Wairoa Mayor Craig Little has extended heartfelt sympathies to Wairoa whānau whose homes and properties flooded last night.

"This is a particularly bitter pill to swallow as it is just two years after the June 2024 river mouth flooding and many of those families who have only just been able to get back in their homes have been flooded again," Mayor Little says. 

"It is early stages and we are still gathering information.

"We know that some homes, lower-lying garages, and outbuildings have flooded, but we have not yet quantified the damage.

"Responders will be on the ground today assessing the situation."

Last night, residents in the Kopu Road and side street vicinity were evacuated, with around 50 registered evacuees spending the night in the War Memorial Hall, which has been set up as an evacuation centre, or in other accommodation.

A number of roads across the district remain closed or affected by flooding, fallen trees and debris.

Please stay away from floodwaters and do not attempt to drive through floodwaters.

For up-to-date road closures, visit the Wairoa District Council roading page.

Meanwhile, the orange heavy rain warning is in place for the Wairoa district at least until 10am this morning.

River modelling indicates that there is still a significant amount of rain from the upper catchments flowing into the Wairoa River, and flood levels are not expected to fall quickly.

There are, however, two big openings at the Wairoa River mouth, and the swell has dropped, making it easier for the floodwaters to get out to sea.

Wairoa declared a Local State of Emergency for the Wairoa District at 11pm last night, Thursday 9 July.

Mayor Little said Civil Defence responders and emergency staff had been monitoring the situation and taking action where needed.

The decision to declare followed significant flooding across the district, with rising river levels creating a risk to lives and affecting homes, businesses, farms, roads and essential services.

"Our emergency response resources were stretched and under pressure.

"Declaring a State of Emergency enabled additional access to emergency services and response agencies, allowing them to work together quickly, coordinate resources, and provide the support needed to keep our community safe as the situation continues to develop." 

Today, emergency management teams will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates through our website, social media channels, and other official communication platforms as new information becomes available.

Please stay safe, whānau, look after yourselves and each other.

If you need emergency assistance, please phone 111.

10 July 2026

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