6April 2017
UPDATE 2PM

River levels remain high: Work to re-open roads in Waikato district continues

Rivers will remain at a high level for the foreseeable future. This means that already flooded areas are unlikely to recede quickly.

Boaties are asked to stay clear of power lines crossing local rivers. Particular care is required on Waipa River approximately 150 metres south of Maori Point Road (Whatawhata) where, due to flooding and rising river levels the clearance conditions have been compromised.

Residents in all communities are asked to keep clear of downed power lines and any concerns or questions please contact WEL Networks on 0800 800 935.

Sand bags are now available to residents who are concerned that their property may flood. The sand and bags are available in the following locations:
· Patterson Park on River Road, Ngaruawahia (car park off River Road)
· Huntly – Ralph Street at the railway yard (opposite the Stihl shop)

Staff, including Huntly Library staff, are currently assessing the situation around the district and checking on residents. As a result the Huntly library has been closed from 1.30 to 3:30pm.

For safety reasons, people are advised that all walking tracks in our district, including the Hakarimata track, should be avoided until further notice.

If you are concerned about flooding or your welfare, please phone 0800 492 452 or if in you are in immediate danger call 111.

Should water levels rise and threaten homes residents are urged to evacuate to higher ground and to notify us as soon as possible. People are reminded to drive safely through flood waters and to avoid affected areas if possible.

Efforts to re-open roads in the Waikato district are continuing. The Tuakau Bridge-Port Waikato Road is now open to light vehicles and Waitetuna Valley Road, Te Uku, is also open.

Unfortunately River Road in Tuakau remains closed and opening it to one lane is not an option at this stage due to the risk of further material falling. The team is currently organising a drone to further assess the situation.

The following roads remain closed or partially closed due to flooding and/or slips
· Richardson Road, near Waikaretu
· Old Mountain Road, Raglan (at 6km mark)
· Waingaro Road, Ngaruawahia (currently open to one lane. Weather permitting)
· Rotowaro Road and Hangapipi Road, Huntly
· Highway 22 north of Glen Murray (one lane)
· Tuakau Bridge - Port Waikato Road, Te Kohanga
· Klondyke Road, Onewhero
· Allen and Eyre Road, Tuakau (one lane)
· Pheasant Close, Rotokauri (TBC)
· Ponganui Road, Onewhero (one lane)
· Pioneer Road, Pokeno
· River Road, Tuakau
· Te Hoe, Orini Road and Tenfoot Road, Orini/Taupiri
· Brein Road, Onewhero
· Venna Fry Lane,Huntly

Stay informed
· www.metservice.co.nz
· www.civildefence.govt.nz
· www.facebook.com/waikatodistrictcouncil
· www.twitter.com/waikatodistrict
· www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz

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