Flooding & Heavy Rainfall Event: Regular Updates

Latest News & Media Releases

Published: 02 Jun 2021

Timaru District Council Emergency Operations Centre


Flooding and Heavy Rainfall Event: Transition to Recovery

Date: 4 June 2021

Time: 5.00 pm

Timaru District Council Civil Defence will Transition from State of Emergency to a Recovery Phase Today.

Following a prolonged period of calmer weather today, Canterbury Region will begin transition from State of Emergency to a Recovery phase.

  • The Districts that have been most affected by the flooding will remain in a Local State of Emergency.
  • The District that have been least affected will discontinue their Local State of Emergency.

Timaru District Council will transition to a Recovery Phase that sits in between a State of Emergency and complete Termination.

The recovery phase is not quite business as usual. It will focus on assessing and repairing the Districts infrastructure.

Over the last few days teams have been out putting our road network back together, and undertaking RAPID assessments of flood damaged properties.

Boil Water and Conserve Water notices will remain in place:

  • A boil water notice remains in place for those on the Geraldine Urban Supply and Te Moana Water Scheme users (excluding Geraldine Flat, Pareora and St Andrews townships).
  • We have Conserve Water Notice in place for all of the Timaru District, particularly Te Moana.
  • The Boil Water notice has been lifted for Downlands water scheme
  • People who have had flooding on their property and are worried about contamination to their private bore or well can get the water tested via MedLab Timaru or Hills laboratories. Please contact labs directly to find out more information.
  • For more information related to Environmental Health concerns please contact the Team via (03) 687 7200
  • MedLab Timaru  (03) 687 2252
  • Hills Laboratories (03) 377 7176

Road Network

Receding floodwater has caused major scouring and holes across our road network. Main routes between Timaru, Temuka, Geraldine (via Orari) and Pleasant Point are open. However, there is significant damage and closures on rural roads and we are requesting that people do not cross any road closure signs for their safety.

Updating information on local road status here:  https://www.timaru.govt.nz/maps/emergency

Routes north through Ashburton District are now available for general and goods vehicles, people should check the Ashburton District Council and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency websites for more details prior to travel.

Important Information

  • Residents in low lying areas near waterways should remain prepared for rising water, ensure safety of stock and be prepared to evacuate if required. If you feel unsafe, don’t wait for conditions to worsen head to your local Civil Defence Centre. In an emergency call 111.
  • Residential bins not collected on Monday will be collected next Monday.
  • All council sportsfields are closed until further notice.
  • If you have been affected by an emergency, Work and Income can help with a Civil Defence Payment for some costs. You don't need to be on a benefit to get this. You can call them 0800 752 102. This line is open Monday to Friday 7am-6pm, and on Saturdays 8am-1pm.
  • Updates will also be made available over More FM and The Breeze radio stations. Local frequencies are More FM 97.9 Mackenzie 94.2 and Waimate 93.1.  The Breeze 89.9 Mackenzie 99.8 and South Canterbury’s 100.3FM.

Further information will be provided in a later update if required

For further information please contact Timaru District Council on (03) 687 7200


Information Release No. 11

Date: 2 June 2021

Time: 5.15 pm

Flooding and Heavy Rainfall Event: State of Emergency Declared

Timaru District Council Civil Defence State of Emergency continues today.

Following a prolonged period of calmer weather today, water levels in the affected rivers are continuing to recede and repairs to river banks are continuing.

Safe return to flood affected properties

People returning to properties that have had any flood waters through them need to call us on 03 687 7200 before reoccupying.

This is so we can arrange rapid assessments of their properties. Water and septic systems may have been affected even if water didn’t enter the house, so it is essential people get in touch.

Council building staff will also be proactively undertaking inspection of properties in the main flood affected areas. If your property has received a notice, please contact us for advice.

Flood water should be treated as though it is unsafe and contaminated. STAY AWAY from flooded areas.

Support from Work and Income

If you have been affected by an emergency, Work and Income can help with a Civil Defence Payment for some costs. You don't need to be on a benefit to get this.

You can call them 0800 752 102. This line is open Monday to Friday 7am-6pm, and on Saturdays 8am-1pm.

