Weather: State of Emergency declared for parts of South Canterbury, ferries cancelled as 7 metre swells expected

Parts of South Canterbury are in a State of Emergency as wild weather hits the South Island on Thursday morning.  

The Timaru District Council made the call at around midnight - due to damaged stop banks sparking a risk of flooding for Pleasant Point residents. 

"The Timaru District Council has declared a State of Emergency for the Pleasant Point- Temuka Ward," Timaru District Council said on its Facebook page. 

"This is due to a risk of flooding in a specific section of the Ward following damage to a stop bank along the South side of the Opihi River between Butlers Road and Kerrytown Road.

"Extensive scouring of the stop bank poses a flooding risk with the potential to be a threat to life and property. All residents in the affected area have been contacted by NZ Police who have assisted them to evacuate."

What you need to know:

  • State of Emergency declared for the Pleasant Point-Temuka Ward.
  • Sailings of the Interislander ferry cancelled on Thursday.
  • A heavy swell warning is in place for Wellington Harbour where waves are expected to reach seven metres high.

These live updates have now ended.

7:10pm - Air New Zealand said adverse weather has disrupted a number of flights around the country. Here's an update from them:

Continued wild weather is causing significant disruption to Air New Zealand's services across much of the country. At least 130 flights were cancelled today due to gale force winds and further cancellations are expected tonight and tomorrow.

Today's disruptions mean aircraft and crew have been displaced, which has impacts for the flights around the domestic network. The airline is working hard to get the crew and aircraft into the right places to deliver services as scheduled.

Due to rolling disrupts, recovery may take several days, and the airline is working through potential alternative transport options for customers.

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran says the challenging weather is expected to last through to tomorrow and further disruptions are expected, but the team is working through options for customers and encouraging those with non-urgent travel to push their fare in credit.

"I want to thank customers for their patience as we work through the weather disrupts at a time when we already have full flights due to school holiday demand. We know how frustrating cancellations, disrupts and delays are to travel plans and the Air New Zealand team is working around the clock help our customers."

Customers are advised to subscribe to Air New Zealand's Travel Alerts service and consult the airline's Arrivals and Departures page for up to date information.

The airline strongly encourages those booked to travel on affected flights transfer their travel to another date by managing their booking online.

Customers booked between now and 31 August can hold the value of their fare in credit for 12 months, from the time they requested their credit.

Customers can easily opt into credit via the Air New Zealand app or website in the Manage Booking tab, by selecting request a credit. They can also use the app or website to change their flights to another date and have their change fee waived, though a fare difference may apply.

Air New Zealand's contact centre is currently experiencing a high volume of calls contributing to longer wait times.

The airline thanks customers for their patience and understanding while it works through these challenges.

4:43pm - Gale force winds have lashed out across Wairarapa causing a number of power outages throughout the region.

A spokesperson for PowerCo said in a statement 130km/h winds have brought down trees and power lines.

"There are currently 1271 customers without power across the region and crews are out in force reconnecting customers as quickly and as safely as they can."

The spokesperson added reconnection efforts are being made difficult by the conditions with some road closures due to flooding.

"Crews will be working up until 9pm this evening to restore as many customers as they can."

PowerCo will only respond to emergencies after 9pm.

The spokesperson apologised as many customers across Wairarapa will be without power overnight.

A breakdown of effected areas:

  • 221 customers in the Cape Palliser area are without power after a pole came down at 10:30am. Crews are still on site conducting repair work.
  • 342 Masterton customers lost power at 11:19am after a tree brought down lines in the Stronvar Road area. A field crew is currently making repairs.
  • 190 customers lost power at 11:55am after lines came down on Te Whiti Road. 65 customers were reconnected by 12pm, and the remaining 125 customers will be reconnected once repairs are completed.
  • Trees in lines have also caused a power outage for 101 customers in the Admiral Road area, with power going off at 10:20am.

4:20pm - Timaru District Council has provided an update after it announced a state of emergency following a heavy downpour of rain.

Here is the council's full statement: 

"The declared State of Emergency remains in place for the small section of stopbank above the Mill Road Hut settlement on the Opihi River," the spokesperson said.

