Te Kūiti Primary School will also be closed on Tuesday.
SEVERAL King Country Schools will close tomorrow because of safety concerns sparked by Cyclone Gabrielle.
Benneydale School is one. The closure there was due to the risk to staff of travelling on “already unstable roads,” principal Jacqui Coogan announced on a facebook group for King Country school principals. The school was also closed today, Monday.
Te Kūiti Primary was “erring on the side of caution,” and was likewise closing both days, principal Melissa Anderton said in the same group.
The large trees surrounding the school buildings particularly posed a danger, she said.
Aria Primary principal Pam Voyce made the call to close on Tuesday after a meeting today.
“After discussion with Piopio College and Piopio Primary the decision has been made to close all three schools tomorrow, Tuesday,” Pam wrote.
“Keep safe and dry and, all going well we will see you all back on Wednesday.”
Pam told King Country News she expected to hear further announcements.
“I think most people will close tomorrow,” she said, describing the overnight forecast as “pretty rough.”
She said she felt for parents who didn’t have childcare, and still had to work.
Metservice has put out a Strong Wind Warning: Orange for the Waitomo District.
“Based on the position and intensity of (Cyclone) Gabrielle, this system poses a VERY HIGH risk of extreme, impactful, and unprecedented weather over many regions of the North Island through to Tuesday,” the Metservice website stated.
Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
MEANWHILE IN KĀWHIA
Waipa Networks was to install generators in Kāwhia on Monday afternoon to reduce the impact of power outages during Cyclone Gabrielle.
One generator was to be installed at 48 Charlton Street next to the fire station and one on Jervois Street next to the town hall, Waipa Networks community engagement head Anna Greenhill said.
To connect the generators, power was to be turned off about 4pm for about an hour on Monday afternoon.
This would impact nearby businesses such as Ōtorohanga District Council, Kāwhia Motel, Kāwhia Boating & Angling Club Inc, Kāwhia Fire Brigade, Kāwhia Rowing Regatta Club and Kāwhia General Store.
