MetService says a tropical cyclone could potentially head towards New Zealand within the next week. There are now two tropical cyclones in the South Pacific - Cyclone Maila in the Solomon Sea and Cyclone Vaianu to the east of Vanuatu. MetService forecaster Louis Fernando said the Category 2 Cyclone Vaianu was gaining in speed and power. Cyclone Vaianu is currently tracking between Vanuatu and Fiji. Heavy rain watches are also in place for Auckland, the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 06, 2026 07:25 UTC