"The Timaru District Council Emergency Operations team have been working closely with the affected residents to ensure they are remaining safe and supported.

"ECAN have been assessing the integrity of the stopbank and it remains compromised. Fulton Hogan will be commencing shortly to reinforce the stopbank with a rock wall. This is a temporary fix which is expected to take a few days to complete.

"Until then, the State of Emergency will remain in place until it is determined safe enough for residents to return home.

"It is really important that people stay clear of the cordon and resist the desire to inspect the damage.

"We will continue to keep residents informed of the situation, including when it’s deemed safe for them to return."

3:38pm - MetService is reporting a 10-metre wave hit the south coast of Wellington at 11am.

A spokesperson told Newshub where and when strong wind gusts have battered lower parts of the North Island.

  • Wellington Airport: 117km/h between 10-11am
  • Mt Kaukau: 133km/h between 1-2pm
  • Wairarapa: 109km/h between 11-12pm

"It's not over," the spokesperson said.

"It's going to ease off tonight."

2:56pm - Wellington Electricity is reporting nearly 1000 residents in Paremata, Camborne, Pauatahanui and Plimmerton are without power.

"We have approximately 943 affected customers."

It updated customers on its website and hopes to have power restored within the hour.

2:16pm - Local Eastbourne resident Paul Eteveneaux had to go along the waterfront on his way to work this morning and felt lucky he was in his ute.

"A few logs had been thrown onto the road, a small car would have been stuck. I was glad I took the 4x4 ute," he told Newshub.

Footage filmed by Eteveneaux shows the moment his and other vehicles were hit by large waves.

"I got hit full on by a wave, bang! Into the side of it."

Weather: State of Emergency declared for parts of South Canterbury, ferries cancelled as 7 metre swells expected

2:02pm - Wellington Airport has provided an update on flights in and out of the capital after all flights were cancelled earlier this morning.

A spokesperson for the airport said in a statement most flights to and from Wellington are suspended or have been delayed.

"Some jet flights may be able to land and take off today, but this is weather dependent."

The spokesperson urged passengers to check directly with their airlines for the status of their flights.

Weather: State of Emergency declared for parts of South Canterbury, ferries cancelled as 7 metre swells expected

1:51pm - Video shared to Newshub onboard an Interislander ferry shows just how rough the conditions are on the Cook Strait.

A person onboard told Newshub "It was like being on an hour-long roller-coaster".

The footage shows huge waves slamming against the front of the ferry and hitting the windows of the cabin.

Weather: State of Emergency declared for parts of South Canterbury, ferries cancelled as 7 metre swells expected

1:37pm - Large waves have destroyed a catamaran in the Wellington suburb of Eastbourne.

Pictures captured by Newshub show the waves smashing the boat into the seawall, and sending large pieces of fibreglass across the road and into a resident's driveway.

Weather: State of Emergency declared for parts of South Canterbury, ferries cancelled as 7 metre swells expected

1:14pm - The Bluebridge ferry that failed to leave Wellington this morning due to rough weather conditions has docked safely in the capital after hours in the Wellington harbour.

A Bluebridge spokesperson said in a statement that the provider will add additional crossings to its schedule this week when the storm has passed "to accommodate passengers affected by the sailing cancellations".

Weather: State of Emergency declared for parts of South Canterbury, ferries cancelled as 7 metre swells expected

12:55pm - State Highway 2 between Gisborne and Ōpōtiki is now open to one lane, Waka Kotahi says. 

Contractors have been working to clear three slips in the Waioeka Gorge since first light on Thursday morning.

A single lane is now open under stop/go traffic management and road users are advised to take care while contractors continue work to clear the mud and rock fall in the other lane, Waka Kotahi says.

Here is the full statement from Wakak Kotahi:

Contractors have been working to clear three slips in the Waioeka Gorge since first light this morning.

A single lane is now open under stop/go traffic management. Road users are advised to take care while contractors continue work to clear the mud and rock fall in the other lane.

State Highway 2 was closed at 3am this morning after one large and two smaller slips occurred in the gorge between Ōpōtiki and Matawai.

With State Highway 35 closed between Ōpōtiki and Te Kaha, it’s been a priority to get SH2 open to traffic and provide a viable detour to SH35.

