NZ Historic Weather Events Catalogue
December 1995 South Island Flooding
(
1995-12-11
)
12-150+ years
Heavy rain and snow melt brought flooding to the West Coast, Canterbury and Otago, damaging roads and causing evacuations. The flood in Alexandra was its biggest flood in history. A Civil Defence Emergency was delcared for Hakataramea in Canterbury.
South Island
Multi Hazard
at
South Island
Duration: 4 days - From the 11th to the 14th of December.
A principal cause was the stalling of a front as it moved over the southern South Island. On the evening of the 11th, an active cold front crossed Fiordland and Southland, preceded by a long fetch of northerlies from the subtropics. During the 12th, this remained stationary, blocked by large high to east, while a weak southerly spread into eastern districts. Overrunning of moist warm air produced high rainfalls in eastern areas on this day. Convection also played a major role and helped heavy rain spill over well east of the divide. Snow melt helped turn this into a major flood event.
In the South Island, heavy rainfall and associated snow-melt resulted in abnormally high lake levels.
A number of trampers were trapped in the Arthur's Pass, Mouth Aspiring and South Westland areas.
Heavy Rain
Two day rainfalls in parts of Westland, Central Otago and inland south Canterbury were higher than previously recorded, with Return Periods exceeding 100 years.
Flooding
Severe flooding and breaching of major South Island rivers occurred, including the Waitaki and Clutha Rivers.
West Coast
Heavy Rain
at
West Coast
A torrential storm hit the West Coast on the 11th.
Parts of Westland recorded over 500 mm (50.0 cm) of rain in two days.
The glacier region received about 600 mm (60.0 cm) of rain in 48 hours.
Multi Hazard
Roads and bridges were damaged.
State Highway 6 was closed between Whataroa and Haast due to slips and surface flooding.
Power and phone lines were cut. Power was cut to many South Westland regions after power lines were downed in two places on the Fox Hills and a tree broke the line near Paringa.
Heavy Rain
at
Collier Creek
The Hokitika River at Colliers Creek recorded a maximum 48-hour fall of 786 mm (78.6 cm) on the 11th.
The Hokitika River at Colliers Creek recorded a maximum 72-hour fall of 831 mm (83.1 cm) on the 11th.
Heavy Rain
at
Cropp River
Cropp River Waterfall recorded 1049 mm (104.9 cm) of rain in 48 hours on the 12th and 13th (Return Period over 150 years, HIRDS1 gives 40 years). This was a record 48-hour rainfall for New Zealand.
Cropp Waterfall station recorded 2927 mm (292.7 cm) of rain in the month of December. This was the official record for one calendar month.
Heavy Rain
at
Franz Josef
Franz Josef recorded 195 mm (19.5 cm) of rain in 24 hours on the 11th.
Franz Josef township recorded 397 mm (39.7 cm) of rain on the 12th.
Franz Josef recorded 592 mm (59.2 cm) of rain in 48 hours (Return Period 30 years). This was its highest 48-hour rainfall on record.
Flooding
There was a washout at the approaches of the Waiho River bridge at Franz Josef.
Flooding
at
Franz Josef Glacier
The was general flooding in the proglacial area of Franz Josef Glacier from the 12th to the 14th.
There was an outburst flood at the snout of the glacier on the 13th. A large cavity was made in the terminal face of the glacier and a large amount of ice was discharged into the Waiho River.
Heavy Rain
at
Haast
Haast recorded 101 mm (10.1 cm) of rain in 24 hours on the 11th.
Haast recorded 146 mm (14.6 cm) of rain in 24 hours on the 12th.
Flooding
at
Turnbull River
The Turnbull River near Haast was very high.
Flooding
at
Waiho River
The rock revertment on the true right bank of the Waiho River upstream of the bridge failed.
The third largest flood event in the Waiho River, based on the Whataroa record, occurred on the 13th.
Heavy Rain
at
Whataroa River
The Whataroa River at the SH Bridge recorded a maximum 72-hour fall of 564 mm (56.4 cm) on the 10th.
The Whataroa River at the SH Bridge recorded a maximum 48-hour fall of 527 mm (52.7 cm) on the 11th.
Canterbury
Flooding
at
Canterbury
State Highway 82 between Hakataramea and Waimate was closed due to flood waters.
