Households self-evacuated across Tairāwhiti, emergency crews tackling access issues

Households across Tairāwhiti self-evacuated overnight after heavy rain and strong winds hit the region. Flood warnings were sent out to those who live by the Waipaoa River, the Waimatā River and the Hikuwai River.

High tide was at 9am today. The forecast rain is set to ease but continue for the rest of the week.

Mayor Rehette Stoltz says there are a lot of trees down across the district with surface flooding still in some areas.

“We’re asking everyone to please delay all unnecessary travel. Our contractors have been out since first light to assess the damage and clean up what they can, but it could take a while.

“We have not declared a state of emergency in Tairāwhiti.

“However, we’re thinking of our neighbours in Wairoa who declared one this morning.”

Welfare/evacuation centres in Gisborne have been opened at Te Poho o Rāwiri Marae and the House of Breakthrough.

Homes self-evacuated by the Waipaoa River overnight included those in Te Karaka, Lavenham Rd and Branson Rd.

There were also evacuations in Ūawa and in Gisborne, with residents on Thompson St and Fergusson Drive leaving their homes.

Tiniroto Rd closed at 7 last night and will remain closed all day.

The Gladstone Rd bridge was closed for a couple of hours from 11.30am while woody debris is cleared. This is being managed by NZTA/Waka Kotahi.

The William Pettie Bridge and the Peel St Bridge both remain open during this time.

Wigan Bridge in Ūawa has a significant build-up of woody debris and this is being looked into.

Contractors were travelling around the district this morning to assess river levels and damage to roads and bridges, while FirstLight staff faced 25 “significant power outages” to repair.

Firstlight Network operations manager George Drysdale said 1500 residents in Tairāwhiti and Wairoa were without power this morning and the road closures, swollen rivers and major slips were making it difficult for its teams to restore power.

“The biggest challenge for the crews is access given the damage to the roading network,” a Tairāwhiti Civil Defence spokesperson said in a statement.

“We are not out of the woods, whānau, so please be patient while this is done.”

There was plenty of movement in the region’s rivers with the Hikuwai peaking at 11.57m at 2am, the Waipaoa at Kanakanaia at 8m at 6am, and the Waimata at 8.16m at 1.30am. The Te Arai is stable at 2m.

The high intensity rainfall has eased, but not stopped, and will continue through until Friday night.

“There is a long tail with river levels and the rate they will decrease,” the statement said.

“The MetService says we can expect 8mm/hr through until 2pm, then 6mm/hr through to 6pm.”

Rainfall totals for the last 24 hours to 9am are: Mangapoike 201mm, Wharerata 168mm, Waipaoa 139mm, Ruatōria 126mm, Tokomaru Bay 183.4mm, Mangaheia at Willowbank 213mm, Gisborne Airport 131mm, Paraone Rd 92mm, Hikuwai River 156mm, Tatapouri 82mm.

“Our team is working to restore power as quickly as possible, however with wind and rain that has hammered the area over the past 24 hours, access is restricted due to road closures, swollen rivers and major slips," said Firstlight Network's Drysdale.

“In Wairoa, people are without power because a substation has been temporarily flooded due to the high tide and swollen Wairoa river. We are currently waiting for water to reside before power can be restored, which will hopefully be later this morning.

“We understand it’s frustrating to be without power and we appreciate everyone’s patience.

“We ask that people keep our faults number handy: 0800 206 207 and look at our Firstlight Network Facebook page for updates.”

All council facilities are closed today. This includes the library, parks, reserves and Taruheru Cemetery.

Kerbside collections will continue today but Waste Management will close early at 3pm.

Transfer stations in Matawai, Te Puia Springs, Tokomaru Bay, Te Karaka and Whatatutu are closed.

The transfer stations in Ruatōrea, Te Araroa and Tikitiki are open.

Mayor Stoltz says she also wants to acknowledge the tragedy that unfolded this morning with the three missing fishermen being found deceased.

“It was not the outcome anyone was hoping for, and our thoughts go out to all those who love them, and we ask they are given the space and privacy to grieve.”

Please follow the Tairāwhiti Civil Defence Facebook page for all weather updates.

For all up-to-date information on local roads please see Council’s website: https://www.gdc.govt.nz/services/roads-and-roadsides/road-information