A Civil Defence Payment can help with:

  • accommodation costs if you're evacuated and are staying in accommodation such as motels, hotels or temporary rental accommodation
  • loss of income because you can't work due to the flooding
  • emergency food, clothing and bedding if yours has been damaged or destroyed by the flooding
  • payment if you have evacuees staying with you in places such as a private home, marae or community centres.

More information can be found here: https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/about-work-and-income/news/2021/canterbury-floods.html

Road Network

Receding floodwater has caused major scouring and holes across our road network. Main routes between Timaru, Temuka, Geraldine (via Orari) and Pleasant Point are open. However, there is significant damage and closures on rural roads and we are advising people not to travel on these roads unless necessary as well as please not crossing any road closure signs.

Updating information on local road status here:  https://www.timaru.govt.nz/maps/emergency

Routes north through Ashburton District are now available for general and goods vehicles, people should check the Ashburton District Council and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency websites for more details prior to travel.

Important Information

  • Residents in low lying areas near waterways should remain prepared for rising water, ensure safety of stock and be prepared to evacuate if required. If you feel unsafe, don’t wait for conditions to worsen head to your local Civil Defence Centre. In an emergency call 111.
  • A boil water notice remains in place for those on the Geraldine Urban Supply, Te Moana and Downlands Water Scheme users (excluding Pareora and St Andrews townships).
  • We have Conserve Water Notice in place for all of the Timaru District, particularly Te Moana and Peel Forest.
  • Normal Bin Collections in the North Zone have resumed.
  • Residential bins not collected on Monday will be collected next Monday.
  • All council sportsfields are closed until further notice.
  • Updates will also be made available over More FM and The Breeze radio stations. Local frequencies are More FM 97.9 Mackenzie 94.2 and Waimate 93.1.  The Breeze 89.9 Mackenzie 99.8 and South Canterbury’s 100.3FM.

Further information will be provided in a later update if required

For further information please contact Timaru District Council on (03) 687 7200


Information Release No. 10

Date: 2 June 2021

Time: 11.15 am

Flooding and Heavy Rainfall Event: State of Emergency Declared

Timaru District Council Civil Defence State of Emergency continues today.

Following a prolonged period of calmer weather today, water levels in the affected rivers are continuing to recede and repairs to river banks are continuing.

People returning to properties that have had any flood waters through them need to call us on 03 687 7200 before reoccupying.

This is so we can arrange rapid assessments of their properties. Water and septic systems may have been affected even if water didn’t enter the house, so it is essential people get in touch.

Flood water should be treated as though it is unsafe and contaminated. STAY AWAY from flooded areas.

Receding floodwater has caused major scouring and holes across our road network. Main routes between Timaru, Temuka, Geraldine (via Orari) and Pleasant Point are open. However, there is significant damage and closures on rural roads and we are advising people not to travel on these roads unless necessary as well as please not crossing any road closure signs.

Updating information on local road status here:  https://www.timaru.govt.nz/maps/emergency

Routes north through Ashburton District are now available for general and goods vehicles, people should check the Ashburton District Council and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency websites for more details prior to travel.

Important Information

  • Residents in low lying areas near waterways should remain prepared for rising water, ensure safety of stock and be prepared to evacuate if required. If you feel unsafe, don’t wait for conditions to worsen head to your local Civil Defence Centre. In an emergency call 111.
  • A boil water notice remains in place for those on the Geraldine Urban Supply, Te Moana and Downlands Water Scheme users (excluding Pareora and St Andrews townships).
  • We have Conserve Water Notice in place for all of the Timaru District, particularly Te Moana and Peel Forest.
  • Normal Bin Collections in the North Zone have resumed.
  • Residential bins not collected on Monday will be collected next Monday. Business customers in the Geraldine and Temuka CBDs will have their bins collected this afternoon.
  • Temuka and Geraldine Libraries are now open.
  • Updates will also be made available over More FM and The Breeze radio stations. Local frequencies are More FM 97.9 Mackenzie 94.2 and Waimate 93.1.  The Breeze 89.9 Mackenzie 99.8 and South Canterbury’s 100.3FM.

Further information will be provided in a later update if required

For further information please contact Timaru District Council on (03) 687 7200


Information Release No. 9

Date: 1 June 2021

Time: 18.45

Flooding and Heavy Rainfall Event: State of Emergency Declared

Timaru District Council Civil Defence State of Emergency continues today.