There is still running water coming down the larger slip, so there is a risk of further incidents occurring.

Over-dimension vehicles are not be able to access the site due to the narrow width of the lane.

State Highway 35 between Ōpōtiki and Te Kaha remains closed to all traffic

The road near Motu River Bridge was closed to all traffic around 9pm on 20 July, after the eastbound lane collapsed into the river.

Rock is being brought in to stabilise the westbound lane. This is challenging given the rising river levels. The safety of workers and all road users is paramount.

There are a number of emergency works sites around the East Coast/Bay of Plenty regions following significant rainfall and network failures. Further updates will be provided as the situation evolves

SH35 at Kopuaroa (north of Te Puia Springs)

Due to the risk of truck roll-overs and the narrow lane width at Kopuaroa, SH35 will be closed to heavy vehicles with trailers after 11.59pm Friday 22 July. Truck and trailer units travelling before 11.59pm Friday 22 July will need to proceed with caution through the site.

After 11.59pm Friday 22 July, heavy vehicles with trailers will be turned around at Ruatoria and Te Puia Springs. Heavy vehicles without trailers will be allowed through the site.

State Highway 36 between Rotorua and Tauranga – at Mangapouri Bridge

SH36 between Ngongotahā and Tauranga was closed to all vehicles from 10am today to 7pm Friday 22 July for repairs at Mangapouri bridge.

The abutment of the single-lane Mangapouri bridge has scoured resulting in a hole beneath the road and uneven surface on the bridge deck. 

The alternative routes are SH2 and SH33 through Pāpāmoa and Paengaroa, or SH5 / SH28 / SH29 over the Kaimai Range.

Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:

Wellington Airport following the cancellation of flights until further notice.
Wellington Airport following the cancellation of flights until further notice. Photo credit: Tia McDougall/Newshub.

12:07pm - Footage from a Wellingtonian shows the dramatic moment waves crash into vehicles in Eastbourne.

The footage taken by Sophie Gray shows waves smashing into her family's car in Lowry Bay in Wellington.

Police earlier said that motorists are advised to delay travel or avoid travelling on Marine Drive in the Eastbourne area.

The road has been closed due to waves breaking over the road, police said.

Waves crashing into cars in Lowry Bay, Wellington.
Waves crashing into cars in Lowry Bay, Wellington. Photo credit: Supplied/Sophie Gray

11:58am - Willis St in Wellington has reopened to traffic and pedestrians after earlier being partially closed.

Police said in a statement the window that was causing concern has been repaired and stabilised.

11:48am - Major repair works to Te Puke Highway will reduce the road to one lane at times on Thursday and Friday, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency said.

"This is to allow the contractor to safely repair potholes that have formed because of the rain and put a new layer of surfacing down," Waka Kotahi said.

"We appreciate the impact the lane closure and stop/go will have to people using the road. To minimise the delay, manual stop/go will be in place so the team can actively monitor traffic."

Waka Kotahi asks commuters to take extra care when travelling through the site by following the temporary 30km/h speed limit, traffic management and directions from staff.

The alternative route is the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road – tolls are being collected during this time.

"Waka Kotahi thanks motorists for their patience while we undertake this important repair work."

11:45am -  A Christchurch man has described the ordeal of being trapped on the Bluebirdge ferry on Thursday.

Wairiki Jones is currently stuck on the ferry in Wellington Harbour and said he's been stranded for a couple of hours.

"We've probably been out here for a few hours," he told Newshub from the ferry.

"They want to get off, they just want to get home. They said they were going to get us off as soon as possible but the winds are too strong to let us off."

Jones said the ferry was meant to dock in Picton at 11:30am.

"This hasn't happened before, this is my first time. Not ideal I suppose, not to plan.

"People are just ringing family members and probably looking for places to stay in Wellington if they are expected not to leave."

The ferry is now back in the Harbour but is unable to dock because of the high winds.

Bluebridge told Newshub the weather hit earlier than expected so they made the decision to return to Wellington for the safety of passengers.

Weather: State of Emergency declared for parts of South Canterbury, ferries cancelled as 7 metre swells expected
Photo credit: Supplied

11:29am - A major road in Wellington is partly closed on Thursday as the wild weather hits the Capital.

