State of emergency declared in Canterbury amid severe weather warnings

Wednesday 22 October 2025 · 5 outlets · 9 reports · updated Wed 22 Oct 2025, 8:06pm

In this story MetService

A state of local emergency has been declared for Canterbury as MetService warns of life-threatening winds reaching up to 150km/h. Rare red strong wind warnings have been issued for the region, with Wellington also bracing for extreme weather. Authorities are urging residents to secure property and stay indoors.

How they headlined it

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1. Otago Daily TimesWed 22 Oct 2025, 10:28am

   State of emergency declared in Canterbury (opens in new tab)

   • 'Threat to life': 150kmh winds on way as wild weather bears down (opens in new tab) Wed 22 Oct 2025, 10:28am
   • State of emergency in Canterbury, capital shutting down (opens in new tab) Wed 22 Oct 2025, 10:28am
2. StuffWed 22 Oct 2025, 11:20am

   MetService warns Thursday's severe weather may top Tuesday's storms, as red warning issued (opens in new tab)

3. The PressWed 22 Oct 2025, 12:22pm

   ‘Threat to life’: Rare red wind warning issued for Canterbury (opens in new tab)

   • Canterbury’s state of emergency: What you need to know (opens in new tab) Wed 22 Oct 2025, 8:06pm
4. RNZWed 22 Oct 2025, 1:55pm

   Weather: How to prepare for forecast wild winds (opens in new tab)

   • Canterbury warned to 'remain vigilant' as unsually widespread, high-level warnings in place (opens in new tab) Wed 22 Oct 2025, 8:01pm
5. NZ HeraldWed 22 Oct 2025, 6:00pm

   How to prepare for bad weather as Canterbury, Wellington brace for potentially deadly gales (opens in new tab)