Following a period of calmer weather today, water levels in the affected rivers are continuing to recede.

We still recommending that residents in the low lying areas Coopers Creek catchment north of the Orari River remain evacuated until further notice. If you are evacuated, please call council on 03 687 7200 to confirm your status and allow us to contact you quickly.

Receding floodwater has caused major scouring and holes across our road network. Main routes between Timaru, Geraldine (via Orari) and Pleasant Point are open, however there are significant damage and closures on rural roads a we are advising people not to travel on these roads unless necessary and please do not cross road closure signs.

Our teams are working to restore essential road links, at time of this notice although State Highway 1 is open at Rangitata Bridge there is still no road connection onward to Christchurch.

The current information on district roads is here:  https://www.timaru.govt.nz/maps/emergency

Flood water should be treated as though it is unsafe and contaminated. STAY AWAY from flooded areas until the all-clear is given by Civil Defence. If you feel you are in danger, or have water entering your house or business, call 111.

Important Information

  • Residents in low lying areas near waterways should remain prepared for rising water, ensure safety of stock and be prepared to evacuate if required. If you feel unsafe, don’t wait for conditions to worsen head to your local Civil Defence Centre. In an emergency call 111.

  • We are asking any residents that have had any flood waters through their property to please call us on 03 6877200 so that we can arrange rapid assessments of their properties. Water and septic systems may have been affected even if water didn’t enter the house.
  • A boil water notice is in place for those on the Geraldine Urban Supply, Te Moana and Downlands Water Scheme users (excluding Pareora and St Andrews townships).
  • We have Conserve Water Notice in place for all of the Timaru District, particularly Te Moana and Peel Forest.
  • Normal Bin Collections in the North Zone have resumed.
  • Residential bins not collected on Monday will be collected next Monday. Business customers in the Geraldine and Temuka CBDs will have their bins collected tomorrow afternoon.
  • Temuka and Geraldine Libraries are now open.
  • Updates will also be made available over More FM and The Breeze radio stations. Local frequencies are More FM 97.9 Mackenzie 94.2 and Waimate 93.1.  The Breeze 89.9 Mackenzie 99.8 and South Canterbury’s 100.3FM.

Further information will be provided in a later update if required

For further information please contact Timaru District Council on (03) 687 7200


Information Release No. 8

Date: 1 July 2021

Time: 10.45 am

Flooding and Heavy Rainfall Event: State of Emergency Declared

Timaru District Council Civil Defence State of Emergency continues today.

Following a period of calmer weather today, water levels in the affected rivers are continuing to recede.

We still recommending that residents in the low lying areas Coopers Creek catchment north of the Orari River remain evacuated until further notice. If you are evacuated, please call council on 03 687 7200 to confirm your status and allow us to contact you quickly.

Receding floodwater is likely to have caused major scouring and holes in roads, so we are advising people not to travel between towns unless necessary. Our teams are working to restore essential road links, at time of this notice there is still no road connection to Christchurch.

The current information on district roads is here:  https://www.timaru.govt.nz/maps/emergency

The flood water should be treated as though it is unsafe and contaminated. STAY AWAY from flooded areas until the all-clear is given by Civil Defence. If you feel you are in danger, or have water entering your house or business, call 111.

Important Information

  • Residents in low lying areas near waterways should remain prepared for rising water, ensure safety of stock and be prepared to evacuate if required. If you feel unsafe, don’t wait for conditions to worsen head to your local Civil Defence Centre. In an emergency call 111.

  • We are asking any residents that have had any flood waters through their property to please call us on 03 6877200 so that we can arrange rapid assessments of their properties. Water and septic systems may have been affected even if water didn’t enter the house.
  • A boil water notice is in place for those on the Geraldine Urban Supply, Rangitata Huts, Te Moana and Downlands Water Scheme users (excluding Pareora and St Andrews townships).
  • We have Conserve Water Notice in place for all of the Timaru District, particularly Te Moana and Peel Forest.
  • Normal Bin Collections in the North Zone will resume today.
  • Residential bins not collected on Monday will be collected next Monday. Business customers in the Geraldine and Temuka CBDs will have their bins collected this Wednesday afternoon.
  • Temuka and Geraldine Libraries remain closed today.
  • Updates will also be made available over More FM and The Breeze radio stations. Local frequencies are More FM 97.9 Mackenzie 94.2 and Waimate 93.1.  The Breeze 89.9 Mackenzie 99.8 and South Canterbury’s 100.3FM.

