Government acts after recent storms

Recovery efforts after severe weather struck the North Island have begun. States of emergency were declared in several regions after a tropical weather system brought some of the heaviest rain in decades, triggering flooding and slips that overwhelmed infrastructure and isolated towns.

“The impact has been devastating for many people, particularly those who have tragically lost loved ones at Mount Maunganui, Welcome Bay and Warkworth,” Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says.

A landslide at the Beachside Holiday Park campsite in Mount Maunganui buried caravans and tents under tonnes of mud and debris, with multiple people still missing and rescue efforts ongoing amid unstable ground conditions. Another slip in Papamoa destroyed a home, claiming lives and highlighting the scale of the disaster.

Accommodation for the roughly 500 displaced people and the delivery of supplies to cut‑off communities are top priorities for the Government, which has activated the Temporary Accommodation Service to support those forced from their homes.

“State Highway 35 (East Coast) and State Highway 25 (Coromandel) have both suffered significant damage and will take some time to repair. KiwiRail is also assessing its lines.”

The Government is increasing targeted assistance for farmers and growers affected by flooding, slips and hailstorms, with Ministry for Primary Industries staff working closely with sector groups and rural trusts to support recovery.

This package sits alongside the $2.2 million announced to bolster Mayoral Relief Funds and to reimburse marae that provided vital welfare support.

“Marae have been exceptional in the way they have stepped up to help their communities, providing shelter, food and care to people in need,” Luxon says.

There is also existing government funding available to support recovery efforts in response to natural hazards and weather events, such as NZTA and the Natural Hazards Commission.

“The severity of last week’s weather means the recovery is going to take some time,” the Prime Minister says, adding that there is a strong case for an independent government inquiry.

“Establishing the facts is not only what the families of those who lost their lives deserve, but also important to help ensure lessons are learned to prevent similar tragedies in future.”

With weather conditions unprecedented for this time of year, meteorologists warned of red‑level heavy rain and severe flood risk before the system hit, compounding damage to saturated catchments and already stressed communities.

This was the twentieth Red Warning Event issued by MetService since the highest alert level was introduced back in May 2019. Whitianga and Tauranga experienced their wettest days on record yesterday, with 247.6 mm and 274 mm of rain, respectively.

James Renwick, Professor of Climate Science at Victoria University, says the government and business leaders must find ways to decarbonise our economy as soon as possible to avoid more and worse weather events.

“It seems that these days, every storm brings with it orange or red flood warnings and devastation and misery somewhere in the country.

“Sadly, this is exactly what we expect with a warmer climate that has more moisture in the air. We have that much more flooding ‘fuel’ in the atmosphere that significant floods come much more readily now.”

Authorities say the recovery phase will extend over weeks and, in some areas, months, with damage assessments still underway and access issues slowing progress.

Waka Kotahi crews are prioritising critical transport routes, while councils continue to monitor slip-prone areas as further rainfall remains possible.

Civil Defence is urging residents to stay away from floodwaters, unstable hillsides and damaged roads, and to follow official advice as conditions evolve.

People affected by evacuations or property damage are encouraged to register with local councils to access support services and financial assistance.