Taranaki's recent history includes significant flooding events.
This page has advice on preparing for and copying with floods, and background information on flooding in the region.
Before a flood:
- Find out from your district council if the LIM report for your residental or business property indicates whether it is at risk from flooding.
- Know where the closest high ground is and how to get there.
- Develop a Household Emergency Plan.
- Assemble and maintain your Emergency Survival Items for your home as well as a portable getaway kit
- Think about what to do with your pets and livestock if you have to evacuate.
- Check your insurance policy to ensure you have sufficient cover.
Useful links
New Plymouth District Council contact details
Stratford District Council contact details
South Taranaki District Council contact details
Household emergency plan
Emergency survival items and getaway kit
Get your pets thru too
During a flood or if a flood is imminent
- Listen to your local radio stations as emergency management officials will be broadcasting the most appropriate advice for your community and situation.
- If you have a disability or need support, make contact with your support network.
- Put your household emergency plan into action and check your getaway kit. Be prepared to evacuate quickly if it becomes necessary.
- Where possible, move pets inside or to a safe place, and move stock to higher ground.
- Consider using sandbags to keep water away from your home.
- Lift valuable household items and chemicals as high above the floor as possible.
- Fill bathtubs, sinks and storage containers with clean water in case water becomes contaminated.
- Turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities as it can help prevent damage to your home or community. Unplug small appliances to avoid damage from power surges.
- Do not attempt to drive or walk through floodwaters unless it is absolutely essential.
Useful links
After a flood
- It may not be safe to return home even when the floodwaters have receded. Continue to listen to your local radio station for civil defence instructions.
- Help others if you can, especially people who may require special assistance.
- Throw away food including canned goods and water that has been contaminated by floodwater.
- Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are certain it is not contaminated. If in doubt, check with your local council or public health authority.
- Look for and report broken utility lines to appropriate authorities.
- If your property is damaged, take notes and photographs for insurance purposes. If you rent your property, contact your landlord and your contents insurance company as soon as possible.
Understanding the hazard
Flooding in the eastern hill country and lower reaches of the Waitara River have been identified as significant hazards for Taranaki. Whilst each scenario presents unique issues and concerns, a generic approach to hill country flooding is possible.
A Waitara Flood Plan has also been prepared in conjunction with emergency services which allows for the evacuation of residents and businesses within the Waitara Flood Hazard Zone (see map at right).
The Taranaki Regional Council's Flood Manager is responsible for issuing flood warnings. These warnings are based on rainfall and river levels being recorded around the region and on weather forecasts issued by the MetService. Where an immediate threat to life is apparent, the Flood Manager may recommend to emergency services that evacuations are undertaken.
Evacuations for any emergency are undertaken by the emergency services. The CDEM Group gets involved to co-ordinate the efforts and to provide for welfare of the affected people. The CDEM Group Controller also liaises with media to keep public informed of what is happening.
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