Wild weather is hammering parts of New Zealand, as a large winter storm moves across the country.
A state of emergency has been declared in Buller and Marlborough, with hundreds of residents forced to evacuate their homes.
Some homes have also been evacuated in Motueka as heavy rain causes flooding in the Nelson Bays region.
What you need to know
- A state of emergency was declared in Buller on Friday and in Marlborough on Saturday.
- Hundreds of households in the Buller District have been evacuated, including in Westport, while entire towns have been evacuated in Marlborough.
- The weather has caused the cancellation of flights and ferries in some parts of the country.
- Multiple slips have caused major traffic delays in Wellington
- Residents of Featherston and Greytown are being asked to conserve water until further notice.
- The Government says it is monitoring the situation and is "ready to provide further support to those affected if necessary".
Do you have any wild weather photos? Email the Newshub team at news@newshub.co.nz or message us on Facebook.
Newshub's Live Updates have finished.
8:30pm - Due to rising river levels, people in Westport who haven't yet been evacuated are advised to shelter in place.
Westport remains isolated after the Buller and Orowaiti River bridges were closed earlier today.
Buller Mayor Jamie Cleine is appealing to Buller residents to stay calm, look after themselves and their neighbours.
"Get in touch with your neighbours, friends and family by phone or social media. Let them know that this is a short term situation, and things will return to normal. Reassure them if they're feeling anxious. We will get through this if we look after each other."
6pm - Newshub Live at 6 is now on-air with the latest from around the country. You can watch that here or on Three.
5:50pm - The Hutt City Council is closing a carpark due to flooding.
"The Riverbank carpark in Lower Hutt is experiencing flooding due to the heavy downpour of rain in the area.
"Around 20 vehicles are parked in the carpark and the owners are being asked to urgently remove them due to concerns that flood levels will further rise.
"Owners who cannot get to the carpark to move their vehicle may have their vehicle moved to higher ground."
5:45pm - Wellington Water are continuing on a fix to a burst wastewater main.
"Our crews have been onsite all day working on a temporary fix of sending wastewater flow from the main through to an alternative path. This work has been challenging due to the continued heavy rainfall.
"'We hope to have the temporary fix in place sometime this evening with the aim to implement the permanent repair tomorrow once the rain has eased,' says Sam Lister Wellington Water’s Manager Customer Planning.
"Traffic is very congested currently in the affected area of SH1 (between the Aotea turnoff and Plimmerton, 200 meters north of Aotea lagoon).
"'We’re asking people to find alternative routes or delay travelling if possible.'
"'We’d also like to continue to remind people to avoid swimming in the Porirua harbour as a no swimming notice remains in place and for pedestrians to avoid any local areas with surface flooding as this could contain some wastewater overflow.'
"Crews will be onsite working overnight.
"'We’d like to thank the public for their continued patience while we work to fix this issue.'"
5:40pm - An update on the condition of the two people injured just after 4pm when a tree fell on a car in Hunterville - one is seriously injured and the other is moderately injured. Both have been taken to Whanganui Hospital.
5:35pm - Wellington City Council has just advised of another road closure in the city. This time it's Murphy St in Thordon which is "currently unsafe for vehicles to drive through".
But the NZTA says State Highway 2 over the Remutaka Hill is now open again after a slip earlier forced it to be closed.
5:30pm - Here's a photo from Zone 10, a part of Westport currently being evacuated.
5:25pm - Another township near Blenheim is evacuating, the Marlborough District Council says.
"All of Tuamarina township near Blenheim has also been advised to evacuate due to a breached stop bank. This follows earlier evacuations in Spring Creek, Renwick and part of the Lower Wairau near Blenheim.
"Around 270 people live in 99 properties in Tuamarina. They are advised to seek accommodation in the Blenheim area with family or friends. If you have nowhere to go, please call the Council on (03) 520 7400 or go to Stadium 2000 in Kinross St, Blenheim where an information centre is being set up. Evacuees will be allowed to cross the Wairau River bridge on SH1.