Willis Street is closed between Mercer Street and Boulcott Street, due to concerns regarding the stability of a window in a building, police said.

"Motorists and pedestrians are asked to follow the directions of emergency services staff," police said.

11:17am - Wellington Airport has confirmed all flights in and out of the Capital have been cancelled until further notice because of the wild weather.

"High winds are making it unsafe for baggage handlers to operate," Wellington Airport said in a statement.

"Passengers are advised to check directly with their airlines for further information. We will provide regular updates as more information comes to hand."

11:10am - The wild weather has forced a road to close in the Wellington suburb of Eastbourne.

Police said motorists are advised to delay travel or avoid travelling on Marine Drive in the Eastbourne area.

The road has been closed due to waves breaking over the road, police said.

11:06am - The Bluebridge ferry in Wellington has attempted a sailing on Thursday morning but the wild weather forced the ship to return to the Capital as it couldn't enter the Cook Strait.

The Ferry is now back in the Harbour but is unable to dock because of the high winds.

Bluebridge told Newshub the weather hit earlier than expected so they made the decision to return to Wellington for the safety of passengers.

It comes after Bluebridge said on their Facebook page on Tuesday that most sailing would be cancelled on Thursday.

"A southerly is forecast to hit the Cook Strait on Thursday, with large swells predicted. As a result, all afternoon and evening passenger sailings on Thursday, 21 July have been cancelled," Bluebridge said.

"Please visit our website for more information and the list of cancelled sailings."

Bluebridge ferry in Wellington Harbour.
Bluebridge ferry in Wellington Harbour. Photo credit: Newshub

10:51am - The wild weather is moving north with some of New Zealand's major roads placed under a snowfall warning.

MetService issued the warning at 10:40am for Desert Rd (SH1), Remutaka Hill Rd (SH2) and Lewis Pass (SH7).

The warning for the Desert Rd is in place until 9pm on Thursday, 6pm for the Remutaka Hill Rd and 2pm for Lewis Pass.

MetService warned snow showers are forecast to affect higher parts of the Desert Rd until this evening, and 3 to 6 cm of snow may settle on the road near the summit, with lesser amounts down to 800 metres.

10:30am - A major road in the Coromandel is closed because of a slip as the wild weather hits the region.

State Highway 25 is closed about 1.5 kilometres east of Coromandel town due to a slip, Waka Kotahi said.

"There is no detour around the slip so motorists are advised to delay their travel, or avoid the area if possible," Waka Kotahi said.

"The slip site is currently being assessed as to whether it is still active. If it is not active, the road will be expected to reopen by the end of today. If the slip is still moving, further assessment will be required before an opening date can be provided."

The slip is about 1.5 kilometres east of Coromandel town and has closed SH25.
The slip is about 1.5 kilometres east of Coromandel town and has closed SH25. Photo credit: Waka Kotahi

10:23am - Timaru District Council says the State of Emergency remains in place but it's localised and under control.

The council issued the State of Emergency was declared at 10:20pm on Wednesday for the Pleasant Point-Temuka Ward.

A small section of stopbank above the Mill Road Hut settlement on the Opihi River has some erosion damage and is at risk of failing, the council said.

Here is the full statement from the Timaru District Council:

The Opihi River is flowing high after this week's rain and is dropping very slowly. It is currently sitting at 206 cumecs at Opihi State Highway 1.

A small section of stopbank above the Mill Road Hut settlement on the Opihi River has some erosion damage and is at risk of failing.

When rivers drop they move around in their beds, which can lead to further erosion and breakouts as braid angles change and bed loads and debris move around.

Timaru District Deputy Mayor Steve Wills, noted, "Our main concern remains the safety and wellbeing of the residents due to the scouring of the stopbank upstream of the Mill Road Hut Settlement."

All affected residents have been contacted and supported to evacuate and are currently staying with family and friends in the area.

The decision to call an State of Emergency emerged late in the evening on Wednesday, 20 July after a very small number of people not evacuating on the early advice of Civil Defence and NZ Police which posed an increased threat to life.

