Waitaki State of Emergency - Severe weather July 2026 UPDATES
Published on 06 July 2026
UPDATES: Waitaki State of Emergency - Severe Weather, July 2026
Find our official updates here (newest at the top)
- For the latest quick updates check Council's Facebook page
- Local Road closures: Road work and conditions
- State Highway closures: NZTA Journey Planner
- In an emergency call 111
- Report flooding, blocked drains, fallen trees and other issues through the Antenno app, the Waitaki District Council website or by calling 03 433 0300.
- Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to discuss damage or clean-up costs.
UPDATE: 12.30pm, 9 July 2026
The Local State of Emergency for the Waitaki District has transitioned into Recovery after assessment confirming the immediate risk to public safety has reduced.
Mayor Mel Tavendale agreed to the lift the State of Emergency for the Response at 11.52 am this morning and also agreed to a transition period for Recovery at the same time. The Recovery transition will remain in force for 28 days unless terminated ealier.
During a recovery transition period, Recovery Managers have access to powers they may need during the early stages of recovery. These powers allow them to take actions such as:
- closing roads and public places
- undertaking works – for example, earthworks required for stabilising land and properties
- removing or securing dangerous structures and material
- entering a property to rescue people or save lives
While the emergency declaration has transitioned from the response phase, recovery work is well underway, with Council continuing to support affected residents, restore services and assess damage across the district.
The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) will remain active to coordinate ongoing recovery activities, although responsibility will increasingly transition back to Council's operational teams over the coming days.
Waitaki District Mayor Mel Tavendale said transitioning to recovery marked an important milestone, but there was still work ahead.
"The immediate emergency has passed, but for many people the impact of this event will continue for some time. Our focus now is on helping people recover, restoring services and supporting those whose homes, businesses and livelihoods have been affected."
Mayor Tavendale also paid tribute to the hundreds of people involved in the response.
"I'd like to sincerely thank everyone who stepped up during this event. Our contractors worked around the clock in incredibly challenging conditions to keep roads open, restore essential services and protect our communities.
"I'd also like to acknowledge our Council staff, particularly those working in the Emergency Operations Centre. Many were working long hours while also dealing with flooding and disruption at their own homes and supporting their own families. Despite that, they continued to put our community first.
"To Fire and Emergency New Zealand, local fire brigades, Police, Hato Hone St John, Civil Defence volunteers, utility providers, partner agencies, local businesses and community groups who provided food, equipment and other support – thank you. This response showed what can be achieved when an entire community works together.
"Finally, thank you to our residents. We saw neighbours helping neighbours, businesses supporting one another and countless acts of kindness that reminded us what makes Waitaki such a special place."
Recovery work will continue over the coming weeks and includes:
- Assessing damage to roads, parks and other Council infrastructure.
- Continuing clean-up operations across affected areas.
- Restoring services where required.
- Supporting residents and businesses affected by flooding where we can.
- Working with partner agencies on longer-term recovery planning.
Water supply reminders
Council continues to monitor water supplies affected by the recent flooding.
The following notices remain in place:
- Lower Waitaki Water Supply – Boil Water Notice and Conserve Water Notice remain in effect. High turbidity in the source water has affected treatment, and residents should continue boiling all drinking water and conserving water while reservoirs are replenished.
- Oamaru Water Supply – Conserve Water Notice remains in place. Residents and businesses supplied by the Oamaru scheme, including Kakanui, Hampden and Moeraki, are asked to minimise non-essential water use while treatment capacity is affected by high turbidity.
- Awamoko and Tokarahi Water Supplies – Conserve Water Notices remain in place.
Residents are encouraged to continue following all water notices and check the Council website and social media channels for updates.
Although the State of Emergency has transitioned from response to recovery, Council reminds residents to remain cautious. The recent rainfall has left the ground saturated, increasing the risk of slips, localised flooding and road damage should further rain occur.
Anyone requiring assistance or wishing to report issues such as damaged roads, blocked drains or fallen trees can do so through the Antenno app, the Waitaki District Council website or by calling 03 433 0300.
