The Whangaruru North Residents and Ratepayers Association said Tūparehuia Marae has been opened for people needing shelter. In Helena Bay, Liv Patu said there had been torrential rain most of the night. The Whangārei District Council confirmed Ngunguru, Helena Bay, Ōakura, Punaruku and Whangaruru have been cut off by flooding. On the roads, the Ngaiotonga Bridge has washed out by the turn off to Bland Bay and Whangaruru North Rd. Motorist Amy Tipene said floodwaters were rising at Scows Landing on Ngunguru Rd, with the river breaking its bank.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 17, 2026 18:57 UTC