Weather Event July 6 2026

The Kaikōura District is currently under a RED Rain Warning and it’s expected to last for 36 to 48 hours bringing 250 up to 600mm of rain, primarily to the Inland Range.

Our Civil Defence Team has been working since Sunday afternoon to understand the potential impacts to us as well as doing all possible advance mitigation. We are working with our agency partners including Fire, Police, MainPower and NZTA to be ready for whatever happens. These teams have already called for additional support from Canterbury that will be with us from Monday evening. Heavy rain may cause rivers and streams to rise rapidly.

There could be slippery conditions, surface flooding and slips. If you see rising water, act immediately and move to higher ground. Floodwater can carry debris. We ask you to take care, do not travel unless it is strictly necessary and take care on roads at all times.

Please reconsider postponing your travel plans for 48 hours during these school holidays.

If you are in Kaikōura town, please try to conserve water whenever possible. Under these storm conditions, we may lose power for periods in some areas. Please be patient and the services will be restored as early as they can. If you are worried about dropping temperatures due to electrical power cuts or have medical issues, please call 111 and please remember to check on your neighbours.

We have not needed to activate our Emergency Centres or to declare a State of Emergency yet, but we will take these actions if strictly necessary.

Thank you and take care out there.