200ml of rainfall hits Ōpōtiki in 24 hours

More than 200 ml of rainfall in the last 24 hours has resulted in high water levels and pooling water in parts of the Ōpōtiki township area. Ōpōtiki District Council staff and contractors are working around the clock to minimise any impacts as the weather warnings begin to pass.

Latest updates:

Currently, there are no issues with the levels of the Ōtara and Waioeka rivers and Council does not expect the rivers to reach level 2.

The South end of town has a lot of surface water/ponding. Council have identified that the issue is coming from the bank along Duke Steet. Council is working with Regional Council to ensure the pump stations are operational and are adding additional height to the bank to minimise the flow of water from farmland into town. It may take a day or two for the water to subside so residents may still see ponding even when it has stopped raining.

Unfortunately, flooding has caused delays for our team collecting rubbish and recycling. If your rubbish hasn’t been collected yet, please leave it out on the kerbside and we hope to collect it later this afternoon.

Please stay out of the flood water - there is a risk it is contaminated and could impact your health and the depth can also pose a risk. Please also try to avoid driving through the flood waters as it creates waves which can worsen flooding on properties.

We are also aware of a slip that has impacted a couple of houses in Ohiwa. We are undertaking assessments and talking to those who are impacted. Please keep an eye on how the weather and amount of water have impacted your property.

The team is working hard to resolve a number of issues throughout the town, and in Te Kaha where a boil water notice has been issued due to a sample returning positive for e-coli, so we ask for your patience while we complete this mahi.

If you have any issues please contact us by Ph 07 3153030, through the Antenno app or via our online form: https://online.odc.govt.nz/.../changecontactdetails/step/1

You can also get the latest updates on the Council Facebook page and view the status of local roads on Council’s website.

Thanks again for your patience Ōpōtiki and stay safe out there - Kia kaha.