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0 Fog, Frost and Black Ice Alert Overnight May 5th and 6th
High Risk: Ice & Frost Central Otago & Mackenzie Basin: Temperatures are expected to drop below zero again. Locations like Omarama, Twizel, and Tekapo face a high risk of black ice on shaded road sections (SH8 and SH79). Inland Canterbury: A high frost risk is forecast for Fairlie and Hanmer Springs, with overnight lows between 1°C and 4°C. Dunedin: Low cloud is expected to develop about the coast this evening, which may mitigate frost in the city, but inland areas (e.g., Mosgiel) still carry a moderate frost risk. If you're looking for Txt Road Alerts, NZ's only National Public Txt road alerts are at www.road.lert.info
0 Cook Strait Ferries - Ongoing Disruption
AI Search on Picton Ferry disruptions Both major ferry operators are experiencing disruptions today, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, primarily due to ongoing technical issues with specific vessels. Bluebridge Cancellations (Vessel: Connemara) https://www.bluebridge.co.nz/service-alerts/ Bluebridge has confirmed that the Connemara is out of service today and tomorrow while awaiting regulatory clearance following a technical fault found over the weekend. Picton to Wellington: 2:00 PM (Cancelled) Wellington to Picton: 8:30 PM (Cancelled) Note: Further cancellations are scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, March 25 (2:30 AM and 8:15 AM). Interislander Status (Vessel: Kaiārahi) Service alerts - https://www.interislander.co.nz/plan/service-alerts The Kaiārahi has been plagued by intermittent technical faults recently. While some services have resumed, there is continued volatility in the schedule. Wellington to Picton: 3:30 PM (Flagged as cancelled/disrupted in real-time tracking) Picton to Wellington: 9:30 PM (Flagged as cancelled/disrupted in real-time tracking) The Kaitaki: Currently appears to be operating as scheduled to help clear the backlog. Important Information for Travelers Standby Lists: Both companies are operating standby lists at the terminals for affected passengers. Foot Passengers: Space is generally still available for foot passengers on other sailings, but vehicle space is extremely limited through the end of March. Communication: Check your mobile and email; both operators are sending automated updates to ticket holders. Would you like me to check the specific sailing status for the first Interislander departures tomorrow morning?
0 Cook strait ferry disruptions as at 13 March 2026
Today, Friday, March 13, 2026, there are significant disruptions to Cook Strait ferry services, primarily affecting Interislander passengers. Interislander Cancellations The Kaiārahi is currently out of service due to an intermittent technical fault. Status: All Kaiārahi sailings are cancelled through Friday. Next Steps: Engineers have identified the fault, and a replacement part is arriving today. Interislander expects the vessel to return to service by the end of the weekend (Sunday or Monday). Impact: Approximately 1,300 private vehicles are affected. Interislander is offering full refunds or free rebooking. Operating Vessels: The Kaitaki is still operating, but vehicle space is extremely limited as it prioritizes urgent freight. Bluebridge Status Status: Operational. Bluebridge sailings on the Connemara resumed in the early hours of this morning (Friday) after some cancellations on Thursday afternoon. Availability: Demand is extremely high due to the Interislander cancellations. Most vehicle spaces for today are likely sold out, though some foot passenger spots may remain. Summary Table for Today (March 13) Operator Vessel Status Notes Interislander Kaiārahi CANCELLED Technical fault; out until at least Saturday/Sunday. Interislander Kaitaki OPERATING Very full; prioritizing freight and displaced passengers. Bluebridge Connemara OPERATING Resumed service this morning; limited availability. Bluebridge Livia OPERATING Running to schedule; limited availability. Note: If you have a booking today, check your phone and email for direct alerts from the operator. You can also view live arrival/departure boards on the Interislander and Bluebridge websites.