Further information will be provided in a later update if required

For further information please contact Timaru District Council on (03) 687 7200


Information Release No. 7

Date: 31 May 2021

Time: 6.45 pm

Flooding and Heavy Rainfall Event: State of Emergency Declared

Timaru District Council Civil Defence State of Emergency continues today. This will be out last update for today. The EOC will remain open tonight for monitoring purposes.

Following a period of calmer weather today, water levels in the affected rivers have begun to slowly recede.

We still recommending that residents in the low lying areas Coopers Creek catchment north of the Orari River remain evacuated until further notice.

Receding floodwater is likely to have caused major scouring and holes in roads, so we are advising people not to travel unless necessary,

The water might have eroded large holes in the roads and it may also contain debris, such as trees and corrugated iron. The flood water should be treated as though it is unsafe and contaminated. STAY AWAY from flooded areas until the all-clear is given by Civil Defence. If you feel you are in danger, or have water entering your house or business, call 111.

TDC will have a clearer view of the status of our roading network tomorrow.The current information on district roads is here:  https://www.timaru.govt.nz/maps/emergency

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is reporting the status of the current roads as at 5pm:

  • SH8 to Fairlie from Timaru has now reopened.
  • SH8 Burkes Pass, Fairlie to Tekapo has reopened.
  • SH79 Geraldine to Fairlie is now open. However Rangitata to Geraldine is staying closed overnight with debris being cleared Tuesday.
  • SH1, south of Christchurch – closed at the Selwyn River/ Waikirikiri, Dunsandel. Water 500 mm deep, should be opened tomorrow/ Tuesda
  • SH1 remains closed several places through mid to south Canterbury – Hinds to Temuka, water 600 mm deep north of the Hinds River bridge.
  • SH77 Methven to Windwhistle and Darfield - the inland scenic route – closed due to flooding several places.
  • SH79 –  Rangitata to Geraldine, flooded in several places.

Important Information

  • Residents in low lying areas near waterways should remain prepared for rising water, ensure safety of stock and be prepared to evacuate if required. If you feel unsafe, don’t wait for conditions to worsen head to your local Civil Defence Centre. In an emergency call 111.

  • We are asking any residents that have had any flood waters through their houses to please call us on 03 6877200 so that we can arrange rapid assessments of their properties.
  • A boil water notice is in place for those on the Geraldine Urban Supply, Rangitata Huts, Te Moana and Downlands Water Scheme users (excluding Pareora and St Andrews townships).
  • We have Conserve Water Notice in place for all of the Timaru District, particularly Te Moana and Peel Forest.
  • Normal Bin Collections in the North Zone will resume tomorrow.
  • Residential bins not collected on Monday will be collected next Monday. Business customers in the Geraldine and Temuka CBDs will have their bins collected this Wednesday afternoon.
  • Updates will also be made available over More FM and The Breeze radio stations. Local frequencies are More FM 97.9 Mackenzie 94.2 and Waimate 93.1.  The Breeze 89.9 Mackenzie 99.8 and South Canterbury’s 100.3FM.

Further information will be provided in a later update if required

For further information please contact Timaru District Council on (03) 687 7200


Information Release No. 6

Date: 31 May 2021

Time: 12.30 pm

Flooding and Heavy Rainfall Event: State of Emergency Declared

Timaru District Council Civil Defence State of Emergency continues today.

After receiving expert advice Timaru District Council Civil Defence have just sent out an emergency alert to residents in the Coopers Creek catchment north of the Orari River to evacuate immediately due to flooding.

We are advising residents if they are in a low-lying area near Coopers Creek and it is safe to do so, they must leave now. Go to higher ground and stay with family or friends.

We are asking that people do not drive through flood water. The water might have eroded large holes in the roads. It may also contain debris, such as trees and corrugated iron. The flood water should be treated as though it is unsafe and contaminated. STAY AWAY from flooded areas until the all-clear is given by Civil Defence. If you feel you are in danger, or have water entering your house or business, call 111.

