Weather: Localised flooding, high river levels across lower North Island

Pockets of floods, high river levels across lower North Island

River levels have been dropping in Tararua District since an emergency mobile alert was issued over the threat from the Wainui River, upstream from Herbertville.

Civil Defence Manawatū Whanganui said the alert stopped broadcasting just after 3.30am on Wednesday.

Also overnight the Moutoa floodgates, between Foxton and Shannon, were opened after levels in the Manawatū River got high enough just after 2am.

Carterton's mayor said on Tuesday night a handful of homes were evacuated in Gladstone as a precaution due to rising levels in the Tauweru River.

In Hawke's Bay, Civil Defence said overnight emergency crews were on the ground supporting people and properties caught in localised flooding in parts of Hastings District.

North of Wellington, State Highway 2 at Remutaka Hill was reopened.

Repair works after a washout forced the road to shut have been completed.

But NZTA warns that river levels at Ruamahanga River are still high.

State Highway 53 at Waihenga Bridge remains closed.

'Hazards remain' - council

Most Wellington City Council services, including pools, recreation centres, libraries, and community centres, are reopening on Wednesday after heavy rain and flooding hit the capital this week.

A council spokesperson said Island Bay Library remained closed due to flood-related damage, as did the Newlands Library and Community Centre, due to previous storm damage.

Grassed sports fields also remain closed.

The council said the Botanic Garden and Ōtari Wilton's Bush were open, however, they recommended avoiding the Town Belt and reserves while rangers assessed tracks and clear debris.

The Southern Landfill has also been impacted by heavy rain and was only open for commercial waste only.

"This will be reviewed daily. We are working on options to support residents to safely dispose of storm-related waste and will provide an update in the coming days."

Kerbside rubbish and recycling collections were continuing as normal.

WCC said the state of emergency remained in place while the risk of further impacts continues.

"While the heaviest rain has passed, hazards remain. Please stay alert for slips and landslides, these can occur quickly and without warning, even after the rain has eased."

It said emergency services and response teams were actively working in affected areas, including supporting properties impacted by flooding and landslips, particularly in the southern suburbs.

The Wellington City Emergency Operations Centre also remained active and would continue operating for the duration of the emergency.

Caution needed, mayor says

Heavy rain in South Wairarapa is beginning to ease but its mayor is advising people to remain "very, very careful".

Wairarapa has been hit hard by torrential downpours over the last couple of days leading to flooding and landslips. The region is still under a state of emergency.

South Wairarapa mayor Fran Wilde welcomed the region being opened up. "The good news is that the Remutaka Hill Road is now open."

The critical stretch of State Highway 2 had been closed since yesterday following a bridge washout.

"However, I think we still need to ask people to be very, very careful," Wilde said.

River levels were still high and would need time to drain.

"There's a lot of water," she said.

Wilde said some bridges were still not open, includng the main bridge into Martinborough.

When asked how much it would cost to repair damages to the road infrastructure she said: "I have absolutely no idea. I couldn't say that until our people have been out and looked at everything."

Torrential rain over the weekend caused flooding and damage to parts of the lower North Island.

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