The new opening on the Wairoa river bar on Wednesday afternoon. Photo / HBRC
A new opening has been cut into the Wairoa River bar as a precaution before tonight’s predicted heavy rain.
However, it is unclear whether the new opening will successfully hold, given swell conditions were pushing some material back on Wednesday afternoon.
Hawke’s Bay has been placed under an orange heavy rain warning from 10am Wednesday to 10am Thursday, with potential for 100mm to 150mm of rain.
The heaviest periods of rain are expected Wednesday night.
The highest rain warning level issued by MetService is red, which has been issued for other parts of the North Island, including Northland, Bay of Plenty and Gisborne north of Tolaga Bay.
As of this afternoon, a channel had been cut through for a new opening to the ocean, but the regional council confirmed materials were being pushed back by the swell, and they would reassess it on Thursday morning.
The purpose of the opening attempt was a precaution with more heavy rain on the way, and also a good opportunity to re-establish a new opening in a good location of the Wairoa River bar.
The river was flowing well through its current mouth to the west of Pilot Hill, but the new opening to the east of Pilot Hill would essentially make a more direct route for the water in the river to flow out to sea.
“Down at the river mouth, we have a lowered crest, and part of the thinking of that lowered crest was that we would not need such a long lead-in to have an attempt to open it,” said Hawke’s Bay Regional councillor Di Roadley, who represents Wairoa.
“That is where they are working, in the lowered crest, which is why they [only started] this morning.”
She said sea swells, sea levels, and the height of the river all had to be right before the cut could be made into the bar, as there had to be enough water to “flush” through and create a new opening.
Roadley acknowledged residents feeling anxious ahead of the latest deluge, and said “our absolute empathy goes out to our whanua”.
Wairoa suffered a serious flood in June 2024, which drew plenty of criticism about the management of the bar.
There are cameras on the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council website where people can watch progress of the opening attempt.
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council contractors were also working on Wednesday to “straighten out the ‘dog leg’ in the Esk River mouth” north of Napier, ahead of the heaviest rainfall as a precaution, a regional council post stated. A digger was visible at that location on Wednesday early afternoon.
HBRC chair Sophie Siers acknowledged weather like this could feel worrying “specially given what many of the community has been through”.
“I want to reassure you that we are closely watching conditions and have taken some precautionary actions.
“River levels are expected to rise in some catchments, though not to a significant level.
“In the Kopuawhara and Nūhaka areas near Wairoa, there is the potential for higher rainfall — up to 175mm from Wednesday night through to Thursday midday. This could cause rivers to rise quickly, and we’re asking people in these areas to take extra care.
“Surface flooding is also expected in some areas.
“Our teams are on the ground and actively monitoring rivers, river mouths, and coastal conditions throughout the day and pump stations overnight.
“We’ve taken precautionary actions, including positioning the Wairoa River mouth in its optimal location and having mobile pumps on standby in Haumoana if they’re needed.”
MetService’s orange heavy rain warning stated: “streams and rivers may rise rapidly [and] surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible”.
Hastings District Council announced reserve closures until Thursday morning, due to the heavy rainfall, including at Evers-Swindell Reserve in Clive, Haumoana Reserve, and Waimarama Domain.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) says people should take care around coastlines.
“We are seeing extreme conditions forecast in many areas and strongly advise that people stay away from the water – don’t put yourselves or others at risk, including surf lifeguards," SLSNZ general manager lifesaving Andy Kent said.
“Additionally, Surf Life Saving Search & Rescue squads across Northland, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty and Hawke’s Bay are standing by for a rapid response if required.”
High winds are also forecast on Wednesday night and on Thursday in Hawke’s Bay, and off the coast.
Eastern coastlines across the North Island are already experiencing heavy swells that may not ease until next week, so storm-spectators, rock-fishers, and surfers in particular are being urged to not to overestimate their abilities nor underestimate their environment.
Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence stated, in a social media post on Wednesday morning, that teams across Hawke’s Bay Emergency Management, the region’s five councils, and partner agencies were currently monitoring the situation and “co-ordinating our preparedness”.
HB Civil Defence recommended people can help by clearing drains and gutters, moving valuables and vehicles away from flood-prone areas, relocating stock from low-lying land, bringing pets indoors, and having essentials ready in case of power outages or road closures, and a grab bag and evacuation plan ready as a precaution.
“Remember, never enter, swim, or drive through flood water,” the post read.
“Driving conditions may be hazardous, so avoid unnecessary travel and, if you are on the roads, take extra care and drive to the conditions.”