Key Takeaways
- Storm debris collection begins Monday 27 April 8 am in the most affected suburbs; bags are available free from the Southern Landfill Tip Shop (8:30 am–4:30 pm) with proof of address.
- In Island Bay only, tied bags (using the supplied duffle ties) will be collected from 8 am on Monday; elsewhere bags may remain untied for later pickup if more time is needed.
- Large items that do not fit in bags (e.g., beds, furniture) will be collected kerbside from 8 am Monday in all listed suburbs.
- On Tuesday 28 April the council will start bag collection in the remaining storm‑affected areas, continuing to accept tied bags by 8 am (untied bags will be taken later).
- The Maranui landfill (370 Queens Drive, Lyall Bay) is open for storm‑waste drop‑offs Sunday 26 April and Monday 27 April (8 am–4 pm); proof of residence required.
- General household waste continues at the Southern Landfill in Ōwhiro Bay at normal rates; the Tip Shop is closed except for the Recycling Centre and drop‑offs, reopening Monday 27 April 8:30 am–4:30 pm.
- Storm waste includes flood‑damaged furniture, wet carpets, soft furnishings, gypsum board, ruined household items, small garden debris and e‑wash.
- Prohibited items: asbestos, hazardous chemicals, lithium‑ion batteries (unless taken to the Tip Shop), gas bottles, fire extinguishers, heavy medical waste/sharps, large volumes of clean fill/concrete, and food waste (use standard yellow bags).
- Physical and mental self‑care is vital during clean‑up; take regular breaks, seek help from neighbours or community Facebook groups, and use available mental‑health hotlines.
- Support services: Emergency Assistance Centre at Whakamaru City Mission (reopens Tuesday 28 April 9:30 am), Council contact centre 04 499 4444, Community Law Wellington, Māori Wardens, Citizens Advice Bureau, and a $100 000 Mayoral Relief Fund administered by Wellington City Mission.
- The state of emergency has been lifted; a Local Transition Period is in effect. Returning residents should verify property safety, watch for renewed flooding or slips, and call 111 for urgent dangers.
Storm Waste Collection Schedule
The Wellington City Council will commence kerbside collection of storm debris from 8 am on Monday 27 April. Residents in the hardest‑hit suburbs—Berhampore, Island Bay, Kingston, Mount Cook, Mornington, Vogeltown, Brooklyn, Newtown, Ōwhiro Bay and South Karori—should place their storm‑debris bags at the kerbside by this time. Collection will continue over the following days as crews work through the area, so it is normal for bags to remain at the curb for a short period before being taken.
Free Storm‑Debris Bag Distribution
On Monday 27 April, the Southern Landfill Tip Shop in Ōwhiro Bay will hand out FREE storm‑debris bags between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. To receive a bag, occupants must present proof of address for any of the listed suburbs. In Island Bay specifically, bags that are closed with the duffle ties supplied will be collected from 8 am on Monday; elsewhere, bags may be left untied if additional time is needed, and they will be picked up later in the week.
Kerbside Pickup of Large Items
All affected suburbs will also see the start of kerbside collection for large items that do not fit inside the storm‑debris bags—such as beds, mattresses, sofas and other bulky furniture—beginning at 8 am on Monday 27 April. Residents are asked to place these items at the curb by the specified time and to avoid blocking footpaths, cycleways or carparks to ensure safe and efficient collection.
Tuesday Collection Expansion
On Tuesday 28 April, the council will extend bag collection to the remaining storm‑affected areas (those not serviced on Monday). Bags should be at the kerbside and secured with the duffle tie by 8 am; if a bag is left untied, it will still be collected later when crews reach that location. This staggered approach ensures comprehensive coverage while managing crew workload.
Maranui Landfill Drop‑Off Opportunities
For those preferring to deliver waste directly, the Maranui landfill site (370 Queens Drive, Lyall Bay) will be open for storm‑waste drop‑offs on Sunday 26 April and Monday 27 April, both from 8 am to 4 pm. Proof of residence in one of the impacted suburbs is required. This option provides flexibility for residents with larger volumes or those who miss the kerbside schedule.
