Weather update and safety warnings in the Capital – News and information

Wellington City Council and Wairarapa councils have terminated the state of emergency following severe weather, declaring a Local Transition Period to focus on Wellington storm recovery, service restoration, and coordinated clean-up efforts.

Wellington storm waste collection guidelines

The Council is currently collecting storm waste from impacted suburbs. Residents are advised to place all storm waste bags and large items at the kerbside for collection.

Storm waste bags are no longer available from the Southern Landfill Tip Shop. Those who already possess bags should tie them securely with duffle ties and avoid overfilling them.

For residents requiring assistance filling bags or transporting items to the Southern Landfill, Taskforce Kiwi is available by phone at 04 801 3737 from Saturday, May 2, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Collection is also underway for large items that do not fit in bags, including whiteware, electrical items, large furniture, and beds. Residents must ensure these items do not block parking areas, cycleways, or footpaths.

The Southern Landfill in Ōwhiro Bay continues to accept storm waste and general domestic waste at standard rates. Opening hours and location details are available here.

Accepted and prohibited materials

Accepted storm waste includes flood-damaged furniture, wet carpets and rugs, soft furnishings, gyprock, plasterboard, e-waste, and small garden debris such as silt and twigs.

Several materials are strictly prohibited from kerbside collection due to health and safety risks. These include asbestos-containing materials, hazardous chemicals (oils, paints, solvents), gas bottles, fire extinguishers, and heavy medical waste or sharps.

Lithium-ion batteries from power tools or e-bikes are considered fire risks and must be taken to the Tip Shop. Large amounts of concrete or clean fill are prohibited as they exceed crane lift limits, and food waste should be disposed of in standard yellow bags.

Community support and relief services

The Wellington City Council Emergency Operations Centre is providing ongoing support through various community channels. Drop-in sessions are scheduled at the Island Bay Community Centre, 137 The Parade, on Friday, May 1 (3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.) and Sunday, May 3 (2 p.m. – 5 p.m.).

Food assistance is available through several providers:

• Wellington City Mission: Social supermarket at Whakamaru (by appointment).
• Wellington Salvation Army Hope Centre: Foodbanks in Newtown following a needs assessment.
• EKTA NZ: Grocery distribution from St Peter’s Church (211 Willis Street) on Saturday mornings.
• Compassion Soup Kitchen: Breakfast at 7:45 a.m. and dinner at 4:45 p.m., Monday to Saturday.
• Newtown Community Centre: Community fridge, free soup Fridays (1 p.m. – 2 p.m.), and low-cost frozen meals on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
• Everybody Eats: Three-course set menu for koha, Sunday to Wednesday (6 p.m. – 8 p.m.) on Dixon Street.

Legal and tenancy guidance is available through Community Law Wellington and the Citizens Advice Bureau Central Wellington. Residents in rental properties can find disaster-specific advice via Tenancy Services.

Health and safety warnings

Residents returning to evacuated homes are warned not to assume the property is safe. If signs of slips or flooding are visible, individuals should leave the area immediately. Health NZ provides further guidance on flooding and health.

Mental health support is available 24/7 via call or text to 1737, Anxiety NZ at 0800 269 4389, and Youthline at 0800 376 633. General practitioners are also recommended for those experiencing emotional fatigue from clean-up efforts.

If a dangerous situation develops, residents are urged to act immediately and call 111 for urgent assistance.