay off beaches and shore areas, including marinas.
• Do not go sightseeing in coastal areas.
• If you live aboard a vessel, please consider staying with friends and whānau tonight

At this stage, there is no expected threat to land, and given the time until the expected wave arrival, tsunami warning sirens will not be activated. We will continue to monitor the situation and reassess the need for further warnings, including the potential use of sirens, as more information becomes available.

Northlanders are advised to stay updated with the latest information in case this advice changes. Follow NZ Civil Defence and visit their website: civildefence.govt.nz/ for the latest information.

Please share this information with your friends, whānau, and neighbours.

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UPDATED 2.03 PM 30/07:

CIVIL DEFENCE ADVISORY - TSUNAMI ACTIVITY: STRONG AND UNUSUAL CURRENTS and unpredictable surges at the shore are expected following a 8.7 earthquake near Russia.

Strong currents and surges can injure and drown people. There is a danger to swimmers, surfers, people fishing, and anyone in or near the water close to the shore.

This advisory is for all Northland coastal areas.

The first Tsunami activity causing these strong currents and surges may reach Northland in the areas around North Cape at approximately 12:13 am 31 Jul 2025 NZST ( around midnight tonight).

Note: These times are provisional and based on the best information available. Arrival times may be as much as one hour out and may be adjusted in subsequent messages.

PEOPLE ON BOATS, LIVEABOARDS AND AT MARINAS should:
1. Leave their boats/vessels and move onto shore
2. Not return to boats unless instructed by officials

IF YOU ARE ONSHORE, YOU DO NOT NEED TO EVACUATE, but should:
1. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers, and estuaries)
2. Stay off beaches and shore areas and away from marinas
3. Not go sightseeing

Listen to local civil defence authorities and follow any instructions and share this information with family, neighbours and friends.

This National Advisory has been issued following an assessment of information available. The situation may change as new information becomes available. Listen to the radio or TV for updates, or check www.civildefence.govt.nz

23/05/2025

🎖"Congratulations to our very own 👨‍🚒 Chief Fire Officer Zak Bristow Your courageous service and unwavering dedication to our Rawene Volunteer Fire Brigade whānau and our Hokianga community are truly inspiring. Your selflessness and commitment to the wellbeing of others make us all proud.
Ka nui te mihi kia koe Chief 🫡

A massive congratulations to Zak Bristow, Chief Fire Officer at Rawene Volunteer Fire Brigade, for receiving the New Zealand Bravery Medal at Government House, Auckland on Tuesday 🎖

Zak was nominated for the medal by the Rawene community in recognition of the bravery he demonstrated during an assault on hospital staff and patients in May 2023.

Zak responded to a call from the hospital nurses as there were three men acting aggressively inside the hospital. Zak was injured while protecting staff and patients from further attacks.

Thank you Zak, for being an outstanding representative of Fire and Emergency and the community you serve ❤

03/05/2025

16/04/2025

📢 Latest update from Northland Weather Updates!!

16/04/2025

🌧 Please stay safe and take care out there whanau!!

Rain radar at 4:35pm Wednesday. Here it comes!

16/04/2025

🟠 Kia Mataara e te iwi
⚠️ Please take care out there!!

14/04/2025

Kia Mataara e te iwi!

🟠 Orange Weather Warnings ⚠️
Heavy 🌧 and strong 🌬 over the next couple of days!!

You can keep up to date with these warnings at:
https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home -north

See the Pinned post for the latest update.

11.50 am 17/04 update: https://www.facebook.com/civildefencenorthland/posts/pfbid02C3xGMVSp9afLQR4c3Sr4Du5VFVZHvUk6rz9TDjXUqZjrXXzQARPKgXrypez8TV24l

Updated 7 am 17/04:

Well, that certainly was a windy night, with many areas seeing gusts over 100 km/h. The highest rainfall totals have been in eastern areas, with Ohaeawai recording 119.5 mm so far.

The rain has started to break up over the region, but further rain is expected with MetService’s rain warning extending until later tonight.

