Community Update - 4pm Monday 13th July - Flooding event

Good Afternoon Everyone

We are pleased to bring positive news that Kaikōura has officially moved out of a state of emergency today and transitioned into the recovery phase. Certain emergency powers will remain in place for the next 28 days just in case we need them. Our focus will be Rural, Social, People, Environment & Infrastructure. We have established an experienced team of local and remote support to help steer us through our recovery.

Roading & Access

Works on SH1 are still being conducted at the Conway site. The work is very challenging, as the road has significantly eroded. It is unlikely to be open by tomorrow and the road remains closed to general public.

Cribb Creek Bridge is still undergoing works, with a ford being created for smaller 4WD vehicles. The ford is looking to be upgraded later this week to facilitate truck access to farms. This will NOT FACILITATE ACCESS TO WAIAU OR CHRISTCHURCH, as Hurunui District roads to the south are still under repair and remain closed to the public. There are several slips and areas where the road surface is broken.

Currently the only access to Christchurch and south for the general public remains the long route via Marlborough.

Puhi Puhi Road has now been cleared for 4WD access but is in poor condition, remaining accessible to residents only. Works are underway to improve the safety of this road, but it is likely to be quite some time before it is fully repaired.

Innovative Waste Kaikōura Closing

Innovative Waste will be at capacity by the end of today. They will be closing tomorrow, Tuesday 14 July, to remove rubbish and create more capacity.

Please check their website and Facebook page for more information and notifications.

Welfare

Our welfare teams have continued their efforts in checking in on the community.

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

Contact our Kaikōura District Council Recovery Team: 03 319 5026

022 061 4558

joanna.york@kaikoura.govt.nz

It is normal for people to feel stressed or overwhelmed following a significant event. Free support is available through 1737 and the North Canterbury Rural Support Trust.

Housing Assessments (Rural and Urban)

No new changes have been reported.

Our teams are continuing to assess properties as required.

Water

The Kincaid Water Scheme is still being topped up by tanker; however, this should be the last day, and the scheme is close to restarting.

The Fernleigh Water Scheme is operational, with two properties still to receive water as pressure rebuilds. Innovative Waste Kaikōura is working on the scheme today, looking for leaks and other issues.

The process to remove the boil water notice for Peketa will start today, with Hill Laboratories being commissioned to begin the three days of testing required (with clean results) to lift the notice.

Further information will be shared as available.

Stock Management & Animal Welfare

We remain 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 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.

Mental Health Needs

Whether you have been directly impacted or not, natural disasters can be incredibly stressful. It is normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even agitated. Everyone reacts differently, and that is okay.

Here are a few ways to support your wellbeing and those around you:

Take care of basic needs — food, rest, and connection

Listen and offer practical help where you can

Breathe deeply and remind yourself you are safe now

Stay connected — reach out to loved ones

Limit media exposure and stick to trusted sources like Kaikōura District Council and Civil Defence Emergency Management Canterbury for information on the flood event.

If you need to talk, support is available:

1737 – Free call or text any time to talk to a trained counsellor

More mental health support options:

info.health.nz/mental-health/where-to-get-help

It is okay to feel a bit all over the place right now. You are not alone, please reach out if you would like to talk to someone.

Something to Look Forward To

This Thursday, 16 July, there will be a social and informative session for anyone affected by or involved in the recent weather event.

A coffee cart will be at Farmlands on Beach Road from 9am to 2pm, and a barbecue will be available from 11am to 1pm, sponsored by Farmlands and Property Brokers.

Representatives from Kaikōura District Council, FMG Insurance, and Kaikōura Health will be there to say hello and help answer any questions or concerns.

This is a great opportunity for people to come together, reconnect, and have their questions answered over a coffee and some kai.

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