State of Emergency remains as Waitaki crews assess ongoing impacts

Published on 08 July 2026

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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  

 

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