Waitaki District State of Emergency transitions into Recovery

Published on 09 July 2026

Mayor Mel Tavendale signing transition to recovery.jpeg

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.

Media enquiries:
media@waitaki.govt.nz

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