Tauranga-Taupō River flood update

The Tauranga-Taupō River was swollen after heavy rain overnight. Photo: Dan Hutchinson

The Tauranga-Taupō River north of Tūrangi has likely peaked and evacuations unlikely to be needed.

Civil Defence Taupō says the river has not breached its banks and levels were now expected to fall.

“As a precaution, LandSAR teams door-knocked in the area to advise people to prepare to evacuate, if needed. There are around 70 properties in the immediate vicinity of the river although there is a high number of holiday homes. Only 20 properties were occupied for a total of around 35 people.”

There is no further significant rain in the 24-hour forecast but people are advised to check the forecast, exercise caution around rivers and stay out of flooded areas.

Civil Defence centres have been set up in Tūrangi and Taupō if needed but these will be stood down as the day progresses.

For more information people can follow the Civil Defence Taupō Facebook page and the Taupō District Council website www.taupo.govt.nz.

No further updates are planned, proactive media statements will be sent out if required.

Useful links: www.getready.govt.nz, www.taupo.govt.nz, Civil Defence Taupō Facebook page.

People can also check NZTA’s Journey Planner at https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner

Latest forecasts at www.metservice.com.