A tree down on State Highway 5 south of Rotorua this morning. Photo/Stephen Parker
Schools in the Rotorua district are closing early in preparation for Cyclone Cook.
The Ministry of Education have contacted schools this morning suggesting they close early as heavy rain and winds are predicted to lash the region from this afternoon.
A majority of schools contacted by the
Rotorua Daily Post
said they were closing their doors at 1pm with some earlier.
Galatea School and Horohoro School have been closed all day with Huiarau School in Ruatahuna and Murupara Area School closed for the last two days.
Kea St Special School and Lake Rerewhakaaitu School at this stage are remaining open all day.
All Earlybird Educare Centres are closing at 1pm with parents advised to collect children at 12.30pm.
Toi Ohomai campus in Rotorua is closing at noon. Whakatane and Opotiki campus has been closed for last two days.
School closures:
Aorangi School: 1pm
Broadlands: No closure
Chapman College: 1pm
Galatea: Closed all day
Glenholme: 12.30pm
Horohoro: Closed all day
Huiarau: Closed since yesterday
Kaharoa: 1pm
Kaingaroa Forest School
Kawaha Point School: 1pm
Kea St Specialist School: No closure at this stage
Lake Rerewhaikaaitu: No closure
Lake Rotoma: 12pm
Lynmore Primary: 1pm but will stay open until 3pm
Malfroy School: No closure
Mamaku School: No closure
Mihi: No closure
Ngakuru: 1pm
Ngongotaha
Otonga: 12.30pm
Owhata: 1pm
Reporoa: No closure
Rotokawa: 1pm
Rotorua Primary School: 1pm
Rotorua Seventh Day Adventist: 1pm
Selwyn Primary School: 1pm
St Mary's: 12.30pm
St Michael's: No closure but parents are welcome to pick children up early
Sunset: No closure but will be reassessed at 12pm
Tawhiuau: Closed since yesterday
TKKM o Te Koutu: 11am
Te Kura o Ruamata: No closure
Upper Atiamuri: No closure
Waikite Valley: No closure
Westbrook:
Western Heights Primary School: 1pm
Whangamarino: 1pm
Kaitao Middle School: 12pm
Mokoia Intermediate: 1pm
Rotorua Intermediate: 1pm
John Paul College: 1pm
Rotorua Boys' High: 12.50pm
Rotorua Lakes High:
Western Heights High: 1pm
Rotorua Girls' High: Teachers only day
Reporoa College: No closure at this stage
The wishing tree appeal is in its 31st year and the need for it 'has never been greater'.