"A state of local emergency was declared at 12.20pm today by Marlborough’s Deputy Mayor Nadine Taylor.
"Residents should follow the Council’s Facebook page, Antenno app, national media and Brian FM on 100.9FM, and the Council website for further information."
5:15pm - Slips are still being cleared on Wellington roads.
4:50pm - Police were notified at 4:05pm that a tree had fallen onto a car on Milne St, Hunterville, north of Palmerston North. Two people are believed to be injured.
4:40pm - The Spring Creek township is being evacuated, according to the Marlborough District Council.
"All of Spring Creek township near Blenheim has been advised to evacuate due to an overtopping stop bank. This follows earlier evacuations in Renwick and part of the Lower Wairau near Blenheim.
"Around 430 people live in 162 properties in Spring Creek. They are advised to seek accommodation in the Blenheim area with family or friends. If you have nowhere to go, please call the Council on (03) 520 7400.
"A state of local emergency was declared at 12.20pm today by Marlborough’s Deputy Mayor Nadine Taylor.
"Residents should follow the Council’s Facebook page, Antenna app, national media and Brian FM on 100.9FM, and the Council website for further information."
4:30pm - Here's the latest weather update just in from WeatherWatch:
"Torrential rain continues in parts of NZ with the high altitude locations in the South Island clocking up well over half a metre of rain, with a number of locations recording 600 to 733mm according to the National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research.
"Heavy rain is spilling over into Nelson and Marlborough causing flooding in some locations and Wellington too.
"Gales have impacted a large portion of exposed parts of the North Island but should ease back later this afternoon and evening."
4:25pm - A number of main roads in Wellington have been blocked by slips. Motorists are being asked to avoid the areas or expect delays.
4pm - Evacuations are underway in part of Westport:
Police, Fire Service, LandSAR, and Defence Force are knocking on peoples doors in the affected areas to evacuate people.
Residents in the evacuation zone are requested to take their emergency grab bag, medications and go to friends & family on higher ground in the first instance. If that is not an option, residents are advised to go to one of the community evacuation centres below.
- Phelan Hall, enter off Queen Street by the Catholic Church
- St Canices School, corner of Derby and Brougham Streets – use the Derby Street entrance
- Westport South School, 165 Derby Street – use the Derby street entrance.
- Salvation Army, 20 Henley Street
3:55pm - Just in from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency: Picton is the latest town to join others in the upper South Island with no road access due to flooding and high river levels.
"A local state of emergency was this afternoon declared in Marlborough with people being evacuated from some areas.
Westport, Tākaka, Collingwood, Murchison, Springs Junction and Nelson are also currently isolated due to state highway closures caused by the flooding with river levels peaking at state highway bridges this afternoon."
Tresca Forrester, Journey Manager for Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, says: "People should continue to avoid driving in these areas, particularly given more rain is falling around the Marlborough Sounds and emergency services are responding."
3:50pm - The Wellington City Council says motorists are advised to avoid Hutt Rd between Kaiwharawhara and Ngauranga Gorge due to extensive surface flooding.
"Wellington City Council crews report that the northbound and southbound lanes are flooded due to large amounts of rain runoff from the steep hills above the road.
"Motorists are advised to take care all over the city and region – there are multiple reports of flooding and debris on roads.
"The City Council has received more than 60 calls, mainly about flooding, since 8am today."
3:35pm - The State Highway 1 bridge over the Wairau River has just been closed. The river is running very high, just under the structure.
Residents in part of the Lower Wairau have been advised to evacuate due to a stop bank breach near Ferry Road bridge.
An evacuation centre has been set up at the Rarangi Fire Station. The affected area is:
- Neal Road bridge to Chaytors, Connolly’s and Wairau Bar roads
- The only access point now is via Neal Road bridge, into Rarangi Road.
Police have also closed State Highway 1 just north of Picton and at Spring Creek.
3:30pm - Wellington Water says a wastewater man hole is overflowing wastewater on to Station Road, Paremata Crescent and on some areas near the entrance of the Paremata Primary School grounds.
