Express trains between Auckland and Wellington were cancelled due to serious flooding at Otorohanga.

Widespread flooding occurred in Kaitaia, King Country, Waikato, Tongariro, Wanganui and Rangitikei rivers on the 23rd and 24th.

The Taupo-Waiouru road was flooded. The Hamilton-New Plymouth road was impassible due to flooding. The East Cape road between Opotiki and Gisborne was closed due to damaged bridge approaches at Torere. The road to Tokaanu from Taumarunui was blocked.

There were appreciable rises in most rivers after the first period of rain, with floods approximating annual flood level in the Mangakahia, Kawakawa, Waiariki, Mangahuru, Mangatawhiri, Mangatangi and Wairoa Rivers. The second period of heavy rain gave rise to major floods in the Awanui, Hikurangi, Mangatawhiri and Wairoa Rivers, and floods of the order of annual flood in other rivers.

The Kawakawa to Paihia road was impassable.

Northland roads were cut by flood waters up to 6 ft (1.8 m) deep.

Much damage was done to fences and buildings.

One farmer lost six cows, 12 heifers and 23 pigs.

A Maori girl was rescued after being swept from a horse.

There was a major flood in the Awanui River on the 24th.

The Awanui River at Waikuruki Bridge reached a gauge height of 71.88 ft (21.91 m) on the 24th.

The Awanui River at Waikuruki Bridge had a discharge of 4,525 cusecs (128 cumecs) on the 24th.

The Awanui River at Bell Road Bridge reached a gauge height of 77.8 ft (23.7 m) on the 24th.

The Awanui River at Bell Road Bridge had a peak discharge of 8,500 cusecs (241 cumecs) on the 24th, with a catchment area of 92 sq miles (238 km^2).

The Awanui River at the School Cut reached a gauge height of 82.7 ft (25.21 m) on the 24th.

The Awanui River at the School Cut had a peak discharge of 8,000 cusecs (227 cumecs) on the 24th, with a catchment area of 87 sq miles (225 km^2).

The total flow of the Awanui River into the Kaitaia Borough had a discharge of 17,600 cusecs (498 cumecs) on the 24th, with a catchment area of 95 sq miles (246 km^2).

At Double Crossing, the peak flood level was 117.63 ft (35.85 m).

Below Double Crossing the flood waters merged into one big lake, inundating the valley to depths of 4-8 ft (1.2-2.4 m).

The Hikurangi River at the Kamo-Hikurangi Bridge reached a gauge height of 87.03 ft (26.53 m) on the 24th.

The Hikurangi River at the Kamo-Hikurangi Bridge had a peak discharge of 8,700 cusecs (246 cumecs) on the 24th, with a catchment area of 73 sq miles (189 km^2).

South Hokianga was isolated with the Kaikohe-Dargaville highway under water.

Kaeo was impassible, with heavy flooding through the township.

The flood water was 18 in (45 cm) deep at bank corner.

Kaitaia experienced a raging flood on the 23rd. It was the worst flood since 1935.

Overflows between Redan Bridge and Church Road entered the town.

The stopbank between Lake Tangonge and the beginning of the Waipapakuri outfall was badly breached, with all low-lying areas soon under water.

Women and children had to be rescued as water ran down the main street.

There was 3 ft (90 cm) of water down the main street and through offices and buildings.

The Kaitaia township was flooded to depths of up to 6 ft (1.8 km) for some hours.

There was looting in the town.

Dozens of houses were inundated with water. Those in Lake Road and South Road were among the worst hit, with slmost every house in Lake Road flooded. Some houses on the Great North Road suffered and some houses in Puckey Ave were flooded. 50 houses were said to have been flooded.

Some houses had water up to the their ceilings.

Footbridges on Bank and President Streets were destroyed. The Pukepoto Road bridge was buckling.

The Kataia Borough Council Chambers were flooded. The doctor rooms were swamped and John's Garage and cars parked alongside and in the workshop were submerged.

The Kaitaia Hotel had water 2 ft (60 cm) deep flowing inside, and furniture was floating.

100 people were evacuated up to the hill area south of the town. Another 15 elderly people were evacuated from a home by truck and grader. The Kaitaia Hotel was evacuated.

Every business premise was closed except the Kaitaia Hotel.

Kaitaia was completely cut off, with all access roads blocked. Kaitaia Primary School was cut off from the town. Flood water crossed the State Highway at Larmers Road. Gills Road, Spains Road and Waipapakuri Straight were badly affected by the flood waters.

The centre line of the State Highway at Larmers Road was flooded to average depth of 0.67 ft (20 cm) over a length of some 3,000 ft (914 m).

Destruction of property was heavy. 90% of business premises and workshops were flooded, meaning damage to machinery and stock was high. Kataia Hotel received the worst damage with the store rooms, kitchen, dining room, lounge, foyer and office flooded. Verandahs and some shops fronts collapsed uder the impact of the flood. A new stand at the swimming pool was destroyed. Fences and a garage next to the County Chambers were wrecked.

