Local state of emergency declared for Ōhura

Sunday, 19 April 2026

Flooding in Ōhura, near Taumarunui, overnight saw the evacuation of locals, as well as a group of 18 tourists, from the town.

Ruapehu District Council has declared a local state of emergency in response to significant flooding in the Ōhura township overnight, officials say.

An Emergency Operations Centre has been activated at council’s main office in Taumarunui to coordinate the response and support affected residents, Ruapehu Civil Defence controller Clive Manley said.

Taumarunui-Ōhura Ward committee deputy chairperson Sophie Stockbridge said the Mangaroa Stream, part of the Ōhura River catchment, reached 7.3m overnight and caused significant flooding, inundating parts of the township.

Ruapehu mayor Weston Kirton said he’d flown over the town and visited locals with Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell.

Some locals and a group of 18 tourists were evacuated overnight, and at their peak, floodwaters reached chest height in several streets, surrounded a number of houses and the local school and inundated multiple vehicles, Manley said.

Evacuations took place between midnight and 3am and all 18 tourists were being cared for at the Ōhura Memorial Hall welfare centre.

“All local residents are reported to be safe,” Manley said.

“Water levels have since receded, with flooding now reduced to ankle depth in some areas.

State Highway 3 between Mokau and Piopio was closed after overnight flooding, along with State Highway 43 (Forgotten World Highway) from Taumarunui.

“However, conditions remain changeable and residents are urged to stay alert and follow official advice.”

Officials said floodwaters and slips affecting local roads had been cleared to a point where road access to Ōhura, situated west of Taumarunui on the banks of the Mangaroa Stream, has been re-established for emergency services.

However, Manley said people were still driving through floodwaters and closed roads, hindering response efforts and creating issues for themselves.

“There is still flooding across sections of the road around Matiere and we are asking people not to attempt to drive through it,” he said.

“We are also aware of travellers attempting to drive through Ōhura to reach New Plymouth. This is not possible due to significant slip damage further along the route.”

Manley said a number of incidents had already occurred, including one traveller reaching Ōhura and running out of fuel.

“Over 100 vehicles have been reported travelling through Ōhura despite road closures and unsafe conditions.

“Road crews are working as quickly as possible to assess and reopen routes, at least to single-lane access where it is safe to do so,” he said.

“Drivers who ignore road closure signage may find they’ve taken a long detour for nothing and face a lengthy drive back.

“More concerningly, they may get themselves into serious trouble and require rescue, putting additional pressure on emergency services.”

He said support teams, including the New Zealand Red Cross, are on standby in Taumarunui ready to deploy supplies and resources such as bedding as soon as it is safe to enter the township.

“With access now available for emergency services and contractors, welfare checks and infrastructure assessments are getting underway.”

Ruapehu mayor Weston Kirton said local farmers have played an important role in supporting the response by helping to clear slips from local roads where possible.

He said he and Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell had visited the town and assessed the damage by helicopter.

Mitchell said all necessary Government support will be made available.

“Essential services remain operational, with cellular networks still functioning and water supply available from the Ōhura reservoir,” Manley said.

“Wastewater systems, which rely on septic tanks, have been impacted by flooding.”

A New Zealand Defence Force helicopter is also on site to deliver essential supplies if required.

“Residents are urged to continue following official advice and updates,” Manley said.

Primary welfare requests from residents are for food parcels, and a clearer picture of community needs will emerge as assessments continue.

Bottled water is now available at the Ōhura Memorial Hall welfare centre and Rural Support has reported that farmers are dealing with widespread slips across properties, causing damage to fencing and making it difficult to check on stock.