Fun as Havelock North road turns into river

A burst water main in Havelock North on Tuesday caused consternation and a bit of fun as water flowed down Porter Drive and lapped around businesses.

Havelock North Playcentre president Louise Trent said water flooded through the gate and around the side of the building and "the entire street looked like a fast-flowing river".

"It was awesome - our children just loved it. The kids were out riding their push bikes through it."

An assistant from Video Ezy said the whole street flooded and water flowed down toward Havelock Rd.

"The water came right up to the door, but there was no damage - it was all cleared away by the afternoon," she said.

Havelock North Deputy Fire Chief Rod Triplow said he saw the water as he was driving through. The fire brigade wasn't called out, but "there was certainly a lot of water around and a fair bit of water sitting in the playcentre's yard".

Contractors from City Care soon had water valves turned off to stem the water flow, and an hour later the broken pipe had been excavated and repair work was under way.