Check the bottom of this page for useful links.

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12pm October 24 - This will be our final update.

Important information for rural residents.

MainPower have received reports of people clearing debris and fallen trees from their properties. They ask that this stop until they have had a chance to assess any downed power lines, which may still be live.

Please wait until these assessments are complete.

The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in council Chambers will be winding down at midday today.

A huge thank you to everyone involved in supporting the response, including NZRT12, volunteers, Environment Canterbury staff, Police, FENZ, MainPower, Council teams, and contractors who have worked tirelessly across the district.

MainPower crews continue to work through the remaining power outages, which are still affecting around 420 households. They will communicate directly with residents once they have a clearer idea of restoration timelines.

Please stay away from rivers which will contain debris and multiple hazards. Environment Canterbury River Engineers are going to continue to monitor rivers.

Please still remain careful and cautious when driving on the roads some of our signage is damaged or missing such as give-ways, stop signs and chevrons. We are working to get these restores as soon as possible.

Thank you all for following the advice, being prepared and staying safe during this event.

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9.30am October 24

Yesterday’s strong winds and heavy rain impacted parts of the district, leading to significant river flows and some surface hazards.

People can now return home after the voluntary evacuations last night.

Voluntary evacuations were advised for residents in Kairaki and Pines Beach once the 2500 m³/s trigger was reached. Rivers remain dangerous, with debris and hidden hazards, so people are urged to stay well clear.

Drive carefully. Road signage has been damaged and missing, eg stop signs, give-way signs and chevrons, etc.  We've got contractors on the road fixing and re-erecting signage.

A huge thank you to everyone involved in supporting the response, including NZRT12, volunteers, Environment Canterbury staff, Police, FENZ, MainPower, and our Council teams, and contractors who have worked tirelessly across the district. MainPower crews are continuing to work through remaining power outages, which are still affecting around 420 households. We also appreciate the support of Minister Mitchell, who is in the region to support the local response and those involved.

Our infrastructure stood up incredibly well during this event.

Power outages are still affecting two water supplies, Garrymere and Oxford 1, which are currently running on generators, but residents can use water as normal.

Importantly, we never dropped service levels at any stage of the event and still had significant capacity available should conditions have worsened.

This resilience is the result of the Council’s long-term investment in critical infrastructure, the vision of elected members to prioritise that investment, and the dedication of our staff, both out in the field and in the Emergency Operations Centre.

It has been an incredibly well-run emergency response, and we are proud of the professionalism and teamwork shown across all levels.

We encourage the community to keep an eye on official updates and continue sharing accurate information through their networks.

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8am October 24

Rivers

The Waimakariri River peaked at 2700 m³/s. Our trigger for voluntary evacuations was 2500 m³/s so we advised residents in Kairaki and Pines Beach to voluntarily evacuate. The levels did not reach our trigger for mandatory evacuation of 3000 m³/s. Rivers still extremely dangerous with debris and hazards so please keep clear.

The Environment Canterbury Flood Controller is keeping an eye on things until we are through high tide. We will then advise if it is safe for residents to return home.

Heavy rain in the high country has eased, and there are no weather warnings currently in place for Canterbury. https://www.metservice.com/

Hazards

Fallen trees, branches, power lines, and debris are still scattered across the district. So please drive with care and plan your journey with https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner

Rubbish Collection

As per normal for Friday.  Yesterday's (Thursday) missed collections will now happen Saturday.

💛 Thank You, Waimakariri

A huge thanks to everyone who prepared, stayed safe, and supported each other. Your efforts have made a real difference.

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9pm October 23

MetService has now lifted its wind warnings. Waimakariri River levels have stabilised but due to peak river flows being expected at 11pm the voluntary evacuation notices for Kairaki and The Pines remain in place.

Residents will be able to return home in the morning.

Approximately 2200 homes remain without power overnight. If you are without power, plan for this to continue throughout the night. MainPower will be back at first light repairing power lines.

We encourage any residents who need support overnight to contact our afterhours service (0800 965 468) and ask to be put through to our Emergency Management Advisor.

This will be our final update for the night. Our Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) will open again in the morning.

Kairaki – The Pines Voluntary Evacuation

Police and Civil Defence staff have been door knocking and encouraging voluntary evacuation.

Roads into the area will be monitored overnight so only residents have access.

Our advice is to evacuate to friends and family in the first instance. There is a Welfare Centre at the Kaiapoi Rugby Club (1 Smith Street, Kaiapoi) for those who need support, food and accommodation.

Residents will be able to return home in the morning.

Power (MainPower)

• There are still approximately 2200 MainPower customers without power. If you don't have power now, you shouldn’t expect to get power overnight. Crews will be out restoring power at first light.
• Treat all lines as live at all times. Power can be restored at any moment, so no line should be assumed safe.
• FENZ have advised not to use candles. Please use torches as an alternative. If you have to use a candle, don't leave it unattended or near flammable material like curtains.
• MainPower is aware of many power lines down across the district due to the severe winds. Crews are working as quickly and safely as possible but cannot reach every incident immediately.
• To see the Outages Map visit - https://outages.mainpower.co.nz/

Roads

• A reminder that there will be a lot of debris on our roads in the morning. Please be cautious and avoid downed power lines.
• Keep an eye out on road closures here.
• DO NOT attempt to cross a ford that is closed.

