Severe weather event and school closure

The Secretary for Education has directed that schools, kura, early learning services and Tertiary Organisations in the Auckland region (Wellsford to Pukekohe) to close for physical onsite attendance and instruction until Friday, opening after Waitangi weekend.

School, Kura, and Early Learning and Kōhanga Reo Service closures

The Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) asked us to take action to help minimise traffic movement on Auckland roads while vital infrastructure is urgently repaired. 

With the possibility of further weather damage leading to more disruption, the Secretary for Education has directed that schools, kura, early learning services and Tertiary Organisations in the Auckland region (Wellsford to Pukekohe) to close for physical onsite attendance and instruction until Friday, opening after Waitangi weekend.  

Bulletins | Ngā Pānui

Detailed information can be found on the bulletins website.

Ministry of Education bulletins for the education sector(external link)

Schools and kura

Schools and kura can open remotely for distance learning. As few staff as needed can be onsite to prepare for distance learning, and to oversee hostels if required. Tertiary organisations may also provide distance learning.

Early Learning Services

Early Learning Services may allow the physical attendance of any child whose parent needs them to do so but must otherwise be closed. Early learning services will continue to be funded.

Principals and education leaders

We apologise to our school leaders who heard this news through the media, you should always hear such news directly from us first. Unfortunately, an IT fault meant our emails out to principals were blocked. We have investigated this issue and the emails have been re-sent but appreciate this was an hour later than you should have been informed. We are sorry for the delay in this important communication.

Principals and education leaders have done a fantastic job of readying their schools for opening, and we know that this decision will be upsetting for some of them and for some parents.  

We know this is a late announcement that will cause disruption and we thank the sector in advance. We need to get Tāmaki Makaurau back up and running as quickly as possible.

Thank you for your patience and your mahi during this difficult time. 

National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) updates

Information on ‘how to keep safe’ and ‘what to do’ can be found on the NEMA website.(external link)

Updates for Auckland  

Auckland Emergency Management website(external link) 

Auckland Emergency Management Facebook(external link)

Information in different languages(external link)

Updates for Waitomo, Waikato

Waikato Region Emergency Management website(external link) 

Waitomo District Council Facebook(external link)

Civil Defence Centres (as of 29 January 2023)

Those who need to evacuate and cannot stay with friends or whānau can go to a Civil Defence Centre.

  • West: Leonards Road School, 15 Saint Leonards Road, Kelston
  • North: Massey University Albany Campus, Sir Neil Walters Lecture Theatre, Massey University East Precinct, Albany Expressway SH17
  • South: Mana Tukutuku, 32 Riverton Drive, Randwick Park

Bring with you any essential items you may need – for example, medication, warm clothing, baby items.

More information is available on the Auckland Council’s website(external link). 

Support and assistance may be available if you've been affected by flooding in your region. 

Ministry of Social Development (MSD) contact numbers

Dedicated line for impacted residents

0800 400 100 (open 8am-5pm, Monday to Wednesday)

Urgent accommodation assistance

0800 22 22 00

Accommodation for those who have COVID-19 pathway is still business as usual

Where people have COVID-19 and must leave their homes and cannot be accommodated with other whānau, the number to call is Health 021 227 4908

Marae across Auckland

Marae across Auckland are offering support, including the Manukau Urban Māori Authority, Papakura Marae and Manurewa Marae.

More information is available on the MSD website(external link)

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