General Waste and Tip Shop Status
The Southern Landfill in Ōwhiro Bay continues to accept general domestic waste as well as storm waste at its standard rates. The Tip Shop itself remains closed, except for the Recycling Centre and for residents wishing to drop off items. However, the Tip Shop will reopen on Monday 27 April from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm for bag distribution and limited services.
What Constitutes Storm Waste
Storm waste includes any household or garden material damaged by the recent heavy rain and flooding:
- Flood‑damaged furniture
- Wet carpets, underlay and rugs
- Soft furnishings (curtains, cushions, bedding)
- Gyprock and plasterboard from damaged walls
- General household items ruined by water
- Small garden debris (twigs, silt)
- Electronic waste (e‑waste)
These items may be placed in the supplied storm‑debris bags or taken to the designated drop‑off points.
Items That Cannot Be Disposed Of
Certain materials are prohibited from storm‑waste collection due to safety, environmental or operational constraints:
- Asbestos‑containing materials (common in older lino floors and wall claddings) – a serious health hazard.
- Hazardous chemicals (paints, oils, solvents, pool chemicals).
- Lithium‑ion batteries (e‑bike batteries, power tools) – fire risk; they may be taken to the Tip Shop instead.
- Gas bottles and fire extinguishers.
- Heavy medical waste or sharps.
- Large volumes of clean fill or concrete (exceeds crane lift limits).
- Food waste (should go in standard yellow bags to avoid attracting pests).
Residents should separate these items and seek appropriate disposal avenues.
Care, Support and Mental Health Advice
By day 7 of the clean‑up, fatigue—both physical and emotional—is common. It is essential to pause regularly, hydrate, and avoid overexertion that could lead to unsafe situations. Reach out to whānau, friends, or neighbours; community Facebook pages such as Island Bay Community, Berhampore peeps and Island Bay Peeps are active platforms for offering or requesting assistance. Spend time in environments that feel safe, and try to switch off from work at the end of the day when possible. If feelings of anxiety or despair arise, the following 24/7 helplines are available:
- Need to talk? Call or text 1737
- Anxiety NZ: 0800 269 4389
- Youthline: 0800 376 633
Additional resources include the Mental Health Foundation and Health New Zealand’s guidance on managing stress in emergencies.
Available Assistance and Relief Fund
The Wellington City Council Emergency Operations Centre remains active, coordinating response efforts. The Emergency Assistance Centre at Whakamaru City Mission (4 Oxford Terrace, Mount Cook) will be closed over the long weekend and reopen 9:30 am on Tuesday 28 April; external showers are accessible 24/7. For immediate support, call the Council contact centre on 04 499 4444.
Community Law Wellington offers drop‑in legal advice, while Māori Wardens assist vulnerable individuals in the central city. The Citizens Advice Bureau Central Wellington helps residents understand rights and obligations.
A Mayoral Relief Fund of $100 000 has been launched to aid those affected by the severe weather. Administered by the Wellington City Mission, applications or donations can be made via their website.
State of Emergency Lifted and Returning Home Guidance
Wellington City Council and the three Wairarapa councils have terminated the state of emergency, declaring a Local Transition Period. This signals that immediate life‑safety risks have subsided, though recovery work continues. The Emergency Operations Centre remains active, with emergency services assisting properties impacted by flooding and landslips, especially in southern suburbs.
If you have evacuated and are returning home, do not assume the property is safe. Consult public health advice on the Health NZ website, check for signs of renewed flooding or ground movement, and leave immediately if hazards are observed. For urgent dangers, dial 111 without waiting for an official warning.
By following the collection schedules, respecting disposal prohibits, and utilizing the support networks outlined, residents can navigate the clean‑up phase safely and begin the path to recovery.