El Niño conditions can increase fire risk across Hawke’s Bay. Strong westerly winds, combined with hot, dry weather, can make fires more likely to start and spread quickly. Fires can be especially difficult to control in windy conditions. 

If you see smoke or fire and believe there is a risk to people or property, call 111 and ask for 'Fire’.

What this may mean for you:

• Smoke can affect air quality and health, particularly for babies, older people, disabled people, and people with serious long-term health conditions.
• Fires can lead to road closures, evacuations, electricity outages and interruptions to phone or internet services. This can make it harder to get home, access services or stay in contact with family and friends.
• Fire season restrictions may begin earlier and remain in place for longer periods. This can affect outdoor burning, machinery use, land management, recreation and planned events.
• Farmers, growers and rural businesses may need to change work plans, delay burn-offs or harvesting, protect stock, and ensure machinery and water supplies are ready.

You can get more advice from:

Fire and Emergency New Zealand

You can read more here:

Check It’s Alright – Fire and Emergency When Wildfire Threatens – Fire and Emergency Fires, Smoke and Health – Health NZ

El Niño conditions can bring hotter-than-average temperatures to Hawke’s Bay, increasing the risk of heat-related problems when temperatures rise including heat rash, heat cramps, sunburn, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. 

For health advice, call Healthline on 0800 611 116. In an emergency, call 111 and ask for Ambulance.

What this may mean for you:

• Some people may need extra support during very hot weather, particularly babies, young children, older people, people with existing health conditions or on certain medications, people living alone, and those without a cool place to go.
• Hotter weather can make homes, workplaces and vehicles uncomfortable or unsafe, particularly where there is limited shade, ventilation or access to cooling.
• Outdoor workers, including people in construction, farming, horticulture and emergency services, may be at greater risk of dehydration, heat stress and fatigue. Businesses may need to adjust work hours, provide shade and water, and build in more rest breaks.
• Heat can affect animals and livestock too. Farmers and pet owners may need to make sure animals have shade, water and appropriate care during hot weather.

You can get more advice from:

Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora

You can read more here:

El Niño conditions can bring reduced rainfall and higher temperatures to Hawke’s Bay, increasing increasing the risk of drought. Drought can build slowly over months.

What this may mean for you:

• People on town water supplies may face water restrictions as councils work to conserve available water. Restrictions can limit activities such as watering gardens, washing cars, filling pools or using outdoor sprinklers. Follow advice from your local council.
• Rural properties, lifestyle blocks and homes relying on rainwater tanks may need to carefully monitor supply and arrange alternative water earlier than usual.
• Farmers and growers may face reduced feed and irrigation water, additional costs, and difficult decisions about livestock, crops and planting. Dry conditions can also increase stress on animals and reduce production.
• Drought can place pressure on businesses that rely on water, including farms, horticulture, hospitality, construction and recreation providers. Businesses may need to adjust operations, reduce water use or plan for higher costs.
• Long dry periods can also affect wellbeing. Financial pressure, uncertainty and the extra work involved in managing water and animals can be stressful make sure to check in on neighbours, friends and whānau who may need support.

You can get more advice from:

Ministry for Primary Industries 

As well as your local councils for water restrictions:

• Wairoa District Council
• Napier City Council
• Hastings District Council
• Central Hawke’s Bay District Council

You can read more here:

El Niño conditions are often associated with stronger and more frequent westerly winds across New Zealand. Severe weather, including heavy rain and the chance of ex-tropical cyclones, is still possible during an El Niño season. Hawke’s Bay may experience a range of weather conditions, not just hotter, drier or windier weather.

If severe weather creates an immediate risk to life or property, call 111.

What this may mean for you:

• Strong winds can damage roofs, fences, signs and other structures. They can also bring down trees and branches, damage vehicles and powerlines, and block driveways, roads and access routes.
• Outdoor items, such as furniture, trampolines and building materials, can become airborne and cause injury or damage.
• Heavy rain can cause surface flooding, slips, overflowing drains and streams, and localised flooding in low-lying areas. Roads may be closed so plan ahead and avoid travelling through floodwater.
• When strong winds and heavy rain occur together, impacts can be more severe. Electricity, phone and internet outages may affect homes, farm operations and business services.
• Businesses may need to secure outdoor equipment, check emergency plans, make arrangements for staff, and prepare for disruptions to electricity, stock deliveries or customer access.

