Merivale Community Centre

11/04/2026

UPDATED

Not sure where to go if you have to evacuate?
🏠 Here are your evacuation sites — now is the time to make a plan.

Now that you are all prepared and ready to go for Tropical Cyclone Vaianu here is some information if you need to leave home apōpō.

Know which site is closest to you, talk to your whānau, and work out how you will get there before you need to.

Think about our kaumātua and anyone who will need help getting to a site. Check in with them now, not later.

We will keep this page updated as more information comes through.

11/04/2026

This should have come through to you on your phone.

Kia haumaru te noho!

https://www.bopcivildefence.govt.nz/starstaremergency-status-pagestarstar/

WARNING: Sub-Tropical Cyclone Vaianu
Start time: Sat Apr 11 15:25:13 NZST 2026.
End time: Sat Apr 11 19:25:13 NZST 2026.
From: Bay of Plenty CDEM
Content:
"CIVIL DEFENCE RED WARNING: Sub-Tropical Cyclone Vaianu is expected to impact the Bay of Plenty from 6 pm Saturday and will bring high winds, storm surge and intense rainfall
There is potential threat to life due to strong winds, tree fall, dangerous river conditions, landslides and localised flooding. Large waves, higher tides and coastal flooding are a significant risk. Remain vigilant to rising water levels.
Further area updates MAY be issued and we urge you to be prepared to act on any advice.
Put safety first. Avoid unnecessary travel. Some roads may be impassable. Do not enter or drive through floodwaters. Stay off beaches & estuaries. Act quickly to self-evacuate if you see rising water or feel you are at risk of landslide. Be prepared for possible power and communications outages. If asked to evacuate, do so immediately.
Visit www.bopcivildefence.govt.nz or www.facebook.com/BOPCivilDefence for more information.

For relevant local information please check you local Council Te Kaunihera ā-rohe o Whakatāne - Whakatāne District Council Ōpōtiki District Council Western Bay of Plenty District Council Tauranga City Council

Stay informed with Bay of Plenty CDEM—emergency alerts, safety tips, and resources to help you prepare, respond, and recover from disasters.

10/04/2026

Huria Trust will be onsite on Monday 13 April between 11am and 1pm offering free flu vaccines. It's a great time of year to get on top of things before the winter bugs really set in!

09/04/2026

Cyclone Vaianu is in the news and likely to be hitting Merivale on Sunday, according to MetService.
All of the North Island is under a heavy rain and wind watch due to the cyclone.
If you or your neighbours in MERIVALE would like a hand clearing YOUR DRAINS in preparation, we have some hands at the centre that can help.
Arohamai, we don’t have a setup to clear gutters. Only drains :)

UPDATE: Our team have gone home now. We can't do any more.
We did get to clear some drains and saw some awesome smiles.
Love Merivale!

09/04/2026

09/04/2026

Need someone to talk to? Would you like to have mental health support? Merivale Community Centre offers free counselling sessions thanks to some wonderful trainee counsellors who are here Wednesdays 10-2pm, Thursdays 10-2pm and Fridays 11:30-2:30pm.

If you're interested you can contact them directly by emailing them with a brief description about yourself and the kind of support you are seeking. Gwen still has some open spaces on Thursdays ([email protected]), and Jasmin also has some availability on Fridays ([email protected]). Please reach out; we are here to support you. ☺️🥰😉

08/04/2026

Ngāi Te Rangi Iwi, in partnership with Tauranga Community Housing Trust (TCHT) Healthy Homes Coordinator Chris Tongalea, warmly invites you to a free community wānanga this April.

📅 Friday 17 April | 3pm – 5pm
📍 Merivale Community Centre (in-person only)

Whether you're renting privately, in transitional housing, or simply trying to keep your whare warm on a tight budget — this event is for you.

What will be covered:

We'll explore what hauora (wellbeing) really means in the context of your home, what landlords are legally required to provide under the Healthy Homes Standards, and the very real health impacts that cold and damp homes can have on your whānau — especially tamariki and kaumātua.

You'll leave with practical, affordable tips to keep your home warmer, a clear understanding of your rights as a tenant, and connections to support services in your community.
There will also be resources and giveaways on the day.

To register, contact Carley Hennings on 022 194 1907, or scan the QR code on the attached flyer.

This event is brought to you by Ngāi Te Rangi Iwi, Sustainability Options, and 20 Degrees.

We hope to see you there

07/04/2026

We have lots of Kai in today that needs to be distributed. Come and grab some. We will be here until 5:30pm

04/04/2026

With Monday being a public holiday, our usual kai day will be happening on Tuesday this coming week. Kai is distributed from around 2:30pm with numbers being handed out from 12:30pm. You are welcome to come and hang out at the centre anytime.

Huria Trust will be onsite between 12pm and 2pm for COVID and Flu vaccinations.

Update - apologies from Workbridge but they won't be in today. Workbridge will be here from 9am to 11am to help with questions about job hunting and CV's.

Manaaki Parents will be happening from 9:30am to 11am - a chance for parents of under 5-year-olds to connect.

03/04/2026

Happy Easter Saturday! We are delighted to have Chef Stephen coming onsite to run a 4-week cooking programme starting Tuesday 5 May between 11am and 1:30pm. Check out the details today and call the Centre to book your spot. Limited spaces available.

01/04/2026

Toys! Toys! Toys!

Go grab a bargain on pre loved toys on Easter Monday from 10am-12pm at 58 Henderson Crescent. 🙂

For more information read the flyer below