Many rivers in the Far North are running at high levels, with some still rising. If you are planning to travel through Kaeo or the Waimate North area this morning, please be cautious. The Kaeo River has reached a level where flooding on SH 10 is possible. Check NZTA’s page for the official status before heading out: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions/northland or follow NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Northland

There are no current road closures reported; however, as roading teams head out this morning, we are likely to see some, especially with early reports of fallen trees. Crews will work to clear these as quickly as possible, but please allow for delays.

If you come across any local roading issues or storm related damage on public property, please report it through to your local council:
• Whangarei District Council: https://www.wdc.govt.nz/Council/Contact-us/Report-it
• Kaipara District Council: https://www.kaipara.govt.nz/contact-us
• Far North District Council: https://www.fndc.govt.nz/Your-council/Contact-council

There are numerous power outages around the region, with potentially over 24000 customers without power this morning. Northpower and Top Energy NZ crews will be out today working to resolve these issues as soon as they can, but this may take some time.

Check the latest outages here:
• Northpower: https://northpower.nz/outages/
• Top Energy NZ: https://outages.topenergy.co.nz/

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates here as more information becomes available.

Please continue to drive to the conditions, or stay at home if you’re able to.

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Updated 9.00 pm 16/04:

We have seen strong winds and heavy rain pick up this afternoon. As we head into the evening, further heavy rain and strong winds are expected, especially in northern and eastern areas.

MetService has updated the current weather warnings for Northland. On top of the rain that has already fallen, they are expecting an additional 90 to 130 mm, with peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h likely on Thursday and possible thunderstorms. Gusts of 120 km/h in exposed places, with damaging gusts of 140 km/h, are also possible tonight and Thursday morning, especially in the north.

You can view the full warnings here: https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home

For those on the coast, northeasterly gale winds will generate large waves onto the Northland coast tonight into Thursday. Swells of 5 to 6 metres, with additional large wind-driven waves, may cause coastal inundation and erosion. There is a possibility that low-lying coastal roads and state highways could see some inundation around high tides. NZTA has allocated additional crews to monitor the Far North state highway network and will work with local councils if any detours are required.

Eight Far North District roads have been impacted by the severe weather, with two closed as of 4pm:

• Pukepoto Road – closed due to flooding
• Waimatenui/Mataraua Road – blocked by fallen trees but due to be cleared soon
See Far North District Council's update here for further information on these closures: https://www.fndc.govt.nz/council/Latest-news/news-items/2025/April/tropical-cyclone-tam

There are currently no reported state highway closures.

With further rain and wind expected tonight, please take particular care on the roads, especially during the hours of darkness and early morning, as you might be the first to come across surface flooding, slips, or debris on the road. Report any hazards blocking the roads to your local council.

Power outages have been affecting parts of the region today, and severe weather conditions continue to impact the power network. There are currently several outages remaining across the region. For safety reasons, both Northpower and Top Energy crews will be standing down for the night. It’s likely that customers without power now will remain without power overnight.

Their teams will continue to respond to emergency callouts overnight to make damaged parts of the network safe, with full restoration efforts resuming as soon as it is safe to do so. Please treat all power lines as live at all times.

Check the latest outages here:
• Northpower: https://northpower.nz/outages/
• Top Energy NZ: https://outages.topenergy.co.nz/

Lastly, a reminder that if you feel you, your family, and/or your property are at risk, contact emergency services on 111.

Our duty team will continue to monitor the weather overnight with our next update scheduled for tomorrow morning, but we will add key updates here if there are any major developments overnight.

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Updated 11.45 am 16/04:

Areas of heavy rain have started to move across the region this morning, with between 20-40 mm having fallen as of 9 am, mainly in the north and east. MetService has now updated their heavy rain warnings for the region. On top of what has already fallen, they are expecting an additional 100 to 150 mm, with the highest rainfall expected overnight and early tomorrow. Gusts of 120 km/h in exposed places, with damaging gusts of 140 km/h, are also still possible Wednesday night and Thursday morning, especially in the north.

For those on the coast, there are large and powerful swells predicted on the north and eastern parts of the region on Thursday 17th, and Good Friday 18th April. Please be mindful of the high tide times, and hazardous marine and coastal conditions.

