NZ Historic Weather Events Catalogue
April 2008 North Island and Nelson Storm ( 2008-04-14 )
Many parts of the North Island, plus Tasman-Nelson, experienced electrical storms, heavy rain, flooding, slips and high winds. The 'Mangatepopo Tradgedy' occurred, in which seven people drowned and one person was injured in Tongariro National Park. During a hunt near Dargaville, lightning killed one man and injured five others.
New Zealand
Multi Hazard
at
New Zealand
Duration: 4 days - From the 14th to the 17th of April.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 8:45 pm 13-Apr-2009: Heavy rain expected for northern and eastern parts of Northland overnight and on Monday morning, possibly continuing into afternoon. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: Northern and eastern parts of Northland.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 8:20 pm 14-Apr-2009: Further heavy rain for Coromandel Peninsula and northern Taranaki until Monday afternoon and in parts of Bay of Plenty and northern Gisborne to Wednesday morning. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: Coromandel Peninsula.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 8:29 am 15-Apr-2009: Further heavy rain for northern parts of the North Island on Tuesday, possibly continuing in eastern Bay of Plenty and northern Gisborne through to Thursday morning. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: parts of Waikato down to inland Taranaki and Taupo, including Waitomo and Taumarunui.
MetService SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH issued at 09:49 am Tuesday 15 April 2008 for: Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua and Taupo.
Storm conditions in the sub-tropics sucked down warm air from as far north as Fiji, which created the stormy conditions in the upper North Island. A tropical trough hit Northland on the night of the 13th.
A trough crossed New Zealand, bringing very stormy weather to many parts of the North Island. A band of thunderstorms crossed the north of the North Island on the 15th, bringing heavy downpours to many areas. On the 16th, a shallow, but complex area of low pressure lay over New Zealand. A low centre moved onto the northern North Island later in the day. The frontal system remained over the north-eastern North Island, with further heavy rain and thunderstorms in the ranges of Eastern Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, East Cape, and northern Hawke's Bay until the morning of the 17th, when the northern low moved away to the south-east.
North Island
Multi Hazard
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North Island
The storm moved from Northland, to Auckland, to Waikato, to the Bay of Plenty.
Northland
Heavy Rain
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Northland
The area between South Hokianga and Dargaville recieved 94 mm (9.4 cm) of rain in three hours on the 15th.
Maritime / Coastal
A solo yachtsman sailing towards New Zealand's north-east coast in a dismasted yacht had to be towed in to land. He had a knee injury but did not require medical treatment.
Lightning
A few hundred lightning strikes occurred over Northland on the morning of the 15th. There were about 1000 lightning flashes an hour.
Even experts were surprised at the number of lightning strikes in the Dargaville-Hokianga Harbour area.
Multi Hazard
The thunderstorm brought torrential rain to the Far North, but only minor flooding.
Multi Hazard
at
Bay of Islands
Tourist operators cancelled nearly all day trips out of the Bay of Islands on the 15th.
Lightning
at
Dargaville
A violent electrical storm, along with thunder and lightning, struck the west coast between South Hokianga and Dargaville on the 15th.
Flooding
A downpour caused some flooding in the centre of Dargaville.
Multi Hazard
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Doubtless Bay
Much of the Doubtless Bay area was without electricity for more than three hours on the 15th after a line went down between Taipa and Kaitaia.
Lightning
at
Hokianga Harbour
Hokianga Harbour locals said the thunder and lightning lasted nearly three hours.
Heavy Rain
at
Kaikohe
Kaikohe recorded 53 mm (5.3 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 5pm on the 14th.
Lightning
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Kaitaia
A lightning strike on the main line into Kaitaia caused the town to lose power from a substation to the south.
Flooding
At Kaitaia, rivers overflowed but the water levels fell rapidly as the storm moved south.
Lightning
at
Mahuta
A 61-year-old man and his horse were killed instantly when they were struck by lightning at 12:50pm on the 15th during the annual Northland hare hunt on farmland at Mahuta. The man was struck on the top of his head. A witness said there were several lightning bolts and the man appeared to be struck by the final one.
Five other riders in the hunt were also hit by lightning and taken to hospital, but only received minor injuries. Two men and two women had symptoms of mild electric shock and were kept under observation. One of the men was hit in the leg by lightning. A fifth person declined treatment.
Local residents described continuous displays of fork lightning travelling directly to the ground over the farm where hunt was being held.
The sergeant said he had never seen anything like it in the 35 years he had lived in Dargaville.
An ambulance officer said the thunder and lightning was so intense that buildings were shaking.
A nearby transformer blew and a Mahuta resident said power was out for six hours.
Multi Hazard
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North Cape
The weather hampered attempts to rescue nine people from a charter vessel that ran aground on rocks off North Cape. A rescue helicopter was thwarted by heavy rain and 30- to 40-knot winds.
Heavy Rain
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Opononi
Opononi recorded 55 mm (5.5 cm) of rain in one hour on the 15th.
Opononi recorded 94 mm (9.4 cm) three hours on the 15th.
Flooding
Opononi Area School was closed and evacuated as rising flood waters threatened school bus transport for the children.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Paihia
Ferry crossings between Paihia and Russell were put on hold on the 15th.
Lightning
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Ruawai
Lightning struck a building in Ruawai on the 15th.
Multi Hazard
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Taipa
Taipa Area School closed early when the Doubtless Bay district lost power, leaving pump-dependent water supplies and toilets unsable.
Heavy Rain
at
Whangarei
Whangarei recorded 33 mm (3.3 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 5pm on the 14th.
Auckland
Multi Hazard
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Auckland
Strong winds and heavy rain caused havoc from as far north as Whangaparaoa on the 15th.
In West Auckland strong winds brought an old pine tree down onto the roof of a house, smashing roof tiles.
High Wind / Gust
at
Auckland City
In central Auckland falling trees destroyed property.
Multi Hazard
Central Auckland appeared like nightfall at midday on the 15th.