Contributing factors were: a very wet spring causing lakes to rise well above their mean level, substantial snowmelt due to high temperatures, and heavy rainfall over 48 hours on the 12th and 13th.
Heavy Rain
A point inland from Timaru recorded 682 mm (68.2 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Flooding
at
Arundel
Several houses were evacuated at Arundel.
Flooding
at
Hakataramea
A Civil Defence Emergency was declared for Hakataramea, Waimate district, at 9:15pm on the 14th, when the Waitaki River threatened to overflow, and was terminated at 8:02am on the 18th.
17 people were evacuated from seven houses at Hakataramea.
The town was isolated when the bridge over the Waitaki River was made unsafe by the flood. Flooding damaged several piers on the 150-metre long bridge.
A helicopter was in use from the 15th, ferrying people and supplies.
The Waitaki River was flowing at 2300 cumecs on the 15th.
Heavy Rain
at
Mount Cook
Mt Cook recorded 445 mm (44.5 cm) of rain in 48 hours on the 12th and 13th (Return Period 12 years).
Heavy Rain
at
Mount Panorama
Panorama Ridge recorded 840 mm (84.0 cm) of rain in 48 hours on the 12th and 13th (Return Period 80 years).
Flooding
at
Omarama
A Civil Defence Emergency was declared for Omarama, Waitaki district, at 12:01am on the 14th and was terminated at 8:00am on the 14th.
35 people were evacuated from Omarama.
Flooding
at
Otematata
35 houses were evacuated at Otemata.
Flooding
at
Rangitata
The Rangitata River caused flooding.
Ten houses were evacuated at Rangitata.
Residents in a towhship north of Rangitata fled their homes after the raging Rangitata River burst its banks.
The main trunk railway line was washed out near Rangitata.
Flooding
at
Waitaki Dam
The Waitaki River at Waitaki Dam had a peak flow of 3300 cumecs.
The Waitaki River at Waitaki Dam had a three-hour peak discharge of 300 cumecs.
The Waitaki River recorded its highest volumes since recordings began 55 years before.
Otago
Heavy Rain
at
Otago
Parts of Central Otago recorded over 100 mm (10.0 cm) of rain in two days.
Cherry Top crop in Central Otago was devastated by heavy rain.
Flooding
Rain brought abnormally high lake levels, which flooded parts of Queenstown and Wanaka, and the major rivers flowing out of these and other mountain lakes flooded many properties downstream.
Main roads were blocked and damaged by flood waters.
Sections of State Highway 85 were scoured and flooded.
Multi Hazard
A number of Central Otago schools were closed.
The Balclutha-Clydevale road, the Stirling-Finegand road and the Beaumont-Clydevale-Waiwera road were closed on the 14th. The Clydevale Road was closed due to flooding at Moores Beach.
The Lindis Pass on State Highway 8 was the worst-affected road. State Highway 8 near Bendigo and State Highway 6 between Haast Pass and Mount Iron were also damaged.
The cost of repairing damaged roads in Central Otago was estimated at $750,000-$900,000 ($1,000,000-$1,200,000 2008 dollars).
Heavy Rain
at
Alexandra
Alexandra recorded 67.7 mm (6.8 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 10am on the 13th.
Alexandra recorded 103 mm (10.3 cm) of rain in 48 hours (Return Period over 150 years).
Flooding
Low lying areas of Alexandra were inundated. The bottom end of town was under water.
Alexandra was one of the worst-hit areas.
Six houses were evacuated at Alexandra. The Combined Rural Traders building was also evacuated.
Eight tourists were trapped by the raging headwaters of the Manuherikia River on the 13th, and had to be rescued by helicopter.
The Alexandra museum was sandbaggged.
Power was cut in Alexandra on the 14th as water submerged a transformer.
Some Alexandra houses were flooded. Two houses across the Manuherikia River were swamped and six houses were flooded on Manuherikia Road.
Alexandra had the worst flood in its 131-year history.
The Clutha River at its peak was 1.9 m above the 1994 level.
The Clutha River at the bridge peaked at 141.9 m above sea level.
Emergency sewage discharge occurred during the floods.
Multi Hazard
Schools in Alexandra were closed.
Flooding
at
Balclutha
The Balclutha showgrounds were flooded.
The Lambourne Road dump was flooded, and rats were found in the area.
The flood at Balclutha peaked on the 15th.
