Tararua Heavy Rain Event

Update Monday 19 August 2024
The weather seems to have stabilised now and the river levels are mostly subsiding. The focus will now be on assessing the damage, any welfare issues and recovery efforts.
Over the last 3 days Pahiatua had about 145mm of rain. On Sunday early morning there was 66mm rainfall within a 6 hour period. That is a 30-year high, with a very high rain intensity.
Today, flood affected properties are being inspected by building inspectors. They will be accompanied by a health office and welfare representative.
Welfare checks and phone calls will continue to be carried out today for commercial and industrial properties that may have been affected. If your property has experienced any damage and you have not yet made contact with council, please call us.
Tararua Alliance have been out inspecting and reopening roads today. Currently two roads remain closed Middle Road and Short Road. Please view our road status webpage for more roading information. www.tararuadc.govt.nz/roadstatus
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18 August 2024 - Update 6pm
  • Further rainfall is expected into the night but at a lower level with similar intensities to today of 15mm to 20mm, according to MetService. They expect the peak to be at about 2am tomorrow. Their full update is expected at 9pm tonight – Please visit MetService New Zealand website for the latest updates: https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home
  • As nightfall comes, please phone any welfare issues or any other issues through to council. 06 3744080 or 06 3760110.
  • Find out what to do before, during and after a flood event: Floods — Get Ready — Emergency preparedness in New Zealand
  • For the latest on Road Closures please refer to: Current Road Status | Tararua District Council (tararuadc.govt.nz)
  • River levels are very high please stay away from low lying areas and be careful.
  • Never try to walk, swim or drive through flood water. Besides being unsafe, driving through flooded streets causes waves and impacts properties.
  • Always assume that flood water is contaminated. Contaminated flood water can make you sick. Make sure you wash your hands, clothes and property after contact with flood waters.
  • There have been reports of toilets backing up. The surcharge of toilets will recede as the stormwater recedes.
  • The Pahiatua Track is now open. Please drive carefully.
  • The following roads are closed in Pahiatua: Middle road, Carinsbrook Rd, Makomako Rd, Ballance Valley Rd, Mangone valley, Scarborough Rd, Short Rd, Mangamaire Rd, Kohunui Rd, Tutaekara Rd and Wilson St.
  • Tararua Alliance is checking roads in Pahiatua township this afternoon to see if any more need to be closed overnight.
  • Roads that are closed at 6.00pm will stay closed overnight.
  • Road closures are updated on the TDC Road Status web page and Antenno.
  • We will have a skeleton crew overnight and limited ability to respond once it is dark, for staff safety.
  • We have our emergency team monitoring throughout the night.
  • As always in an emergency dial 111. There are two police officers on duty in Pahiatua tonight and FENZ is on standby.
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18 August 2024 - UPDATE - 1.15pm
⚠️Flooding has affected several dozen properties in Pahiatua overnight, with a few properties having water damage, however water has been receding during the day.
⚠️Council’s roading contractor Downer NZ has been clearing roads and pumping water from streets and the Pahiatua Track remains closed due to slips.
⚠️People need to take care on the roads as flooding recedes.
⚠️The Civil defence team has been onsite in Pahiatua. If your property has been flooded, or if you see waters rising dangerously with the upcoming rains, please call Council immediately on 06 3744080 or 06 3760110 for assistance.
⚠️The heavy rain warning “Orange” level for the Tararua Range remains in place until 10pm. It is likely that more rain is on the way. There is also a chance of thunderstorms with this weather system. Visit MetService New Zealand for the latest updates: https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home
⚠️Find out what to do before, during and after a flood event: https://getready.govt.nz/emergency/floods
⚠️Always assume that flood water is contaminated. Contaminated flood water can make you sick. Make sure you wash your hands, clothes and property after contact with flood waters
⚠️River levels are very high please stay away from low lying areas and be careful
⚠️Never try to walk, swim or drive through flood water. Besides being unsafe, driving through flooded streets causes waves and impacts properties.
⚠️Re-opened streets/roads:
Huxley street and Tiraumea Streets are now open as the water has receded.
After some initial surface flooding the road out near the Makuri Gorge has re-opened.
After some surface flooding the Pahiatua-Pongaroa Rd is now open, please drive with caution.
⚠️Closed streets/roads:
Wilson Street, Maire Street and Halls Road are still closed.
Other closed roads:
Tutaekara Road
Middle Rd
Hall Street
Carinsbrook Rd
Mangamarie Rd (MTS Closed)
Kohunui Rd (MTS Closed)
The Pahiatua Track also remains closed.
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Three roads are being closed in Pahiatua this morning due to flooding – Huxley Street, Tiraumea Road and Halls Road. Please avoid this area. Driving through flooded streets causes waves and impacts properties.
Crews are onsite - updates to come.
To add to that, the Pahiatua track has been closed due to slips and trees across the road. There is also flooding across the road at Makuri. Crews are on the way to close that road.
Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.
Keep an eye on the weather and visit MetService New Zealand for the latest updates: https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home