Wairoa District Council Controller Nathan Heath is urging residents living in low-lying areas to leave immediately as conditions continue to deteriorate.

Mr Heath said flood modelling and eyes on the ground indicate river levels are rising rapidly tonight as significant rainfall moves through the upper catchments.

Wairoa Police and Fire Emergency Service personnel have started evacuating house in Kopu Road and Ngamotu Road along Kihitu.

"We are asking people to take this seriously" Mr Heath says.

"The river mouth is currently open, but the outgoing flow is competing with large swells of around three to four metres.

"More water is also making its way down the catchment, and further heavy rain is forecast overnight.

"High tide is expected around 1:38am, which has the potential to slow the river's ability to discharge into the sea.

"Taken together, these factors mean there is an increased risk of flooding in low-lying parts of our district."

Floodwater has already begun crossing Kopu Road in the Sturdee Street area, resulting in the road being closed.

Wairoa Police and Fire Emergency Service personnel have been conducting door knocks to ensure residents are aware of the changing conditions and to assist anyone who may need to evacuate.

"The most important thing people can do is make a decision early," Mr Heath said.

"If you feel unsafe or are concerned about where you live, don't wait for someone to tell you to leave.

Move now to higher ground or stay with family or friends if you can. Leaving early is always the safest option."

The Wairoa War Memorial Hall has been established as an evacuation centre for anyone requiring a safe place to stay.

Across the district, emergency services, Council staff, Hawke's Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management, New Zealand Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, Firstlight Network and contractors continue to monitor conditions and respond as required.

Road users are also being urged to take extreme care.

Trees have fallen on State Highway 2 south of Cricklewood, while debris has come across the highway at the Bluff near Whakaki.

Response crews are working to clear hazards as quickly as conditions allow.

State Highway 2 between Napier and Kotemaori remains open with no reported issues at the time of writing.

Weather conditions have also resulted in a number of power outages across the district. Firstlight Network crews are responding to multiple faults affecting communities including Waihua, Raupunga, Mohaka, Kotemaori, Putere, Otoi, Ohuka, Ruakituri, Te Reinga, Erepiti, Patunamu, Ruapapa, Rangiahua, Ardkeen, Waihi and Piripaua.

Mr Heath said emergency management teams would continue monitoring conditions throughout the night.

"We know these situations can be unsettling, but we would rather people prepare now than find themselves trying to leave in dangerous conditions."

"Our message is simple. Stay informed, avoid unnecessary travel, never drive through floodwater, and if you live in a flood-prone area, be prepared to move at short notice."

Residents are encouraged to continue monitoring official updates from Wairoa District Council, Hawke's Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management, NZTA and Firstlight Network.

9 July 2026

Back to Home