Kaikōura fires and weather emergency

The story so far

Fierce winds fanned the fires, destroying 14 buildings including five homes, and about 20 people were evacuated.^{22 Oct 2025} Winds reaching 150km/h destroyed buildings at the Avodah Spiritual Retreat, and residents braced for further northwesterly gales that could fan embers from the recent fires.^{23 Oct 2025} Craig Mackle, re-elected as Kaikōura mayor for a third term, could not declare a civil defence emergency during the severe weather because he was not due to be sworn in until 29 October.^{24 Oct 2025} A state of emergency was lifted for most of Canterbury, but it remains in place for the Kaikōura district.^{24 Oct 2025}

Latest

A state of emergency has been lifted for much of Canterbury but remains for the Kaikōura district.^{24 Oct 2025} The fires in Kaikōura and Waiau are expected to be handed back to landowners on Friday.^{24 Oct 2025}

What's next

The fires in Kaikōura and Waiau are expected to be handed back to landowners on Friday.^{24 Oct 2025} Craig Mackle is not due to be sworn in as mayor until 29 October.^{24 Oct 2025}

Key moments

1. 21 Oct 2025Six large vegetation fires burn north of Kaikōura; evacuations and road closures follow.
2. 22 Oct 2025Fierce winds destroy 14 buildings, including five homes; about 20 people evacuated.
3. 23 Oct 2025Winds reaching 150km/h destroy buildings at Avodah Spiritual Retreat; gales forecast.
4. 24 Oct 2025Re-elected mayor cannot declare civil defence emergency before being sworn in.
5. 24 Oct 2025State of emergency lifted for most of Canterbury but remains for Kaikōura district.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.