Evacuees can go to friends or family or to the Temuka Civil Defence Centre - Alpine Energy Stadium situated in the Temuka Domain or the Geraldine Civil Defence Centre situated at Geraldine High School.

Latest update is that most river flows are steadily dropping with the exception of the Temuka and Opihi River which is still fluctuating.

Timaru District Council and ECan staff are monitoring developments with support from local contractors.

We are continuing to assess road conditions in particular in the Geraldine – Winchester – Temuka areas.  Major roads closures still include SH1 between Opihi River Bridge and Temuka River Bridge at Arowhenua. SH79 Geraldine to Fairlie, Route 72 Winchester – Geraldine. The latest information on district roads will be updated here: https://www.timaru.govt.nz/maps/emergency

* Due to surface flooding only emergency travel should be undertaken district wide.Drive to the conditions. No unnecessary travel should be taken.

* Residents in low lying areas near waterways should remain prepared for rising water, ensure safety of stock and be prepared to evacuate if required. If you feel unsafe, don’t wait for conditions to worsen head to your local Civil Defence Centre. In an emergency call 111.
We are asking any residents that have had any flood waters through their houses to please call us on 03 6877200 so that we can arrange rapid assessments of their properties.  
* We currently have Civil Defence Centres open in Temuka at Alpine Energy Stadiumand in Geraldine at the Geraldine High School. Geraldine Service Centre is open for information and support. Timaru Civil Defence Centre at Southern Trust Events Centre is not currently open but we will continue to monitor the need throughout the day.  Please note - pets are welcome at CDC only if they are contained (i.e. crate).
* A boil water notice is in place for those on the Geraldine Urban Supply, Rangitata Huts, Te Moana and Downlands Water Scheme users (excluding Pareora and St Andrews townships).  We have Conserve Water Notice in place for all of the Timaru District.  Peel Forest is likely to run out of water in the next 12+ hours and our water team may not get out there to resolve until tomorrow.
* Redruth Transfer Station closed today. Geraldine Transfer Station will likely to be closed for several days. North Zone Rural Rubbish Collection is cancelled and will resume next Monday.
* Temuka and Geraldine Libraries are closed today.
* Updates will also be made available over More FM and The Breeze radio stations. Local frequencies are More FM 97.9 Mackenzie 94.2 and Waimate 93.1. The Breeze 89.9 Mackenzie 99.8 and South Canterbury’s 100.3FM.

Further information will be provided in a later update if required

For further information please contact Timaru District Council on (03) 687 7200


Information Release No. 5

Date: 31 May 2021

Time: 8:00 am

Flooding and Heavy Rainfall Event: State of Emergency Declared

Timaru District Council Civil Defence State of Emergency continues today.  We had a reasonably quiet night around the district with only a small number of evacuations in the Geraldine area.  We have been supported by NZDF who have a team on the ground helping where needed.

Local areas most affected are the Geraldine Foothills, Geraldine, Winchester and Temuka areas, as well as areas to the north of our district.  Latest update is that most river flows are steadily dropping with the exception of the Temuka and Opihi River which is still fluctuating.

Timaru District Council and ECan staff are monitoring developments with support from local contractors.

We will be assessing road conditions at first light in particular in the Geraldine – Winchester – Temuka areas.  Major roads closures still include SH1 between Opihi River Bridge and Temuka River Bridge at Arowhenua. SH79 Geraldine to Fairlie, Route 72 Winchester – Geraldine. The latest information will be updated here: https://www.timaru.govt.nz/maps/emergency

  • Due to surface flooding only emergency travel should be undertaken district wide. Drive to the conditions. No unnecessary travel should be taken.

  • Residents in low lying areas near waterways should remain prepared for rising water, ensure safety of stock and be prepared to evacuate if required. If you feel unsafe, don’t wait for conditions to worsen head to your local Civil Defence Centre. In an emergency call 111.

  • We are asking any residents that have had any flood waters through their houses to please call us on 03 6877200 so that we can arrange rapid assessments of their properties.  

