Please attribute to Inspector Zane Hooper:
As you are aware further evacuations are taking place and Police are working together closely to ensure everyone is as safe as possible.
Police and other support agencies such as New Zealand Defence Force and Response Team 2 of Civil Defence are conducting door knocks at all addresses in the evacuated areas.
An emergency alert has also been sent out to affected residents.
Wakefield residents north of State Highway 6 between Pigeon Valley Road and Simmonds Road have been asked to evacuate due to the risk associated with wind change.
However if you are remaining Wakefield area or area south of Wakefield to Trass Valley Road, we ask you to prepare to be evacuated or self-evacuate.
The Civil Defence Centre in Wakefield has been moved to Saxton Field Stadium. Evacuated residents are asked to register, either by going to the centre or for those who can’t make it to the centre, or don’t need additional assistance please call 03 543 8400 to register by phone..
All residents are asked to continue to follow advice issued by Civil Defence and take all precautions.
I repeat the request that if you do not have urgent business in this areas, we do not want you going to Wakefield for safety purposes.
We continue to ask people to check Civil Defence website for regular updates and advice.
ENDS