Horowhenua Civil Defence Emergency Management Update 3
Published on February 16, 2026
Horowhenua District Council continues to respond to the current severe weather event, which has caused disruption for many households and communities across the district. We recognise this is a challenging time, particularly for those without power or access to normal services.
Council is working closely with contractors, service providers and emergency management partners as we manage impacts across roads, waste services, power supply, schools and public spaces.
Welfare, weather and public safety
At this stage, Council has not received any welfare calls. We have, however, received reports of property damage caused by fallen trees. We understand this can be stressful, and we appreciate residents letting us know when they are affected.
A Heavy Rain Warning (Orange) remains in place today from 8am to 3pm for northern parts of our district, but the Strong Wind warning for Horowhenua has been downgraded. The heaviest rain is forecast for the Tararua Range and eastern Wairarapa, but localised impacts are still possible. Further rainfall of 50 to 70 mm is expected on top of what has already fallen, with short periods of heavier rain possible this morning.
Streams and rivers may rise quickly, and surface flooding, slips and difficult driving conditions are possible.
Residents are encouraged to:
- clear drains and gutters where it is safe to do so
- avoid non-essential travel, particularly through low-lying or flood-prone areas
- never walk, swim or drive through floodwater
- drive with care and allow extra time for journeys
- use torches instead of candles if power is out
- seek medical assistance if it is safe to do so if you rely on electricity for medical equipment and lose power.
If you are in immediate danger, please call 111.
Council is continuing to monitor conditions and will provide updates as more information becomes available. Thank you for checking in on neighbours, whānau and anyone who may need extra help.
Schools and transport
School bus services are unavailable today. At this stage, the following schools are confirmed closed:
- Ōpiki School
- Foxton Beach School
- St Joseph’s School
- Foxton Primary School
- Foxton Early Childhood Education
- Levin East School
- St Mary’s Primary School Foxton.
Manawatū College and Coley Street School, Foxton are open for supervision only.
All other schools remain open unless advised otherwise. Families are encouraged to check directly with their school.
Powerlines and outages
We have had reports of powerlines down across Hōkio Road, Ōturoa Road and Whyte Street Foxton. FENZ are out responding.
Approximately 2,580 properties are currently without power across Horowhenua, including Waitārere Beach, Hōkio and parts of Tokomaru. Restoration timeframes are being managed by Electra.
Road closures and updates
The following roads are affected due to fallen trees and debris, contractors are out investigating and working to clear debris and restore access once safe to do so:
- Kawiu Road, Levin
- Koputaroa Road, Levin
- State Highway One closed north of Foxton
- Cummerfield Road, Foxton
- Kukutuaki Road, Levin
- Ridge Road, Foxton.
Residents are asked to avoid affected areas and delay non-essential travel.
Parks and reserves – temporary closure
Due to widespread tree damage across the district, all Council parks and reserves are temporarily closed as a precaution.
This is to protect public safety while inspections and clean-up work are carried out. Parks and reserves will reopen progressively once it is safe to do so.
Kerbside rubbish and recycling
Due to current weather conditions, kerbside recycling collections in Foxton Beach and Foxton township west of the main highway are affected today.
What you need to know
- Contractors will attempt collections where it is safe to do so.
- If conditions become unsafe, recycling bins and crates will not be collected.
- If this happens, residents will be advised.
What we’re asking residents to do
- Please do not put kerbside recycling bins or crates out today.
- Recycling will need to wait until the next scheduled collection in two weeks.
- Once conditions improve, recycling and rubbish can be taken to the Levin or Foxton transfer stations.
Transfer stations and landfill
- Levin Transfer Station is currently closed to the public. The status will be reviewed again at 12.00pm today.
- Foxton Transfer Station will not open today. The next public opening is expected to be Thursday, weather permitting.
- Bonny Glen Landfill remains closed until further notice.
Updates will continue to be shared as conditions change. Please check Antenno for alerts, visit the Council website for the latest information, and follow Council social media channels for updates.