Flooding Stories

Kiwi Stories

Flooding stories

Scientists urge action over Franz Josef flooding risk

Scientists warn Franz Josef township faces a growing threat to life as the Waiho Riverbed rises 20cm and councils face calls to act sooner.

By Vihan Dalal • 5 min read • Yesterday

Civil Defence

Flood risk meeting called at Franz Josef Glacier

Residents will hear updated advice on whether stopbanks and infrastructure at Franz Josef can withstand the Waiho River's shifting flood risk.

By Vihan Dalal • 5 min read • 2 days ago

Insurance

Hanmer freedom camping spot to be restored

Flood damage has left the reserve closed for months, with repairs estimated at $35,000 and new toilets costing $148,000 before campers can return.

By David Hill • 2 min read • 3 days ago

Cyclone Computers

Warnings in place as Wati bears down on southern Cook Islands

Storm-force winds, heavy rain and coastal inundation risk are expected to hit the southern Cook Islands as Wati tracks past Aitutaki.

By Kaya Selby • 2 min read • 5 days ago

Riverbed

Canterbury warned another flood coming within 10 years as Kaikōura recovery continues

Canterbury councillors are being told another major flood could hit within a decade, as a Kaikōura clean-up leaves ECan facing more than $30m in repairs.

By David Hill • 3 min read • 5 days ago

Auckland Council

Piha domain to reopen for summer despite council recommendations

The move secures jobs and keeps a key Piha business open, even as council staff warn flooding could make the site unsafe in future.

By Ross McNaughton • 4 min read • Last week

Risk & Compliance

Popular Auckland campground re-opens for summer despite flood risk

Despite council warnings of a high flood hazard, Piha Campground has been cleared to stay open this summer after a unanimous local board vote.

By Torika Tokalau • 4 min read • Last week

Climate change

Boost for flood-prone Greymouth suburb

Vegetation clearance has started as Cobden's floodbank is raised to better protect homes from a one-in-150-year flood, at a cost of $410,000.

By Vihan Dalal • 2 min read • Last week

Civil Defence

Kaikōura flood repairs progressing - but who will pay?

The council faces an $8m to $30m bill for urgent flood repairs, with a funding request still awaiting NZTA approval.

By David Hill • 3 min read • Last week

Sustainability

Whakatāne's sponge reserve wins national sustainability award

By storing 4000 cubic metres of stormwater and easing flood risk, a former pipe corridor is now being hailed as a model for councils.

By Diane McCarthy • 4 min read • This month

Emergency services

Vulnerable 114-year-old bridge into Martinborough closing for debris removal

Drivers to Martinborough face two days of delays this week as flood debris is cleared from the only direct road link into town.

By Emily Ireland • 4 min read • This month

Earthquakes

High fuel prices creating public transport challenges for Canterbury

Rising petrol costs may force Canterbury buses to cut off-peak runs and delay planned service boosts as demand keeps climbing.

By David Hill • 4 min read • This month

Agricultural Technology

How El Niño may affect the Waikato's agriculture sector

Farmers are being urged to plan early as the predicted El Niño threatens drought, lower pasture growth and milk output across the Waikato.

By Jordan Smith • 3 min read • This month

Risk & Compliance

'High risk' parts of the Historic Village to close during heavy rain

Visitors and tenants will face closures and cordons for at least five days after severe rain, as unstable slopes pose slip risks.

By Ayla Yeoman • 5 min read • This month

Risk & Compliance

Hauraki budgets over $9 million for summer roadworks

Road users across Hauraki should expect delays as council funds 68 sites for resealing, drainage renewals and bridge repairs this summer.

By Jordan Smith • 3 min read • Last month

Global Stories

Flooding stories

Disaster Recovery

Small but mighty - micro data centres are the foundation of security and disaster recovery

Resilience-minded organisations are turning to compact edge systems to keep critical services running if cyberattacks, outages or floods hit.

By Kamil Kwinta • 7 min read • 4 days ago

Artificial Intelligence

IMF-World Bank meet in Bangkok amid debt & climate strain

Flooding and higher borrowing costs are sharpening scrutiny of how the IMF and World Bank will back vulnerable economies through debt and climate shocks.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • This month