The Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell has declared a state of local emergency for the Canterbury Region, to assist in the response to the current severe weather.

The Minister signed the declaration at 03:24pm today.

“I have made this declaration as the Canterbury Mayors have not yet been able to be sworn in following the recent local elections,” Mr Mitchell said.

“The National Emergency Management Agency have been in close contact with the Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Group and confirmed that a declaration is necessary.

“The state of local emergency will ensure local Civil Defence have access to the emergency powers they need to respond and support emergency services during this event.”

“This is a significant weather event that is causing impacts around many parts of the country. My thoughts are with everyone that has been affected.

“Listen to advice provided by your local Civil Defence Emergency Management Group and emergency services and follow any instructions. Put safety first. Don’t take any chances."

---

4pm October 22

There will be no bin collections tomorrow. Thursday collections will move to Saturday

Council Service Centres, pools,  libraries and the Southbrook resource recovery park will be closed.

Expect Power outages

These outages could last several Days

There is also a likelihood that areas will lose internet and phone connectivity due to power cut to the cell towers.

Plan ahead

Check the No Power Plan on Mainpower’s Website

https://www.mainpower.co.nz/outages/prepare-for-an-outage/

Mainpower is also asking all medically dependent customers to make sure their information is up to date with their power retailer

Destructive winds may cause widespread damage, including to trees, powerlines, and roofs. Flying debris and falling trees pose a threat to life, and driving conditions will be very dangerous.

If the power goes out please conserve water and “flushes” as the water and wastewater network will be under pressure

Ensure you have a supply of drinking water to last several days

---

9am October 22 

MetService has issued a Strong Wind Warning  - Red for 6hrs from 10am - 4pm Thurs, 23 Oct for Christchurch and Canterbury Plains. Severe gale northwesterlies with damaging gusts of 130km/h in exposed places.

Updates will be shared across media channels including radio, in case of power outages.

What to expect

Threat to life from flying items and falling trees. Destructive winds will cause widespread damage including powerlines and roofs, with dangerous driving conditions and significant disruption to transport and power supply.

Prepare your property by securing items that can be picked up by strong winds. Drive cautiously. Preparedness advice.

What to do

• Prepare your property. Use the lull in the wind on Wednesday to get ready.
• Secure outdoor items and check your property for anything that could become airborne e.g. trampolines, outdoor furniture, rubbish bins.
• Stay indoors or seek sturdy shelter away from trees.
• Avoid travel. There will be heavy winds and debris across the road network. If you have to drive, consider leaving early and take extra care, especially for lighter or high sided vehicles and motorcycles.
• Stay away from downed powerlines. Phone MainPower if you see any damage to lines.
• Stay informed via radio, local council Facebook pages, and the CDEM Canterbury website.
• Check any outdoor fire sites from the last two weeks. If you find any heat, smoke, or embers, pour water over the area until it is cold to the touch.
• Do not light any outdoor fires.
• Do not carry out activities that could cause sparks or ignition outdoors, e.g. using gas cookers.
• Stay away from parks and other places where there are large trees. Tūhaitara Coastal Park is closed.
• Avoid rivers. River levels are expected to rise significantly. Please avoid these areas until waters recede to normal levels.
• Medically dependent people should check with their healthcare professional to ensure they had everything they needed if they were without power or isolated for a time - and consider relocating if they can.
• Kerbside collections for Thursday will move to Saturday 25 October. There will be no change to Friday collections.
• All bin deliveries/repairs scheduled for tomorrow will be postponed and carried out over Friday and Saturday.

Have you lost power?

If you find yourself without power, or need to report damage to power lines Call MainPower.

You can see the extent of current outages on this map.

If the power goes out, eat the food from your fridge first, then your freezer. Then eat the food in the cupboard or your emergency kit.

Road closures

Keep an eye out on road closures here.

DO NOT attempt to cross a ford that is closed.

How to report an issue

You can report issues throughout the day to us quickly and easily via our website.

If your query is urgent please call us on 0800 965 468 (0800 WMK GOV).

If you, your family, or your property are at risk at any time, call 111 immediately.