Pacific community leader urges families to look after each other as floods hit Otago region

Dozens of people have been forced from their homes after torrential overnight rain triggered a state of emergency in Waitaki and flooded homes, businesses and roads across Otago.

The sudden downpour overwhelmed stormwater systems in Ōamaru, shut major highways, stranded motorists and kept emergency crews busy throughout the night.

Waitaki District councillor and Pacific community leader, Mata'aga Hana Fanene-Taiti, says the focus is now on keeping families safe and making sure neighbours look after one another.

"It was pretty intense," she tells William Terite on Pacific Mornings. “At this stage, we know it's mainly the Ōamaru area, particularly central Ōamaru, but we're still undertaking some assessments and waiting for our council staff to provide us with updates throughout the day."

Waitaki Mayor Melanie Tavendale says declaring a state of emergency allowed emergency services and council teams to coordinate their response more quickly.

"This has been a significant localised flooding event. Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of everyone affected," she said in a statement.

Listen to Mata'aga Hana Fanene-Taiti's full interview below.

Fire and Emergency crews helped 18 people evacuate to the Ōamaru Fire Station overnight, while more than 20 others left their homes voluntarily as floodwaters entered residential and commercial properties.

By Monday morning, 13 people and four dogs were staying at the community-led evacuation centre at the Network Waitaki Event Centre.

Mata’aga had a message for Pacific families and the wider community.

Surface flooding along Otter Street in Ōamaru. Photo/Facebook

"We know that it can be a stressful time for a number of our families and residents," she says.

"Continue to monitor the official updates, look out for our neighbours and our families where it's safe to do so, and only travel if it's absolutely necessary."

Forecasters had expected North Otago to avoid the worst of the weather. Instead, an intense burst of rain shortly after midnight overwhelmed drainage systems in Ōamaru, prompting MetService's Red Heavy Rain Warning and the emergency declaration.

Flooding, snow and ice have disrupted travel across the lower South Island. State Highway 1 remains closed north of Ōamaru, while SH86 has speed restrictions because of flooding. The Lindis Pass also remains closed because of snow and ice.

Schools have not been affected due to school holidays, but all early childhood centres remained in Dunedin on Monday, while the University of Ōtago advised students to study from home or delay travel to campus until the weather eases.

Further south, Dunedin and Mosgiel were also hit by severe flooding after the city received more than a month's worth of rain in just 24 hours.

Fire and Emergency received more than 70 weather-related callouts overnight, including flooded properties, stranded motorists and other emergencies. No injuries have been reported.

Dunedin Mayor Sophie Barker urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and praised council staff, contractors, volunteers and emergency responders.

"We don't need people out rubber-necking. We need people to stay home, keep safe and look after each other," she says.

"The city is coming together as a whole to look after itself. That's what we're really proud of."

Although MetService’s Red Heavy Rain Warning expired on Monday morning, the state of emergency remained in place in Waitaki as crews assessed damage, supported displaced residents and worked to reopen roads.

Authorities are urging people to continue following official advice until floodwaters recede.

Listen to Sophie Barker's full interview below.