Community Update - Flooding Event - 6pm Friday 10th July

Thanks to today's fine weather, our teams have been out across the district delivering welfare support and carrying out detailed damage assessments that weren't possible earlier this week due to poor visibility.

Infrastructure and access

Following Rapid Building Assessments, two homes in the South Bay area have been issued precautionary red stickers due to landslide risk. These properties will be reassessed by geotechnical engineers in the coming days. Three other properties across the district have received yellow stickers due to flood damage.

Thank you to everyone who continues to report potential risks in their area. As conditions dry out, further issues may emerge, so please remain vigilant and let us know if you have any concerns. Information on what to look for regarding landslide risk is included below.

Aerial bridge assessments today showed:

• Cribb Creek Bridge is completely impassable. The approach has been washed away. The bridge itself is still standing..
• Lynton Bridge is currently accessible by 4WD only.
• Kahutara Bridge and Greenburn Bridge are both intact and passable.

Encouragingly, water levels continue to recede. We hope work can begin within the next day or so on establishing a temporary ford at Cribb Creek to restore access.

Puhi Puhi is now accessible by 4WD only. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution.

State Highway 1 South remains closed between Kaikōura and Cheviot due to extensive slip and flood damage, including a new rock and vegetation slip that has added to repair efforts. NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi advises this section is expected to remain closed until at least 14 July.

MainPower has now restored electricity to all rural residents, including those around Inland Road who have been without power since Tuesday.

Welfare

Tomorrow, welfare teams will return to Blue Duck and Puhi Puhi, and hopefully Waiau Toa/Clarence, to continue checking on residents in affected areas.

If you need support, or would simply like someone to check in on you, please get in touch with Council.

Kincaid and Fernleigh water supplies

Residents connected to the Kincaid and Fernleigh water schemes are asked to continue conserving water until supplies can be fully restored.

A water tanker has provided additional supply to support the Kincaid scheme, but supply has not yet returned to normal levels.

Repair work is currently underway on the Fernleigh scheme, where a damaged section of pipe is being replaced. Once complete, around 80 per cent of the scheme's supply is expected to be restored.

Boil Water Notice

The Boil Water Notice remains in place for the Peketā Rural Water Supply until further notice.

Rapid Rural Damage Assessments

We're reminding flood-affected farmers to please complete the Rural Rapid Damage Assessment (RRDA) survey.

The information collected will help build a clear picture of flood impacts across the district and identify where recovery support is needed most.

Complete the Rural Rapid Damage Assessment (RRDA) survey

Be aware of landslide risks

As the heavy rain subsides, we're reminding everyone to stay alert for signs of landslides on their property and around the district.

Prolonged rainfall can destabilise slopes, increasing the likelihood of slips and landslides that can occur suddenly and without warning. Steep slopes and road embankments are particularly vulnerable.

Warning signs to watch for include:

• Small slips, rockfalls, or ground subsidence at the base of slopes
• Doors or windows suddenly becoming 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.

Looking after yourself and others

Whether you've been directly impacted or not, events like these can be emotionally and physically exhausting. Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or unsettled is a normal response.

A few ways to support your wellbeing and those around you:

• Take care of the basics — food, rest, and connection
• Check in on neighbours, whānau, friends, and workmates
• Offer practical help where you can
• Take a break from social media and stick to trusted sources of information
• Remember that recovery takes time, and it's okay to ask for help

If you need someone to talk to, support is available:

1737 — Free call or text anytime to speak with a trained counsellor.

North Canterbury Rural Support Trust provides free and confidential support for farmers, growers, and rural communities across Aotearoa New Zealand - 0800 787 254

The resilience, patience, and community spirit shown across Kaikōura over the past few days has been remarkable. We will continue to share updates as more information becomes available.

Kia kaha, Kaikōura