You can get more advice from:

Hawke’s Bay Emergency Management

You can get further information here:

Living in town often means you are close to neighbours, shops, and support. That can make it easier to check in on each other and access help. Hotter, drier and windier weather can bring water restrictions, heat stress, fire risk and electricity outages.

• Keep a few days’ drinking water at home, and top up supplies if needed
• Prepare a grab bag with important items in case you need to leave in a hurry
• Think about how you will keep your home cool on very hot days.
• Secure outdoor furniture, trampolines, rubbish bins and other loose items before strong winds.
• Keep up to date with weather forecasts, weather warnings and know where to go for emergency information if the electricity or internet is out.

El Niño Public Health Risks — Health New Zealand

Health Effects from Heat — Health New Zealand

MetService — Forecasts, Watches and Warnings

People with lifestyle properties are often used to planning ahead, looking after their property and helping neighbours. Hotter, drier and windier conditions may put extra pressure on tank water, heat stress, feed and water shortages and fire risk.

• Check tank levels now and save the contact details of a local water supplier.
• Clear dry vegetation, firewood, woodpiles and other flammable material away from homes, sheds and other buildings.
• Make sure animals have enough drinking water and shade - Plan for supplementary feed now  and water requirements (animals will drink more water than usual)
• Secure loose items and check trees that could fall on buildings, fences or access routes.
• Make a plan for what you will do if electricity is out
• Have a grab bag if you need to leave quickly.
• Keep up to date with weather forecasts, weather warnings and know where to go for emergency information if the electricity or internet is out.

Guidance for Lifestyle Block Owners About Their Responsibilities — Ministry for Primary Industries

Prepare Your Lifestyle or Small Block for Hot, Dry Weather — Ministry for Primary Industries

Managing Your Lifestyle or Small Block Through the Seasons — Ministry for Primary Industries

Preparing for El Niño — Ministry for Primary Industries

Farmers and growers are used to reading the seasons, adapting to changing conditions and making practical decisions for their land, animals and businesses. During a dry period, making decisions early gives you more options and reduces stress later.

• Set your decision points early -Know what tank level, feed supply, soil-moisture level or forecast trigger will prompt you to order water, secure feed, adjust operations or seek support.
• Make a drought plan for household, stock and operational water needs.
• Monitor water supplies regularly and arrange deliveries early if needed.
• Consider supplementary feed requirements before supply becomes limited.
• Ensure stock have reliable drinking water and shade; animals may need more water during very hot weather.
• Check fire restrictions before using machinery or carrying out activities that could create sparks.
• Talk early with advisers, suppliers, neighbours and support services if dry conditions persist.

Preparing for Dry Weather Factsheet — Ministry for Primary Industries

Preparing for El Niño — Ministry for Primary Industries

Adverse Events — Rural Support Trust

Businesses know their people, customers and day-to-day operations better than anyone else. A little planning now can help things run more smoothly when heat, dry conditions, fire risk or power outages affect normal operations.

• Build in shade, hydration, rest breaks and adjusted workloads for staff working outdoors or in hot spaces.
• Watch for signs of heat stress and fatigue, and adjust workloads during extreme heat
• Check that staff know what to do during severe weather, a fire or power outage.
• Keep emergency contacts for staff, suppliers, insurers and key service providers up to date.
• Back up important records and data, and check how you would continue operating if power, water or internet services were disrupted.
• Clear vegetation and flammable material from around buildings, plant and storage areas.

Working Safely in Extreme Temperatures — WorkSafe New Zealand

Welcome to Hawke’s Bay. A little planning can help you make the most of your visit when conditions are hotter, drier, windier than normal or when the weather changes quickly.

• Check the weather forecast, fire danger and any local warnings before you start exploring
• Carry plenty of drinking water, sun protection and a charged phone, especially when spending time outdoors.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return if you are heading into remote areas
• Follow fire restrictions, avoid parking on long dry grass, and never leave a campfire or barbecue unattended.

El Niño Public Health Risks — Health New Zealand

Health Effects from Heat — Health New Zealand

MetService — Forecasts, Watches and Warnings