"At a hui late last night, attended by National Emergency Management Agency NEMA, Canterbury Group Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM), Environment Canterbury (ECAN), Timaru District Council, NZ Police and the Deputy Mayor, it was agreed by all parties that a declaration was a reasonable and necessary step to protect the safety and wellbeing of the community," said Wills.

Sean Poff, the Group Controller of the Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management said, "a State of Emergency was declared at 10.20pm last night by Timaru District Council in order to ensure that safety of those likely to be affected by this localised threat of flooding."

"It's unfortunate that the behaviour of a very small number of people forced the action that was necessary to keep them, and the community, and the emergency services personnel, safe. It is important to note however that it is very much a localised situation specific to the Mill Road location, and a handful of properties, and is not deemed a deteriorating situation," said Poff.

A cordon remains in place and currently our immediate concern continues to relate to the safety and wellbeing of the community.

"It is really important that people stay clear of the cordon and resist the desire to inspect the damage. We will keep residents informed of the situation and when they may be able to return to their homes," said Deputy Mayor Steve Wills.

"ECAN engineers are currently assessing the stop bank and we will provide further updates as they come to light."

For the latest updates, visit timaru.govt.nz/home  

Centaurus Road, Christchurch
Centaurus Road, Christchurch Photo credit: Supplied/Michael Petherick

10:05am - Waitaki District Council says repair work around the district is making good progress now the river levels have started to subside.

The council said a boil water notice remains in place for Otematata and Omarama.

Here is the full statement from the council updating residents on the wild weather which has hit the region:

The Waitaki Emergency Operations Centre continues to be activated. Flood levels have dropped and

weather has stabilised, allowing contractors to make good progress on repair work across the district.

Waitaki River Levels and Restrictions:

The Waitaki River flows have decreased overnight. Boil water notices on the Otematata and Omarama

Water Supplies remain in place. This includes water used for food preparation and hygiene purposes, such

as brushing teeth. Otematata Wastewater pipe has been temporarily repaired. The conserve water notice

on the Windsor Water Supply remains in place and the pumps are still turned off.

Lake Ohau Road:

There has been some great progress on the repair on the washout and work is continuing to reinstate this as

soon as possible. Civil Defence coordinated with suppliers and locals to get essential supplies in to Ohau

Village residents last night.

A representative from Ohau Village said “Everyone at Ohau – residents, and especially the holiday makers -

have been so well looked after and been in such good spirits directly as a result of that feeling of being

recognised. Everyone who had a problem found a solution, everyone who reached out felt cared for.”

State Highways Open:

Please drive with extreme caution and allow extra time due to holiday traffic, repair works, speed

restrictions and expect delays.

Other Local Roads:

Contractors have been working hard across the district as they continue to inspect and commence repairs

on local roads. Temperatures are low so be prepared for icy roads and drive to the conditions. Several roads

remain closed due to flooding, washouts and landslides. A reminder - do not remove or adjust any signage

or cones.

Please keep an eye on the WDC website for local road and the NZTA website for State Highway conditions

and updates.

If there are any further reports to make, please contact the Waitaki District Council. Call us on 03 433 0300

or 0800 108 081 or service@waitaki.govt.nz. For any emergencies, please call 111.

Road work and conditions | Waitaki District Council

Water Notices | Waitaki District Council

Waitaki District Council (facebook.com)

Traffic map (nzta.govt.nz)

Lake Ohau Road washout repairs.
Lake Ohau Road washout repairs. Photo credit: Supplied/WDC

9:56am - The wild weather in the South Island has left hundreds of people in Christchurch without power.

Orion Group's website showed 318 customers in Charteris Bay, Church Bay, Diamond Harbour, and Hornby in Christchurch have experienced power outages since 2am.

A further 48 houses have reported outages around Christchurch with Orion saying power should be restored by 4pm on Thursday.

9:41am - The Government has launched the first nationwide tsunami evacuation map on Thursday morning.
Here is the full press release from Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty:

The Government has taken a further important step in improving Kiwis' preparedness in the event of a tsunami with the launch of Aotearoa's first nationwide tsunami evacuation map, says Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty.

"All of New Zealand's coastline is at risk of tsunami which means most of us live, work, or play in areas under threat," Kieran McAnulty said.

