contouring. Council Director-Operations Dan Harrison said the area had suffered severe erosion when river flows rose dramatically and the new rocks are an additional safeguard for homes and businesses in the popular retail and business area. “There was a huge amount of rainfall and waterways right across Taranaki rose with some having unusually high river flow levels so it wasn't all that surprising to have some erosion on banks and berms,” says Mr Harrison. “When the waters receded, it was clear this
Last year ended with December having 34% less rain than usual and the first month of 2025 mirrored that exactly with 34% less rainfall across the region in January. This was particularly the case in South Taranaki with the monitoring station at Kaupokonui at Glenn Rd recording 59% less than usual. The district also saw the highest soil temperature with 28.1°C at Waitōtara at Rimunui Station on 22 January. Mean river flows for January were 40.1% lower than typical values, low flows were 11.6%
Dry conditions in South Taranaki caused by the current La Nina weather pattern could mean further restrictions on how much water can be taken from rivers, Taranaki Regional Council has warned. The environmental watchdog is keeping a close eye on rainfall levels, soil moisture, river flows and climate across the region, with most of the Council’s monitoring sites recording less rain than usual over the last three months. Council data for the lowest rainfall sites shows Pātea recorded 61% of
December continued 2024’s trend for lower rainfall with an average of 108.3mm - 34% less than usual. On average across Taranaki there was 14% less rainfall than normal across all rain gauges with year-to-date rainfall lowest at Waitōtara at Hawken Rd with 28% less than usual. In December, there was 63% less rain at Kaupokonui at Glenn Rd and 11% less at Motunui M39 at Weston W3. Mean river flows for December were 31.8% lower than typical values, low flows were 21.9% greater, and high flows
floodwalls and stopbanks.
Floodgates to prevent floodwater travelling up stormwater pipes into the township.
Temporary barriers for use when there is a risk of flooding. The Waitara scheme is now very resilient. But there remains a small risk that damage could occur during a very large flood, which might compromise the level of protection afforded to the township. We keep a careful eye on the scheme’s performance during very heavy rainfall and occupants can expect a timely warning if we do see greater
November continued the trend we’ve had pretty much all year for lower than average rainfall with our gauges recording an average of 125.3mm for the month – that's about 13% less than usual. Only four months this year – January, April, August and September – have seen higher than average rainfall and on average there has been 12% less than normal across all rain gauges. Year-to-date rainfall is lowest at Waitotara at Hawken Rd with 27% less rainfall than normal, Pohokura Saddle has had the
October continued this year’s trend for lower than average rainfall – but only just! There was an average of 158.2mm – that’s 1% less than usual – for the month, ranging from 26% less rain at Kaupokonui at Glenn Rd, and 22% more at Waitotara at Hawken Rd. On average there has been 12% less rainfall than normal across all rain gauges, with year-to-date rainfall lowest at Waitotara at Hawken Rd with 26% less rainfall than normal while the Pohokura Saddle has had the highest year-to-date rainfall
The weather stats are in for 2024 and if you live near Hawken Road in South Taranaki then last year you will have enjoyed the lowest rainfall and highest air temperature in the region. And those living near Ngutuwera, north of Waitotara, had to hang onto their hats on 4 February as the area recorded the highest wind gust for the year at 128.52km/hr. Figures from Taranaki Regional Council show the region, well known for enjoying a healthy dose of rain most years, recorded 14% less than normal
water in those rivers. “We live in a fantastic part of the world but it’s fair to say the environment is extremely dynamic and things can change very quickly so please always be aware of the dangers from flooding and have a plan to get to safety if the rivers rise fast.” The Council provides information to Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) about rainfall and river flows during weather events, and alerts are issued by CDEM to the public with support from the Council via its
