Waiinu Beach fire update #2
16 December 2025
Fire and Emergency New Zealand is continuing to work on containing and suppressing the fire at Waiinu Beach in South Taranaki.
Assistant Commander Clive Lennox, the Incident Controller, says the fire has grown slightly overnight and is estimated at just over 100 hectares. It is not yet contained.
"We expect to be working on this fire for several days."
There are two crews of firefighters, supported by two helicopters as well as heavy machinery. Further crews are on their way.
"No one in the Waiinu Village has had to evacuate. The wind is currently blowing smoke out to sea, away from the village.
"However, the precautionary advice to local residents remains the same - minimise exposure to smoke if your property is affected by staying inside with doors and windows shut, and be prepared to evacuate if the order is given," Clive Lennox says.
Waiinu Beach Road is closed from Silver Fern Farms Waitotora to the turn-off to the Waiinu Beach settlement for the safety of our crews and the public.