🚗 ROADS:
At the moment, there are no reported road closures; however, some local roads are experiencing minor surface flooding. Roading contractors are out checking conditions and clearing debris.

To check for road closures and delays on state highways: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions/northland or follow NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Northland

For local roading issues check your local council’s website or page. If you come across any local roading issues or storm related damage on public property, please report it through to your local council:
• Whangarei District Council: https://www.wdc.govt.nz/Council/Contact-us/Report-it
• Kaipara District Council: https://www.kaipara.govt.nz/contact-us
• Far North District Council: https://www.fndc.govt.nz/Your-council/Contact-council

⚡POWER:
There have been a few power outages this morning. Northpower and Top Energy NZ both have crews on standby and are working to resolve any issues as soon as they can.

Check the latest outages here:
• Northpower: https://northpower.nz/outages/
• Top Energy NZ: https://outages.topenergy.co.nz/

Early this morning, we met with local emergency services, local councils, contractors, lines companies, and partner agencies, who have all been working on their preparations and are ready to respond if necessary.

At the moment:
🌧️ Please continue to keep up to date with the forecast
🚙 Drive to the conditions, especially this evening
🧰 If you haven’t already and it’s safe to do so, please make sure you have secured what you can on your property and have the supplies you need in case of further power outages.

We’ll continue to monitor and provide a further update this evening.

Here are the updated warning details below:

🟠Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Period: 36hrs from 9am Wed, 16 Apr - 9pm Thu, 17 Apr
Area: Northland
Forecast: Expect 100 to 150 mm of rain on top of what has already fallen. Rain easing for a time Wednesday afternoon and evening. Peaks rates of 15 to 25 mm/h likely on Thursday with thunderstorms possible. Low chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.
Action: Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.

🟠Strong Wind Warning - Orange
Period: 29hrs from 3pm Wed, 16 Apr - 8pm Thu, 17 Apr
Area: Northland
Forecast: Severe gale easterlies gusting 120 km/h in exposed places, with damaging gusts of 140 km/h possible Wednesday night and Thursday morning, especially in the north. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
Action: Prepare your property by securing items that can be picked up by strong winds. Drive cautiously.

You can keep up to date with these warnings at:
https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home -north

And remember, if you feel you, your family and/or your property are at risk, contact emergency services on 111.
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Updated 7.15 am 16/04:

Morning all,

MetService’s warnings for the region remain largely unchanged at the moment, with the heavy rain warning having started at 3 am this morning and the wind warning starting at 3 pm today.

We are starting to see some heavy rain make its way across parts of the region. So, as you head out this morning, please drive to the conditions, take extra care, and report any weather-related issues on the roads or in public areas to the local council.

Local emergency services, councils, contractors, and partner agencies, including health and welfare agencies, have all been working on their preparations and are ready to respond if necessary.

The next update is expected around 11 am.

Further details can be found in the previous update below

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Well, it’s shaping up to be a very windy and wet few days ahead. MetService New Zealand has now upgraded the Watches for Northland to Orange Heavy Rain and Strong Wind Warnings. The Heavy Rain Warning is from 3am Wed, 16 Apr - 8pm Thu, 17 Apr, and the Strong Wind Warning is from 3pm Wed, 16 Apr - 8pm Thu, 17 Apr.

This system is expected to bring sustained heavy rain and severe easterly gales to many areas of Northland. These strong winds could cause damage to trees, powerlines, and any unsecured structures. Driving conditions may also be impacted, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles. Please take extra care on the road, particularly Wednesday night and Thursday morning when the worst winds are forecast.

If you haven’t already, secure any outdoor furniture and loose items around your property, and check you have supplies ready in your home and car in case of power outages or road closures (including some indoor activities, especially if you’re looking after kids these holidays).

Here are the warning details below:

🟠Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Area: Northland
Period: 41hrs from 3am Wed, 16 Apr - 8pm Thu, 17 Apr
Forecast: Expect 120 to 180 mm of rain. Rain easing for a time Wednesday afternoon and evening. Peaks rates of 15 to 25 mm/h likely on Thursday with possible thunderstorms. Low chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.
Action: Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously. Preparedness advice.

