Many Aucklanders will be using Waitangi weekend’s forecast sunshine to focus on clean-up efforts, while others will be looking forward to getting out and about around Tāmaki Makaurau.
Whatever people’s plans, Auckland Council would like to provide Aucklanders and our visitors with some key things they need to enjoy the weekend safely.
“We know it’s been a tough week for so many Aucklanders, and many people will understandably be looking forward to getting outdoors and enjoying some return to normalcy,” says Auckland Council Chief Executive Jim Stabback.
“However, we urge people to continue to use caution and stay safe over Waitangi weekend, particularly around our storm-affected beaches and parks.”
Visiting beaches – check Safeswim
Aucklanders are being advised to use caution if visiting beaches this weekend, with potential hazards both in and out of the water posing risks to beachgoers.
Contamination and debris washed into the water by the storm means the water is not safe to swim in, with all urban beaches showing a black “do not swim” status on Safeswim.
Aucklanders should continue to check Safeswim.org.nz for the latest water quality and hazard information and stay out of the water until conditions have turned to ‘green’.
Even those not swimming should be aware of potential hazards caused by the storm, with the risk of slips, rockfalls and debris falling onto the sand below.
More information is on OurAuckland.
Visiting our regional parks and sports fields
Please be aware that all parks have been affected by the recent flood events and we encourage Aucklanders to exercise caution when visiting our regional and local parks and sports fields.
With over 4,000 parks and hundreds of walking tracks across the Auckland region, work is ongoing to assess storm damage and clear debris, but this may take some time.
Some sports fields across the region are reopening where it is safe to do so, while others will remain closed for public safety and to allow the grounds to recover. The sports field page on the Auckland Council website has the up-to-date information.
Although some regional park campgrounds may remain open, customers should be aware that some tracks and facilities may remain closed or have restricted access. These are listed on the interruptions to Auckland Council services and facilities webpage.
We would also like to remind Aucklanders not to play in floodwaters as this water could be contaminated.
Travel across Auckland
Anyone travelling around the region this weekend should continue to use caution on our roads. There are still multiple road closures and diversions in place across the region and disruptions to public transport services.
People are advised to allow extra time for travel and check https://at.govt.nz/weatherwatch to see how their journey might be impacted.
Storm clean-up
Supporting our communities to clear storm-related waste from their properties and debris remains a top priority for Auckland Council.
There are 15 waste transfer and resource recovery facilities across the region accepting storm-related debris. Those who are insured should contact their insurance company for advice as the cost to drop waste at these facilities can usually be claimed for.
Those who are uninsured may take storm-related waste to these facilities at no cost, but must phone ahead on 0800 22 22 00 to confirm their visit. They will need to provide their name, address, and vehicle registration to make the process easy at the gate, and must adhere to the facility rules, including wearing closed shoes.
Further information:
For the most up to date information on the status of Auckland Council parks, walking tracks and facilities visit the council website.
Read more about the status of our parks and sports fields.
Read more about the status of Auckland’s beaches.
Read more about disposing of storm-related waste
To find out the status of Auckland’s Maunga after the floods visit Purongo / Tūpuna Maunga Authority
