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Severe Gales Cause Road Closures and Service Disruptions Across New Plymouth District

Severe Gales Cause Road Closures and Service Disruptions Across New Plymouth District
Tony Skilling

Tony Skilling

26 June 2026

Weather UpdateEmergency New Plymouth
An Orange Strong Wind Warning in Taranaki has prompted road closures, tree falls, and changes to kerbside rubbish collections across the New Plymouth district.

Latest NPDC update: In Pukekura Park, the wind is causing two trees near the waterfall to lift near the roots. As this area is the dam for the main lake, the lake's water level will be lowered as a precaution. The trees are being assessed now but we might need to wait for the winds to drop before the trees can be seen to.

Due to road closures tomorrow for the Tarmac Rally, Ōkato's food scraps and recycling kerbside collections will take place on Monday. All of remainder of today's kerbside collections will take place from 7am tomorrow.

Roading update:

⚠️ Young Street, New Plymouth - closed due to a roof collapsing onto powerlines.

⚠️ Bayly Street, Waitara – closed from Princess Street to SH3 due to fallen trees and powerlines.

⚠️ Wakefield Street, New Plymouth – closed due to multiple trees across the road.

⚠️ The tree at 497 Carrington Road has been removed and the road has reopened.

⚠️ Egmont Road – remains closed at the mountain gates due to fallen trees.

⚠️ 217 Greenwood Road, near Ōakura – tree blocking approximately ¾ of the road.

⚠️ Wills Road, Bell Block – tree on the road; currently still passable.

ℹ️ 9.50am update

Please don’t call in missing bins today – please wait until Monday.

We’ll be cleaning up litter on urban roads tomorrow.

The Junction shop is now closed for the day.

ℹ️ 9.25am update

Today’s kerbside bin collection has been postponed until tomorrow, from 7am. Please bring back to your property any bins that are at the kerbside.

New Plymouth Transfer Station and its recycling pods, and the Waitara Transfer Station, have closed for today.

The Junction Shop remains open by they aren't accepting goods today (no drop-off).
9am update

Today’s gales are affecting some Council services and facilities – we’ll keep you updated as reports come in. As of this morning:

⚠️ We recommend not visiting parks and reserves today due to the risk of branches falling.

⚠️ There is a lot of tree debris on our roads – if you must travel, please do so with care.

⚠️ Two sewage pumps stations, at Hurdon and Fitzroy, had a temporary power outage but they are up and running again without any overflows.

⚠️ Smaller light poles at Taranaki Stadium have been blown over.

⚠️ A light pole is down on Manadon Street.

⚠️ The roller door at the back of TSB Stadium has been damaged.

⚠️ Beware of trees on power lines – please report them to Powerco.

--
ORANGE STRONG WIND WARNING EXTENDED:

Period: 10hrs from 9am - 7pm Fri, 26 Jun

Area: Taranaki

Forecast: Severe gale south to southeasterlies with damaging gusts of 130 km/h in exposed places, especially north of Taranaki Maunga. Low chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.

Impact: Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.

Action: Prepare your property by securing items that can be picked up by strong winds. Drive cautiously.

📸 Naomi Kläckers

NPDC Pukekura Park Road Closures Strong Wind Warning Kerbside Collection

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