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Wellington region prepares to move from emergency response to recovery

by | Apr 24, 2026 | Niu Sila, Top Headlines

Wellington City Council and all three Wairarapa councils have now terminated their state of emergency and formally declared a Local Transition Period.

Wellington Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Joint Committee Chair Mayor Anita Baker signed the termination of the declaration at 5pm, enabling the councils to move out of a state of emergency, with Mayor Andrew Little, Mayor Bex Johnson and Mayor Fran Wilde signing the transition documents to enable councils to still maintain certain powers to help support their communities.

This reflects that the most immediate risks to life from the severe weather have passed, but it does not mean that response impacts are over.

“This marks a shift into a new phase of our response,” Anita Baker says.

“Recovery is about helping communities stabilise, clean up and begin to rebuild, while continuing to manage risks and support people who need help.”

What the change means

During the response phase, the state of emergency provided broad powers to deal quickly with immediate threats. The transition and recovery phase focuses on coordination, problem‑solving and longer‑term support. Sam Bishop has been appointed as Group Recovery Manager.

Under the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act, Recovery Managers have powers to coordinate recovery activity, manage access to affected areas where safety issues remain, support restoration of essential services, enable assistance for impacted people and communities, and reduce or remove ongoing risks where practicable.

These powers support an organised recovery while allowing everyday life to resume where it is safe to do so.

Ongoing risks and advice

While conditions have improved, significant risks remain, particularly due to widespread ground saturation.

Slips and landslides can still occur even after rain has eased. Roads, bridges and tracks may be unstable or debris‑affected, and floodwater, mud and silt may contain contaminants. Even moderate further rain can quickly increase risk.

“Some impacts aren’t immediately visible,” said Baker. “Saturated ground and hidden damage can pose real danger. Please don’t assume conditions are back to normal.”

People are urged to:

  • take care when returning home and during clean‑up activities
  • follow public health guidance in flood‑affected areas
  • avoid unstable slopes, slip areas and damaged roads
  • stay informed through WREMO, local councils and MetService
  • check on neighbours, friends and whānau who may need help, if it is safe to do so

 Ongoing support

Some residents will continue to need support in the days and weeks ahead. Needs assessments are ongoing, with councils and partner agencies working together to ensure people receive the help they need.

Emergency Assistance Centres may transition or change their role as recovery arrangements are put in place. Information about available support will continue to be shared through council and WREMO channels.

Further information about the formal transition to recovery, including termination of local states of emergency, will be confirmed shortly.

ATA: SCR (file).