0 Cook Straight sailing schedules affected by rough seas
As of 9:42 AM NZDT on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, there are widespread disruptions to Cook Strait ferry services due to a southerly weather system bringing 4-meter swells and gale-force winds. Bluebridge Service Alerts Bluebridge has confirmed cancellations for several passenger sailings today, March 3. Status: Multiple sailings cancelled (passengers are being notified via text/email). Rescheduling: Availability is currently limited due to peak season demand; customers are being placed on standby for later sailings. Source: Bluebridge Service Alerts Interislander Service Alerts Interislander is currently attempting to maintain its schedule but is reporting significant delays and potential for further disruption. Current Status: No full cancellations were confirmed as of 8:00 AM, but sailings are running 2 to 3.5 hours behind schedule to allow for "additional steps to ensure vehicles are securely loaded." Specific Delays: Kaitaki (Wellington to Picton): 8:45 AM departure delayed (Estimated arrival 2:58 PM). Kaiarahi (Picton to Wellington): 9:30 AM departure delayed (Estimated arrival 3:00 PM). Source: Interislander Arrivals & Departures
0 Severe Thunderstorm Outlook for Friday Feb 20th 2026
Severe Thunderstorms could cause a couple of issues in coastal and slightly inland parts of Canterbury Valid from midnight Thu, 19 Feb to noon Fri, 20 Feb A trough and active front move northwards over the South Island during Friday morning, bringing rain and/or showers to many areas. There is broadly a low risk of thunderstorms through central and southern parts, as indicated on the chart, and showers in these areas may generate small hail. However, before dawn the risk is considered moderate for southern Westland, Fiordland and Stewart Island. These thunderstorms will enhance local rainfall rates (up to 25 mm per hour) and bring hail up to 10 mm diameter. In the east, there is a moderate risk of thunderstorms for the Canterbury Plains from late morning onwards. Thunderstorms here will generate localised heavy rain up to 20 mm per hour, small hail and strong wind gusts up to 100 km/h. There is minimal risk of thunderstorms or significant convection elsewhere during the first half of Friday. Valid from noon Fri, 20 Feb to midnight Fri, 20 Feb A low risk of thunderstorms embedded in showers persists through southern and eastern parts of the South Island during the afternoon, as indicated on the chart. Showers may bring small hail. However, for the Canterbury Plains the risk is moderate during the afternoon. Thunderstorms here will generate localised heavy rain up to 20 mm per hour, small hail and strong wind gusts (up to 100 km/h). There is minimal risk of thunderstorms or significant convection elsewhere during the second half of Friday. Source Metservice
0 Rivers likely to breach banks
As of 1:00 PM NZDT, Monday, February 16, 2026, several river systems across the North Island and upper South Island are at critical levels. Monitoring agencies and local councils have issued urgent reports in the last 3 hours regarding rivers that are currently breaching or are highly likely to breach their banks. Critical River & Stream Alerts (Last 3 Hours) 1. Lower North Island (Manawatū & Rangitīkei) Pohangina River: Emergency services have been evacuating residents in Ashhurst (Saddle and River roads) as the river is threatening to breach. Water levels at the Saddle Road Bridge reached a point where local evacuation plans were triggered earlier this morning. Manawatū River: Currently under intense monitoring. As of 10:30 AM, levels at Weber Road and Upper Gorge continue to rise. If the river hits 5.2m at the Teachers College gauge, the Moutoa floodgates will likely be opened to divert water. Turakina River: Levels at O’Neills Bridge are forecast to reach a staggering 13.6m by this afternoon. Flooding downstream of Turakina is considered highly likely as the river exceeds the 7.5m "danger" threshold. Oroua River: Rising steadily at Almadale Slackline; expected to cause significant surface flooding in surrounding paddocks by early afternoon. 2. Wellington & Wairarapa Waiwhetū Stream (Lower Hutt): Residents in Waiwhetū, Moera, Gracefield, and Seaview have been advised to evacuate or prepare for immediate departure. The stream is rising rapidly and is at high risk of overtopping within the hour. Ruamahanga River: In South Wairarapa, the Waihenga and Lower Valley Bridges are being monitored for closure. The river is expected to breach bank capacity in low-lying floodplains near Martinborough by mid-afternoon. Hutt River: While currently contained within the stopbanks, "rapidly rising" alerts have been issued for the Birchville and Kelson sectors. 3. South Island (Kaikōura & Canterbury) Kaikōura District Tributaries: Environment Canterbury (ECan) updated its warning at 9:10 AM, stating that all rivers and streams in the district are likely to be impacted. Foothill tributaries of the Waiau and Hurunui catchments are seeing increased flows and are at risk of localized breaches.