Heavy Rain
at
Auckland International Airport
Auckland Airport recorded 16 mm (1.6 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 5pm on the 14th.
High Wind / Gust
at
Epsom
In Epsom a car was flattened under a tree that came down during the storm.
High Wind / Gust
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Tiritiri Matangi Island
Tiritiri Matangi Island recorded a gust of 52 knots (96 km/hr) at 1am on the 14th.
Lightning
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Waitemata Habrour
Lightning struck a container ship as it came into Auckland harbour. A witness said two arms of lightning shot down from two clouds, converged above the ship and exploded above the ship's bridge in a flash of blue-white light.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Whangaparaoa
A 20 ft (6.1 m) launch broke free from its mooring and sank at Swann Beach, Whangaparaoa.
An 8.5 m launch sank at Swann Beach near Manly on the 14th.
Heavy Rain
Whangaparaoa recorded 21 mm (2.1 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 5pm on the 14th.
Waikato
Heavy Rain
at
Waikato
Similar deluges to that at Hamilton Airport were recorded throughout the Waikato.
Rainfall topped 120 mm (12.0 cm) in some districts, but barely 15-20 mm (1.5-2.0 cm) in others.
Flooding
In South Waikato heavy rain caused severe surface flooding on roads on the 15th.
Heavy Rain
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Hamilton
Hamilton recorded 14 mm (1.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 5pm on the 14th.
Hamilton Airport recorded 19 mm (1.9 cm) of rain in the hour from 2pm to 3pm on the 15th.
Hamilton city had almost continual rain on the 14th.
Hamilton recorded 38 mm (3.8 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Heavy Rain
at
Hinuera
A Hinuera Valley farm recorded 20 mm (2.0 cm) of rain on the 14th.
Heavy Rain
at
Kuratau
Kuratau recorded 224 mm (22.4 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Flooding
at
Manaia
State Highway 25 was closed at Manaia Bridge on the 15th as the water rose rapidly. There were no alternative routes.
Flooding
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Mangakino
A man's car became trapped in flood waters at Mangakino, and he had to abandon it.
An elderly man was injured when a car and a bus collided in Mangakino.
Heavy Rain
at
Matamata
Matamata recorded 126 mm (12.6 cm) of rain in 24 hours on the 14th.
A deluge began in Matamata at around 2:30pm on the 15th.
Flooding
Matamata received bursts of heavy rain all day, resulting in surface flooding.
Streets in the central area of town were flooded.
Water at the intersections of Broadway and Meura and Hohaia Streets rose to about 36 cm.
A number of minor road accidents occurred around Matamata.
A Puriri Place house was flooded after stormwater drains failed to cope with the downpour. Firemen spent four hours pumping out water from 4:30pm.
Within 30 minutes the water rose from a few centimetres to about 1m high.
Emergency services were called to businesses and homes across Matamata to deal with flooding. Several basements and garages were flooded.
At New World, the water was 36 cm deep in places as waves lapped the front doors.
Heavy Rain
at
Oruanui
Oruanui A recorded 181 mm (18.1 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Oruanui B recorded 201 mm (20.1 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Oruanui C recorded 189 mm (18.9 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Heavy Rain
at
Otorohanga
Otorohanga received around 25 mm (2.5 cm) of rain on the 14th.
Heavy Rain
at
Oturere Hut
Oturere Hut recorded 387 mm (38.7 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Heavy Rain
at
Paeroa
A farm near Paeroa recorded 18 mm (1.8 cm) of rain in 24 hours to the morning of the 14th.
Heavy Rain
at
Piako River
The Piako catchment received 71 mm (7.1 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Heavy Rain
at
Pukawa Bay
Pukawa recorded 244 mm (24.4 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Heavy Rain
at
Taupo
Taupo recorded 138 mm (13.8 cm) of rain in 24 hours on the 15th.
Taupo recorded 201 mm (20.1 cm) of rain in 10 days This rainfall was an all-time high (previous record in 1997).
AC Baths recorded 345 mm (34.5 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Bonshaw Park recorded 289 mm (28.9 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Five Mile Bay recorded 140 mm (14.0 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Garden Grove recorded 181 mm (18.1 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Gillies Ave recorded 196 mm (19.6 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Lakewood Drive recorded 197 mm (19.7 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Lake Ridge recorded 232 mm (23.2 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Rawhiti Street recorded 233 mm (23.3 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Taupo Airport recorded 178 mm (17.8 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Flooding
Heavy downpours caused surface flooding throughout the Taupo and Turangi districts on the 16th. Surface flooding was widespread throughout Taupo.
Various rivers around the district were rising.
Heavy Rain
at
Te Kauwhata
A Te Kauwhata farm recorded 18 mm (1.8 cm) of rain on the 14th.
Heavy Rain
at
Tihoi
Tihoi recorded 212 mm (21.2 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Flooding
at
Tirau
State Highway 1 on the southern side of Tirau was reduced to one lane on the 15th.
Flooding
at
Turangi
Heavy downpours caused surface flooding throughout the Taupo and Turangi districts on the 16th.
Heavy Rain
at
Waihohonu Hut
Waihohonu Hut recorded 375 mm (37.5 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Heavy Rain
at
Waipa River
The Waipa catchment received 77 mm (7.7 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Heavy Rain
at
Wairakei
Wairakei recorded 314 mm (31.4 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Heavy Rain
at
Whitianga
Whitianga recorded 23 mm (2.3 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 5pm on the 14th.
Bay of Plenty
Heavy Rain
at
Bay of Plenty
Heavy rain fell in the Bay of Plenty from the 14th.
The Eastern Ranges of Bay of Plenty received 200 mm (20.0 cm) of rain in two days from the 15th to the 17th.
Eastern Bay received 250-300 mm (25.0-30.0 cm) of rain in the month of April. This was well over double the average rainfall for April.
Flooding
There was severe surface flooding on Western Bay of Plenty roads on the 15th.
There were surface flooding problems on State Highway 29 in the lower Kaimais on the Tauranga side.
