08/06/2026
We hope all Wellingtonians are staying safe in this wild weather. For any of our clients or tenants, if your property is affected, please get in touch with your Property Manager so that we can help you. And please refer to instructions and advice provided by Wellington City Council 💛
HEAVY SWELLS, EVACUATE NOW
A mandatory evacuation order is in place from 9am today for waterfront properties in:
📍 Ōwhiro Bay
📍 Island Bay
📍 Houghton Bay
📍 Breaker Bay
📍 Moa Point
Lyall Bay is not included in this evacuation order. If your property is in Lyall Bay and you feel unsafe, we encourage you to self-evacuate.
This evacuation is to ensure the safety of affected residents, and to avoid emergency workers having to put themselves at risk rescuing people stranded in buildings endangered by the sea state.
From 9am, no vehicles will be allowed into these areas. This includes emergency services vehicles. This is to prepare for the first dangerous swell window between 10am and 1pm, which will coincide with high tide.
Significant disruption is expected. Some routes will not be accessible. Detours and shortened routes are in place.
Stay away from the coast, avoid wave-watching, and respect all road closures.
Road closures are in place between Tirangi Road in Lyall Bay and the Pass of Branda in Seatoun and between Sutherland Road in Lyall Bay and Red Rocks.
If your home has been impacted by past swell and storm events or you have concerns, you should arrange accommodation with friends and family until Wednesday afternoon.
The public should avoid the affected areas throughout Tuesday and Wednesday until advised otherwise.
For context, the 2021 heavy swell event which saw a local State of Emergency declared and homes evacuated from Breaker Bay had expected swell heights of 6.5 metres. We are expecting swells of 8.5-9.5 metres during this event.
If you're in an affected area:
💊Take essential items, medications, important documents, and clothing with you.
🐾Make arrangements for pets.
🫂Stay with friends or whānau if possible.
❤Check on neighbours who may need assistance.
📍An Emergency Assistance Centre is available at Wellington South Baptist Church, 284 The Parade, for those needing support.
📍From 9am another Emergency Assistance Centre is opening at Miramar Maupuia Community Centre, 27 Chelsea Street.
For more details of the warning and the latest updates, visit wellington.govt.nz/swell-warning
Take care and stay safe.