Friday, June 27, 2025
Currently, New Zealand is experiencing fierce weather, with heavy downpours causing large swaths of travel disruptions, flooding, and evacuations in many regions of various areas. Most prominently, the South Island was severely affected, with a state of emergency having been implemented within many regions due to a nonstop barrage of downpours. The situation has worsened within select regions, with floodwaters increasing and added concern about inhabitants’ as well as tourists’ safety.
The intense downpour has battered the north of the South Island, and consequently, a state of emergency was invoked across Nelson Tasman to facilitate authorities managing the disaster response more effectively. The authorities report hundreds of homes have been evacuated, and rescues of trapped citizens within cars and homes have been in progress. Fire and Emergency Services (FENZ) responded to over 30 calls, focusing on rescuing citizens trapped by floodwaters and evacuating areas inundated by floodwaters.

Emergency Measures and Evacuations in Affected Regions

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Several areas in the Nelson Tasman region have faced widespread flooding, prompting evacuations and the issuance of emergency alerts. Local authorities have emphasized the importance of evacuating residents to higher ground to avoid rising floodwaters. Areas like Brightwater and Upper Moutere have seen evacuations, while residents in the Riwaka area are also expected to leave as the situation escalates.
In the Marlborough District, approximately 60 households in Spring Creek near Blenheim have been evacuated due to fears of the Wairau River stopbank failing. The authorities have activated their Local Coordination Centre in Nelson to manage the response across the region, with an emergency mobile alert issued for areas like Tapawera and Tadmor Valley near Nelson. Flooding from the Motueka River and Tadmor River is expected to impact these areas, and officials have recommended evacuating immediately.

The local governments in both regions have stressed the importance of heeding evacuation orders and remaining alert to the ongoing weather warnings. MetService has issued red heavy rain warnings for several parts of New Zealand, including the western Bay of Plenty and Rotorua, highlighting the intensity of the rainfall that is expected to continue throughout the day.

Weather Warnings and Watches

As the storm system continues to move across the country, multiple weather warnings and watches have been issued by MetService. A red heavy rain warning has been placed for parts of Bay of Plenty, Tauranga, and Rotorua. This warning signifies the potential for extreme rainfall amounts, which could lead to flash flooding and further disruptions.
In addition, several orange heavy rain warnings have been issued for regions including Gisborne, Dunedin, Clutha, and Southland. These warnings indicate that areas in these regions could experience significant rainfall that may cause local flooding and disruptions to travel. The heavy rain watches, including those for Nelson, Tasman Districts, and Waikato, indicate that rainfall may intensify, potentially leading to hazardous conditions.
A heavy snow watch is also in place for Central Otago, Southland, and parts of Dunedin and Clutha, where snowfall is expected to accumulate over the weekend. These conditions will further complicate travel plans in the coming days, especially in the southern parts of the country.

Road Closures and Travel Restrictions

With the heavy rain and flooding, numerous road closures have been implemented, particularly in the affected areas of the South Island. Major state highways have been cut off, severely disrupting travel across the region. The New Zealand Transport Agency has warned drivers to exercise caution, urging them to be prepared for wet weather and avoid non-essential travel.
The following highways have been closed due to the weather-related hazards:

• SH6 has been closed between Meads Bridge and Belgrove and also in Blenheim, between Curry and Hutcheson streets.
• SH60 has been closed from Motueka River Bridge to Riwaka Sandy Bay Road.
• SH63 has been closed between Renwick and St. Arnaud.
• SH1, from Tuamarina to Mount Pleasant, is closed between Hunter and Lindens roads.

Additionally, several roads in Marlborough have been closed, including Queen Charlotte Drive at the Havelock end and New Renwick Road between Fairhall School and Dog Point Road. These closures are making it difficult for travelers to move freely across the region.
Authorities have repeatedly warned against driving through floodwaters, as the depth of the water can be difficult to judge, posing a serious risk to life. FENZ spokesperson Steve Trigg has emphasized the danger of drowning in flooded areas and urged the public to respect all road closures and evacuation orders.

Disruption to Flights and Airports

Air travel has also been heavily affected by the severe weather, with Auckland Airport reporting significant disruptions to both domestic and international flights. A total of 21 flights have been canceled, and 11 have been delayed due to the poor weather conditions. The majority of the disruptions have been on flights to and from regional destinations, where weather conditions have been most severe.
The unsettled weather has also caused one international flight to be diverted. A China Eastern Airlines flight from Hangzhou to Auckland was diverted to Christchurch due to the extreme weather conditions affecting the Auckland area. The airport has advised travelers to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport, as further delays and cancellations are likely as the storm continues to impact air travel.

Ongoing Weather Forecast and Recommendations

As the storm develops further, MetService has encouraged travelers to remain up-to-date with the newest weather warnings and plan their trips as such. With a variety of regions under heavy rain and snow warnings, situations will stay dangerous over the next few days. Travelers should stay safe and think about delaying their trips into regions with affected areas if they can.
The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management has been engaging with local authorities on coordinating response efforts and delivering information on evacuations. The authorities are still assessing the situation and will issue further advice accordingly.
This severe weather in New Zealand reminds all tourists at all times to check regularly for the newest weather reports as well as travel warnings before heading out on their trips.
References: MetService (New Zealand Weather Service), New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management (MCDEM), Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ), Auckland Airport Official Website

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Tags: auckland, Bay of Plenty, blenheim, Gisborne, Marlborough, Nelson Tasman, new zealand, rotorua, Tauranga, Whakatāne

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Friday, June 27, 2025
Friday, June 27, 2025
Friday, June 27, 2025
Friday, June 27, 2025
Friday, June 27, 2025
Friday, June 27, 2025
Friday, June 27, 2025
Friday, June 27, 2025

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