UPDATE: 5pm, Wednesday 8 July
The Local State of Emergency for the Waitaki District remains in place and will be reviewed on Thursday 9 July, as authorities continue to assess impacts and monitor conditions across the district.
The Waitaki Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) remains active, with Council staff, emergency services and partner agencies continuing to coordinate the response and support affected communities.
While today's rainfall has not reached the intensity of Monday's event, the district remains vulnerable due to saturated ground and elevated river and stream levels. Crews will continue monitoring conditions and respond to any new issues as they arise.
Council crews and contractors have spent the past three days clearing debris, assessing damage, reopening roads where it is safe to do so and restoring essential services. Damage assessments will continue over the coming days as access improves.
Due to the wet conditions, all sports grounds maintained by Waitaki District Council will be closed this weekend. They will be reassessed early next week.
Motorists are reminded that some roads remain closed or have cautions in place.
Even where roads have reopened, drivers should take extra care, as crews can be on site and conditions can change quickly. Please check road conditions before travelling.
Water and wastewater infrastructure also continues to be closely monitored.
Wastewater and stormwater networks remain under pressure in some locations, and work is ongoing to restore services and address issues as quickly as possible.
The following notices remain in place:
- A Boil Water and Conserve Water Notice for the Lower Waitaki Water Supply.
- A Conserve Water Notice for the Awamoko Water Supply (managed by Corriedale Water Management).
Residents are asked to continue conserving water and follow all public health advice.
Mayor Mel Tavendale said the district wasn't out of the woods yet.
"It's been a tough week. The rain has been relentless, people are tired, and it's taken a toll on our community. But we've also seen the true strength of Waitaki residents, with people looking out for one another and stepping up when it mattered most.
Please continue to look after each other and reach out if you need help. With the ground still saturated, the risk of slips and flooding remains, so we all need to stay cautious. Take care out there – and let's hope for some sunshine this weekend."
As recovery continues, residents are reminded to:
- Call 111 if your safety is at immediate risk.
- Report flooding, blocked drains, fallen trees and other issues through the Antenno app, the Waitaki District Council website or by calling 03 433 0300.
- Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to discuss damage or clean-up costs.
- Wear appropriate protective clothing when cleaning up flood-affected properties and treat all floodwater as potentially contaminated.
- Continue to follow updates from Waitaki District Council.
- Check in on family, friends and neighbours who may need extra support.
Emergency services remain fully operational, with regional resources available if required. The focus now is on supporting affected communities, restoring essential services and progressing recovery safely across the district.
Media enquiries:
Public Information Management
Phone: 027 213 0987
Update 8.30am Wednesday 8 July
The Local State of Emergency for the Waitaki District remains in place and will be reviewed later this afternoon as authorities continue to monitor weather conditions and the potential impacts of further rainfall.
The Waitaki Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) remains active, with Council staff, emergency services and partner agencies closely monitoring conditions and ready to respond if required.
A MetService Heavy Rain Watch remains in place for the coastal areas of the Waitaki District until 3pm Wednesday. While current forecasts indicate rainfall is unlikely to reach the levels experienced on Monday morning, many parts of the district remain saturated following recent heavy rain. The bulk of the rain is expected to hit between 10am and 1pm today.
Mayor Mel Tavendale said the district was taking a cautious approach.
"Although we're not expecting rainfall of the same intensity as Monday's event, the ground is already saturated and it won't take much additional rain to create further issues. We're continuing to monitor conditions closely and are prepared to respond if needed. Our message to the community is stay informed, and take sensible precautions where you can.”
Council crews and contractors have spent yesterday assessing damage, clearing debris and restoring access across the district. Work is continuing today to assess infrastructure, reopen roads where it is safe to do so and respond to issues as they arise.
Water Notices
Water and wastewater infrastructure continues to be an area of concern. Wastewater and stormwater systems remain under pressure in some areas, including sewer surcharging (exceeding capacity) and pump station capacity.
Due to increased turbidity in water supplies:
- A Boil Water and Conserve Water Notice remains in place for the Lower Waitaki Water Supply.
- A Conserve Water Notice remains in place for the Awamoko Water Supply (this supply is managed by Corriedale Water Management).