Damage at Balclutha appeared superficial.
The only house affected was one that had some water seepage from under the floorboards.
The flood damage at Balclutha could be less than $10,000 ($13,000 2008 dollars).
Flooding
at
Becks
Torrential rain and flood waters from the Manuherikia River caused damage in the Becks and Lauder townships.
The approach to the Becks bridge was washed away.
Becks School was closed for a time.
Water entered homes and businesses.
Flooding
at
Clyde
At the Roxburgh and Clyde dams, water was pouring out.
The Clutha River at Clyde Dam had a flood peak of 3050 cumecs on the 14th (Mosley and Pearsons).
The Clutha River at Clyde Dam had a peak flow of 2770 cumecs on the 14th (Otago Daily Times)
Flooding
at
Craig Flat
Houses were evacuated at Craigs Flat.
Flooding
at
Ettrick
Orchards near Ettrick were swamped.
A bridge and State Highway 8 at Ettrick were flooded.
Heavy Rain
at
Hawea Flat
Hawea Flat recorded 169 mm (16.9 cm) of rain in 48 hours (Return Period over 150 years).
Flooding
at
Lauder
Torrential rain and flood waters from the Manuherikia River caused damage in the Becks and Lauder townships.
Water entered homes and businesses.
Lauder Service Station was flooded to 20 cm deep.
Heavy Rain
at
Makarora
Makarora recorded 296 mm (29.6 cm) of rain in 48 hours (Return Period 20 years).
Multi Hazard
at
Millers Flat
Schools in Millers Flat were closed.
Flooding
The township was isolated, with State Highway 8 flooded and under water.
Multi Hazard
at
Omakau
Omakau school was forced to close on the 13th.
Flooding
at
Ophir
The combination of river water and rain coming down the hills flooded a number of houses at Ophir.
Flood waters cut off roads in and out of the township. The road between Omakau and Ophir was closed on the 13th.
The Manuherikia River at the Ophir recording station had a peak flow of 595 cumecs on the 14th.
Flooding
at
Queenstown
High lake levels flooded parts of Queenstown. The Queenstown shoreline was flooded.
Flooding
at
Roxburgh
Low lying areas of Roxburgh were inundated.
At the Roxburgh and Clyde dams, water was pouring out.
Houses were evacuated at Roxburgh.
Flooding
at
Wanaka
High lake levels flooded parts of Wanaka.
References
- Headline: Civil Defence declaration since 1 January 1963.
- Declared Civil Defence Emergencies.
- Goodsell, B.; Anderson, B.; Lawson, W.; Owens, I. (2005). Outburst flooding at Franz Josef Glacier, south Westland, New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics 48: 95–104.
- Headline: Record floods cause chaos in south.
- The Greymouth Evening Star, 14 December 1995.
- Headline: State highway cut, power lines down.
- The Greymouth Evening Star, 14 December 1995.
- Major weather events in New Zealand, Floods and High Rainfall, Floods to 31st July 2006.
- Major weather events in New Zealand, Floods and High Rainfall, to 31st May 2006.
- Meteorological Society of New Zealand (Inc.). Newsletter 65, June 1996.
- Milligan, A. (2002). Waiho River Flooding Assessment for Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management, August 2002. Report 80295/2. Optimx Ltd., Wellington. 51 p.
- Mosley, M.P.; Pearsons, C.P. (1997). Floods and Droughts: The New Zealand Experience.
- New Zealand Meteorological Service. (2008). Meteorology of Extreme Rainfalls in New Zealand (Mark Pascoe, Ed.).
- Headline: Swollen rivers rekindle '94 memories.
- Otago Daily Times, 14 December 1995.
- Headline: Eight tourists rescued by helicopter.
- Otago Daily Times, 15 December 1995.
- Headline: Flood recedes in Alexandra.
- Otago Daily Times, 15 December 1995.
- Headline: Some roads still cut after rain.
- Otago Daily Times, 15 December 1995.
- Headline: River 1.9m above 1994 flood level.
- Otago Daily Times, 16 December 1995.
- Headline: Help on way for Hakataramea.
- Otago Daily Times, 18 December 1995.
- Headline: $1 million repair bill for highway.
- Otago Daily Times, 21 December 1995.
- Headline: S.Otago flood damage cost could be less then $10,000.
- Otago Daily Times, 21 December 1995.
