Bishop of Waiapu Andrew Hedge, Archdeacon of Auckland Carole Hughes and Te Mihana Māori in Auckland have sent out calls to clergy and parishioners to prepare for their own safety and mobilise resources for their communities as Cyclone Vaianu is forecast to bring gale force winds and wave surges across the North Island this weekend. 

In a letter to the Diocese of Waiapu Bishop Andrew has reminded his people to:

- Follow reliable weather forecasts such as MetService and MetService on YouTube.
- Be ready to self‑evacuate if necessary, with the basics and a grab bag.
- Stay alert to advice from their local Civil Defence group.
- Keep tuned to Radio New Zealand for any state of emergency declarations. 

Meanwhile Archdeacon of Auckland Ven Carole Hughes has sent out an advisory encouraging churches to read civil defence information on How to prepare for a storm and Te Mihana Māori based at Holy Sepulchre have asked members to check in with civil defence and the pariha before venturing out to services this Sunday. 

"We encourage our whānau to follow guidance from Auckland Civil Defence, who are providing regular updates here." 

"If services do go ahead in person, we warmly invite anyone who would prefer to stay home to join us via livestream on Facebook or YouTube."

St John's College has sent out a list of cautions for members of its community before Cyclone Vaianu arrives, urging them to:

- secure any loose outdoor items if they are able to do so safely
- clear nearby drains or gutters only if it is safe to do so
- avoid parking under large trees where possible
- charge phones and any essential devices ahead of time
- avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain or strong wind
- be determined not to walk or drive through floodwater 

Bishop Andrew has urged his churches to take time today to consider parish facilities, asking if parish buildings are as safe as they can be if strong winds develop. He asked:

-  Are you prepared should you be asked to open your facilities as shelter for those displaced?
- Do you have enough basic supplies—especially water and sanitation—for anyone who may need refuge?
- Are you aware of elderly or vulnerable parishioners who may need support or a pre‑storm and post‑storm check‑in?
- Do you know which public facilities, marae, or schools in your area may also serve as places of refuge?

Anglican Missions has an additional resource to help parishes work towards "Intentional church preparedness" for extreme weather events which can be found on the Anglican Missions website here.

As North Island parishes put their practical preparations in place, Bishop Andrew is encouraging Waiapu Anglicans to be ready to offer prayer and reassurance.

"Weather events in recent years have left physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional scars ...".

"These memories are often stirred when new storms approach. Be compassionate and patient. Provide calm, seek safety together, and in confidence, pray." 

The prayer below comes from Bishop Andrew Hedge for use by those preparing for the arrival of Cyclone Vaianu tomorrow.

Almighty God,
you have ordered creation from the beginning of the universe
and have brought life to all things.

With faith and hope we pray to you
as Cyclone Vaianu approaches.

We meet this storm with hearts and minds weary
from the relentless weather of recent years.

Hold us in your mercy.

Protect all from harm and from the loss of life.
Sustain the fragile and vulnerable in our communities.
Give strength to those who will rise to meet the needs of others.

We give thanks for all who work to preserve life
in times of danger and uncertainty—
for emergency workers, community leaders,
and neighbours who look out for one another.

Help us to trust in your presence in the midst of the storm.

Steady our spirits, calm our fears,
and guide us in wisdom and compassion.
Shelter us under the shadow of your wings,
and bring us safely through the days ahead
into peace, restoration, and renewed hope.

Through Jesus Christ, our refuge and our strength.

Amen.