Residents are asked to continue using water carefully and follow all public health advice.
Thank you
Council also acknowledges the community response to yesterday's preparations, with more than 9 tonnes of sand and over 300 sandbags dropped off in Oamaru and Palmerston. More sand will be dropped off in Oamaru today.
Mayor Tavendale thanked local contractors SouthRoads and Skevington's for their support in making sand and sandbags available to the community.
"I'd also like to thank everyone who has been preparing their properties, checking on neighbours and looking out for one another. Community preparedness plays an important role alongside the work of emergency services and Council."
Public Advice
Residents are reminded:
- If your home is flooding, you are trapped, or your safety is at immediate risk, call 111.
- Report flooding damage, blocked drains, fallen trees and other issues through the Antenno app, the Waitaki District Council website or by calling 03 433 0300.
- Know what water supply you're on and stay up to date with Water Notices
- Talk with your insurance company about damages claims, including cost of cleanup.
- Continue to monitor updates from MetService, emergency services and the Waitaki District Council Facebook page.
- Check in on friends, family and neighbours if it is safe to do so.
Emergency services remain fully operational and are prepared for any impacts from today's weather. Regional resources, including a specialist water rescue team, remain available if required.
Pictured: Residents collecting sandbag
Update 7pm Tuesday 7 July
The Waitaki Emergency Operations Centre will remain active overnight monitoring conditions and are ready to respond.
MetService has issued a Yellow Heavy Rain watch for Coastal Otago for the Waitaki District from 3am Wednesday to 3pm Wednesday. The forecasts includes a period of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.
The localised state of emergency for Waitaki District will remain in place overnight.
Roads throughout the district have been re-opening throughout Tuesday.
If your home is flooding, you are trapped, or your safety is at immediate risk, call 111.
Please continue to follow updates from MetService, emergency services and Waitaki District Council Facebook page. Stay safe and check in on friends, family, and neighbours if it’s safe to do so.
Emergency services are operating as normal and are aware of the heavy rain watch tonight. Regional resources including a specialist water rescue team are available if required.
Council's after-hours services continue to be available to respond to urgent issues – phone 03 433 0300.
Update 9am Tuesday 7 July
The Waitaki Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) continues to operate this morning with an overnight assessment confirming conditions have stabilised and the immediate threat to public safety has reduced.
The Local State of Emergency for the Waitaki District declaration will remain in place until at least Wednesday, as there in another weather event expected which might exacerbate the already wet conditions – the EOC and staff will be ready to escalate if needed.
Clean-up work is now underway and the public are urged to remain cautious, as a number of roads remain affected and clean-up efforts continue across the district. There are still some stranded vehicles which will need to be recovered. State Highway 1 is still closed between closed between Seven Mile Road and State Highway 83 but traffic and freight are moving through detours.
Residents are encouraged to keep an eye on the weather and continue preparing their properties for future weather events. If you already have sandbags, please hold onto them in case they're needed again. If you still need sandbags, some remain available from the Eden Street car park. Council will monitor supplies throughout the week and arrange additional stock if required.
Waitaki District Mayor Melanie Tavendale said acknowledged the progress made by emergency services and response agencies over the past 24 hours.
"The declaration is serving its purpose by enabling a coordinated emergency response to keep our community safe during a rapidly developing situation. This doesn't mean the work is over. Our focus now shifts to monitoring any weather developments, supporting our community through recovery and restoring services as quickly and safely as possible."
The Emergency Operations Centre monitored the response throughout the night, keeping in touch with Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Police, St John, Otago Civil Defence Emergency Management, contractors, utility providers and Council teams.
Overnight, responding staff were getting some much needed rest after pulling long shifts while:
- Emergency response crews continued monitoring weather and flood conditions.
- Roading, water and wastewater teams remained on standby to respond to any after-hours incidents.
- Local contractors monitored critical infrastructure, including wastewater pump stations and water supply assets.
- Council's after-hours services continued to be available to respond to urgent issues.
With weather conditions improving and floodwaters receding, response activities are now transitioning into clean-up and recovery.
