Key Takeaways
- A pharmacy in Napier CBD continued operating despite flooding, thanks to the help of Chem-Dry franchisees and other staff
- Heavy rain was recorded throughout Hawke’s Bay, with 24-hour falls of more than 70mm recorded across the region
- The rain brought an early end to most passengers’ day ashore from the cruise liner Celebrity Edge
- The region has since returned to mainly fine weather and temperatures above 25C to end 2025
Introduction to the Flooding
The recent flooding in Napier CBD has caused disruptions to many businesses, but one pharmacy has managed to continue operating despite the challenges. The pharmacy, which is one of the longest-surviving businesses in the area, has been able to stay open thanks to the help of Chem-Dry franchisees Roy and Jan Arbman and their staff. The team from Chem-Dry arrived on the scene early on Tuesday, bringing with them 13 air movers and two dehumidifiers to help dry out the flooded area. This equipment was essential in allowing the pharmacy to continue trading, and the staff were grateful for the prompt response.
The Efforts of Chem-Dry and Other Staff
The efforts of Chem-Dry and other staff were instrumental in allowing the pharmacy to continue operating. Pharmacist Bailey praised the work of Roy and Jan Arbman, as well as their staff Jade Walding-Karaitiana and Corey Rees, saying that they had done a "fantastic job". The team from Chem-Dry worked quickly to set up the drying equipment, and by midday on New Year’s Eve, the dryers had been running for 24 hours. The pharmacy’s own staff also played a crucial role in the recovery efforts, working tirelessly to ensure that the business could continue to operate. The help of H&O Plumbing was also appreciated, and Bailey noted that it was difficult to find tradies at Christmas, making their contribution even more valuable.
The Extent of the Flooding
The flooding in Napier CBD was not an isolated incident, with heavy rain recorded throughout Hawke’s Bay. The Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s rain-gauge network reported 24-hour falls of more than 70mm across the region, with the most significant falls recorded at Waipoapoa, southeast of Hastings, where 162mm of rain was recorded. Other areas, including Kotemaori and Waipatiki, north of Napier, and sites east of Hastings, also experienced significant rainfall. The rain caused disruptions to many businesses and events, including the visit of the cruise liner Celebrity Edge, which was forced to cut short its day ashore due to the weather.
The Impact on the Region
The flooding and heavy rain had a significant impact on the region, causing disruptions to many businesses and events. However, the region has since returned to mainly fine weather, with temperatures above 25C to end 2025. The fine weather is expected to continue for the next week, providing a welcome relief to residents and visitors alike. The rain was also a welcome relief for farmers, who had been experiencing hot and dry weather throughout December. The significant rainfall recorded in the region will help to alleviate some of the drought concerns, and provide a boost to the local agriculture industry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the pharmacy in Napier CBD was able to continue operating despite the flooding, thanks to the help of Chem-Dry franchisees and other staff. The efforts of these individuals were instrumental in allowing the business to stay open, and their contributions were greatly appreciated. The flooding and heavy rain had a significant impact on the region, but the return to fine weather has provided a welcome relief. The significant rainfall recorded in the region will help to alleviate some of the drought concerns, and provide a boost to the local agriculture industry. As the region looks to the future, it is clear that the community will come together to support each other in times of need, and that the help of individuals like Roy and Jan Arbman and their staff will be invaluable in the recovery efforts.