Flood Response Continues

Published on 06 July 2026

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State of Emergency declared for Waitaki as flood response continues

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

 

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