High Wind / Gust
Power was cut in the eastern Rotorua District. Over 900 homes lost power in areas from Owhata to Okere Falls for up to six hours on the night of the 15th after a branch fell on a power line.
Heavy Rain
at
Haparapa River
Haparapa recorded 360 mm (36.0 cm) of rain from the 14th to the 17th.
Multi Hazard
at
Omokoroa
Flooding and slips were reported at State Highway 2 near Te Maunga and Plummers Point Road and the Omokoroa turnoff.
Heavy Rain
at
Rotorua
There were nine traffic accidents around Rotorua in 48 hours on the 15th and 16th, as persistent rain caused normally dry roads to become treacherous. The bad road conditions were a combination of oil and diesel left on the road and the sudden downpour.
In the worst accident, two people were injured when a car and another vehicle had a head-on crash just after 8am on the 15th. Both drivers were taken to Rotorua Hospital with moderate injuries.
Lake Road was subsequently closed for over an hour.
Rotorua recorded 108 mm (10.8 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 9am on the 15th.
Rain caused damage to homes, clogged culverts and caused surface flooding.
Rain affected the University Games in Rotorua, with events cancelled or moved.
Flooding
Rotorua Fire Service attended 25 flood-related callouts in 24 hours, 12 of them between 4:30pm and 6:30pm on the 15th.
A freak wave that came down a hillside behind Otonga destroyed a fence and wrecked a road.
A Petrie Street home was inundated by flash flooding on the 15th. At around 4:30pm, flood water was lapping around the door and five minutes later it gushed through the entire house, destroying virtually everything. It was the second time the house had flooded in two months.
The house was knee-deep in water.
The reisdent of the Petrie Street house was left homeless. Insurance assessors said she could not move back in for four months because raw sewage had overflowed from toilet.
Heavy Rain
at
Tauranga
Tauranga recorded 36 mm (3.6 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 5pm on the 14th.
Multi Hazard
at
Te Maunga
Flooding and slips were reported at State Highway 2 near Te Maunga and Plummers Point Road and the Omokoroa turnoff.
Landslide
at
Whakamarama
A small slip flowed onto State Highway 2 near Whakamarama on the 16th. Traffic was diverted for nearly two hours.
Heavy Rain
at
Whakatane
Whakatane Airport recorded 256 mm (25.6 cm) of rain in the month of April. This was its highest rainfall since records began.
Gisborne
Heavy Rain
at
Gisborne
Hangaroa and Wharekopae to Arowhona received 12-30 mm (1.2-3.0 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 16th.
Rain caused a few problems on roads.
Some parts of the Gisborne district received five times their normal rainfall in April. A large part of the hill and farming country had about 150% of normal rainfall. The coast north of Tolaga Bay received at least twice the usual rain. All of the top part of the district (Te Puia to East Cape and inland) had 2.5 times or more of the average April rainfall.
Flooding
Local and coastal tributaries peaked at about 0.5-1 m above normal.
Heavy Rain
at
Matawai
Matawai recorded 72 mm (7.2 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 16th.
Heavy Rain
at
Matawhero
Matawhero recorded 12 mm (1.2 cm) in the 24 hours to 9am on the 16th.
Landslide
at
Otoko
A slip at the top of Otoko Hill on State Highway 2 closed one lane of the road from around 8am on the 16th.
Heavy Rain
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Poroporo River
Porporo recorded 444.6 mm (44.5 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Heavy Rain
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Raparapaririki Stream
The Raparapaririki Stream area to north of Mt Hikurangi recorded 459.4 mm (45.9 cm) of rain in the month of April. This was five times the average April rainfall.
The Raparapaririki Stream area to north of Mt Hikurangi recorded more than 100 mm (10.0 cm) of rain each day from the 15th to the 17th.
Heavy Rain
at
Ruatoria
Ruatoria recorded 90 mm (9.0 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 16th.
The area inland from Ruatoria recorded 134 mm (13.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 16th.
Flooding
at
Waiapu River
The Waiapu River was about 2 m above normal.
Heavy Rain
at
Waikura station
Waikura recorded 201 mm (20.1 cm) of rain from the 14th to the 17th.
Waikura Valley recorded 573 mm (57.3 cm) of rain in the month of April. This was 258% of the average April rainfall.
Hawke's Bay
Landslide
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Matahorua Viaduct
A large slip came down in Matahorua Gorge on State Highway 2 between Wairoa and Napier at 9:30pm on the 15th. The road was closed for more than five hours, reopening at 2:30am on the 16th. Another slip at 5:30am reduced the road to one lane.
Heavy Rain
at
Willowflat station
Willowflat recorded 24 mm (2.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 16th.
Manawatu-Wanganui
Heavy Rain
at
Ketetahi Hut
Ketetahi Hut recorded 354 mm (35.4 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Heavy Rain
at
Mangatepopo Hut
Mangatepopo Hut recorded 309 mm (30.9 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Flooding
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Mangatepopo Stream
Seven people (a 29-year-old male teacher and six 16-year-old students, three males and three females) drowned in the Mangatepopo River, Tongariro National Park, on the 15th while on a canyoning trip with the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre. Heavy rain higher up caused the river to suddenly surge around 4pm, when the group were in a gorge-like terrain with very steep sides and few escape points, and they were swept away.
One person required medical treatment at Taupo Hospital after reportedly suffering head and back injuries in the raging water.
The water flow in the gorge rose from 0.5 cumecs at 3pm to 18 cumecs at 3:30pm, before dropping back to 0.5 cumecs by 6pm.
Mr Davidson, head of the Outdoor Pursuits Centre said he had seen that amount of water before, but had never seen it come down at that speed.
Wellington
Heavy Rain
at
Masterton
Farmers near Masterton reported heavy rainfalls on the 15th.
Tasman-Nelson
Multi Hazard
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Tasman-Nelson
Slips and floods briefly isolated parts of the Nelson region on the 14th and 15th.