0 SH1 RANGIPŌ TO WAIOURU (DESERT RD) – ROAD REBUILD
Night Road Closure Due to road rebuilding works on SH1 between Rangipo and Waiouru, 15th Feb to 09 March - Sunday to Thursday nights, 7pm-6am. and speed restrictions will be in place during the day. Expect delays Detour via SH41, SH47, SH4, SH49 and back to SH1 ads about 40 mins
Polce are aware of another text scam, and are asking the community not to click any links They’re aware of a text scam that includes a link to pay a fine, claiming to be from Police. If you get a text asking you to pay a traffic fine, or similar, please do not click on the link. Police do not issue speeding fines via text, this text is not from police, please don’t click the link. You can report your scam texts to the Department of Internal Affairs by forwarding the scam message from your phone to 7726 (free of charge). If you're not already a Lertinfo subscriber, you can register at www.lert.info to get real time alerts
0 Open Fire Season for Canterbury.
Open Fire Season From 8am Tuesday 27 January, the entire Canterbury District is lifting restrictions and moving back to Open Fire Season. We’ve received significant rain in the last few weeks, which means the fire danger has reduced. As we saw in Canterbury late last year, dry weather and high winds can still cause fires to spread quickly regardless of the fire season. We expect anyone lighting a fire to do so responsibly. Always check the weather and conditions at checkitsalright.nz Fully extinguish any burn piles you light Don't light if high winds are forecast Thanks to everyone for doing their part during the restrictions and helping keep Canterbury safe. www.lert.info
"Police warn of fake banknotes" Please attribute the following to Sergeant Nigel Hurley: Police are receiving reports of counterfeit $50 and $100 banknotes, are urging the public to be vigilant when handling cash. (Lert note- Police have not indicated where) Members of the public, especially those working in retail or hospitality, should increase their knowledge of how to spot a fake banknote to avoid getting duped at the till. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand recommends the look-feel-tilt test to distinguish the official security features of a legitimate banknote: When looking through the holographic window, the edges of the window should look smooth, and you should see the bird's silhouette, a map of New Zealand and a 3-D feature showing the value of the banknote. When you run a finger across the words “Reserve Bank of New Zealand Te Pūtea Matua”, you should be able to feel raised ink on the denomination and the letters at the top. When tilting the note, a bright shining bar should roll across the bird's silhouette on the front and the holographic window's colours should shift and change revealing fine details. Anyone who finds a counterfeit note should report it to Police as soon as possible. Manufacturing counterfeit notes or knowingly passing them on is a serious offence. Possession of forged bank notes can be punishable by up to seven years in prison, or up to 10 for using one. More information on how to spot fake banknotes from The Reserve Bank of New Zealand NZ's comprehensive alert service www.lert.info
0 Product recalls January26th 2026
Nature Baby Sleeping Gown The products do not comply with the mandatory Children’s Nightwear Standard AS/NZS1249:2024. There is a risk of serious burn injuries if the product is exposed to a heat or flame source. Power Train 12V/24V 3000A Jump Starter The retailers BNT, Autolign and HCB Technologies are recalling the Power Train 12V/24V 3000A Jump Starter. Testing shows the product does not meet flammability safety standards. The product should not be used on heavy or industrial machinery, even though the user manual claims the product to be “super powerful” and suitable for 12/24V electrical systems. The product may explode which can cause fire or injury. There are 2 reports of the product exploding when used on heavy or industrial machinery with 24V electrical systems. Bambu Lab A1 3D printers sold at Mindkits NZ Tuozhu Technology Limited have recalled the Bambu Lab A1 3D printers sold at Mindkits NZ from 8 /11/2023 to 27/1/2024. The heatbed cable in affected printers can be damaged if bent during shipping or as installed. This can cause a short-circuit and spark or burn through the insulation layer, resulting in electric shock or a fire. Product Recall site - https://www.productsafety.govt.nz/recalls?q=&category=&sort=latest&from=&to=&exclude= NZ's most comprehensive alert service - www.lert.info