December 1995 South Island Flooding
(
1995-12-11
)
12-150+ years
Heavy rain and snow melt brought flooding to the West Coast, Canterbury and Otago, damaging roads and causing evacuations. The flood in Alexandra was its biggest flood in history. A Civil Defence Emergency was delcared for Hakataramea in Canterbury.
South Island
Multi Hazard
at
South Island
Duration: 4 days - From the 11th to the 14th of December.
A principal cause was the stalling of a front as it moved over the southern South Island. On the evening of the 11th, an active cold front crossed Fiordland and Southland, preceded by a long fetch of northerlies from the subtropics. During the 12th, this remained stationary, blocked by large high to east, while a weak southerly spread into eastern districts. Overrunning of moist warm air produced high rainfalls in eastern areas on this day. Convection also played a major role and helped heavy rain spill over well east of the divide. Snow melt helped turn this into a major flood event.
In the South Island, heavy rainfall and associated snow-melt resulted in abnormally high lake levels.
A number of trampers were trapped in the Arthur's Pass, Mouth Aspiring and South Westland areas.
Heavy Rain
Two day rainfalls in parts of Westland, Central Otago and inland south Canterbury were higher than previously recorded, with Return Periods exceeding 100 years.
Flooding
Severe flooding and breaching of major South Island rivers occurred, including the Waitaki and Clutha Rivers.
West Coast
Heavy Rain
at
West Coast
A torrential storm hit the West Coast on the 11th.
Parts of Westland recorded over 500 mm (50.0 cm) of rain in two days.
The glacier region received about 600 mm (60.0 cm) of rain in 48 hours.
Multi Hazard
Roads and bridges were damaged.
State Highway 6 was closed between Whataroa and Haast due to slips and surface flooding.
Power and phone lines were cut. Power was cut to many South Westland regions after power lines were downed in two places on the Fox Hills and a tree broke the line near Paringa.
Heavy Rain
at
Collier Creek
The Hokitika River at Colliers Creek recorded a maximum 48-hour fall of 786 mm (78.6 cm) on the 11th.
The Hokitika River at Colliers Creek recorded a maximum 72-hour fall of 831 mm (83.1 cm) on the 11th.
Heavy Rain
at
Cropp River
Cropp River Waterfall recorded 1049 mm (104.9 cm) of rain in 48 hours on the 12th and 13th (Return Period over 150 years, HIRDS1 gives 40 years). This was a record 48-hour rainfall for New Zealand.
Cropp Waterfall station recorded 2927 mm (292.7 cm) of rain in the month of December. This was the official record for one calendar month.
Heavy Rain
at
Franz Josef
Franz Josef recorded 195 mm (19.5 cm) of rain in 24 hours on the 11th.
Franz Josef township recorded 397 mm (39.7 cm) of rain on the 12th.
Franz Josef recorded 592 mm (59.2 cm) of rain in 48 hours (Return Period 30 years). This was its highest 48-hour rainfall on record.
Flooding
There was a washout at the approaches of the Waiho River bridge at Franz Josef.
Flooding
at
Franz Josef Glacier
The was general flooding in the proglacial area of Franz Josef Glacier from the 12th to the 14th.
There was an outburst flood at the snout of the glacier on the 13th. A large cavity was made in the terminal face of the glacier and a large amount of ice was discharged into the Waiho River.
Heavy Rain
at
Haast
Haast recorded 101 mm (10.1 cm) of rain in 24 hours on the 11th.
Haast recorded 146 mm (14.6 cm) of rain in 24 hours on the 12th.
Flooding
at
Turnbull River
The Turnbull River near Haast was very high.
Flooding
at
Waiho River
The rock revertment on the true right bank of the Waiho River upstream of the bridge failed.
The third largest flood event in the Waiho River, based on the Whataroa record, occurred on the 13th.
Heavy Rain
at
Whataroa River
The Whataroa River at the SH Bridge recorded a maximum 72-hour fall of 564 mm (56.4 cm) on the 10th.
The Whataroa River at the SH Bridge recorded a maximum 48-hour fall of 527 mm (52.7 cm) on the 11th.
Canterbury
Flooding
at
Canterbury
State Highway 82 between Hakataramea and Waimate was closed due to flood waters.