Lightning
There was a spectacular thunderstorm overnight on the 14th/15th.
Heavy Rain
The downpour started on the afternoon of the 14th.
The region escaped major damage because the rain was steady over a long period of time.
Grape growers across the region were likely to have a good growing season seriously compromised by the rain.
Heavy Rain
at
Brightwater
Brightwater recorded 63 mm (6.3 cm) of rain in the 19 hours from 2pm on the 14th to 9am on the 15th.
Heavy Rain
at
Brooklyn
Brooklyn recorded 121.2 mm (12.1 cm) of rain in the 19 hours from 2pm on the 14th to 9am on the 15th. This was the region's biggest downpour.
Landslide
at
Cable Bay
There were several slips on the road to Cable Bay. Residents were temporarily isolated, but one lane was cleared by 9am on the 15th and the road was expected to be reopened by midday.
Flooding
at
Hope
Surface flooding was reported in Hope.
Landslide
at
Kaiteriteri
Small slips occurred on the Riwaka to Kaiteriteri Road.
Heavy Rain
at
Mahana
Mahana recorded 82.5 mm (8.3 cm) of rain in the 19 hours from 2pm on the 14th to 9am on the 15th.
Heavy Rain
at
Mapua
Mapua recorded 97 mm (9.7 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 15th.
Heavy Rain
at
Motueka
Motueka Beach recorded 98 mm (9.8 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 15th.
Heavy Rain
at
Nelson
Nelson Airport recorded 95 mm (9.5 cm) of rain in the 19 hours from 2pm on the 14th to 9am on the 15th.
Nelson recorded 100 mm (10.0 cm) of rain overnight on the 14th up to 6am on the 15th.
Nelson recorded 166 mm (16.6 cm) of rain in the month of April. This was almost twice its average April rainfall.
Flooding
The Maitai River breached its banks and inundated Maitai Valley Road, which was closed at Gibbs Bridge on the morning of the 15th. Residents in the area were temporarily isolated, but the road was expected to be reopened by midday.
Multi Hazard
Firefighters were called out a number of times overnight because of false alarms caused by water getting into alarm systems or lightning disrupting them.
Flooding
at
Pohara
Surface flooding was reported in Pohara.
Heavy Rain
at
Richmond
Hill Street, Richmond, recorded 111.2 mm (11.1 cm) of rain in the 19 hours from 2pm on the 14th to 9am on the 15th. This was the region's second biggest downpour.
Heavy Rain
at
Stoke
Suffolk Road, Stoke, recorded 95 mm (9.5 cm) of rain in the 19 hours from 2pm on the 14th to 9am on the 15th.
Heavy Rain
at
Takaka
Takaka recorded 132 mm (13.2 cm) of rain in the 24 hours on the 14th.
Flooding
Surface flooding was reported in Takaka.
References
- Headline: 9 crashes in 48 hours.
- www.dailypost.co.nz, 16 April 2008.
- Headline: Home wrecked by flooding… again.
- www.dailypost.co.nz, 17 April 2008.
- Headline: More flooding in store for Rotorua.
- www.dailypost.co.nz, 17 April 2008.
- Headline: Plenty more rain on way for East Coast.
- www.gisborneherald.co.nz, 16 April 2008.
- Headline: Record month for rain.
- www.mediaintelligence.co.nz, Source: Eastern Bay News, 8 May 2008.
- Headline: Data shows a particularly wet month.
- www.mediaintelligence.co.nz, Source: Gisborne Herald, 3 May 2008.
- Headline: April rainfall twice average.
- www.mediaintelligence.co.nz, Source: Nelson Mail, 2 May 2008.
- Headline: Record rainfall in April in Taupo.
- www.mediaintelligence.co.nz, Source: Taupo Times, 13 May 2008.
- Meteorological Society of New Zealand (Inc.), Newsletter 113, June 2008. Notable weather in NZ - Autumn 2008.
- Headline: Heavy weather bringing spectacular end to summer.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 14 April 2008.
- Headline: Happiness is rain in the Waikato.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 15 April 2008.
- Headline: Lightning strike kills man and horse.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 15 April 2008.
- Headline: Lightning kills horse rider as weather pounds north.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 16 April 2008.
- Headline: Lightning warning for Bay of Plenty.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 16 April 2008.
- Headline: Warnings in place before 'rain bomb' - MetService.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 16 April 2008.
- Headline: Extreme weather dominates April.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, Source: NZPA, 1 May 2008.
- Headline: Two injured after truck steamrolls crashed car on flooded road.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, Source: Bay of Plenty Times, 5 May 2008.
- Headline: Zapped! Second storm forecast tonight.
- www.northernadvocate.co.nz, 27 June 2008.
- Headline: Lightning strike kills man near Dargaville.
- www.radionz.co.nz, 15 April, 2008.
- Headline: Winter blast due in the south.
- www.radionz.co.nz, 17 April 2008.
- Headline: Wife got to say goodbye to man hit by lightning.
- www.stuff.co.nz, 15 April 2008.
- Headline: Canyoning tragedy victims named.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: NZPA, 16 April 2008.
- Headline: Seven die in canyoning tragedy.
- www.stuff.co.nz, 16 April 2008.
- Headline: Lightning strike kills horseman.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Dargaville News, 15 April 2008.
- Headline: Spectacular soaking.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: The Nelson Mail, 16 April 2008.
- Headline: Summer's end claims at least six lives.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: The Nelson Mail, 16 April 2008.
- Headline: Long summer ends.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Rodney Times, 17 April 2008.
- Headline: Rainfall relief finally at hand.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Waikato Times, 15 April 2008.
- Headline: Matamata swamped in deluge.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Waikato Times, 16 April 2008.
- Headline: Lightning kills horse rider.
- tvnz.co.nz, Source: ONE News, 15 April 2008.
- Headline: Seven dead in drowning tragedy.
- tvnz.co.nz, Source: ONE News and Newstalk ZB, 16 April 2008.