"We are asking pedestrians to take extra care and avoid these areas."
3:25pm - The weather is causing a havoc in Wellington. Here is a photo showing a car stuck at the Newlands Interchange.
3:05pm - Photos sent in to Newshub show the damage caused by the flooding in the Tasman - Tapawera area.
3pm - Residents of Featherston and Greytown are being asked to conserve water until further notice to prevent another interuption to supply due to heavy rainfall.
"Heavy rainfall and high river levels has resulted in high levels of cloudy water in the bores supplying Greytown and Featherston. This is similar to the events in recent weeks which resulted in an unexpected interruption to the water supply," says Laurence Edwards, chief advisor of drinking water at Wellington Water.
"To prevent this from happening again, we're asking the community to help by limiting water use as much as possible until further notice.
"These measures have been taken to ensure that there is enough clean, clear, and safe drinking water for the community."
2:55pm - According to NIWA, flood levels at the institute's Te Kuha monitoring station in Buller are now the highest since a major flood in the region in 1926.
2:45pm - Air New Zealand is warning the weather is causing "significant flight disruption" across its network.
"Wellington, New Plymouth and Nelson are currently the worst affected ports, while Auckland, Whangarei, Kerikeri, Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua, Gisborne and Timaru are also impacted by weather conditions – with flow on impact across the wider domestic network," the airline says.
"Multiple regional turbo-prop services have been cancelled or significantly delayed this morning and this disruption is likely to impact the schedule for much of the day and into Sunday. Disrupted customers are being offered road transportation options where possible, and the airline is adding additional services to its schedule tomorrow to reaccommodate customers."
Customers booked to travel domestically today are advised to keep an eye on the Air New Zealand arrivals and departures page for up the most up to date flight information.
2:30pm - Nelson Tasman Emergency Management says the forecast for the region shows the heaviest rainfall has now passed and rivers are expected to recede over the next day.
"There may be isolated bursts of rainfall tonight, but these are unlikely to affect the river flow levels."
The Anatoki (at Paradise) has received the most rainfall with over 600mm recorded from this event so far.
"There has been damage to some of our local roads. Due to the extent of this damage, it may take some time to reopen these roads and clear any damage," Nelson Tasman Emergency Management said.
Residents in the region are being urged to treat any floodwater as potentially contaminated.
According to Network Tasman, around 100 customers in the Owen River area and 150 in the Upper Moutere area are without power - with those power outages expected to last overnight.
Nelson Tasman Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group controller Dennis Bush-King was encouraging residents to be sensible and wait for the weather to pass.
"We would strongly encourage people to stay local, and not try and travel through the region. We are also asking people to think about their activities (including recreational activities) and not to do something that could put you or our emergency services at risk.
"We realise that these weather events can be quite stressful. We'd like to reassure people that the Emergency Operations Centre has been activated, and are working with the various agencies (such as Fire and Emergency New Zealand, St Johns, Waka Kotahi – NZ Transport Agency and the Police) to make sure that we are carefully monitoring the situation."
2:15pm - Buller Emergency Management Emergency Operation Centre controller Bob Dickson says the situation in the region is "dire".
"The amount of water flowing off hills, across roads, farmland inundated, houses inundated, is unprecedented. This is a one-in-100-year event. It is extraordinary," he told Newshub.
1:45pm - A State of local Emergency has been declared in Marlborough.
"This declaration will ensure our emergency response team has all the resources it needs to effectively conduct evacuations," deputy Mayor Nadine Taylor said.
Residents of the Lower Terrace in Renwick have been asked to evacuate their properties and stay with family or friends for the next 24 hours. The stop bank at Conders Bend has overtopped.
There are 221 properties affected in Alma Street North, Gee Street, Blicks Road, Brook Street North, Inkerman Street North, Oudenarde Street and Terrace Road.
1:40pm - Footage obtained by Newshub shows the moment a person was rescued near the Motueka River in the Motueka Valley earlier today.
