\u201cAlthough the immediate response phase has ended, recovery efforts will carry on across the region,\u201d the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence said in a statement today.<\/p>\n
Following the lifting of the state of emergency, the Tauranga City Council said, the region was now shifting to a local transition.<\/p>\n
The Notice of Local Transition period, under Section 94B of the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002, took effect at 12.42pm today and ends on March 4, unless it is extended or ends before then, the council said in a statement.<\/p>\n
Tauranga emergency management controller Nigel McGlone said that while the state of emergency had ended, this transition period meant support would continue to be available to those affected and the ongoing response activities from the past two weeks could be finalised.<\/p>\n
\u201cEssential support activities will continue for our isolated and impacted communities for as long as they\u2019re needed,\u201d McGlone said.<\/p>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/6O4IQVXOGNB35KMMDWCOBXEU3U.png\")
\nThe slip at Mauao, Mount Maunganui, as seen from the air. Photo \/ Screengrab, Amy Till<\/p>\n
Council recovery manager Paula Naude will now assume responsibility for the local transition period.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile Mount Maunganui is largely open, access to Mauao is still restricted and geotechnical specialists are assessing conditions to determine when areas can safely reopen,\u201d Naude said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis will take some time, but once it is deemed safe, work can begin on clearing tracks, reassessing risks, and putting any necessary long\u2011term safety measures in place.\u201d<\/p>\n
Naude said additional permanent fencing would be installed and shipping containers put in position as a precautionary measure to stop any potential debris movement.<\/p>\n
The council would work closely with the Mauao Trust to develop a plan to assess the damage and outline a strategy for reopening Mauao.<\/p>\n
\u201cTeams on the ground are working hard to have the area open as soon as practicable, but we don\u2019t have a time frame for this. We do acknowledge the effect this has had on local businesses,\u201d Naude said.<\/p>\n
Western Bay weather recovery meetings<\/p>\n
Residents affected by recent local weather events will be able to speak directly with key agencies involved in the response at three evenings coming up.<\/p>\n
The Western Bay of Plenty District Council said it was preparing a series of Pathways to Recovery \u2013 Severe Weather Support and Information Events held across the week starting February 16.<\/p>\n
In a statement today, the council said the events would be in the three most affected areas \u2013 Welcome Bay\/Waitao, Katikati and \u014cmokoroa \u2013 where landslides, access issues and property damage displaced residents or created ongoing uncertainty.<\/p>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/NKF5GZI2BFFMFMTC4EGX5D5DFM.jpg\")
\nThe thick mud blanketed the properties on Welcome Bay Rd, P\u0101p\u0101moa, Tauranga, after a fatal landslide on January 22, 2026. NZ Herald photo by Dean Purcell<\/p>\n
Each gathering will include a presentation from recovery leads, followed by breakout areas where residents can speak one-on-one with welfare and psychosocial support, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, roading and infrastructure staff, police and other agencies.<\/p>\n
The council\u2019s emergency management recovery manager, Kerrie Little, said the events were an important part of \u201csupporting communities through what continues to be a deeply challenging time\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese events are about listening, connecting and making sure people can speak directly with the right experts,\u201d Little said.<\/p>\n
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Pathways to Recovery \u2013 Severe Weather Support and Information Events:<\/p>\n
Welcome Bay \/ Waitao Road:<\/p>\n
– Monday, February 16<\/p>\n
– 6.30-8.30pm<\/p>\n
– Summerhill Base<\/p>\n
\u014cmokoroa:<\/p>\n
– Wednesday, February 18<\/p>\n
– 7-9pm<\/p>\n
– \u014cmokoroa Pavilion<\/p>\n
Katikati:<\/p>\n
– Thursday, February 19<\/p>\n
– 6.30pm-8.30pm<\/p>\n
– P\u0101tuki Manawa \u2013 Boyd and McKinney Rooms<\/p>\n
For more information and a link to key resources, including the council\u2019s Mayoral Relief Fund, visit: Weather Event Information Hub \u2013 Western Bay of Plenty District Council<\/p>\n
Latest road status update<\/p>\n
The only road still closed is Te Puke Quarry Rd between properties 662 & 777 (no property access between these two properties is not affected).<\/p>\n
Gates have been installed to restrict through access.<\/p>\n
All other roads are open, but several are down to one lane in places because of washouts. These washouts are all signed, but motorists should still drive with caution. These include:<\/p>\n
Western Bay walkways update:<\/p>\n
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