Contributing factors were: a very wet spring causing lakes to rise well above their mean level, substantial snowmelt due to high temperatures, and heavy rainfall over 48 hours on the 12th and 13th.
Heavy Rain
A point inland from Timaru recorded 682 mm (68.2 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Flooding
at
Arundel
Several houses were evacuated at Arundel.
Flooding
at
Hakataramea
A Civil Defence Emergency was declared for Hakataramea, Waimate district, at 9:15pm on the 14th, when the Waitaki River threatened to overflow, and was terminated at 8:02am on the 18th.
17 people were evacuated from seven houses at Hakataramea.
The town was isolated when the bridge over the Waitaki River was made unsafe by the flood. Flooding damaged several piers on the 150-metre long bridge.
A helicopter was in use from the 15th, ferrying people and supplies.
The Waitaki River was flowing at 2300 cumecs on the 15th.
Heavy Rain
at
Mount Cook
Mt Cook recorded 445 mm (44.5 cm) of rain in 48 hours on the 12th and 13th (Return Period 12 years).
Heavy Rain
at
Mount Panorama
Panorama Ridge recorded 840 mm (84.0 cm) of rain in 48 hours on the 12th and 13th (Return Period 80 years).
Flooding
at
Omarama
A Civil Defence Emergency was declared for Omarama, Waitaki district, at 12:01am on the 14th and was terminated at 8:00am on the 14th.
35 people were evacuated from Omarama.
Flooding
at
Otematata
35 houses were evacuated at Otemata.
Flooding
at
Rangitata
The Rangitata River caused flooding.
Ten houses were evacuated at Rangitata.
Residents in a towhship north of Rangitata fled their homes after the raging Rangitata River burst its banks.
The main trunk railway line was washed out near Rangitata.
Flooding
at
Waitaki Dam
The Waitaki River at Waitaki Dam had a peak flow of 3300 cumecs.
The Waitaki River at Waitaki Dam had a three-hour peak discharge of 300 cumecs.
The Waitaki River recorded its highest volumes since recordings began 55 years before.
Otago
Heavy Rain
at
Otago
Parts of Central Otago recorded over 100 mm (10.0 cm) of rain in two days.
Cherry Top crop in Central Otago was devastated by heavy rain.
Flooding
Rain brought abnormally high lake levels, which flooded parts of Queenstown and Wanaka, and the major rivers flowing out of these and other mountain lakes flooded many properties downstream.
Main roads were blocked and damaged by flood waters.
Sections of State Highway 85 were scoured and flooded.
Multi Hazard
A number of Central Otago schools were closed.
The Balclutha-Clydevale road, the Stirling-Finegand road and the Beaumont-Clydevale-Waiwera road were closed on the 14th. The Clydevale Road was closed due to flooding at Moores Beach.
The Lindis Pass on State Highway 8 was the worst-affected road. State Highway 8 near Bendigo and State Highway 6 between Haast Pass and Mount Iron were also damaged.
The cost of repairing damaged roads in Central Otago was estimated at $750,000-$900,000 ($1,000,000-$1,200,000 2008 dollars).
Heavy Rain
at
Alexandra
Alexandra recorded 67.7 mm (6.8 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 10am on the 13th.
Alexandra recorded 103 mm (10.3 cm) of rain in 48 hours (Return Period over 150 years).
Flooding
Low lying areas of Alexandra were inundated. The bottom end of town was under water.
Alexandra was one of the worst-hit areas.
Six houses were evacuated at Alexandra. The Combined Rural Traders building was also evacuated.
Eight tourists were trapped by the raging headwaters of the Manuherikia River on the 13th, and had to be rescued by helicopter.
The Alexandra museum was sandbaggged.
Power was cut in Alexandra on the 14th as water submerged a transformer.
Some Alexandra houses were flooded. Two houses across the Manuherikia River were swamped and six houses were flooded on Manuherikia Road.
Alexandra had the worst flood in its 131-year history.
The Clutha River at its peak was 1.9 m above the 1994 level.
The Clutha River at the bridge peaked at 141.9 m above sea level.
Emergency sewage discharge occurred during the floods.
Multi Hazard
Schools in Alexandra were closed.
Flooding
at
Balclutha
The Balclutha showgrounds were flooded.
The Lambourne Road dump was flooded, and rats were found in the area.
The flood at Balclutha peaked on the 15th.
