Flooding is the most common hazard in New Zealand in terms of frequency, losses and declared emergencies.
Floods are usually caused by heavy rain and can cause injury and loss of life, and damage to property, land, and infrastructure.
A combination of climatic and topographical factors means the Manawatū-Whanganui Region is prone to high rainfall and subsequent flooding.
Get ready for flooding
Three easy things you can do right now to get ready for flooding:
- Check if you are in a flood zone – use the regional hazard map below.
- Think of a place you could go if you had to evacuate – it could be with family or friends who don’t live in a flood-prone area.
- Regularly clear your gutters and drains, especially during the rainy months.
What you need to know
- Contact your district council if your LIM report for your home or business indicates a risk from flooding.
- Check your insurance cover for your home and contents.
- Know how to turn off your water, power, and gas.
- Make an Emergency Plan with your household. Have grab bags ready to go in case you have to get out quickly. Plan an escape route from your home.
- Make copies of all your important documents and upload them to a cloud service.
- Think about what to do with your pets and livestock if you have to evacuate.
- Put safety first. Don’t take any chances. Act quickly if you see rising water.
- Floods can happen quickly. If you see rising water do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater.
- Stay informed. Listen to the radio and follow official advice from emergency management and emergency services online.
- Stay at home unless you are told to evacuate.
- Stay out of flood water – flood water is dangerous and contaminated.
- Do not drive through flood water.
When floodwaters get close to your home:
- Disconnect electrical appliances and move valuables, clothing, food, and chemicals above the likely reach of floodwater.
- Turn off the power and gas if told to do so by authorities as it can help prevent damage to your home or community
- Fill bathtubs, sinks and storage containers with clean water in case the water supply becomes contaminated.
- Bring pets inside. On farms, move stock to higher ground.
- Check on your neighbours and anyone who might need your help.
- Only return home after Emergency Management and emergency services have given all clear.
- Stay away from flooded areas – flood water is highly contaminated
- If your property is damaged, take notes and photographs for insurance purposes. If you rent your property, contact your landlord and your contents insurance company as soon as possible.
- Throw away all food that has come into contact with flood water. Do not use packaged or canned food if it has been punctured or dented, is bulging, leaking, or become unsealed.
- Follow advice from your local council and Emergency Management about water boil notices.
- When cleaning up your home: throw away anything wet and can’t be cleaned. Disinfect pots and pans in boiling water. Wear gloves, sturdy footwear, and a mask. Stay out of flood waters.
Learn more about the other hazards facing the Manawatū-Whanganui Region, and how you can be prepared, below.
Flooding in Manawatū-Whanganui
The seven districts that make up the Manawatū-Whanganui Region are home to many rivers, including four of the North Island's longest: Whanganui (290km), Rangitīkei (241km), Manawatū (182km), and Whangaehu (161km).
Several flooding events have occured in the region before, notably in 2004, resulting in widespread consequences across rural and urban areas. In 2015 the region was again hit by a severe storm, causing high levels of rainfall and resulting in widespread flooding, particularly in the Whanganui area. 2023's Cyclone Gabrielle also struck the east coast of New Zealand hard, with the Tararua District in particular experiencing widespread flooding, slips and infrastructure damage.
The two largest populations centres, Palmerston North and Whanganui, straddle the lowland reaches of the Manawatū and Whanganui rivers respectively. Smaller settlements such as Feilding, Bulls and Marton also have a high exposure to flood risk due to their low-lying nature and close proximity to the region's major rivers.
There are 34 river and drainage schemes within the region, which are managed by Horizons Regional Council. Go to the Horizons website to find out more about the schemes and view the boundary map.
Flooding can also occur when natural and built drainage systems are overloaded, particularly in urban areas, by prolonged heavy rain, coastal inundations, and even tsunami.
Regional flood plain hazard map
This interactive map shows a series of flood models that were developed by Horizons Regional Council where key flood risks were identified. Those presented here have a probability of 0.5% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP), meaning that in any given year there is a 1 in 200 chance that it may occur. These models represent a snapshot in time. Subsequent changes to land forms on the flood plains (drains, berms, etc.) will affect the utility of these models. In the areas that have had 1 in 200 year (0.5% AEP) flood modelling completed, the flood extents have been added to this flood plain map. For more information about this map, visit Horizons Regional Council's website.
Kia takatū Get ready
Get your household ready
Being prepared at home is crucial for your family's safety during emergencies. Discover practical tips and resources to ensure your household is ready for any situation.
Get home ready
Know your hazards
Knowing the status of your district is crucial for emergency preparedness. Stay updated to ensure the safety of you and your whānau.
Hazards in the area
View Resources
Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere, so take proactive steps to prepare yourself by viewing the resources to help you and your community stay ready.
Learn more
Ngā pārongo mō tō rohe Find information about your district
The Manawatū-Whanganui CDEM Group works together to reduce the potential effects of hazards across all of our districts.
Palmerston North City
A lively university city and the main urban hub of the Manawatū-Whanganui Region.
Manawatū
A fertile river plain district recognised for agriculture, research, and transport links.
Horowhenua
A coastal district known for fertile farmland, market gardens and booming population.
Tararua
A rural area stretching from the Ruahine and Tararua ranges to the Pacific coast.
Rangitīkei
Characterised by dramatic river gorges, rolling farmland, and small rural towns.
Whanganui
A district characterised by the river which flows through it.
Ruapehu
Home to ski fields, volcanic landscapes and many rural communities.
