A State of Emergency remains in place for Kaikōura.
The Kōwhai River breached at 10.26am Tuesday 7 July. The Kōwhai River no longer poses an immediate flood risk.
Landslide risk remains across the Kaikōura district. If you suspect a landslide, move out of its path immediately and call 111. See below for signs to watch for.
If you believe your property may have been affected, please contact Kaikōura District Council on 03 319 5026 for support.
Flood-affected farmers are encouraged to complete the Rapid Rural Damage Assessment (RRDA) survey to help guide recovery.
The Insurance Council of New Zealand - ICNZ has put together a Recovery Guide with helpful information about insurance claims, assessing damage and what to expect during the recovery process. Contact your insurer as soon as possible for advice specific to your circumstances.
Water updates
- Residents on the Fernleigh Scheme can now collect treated water from the tap at the corner of Dairy Farm Road and Inland Road.
- Residents on both the Fernleigh and Kincaid schemes are asked to continue conserving water while teams work urgently to repair and restore supplies.
- The Peketā Boil Water Notice remains in place until further notice.
Roading updates
- Cribb Creek Bridge remains impassable after the approach was washed away. A temporary ford crossing is expected to be available for 4WD access as early as tomorrow.
- Inland Road remains closed while bridge works continue.
- Kahutara Bridge and Greenburn Bridge are both intact and passable.
- Puhi Puhi is accessible by 4WD only. Please take extreme care.
State Highway 1
State Highway 1 south remains closed between Kaikōura and Cheviot due to extensive flood and slip damage. NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi advises the closure is expected to remain in place until at least 14 July while repair work continues.
Be aware of landslide risks
Following the heavy rainfall, we're reminding everyone to stay alert for signs of landslides on your property and around the district.
Prolonged rainfall can increase the risk of slips and landslides, which can occur suddenly and without warning. Road embankments and steep slopes are particularly vulnerable.
Warning signs to watch for include:
- Small slips, rockfalls, or ground subsidence at the base of slopes.
- Doors and windows that suddenly become difficult to open or close
- New gaps around door and window frames
- Steps, decks, verandas, or other structures shifting or tilting
- New cracks or bulges in the ground, roads, footpaths, or retaining walls
- Leaning trees, fences, or retaining walls
- Water unexpectedly emerging from slopes, such as a new spring
If you suspect a landslide on your property, move out of its path immediately.
If access is cut off or there is an immediate risk to life or property, call 111.
Report slips or debris on public roads to Kaikōura District Council on 03 319 5026.