"It's important all Kiwis have a plan to keep their whānau safe if a tsunami happens. The new national tsunami evacuation map makes it easy for people to find out where to get to safety.

"The map enables you to enter your address to find out if you're in a tsunami evacuation zone and where to go to stay safe, and directs you to in-depth local evacuation information.

"In an emergency every second counts so it's crucial people have a plan in place before something happens. This map makes it easier for people to know where their closest safe ground is, and to have a plan to get there.

"While individual areas of the country have tsunami maps, this is the first time we've had a single map for the whole country, and is the latest of a series of milestones to strengthen Aotearoa's tsunami safety arrangements.

"This is just the latest step the Government has taken in strengthening New Zealand's readiness for a natural disaster.

"In addition to the tsunami evacuation map the Government has also established the National Geohazards Monitoring Centre, deployed the DART marine tsunami sensor network to provide early warning of threats to Aotearoa and the South Pacific, rolled out the Emergency Mobile Alert system, and last month opened NEMA's 24-7 Monitoring, Alerting and Reporting (MAR) Centre.

"The map has been developed by the National Emergency Management Agency in close partnership with the 16 regional Civil Defence Emergency Management Groups, and I'd like to thank all those who have worked hard to bring this to life.

"You shouldn't wait until an emergency to check whether you're in a tsunami evacuation zone - there is no better time than now to make sure you're prepared and your plan is up to date to keep you and your whānau safe," Kieran McAnulty said.

Check out the map here.

9:30am - Christchurch is being hammered by rain and strong wind.

MetService says 80mm of rain has fallen in some areas of Canterbury since 9pm last night, while wind gusts reached 126km/h in exposed places.

9:18am - The wild weather on the West Coast of the South Island has forced a State Highway in the Canterbury region to close.  

Waka Kotahi said Porters Pass is closed because of snow.

9:03am - Several state highways in the Bay of Plenty region are closed because of slips.

State Highway 35 between Ōpōtiki and Te Kaha is closed after parts of the road crumbled into the Motu River due to the wild weather.

The highway at Motu River collapsed along the centre line while the eastbound lane also fell into the water.

Parts of State Highway 2 between Ōpōtiki and Matawai have been closed since 3am on Thursday following one large and two smaller slips in the Waioeka Gorge.

It’s estimated around 200 tonnes of earth have come down onto the road between Matawai and Ōpōtiki, Waka Kotahi said.

Waka Kotahi contractors have been working to clear the road since first light on Thursday.
"As this was the detour for SH35 – there is now no suitable detour," Waka Kotahi said.

State of Emergency declared for parts of South Canterbury, ferries cancelled as 7 metre swells expected 

Police said they have been helping with the evacuations in the Pleasant Point-Temuka Ward overnight. 

"Police assisted with a handful of evacuations and there were no major issues," police said. 

Further north in Kaikoura, heavy rain and strong wind warnings are in place - with parts of the South Island's east coast on watch.

Metservice said heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly, surface flooding and slips are possible and driving conditions may be hazardous. 

The rain warning - which could see 90mm of rainfall - is in place until 1pm on Thursday, while the wind warning is due to ease at 10pm, with gusts expected to reach 130km/h. 

The Lower North Island is in for a windy day with Metervice warning strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures while driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.

The entire Wellington Region is under a heavy wind and rain warning, with small slips being reported along State Highway 2.

There's also a heavy swell warning in place for Wellington Harbour where waves are expected to reach seven metres high.

As a result, InterIslander has cancelled ferry services to Picton this morning. 

"Safety of our passengers and crew is very important and we have made the call to cancel most sailings tomorrow. All Aratere sailings in both directions and the 2:15 pm Kaitaki (Picton to Wellington) and the 8:30 pm Kaitaki (Wellington to Picton) sailings are cancelled," Interislander said on Facebook.

"The 8:45 am Wellington to Picton service is still scheduled to sail. This will arrive in Picton before the worst of the weather arrives. Please be aware that it will be a rough crossing. We are offering full refunds if you chose not to travel. Email bookings@interislander.co.nz if you do want to cancel."

Snow is also expected to fall at the Top of the Remutaka hills, and will likely affect commuters.