Preparation vital, but don't panic

The message surrounding tropical cyclone Pam is to be prepared but don't panic.

Civil Defence emergency management group controller Ian Macdonald advised people to spend the weekend making a family plan and ensuring emergency kits were up to date.

That meant packing a bag with water, food, essential medicines and enough clothing for at least 24 hours. Those who already had provisions set aside should check water was still fresh and fill up vehicles with petrol.

"They should also prepare their properties - secure things like trampolines, loose iron, anything loose should be tied down - that's a big thing," he said.

As it was still uncertain how badly Hawke's Bay would be hit, keeping an eye and ear out for updated weather reports was vital.

MetService is the official site to check but there will also be notifications on the Facebook page, HB Civil Defence Emergency Management Group.

Defence plans for the region were being dusted off, key community leaders notified and people made available if the worst does come.

Generally, MetService issued a severe weather outlook, then severe weather watch and finally a severe weather warning.

"We are a watch at the moment, for us the major impact is going to be wind and swells although possibly heavy rains on Monday and Tuesday.

"During a storm the best thing to do is to stay indoors, when you go out you are vulnerable to flying objects, unless you are officially evacuated or need to self-evacuate."

People in coastal settlements such as Haumoana had more permanent solutions in place already and knew what to do, he said.

"If necessary we will look at putting warning signs on beaches and getting emergency services, such as police to patrol."

It also paid to be aware that high winds could cause power outages in the area.

A blackout back-up plan included setting aside important items such as a battery-operated radio, torch, full gas bottle for BBQ cooking and portable gas heater.

"We are keeping a close eye on the forecast as cyclone Pam progresses, and have additional crews on call if required," Unison relationship and customer care manager Danny Gough said.

Should the power go out, check for fallen or damaged power lines, but do not touch or approach them.

Turn off power at the main switch if you suspect any electrical damage in your home, and unplug electrical appliances to prevent possible damage from a power surge.

Not everyone was preparing to hunker down. Organisers of The Ultimate Waterman surf competition were delighted at the prospect of huge swells.

The event is a world-first involving eight of the finest watermen from across the globe who will compete across six surf disciplines - short and longboard, stand-up paddle, endurance, waka-ama and big wave paddle in surfing.

Contest director Ben Kennings said cyclone Pam was set to deliver the best possible conditions for a big wave paddle, which could take place as early as Monday.

"It's looking like we'll head to the east coast of the North Island to capitalise on the conditions there," he said.

"We have always planned to go where the surf conditions are best, but never expected a cyclone of this magnitude to dictate where we would be surfing."

Official forecaster Swellmap.com predicted unprecedented swell sizes, expected to peak on Monday before falling away rapidly as the system tracks below the East Cape.

The watermen arrived in New Zealand on Thursday for the waka-ama endurance race at Takapuna Beach today.