Retailers across the Bay of Plenty say demand is expected to ramp up over the weekend as Cyclone Vaianu moves closer to the region.

The cyclone is expected to make landfall on Sunday and some retailers have reported increased demand at their stores with some items selling out.

NZME contacted supermarkets around the Bay of Plenty with many saying business was “steady” but expected to pick up going into the weekend.

A New World Brookfield employee said it was “busier than normal” but they expected Saturday to be busier.

“It has been steady but customers are buying extra water, matches, candles, bread and milk, and toilet paper – but we have plenty in stock.”

Woolworths is “closely monitoring” the situation and will respond accordingly, a spokesperson said.

“As always, our top priority is the safety of our team and customers.

“We are confident our stores are adequately prepared for these moments and we encourage the public to follow the advice of their local authority.”

Hunting & Fishing owners Ben (left) and Aynsley Staessens says business always picks up around significant weather events. Photo / Bethlehem Town Centre

Hunting and Fishing Tauranga owner Ben Staessens said “everyone’s preparing”.

“We’ve sold out of most of our gas cookers, just about all of the camping gas cookers.”

He said emergency lighting and dehydrated foods were selling “exceptionally fast”.

“People’s perception of what’s happening out there is that they’re definitely preparing rather than taking the chance of it [cyclone] being not as bad as we thought.”

Staessens said business always picked up during cyclones or significant weather events.

“If it’s as bad as what people expect, then they’re prepared.

“I just hope everyone stays safe and stays sensible out there.”

Weather warning

A heavy rain warning (orange) and strong wind warning (orange) are in place for Bay of Plenty from 2am to 7pm Sunday.

MetService meteorologist Clare O’Connor told NZME that Saturday was a “good day” to prepare.

O’Connor said as Cyclone Vaianu moves southwards, rain would increase over the Bay of Plenty, particularly early Sunday morning.

“We’re expecting maybe 150mm to 180mm over 14 hours, 2am to 4pm, but we could have peak intensities of 20 to 30mm/h.”

She said the “worst of it” was expected in the Western Bay of Plenty.

“We have a heavy rain warning for the Bay of Plenty, and that is specifically west of Whakatāne, which does include Rotorua.”

CYCLONE VAIANU WARNINGS UPDATE

RED STRONG WIND WARNING - Coromandel Peninsula and Great Barrier Island

Strong Wind Watches and Warnings for the entire North Island

Heavy Rain Watches and Warnings for most of the North Island and Marlborough Sounds

More… pic.twitter.com/tYWyVvZrG6

— MetService NZ (@MetService) April 9, 2026

MetService was “most concerned” about the winds and a strong wind warning was in place.

O’Connor said winds could reach 130km/h in exposed areas, with average speeds between 60 and 80km/h depending on location and level of exposure.

“With the low pressure, it does this funny thing where it helps the sea level to pick up a bit. With that wind driving it as well you can then get much bigger swells.”

She said peak swells expected in the Bay of Plenty would be around midday Sunday and could be from 6m to 8m.

“It’s definitely not a day to be out and about, and be very careful if you are driving around, which we do recommend you avoid if possible.”

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is urging people to use the time available to prepare and reconsider travel during the worst of the weather.

It will close State Highway 2 Waioweka Gorge from 6pm Saturday to 10am Monday because of the forecast for heavy rain and the risk of further material falling in the gorge. The route will be inspected as soon as conditions allow and NZTA will advise when it is safe to reopen.

The highway has been subject to several slips and closures since a major storm in January.

SH2 Pekatahi Bridge maintenance closure – CANCELLED

The planned closure of SH2 Pekatahi Bridge (April 13-17 ) has been cancelled because of the weather.

The work will be rescheduled and new dates shared when confirmed.

Vulnerable flooding sites

Western Bay of Plenty – SH2 Tahawai, Lindemann Rd through Katikati to Sharp Rd Roundabout, Kaikokopu Bridge and Tauranga Eastern Link Domain Rd to Sandhurst Drive.

Eastern Bay of Plenty – SH30 Kawerau Rd to Matahi Rd, SH2 Matatā, Ōtamarākau and Waimana Gorge, SH35 Toatoa to Potaka, SH30 West Nicholson Rd to SH1.

NZTA Waikato and Bay of Plenty maintenance and operations regional manager Roger Brady said parts of the Bay of Plenty had already been impacted by severe weather in recent months.

“In some locations, recovery works are ongoing and parts of the network remain fragile or vulnerable to further impacts.”

Travel advice for all road users

– Avoid non-essential travel during periods of heavy rain, strong winds and low visibility.

- If you must travel, drive to the conditions, keep your lights on, increase following distances and watch for surface flooding and debris.

- Never drive through flood water. It can be deeper or faster than it looks, and the road surface may be damaged underneath.

- Expect short-notice road closures, detours and delays. Obey all road closure signs and instructions.

- Check the latest state highway conditions on the NZTA Journey Planner before you leave, and during your trip if conditions change.

- Follow updates on Facebook for real-time updates.

How to stay up to date and get help

Non‑emergency assistance or weather‑related issues:

Rotorua Lakes Council – 07 348 4199 (24/7)

Emergency: Call 111

Roading information: www.nzta.govt.nz

Power outages:

Unison – 0800 286 476

www.unison.co.nz/outages

Powerco – powerco.co.nz

Weather forecasts: www.metservice.com

The National Emergency Management Agency advises that in times of crisis or civil defence emergency, a battery-powered radio, or a car radio remain essential lifelines if power is out and other forms of communication are unavailable.

Tauranga & Western Bay

• National Radio 101.0 FM & 819 AM
• Newstalk ZB 90.2FM & 1008 AM
• The Hits 95 FM
• Breeze 95.8 FM
• More FM 93.4 FM
• Radio Live 100.6FM

Rotorua

• National Radio 101.5 FM & 1188 AM
• Newstalk ZB 747 AM
• The Hits 97.5 FM & 90.9 FM
• More FM 95.9 FM
• Radio Live 95.1 FM

Te Puke

• 1XX 89.0 FM & 1242 AM

Whakatāne

• National Radio 101.7 FM
• Radio Live 92.1 FM
• 1XX 90.5 FM
• SunFM 106.5
• TumekeFM 96.9

Edgecumbe, Ōpōtiki & Kawerau

• 1XX 90.5 FM

Ōhope Beach

• 1XX 92.9 FM