Flooding on Leadleys Road, near Ladbrooks, Canterbury. Photo: RNZ / Nathan Mckinnon
- A state of emergency has been declared for Christchurch and Banks Peninsula, and the Selwyn district in Canterbury.
- Power has been cut to some properties across Wellington, Wairarapa and Manawatū
- An orange level heavy rain warning is in place in Wairarapa south of Masterton until 3pm.
Heavy rain warning
Wairarapa south of Masterton is under a heavy rain warning until 3pm.
What to do during heavy rain and flooding:
- Put safety first. Don't take any chances. Act quickly if you see rising water.
- Floods and flash floods can happen quickly. If you see rising water do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater.
- Bring pets indoors and move stock to shelter.
- Listen to your local radio station for information.
- Be prepared to evacuate and keep your grab bag near. Self-evacuate if you feel unsafe.
- Power cuts are possible in severe weather. Unplug small appliances which may be affected by electrical power surges. If power is lost unplug major appliances to reduce the power surge and possible damage when power is restored.
- Stay out of flood water
- Never try to walk, swim or drive through flood water. Many flood fatalities are caused by people attempting to drive through water.
- Always assume that flood water is contaminated with farm run-off, chemicals and sewage. Contaminated flood water can make you sick.
- Make sure you wash your hands, clothes and property after contact with flood waters.
- Check on your neighbours and anyone who may need your help.
- If you, your family and/or your property are at risk, immediately contact emergency services on 111
Road closures
The corner of Beach Rd and The Esplanade Owhiro Bay in Wellington after heavy rain and wind lashed the city through the night. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Wellington
Roads on Wellington's south coast remain closed because of debris thrown across them by big seas yesterday.
The council says it is likely sections of the road from Seatoun to Ōwhiro Bay will be closed for much of Friday while crews check on damage and start a clean-up.
The stretch between Lyall Bay and Island Bay is open.
Hutt region
Hutt City Council says it remains in an active emergency response and its contractors have been out across Lower Hutt overnight clearing debris, unblocking drains, and addressing hazards.
A slip has occurred at Ferry Road, blocking both lanes, with no access in or out. Contractors are currently en route and planning to have one lane open for residents from about 10.30am.
Port Road remains closed and Marine Drive will be closed for travel in both directions, except for emergency vehicles.
Until late afternoon both lanes of Wainuiomata Hill Road coming out of Wainuiomata will be closed to carry out work to remove overhang from previous slips. On the southbound side, one lane towards Wainuiomata will be open, and one lane will be open heading towards Lower Hutt.
The Petone Esplanade around the Cuba St area is experiencing significant surface flooding and people are told to avoid the area.
Roads into Eastbourne closed early Friday morning.
Photo: Supplied / Sarah McFarland
Canterbury
Contractors at a road block on Old Tai Tapu Road, Christchurch, told RNZ the flooding is lifting the asphalt off the road.
Little River, about 30 kilometres south of Christchurch, has been cut off with the main road awash.
Affected roads in Selwyn:
- Malvern Hills Road
- Auchenflower Road
- Washpen Road
- Pig Saddle Road
- Coes Ford
- Goulds Road
- Springs Road
- Malvern Hills Road
- Pannets Road
- The Lake Road
- Rhodes Road
- Old Tai Tapu Road
- Leeston Road (now partially open one way)
Christchurch:
- Avonside Drive from Retreat Road to Woodham Road
- Avonside Drive from Wainoni Road to Kerrs Road
- New Brighton Road from Rawson Street to Pages Road
- Fitzgerald Ave from Kilmore Street to Cambridge Terrace
- Empire Road from Main North Road
- River Road
- Cambridge Terrace from Barbados Street to Churchill Street
- Avondale Road from New Brighton Road to Mervyn Drive
Flights
While some remain cancelled, flights in and out of Wellington appear to have resumed this morning.
Services arriving from Timaru and Hamilton have been cancelled, but others - such as from Blenheim, Auckland, Nelson and Christchurch - are still scheduled.
Wellington Airport says two flights have had to be diverted Friday morning after trying and failing to land safely.
On Thursday, 200 flights were cancelled.
Ferries
Cook Strait ferry sailings have been cancelled until at least Friday afternoon.
Schools
Some schools were on Friday reporting they would be closed, including Muritai School in Eastbourne, which had shut because of road closures.
The Ministry of Education said it would be able to advise how many schools had been closed by about 10am.
RNZ has asked the ministry for general advice for parents.
The Selwyn District Council says parents should "check directly with your local school for the latest information about closures or changes to the school day".
RNZ is New Zealand's statutory civil defence lifeline radio broadcaster, providing vital information and updates as they come to hand.
Have you been affected? Share your stories and pictures with us at: iwitness@rnz.co.nz
