Following a sustained period of rain over the last 24 hours, the Tauranga-Taupō River north of Tūrangi has risen significantly and is in flood. The peak will reach the State Highway 1 bridge shortly.

The river has not breached its banks but as a precaution, LandSAR teams have been door-knocking in the affected area to advise people to prepare to evacuate, if needed. There are around 70 properties in the immediate vicinity of the river although some of these will be holiday homes.

There is no further significant rain in the 24-hour forecast. The river has peaked upstream.

Civil Defence centres have been set up in Tūrangi (Te Mataapuna Sports Centre) and Taupō (Great Lake Centre) if needed.

For more information people can follow the Civil Defence Taupō Facebook page and the Taupō District Council website www.taupo.govt.nz.

Next update: 9 am

For more information: www.getready.govt.nz

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