With more rain in the forecast, Horowhenua District Council’s Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) team continue to monitor flooding in the district and are on standby to scale up our response if needed.

Flooding due to consistent rainfall caused power outages and flooding in isolated areas during the past few days. Power has been restored to affected properties in Waitārere Beach, and flooding has improved in some areas.

More rain is expected overnight and in the coming days across the district. There are no weather watches or warnings currently in place but consistent rain could cause further issues.

Chief Executive Monique Davidson says, “We have responded to multiple non-urgent requests regarding surface flooding in Hōkio Beach and Waitārere Beach caused by the weather. Our teams have been in contact with residents in affected areas to assess and offer support where needed. We will continue to respond to calls about flooding and monitor roads around the district. Additional welfare checks will be made if the situation worsens.”

Due to consistent heavy rain, surface water levels are abnormally high. A number of rain events this winter have seen the groundwater table full up, meaning soils are saturated and surface water can’t drain away as well as it normally would.

Affected areas

Flooding has been reported at the following locations:

• Hōkio Beach
• Kingi Street
• Tuiti Street.
• Waitārere Beach
• Waitārere Rise
• Ramona Avenue
• Waka Tete Place
• Kanuka Drive.

There is also flooding on the corner of Hickford Road and Foxton-Shannon Road.

Please travel with caution in these areas.

Animal Welfare

Council’s Animal Welfare team has been working with HUHA to offer support to any animals impacted by the adverse weather. We encourage people to call us on 06 366 0999 with any Animal Welfare matters. Our team will prioritise calls as they come in and respond accordingly.

Assistance available

Please call Council on 06 366 0999 if you have been affected by the current weather event and need support.

© Scoop Media