Water Supply – Ashley & Loburn Areas

There are ongoing power outages in the Hurunui District affecting the pump sheds that supply water to the Ashley and Loburn areas.

Please help by conserving water and using it only for essential domestic purposes such as drinking, short showers, and providing water to stock where necessary.

• Delay non-urgent, high water-use activities such as:
  * Using dishwashers or washing machines
  * Taking baths or long showers
  * Watering gardens or using sprinklers
• Keep a supply of drinking water for several days in case outages continue

Water and Wastewater

• There are ongoing power outages affecting parts of the water supply and wastewater network.
• Please help by conserving water and limiting toilet flushes, as systems are under pressure.
• Delay non-urgent, high water-use activities such as:
• Using dishwashers or washing machines
• Taking baths or long showers
• Watering gardens or using sprinklers
• Keep a supply of drinking water for several days in case outages continue

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6pm October 23

Significant rain at the headwaters has caused the Waimakariri River to rise significantly. There is a high risk Kairaki stop banks will be breached.

Wind has died down and our focus is shifting from managing the event and clearing roads to evacuating some at risk properties at Kairaki Beach.

Flooding Risk

Kairaki Beach & The Pines

• There is a high risk the stop bank at Kairaki Beach may be topped at approx. 11pm tonight
• Kairaki (Featherston Avenue) residents are encouraged to voluntarily evacuate before it gets dark. You will be door knocked if you need to leave.
• The Pines residents should also prepare a go-bag in case the area reaches the point requiring voluntary evacuations.
• There is a chance the area will be isolated if road access is cut off
• Anyone white baiting in the area should evacuate immediately
• Roads into the area will be monitored overnight so only residents have access.
• Our advice is to evacuate to friends and family in the first instance. There is a Welfare Centre open by 7pm at Kaiapoi Rugby Club (1 Smith Street, Kaiapoi) for those who need support, food and accommodation.

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1.30pm October 23

Ashley Gorge Reserve

We’ve received reports of fallen trees and debris within the Ashley Gorge Reserve.
For your safety, please avoid the area until further notice while conditions remain unsafe.

Power Update

MainPower is aware of a large number of lines on the ground due to this weather. They do not have the resources to get to all of these incidents quickly.

TREAT ALL LINES AS LIVE AT ALL TIMES.

Power can be restored at any time. MainPower are getting to all faults as quickly and safely as they can.

Water Supply – Ashley & Loburn Areas

There are ongoing power outages in the Hurunui District affecting the pump sheds that supply water to the Ashley and Loburn areas.
Please help by conserving water and using it only for essential domestic purposes such as drinking, short showers, and providing water to stock where necessary.

• Delay non-urgent, high water-use activities such as:
  * Using dishwashers or washing machines
  * Taking baths or long showers
  * Watering gardens or using sprinklers
• Keep a supply of drinking water for several days in case outages continue.

Water and Wastewater

There are ongoing power outages affecting parts of the water supply and wastewater network.
Please help by conserving water and limiting toilet flushes, as systems are currently under pressure.

• Delay non-urgent, high water-use activities such as:
  • Using dishwashers or washing machines
  • Taking baths or long showers
  • Watering gardens or using sprinklers
• Keep a supply of drinking water for several days in case outages continue.

Affected Water Supplies:
Oxford Rural 1, Oxford Rural 2, Oxford Urban, Mandeville, West Eyreton, Summerhill, Poyntzs

Affected Wastewater Network:
Oxford

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10.30am October 23

Severe Weather Update – Oxford and Surrounding Areas

Our crews on the ground are reporting extreme winds in Oxford, it is not safe with flying debris and fallen trees across several roads.
The wind is funnelling toward Cust, with a peak expected mid-morning and another later this afternoon.

There are also significant power outages affecting Oxford, surrounding rural areas, and parts of Kaiapoi. Please be aware that some traffic signals may not be operating where power is out.

👉 Stay indoors and avoid all non-essential travel.

Fire Safety

A total ban on open fires and fireworks is in force across the whole of Canterbury. This means no new fires at all, for any reason, and no fireworks.

• We are asking every landowner, agricultural contractor, forestry manager and lifestyle block owner to help us avoid any more fires starting, or reigniting from previous burns.

• Anyone who has had an outdoor fire since the beginning of September is asked to check it and make sure it is completely out. If you see any sign of heat or smoke, please act immediately to fully wet down the site. If this is not possible, call 111 so that firefighters can assist.

This week showed the devastating effects that wildfires have on communities, putting lives at risk and causing significant damage. We are asking everyone to do their bit to make sure this doesn't happen anywhere else.

Water and Wastewater

There are ongoing power outages affecting parts of the water supply and wastewater network.
Please help by conserving water and limiting toilet flushes, as systems are currently under pressure.

• Delay non-urgent, high water-use activities such as:
  • Using dishwashers or washing machines
  • Taking baths or long showers
  • Watering gardens or using sprinklers
• Keep a supply of drinking water for several days in case outages continue.

Affected Water Supplies:
Oxford Rural 1, Oxford Rural 2, Oxford Urban, Mandeville, West Eyreton, Summerhill, Poyntzs

Affected Wastewater Network:
Oxford

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4.30pm October 22

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."

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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

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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.

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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.