Behind the Scenes, Hawke’s Bay Stood Ready as Storm Passed across the region.

MEDIA RELEASE
Date: Monday, 16 February 2026

As severe weather swept across much of the country over the weekend, Hawke’s Bay avoided the worst of it. Behind the scenes, however, Hawke’s Bay Emergency Management (HBEM), councils and partner agencies were mobilising staff, coordinating plans, monitoring conditions closely, connecting with communities, and preparing for a possible response.

While strong winds, high seas and heavy showers affected parts of the region, causing isolated impacts, rainfall totals were lower than forecast and river levels remained below alert thresholds. “Thankfully the widespread impacts predicted for Hawke’s Bay did not eventuate,” said Shane Briggs, Group Controller – Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management.

“But we took this system very seriously. Our teams were monitoring conditions around the clock and were ready to respond if needed,” Shane Briggs said.

Elsewhere in the country, several districts and regions declared States of Emergency as heavy rainfall, flooding and storm damage caused disruption.

“We were very aware of what was happening in other parts of New Zealand,” Shane Briggs said. “Just because we were fortunate here doesn’t mean we ease off. Maintaining situational awareness and being ready to scale up quickly was our focus throughout the weekend,”

Hawke’s Bay Emergency Management entered a Monitoring Mode on Thursday, 12 February, as a deepening low-pressure system was forecast to track down the east coast of the North Island. Early modelling indicated the potential for heavy rainfall and severe southerly gales across the region.

Multi-agency regional coordination meetings were held on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, bringing together emergency services, local controllers, council staff, MetService meteorologists and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council flood forecasters.

“Those meetings meant everyone was working off the same information and clear about their roles,” Shane Briggs said.

“It allowed us to assess the risks, check readiness and make sure resources were in place if the situation escalated.”

On Sunday, HBEM moved to Engage Mode, increasing staffing and activating a small Emergency Coordination Centre team overnight to monitor developments.

Councils across the region also had staff and contractors rostered through the night, checking pump stations, clearing drainage where required and keeping a close watch on river mouths and known hotspots.
“Having people on the ground and in the office overnight meant we could respond immediately if something changed,” Shane Briggs said.

“Even when an event passes with minimal impact, that preparation matters. It’s about ensuring that the region is ready when it counts,” Shane Briggs said.
 
For practical storm preparedness advice, visit: https://getready.govt.nz/emergency/storms

16 February 2026

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