  • We currently have a Civil Defence Centre open in Temuka at Alpine Energy Stadium. Geraldine Service Centre is open for information and support. We will continue to monitor the need for other centres to open in throughout the day.  Please note - pets are welcome at CDC only if they are in a contained (i.e. crate).
  • A boil water notice is still in place for those on the Te Moana and Downlands Water Scheme users (excluding Pareora and St Andrews townships). This includes Arowhenua Māori School, Barton Rural School, Beaconsfield School and Cannington School.
  • For school opening details please contact your school directly.
  • Redruth Transfer Station closed today. Geraldine Transfer Station will likely to be closed for several days. North Zone Rural Rubbish Collection is cancelled and will resume next Monday.
  • Temuka and Geraldine Service Centres are closed today.
  • Updates will also be made available over More FM and The Breeze radio stations. Local frequencies are More FM 97.9 Mackenzie 94.2 and Waimate 93.1.  The Breeze 89.9 Mackenzie 99.8 and South Canterbury’s 100.3FM.

Further information will be provided in a later update if required

For further information please contact Timaru District Council on (03) 687 7200


Information Release No. 4

Date: 30 May 2021

Time: 7:12 pm

Flooding and Heavy Rainfall Event: State of Emergency Declared

Timaru District Council Civil Defence has declared a State of Emergency. This is to allow Council and Partner agencies to carry out necessary tasks in the face of surface flooding and rising rivers due to continued heavy rainfall across the district.

As of 4:45pm Canterbury Civil Defence declared a state of emergency for the whole province.

Local areas most affected are the Geraldine Foothills, Geraldine, Winchester and Temuka areas, as well as areas to the north of our district.

Timaru District Council and ECan staff are monitoring developments with support from local contractors.

  • Due to surface flooding only emergency travel should be undertaken district wide. Drive to the conditions. No unnecessary travel should be taken.
  • Residents in low lying areas near waterways should prepare for rising water, ensure safety of stock and be prepared to evacuate if required. If you feel unsafe, don’t wait for conditions to worsen head to your local Civil Defence Centre. In an emergency call 111.

  • Civil Defence Centres are open in;
  • Timaru at Southern Trust Events Centre – Morgans Road,
  • Temuka at Alpine Energy Stadium, Temuka Domain (Motel accommodation in Temuka is completely booked out. Please head to Alpine Energy Stadium),
  • Geraldine is operating 2 centres. One at Geraldine High School and one at St Andrews Church Hall, Cox Street.
  • Please note - pets are welcome at CDC only if they are in a contained (i.e. crate).
  • There are a growing number of road closures around the district in particular in the Geraldine – Winchester – Temuka areas.  Major roads closures include SH1 between Opihi River Bridge and Temuka River Bridge at Arowhenua. SH79 Geraldine to Fairlie, Route 72 Winchester – Geraldine.
  • A boil water notice is still in place for those on the Te Moana and Downlands Water Scheme users (excluding Pareora and St Andrews townships). This includes Arowhenua Māori School, Barton Rural School, Beaconsfield School and Cannington School.
  • Timaru District Council does not require schools to close but supports those that choose to close due to the poor weather conditions.
  • Redruth Transfer Station closed today and tomorrow. Geraldine Transfer Station will likely to be closed for several days. North Zone Rural Rubbish Collection is cancelled and will resume next Monday.
  • Updates will also be made available over More FM and The Breeze radio stations. Local frequencies are More FM 97.9 Mackenzie 94.2 and Waimate 93.1.  The Breeze 89.9 Mackenzie 99.8 and South Canterbury’s 100.3FM.

Further information will be provided in a later update if required

For further information please contact Timaru District Council on (03) 687 7200


Information Release No. 3

Date: 30 May 2021

Time: 3:30 pm

Flooding and Heavy Rainfall Event: State of Emergency Declared

Timaru District Council Civil Defence has declared a State of Emergency.  This is to allow Council and Partner agencies to carry out necessary tasks in the face of surface flooding and rising rivers due to continued heavy rainfall across the district.

Areas particularly affected are the Geraldine Foothills, Geraldine and Temuka areas, as well as areas to the north of our district.

Timaru District Council and ECan staff are monitoring developments with support from local contractors.