- MetService Email Lists
April 2008 North Island and Nelson Storm ( 2008-04-14 )
Many parts of the North Island, plus Tasman-Nelson, experienced electrical storms, heavy rain, flooding, slips and high winds. The 'Mangatepopo Tradgedy' occurred, in which seven people drowned and one person was injured in Tongariro National Park. During a hunt near Dargaville, lightning killed one man and injured five others.
New Zealand
Multi Hazard
at
New Zealand
Duration: 4 days - From the 14th to the 17th of April.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 8:45 pm 13-Apr-2009: Heavy rain expected for northern and eastern parts of Northland overnight and on Monday morning, possibly continuing into afternoon. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: Northern and eastern parts of Northland.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 8:20 pm 14-Apr-2009: Further heavy rain for Coromandel Peninsula and northern Taranaki until Monday afternoon and in parts of Bay of Plenty and northern Gisborne to Wednesday morning. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: Coromandel Peninsula.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 8:29 am 15-Apr-2009: Further heavy rain for northern parts of the North Island on Tuesday, possibly continuing in eastern Bay of Plenty and northern Gisborne through to Thursday morning. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: parts of Waikato down to inland Taranaki and Taupo, including Waitomo and Taumarunui.
MetService SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH issued at 09:49 am Tuesday 15 April 2008 for: Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua and Taupo.
Storm conditions in the sub-tropics sucked down warm air from as far north as Fiji, which created the stormy conditions in the upper North Island. A tropical trough hit Northland on the night of the 13th.
A trough crossed New Zealand, bringing very stormy weather to many parts of the North Island. A band of thunderstorms crossed the north of the North Island on the 15th, bringing heavy downpours to many areas. On the 16th, a shallow, but complex area of low pressure lay over New Zealand. A low centre moved onto the northern North Island later in the day. The frontal system remained over the north-eastern North Island, with further heavy rain and thunderstorms in the ranges of Eastern Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, East Cape, and northern Hawke's Bay until the morning of the 17th, when the northern low moved away to the south-east.
North Island
Multi Hazard
at
North Island
The storm moved from Northland, to Auckland, to Waikato, to the Bay of Plenty.
Northland
Heavy Rain
at
Northland
The area between South Hokianga and Dargaville recieved 94 mm (9.4 cm) of rain in three hours on the 15th.
Maritime / Coastal
A solo yachtsman sailing towards New Zealand's north-east coast in a dismasted yacht had to be towed in to land. He had a knee injury but did not require medical treatment.
Lightning
A few hundred lightning strikes occurred over Northland on the morning of the 15th. There were about 1000 lightning flashes an hour.
Even experts were surprised at the number of lightning strikes in the Dargaville-Hokianga Harbour area.
Multi Hazard
The thunderstorm brought torrential rain to the Far North, but only minor flooding.
Multi Hazard
at
Bay of Islands
Tourist operators cancelled nearly all day trips out of the Bay of Islands on the 15th.
Lightning
at
Dargaville
A violent electrical storm, along with thunder and lightning, struck the west coast between South Hokianga and Dargaville on the 15th.
Flooding
A downpour caused some flooding in the centre of Dargaville.
Multi Hazard
at
Doubtless Bay
Much of the Doubtless Bay area was without electricity for more than three hours on the 15th after a line went down between Taipa and Kaitaia.
Lightning
at
Hokianga Harbour
Hokianga Harbour locals said the thunder and lightning lasted nearly three hours.
Heavy Rain
at
Kaikohe
Kaikohe recorded 53 mm (5.3 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 5pm on the 14th.
Lightning
at
Kaitaia
A lightning strike on the main line into Kaitaia caused the town to lose power from a substation to the south.
Flooding
At Kaitaia, rivers overflowed but the water levels fell rapidly as the storm moved south.
Lightning
at
Mahuta
A 61-year-old man and his horse were killed instantly when they were struck by lightning at 12:50pm on the 15th during the annual Northland hare hunt on farmland at Mahuta. The man was struck on the top of his head. A witness said there were several lightning bolts and the man appeared to be struck by the final one.
Five other riders in the hunt were also hit by lightning and taken to hospital, but only received minor injuries. Two men and two women had symptoms of mild electric shock and were kept under observation. One of the men was hit in the leg by lightning. A fifth person declined treatment.
Local residents described continuous displays of fork lightning travelling directly to the ground over the farm where hunt was being held.
The sergeant said he had never seen anything like it in the 35 years he had lived in Dargaville.
An ambulance officer said the thunder and lightning was so intense that buildings were shaking.
A nearby transformer blew and a Mahuta resident said power was out for six hours.
Multi Hazard
at
North Cape
The weather hampered attempts to rescue nine people from a charter vessel that ran aground on rocks off North Cape. A rescue helicopter was thwarted by heavy rain and 30- to 40-knot winds.
Heavy Rain
at
Opononi
Opononi recorded 55 mm (5.5 cm) of rain in one hour on the 15th.
Opononi recorded 94 mm (9.4 cm) three hours on the 15th.
Flooding
Opononi Area School was closed and evacuated as rising flood waters threatened school bus transport for the children.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Paihia
Ferry crossings between Paihia and Russell were put on hold on the 15th.
Lightning
at
Ruawai
Lightning struck a building in Ruawai on the 15th.
Multi Hazard
at
Taipa
Taipa Area School closed early when the Doubtless Bay district lost power, leaving pump-dependent water supplies and toilets unsable.
Heavy Rain
at
Whangarei
Whangarei recorded 33 mm (3.3 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 5pm on the 14th.
Auckland
Multi Hazard
at
Auckland
Strong winds and heavy rain caused havoc from as far north as Whangaparaoa on the 15th.
In West Auckland strong winds brought an old pine tree down onto the roof of a house, smashing roof tiles.
High Wind / Gust
at
Auckland City
In central Auckland falling trees destroyed property.
Multi Hazard
Central Auckland appeared like nightfall at midday on the 15th.