Today's priority work includes:
- Assessing and reopening roads where it is safe to do so.
- Inspecting infrastructure and public facilities.
- Continuing welfare checks where required.
- Removing debris and cleaning affected areas.
- Assessing damage to Council assets.
- Restoring services where necessary.
- Planning for impacts of potential further extreme weather.
Please continue reporting issues such as flooding damage, blocked drains, fallen trees and damaged roads through the Antenno app or by calling Waitaki District Council on 03 433 0300.
Anyone who experiences a wastewater overflow on their property or in public areas should report it to the Council immediately. Reported overflows will also be notified to the Otago Regional Council pollution hotline where required.
Care should be taken around contact with floodwaters. Floodwaters can be contaminated with bugs that cause disease from ground surface septic tanks and sewerage systems.
Although conditions have improved, people are reminded to continue driving to the conditions and to respect all road closures and warning signs. Several roads remain closed or restricted while inspections and repairs continue.
Mayor Tavendale thanked everyone involved in the emergency response.
"I'd like to thank our emergency services, Civil Defence volunteers, Council staff, contractors, utility providers and community organisations who have worked tirelessly throughout the response. Most importantly, I'd like to thank our residents for their patience, resilience and willingness to look out for one another during what was a challenging and unpredictable event."
Residents whose homes or properties have been damaged should contact their insurance provider as soon as it is safe to do so.
Waitaki District Council will continue providing updates on service impacts and recovery activities through its website, social media channels as information becomes available.
Update 5.40pm Monday 6 July
The localised state of emergency for Waitaki District will remain in place overnight.
To date nine properties have been inspected for damage caused by the weather event, with one building yellow stickered. Two families from these properties are being supported with emergency accommodation.
Please continue to check the NZTA website for State Highway information and the Waitaki District Council website for local road closures.
Thank you to all the emergency responders and contractors who have worked long hours since early this morning.
Please continue to look out for your family, friends and neighbours.
The next media release from Waitaki District Council is scheduled for Tuesday morning (7 July).
Public advice
Residents are reminded to:
- Stay home in affected areas unless travel is absolutely necessary.
- Never drive or walk through floodwater.
- Treat all floodwater as contaminated. Be vigiliant when cleaning your property.
- Watch for slips, debris and damaged road surfaces.
- Check the NZTA website for state highway information and the Waitaki District Council website for local road closures.
- Continue monitoring official Council and Civil Defence channels for updates.
If your home is flooding, you are trapped, or your safety is at immediate risk, call 111.
Anyone whose home or property has been damaged should contact their insurance provider when it is safe to do so.
Emergency Management Otago, Waitaki District Council and partner agencies will continue monitoring conditions and will provide further updates as information becomes available.
Update 3.45pm Monday 6 July
While rain is forecast to taper off overnight and river levels are dropping, the localised state of emergency for Waitaki District will remain in place overnight.
At 2.15pm today MetService lifted Otago’s Severe Weather Warning.
Twenty people evacuated their homes and have now been shifted from the Network Waitaki Event Centre to other accommodation.
Care packages are being arranged for those in need and building inspectors have completed property checks for those impacted.
Emergency services have responded to more than 50 emergency calls since midnight and their work has eased off.
NZ Police advise people to be careful while driving, saying that if a road is closed, it is closed for a reason.
Residents are reminded to:
- Stay home in affected areas unless travel is absolutely necessary.
- Never drive or walk through floodwater.
- Treat all floodwater as contaminated. Be vigiliant when cleaning your property.
- Watch for slips, debris and damaged road surfaces.
- Check the NZTA website for state highway information and the Waitaki District Council website for local road closures.
- Continue monitoring official Council and Civil Defence channels for updates.
If your home is flooding, you are trapped, or your safety is at immediate risk, call 111.
Anyone whose home or property has been damaged should contact their insurance provider when it is safe to do so.
Emergency Management Otago, Waitaki District Council and partner agencies will continue monitoring conditions and will provide further updates as information becomes available.
Update 12.20pm Monday 6 July
A Local State of Emergency remains in place for the Waitaki district as emergency services, council staff and partner agencies continue responding to significant flooding across Oamaru and surrounding areas.
