There has been no significant flooding from the sea in the Western Bay of Plenty, but that doesn't mean you can go surfing in the water, says a spokesperson for Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

'Initial reports suggest there has been no significant coastal inundation. We've been out and about this morning assessing things.”

The assessment across the region includes checking roads, powerlines, damaged trees and council facilities.

It's been a busy and tricky couple of weeks with the back to back weather events, and with damaged areas being hit again so soon with the arrival of Cyclone Gabrielle.

'Our teams have been working extremely hard but we have been mindful of Cyclone Gabrielle and its potential impact so worked through what was required to get as many roads open to one lane, without doing work that could then wash away again.”

Wairoa Road in Te Puna had a section of road wash out in January, with the road still unrepaired and down to one lane prior to the cyclone hitting the country.

'Now that we have daylight, our crews are starting to get out there and start the clean-up jobs. If you see anything, please report it to us,” says a council spokesperson.

'There's a lot of damaged trees, roads, powerlines etc around. For now we suggest you check on your own surroundings as there may be widespread, potentially hazardous debris scattered or floodwater about.”

Council will be providing a more thorough update once they receive more info from the crews. 'Please be patient with us, we are out there in full force this week.”

A dedicated web page with information and all updates is available here - https://www.westernbay.govt.nz/council/news-and-updates/public-notices-and-alerts?item=id%3A2l2eg7bkj17q9s5owpq6.

'This has the latest with roads that have had issues and we're aware of. If they are not on here they are either fully open or partially open - one lane.

Status of roads around the Western Bay of Plenty District Council region:

Kerbside and Recycling Centres for Western Bay of Plenty

• If your collection is today Wednesday February 15 and your bins aren't collected - please bring them back in and present them tomorrow.
• Recycling Centres are following their usual hours and days. Remember that fees still apply for greenwaste drop-off - and council can only accepted approved greenwaste as per the list on the council website.
• that means no fallen trees, soil, rubble or pest plants – these need to be taken to a transfer station or dealt with privately
• There's no need to rush to Athenree on Saturday morning, it will be open on Sunday too.

If you need to report something: