MEDIA RELEASE
Date/Time: 12 June 2018 @ 5pm Release No: 4
Gisborne Civil Defence Evening Update
River levels have dropped below alert levels, and forecast rain is expected to miss the region overnight. Tairawhiti
Civil Defence Emergency Management and Gisborne District Council will continue to monitor river levels.
Civil Defence and Emergency Manager Louise Bennett is relieved to be past the worst of the situation “We had a nervous
night watching the river levels and are pleased they have all dropped below alert levels”
Earlier there were reports of people moving stock and working in the flood water, and although the situation is no
longer on alert, the message about personal safety is still the same. “Please stay indoors, flood waters can move
deceptively fast and can contain debris. It’s not worth the risk.” said Mrs Bennet.
Road crews are still working around the clock and will have support from crews from around the country helping to get
the roads open.
State Highway 2 north, is currently closed, but could open as early as tonight.
Tairawhiti Roads Journey Manager Helen Harris reinforces using caution on the roads, “Please drive to the conditions and
check the NZ Transport Agency website and Council website for Road closures. If you don’t need to travel please don’t.”
In the meantime we will continue to inform you of developments through our facebook page and our website.
We would also appreciate your help. If you see any road issues that we need to be aware of please contact GDC Customer
Services on (06) 867 2049.