The declaration was made early this morning following an intense, highly localised rainfall event that caused widespread surface flooding, damage to homes and businesses and significant disruption to roads and infrastructure.
Waitaki Mayor Melanie Tavendale said declaring a State of Emergency ensured the coordination and resources needed to support the community were available.
"This has been a significant localised flooding event. Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of everyone affected.
"We know this has been an incredibly difficult day for many people. I want to thank our emergency services, council staff, volunteers and community members who have been working tirelessly to support those affected.
"We ask everyone to stay off the roads in affected areas, avoid floodwater and continue following the advice of emergency services."
Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell arrived in Otago on Sunday evening to receive a briefing on the response. Accompanied by staff from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Minister visited the Otago Emergency Co-ordination Centre, the Dunedin City Emergency Operations Centre and affected areas in Dunedin before travelling to Oamaru today to view the Waitaki response, meet response personnel and local leaders, and visit impacted communities.
Significant localised rainfall
Between approximately midnight and 2am, Oamaru received around 37mm of rain in just two hours, resulting in rapid surface flooding across parts of the town. The unexpected intensity of the rainfall led to the declaration of a Local State of Emergency to enable an effective emergency response.
Further rainfall of 20–40mm is forecast through today before easing this evening. Conditions are expected to improve tomorrow, although further rain is forecast later in the week and authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
Response continues
Emergency responders have attended more than 50 Fire and Emergency callouts since the flooding began.
Damage assessments are continuing across affected parts of the district, with impacts reported to homes, businesses and local infrastructure. Council teams are assessing the condition of the district's three waters network, while contractors continue inspecting roads as conditions allow.
A number of significant road closures remain across the district, including the closure of State Highway 1 between Seven Mile Road and State Highway 83, with motorists asked to follow official detours and avoid unnecessary travel.
Some local roads may not yet be formally closed but could still be unsafe due to flooding, slips or road damage.
Community-led Evacuation Centre
A Community-led Evacuation Centre remains open at the Network Waitaki Event Centre, 2 Centennial Park, Oamaru North, with access via the Tayward Street car park entrance.
The centre is available for anyone needing a safe, warm and dry place to stay. Small contained pets, including dogs and cats, are welcome.
Anyone requiring assistance to reach the evacuation centre should contact emergency services.
Public advice
Residents are urged to:
- Stay home in affected areas unless travel is absolutely necessary.
- Never drive or walk through floodwater.
- Treat all floodwater as contaminated. Be vigiliant when cleaning your property.
- Watch for slips, debris and damaged road surfaces.
- Check the NZTA website for state highway information and the Waitaki District Council Road Conditions page for local road closures.
- Continue monitoring official Council and Civil Defence channels for updates.
If your home is flooding, you are trapped, or your safety is at immediate risk, call 111.
Anyone whose home or property has been damaged should contact their insurance provider when it is safe to do so.
Emergency Management Otago, Waitaki District Council and partner agencies will continue monitoring conditions closely and will provide further updates as information becomes available.
Media enquiries: Public Information Management Phone: 027 213 0987
Update 7.30am 6 July 2026
A Local State of Emergency has been declared for the Waitaki District following significant overnight flooding in Oamaru.
Emergency services have been responding to multiple calls for assistance throughout the night. The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) was activated at around 2am this morning
Since midnight, Fire and Emergency New Zealand has responded to over 50 emergency calls, with flood response crews assisting 18 people to evacuate to the Oamaru Fire Station. More than 20 people have self-evacuated from their homes as flooding has affected a number of residential and commercial properties across the town. Around 13 people and 4 dogs are currently sheltering at the Community-led Evacuation Centre at the Network Waitaki Event Centre.
Mayor Melanie Tavendale said declaring a State of Emergency ensures the resources and coordination needed are in place to support the community.
"This has been a significant localised flooding event. Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of everyone affected. We ask people to stay off the roads in affected areas, avoid floodwater, and follow the advice of emergency services."
