Cyclone Vaianu | Prepare for severe weather. 

Cyclone Vaianu is due to hit the North Island and top of South Island on the weekend on 11 and 12 April 2026. It is expected to deliver severe winds, large swells and heavy rain.  

We recommend you monitor evolving weather conditions on MetService and continue to follow advice from your local or regional Civil Defence.    

We will continue to update this space as the situation evolves.  

For now, there are some things that you can do before the severe weather hits if you are able to.  

Before severe weather  

  • Be flood prepared, especially if you have already recently experienced flooding. 
  • Clear household drains and gutters.  
  • Move furniture, electronic devices and valuables away from areas that are prone to flooding. 
  • Ensure that curtains, rugs and bedding are off the floor.  
  • Secure outdoor items that could be washed or blown away or move them indoors. 
  • Make sure your pets are indoors.  
  • Charge up your smartphones and tablets.  
  • Listen to the radio for evacuation notifications and be prepared to leave immediately if told to do so. 

During severe weather 

  • Don’t go outside unless necessary. 
  • Stay off the roads but if you must drive, allow extra time for your journey and avoid driving at night.  
  • Ensure that you have sufficient petrol in your car in case you get diverted onto another route.  
  • Keep warm clothes and a survival kit in your vehicle - just in case.  
  • Be ready to activate your household emergency plan - keep your emergency kit handy. This should include a first aid kit, masks, medicine, water, food, torches, and batteries - enough supplies for a few days for everyone. 
  • Always treat all power lines as live, stay well clear and report any downed or damaged lines or electrical equipment. 


 Here is some further great advice from Civil Defence on what to do during a storm. We recommend following your local/regional Civil Defence and their instruction. 

What to do if you sustain damage 

If you need to make a claim, please contact Aon on 0800 266 690 or email [email protected]. Alternatively, you can call your Aon broker direct or find your nearest Aon branch here.  

If you’re unable to get through, we will attend within 24 hours. 

Your safety and wellbeing is our priority and our dedicated team of claims specialists are on hand to support you with your claims process.  

If you’re experiencing vulnerability or your home is unliveable, let us know so that we can prioritise your claim. 
 

For large and complex claims 

We can assist you in preparing large and complex claims, such as claims resulting in property damage and/or business interruption losses. Aon's team can help you to make sure that your claim is prepared accurately, utilising the full extent of your insurance coverage. Please email: [email protected] 
 

Hunter Premium Funding – Financial Hardship Process 

If you pay your premium using Hunter Premium Funding (Hunter) and are experiencing financial difficulties following a severe weather event, Hunter have a financial hardship process. You can find information about Hunter’s financial hardship process at Financial Hardship (hpf.co.nz) 


Insurance Renewals 

If your current policy is due for renewal and a severe event has impacted your ability to attend to the renewal documentation, please contact your local Aon branch or speak to your broker directly. 


The road to recovery 

Remember, the safety and well-being of you and your family, and your employees always comes first. Always ensure your home and work environment are safe and take care around all external structures, particularly brick walls, which may have become unstable. We suggest you also take steps to ensure your property is secure. 
 
For claim assistance, please call 0800 266 690 or email [email protected] 

For insurance related questions, please contact your local Aon office or call us on 0800 266 276. 
 
We also suggest you use the information on this resource site and request assistance from the many agencies and useful websites that are available. 
  

Tips for coping after natural disaster 


It's normal to feel anxious about your safety, and that of your family and whanau, and it's normal to feel jumpy and scared. The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand has great advice and resources for people affected by earthquakes and natural disasters. Visit their website for information on what to do in an emergency or crisis. 

 

 

This website contains general information only and does not take into account your individual needs or financial situation. It is important to note that limits, excesses, terms and conditions and exclusions apply to the products and services outlined on this website. Please refer to the relevant policy documents for details of cover, the provision of which is subject to the insurer’s underwriting criteria that apply at the time. Please contact us if you have any questions.