Fire and Emergency said the rescue happened around 11am.
"Crews from Tapawera and Motueka attended but were unable to get near enough to the vehicle to reach the motorist because of flooding," a spokesperson said.
Fire and Emergency is reminding motorists not to drive through floodwater, and to respect road closures.
1:30pm - More images sent in to Newshub show the Buller River around 2km out of Westport. The top image shows the river before the flooding and the bottom image afterwards.
12:50pm - A Westport resident sent in this photo to Newshub.
12:35pm - Acting Minister of Emergency Management Kris Faafoi says the Government is monitoring the severe weather across the country and is "ready to provide further support to those affected if necessary".
"My thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this latest event, particularly communities on the West Coast and upper South Island," Faafoi said.
"I am in touch with the mayors and emergency management and have offered the Government's support if needed. Local authorities have set up welfare centres to support families who have been asked to evacuate."
“We are receiving regular updates from the National Emergency Management Agency and the local Emergency Management team and we are ready to step in and help.
"A big thank you to all the emergency services, NZDF, councils and volunteers for the well-coordinated response.
"Central Government will fully reimburse local authorities for costs incurred in caring for people who have had to evacuate their homes.
"This is an unsettling time for those affected. Please look after each other, put safety first, and listen to the advice of local authorities and Civil Defence Emergency Management Groups," he said.
12:25pm - Residents of the Lower Terrace in Renwick, in Marlborough, are being advised to evacuate as heavy rain in the region continues.
Marlborough District Council says the streets affected include Alma Street North, Gee Street, Blicks Road, Brook Street North, Inkerman Street North, Oudenarde Street and Terrace Road.
People living in the area are advised to leave their properties and stay with family or friends for the next 24 hours.
"This is necessary as the stop bank at Conders Bend is beginning to over top," the council said.
"Also, Bartlett's Creek bridge, 20km up the Northbank Road from Renwick, has been washed out so access to the Northbank area, west of SH6 is now not possible. There are approximately 25 rural properties there that are cut off."
The council said Wairau River levels upstream of the Waihopai/Wairau rivers' confluence have already peaked and are starting to reduce.
"We are expecting the peak in the lower Wairau between SH6 and SH1 over the next couple of hours."
12:15pm - Westport resident Scarlett Hamilton sent in this photo from outside her house. She said the weather in the region was "insane".
12:05pm - Police, fire, civil defence and members of the Defence Force are continuing to provide support to residents in Buller.
Buller District Mayor Jamie Cleine says close to 500 people spent Friday night in community welfare centres across Westport and they are asked to remain there until at least until lunchtime when an update will be provided.
"Last night, 823 people from 374 houses were evacuated over four-hours. Some went to friends and family and, others used the community welfare accommodation provided," Cleine said.
Buller Emergency Management Emergency Operation Centre controller Bob Dickson says although he knows people will want to head home, until it's clear the river level and flood risk have dropped people are asked to remain where they are.
"Thank you to everyone who followed authorities' official advice to evacuate when requested. We appreciate this may have been a concerning and unsettling time for many.
"The risks and threats remain real. It is essential people stay where they are unless their safety is at risk."
12pm - Wellington City Council is urging motorists to take care on roads in the area as heavy rain and strong winds hit the region.
A spokesperson said the council had received more than 20 calls reporting flooding on roads and into private property since 8am this morning.
"Crews are attending a tree down in Oban Street, Wadestown, while there have been multiple reports of flooding all over the city – including into shops in Adelaide Road, Berhampore," the spokesperson said.
Motorists are urged to drive to the conditions – considering the likelihood of surface flooding, trees down and land slips this afternoon.
11:50am - Heavy rain is expected in the lower North Island on Saturday. MetService has a heavy rain warning for the Tararua Ranges, with 60mm to 80mm of rain expected to fall until 6pm. There is also a strong wind warning in place in Wellington and Wairarapa until 3am on Sunday, with severe north to northwest gales forecast to gust up to 130km/h in exposed areas.
