State of emergency declared in Wellington Region as flooding worsens and risks grow

A state of emergency has been declared across the Wellington Region as heavy rain continues to flood communities and raise the risk of further damage.

Officials on Monday warn the situation is still changing, with more rain expected and conditions likely to worsen in already saturated areas.

The declaration was made by Wellington Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Controller Carrie McKenzie, giving emergency services greater powers to respond to the unfolding situation.

“This is a serious weather event with ongoing and evolving risks,” she said in a statement.

“The state of emergency gives responders the powers and coordination needed to keep people safe, support evacuations where required, and manage impacts across the region.”

Heavy rain over recent days has soaked the ground, increasing the chances of surface flooding, landslides and rapidly rising rivers.

Some communities are already dealing with flooding, and authorities say more areas could be affected.

“The priority is life safety. We are asking people to take this seriously, follow safety advice, and act early if they are in low-lying or flood-prone areas,” McKenzie said.

Emergency services, councils and other agencies are working together, with close monitoring of welfare needs and transport disruptions.

Janis McLauchlan, a resident on Wellington's Balfour St looks at the damage on Monday. Emergency services are responding to rising floodwaters and slips as residents are urged to avoid travel and move to higher ground if at risk. Photo/RNZ/Samuel Rillstone

What the emergency declaration means

The state of emergency allows authorities to:

• Order evacuations where needed

• Restrict access to unsafe areas

• Move resources quickly to where they are most needed

• Improve coordination between agencies

Officials stress the powers will only be used where necessary.

The declaration does not mean everyone must leave their homes and it does not automatically affect essential services such as healthcare.

Flooding in the Ruapehu District town of Ōhura on Sunday: An emergency assistance centre has been set up in central Wellington to support people displaced by flooding and severe weather. Photo/RNZ/Supplied/Mike Crowley

What people are being told to do

Authorities are urging residents to act early and stay safe:

• Move out of low-lying or flood-prone areas if at risk

• Stay indoors if safe and avoid unnecessary travel

• Never walk, swim or drive through floodwater

• Head to higher ground immediately if water levels rise

• Do not wait for official alerts if you feel unsafe

• Check with neighbours if it is safe to do so

People are also being asked to clear drains and gutters where possible to reduce flooding.

An Emergency Assistance Centre has been set up at the Wellington City Mission in Oxford Terrace to support people forced from their homes.

Authorities are urging the public to keep up to date through official channels, including MetService, WREMO and local councils, as conditions continue to change.

Kingston resident Ayla Anderson in Wellington speaks with RNZ below.

Extreme weather events like this are becoming more common across the Pacific where heavy rain, flooding and landslides can quickly disrupt communities and infrastructure.

For Wellington, the focus now is on keeping people safe as the weather system moves through and preparing for what may come next.