Emergency declared across parts of New Zealand amid severe rainfall

Authorities have declared multiple local states of emergency across New Zealand as heavy rainfall triggers rising river levels and widespread flooding risks.

In the Whanganui District, Mayor Andrew Tripe announced a local emergency following significant rainfall in the upper and middle catchments of the Whanganui River. Residents in low-lying areas, including Anzac Parade, Taupo Quay, and the Putiki suburb, have been alerted and advised to prepare for possible evacuation.

A separate emergency has also been declared in the Ōhura area, where intense rainfall has already led to flooding in parts of the town. Officials have warned that conditions could become life-threatening, particularly near the Mangaroa Stream and surrounding catchments. A Civil Defence Centre has been set up at Memorial Hall on Ngarimu Street to assist affected residents.

Meanwhile, the Wellington Region is also under a state of emergency, with authorities urging people in flood-prone and landslip-risk zones to consider relocating temporarily. Emergency services have established an assistance centre at the Wellington City Mission in Mount Cook to support evacuees.

Officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and act quickly if water levels begin to rise, advising people not to wait for official evacuation orders and to move to higher ground while avoiding floodwaters.