Damage at Balclutha appeared superficial.
The only house affected was one that had some water seepage from under the floorboards.
The flood damage at Balclutha could be less than $10,000 ($13,000 2008 dollars).
Flooding
at
Becks
Torrential rain and flood waters from the Manuherikia River caused damage in the Becks and Lauder townships.
The approach to the Becks bridge was washed away.
Becks School was closed for a time.
Water entered homes and businesses.
Flooding
at
Clyde
At the Roxburgh and Clyde dams, water was pouring out.
The Clutha River at Clyde Dam had a flood peak of 3050 cumecs on the 14th (Mosley and Pearsons).
The Clutha River at Clyde Dam had a peak flow of 2770 cumecs on the 14th (Otago Daily Times)
Flooding
at
Craig Flat
Houses were evacuated at Craigs Flat.
Flooding
at
Ettrick
Orchards near Ettrick were swamped.
A bridge and State Highway 8 at Ettrick were flooded.
Heavy Rain
at
Hawea Flat
Hawea Flat recorded 169 mm (16.9 cm) of rain in 48 hours (Return Period over 150 years).
Flooding
at
Lauder
Torrential rain and flood waters from the Manuherikia River caused damage in the Becks and Lauder townships.
Water entered homes and businesses.
Lauder Service Station was flooded to 20 cm deep.
Heavy Rain
at
Makarora
Makarora recorded 296 mm (29.6 cm) of rain in 48 hours (Return Period 20 years).
Multi Hazard
at
Millers Flat
Schools in Millers Flat were closed.
Flooding
The township was isolated, with State Highway 8 flooded and under water.
Multi Hazard
at
Omakau
Omakau school was forced to close on the 13th.
Flooding
at
Ophir
The combination of river water and rain coming down the hills flooded a number of houses at Ophir.
Flood waters cut off roads in and out of the township. The road between Omakau and Ophir was closed on the 13th.
The Manuherikia River at the Ophir recording station had a peak flow of 595 cumecs on the 14th.
Flooding
at
Queenstown
High lake levels flooded parts of Queenstown. The Queenstown shoreline was flooded.
Flooding
at
Roxburgh
Low lying areas of Roxburgh were inundated.
At the Roxburgh and Clyde dams, water was pouring out.
Houses were evacuated at Roxburgh.
Flooding
at
Wanaka
High lake levels flooded parts of Wanaka.
References
- Headline: Civil Defence declaration since 1 January 1963.
- Declared Civil Defence Emergencies.
- Goodsell, B.; Anderson, B.; Lawson, W.; Owens, I. (2005). Outburst flooding at Franz Josef Glacier, south Westland, New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics 48: 95–104.
- Headline: Record floods cause chaos in south.
- The Greymouth Evening Star, 14 December 1995.
- Headline: State highway cut, power lines down.
- The Greymouth Evening Star, 14 December 1995.
- Major weather events in New Zealand, Floods and High Rainfall, Floods to 31st July 2006.
- Major weather events in New Zealand, Floods and High Rainfall, to 31st May 2006.
- Meteorological Society of New Zealand (Inc.). Newsletter 65, June 1996.
- Milligan, A. (2002). Waiho River Flooding Assessment for Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management, August 2002. Report 80295/2. Optimx Ltd., Wellington. 51 p.
- Mosley, M.P.; Pearsons, C.P. (1997). Floods and Droughts: The New Zealand Experience.
- New Zealand Meteorological Service. (2008). Meteorology of Extreme Rainfalls in New Zealand (Mark Pascoe, Ed.).
- Headline: Swollen rivers rekindle '94 memories.
- Otago Daily Times, 14 December 1995.
- Headline: Eight tourists rescued by helicopter.
- Otago Daily Times, 15 December 1995.
- Headline: Flood recedes in Alexandra.
- Otago Daily Times, 15 December 1995.
- Headline: Some roads still cut after rain.
- Otago Daily Times, 15 December 1995.
- Headline: River 1.9m above 1994 flood level.
- Otago Daily Times, 16 December 1995.
- Headline: Help on way for Hakataramea.
- Otago Daily Times, 18 December 1995.
- Headline: $1 million repair bill for highway.
- Otago Daily Times, 21 December 1995.
- Headline: S.Otago flood damage cost could be less then $10,000.
- Otago Daily Times, 21 December 1995.