Auckland weather updates
It's been a wild and windy night across the region, with more wind expected and heavy rain later in the day.
What you need to know:
- Fire and Emergency New Zealand has been called to over 100 weather related events overnight in Auckland and Northland.
- Auckland Emergency Management ask if you are travelling to take extreme care; allow extra time and drive to the conditions.
- At 11:30am, due to severe wind gusts Harbour Bridge lanes have been reduced to 2 in each direction temporarily. High-sided vehicles & motorcyclists should consider delaying their journey. Lanes will reopen asap, subject to gusts becoming less severe. Keep up to date on NZTA website.
- Some residents across Auckland are without power, particularly west and north of the city.
- All three ferry companies (SeaLink, Fullers and Island Direct) sailing to Waiheke Island have cancelled their services.
- Gulf Harbour ferry services are also cancelled for the day due to high winds.
- Around 14 domestic flights have either been delayed or cancelled from departing Auckland Airport this morning.
A further 12 have either been delayed or cancelled arriving into Auckland Airport
- Speed was reduced on Auckland Harbour Bridge during morning commute. The speed has been reduced to 50kph and big temporary signs have been put up at the base of the bridge saying “high winds, obey speed restrictions”.
- If you see fallen trees or debris on public land, please report it using Auckland Council’s Report a Problem tool: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz...
- Average wind speeds of over 75 km/h are being recorded, generating large waves on Auckland beaches. These waves crash on sandy beaches and smash up cells of phytoplankton and pull in air bubbles, producing a soapy foam.
- Auckland Zoo are opening late after night of wild weather
- Keep up to date on weather forecasts at MetService New Zealand.
Read live updates on the Stuff website.
Animal Abuser
🚨 URGENT WARNING TO ALL LOST & FOUND / PET REHOMING PAGES 🚨 and people rehoming pets or reporting lost animals.
It has come to our attention that a long-term, repeat animal abuser is still actively obtaining animals through Facebook groups.
The type of animal does not matter — birds, livestock, dogs, small pets — anything he can access.
He monitors rehoming pages. He approaches people offering “help.” He presents as reasonable. He will say the right things.
Do not give this person any animals under any circumstances.
If you are an admin of a lost & found page, a community group, or a pet rehoming group:
• Please stay vigilant
• Check profiles carefully
• Share this warning across your networks
Animals have already paid the price for people not knowing.
If you are unsure about someone requesting an animal, ask rescue groups to help.
Share your favourite main crop potato recipe and win a copy of our mag!
Love potatoes? We will give away free copies of the May 2026 issue to readers whose potato recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way to enjoy potatoes: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by March 1, 2026.
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Loading…