From Thames Coromandel District Council:

Preparing for Cyclone Cody

“Ex-Tropical Cyclone Cody is due to bring gale force winds, huge seas, and heavy rainfall between Sunday night through to next Tuesday.

Our Council’s Emergency Management Team is advising everyone to plan and be in a safe place by late afternoon on Sunday with supplies for last for 24 hours, including provisions if power is out for some time.

Campervans and motorhomes need to move away from the coast for the next two days and park up at two safe locations; the Mercury Bay Sports Park in Whitianga, or the Shoppers carpark next to Goldfields Mall in Thames.

Beach access to Cathedrel Cove may be restricted due to increased swell from the approaching cyclone. Rangers will make desicions on access on a day-by-day basis. 

“Travelling during the storm will likely be hazardous. Err on the side of caution and be in a safe place by Sunday evening” says Garry Towler, our Emergency Management Manager.

Updates will be posted here as they come to light, and will also be shared on our Council Facebook page, and sent to our e-newsletter subscribers as they come to light. Be sure to like or follow our Facebook page to receive notifications or sign up to our e-newsletter database to remain up to date. “

Onemana Rural Fire Force contact details:

Now is a good time to put this number in your phone:

027 449 3034

Jo Adams and his crew are fully-trained first responders and can attend any type of emergency. Call the above number after dialling 111 and the crew, several of whom live in Opoutere/Ohui, can be with you very quickly.

At this time of year the forest and surrounding areas are tinder dry and the threat of fire is top of everyone’s mind. Any sign or smell of fire – call 111 then call the Onemana crew.

Water/beach emergencies have increased this summer – please keep an eye on other people in the surf, many visitors may not be familiar with the changeable beach conditions and can easily get into trouble. Opoutere/Ohui does not have a surf patrol, the nearest patrolled beaches are Onemana and Whangamata.

Stay safe, everyone.