Hundreds evacuated as waves batter New Zealand capital

Hundreds evacuated as waves batter New Zealand capital Andrew Zinin Lead Editor Authorities evacuated hundreds of people from their seaside homes in New Zealand's capital Tuesday as 11-meter (36-foot) waves lashed the coast. Wellington Mayor Andrew Little declared a state of emergency on the eve of the swells for seaside residents in Owhiro Bay, Island Bay, Houghton Bay and Breaker Bay. "You must stay away from the southern coastline," Little said in a statement, warning that emergency workers would not come to help anyone who stayed behind. The evacuation order took effect Tuesday morning, with police brought in to ensure people moved to higher ground. Officers set up cordons on surrounding roads to prevent people from heading to the coast. The council said a similar event in 2021 affected many homes in Breaker Bay, and waves during that storm were about 6.5 meters (21 feet). Waves entering Wellington Harbour on Tuesday were measured at 11 meters (36 feet), New Zealand's MetService said. Wind gusts were so strong at Island Bay that two women were knocked off their feet as waves washed up over the road, an AFP journalist saw. Some flights were canceled at Wellington Airport, where wind gusts were recorded at up to 128 kph (80 mph). A small plane from local carrier Golden Bay Air tipped onto its side in the wind while parked at the airport with no one aboard. Airline boss Richard Molloy told national broadcaster RNZ that firefighters had secured the plane to the ground. © 2026 AFP