Heavy Rain
at
Auckland International Airport
Auckland Airport recorded 16 mm (1.6 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 5pm on the 14th.
High Wind / Gust
at
Epsom
In Epsom a car was flattened under a tree that came down during the storm.
High Wind / Gust
at
Tiritiri Matangi Island
Tiritiri Matangi Island recorded a gust of 52 knots (96 km/hr) at 1am on the 14th.
Lightning
at
Waitemata Habrour
Lightning struck a container ship as it came into Auckland harbour. A witness said two arms of lightning shot down from two clouds, converged above the ship and exploded above the ship's bridge in a flash of blue-white light.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Whangaparaoa
A 20 ft (6.1 m) launch broke free from its mooring and sank at Swann Beach, Whangaparaoa.
An 8.5 m launch sank at Swann Beach near Manly on the 14th.
Heavy Rain
Whangaparaoa recorded 21 mm (2.1 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 5pm on the 14th.
Waikato
Heavy Rain
at
Waikato
Similar deluges to that at Hamilton Airport were recorded throughout the Waikato.
Rainfall topped 120 mm (12.0 cm) in some districts, but barely 15-20 mm (1.5-2.0 cm) in others.
Flooding
In South Waikato heavy rain caused severe surface flooding on roads on the 15th.
Heavy Rain
at
Hamilton
Hamilton recorded 14 mm (1.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 5pm on the 14th.
Hamilton Airport recorded 19 mm (1.9 cm) of rain in the hour from 2pm to 3pm on the 15th.
Hamilton city had almost continual rain on the 14th.
Hamilton recorded 38 mm (3.8 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Heavy Rain
at
Hinuera
A Hinuera Valley farm recorded 20 mm (2.0 cm) of rain on the 14th.
Heavy Rain
at
Kuratau
Kuratau recorded 224 mm (22.4 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Flooding
at
Manaia
State Highway 25 was closed at Manaia Bridge on the 15th as the water rose rapidly. There were no alternative routes.
Flooding
at
Mangakino
A man's car became trapped in flood waters at Mangakino, and he had to abandon it.
An elderly man was injured when a car and a bus collided in Mangakino.
Heavy Rain
at
Matamata
Matamata recorded 126 mm (12.6 cm) of rain in 24 hours on the 14th.
A deluge began in Matamata at around 2:30pm on the 15th.
Flooding
Matamata received bursts of heavy rain all day, resulting in surface flooding.
Streets in the central area of town were flooded.
Water at the intersections of Broadway and Meura and Hohaia Streets rose to about 36 cm.
A number of minor road accidents occurred around Matamata.
A Puriri Place house was flooded after stormwater drains failed to cope with the downpour. Firemen spent four hours pumping out water from 4:30pm.
Within 30 minutes the water rose from a few centimetres to about 1m high.
Emergency services were called to businesses and homes across Matamata to deal with flooding. Several basements and garages were flooded.
At New World, the water was 36 cm deep in places as waves lapped the front doors.
Heavy Rain
at
Oruanui
Oruanui A recorded 181 mm (18.1 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Oruanui B recorded 201 mm (20.1 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Oruanui C recorded 189 mm (18.9 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Heavy Rain
at
Otorohanga
Otorohanga received around 25 mm (2.5 cm) of rain on the 14th.
Heavy Rain
at
Oturere Hut
Oturere Hut recorded 387 mm (38.7 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Heavy Rain
at
Paeroa
A farm near Paeroa recorded 18 mm (1.8 cm) of rain in 24 hours to the morning of the 14th.
Heavy Rain
at
Piako River
The Piako catchment received 71 mm (7.1 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Heavy Rain
at
Pukawa Bay
Pukawa recorded 244 mm (24.4 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Heavy Rain
at
Taupo
Taupo recorded 138 mm (13.8 cm) of rain in 24 hours on the 15th.
Taupo recorded 201 mm (20.1 cm) of rain in 10 days This rainfall was an all-time high (previous record in 1997).
AC Baths recorded 345 mm (34.5 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Bonshaw Park recorded 289 mm (28.9 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Five Mile Bay recorded 140 mm (14.0 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Garden Grove recorded 181 mm (18.1 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Gillies Ave recorded 196 mm (19.6 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Lakewood Drive recorded 197 mm (19.7 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Lake Ridge recorded 232 mm (23.2 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Rawhiti Street recorded 233 mm (23.3 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Taupo Airport recorded 178 mm (17.8 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Flooding
Heavy downpours caused surface flooding throughout the Taupo and Turangi districts on the 16th. Surface flooding was widespread throughout Taupo.
Various rivers around the district were rising.
Heavy Rain
at
Te Kauwhata
A Te Kauwhata farm recorded 18 mm (1.8 cm) of rain on the 14th.
Heavy Rain
at
Tihoi
Tihoi recorded 212 mm (21.2 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Flooding
at
Tirau
State Highway 1 on the southern side of Tirau was reduced to one lane on the 15th.
Flooding
at
Turangi
Heavy downpours caused surface flooding throughout the Taupo and Turangi districts on the 16th.
Heavy Rain
at
Waihohonu Hut
Waihohonu Hut recorded 375 mm (37.5 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Heavy Rain
at
Waipa River
The Waipa catchment received 77 mm (7.7 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Heavy Rain
at
Wairakei
Wairakei recorded 314 mm (31.4 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Heavy Rain
at
Whitianga
Whitianga recorded 23 mm (2.3 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 5pm on the 14th.
Bay of Plenty
Heavy Rain
at
Bay of Plenty
Heavy rain fell in the Bay of Plenty from the 14th.
The Eastern Ranges of Bay of Plenty received 200 mm (20.0 cm) of rain in two days from the 15th to the 17th.
Eastern Bay received 250-300 mm (25.0-30.0 cm) of rain in the month of April. This was well over double the average rainfall for April.
Flooding
There was severe surface flooding on Western Bay of Plenty roads on the 15th.
There were surface flooding problems on State Highway 29 in the lower Kaimais on the Tauranga side.
