Lower North Island Severe Weather Event Update
6pm, Monday 13 February
Emergency services remain active across the Wairarapa this evening as communities continue to deal with the effects of heavy rain and strong winds.
While conditions have stabilised in some places, localised flooding, road closures, power outages and water supply disruptions are still affecting parts of the region.
Simon Taylor, Wairarapa Emergency Operations Centre Controller, said safety remains the priority as crews work through the impacts.
“We know people are tired and frustrated, particularly where power and water supplies have been disrupted.
Our message this evening is to stay safe, stay home if you can, and please be patient while crews work through restoration.
Conditions are still challenging in some areas, and repairs can only happen when it’s safe to do so.”
Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the Wairarapa Emergency Operations Centre worked together to launch a reconnaissance helicopter.
The team flew from Masterton to Lake Ferry through to Cape Palliser, with severe weather preventing further travel north to Tora, Flat Point, Riversdale, Castlepoint and Mataikona.
Mr Taylor said the teamwork exemplified the proactivity and commitment needed to reconnect communities.
“Wairarapa people, especially those in the eastern hills and the coast, are generally well prepared for severe weather and periods without power.
However, our first priority is ensuring the safety of everyone in our community and reconnecting people while understanding their concerns and the scale of the situation.”
Community Impacts
- Pirinoa: A family has self-evacuated to Pirinoa Hall, with potentially more to follow. Police are supporting residents with food deliveries. A boil water notice remains in place. Residents without power should use bottled or previously boiled water for drinking and food preparation.
- Whangaimoana: Around 10 properties are cut off, with residents isolated. Building assessments may be required due to flooding.
- Kohunui Marae: The marae remains isolated by floodwaters, with Police and whānau assisting with food transport.
- Southern Coast: Parts of Ngawi and Cape Palliser have limited communications due to power outages affecting cell towers.
Power and Water
Widespread power outages and rolling interruptions continue across the region. Even where electricity has been restored, further outages remain possible overnight.
Water services in parts of South Wairarapa are operating using mobile generators. The boil water notice for Pirinoa remains in place until further notice.
Flooding in Urban Areas
Localised flooding has been reported in the Masterton urban area, including:
- Oxford Street (top end)
- Third Street
- Kitchener Street
- Raglan Street
- Dixon Street
- Intermediate Street
Road Closures and Restrictions
As at 6pm, the following roads are affected due to flooding, fallen trees, slips or debris:
Closed
- Cape Palliser Road – flooding and debris
- Ponatahi Bridge – high river levels
- White Rock Road – landslide blocking both lanes
- Lake Ferry Road – closed past Kahutara turn-off (surface flooding)
- Waihakeke Road – large tree and powerlines across road
- Whangaehu Valley Road (start of road) – multiple trees down, river rising
- Te Ore Ore–Bideford Road – trees down
- Mataikona Road – tree down
- Nahape Road – tree down
- Dorsets Road – closed until Tuesday
- Jacksons Line – closed until Tuesday
- South Belt Road – tree blocking both lanes
Restricted
- Masterton–Castlepoint Road – open to light vehicles only due to multiple fallen trees
Open / Passable With Caution
- Upper Plain Road – trees down
- Burnetts Road – trees down
- Masterton–Stronvar Road – trees down
- Mikimiki Road – partially blocked
- Evans Road – tree down
- Matahiwi Road – tree down
- Millard Avenue – tree down
- Dryers Rock – tree down
Road conditions may change quickly. Please obey road closure signage and avoid driving through floodwater.
Public Advice
- Stay inside and stay home if possible
- Avoid unnecessary travel, especially this evening
- Prepare for the possibility of further power outages
- Continue to follow official updates
For general welfare support or emergency information, call the freephone number 0800 239 247.
Further updates will be provided as assessments continue and conditions change.