  • Due to surface flooding only emergency travel should be undertaken district wide.  Please exercise caution and drive to the conditions. No unnecessary travel should be taken.
  • Residents in low lying areas near waterways should prepare for rising water, ensure safety of stock and be prepared to evacuate if required.
  • There are a growing number of road closures around the district in particular in the Geraldine – Winchester – Temuka areas.  Major roads closures include SH1 between Opihi River Bridge and Temuka River Bridge at Arowhenua. SH79 Geraldine to Fairlie, Route 72 Winchester – Geraldine.
  • Anyone needing to move out of their area due to emergency only, can get roading updates via our TDC Facebook page and the NZTA website.
  • Redruth Transfer Station closed today and tomorrow.  Geraldine Transfer Station will likely to be closed for several days. North Zone Rural Rubbish Collection is cancelled and will resume next Monday.
  • Te Moana and Downlands) Water Scheme users (excluding Pareora and St Andrews townships must boil water, please conserve water until further notice.
  • Updates will also be made available over More FM and The Breeze radio stations. Local frequencies are More FM 97.9 Mackenzie 94.2 and Waimate 93.1.  The Breeze 89.9 Mackenzie 99.8 and 100.3FM
  • Civil Defence Centres are open in Timaru at Southern Trust Events Centre – Morgans Road, Temuka at Alpine Energy Stadium, Temuka Domain and we have 2 centres in Geraldine, one at Geraldine High School and one at St Andrews Church Hall, Cox Street.

Further information will be provided in a later update if required

For further information please contact Timaru District Council on (03) 687 7200


Information Release No. 2

Date: 30 May 2021

Time: 12:30 pm

Flooding and Heavy Rainfall Event: State of Emergency Declared

Timaru District Council Civil Defence has declared a State of Emergency.  This is to allow Council and Partner agencies to carry out necessary tasks in the face of surface flooding and rising rivers due to continued heavy rainfall across the district.

Areas particularly affected are the Geraldine Foothills, Geraldine and Temuka areas, as well as areas to the north of our district.

Timaru District Council and ECan staff are monitoring developments with support from local contractors.

  • Due to surface flooding only emergency travel should be undertaken district wide.  Please exercise caution and drive to the conditions. No unnecessary travel should be taken.
  • Residents in low lying areas near waterways should prepare for rising water, ensure safety of stock and be prepared to evacuate if required.
  • There are a growing number of road closures around the district in particular in the Geraldine – Winchester – Temuka areas.  Major roads closures include SH79 Geraldine to Fairlie, Route 72 Winchester – Geraldine.
  • Anyone needing to move out of their current area due to emergency only, can get a current update on road closures by calling the main Council phone line on (03) 6877200.
  • Orari - Geraldine rubbish collection scheduled for Monday will be delayed.
  • Te Moana Water Scheme users must conserve water as the current conditions have caused the Te Moana water scheme some problems and it is not producing water. Repairs could take some time, please conserve water until further notice.
  • Updates will also be made available over More FM and The Breeze radio stations. Local frequencies are More FM 97.9 Mackenzie 94.2 and Waimate 93.1.  The Breeze 89.9 Mackenzie 99.8.

Further information will be provided in a later update if required

For further information please contact Timaru District Council on (03) 687 7200


Information Release No. 1

Date: 30 May 2021

Time: 9:30 am

Flooding and Heavy Rainfall Event

The heavy rain falling has caused river levels to rise with surface flooding throughout the region.

Areas particularly affected are the Geraldine Foothills, Geraldine and Temuka areas.

Timaru District Council and ECan staff are monitoring developments with support from local contractors.

  • Due to surface flooding only emergency travel should be undertaken in affected areas.  Please exercise caution and drive to the conditions. No unnecessary travel should be taken.
  • Residents in low lying areas near waterways should prepare for rising water, ensure safety of stock and be prepared to evacuate if required.
  • The following roads are closed; Geraldine to Fairlie Highway, Winchester to Geraldine, Te Awa Rd closed at the Waihi River Bridge.  There is extensive surface flooding on a number of other roads please check NZTA website for more details.
  • Te Moana Water Scheme users must conserve water as the current conditions have caused the Te Moana water scheme some problems and it is not producing water. Repairs could take some time, please conserve water until further notice.
  • Updates will also be made available over More FM and The Breeze radio stations. Local frequencies are More FM 97.9 Mackenzie 94.2 and Waimate 93.1.  The Breeze 89.9 Mackenzie 99.8.

Further information will be provided in a later update if required

For further information please contact Timaru District Council on (03) 687 7200

Last updated: 04 Jun 2021