Flood Room

We provide real-time information to our partners, and co-ordinate the monitoring of flood defences, to support the resilience of communities in the Bay of Plenty. 

If you are experiencing flooding in your area, please contact the Duty Flood Manager on +64 7 922 3375.  

In an emergency, please ring 111. 

What do we do?

We have flood forecasting models that take the MetService weather forecasts and convert that into river flows. We then assess the impacts of those flows. We also have an extensive monitoring network that is regularly watching environmental data (such as river levels, rainfall, wave height etc). You can access this information through our Environmental Data Portal.

We gather and monitor all this information coming in. We then analyse and distribute this data to local agencies, who can use this to make informed decisions about how they support the community.

We will also communicate this directly to communities in low-lying areas as part of our flood warning list.

Flood warning levels

Flooding is the most common natural hazard in Aotearoa. As the climate changes, communities across New Zealand are adapting to meet the challenges of a rising sea level and more frequent, more significant rain events that may cause flooding.

Understanding what’s happening in our backyard is a critical part of how we can help communities become resilient in the face of climate change. That’s why we’ve identified warning levels across our major rivers. These warnings help communities living nearby know what’s happening with river levels during weather events. 

• First warning level – the river level has reached its normal channel capacity.
• Second warning level – the river has overtopped the channel banks and has flooded the area next to river (berm). This is still well within the flood defences around the river (such as a stopbank or floodway).

Flood warnings are sent to landowners or the occupiers of properties on low lying rural land next to one of the seven major rivers within or adjacent to the river floodplain (Kaituna, Tarawera, Rangitāiki, Whakatāne, Tauranga, Waioeka, Otara).

The warnings are pre-recorded messages sent via an automated system to a person’s landline and / or mobile phone when the river near them reaches the first or second warning level (more on this below).
The messages include the recommendation to move stock to higher ground, to keep an eye on rainfall and river levels, and to listen to the radio for further updates.

If you believe you own or occupy a low-lying property next to one of the major rivers please email: Engineering@boprc.govt.nz or call 0800 884 880 to discuss the suitability of receiving a flood warning from our team.

Where can I find information during a flood or severe weather?

MetService: Comprehensive weather information and updates

Bay of Plenty Civil Defence: Updates and preparedness support.

• 0800 884 880
  
• Facebook.com/BOPCivilDefence

Local councils: Information about any potential evacuations and local issues that may arise (i.e. roading, blocked culverts/drains, water/stormwater/sewerage issues:

What should I do in a flood?

Here’s a few handy tips to help you keep safe from Bay of Plenty Civil Defence. For more information, visit their website.

• 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.
• Avoid contact with flood water whenever possible. Floodwaters can carry bugs that cause disease from the ground surface, septic tanks and sewerage systems.
• Do not attempt to drive or walk through floodwaters unless it is absolutely essential.
• Follow any instructions from local Civil Defence authorities or emergency services regarding evacuation of your area.