Community Update 5.30pm- Flooding Event - Sunday 12th July 2026

Good evening, everyone.

This is a wrap-up for the day to keep you up to date with progress. The weather is looking favourable for recovery efforts, with rainfall below average.

Welfare
Our welfare teams have continued their efforts in checking in on the community, with a total of nine care packages distributed today to people in need and one additional person provided with emergency housing.

Please do not hesitate to contact us at KDC if you, or anyone you know, is in need of welfare support. We are here to support you.

🚜 Roading & Access
Ten properties are reported to be without vehicle access.
The Puhi Puhi Valley Road will receive a more detailed inspection by engineers tomorrow. People need to be exceptionally careful when driving on this road. It should be used by RESIDENTS ONLY, and we strongly discourage driving after dark.
Access across Cribb Creek is anticipated to be available for 4WD vehicles within the next day or two, with truck access to follow thereafter. Nigel Ross Contracting is on the job, and we will notify you once we have confirmed accessibility. In the meantime, Cribb Creek is not passable, and boulder barricades will remain in place.

Road closures
Inland Road remains closed.
Old Beach Road remains closed.

Bridge closures
Swan Creek Bridge (Old Beach Road)
Harnett's Creek Bridge (Old Beach Road)
Cribb Creek Bridge
Jordan Stream Bridge

SH1 South remains closed, with a possible single-lane opening from later this week. NZTA is working hard to reopen this route, and we will communicate further details as we know more.

🏠 Housing Assessments (Rural and Urban)
Two houses have received red placards, and four houses have received yellow placards, with a further two yellow placards yet to be signed off.

Our teams are continuing to assess properties as required.

💧 Water
People on the Fearnley Water Scheme should continue to conserve water. There is some damage to the scheme, and we are assessing immediate repair requirements, which may require up to 1 km of pipe replacement to restore it to normal operation.

🐄 Stock Management & Animal Welfare
We are aware of stock management issues related to water and feed access. We are currently working with MPI and the Rural Support Trust to coordinate assistance and support.
Please let us know if you require support by calling the KDC on (03) 319 5026 or Jo York after hours on 022 061 4558.

⚠️ Landslide Risk Remains Across the Kaikōura District
While the heavy rain has eased and floodwaters continue to recede, residents are being urged to stay alert for signs of landslides around their properties and across the district.

Prolonged rainfall can destabilise slopes, increasing the risk of slips and landslides that can occur suddenly and without warning. Steep slopes and road embankments are particularly vulnerable.
Landslide risk remains a key focus as the district moves into the recovery phase.

Warning signs of a landslide include:

Small slips, rockfalls, or sinking ground at the base of slopes
Doors and windows that suddenly stick
New gaps around door and window frames
Decks, steps, or verandas moving away from a house
New cracks or bulges in the ground, roads, footpaths, or retaining walls
Tilting trees, retaining walls, or fences
Water unexpectedly flowing from a slope, such as a new spring
If you suspect a landslide, move out of its path immediately and call 111.
If your home or building is at risk, evacuate if it is safe to do so. Take your grab bag and pets with you if possible, and warn neighbours if it is safe to do so.
Landslides can contain heavy, waterlogged soil and debris. For your safety, clean-up is best left to trained professionals.
Every report helps response and recovery teams understand the full impact of this event, prioritise support, and continue keeping our community safe as Kaikōura recovers.

Surge Staff and Support
Taskforce Kiwi is bringing in additional personnel on 17 July for up to two weeks. We are extremely grateful for the upcoming support, as well as for those already on the ground.

Today we said goodbye and a huge thank you to the amazing team of Civil Defence surge staff who stepped in to support us over the past four days. Their energy, expertise, dedication, and can-do attitude have been invaluable, and we are exceptionally grateful for their contribution.
Civil Defence responsibilities are now largely back with Council staff as we work to ensure a seamless transition from response to recovery.

💙 Continue to look out for one another, Kaikōura.
Stay alert and vigilant. We are in this together as we move towards the recovery phase of this journey.