Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) is warning that extreme weather, anticipated to worsen in coming days, will create hazardous conditions at beaches across the country and people should take extreme care around coastlines. Photo / Jo Jones
“Do not try to walk, play, swim or drive in floodwater.An emergency phone alert for a red severe rain warning has been sent out by MetService in the Bay of Plenty.
A Katikati resident told the Bay of Plenty times his workplace, which has many staff travelling in vehicles across the Bay, had sent all staff home effective instantly.
“Due to the BOP Civil Defense severe rain warning, they’ve asked us all to go home and work from there as a precaution.”
Tauranga City Council duty controller Nigel McGlone said it was monitoring the weather situation alongside the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Group.at this stage, he said there were no road closures in Tauranga or areas causing concern.”‘html
In the Coromandel, flooding was being reported on Wade Rd, south of Whitianga. Surface flooding was also reported around the region.
SH25 from Whitianga to tairua was closed, NZTA reported.
“SH25 is also closed south of Whitianga near Wade Rd. This means whitianga can not currently be accessed via SH25 from north or south,” NZTA said on Facebook.
“SH25 is closed between Finding Dr and Simpson’s Beach due to flooding. It is indeed expected to remain closed for several hours.”
About 200mm to 250mm of rain was expected to fall in the Coromandel Peninsula until 6am on Thursday.
Thames-Coromandel District Council advised people in a low-lying area to “please move to higher ground immediately”.
“The Coromandel Peninsula is experiencing significant rainfall and more rain is expected today. Rivers and creeks are rising rapidly,” the council said.
“We ask campground owners to proactively stay alert and manage any of their hazards.”
The Cooks Beach Community Response Group has been activated and was operating from the Cooks Beach Fire Station.
The group was working alongside the Cooks Beach Campground to support the evacuation of about 35 to 40 campers, council said.
“We ask campground owners to stay alert and proactively manage hazards at their sites.
“Please take this warning seriously and act now to keep yourself and others safe.”
Cooks Beach Resort manager Callum Murray said he
The United States federal debt ceiling has been a recurring source of political and economic tension, frequently leading to standoffs between the executive and legislative branches and the threat of government shutdowns. As of January 21, 2026, the US government continues to operate under a series of short-term continuing resolutions, with the next potential debt ceiling crisis looming in late Febuary 2026.
The US debt ceiling is the legal limit on the total amount of money the United States government can borrow to meet its existing legal obligations. These obligations include Social Security and Medicare benefits, military salaries, interest on the national debt, tax refunds, and other commitments. It does *not* authorize new spending; it allows the government to pay for spending already approved by Congress.
The debt ceiling was first established in 1917 and has been raised or revised numerous times as then, frequently enough with bipartisan support. However, in recent decades, it has become increasingly politicized, used as leverage in negotiations over fiscal policy.Failure to raise the debt ceiling can lead to a default on US debt, which would have severe consequences for the global economy.
Example: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2023 suspended the debt ceiling through January 1, 2025, in exchange for spending cuts. This suspension ended on January 1, 2025, and the debt ceiling was reset to the outstanding debt at that time.
The United States has experienced several government shutdowns and near-default crises related to the debt ceiling in recent years. These events typically occur when Congress fails to pass appropriations bills to fund government operations or raise the debt ceiling before the existing funding or limit expires.
Detail: Government shutdowns result in the temporary closure of non-essential government services, furloughing of federal employees, and disruption of various government programs. A default on US debt would be far more damaging, potentially triggering a global financial crisis, increasing borrowing costs, and damaging the US’s credit rating.
Example: In October 2023, a partial government shutdown was averted at the last minute when Congress passed a short-term continuing resolution. The US Department of the Treasury provides detailed information on the consequences of failing to raise the debt ceiling. Prior to that, in 2013, a 16-day government shutdown occured due to a disagreement over the Affordable Care Act and the debt ceiling.
The House of Representatives plays a crucial role in debt ceiling negotiations due to its constitutional authority over federal spending. any bill to raise the debt ceiling must originate in the House and pass both chambers of Congress before being signed into law by the President.
Detail: The composition of the House, particularly the balance of power between the majority and minority parties, substantially influences the dynamics of debt ceiling debates. A narrow majority can empower a small group of dissenting members to demand concessions, increasing the likelihood of a standoff.
Example: In January 2023, the House of Representatives experienced a protracted speaker election, highlighting the divisions within the Republican party and foreshadowing potential challenges in future debt ceiling negotiations. The official website of the House of Representatives provides information on current members and legislative activity.
As of January 21, 2026, the US government is operating under a continuing resolution passed in December 2025, funding government agencies through February 28, 2026. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) provides autonomous analysis of the federal budget and economic outlook. Negotiations regarding the next budget and debt ceiling are ongoing, with significant disagreements between Democrats and Republicans over spending levels and policy priorities.
Detail: The current political climate is characterized by heightened partisanship, making a bipartisan agreement on the debt ceiling more challenging. Potential scenarios include another short-term continuing resolution, a broader budget deal, or a renewed threat of a government shutdown or default.
Evidence: Recent statements from both the White House and Congressional leaders indicate a willingness to negotiate, but also firm positions on key issues. The White House Briefing Room publishes official statements and press releases.
