Early indications are that more than 400 Wairoa properties have been affected by flooding including over 100 homes that have been significantly impacted.

Vehicles, sheds, garages have also been flood-inundated.

River levels and rainfall continue to be monitored with tonight’s high tide at around 9pm, back country rain flowing down the Wairoa River and saturated ground causing concern. 

People are urged to prioritise their safety and look after themselves and each other and remain watchful and vigilant.

Civil Defence controller Juanita Savage said we cannot be complacent.

“To get through the next high tide, at around 9pm, and ensuring people are safe and those who are not in their homes are cared for is our focus.”

“We are supported by additional emergency staff who are supporting our local teams. If you feel in danger, please evacuate if it is safe to do so, or call 111. “Please stay calm, we are doing everything we can to protect our people and have involved as many services as possible to help. Emergency services and Council Civil Defence staff are out in the community.”

Hundreds of people have been evacuated, or self-evacuated, with the War Memorial Hall, Taihoa Marae and Hinemihi Marae supporting more than a hundred people who can’t yet return to their homes. Additional facilities are on standby throughout the district.

Council is assisting with displaced animals. If you need support, please contact the Council offices.

The flooded area of the township remains cordoned off and will not be accessible until emergency services declare the area safe to enter.

At that stage, the Council Rapid Building Assessment process of flooded properties and clean-up will be able to begin.

Wairoa declared a State of Local Emergency this morning at 6.37am following significant rainfall which had the potential to place lives and properties at risk.

In town, main street businesses were sandbagged, but fortunately, the river did not reach these shops. Many businesses closed due to the power outage with around 90% of power has now been restored. Schools were closed today and due to the unknown circumstances, are urged to stay closed tomorrow.

From a roading perspective, State Highways surrounding Wairoa have been closed for most of the day, isolating the district, and SH2 south to Napier and SH38 remains closed. There are also around 14 local road closures causing rural pockets to be isolated. For updated local road closures, go to the Wairoa District Council website, and for State Highway traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic

Severe weather is also impacting Council’s water infrastructure and people are asked to please stay away from any flood water and to treat all flooding as if it is contaminated and please, don’t rush to flush.

People are encouraged to stay home if they are able to. This will take pressure off our roads. People are also asked not to drive around flooded areas as vehicles are causing waves which are pushing water into houses.

Mayor Craig Little said it is hard to comprehend that Wairoa has been hit again so significantly.

“This flooding event took place on the southern side of town closer to the Wairoa River mouth, as opposed to the Cyclone Gabrielle flooding 16 months ago which affected the northern side of town when 350 homes flooded, and 120 businesses were impacted.

“This type of flooding has never been seen before and there appears to be a direct correlation between the flooding and the status of the Wairoa River Mouth.

“This event is devastating for our isolated community which has still not recovered from Cyclone Gabrielle. We have once again been cut off by road which can leave us feeling very alone.

“Thank you to everyone who is supporting us. Right now, our priority is ensuring Wairoa people are safe.”

26 June 2024

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