Community-led Evacuation Centre
A Community-led Evacuation Centre has been established at the Network Waitaki Event Centre, 2 Centennial Park, Oamaru North. Access is via the Tayward Street carpark entrance.
The centre is open for anyone who needs a safe, dry place to shelter.
Small pets, including dogs and cats (contained), are welcome.
Anyone who needs assistance getting to the Evacuation Centre should contact emergency services.
Roads and travel
State Highway 1 is closed between Seven Mile Road and State Highway 83. A detour is in place and motorists should follow all signage and directions.
Council roading teams and contractors are currently assessing local roads across the district as fast as they can. Some roads may not yet be officially closed with signage but could still be unsafe or impassable. Current road closures can be found on the Waitaki District Council website.
Residents are urged to:
- Stay home in affected areas unless travel is absolutely necessary.
- Never drive through floodwater.
- Watch for slips, debris and damaged road surfaces.
- Check the NZTA website for state highway closures and the Waitaki District Council website Road Conditions page for local road closures.
Southbound access into Oamaru remains under assessment.
Sandbags
Sandbags and sand are now available from the Eden Street car park.
Why was a State of Emergency declared now?
MetService issued a Orange Heavy Rain Warning yesterday for Coastal Otago. Based on forecasting available at the time, the northern extent of the most severe rainfall was expected to remain further south.
Emergency management staff worked closely with MetService throughout the event.
Forecast guidance indicated North Otago was not expected to receive significant rainfall.
However, Oamaru experienced an intense, highly localised downpour shortly after midnight. Rainfall records show approximately 46mm fell over four hours, with 34mm falling in just two hours. This unexpected intensity resulted in rapid surface flooding across parts of the town.
As the scale and impacts of the flooding became clear overnight, a Local State of Emergency was declared to enable the necessary emergency response and support for affected residents.
Need help?
If your home is flooding, you are trapped, or your safety is at risk, call 111 immediately.
If you need to evacuate and require somewhere safe to stay, go to the Community-led Evacuation Centre at the Network Waitaki Event Centre or contact emergency services if you need assistance getting there.
If there is damage to your home or property contact your insurance provider.
The weather forecast indicates rainfall is expected to ease during the day, however authorities continue to monitor conditions closely.
The public is encouraged to monitor official Waitaki District Council and Civil Defence channels for the latest information and updates.
ENDS
⚠️ STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED – WAITAKI DISTRICT ⚠️
<p small-text"="">06 July 2026
A State of Emergency has now been declared for the Waitaki District, and the Emergency Operations Centre has been activated.
This weekend MetService issued an Orange Weather Warning for Coastal Waitaki, indicating rainfall was due from Sunday evening and overnight. However, between 10pm and 4am around 80.4mm of rain fell - after much less had fallen earlier throughout the day. The forecast did not predict the much heavier rain which began around 10pm. The average rainfall for Waitaki District for the entire month of July is 50mm.
Heavy rain overnight has caused conditions to worsen, with reports of flooding affecting homes and businesses. Emergency services have been responding to calls about flooding during the night. More than 20 people have self-evacuated, and severe surface flooding is being experienced across the district.
If you need assistance or are stranded, call emergency services immediately.
Welfare Evacuation Centre
A welfare evacuation centre has been established at the Waitaki Event Centre, (2 Centennial Park, Oamaru North) for anyone who needs a safe, dry place to shelter. Access the event centre carpark off Tayward Street.
Pets welcome
Small animals, including dogs and cats, can be brought with you.
Road closures
Check NZTA website for State Hwy closures. State Highway 1 is closed between Seven Mile Road and State Highway 83. A detour is in place - please follow the detour.
Check for Local Road closures here on the Waitaki District Council Website.
Note - other roads might be impassable. Do not drive through floodwater. Floodwaters can be deeper and faster-moving than they appear, and roads may be damaged beneath the surface. Watch out for slips.
Sandbags
Sandbags and sand are being delivered to the Eden St carpark – people will be on site making them up – we will let you know when they are available for public pick-up.
We know this is a stressful time. Please continue to monitor official updates, look out for your neighbours where it is safe to do so, and only travel if absolutely necessary - Please stay home and off the roads if you can.