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Emergency response underway
Page last updated
10:23am Wednesday 22 April 2026
Emergency response underway

Emergency response - Severe weather

We are currently responding to a severe weather event, which has affected several parts of the region.

Next update eta: Wednesday afternoon (may be final update)
Situation update #21
9:44am Wednesday 22 April 2026

Wednesday Morning Update

As of Wednesday morning MetService has lifted all weather watches and warnings for our region.

Description of situation

  • Horizons Regional Council staff opened the floodgates late yesterday evening. The floodgates will continue operating until the early hours of tomorrow morning (Thursday).
  • Horizons…

What you should do 

High levels of heavy rain have recently impacted the Tararua and Ruapehu districts. All weather warnings and watches from MetService have now been lifted, but several hazards are present throughout the region.
  • River levels are still high, stay out of rivers and streams.
  • Do not enter floodwaters.
  • Take care while driving - hazards may be present.
  • Know the signs of a landslide and prepare to evacuate the area if required.

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