Community Update - Flooding Event - 12pm Wednesday 8th July 2026

Weather conditions have eased somewhat across the district, with flood waters receding although further rainfall is still forecast.

Kowhai protection works have been put in place

Response teams remain on the ground assessing impacts across the district, including roads, bridges and other infrastructure. Assessments are continuing in areas including Oaro, Kekerengū, Hapuku, Puhi Puhi, Blue Duck Valley and Peketa.

Road Closures

Road closures remain in place and people are asked to respect all closures and avoid unnecessary travel.

Key closures currently include:

• State Highway 1 South Closed at Conway due to erosion and Hundalee due to slips.
• State Highway 1 North from Hapuku Bridge remains closed till NZTA undertake structural assessments. The road also appears closed at Ward
• Old Beach Road closed due to number of bridges damaged
• Swanns Creek Road closed
• Harnetts Road Bridge closed
• Postmans Road ford closed
• Parson Road, which remains flooded.
• Inland Road from Cribb Creek.

NZTA is continuing structural assessments of key transport routes and infrastructure. Roads will remain closed until they can be confirmed safe.

Please also be aware that some traffic management and road cones remain in place due to floodwater risks and ongoing assessments. Until these controls have been formally removed by contractors, motorists should treat those roads as closed and not drive past barriers or traffic management measures.

A 'Boil Water Notice' is in place for Peketa.

West End Update

A decision on reopening the West End area, including information relating to the preschool, is expected after midday today.

Returning Home

People who self-evacuated may return home if their property has not been damaged and they were not subject to an official evacuation request.

For residents concerned about damage to their property or flooding impacts, further information on building assessments will be provided once assessment teams have completed initial inspections and a coordinated process is in place.

Offering Assistance

Thank you to everyone who has reached out to offer help. The community support has been greatly appreciated. Contractors wishing to assist with response and recovery activities are asked to contact the Council directly so appropriate health and safety requirements can be coordinated.

We appreciate the patience and cooperation of residents while assessments continue. The safety of our community, visitors and response personnel remains our priority.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.