The New Zealand Meteorological Service has issued a red-level weather warning for heavy rain on Monday 20 and Tuesday 21 April for the areas of Wellington (excluding Porirua) and Wairarapa. Very intense rainfall is expected, with 100–150 mm on the eastern hills of Wellington and the Hutt Valley, 80–120 mm in Wairarapa, and up to 200–280 mm over mountain ranges and coastal hills. Authorities recommend avoiding flooded areas, refraining from travel, and evacuating quickly if water levels rise, also noting the possibility of power and communications outages.
A local state of emergency has been declared for Ōhura Ward, in the Manawatū‑Whanganui region. Heavy rain is causing significant flooding in parts of the town of Ōhura, in the Ruapehu District, with a risk of potentially life‑threatening flooding. Residents in low‑lying areas near the Mangaroa Stream and other waterways have been asked to prepare for evacuation.
The Wellington Region Emergency Management Office is advising people living in low‑lying areas, or in locations prone to flooding or landslides—especially those who have experienced such events before—to consider the possibility of temporarily moving to safer areas, given the intensity of the forecast weather and the potential risks in the coming hours.
Orange warnings for heavy rain and strong winds remain in place for: Tararua District; Kaikoura Coast and surrounding areas; North Canterbury and the Lake Sumner area; Taihape, Whanganui and Manawatū; Hawke’s Bay south of Cape Kidnappers; Horowhenua, Kāpiti Coast and Porirua; Marlborough Sounds and the area east of Havelock, including the hills north of Spring Creek; Taranaki; Buller, Grey and Westland.
Extreme caution is advised due to the risk of landslides, flooding and river overflows. Conditions are evolving. To stay updated, please monitor the official MetService website: https://www.metservice.com/warnings/severe-weather-outlook and the National Emergency Management Agency website.
In case of emergency, please contact the Embassy’s emergency number: +64 (0) 27 444 8259.
