Floods in New Zealand

The drought in New Zealand appears to have broken with floods.

Flood levels at 'near-record highs' in Tasman district

Flood levels are at near-record highs in the Tasman district, flooding homes and businesses in Richmond and Stoke.

Radio NZ,

21 April, 2013

The heavy rain started falling just after 5pm on Sunday, and at 8pm rivers and streams are at their peaks.

Civil Defence has set up an operations centre at Tasman District Council, in Richmond, where authorities are working on an emergency response plan.

A spokesperson says they are dealing with near-record levels of floodwaters in the two areas.

Civil Defence says all residents should remain inside, but if it's essential for them to travel, to stick to the state highways, and drive with extreme caution.

One of the businesses affected is the Richmond Pak 'n Save, which has had to close early because of flooding in the store.

Store Manager Mark Brokenshire says water up to six inches deep started to flow in the store from 5pm.

While there was no damage, Mr Brokenshire says a full clean-up operation is now in place, in order for the supermarket to open on Monday.

The Richmond Top 10 Holiday Park says the waters are up to 30cms deep.

MetService is warning of flash flooding in several parts of the country on Sunday evening there.

Flooding in Bay of Plenty after torrential rain

Further bouts of heavy rain are forecast for Bay of Plenty as contractors and residents clean up in Waihi Beach following severe flooding.

Radio NZ,

21 April, 2013

More than 60 people were evacuated from houses and two holiday parks in the township on Saturday due to rising river levels and extensive flooding.

Fire crews used ropes to get holidaymakers across a flooded stream to safety.

A motorist who tried to drive out of Waihi Beach on Saturday had to be rescued by a firefighter when her car got stuck in a slip.

Sally Downing said the rain got heavier and heavier as she travelled along Waihi Beach Road. "Then I went to a corner and next minute all hell broke loose really. The whole side seemed to slide down and hit me in the side."

A deluge of water washed through the car, cutting its power and Ms Downing says she was left trapped in the darkness unable to open the window. She was pulled out by a firefighter who broke the car window to rescue her.

Christine Tyler from Rotorua and her family left the Top 10 Holiday Resort in their car. "It was quite scary because there was about a foot of water, of torrent, running across the bridge as I was driving across it."

Road access was cut when the Waihi Stream Bridge was inundated.

Waihi Beach chief fire officer Ian Smith said it was the worst flooding for decades, and the community pulled together with some residents opening up their homes to 16 people.

Waihi Beach Road remained closed on Sunday but parts of State Highway 2 between Waihi and Waihi Beach were reopened.

Mr Smith said debris remains on the road and a lot of work remains to be done before it can be reopened.

Top 10 Holiday Resort co-owner Ian Smith said the campground will have to cancel school holiday bookings or try to find people alternative accommodation. 

"You can't put people into units that are just totally trashed," he said.

The surf club at Waihi Beach was also affected and committee member Andrew Kennedy said the fire brigade will have to hose out the building.

Homes, shops damaged

Rain caused flooding to at least 50 homes mostly in Otumoetai and Matua, and some residents were forced to leave their properties.

Power was restored to about 100 Otumoetai residents after contractors tried to stabilise a slip and repaired a damaged transformer.

Tauranga received 100mm of rain in the 24 hours to 10am on Sunday. Council workers were clearing debris and checking stormwater systems.

Flash flooding in Mount Maunganui damaged shops, many of which remain closed on Sunday. Roofs have been damaged, carpets ruined, and some retailers have lost stock.

Heavy rain over the past day has meant there is flooding throughout the western Bay of Plenty, on Sunday evening prompting police to ask all motorists to stay at home where possible, or drive with extreme caution.

Downpours were widespread over the country, with other heavy falls in Whitianga, which received 94mm, and Farewell Spit where 99.6mm of rain fell in the 24 hours to Sunday morning.

Severe weather warnings

MetService said heavy rain was expected in Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Nelson and Marlborough on Sunday and Monday and there would be a period of rain for eastern Otago on Sunday.

Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Management senior emergency officer Shane Briggs says the organisation is monitoring the warning, but since rainfall is usually dispersed on Mount Taranaki and good flood prevention systems are in place, it is not concerned at this stage.

Heavy rain watches are also in place in Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui and parts of Canterbury.