October 2025 MetService weather warnings

The story so far

MetService issued warnings for heavy rain and strong northwest winds across central and southern New Zealand, and emergency operations centres were activated in the Grey and Buller districts.^{10 Oct 2025} A 42-hour strong wind watch covered Wellington, Wairarapa and the Tararua District.^{10 Oct 2025} The severe storms caused hundreds of slips and flooded farms, and led to the closure of numerous roads across the central North Island.^{22 Oct 2025}

Latest

The Waitomo District mayor is questioning MetService's warnings and suggests a red warning should have been issued for the area.^{22 Oct 2025}

Key moments

1. 10 Oct 2025MetService warns of heavy rain and strong northwest winds across central and southern New Zealand.
2. 11 Oct 2025Orange heavy rain warning issued for 52 hours in the Tararua Range.
3. 22 Oct 2025Hundreds of slips and flooded farms reported; Waitomo mayor questions MetService warnings.

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