Pursuant to section 68 of the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002, I, Nicole Margaret Riley, declare that a state of local emergency exists in the Manawatu-Whanganui Civil Defence Emergency Management Group owing to the support of the Manawatū District, Rangitikei District, and Tararua District due to the severe weather event.

The state of local emergency comes into force immediately on the making of this declaration and expires seven days after the time and date on which it comes into force (unless extended or terminated at an earlier time).

Declared by: Nicole Margaret Riley.

Designation: Person appointed and authorised by the Civil Defence Emergency Management Group to declare a state of local emergency for its area.

Time and Date of Declaration: 6.37pm on 15 February 2026.