Regional Alerts
This response is coordinated by the Manawatū-Whanganui Civil Defence and Emergency Management (MWCDEM) Group.
Waiouru - DO NOT DRINK TAP WATER
Active from 11/06/2026
UPDATED FRI 12 JUNE 0730hrs
Waiouru - DO NOT DRINK TAP WATER
A precautionary Do Not Drink notice for the Waiouru water supply was issued on Thursday 11 June, due to a detection of aluminium in a water sample above the maximum allowable value under the Drinking Water Standards for NZ. Until further notice you are advised NOT to use tap water for:
- Drinking – including making sachet juice/drinks
- Making ice
- Food preparation
- Brushing teeth
- Preparing infant/toddler formula
The Do Not Drink notice is expected to stay in place until at least Saturday 13 June.
Ruapehu District Council and the NZDF have purchased 5L water bottles which have been delivered to the NZDF base. If you require drinking water, these can be collected at the carpark next to the entrance to NZDF base Waiouru.
For more information, continue to check in on this alert or visit the Ruapehu District Council Facebook page.
Affected Districts
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Mapi i te wā o te Manawatū-Whanganui Situation map of Manawatū-Whanganui
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I te wā o te ohotata Hazards in the region
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Ngā Waipuke
Flooding
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Ngā Rū Whenua
Earthquakes
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Ngā Āwhā
Storms
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Hūnga
Volcanic Activity
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Tauraki
Drought
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Ngā Mate Urutā
Human Pandemic
Ngā mea hei mōhio māu What you need to know
Know your hazards
Knowing the status of your district is crucial for emergency preparedness. Stay updated to ensure the safety of you and your whānau.
Hazards in the area
Get your household ready
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Ngā pārongo mō tō rohe Find information about your district
The Manawatū-Whanganui CDEM Group works together to reduce the potential effects of hazards across all of our districts.
Palmerston North City
A lively university city and the main urban hub of the Manawatū-Whanganui Region.
Manawatū
A fertile river plain district recognised for agriculture, research, and transport links.
Horowhenua
A coastal district known for fertile farmland, market gardens and booming population.
Tararua
A rural area stretching from the Ruahine and Tararua ranges to the Pacific coast.
Rangitīkei
Characterised by dramatic river gorges, rolling farmland, and small rural towns.
Whanganui
A district characterised by the river which flows through it.
Ruapehu
Home to ski fields, volcanic landscapes and many rural communities.
Kia takatū i ngā take ohotata Be ready before an emergency happens
Explore emergency preparedness resources. Find practical tools, checklists, and guides to help you, your whānau, workplace, and community prepare for emergencies in Manawatū-Whanganui.