Key Takeaways
- Wairoa District Council declared a local State of Emergency on Thursday night due to significant flooding across the district.
- An evacuation centre at Taihoa Marae opened early Friday but is now closing; the Wairoa War Memorial Hall remains open for displaced residents.
- Over 600 homes in the Hawke’s Bay‑East Coast region are without power, including 300 in Wairoa, 200 in Gisborne and 170 near Uawa Tolaga Bay.
- State Highway 2 (Napier‑Wairoa), State Highway 58 (Frasertown‑Tuai) and SH 2 between Gisborne and Ōpōtiki are closed because of floodwater.
- An Orange heavy‑rain warning remains in force until Friday morning, with forecasts of an additional 100‑130 mm of rain and peak intensities of 10‑20 mm h⁻¹.
- Flood‑modelling indicates rising river levels in the lower Wairoa River catchment, compounded by incoming coastal swells and high tide around 12:47 am Friday.
- Emergency services are conducting door‑to‑door checks, assisting evacuations, and monitoring conditions through the night.
- Residents are urged to avoid floodwaters, heed road closures, check on neighbours, and send photos or videos to [email protected] if affected.
Overview of the Flood Crisis
Wairoa District Council announced that floodwaters in the Hawke’s Bay town are beginning to recede after a night of intense rainfall. A State of Emergency was declared at 11 pm on Thursday following what the council described as “significant flooding across the district, with rising river levels affecting homes, businesses, farms, roads and essential services.” The declaration enables emergency services and response agencies to coordinate resources swiftly and protect the community as the situation evolves. Mayor Craig Little emphasized that the emergency operations centre has been activated and will continue monitoring developments throughout the night.
Evacuation Guidance and Centre Operations
In response to the rising waters, the council advised anyone living in low‑lying or flood‑prone areas to leave immediately if they felt unsafe, taking essential items and pets. An evacuation centre was opened at Taihoa Marae on the north side of the river at 12:10 am Friday, providing additional shelter for residents. Although Taihoa Marae has since closed, the Wairoa War Memorial Hall remains operational as the primary refuge. The council urged residents not to wait for conditions to worsen and to check on neighbours who may need assistance, provided it is safe to do so.
Power Outages Across the Region
The heavy rain and subsequent flooding have disrupted electricity supply for more than 600 homes in the eastern North Island. Firstlight Network reported that 300 properties in Wairoa are without power due to trees falling on lines being damaged by flood‑borne debris and wires downed in the town. An additional 200 homes in Gisborne and roughly 170 near Uawa Tolaga Bay are also affected. Crews are working to assess damage, clear hazards, and restore service as conditions allow, though outages may persist until floodwaters recede sufficiently for safe repairs.
Road Closures and Travel Disruptions
Floodwaters have forced the closure of several key state highways. State Highway 2 between Napier and Wairoa is shut, as is State Highway 58 north of Wairoa from Frasertown to Tuai. Further north, SH 2 linking Gisborne city to Ōpōtiki remains closed between Te Karaka (Cliff Road) and Whatatutu Road. The council and transport authorities advise the public to avoid unnecessary travel, obey all road‑closure signage, and never attempt to drive through floodwater, which poses a serious risk of vehicle loss and personal injury.
Weather Forecasts and Rainfall Expectations
MetService has maintained an Orange heavy‑rain warning for the Hawke’s Bay ranges north of Napier, effective until 9 am Friday. The forecast predicts an additional 100‑130 mm of rain on top of what has already fallen, with peak rainfall rates expected to reach 10‑20 mm per hour. These conditions are likely to sustain elevated river levels and prolong flooding, particularly in low‑lying catchments already stressed by the initial downpour.
Flood‑Modelling Concerns for the Wairoa River
After consulting its flood modellers on Thursday evening, the council expressed growing concern that the Wairoa River’s lower catchment could experience a significant rise overnight. While the river mouth remains open, outgoing water is contending with large 3‑4 metre swells arriving from the coast. Moreover, further heavy rain is expected to feed additional water from the upper catchments, increasing inflow. High tide was projected for approximately 12:47 am Friday, a period that coincided with intense rain forecast to continue until around 3 am, heightening the risk of overflow and inundation.
Emergency Operations and Community Support
The council’s emergency operations centre has been staffed to coordinate response efforts, monitor river and weather data, and direct resources where needed. Emergency services and response agencies are conducting door‑to‑door checks in affected streets to ensure residents are aware of changing conditions and to assist those who require evacuation. The council continues to broadcast safety messages via social media and local radio, urging the public to monitor conditions, avoid floodwaters, and follow all official instructions.
Public Communication and Ongoing Monitoring
Residents who have been impacted or who have captured photos or videos of the flooding are encouraged to email [email protected] to share their experiences and assist with situational awareness. The council reiterated its advice: if you live in a low‑lying or flood‑prone area and feel unsafe, do not wait—leave early while it is still safe. By staying informed, heeding evacuation orders, and supporting neighbours, the community can help mitigate the risks posed by the ongoing flood event.