Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) attended weather-related callouts in Wairoa, Nūhaka and Mahia, Fenz central shift manager Karen McDonald said.
At least three homes in Nūhaka were evacuated, with the occupants sent to the local marae. Four houses had flooded in Nūhaka and one in Māhia.
Police received a number of reports of weather-related road blockages in Nūhaka, Whakaki, Mohaka, and a few houses evacuated on State Highway 2 in Nūhaka.
A police statement said they were aware of a tree down over the road on SH2 in Nūhaka, a slip on SH2 in Mohaka, and flooding on SH2 in Whakaki, where vehicles had become stuck.
“Police have not received any reports of injuries at this time. Police advise members of the public to avoid heavily flooded areas, including SH2 between Whirinaki and Manutuke.”
State Highway 2 between Napier and Gisborne closed early Wednesday due to flooding and fallen trees but was reopened late morning. It would close again at night for a period to clear vegetation near Tangoio.
“Delays of up to 30 minutes are expected while the State Highway is closed to carry out this work,” a Waka Kothai NZ Transport Agency statement said.
“To minimise disruption, the work will be carried out from 6pm. We want to thank all motorists for their patience while these works are carried out.”
State Highway 38 from Wairoa to Waikaremoana was also closed but reopened late Wednesday morning.
A Facebook post from electricity distributors Firstlight Network said the only power off on Wednesday morning was in Te Rēinga, affecting 33 customers.
“With road closures and surface flooding in areas around the district, please take extra care out there. Report any damage to power lines and poles, or issues with your power, to our faults line: 0800 206 207,” the post said.
‘Hell of a lot of rain’
Wairoa mayor Craig Little said there had been a “hell of a lot of rain” in the area but rivers hadn’t breached as it was low tide.
He asked people to talk to their neighbours and keep in touch with as many people as they could as well as checking local council social media.
He said he thought there was enough warning, and that people were evacuated in a timely manner, but that there was definitely “rain anxiety” every time something like this happened after Cyclone Gabrielle.
An evacuation centre was available at the Wairoa War Memorial Hall and at Tanenuiarangi Marae in Nūhaka.
In the 12 hours from 7pm Tuesday, Wairoa received 129mm of rain, peaking around midnight with 28.6mm in one hour.
Anything over 6mm in an hour is considered heavy rain, with downpours at 25mm or more, MetService meteorologist Clare O’Connor said.
While the rainfall did not reach the “torrential” classification of 40mm, “it wouldn’t have been a good time”.
”With everything else they’ve gone through this year it would definitely be unwelcome.”
However the early warnings and watches that were issued had hopefully given people enough time to prepare.
”The rain band is pushing north, but it’s also weakening as it goes. It doesn’t mean those further north will see the same situation,” O’Connor said.
A MetService post on X/Twitter said an intense band of rain had set up over the Wairoa District last night, with almost 110mm of rain at the Wairoa weather station in five hours.
“The rain is on the way out, and they’re in for a run of dry days which will aid in the clean up.”
Roads and schools closed by flooding, trees, landslips
Nūhaka School posted to Facebook that it was closed for all of Wednesday.
“What a rough night. We send our love and thoughts to everyone affected by the flooding last night in Nūhaka, Wairoa and around our farming district,” the post said.
“Due to the flooding, and Road Closures, and to take care of your safety, SCHOOL IS CLOSED TODAY. Please stay home, take care and check on your neighbors.”
Wairoa Primary School also asked parents to keep their children home if possible.
Little said the community was one that he knew would band together and help each other out.
His son had just come from Frasertown and said the feeling was that it was very irritating for people who had been through it before.
“How much do you take?”
Little’s message for the community was one of solidarity: “Be strong. We’re a great community and those who haven’t been affected if you could help others who have that would be a really big help.”
“We’re pretty isolated and we’re used to that. Keep watching the council site, there’s lots of detail on there and options for people to get support if they are in a bad way. People will be calling on you to make sure you are fine as well.”
