FEBRUARY 2026 FLOOD RESPONSE

From response to recovery

The Ōtorohanga and Waipā districts have shifted from the response phase into recovery following the February 2026 floods and the declaration of a Civil Defence State of Emergency.

Read more here: Our Road to Recovery

Helpful info for storms and floods

Storms: What to do before, during and after storms

Floods: What to do before, during and after floods

How to prepare for emergencies: www.getready.govt.nz

Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund

Applications are open to the Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund in response to the recent severe weather event that has impacted communities across the district. Applications close 7 August 2026.

The fund may assist with:

• basic household needs and essential personal items (where uninsured or underinsured)
• clearing debris from properties
• assisting with insurance excess payments
• replacing essential uninsured or underinsured items.

Donations are also welcome and can be made to:

Ōtorohanga District Council – Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund
Account number: 02-0392-0018241-003

Find out more >>

Roading updates

District roads: Ōtorohanga District Council is working with our contractors to continue repairing roads damaged in the February floods and we've been making great progress. Some repairs will take longer where damage is more significant, as we want to ensure lasting solutions. For the latest information on our work on council-owned roads, including currently closed roads, read more here.

General information

Homeowner support

New Zealand Claims Resolution Service

• If you need help with your residential insurance claim following recent floods, the New Zealand Claims Resolution Service (NZCRS) within the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), provides free, independent advice and support to homeowners navigating their insurance after a natural disaster.
• NZCRS offers general advice, case management where needed, and access to legal and technical services. If you’ve been affected, make sure you contact your insurer first to lodge a claim, and remember to take photos of all damage.
• If you have concerns about your claim or are unsure about next steps, you can contact NZCRS on 0508 624 327, email [email protected] or visit www.nzcrs.govt.nz

Welfare

The following services are available if you or someone you know in Ōtorohanga District needs help:

Ministry of Social Development (MSD)
Financial assistance, welfare support, accommodation help.
Call 0800 559 009 or visit your local MSD office.

Rural Support Trust
Confidential support for farmers, growers, and rural whānau dealing with stress, damage or loss.
Call 0800 787 254

Farmstrong
Find farmer-to-farmer tips, supported and informed by wellbeing science.
Visit Farmstrong.co.nz

Here to Help U
One stop support for food parcels, financial hardship, mental health, social services and more.
Visit www.heretohelpu.nz
Call 0800 568 273 and leave a call back request

HealthNZ: Managing stress in an emergency
Advice on understanding emotional reactions to emergencies and positive ways of coping.
Visit Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora website

Need to Talk?
Free counselling by phone or text, 24/7.
Call or text 1737.

Building inspections and site visits

Council building inspectors have been carrying out Rapid Building Assessments (RBA) in the storm-affected areas, with a placard system used for properties which have been inspected. Placards are also known as stickers. Staff will have Civil Defence and Council ID.

What do the colours mean?

⚪️ White - safe to occupy, but keep an eye out for any damage. 

🟡 Yellow - limited access only. Some areas may be restricted and used under supervision.

🔴 Red - do not enter due to damage or land risk. This doesn’t always mean the building will be demolished.

Check out this factsheet about red and yellow stickers.

Watch MBIE's video to learn more about the assessment system.

Safety advice during clean-up

Dealing with flooding can be overwhelming and exhausting. As you begin to clean up, it’s important to take care of your health as well as your home.

Flooding can leave behind contaminated water, silt and damp conditions that may pose health risks. Floodwater can contain harmful germs from sewage, farm runoff and chemicals. Taking simple, safe clean‑up steps can help protect you, your whānau and your home as you recover.

Cleaning up a flooded home guide

Preventing and cleaning up mould

For more information, phone Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Cover for storm, flood and landslide damage

The Natural Hazards Commission (formerly known as EQC) has information on what you’re covered for following a storm, flood or landslide, and how it can contribute to the cost of clean-up to some of your land.

Read more information on cover for storm, flood and landslide damage