Wellington Region Emergency Management Office (WREMOnz)says heavy swells are also forecast for Kapiti, between Paekakariki and Raumati South today.
"High tide is at 3pm today, and the low pressure system moving over could generate a storm surge in excess of half a metre," WREMOnz said.
"We advise people to take care near the coast between Paekakariki and Raumati South, take care on the roads particularly centennial highway."
11:45am - Photos sent into Newshub show a hop field in Motueka before the flooding compared to after.
11:35am - Fire and Emergency say it has been a busy morning in Nelson Tasman.
"Fire and Emergency crews have assisted with three rescues involving motorists trapped in floodwaters in the Nelson Tasman regions this morning," a spokesperson told Newshub.
"About 9:30am a crew from Murchison assisted police and St John to rescue a person from the roof of their vehicle in floodwater on the Kawatiri-Murchison Rd. A front-end loader was used to retrieve the motorist.
"About 10:30am a crew from Hanmer rescued a motorist who had become stuck in floodwater off Rogerson Track, near Hanmer Springs.
"About 11am a helicopter rescued a motorist from the roof of their car in the Tapawera river. Crews from Tapawera and Motueka attended but were unable to get near enough to the vehicle to reach the motorist because of flooding."
Fire and Emergency reminded people not to drive through floodwaters, and to respect road closures.
11:10am - Emergency services are currently responding after a person was stranded on top of a vehicle near the Motueka River, by the Motueka Valley Highway, Woodstock.
The person who was stranded has just been rescued by a helicopter, a police spokesperson said.
10:50am - Ferries to and from Waiheke Island in Auckland have been cancelled due to the weather. A spokesperson from Fullers said the 11am and 12am sailings from Auckland to Waiheke have been cancelled, as well as the 12pm and 1pm sailings from Waiheke to Auckland.
A decision on later sailings has yet to be made, Fullers said.
10:40am - Strong wind gusts have led to some disruptions to flights in an out of Wellington this mornng.
10:35am - Residents in Marlborough are also advised to stay at home today and not travel unless it's absolutely necessary.
Marlborough District Council says a large number of roads have been closed due to the weather.
Anyone who is worried about ponential flooding on their property is urged to call the council on (03) 520 7400.
Wairau Valley township residents are advised to boil their water, the council says.
The roads closed are:
- All State Highway 63 from west of Renwick
- Queen Charlotte Drive - the whole road
- Kaiuma Bay Rd due to a slip
- Duncan Bay Rd due to a tree down blocking road
- Para Rd (whole road) due to flooding
- Chaytors/Wairau Bar Rd ferry bridge due to flooding
- Northbank Road at Onamalutu due to trees down
- Awatere Valley Rd east of fords due to a slip
- Hammerichs Rd due to a tree down
- Inkerman St due to flooding
- Moenui Road
- Waihopai Road
- Dunbeath St off Kinross St
- Kaiuma Bay Rd due to a slip
- Duncan Bay Rd due to a tree down blocking road
- Para Rd (whole road) due to flooding
- Chaytors/Wairau Bar Rd ferry bridge due to flooding
- Queen Charlotte Drive in the Mahikapawa Hill area due to a slip
- Northbank Road at Onamalutu due to trees down
- Awatere Valley Rd east of fords due to a slip
- Hammerichs Rd due to a tree down
- Inkerman St due to flooding
10:30am - Some houses in the Nelson Bays region have been evacuated overnight.
Surface flooding has been reported over the district, with the worst affected area at the Riwaka River between Riwaka and Kaiteriteri, Stuff reports.
The Tasman District Council is advising residents to stay home and stay off the roads.
10:20am - Residents in Buller who have evacuated their homes are being warned not to return just yet.
A deluge of rain has led to a state of emergency being declared for the Buller District, with the town of Westport now cut off by flooding and slips.
"We know you are keen to get home," Buller Emergency Management said on Facebook on Saturday morning.
"We ask people to stay away from their homes while the risk remains. We will let you know when it is safe to return home."