0 Number of live alerts is dropping.
After the intense last few days, we can look at what just happened with the recent storm and assess what we can improve to keep subscribers better informed. It will be weeks before roads open, but the biggest impact will be for those families that lost loved ones, their homes, pets, damage on farms and summer fruit orchards and so much more. Our thoughts are with you. The map shows 27 live alerts as of 10:30 am Saturday, Jan 23rd. At the height of the storm, we had 58 live alerts at one point. Overall, we issued 70 alerts, if you include the run-up to the storm. There will be a upto 10 follow-on alerts with updates. Speed and efficiency of messaging is vital at these times. AI has proved extremely helpful. We also tried a new system for this event, which further improved our efficiency. Sometimes we miss occasional events that need an alert because there is so much going on. A key thing is power, and you can set up your own quick go-to button on your phone for your power company. - Open the power company's outage page and save that link to your phone screen. In furture with one tap, you will go straight to that page.
0 Opotiki District Council update
New day new post whānau. 10:20am 22 January 2026 Just a few updates on the post-storm clean-up. It looks like the west of the Bay of Plenty has been hit hard . We still have some issues in our district this morning so please take care - check before you travel as there are a number of road closures to be aware of particularly closures to the west of Whakatāne. The Whangaparāoa River has overflowed, causing significant surface flooding on Cape Road and Ngarue Road. These roads are closed and there are other issues, slips and closures in the area – you can see the extent of the damage in a video linked in the comments. SH35 has reopened on the Bay of Plenty side but remains closed on the Tairawhiti side. There are a few issues and inspections are ongoing so take extra care. PLEASE NOTE THERE IS NO THROUGH ACCESS TO GISBOURNE VIA SH35. With SH2 also closed (and Motu Road too), the remaining detour is SH5. Please allow time if you need to use that route. Side note - Work to clear SH2 has been postponed due to weather. While we ask that you keep travel to a minimum, the Ōpōtiki bridges have no issues, there is roading access to and from Whakatāne (both the Waimana Gorge and Wainui road) so please attend important medical appointments and so on. Your health is essential travel! Please check before travelling further west than Whakatāne. The latest info from the Flood Team at Bay of Plenty Regional Council is that their flood room remains activated and rain has eased across the region but some waterways continue to rise. First warning levels were reached for rivers in the district with peaks expected around 10am this morning. Ōpōtiki RRC (rubbish and recycling centre) is open but please delay waste disposal drop offs until tomorrow if possible. Vehicles can navigate most of the site but wood, furniture and concrete areas are not accessible due to surface water. Source Opotiki District Council
Here's the latest list of welfare centres around the district. We currently have about 30 whānau who have evacuated to centres and Marae. Many more are staying safe with friends and whānau. We will update locations when we know more. URGENT NOTICE HINEMAUREA MARAE IS NO LONGER AN EVACUATION POINT DUE TO FLOODING ON MARAE RD. ALTERNATIVE EVACUATION: ONEPOTO RESIDENTS: TE PUNA MANAAKI WHARF ROAD RESIDENTS: KKMT GYM Contact person: Shyla Taiapa Hinepare Marae, Rangitukia Tuatini Marae, Tokomaru Bay Rahui Marae, Tikitiki Te Puna Manaaki (Onepoto residents - contact Shyla Taiapa) KKMT Gym (Wharf Road residents - contact Shyla Taiapa) Takitimu Marae - Patutahi Hicks Bay Lodge, Hicks Bay Awatere Marae, Te Araroa Kiekie Marae, Waipiro Bay Tolaga Bay Area School Hinerupe Marae, Te Araroa Matahi o te Tau Marae Rongohaere Marae, Ruatoria Potaka Marae House of Breakthrough - On standby Ōhako Marae – Manutuke - On standby Pahou Marae – Manutuke - On standby Sources - Tairāwhiti Civil Defence and Gisborne District Council
Severe Thunderstorms are on the cards for Friday 23rd Jan. Of Special interest is the Canterbury region, where the chance is high. Highly active storms behave unpredictably; they may be all noise, but then again, there could be damaging winds or flash flooding. If they are closer than 5secs' between flash and bang (6km away), head indoors. Not a Lert Subscriber and want to be faster and better informed than just Facebok? Go to www.lert.info
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