Skip to main content

Exercise Pacific Wave (PacWave)

Council staff will be taking part in a national tsunami exercise designed to test how New Zealand responds to a tsunami threat. Read more.

Rangitikei District Council strapline

EXERCISE PACWAVE - Tsunami warning: Evacuation ordered for coastal Rangitīkei communities

EXERCISE PACWAVE – EXERCISE ONLY – NOT A REAL EMERGENCY

October 14, 2026

The earthquake occurred at approximately 4:00am this morning, with a National State of Emergency declared at 7:15am.

Waves of up to one metre are forecast to reach the Rangitīkei coastline from approximately 6:00pm tonight (Wednesday 14 October).

While the forecast wave height may appear relatively small, tsunami waves can generate powerful and unpredictable currents, particularly around river mouths, estuaries and coastal waterways.

The first wave may arrive earlier or later than forecast and may not be the largest.

Evacuation of coastal communities

Rangitīkei District Council's Civil Defence response team has ordered the evacuation of coastal communities, including Scotts Ferry and Koitiata.

Residents and visitors in affected areas are being instructed to move away from the coast and follow directions from emergency response personnel.

People should:

  • Leave affected coastal areas and follow Civil Defence evacuation instructions.
  • Welfare centres have been opened for people leaving coastal areas. These are Te Matapihi – Bulls Community Centre and Te Poho o Tuariki in Marton
  • Take essential medication, grab bags and pets where possible, without delaying evacuation.
  • Stay away from beaches, river mouths, estuaries and coastal waterways.
  • Avoid swimming, boating, fishing from the shore and other water activities in affected areas.
  • Check on neighbours or whānau who may need assistance, where it is safe to do so.
  • Avoid travelling to coastal areas to sightsee.
  • Remain outside evacuated areas until an official all-clear is issued

Council's emergency response team will be visiting coastal communities to ensure people are aware of the warning and to assist with the evacuation process.

Warning signage will also be installed at coastal access points.

There are currently no road closures associated with the tsunami warning in Rangitīkei. People should follow any traffic instructions provided by emergency response personnel.

Tsunami threat may continue for an extended period

The first tsunami wave is forecast to arrive at approximately 4:00pm, although the timing may change.

Multiple waves are possible, and the first wave may not be the largest.

The tsunami threat is expected to continue for an extended period, with land threats forecast to last approximately 36 hours and coastal threats potentially continuing for 48 hours after the first wave arrives.

People should not assume the danger has passed after the first wave and must remain away from evacuated and affected coastal areas until an official all-clear is given.

Emergency response underway

Rangitīkei District Council has activated its Civil Defence emergency response arrangements and is working alongside emergency management teams across the Manawatū-Whanganui region.

Council will continue to provide updates as further information becomes available. Bookmark this page for updates.

For regional Civil Defence updates, visit www.mwcdem.govt.nz.

EXERCISE PACWAVE – EXERCISE ONLY – NOT A REAL EMERGENCY

This article has been prepared as part of Exercise Pacific Wave 2026. The earthquake, tsunami warning, National State of Emergency and evacuation orders described above are simulated. There is no genuine emergency associated with this exercise. Do not evacuate because of this article.