High Wind / Gust
Power was cut in the eastern Rotorua District. Over 900 homes lost power in areas from Owhata to Okere Falls for up to six hours on the night of the 15th after a branch fell on a power line.
Heavy Rain
at
Haparapa River
Haparapa recorded 360 mm (36.0 cm) of rain from the 14th to the 17th.
Multi Hazard
at
Omokoroa
Flooding and slips were reported at State Highway 2 near Te Maunga and Plummers Point Road and the Omokoroa turnoff.
Heavy Rain
at
Rotorua
There were nine traffic accidents around Rotorua in 48 hours on the 15th and 16th, as persistent rain caused normally dry roads to become treacherous. The bad road conditions were a combination of oil and diesel left on the road and the sudden downpour.
In the worst accident, two people were injured when a car and another vehicle had a head-on crash just after 8am on the 15th. Both drivers were taken to Rotorua Hospital with moderate injuries.
Lake Road was subsequently closed for over an hour.
Rotorua recorded 108 mm (10.8 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 9am on the 15th.
Rain caused damage to homes, clogged culverts and caused surface flooding.
Rain affected the University Games in Rotorua, with events cancelled or moved.
Flooding
Rotorua Fire Service attended 25 flood-related callouts in 24 hours, 12 of them between 4:30pm and 6:30pm on the 15th.
A freak wave that came down a hillside behind Otonga destroyed a fence and wrecked a road.
A Petrie Street home was inundated by flash flooding on the 15th. At around 4:30pm, flood water was lapping around the door and five minutes later it gushed through the entire house, destroying virtually everything. It was the second time the house had flooded in two months.
The house was knee-deep in water.
The reisdent of the Petrie Street house was left homeless. Insurance assessors said she could not move back in for four months because raw sewage had overflowed from toilet.
Heavy Rain
at
Tauranga
Tauranga recorded 36 mm (3.6 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 5pm on the 14th.
Multi Hazard
at
Te Maunga
Flooding and slips were reported at State Highway 2 near Te Maunga and Plummers Point Road and the Omokoroa turnoff.
Landslide
at
Whakamarama
A small slip flowed onto State Highway 2 near Whakamarama on the 16th. Traffic was diverted for nearly two hours.
Heavy Rain
at
Whakatane
Whakatane Airport recorded 256 mm (25.6 cm) of rain in the month of April. This was its highest rainfall since records began.
Gisborne
Heavy Rain
at
Gisborne
Hangaroa and Wharekopae to Arowhona received 12-30 mm (1.2-3.0 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 16th.
Rain caused a few problems on roads.
Some parts of the Gisborne district received five times their normal rainfall in April. A large part of the hill and farming country had about 150% of normal rainfall. The coast north of Tolaga Bay received at least twice the usual rain. All of the top part of the district (Te Puia to East Cape and inland) had 2.5 times or more of the average April rainfall.
Flooding
Local and coastal tributaries peaked at about 0.5-1 m above normal.
Heavy Rain
at
Matawai
Matawai recorded 72 mm (7.2 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 16th.
Heavy Rain
at
Matawhero
Matawhero recorded 12 mm (1.2 cm) in the 24 hours to 9am on the 16th.
Landslide
at
Otoko
A slip at the top of Otoko Hill on State Highway 2 closed one lane of the road from around 8am on the 16th.
Heavy Rain
at
Poroporo River
Porporo recorded 444.6 mm (44.5 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Heavy Rain
at
Raparapaririki Stream
The Raparapaririki Stream area to north of Mt Hikurangi recorded 459.4 mm (45.9 cm) of rain in the month of April. This was five times the average April rainfall.
The Raparapaririki Stream area to north of Mt Hikurangi recorded more than 100 mm (10.0 cm) of rain each day from the 15th to the 17th.
Heavy Rain
at
Ruatoria
Ruatoria recorded 90 mm (9.0 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 16th.
The area inland from Ruatoria recorded 134 mm (13.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 16th.
Flooding
at
Waiapu River
The Waiapu River was about 2 m above normal.
Heavy Rain
at
Waikura station
Waikura recorded 201 mm (20.1 cm) of rain from the 14th to the 17th.
Waikura Valley recorded 573 mm (57.3 cm) of rain in the month of April. This was 258% of the average April rainfall.
Hawke's Bay
Landslide
at
Matahorua Viaduct
A large slip came down in Matahorua Gorge on State Highway 2 between Wairoa and Napier at 9:30pm on the 15th. The road was closed for more than five hours, reopening at 2:30am on the 16th. Another slip at 5:30am reduced the road to one lane.
Heavy Rain
at
Willowflat station
Willowflat recorded 24 mm (2.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 16th.
Manawatu-Wanganui
Heavy Rain
at
Ketetahi Hut
Ketetahi Hut recorded 354 mm (35.4 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Heavy Rain
at
Mangatepopo Hut
Mangatepopo Hut recorded 309 mm (30.9 cm) of rain in the month of April.
Flooding
at
Mangatepopo Stream
Seven people (a 29-year-old male teacher and six 16-year-old students, three males and three females) drowned in the Mangatepopo River, Tongariro National Park, on the 15th while on a canyoning trip with the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre. Heavy rain higher up caused the river to suddenly surge around 4pm, when the group were in a gorge-like terrain with very steep sides and few escape points, and they were swept away.
One person required medical treatment at Taupo Hospital after reportedly suffering head and back injuries in the raging water.
The water flow in the gorge rose from 0.5 cumecs at 3pm to 18 cumecs at 3:30pm, before dropping back to 0.5 cumecs by 6pm.
Mr Davidson, head of the Outdoor Pursuits Centre said he had seen that amount of water before, but had never seen it come down at that speed.
Wellington
Heavy Rain
at
Masterton
Farmers near Masterton reported heavy rainfalls on the 15th.
Tasman-Nelson
Multi Hazard
at
Tasman-Nelson
Slips and floods briefly isolated parts of the Nelson region on the 14th and 15th.
