Warnings issued over rising rivers and lakes in Bay

Following heavy rain overnight Bay of Plenty Regional Council is monitoring lakes and rivers in the region.

Warnings have been issued for the Kaituna, Whakatana, Waimana and Waioeka/Otara rivers, which continue to rise.

Regional council has advised people in rural communities around these rivers to move low-lying stock to higher ground.

Trustpower was advised to open the spillway at the Matahina Dam to manage rising lake levels, which will increase river levels.

Lakes around the Bay have filled up overnight and the Okere Gates were opened to alleviate lake level flows, but the Kaituna River is still sustainable for rafting .

Council reported the Western Bay of Plenty received 70mm to 100mm of rain in the last 24 hours.

Principal engineering surveyor Graeme O'Rourke said the lake and river level rises were due to a stationary front overnight that brought more rain than anticipated.

"Council continues to monitor the situation and will issue warnings as appropriate. We have staff on the ground in the affected areas. We will keep the community informed as the situation progresses."

Another few hours of rain is expected in the Eastern Bay, with a heavy rain warning still in force until mid-afternoon.