🟠Strong Wind Warning - Orange
Area: Northland
Period: 29hrs from 3pm Wed, 16 Apr - 8pm Thu, 17 Apr
Forecast: Severe gale easterlies gusting 120 km/h in exposed places, with damaging gusts of 140 km/h possible overnight Wednesday and Thursday morning, especially in the north. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
Action: Prepare your property by securing items that can be picked up by strong winds. Drive cautiously. Preparedness advice.

You can keep up to date with these warnings at:
https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home -north

We’ll be keeping a close eye on this one and we’ll post any key updates here on our page.

Other Useful links:
To check for road closures and delays on state highways: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/regions/northland or follow NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Northland

🚘For local road closures or to report any issues on local roads or public property check your local council’s pages:
Whangarei District Council
Kaipara District Council
Far North District Council

⚡For power outages check:
Whangarei and Kaipara: Northpower: https://northpower.nz/outages/
Far North: Top Energy NZ : https://outages.topenergy.co.nz/

And remember, as always, if you feel you, your family and/or your property are at risk, contact emergency services on 111.

08/04/2025

HE PANUI!!

📍 Te Tai Tokerau Northland District will transition to a restricted fire season from 11.59pm Monday, 7 April, until further notice.

🔥Anyone who is unsure of the current fire season status and the requirement for a fire permit or if a total fire ban is in effect should go to www.checkitsalright.nz to check if they can light a fire. This tool enables you to check what fire season your area is in, as well as providing safety tips if you are able to light a fire, and access to apply for a fire permit if one is required.

Nga mihi nui

Most of Fire and Emergency New Zealand's Te Tai Tokerau Northland District will transition to a restricted fire season from 11.59pm Monday, 7 April, until further notice.

The Muri Whenua Zone, Northland Islands and Public Conservation Land will remain in a prohibited fire season. Details for these areas are below:

- Muri Whenua Zone: Continues to be under a prohibited fire season, meaning no outdoor fires are allowed.

- Northland Islands and Public Conservation Land: Continues to be under a permanent prohibited fire season, meaning no outdoor fires are allowed at any time of the year.

- Restricted Fire Season: Outdoor fires can only be lit with a fire permit authorised by Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

Acting Northland Community Risk Manager Michael Champtaloup emphasised the importance of applying for a permit to ensure community safety.

"The recent rain across the District, coupled with cooler, damper conditions make it less likely that a fire will get out of control," he says.

"We’re allowing people to light fires with permits again, but - as always - we expect that they take care in how and where fires are lit, ensure fires are properly extinguished and all permit conditions are followed".

Anyone who is unsure of the current fire season status and the requirement for a fire permit or if a total fire ban is in effect should go to www.checkitsalright.nz to check if they can light a fire. This tool enables you to check what fire season your area is in, as well as providing safety tips if you are able to light a fire, and access to apply for a fire permit if one is required.

01/04/2025

Morena whānau,

Remember this Sunday:
⏰ Put your clocks back for winter ❄️
🏡 Check your smoke alarms
🚨 Tsunami siren test at 10 am

Nga mihi Civil Defence Northland

03/03/2025

⚠️ Kia Matāra whānau ⚠️

Please be EXTRA careful not to light outdoor 🔥 if you see smoke or flames please call 111

👉Wherever you are, please go to Checkitsalright.nz to check the fire season in your area and for advice and guidance on lighting fires outside.
Far North District Council Far North District Community Notice Board

We're asking everyone in Northland to be extra careful not to start outdoor fires, and if you see smoke or flames please call 111 straight away. Any fire poses a high risk of escaping and will becoming very difficult to put out.

Our brigades are responding to a fire in trees that is endangering structures at Panguru near Te Karaka Rd in the Far North tonight. The fire was reported at 7.15pm and is in a remote and steep area only accessible by four-wheel drive vehicles.

Firefighters are working to protect structures as well as tackling the main fire.

Parts of Te Tai Tokerau Northland are in a prohibited fire season, which means no outdoor fires can be lit and all fire permits are revoked. A restricted fire season is in place across the rest of the district.

Wherever you are, please go to Checkitsalright.nz to check the fire season in your area and for advice and guidance on lighting fires outside.
Far North District Council Far North District Community Notice Board