Lightning
There was a spectacular thunderstorm overnight on the 14th/15th.
Heavy Rain
The downpour started on the afternoon of the 14th.
The region escaped major damage because the rain was steady over a long period of time.
Grape growers across the region were likely to have a good growing season seriously compromised by the rain.
Heavy Rain
at
Brightwater
Brightwater recorded 63 mm (6.3 cm) of rain in the 19 hours from 2pm on the 14th to 9am on the 15th.
Heavy Rain
at
Brooklyn
Brooklyn recorded 121.2 mm (12.1 cm) of rain in the 19 hours from 2pm on the 14th to 9am on the 15th. This was the region's biggest downpour.
Landslide
at
Cable Bay
There were several slips on the road to Cable Bay. Residents were temporarily isolated, but one lane was cleared by 9am on the 15th and the road was expected to be reopened by midday.
Flooding
at
Hope
Surface flooding was reported in Hope.
Landslide
at
Kaiteriteri
Small slips occurred on the Riwaka to Kaiteriteri Road.
Heavy Rain
at
Mahana
Mahana recorded 82.5 mm (8.3 cm) of rain in the 19 hours from 2pm on the 14th to 9am on the 15th.
Heavy Rain
at
Mapua
Mapua recorded 97 mm (9.7 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 15th.
Heavy Rain
at
Motueka
Motueka Beach recorded 98 mm (9.8 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 15th.
Heavy Rain
at
Nelson
Nelson Airport recorded 95 mm (9.5 cm) of rain in the 19 hours from 2pm on the 14th to 9am on the 15th.
Nelson recorded 100 mm (10.0 cm) of rain overnight on the 14th up to 6am on the 15th.
Nelson recorded 166 mm (16.6 cm) of rain in the month of April. This was almost twice its average April rainfall.
Flooding
The Maitai River breached its banks and inundated Maitai Valley Road, which was closed at Gibbs Bridge on the morning of the 15th. Residents in the area were temporarily isolated, but the road was expected to be reopened by midday.
Multi Hazard
Firefighters were called out a number of times overnight because of false alarms caused by water getting into alarm systems or lightning disrupting them.
Flooding
at
Pohara
Surface flooding was reported in Pohara.
Heavy Rain
at
Richmond
Hill Street, Richmond, recorded 111.2 mm (11.1 cm) of rain in the 19 hours from 2pm on the 14th to 9am on the 15th. This was the region's second biggest downpour.
Heavy Rain
at
Stoke
Suffolk Road, Stoke, recorded 95 mm (9.5 cm) of rain in the 19 hours from 2pm on the 14th to 9am on the 15th.
Heavy Rain
at
Takaka
Takaka recorded 132 mm (13.2 cm) of rain in the 24 hours on the 14th.
Flooding
Surface flooding was reported in Takaka.
References
- Headline: 9 crashes in 48 hours.
- www.dailypost.co.nz, 16 April 2008.
- Headline: Home wrecked by flooding… again.
- www.dailypost.co.nz, 17 April 2008.
- Headline: More flooding in store for Rotorua.
- www.dailypost.co.nz, 17 April 2008.
- Headline: Plenty more rain on way for East Coast.
- www.gisborneherald.co.nz, 16 April 2008.
- Headline: Record month for rain.
- www.mediaintelligence.co.nz, Source: Eastern Bay News, 8 May 2008.
- Headline: Data shows a particularly wet month.
- www.mediaintelligence.co.nz, Source: Gisborne Herald, 3 May 2008.
- Headline: April rainfall twice average.
- www.mediaintelligence.co.nz, Source: Nelson Mail, 2 May 2008.
- Headline: Record rainfall in April in Taupo.
- www.mediaintelligence.co.nz, Source: Taupo Times, 13 May 2008.
- Meteorological Society of New Zealand (Inc.), Newsletter 113, June 2008. Notable weather in NZ - Autumn 2008.
- Headline: Heavy weather bringing spectacular end to summer.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 14 April 2008.
- Headline: Happiness is rain in the Waikato.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 15 April 2008.
- Headline: Lightning strike kills man and horse.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 15 April 2008.
- Headline: Lightning kills horse rider as weather pounds north.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 16 April 2008.
- Headline: Lightning warning for Bay of Plenty.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 16 April 2008.
- Headline: Warnings in place before 'rain bomb' - MetService.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 16 April 2008.
- Headline: Extreme weather dominates April.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, Source: NZPA, 1 May 2008.
- Headline: Two injured after truck steamrolls crashed car on flooded road.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, Source: Bay of Plenty Times, 5 May 2008.
- Headline: Zapped! Second storm forecast tonight.
- www.northernadvocate.co.nz, 27 June 2008.
- Headline: Lightning strike kills man near Dargaville.
- www.radionz.co.nz, 15 April, 2008.
- Headline: Winter blast due in the south.
- www.radionz.co.nz, 17 April 2008.
- Headline: Wife got to say goodbye to man hit by lightning.
- www.stuff.co.nz, 15 April 2008.
- Headline: Canyoning tragedy victims named.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: NZPA, 16 April 2008.
- Headline: Seven die in canyoning tragedy.
- www.stuff.co.nz, 16 April 2008.
- Headline: Lightning strike kills horseman.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Dargaville News, 15 April 2008.
- Headline: Spectacular soaking.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: The Nelson Mail, 16 April 2008.
- Headline: Summer's end claims at least six lives.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: The Nelson Mail, 16 April 2008.
- Headline: Long summer ends.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Rodney Times, 17 April 2008.
- Headline: Rainfall relief finally at hand.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Waikato Times, 15 April 2008.
- Headline: Matamata swamped in deluge.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Waikato Times, 16 April 2008.
- Headline: Lightning kills horse rider.
- tvnz.co.nz, Source: ONE News, 15 April 2008.
- Headline: Seven dead in drowning tragedy.
- tvnz.co.nz, Source: ONE News and Newstalk ZB, 16 April 2008.
- MetService Email Lists