WESTERN WAIKATO EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTRE UPDATES
Ōtorohanga and Waipā Districts have extended the State of Emergency due to severe weather causing flooding, slips and impacts to roads and water infrastructure. We are operating in a joint Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to coordinate response and recovery activity across the region.
State of emergency
Ōtorohanga District Council has extended its state of emergency until Saturday, 28 February 2026. The decision follows ongoing response efforts by both councils, emergency services, iwi and partner agencies after severe weather events across the Ōtorohanga and Waipā districts. It enables response agencies to continue accessing resources and acting quickly to support affected communities.
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. 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
Latest updates
Roading update
Geotechnical teams have been assessing slips and checking the structural stability of roads. This work is ongoing to ensure safety before routes are reopened. Please bear with us as assessments continue.
Monitoring, inspections and repairs continue on multiple culverts and bridges across the district. Anyone travelling in affected areas is urged to check the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi online journey planner for state highways, or the Ōtorohanga District Council or Waipā District Council websites.
Please respect the road closures, which are in place for the safety of the public and our roading contractors undertaking assessments and repairs. Thank you for your understanding.
Last updated at 10.30am on Monday, 23 February 2026
CLOSED ROADS
- SH39 from Ngutunui Road to Te Tahi Road is closed to all traffic.
- Lurman Road
- Mangati Road (open to residents only with caution)
- Mangauika Road (open to residents; closed at the one lane bridge)
- Otewa Road (closed from near Barber Road intersection. Accessible from Tauraroa Valley Road end for residents only to access their homes before the slip)
OPEN with caution needed
- SH31 to Kāwhia from SH39 is open with speed restrictions.
- Aotearoa Road
- Barber Road
- Bayley Road
- Happy Valley Road
- Hikurangi Road
- Kiwi Road
- Maihiihi Road
- Mangati Road (to approx. 7km mark)
- Mangawhero Rd (one lane only)
- Ngaroma Road
- Otoru Road
- Paewhenua Road
- Pekanui Road
- Pirongia West Road (slip 5km from Pekanui Road)
- SH31 (between SH39 and Ngutunui Road)
- Tauraroa Valley Road
- Turitea Road
- Waimahora Road
- Wairehi Road
Ōtorohanga township updates
Library
The Ōtorohanga Library has reopened.
Recycling
Recycling collection has resumed.
General information
Welfare
The following services are available if you or someone you know in Ōtorohanga District Council 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.
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
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. 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.
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
More News
WAIPĀ AND ŌTOROHANGA DISTRICTS EXTEND STATES OF EMERGENCY
LIM PROCESSING UPDATE
ROADING UPDATE – ŌTOROHANGA DISTRICT
MAYORAL DISASTER RELIEF FUND ACTIVATED FOR ŌTOROHANGA DISTRICT
COUNCIL ACKNOWLEDGES FATALITY DUE TO FLOODING EVENT