All houses up to the motor camp suffered except one high built house. Cars were flooded.

Damage was done to a concrete bridge abutment.

40 people were evacuated from the motor camp.

Stock losses were heavy, estimated at £5000 ($209,700 2008 dollars).

Below Kaitaia, the Awanui River kept on overtopping its banks and inundating the flats on either side.

In all, 13,800 acres (55.85km^2) were flooded - 3,000 acres (12.14 km^2) in Kaitaia and 10,800 acres (43.71 km^2) in the lower catchment.

More downstream areas below Kaitaia were under water for periods of up to 12 days.

It was estimated to be an 18-year event.

The Mangakahia River at Titoki Bridge reached a gauge height of 53.17 ft (16.21 m) on the 24th.

The Mangakahia River at Titoki Bridge had a peak discharge of 20,600 cusecs (583 cumecs) on the 24th, with a catchment area of 308 sq miles (798 km^2).

The Mangakahia River at Allan Road Bridge (Nukutawhiti) reached a gauge height of 113.23 ft (34.51 m) on the 24th.

The Mangakahia River at Allan Road Bridge (Nukutawhiti) had a peak discharge of 32,400 cusecs (917 cumecs) on the 24th, with a catchment area of 95 sq miles (246 km^2).

Mangamuka Gorge was closed on the 25th.

Serious damage was done to poles and phone lines through the Mangamuka Gorge.

The Mangamuka River at the Gorge reached a gauge height of 162.5 ft (49.53 m) on the 24th.

The Mangamuka River at the Gorge had a peak discharge of 7,500 cusecs (212 cumecs) on the 24th, with a catchment area of 8.5 sq miles (22 km^2).

The handrails of Cloughs Road Bridge were overtopped.

Takahue River overflowed its flood plain.

Tarawhaturoa Stream at the Pukepoto Road Bridge reached a gauge height of 74.67 ft (22.76 m) on the 24th.

Tarawhaturoa Stream at the Pukepoto Road Bridge had a peak discharge of 9,175 cusecs (260 cumecs) on the 24th, with a catchment area of 8.5 sq miles (22 km^2).

Tarawhaturoa Stream at Redan Bridge reached a gauge height of 82.05 ft (25.01 m) on the 24th.

Tarawhaturoa Stream at Redan Bridge had a peak discharge of 6,040 cusecs (171 cumecs) on the 24th, with a catchment area of 8.3 sq miles (21 km^2).

Te Puhi Stream overflowed its flood plain.

The Victoria River overflowed its flood plain.

The Victoria River at Farm Bridge reached a gauge height of 89.17 ft (27.18 m) on the 24th.

The Victoria River at Farm Bridge had a peak discharge of 7,000 cusecs (198 cumecs) on the 24th, with a catchment area of 17 sq miles (44 km^2).

The Kaeo River at Waiare reached a gauge height of 27.12 ft (8.27 m) on the 24th.

The Waihou River at the Old Bridge reached a gauge height of 36.02 ft (10.98 m) on the 25th.

The Waihou River at the Old Bridge had a peak discharge of 16,400 cusecs (464 cumecs) on the 25th, with a catchment area of 34 sq miles (88 km^2).

The Wairoa River at the Gorge reached a gauge height of 193.34 ft (58.93 m) on the 24th.

The Wairoa River at the Gorge had a peak discharge of 20,750 cusecs (588 cumecs) on the 24th, with a catchment area of 64 sq miles (166 km^2).

Whangatane Channel at Donald Road reached a gauge height of 63.69 ft (19.41 m) on the 24th.

Whangatane Channel at Donald Road had a peak discharge of 2,525 cusecs (71.5 cumecs) on the 24th.

A 7-year-old boy was swept 30 m through an underground culvert.

Exceptionally severe, widespread and damaging floods were experienced in the Waikato River and its Waipa tributary during the 23rd to the 27th.

4000 hectares (40 km^2) of land in a triangle between Huntly, Rangiriri and Glen Murray were like a vast lake.

Road and rail links were blocked by flood waters. The Waingaro-Glen Massey Road and the Huntly-Glen Massey Road were flooded.

From Rangiriri to Huntly, hundreds of families were isolated.

The Waipa River overflowed into its old flood channels, inundating low-lying parts of Otorohanga, Te Kuiti, Te Awamutu and Huntly.

Hundreds of houses were flooded in Otorohanga, Tu Kuiti and Huntly.

Stock losses were heavy.

This was the second worst flood of the 20th century.

Flooding in the Waipa River was exceptional. Indications are that it exceeded the record flood in 1907.

During the peak of the flood some sewage systems were unable to function.

Property damage was tentatively estimated at £556,000 ($23,310,000 2008 dollars), mainly at Otorohanga, Te Kuiti and Huntly.

At Aka Aka, thousands of acres were already soaked by flooding.

The road at firewood creek was covered by 3 ft (90 cm) of water.

Glen Murray was cut off by road from Rangiriri.

House were flooded at Hamilton. The worst affected area was Storey Ave.

Several people had to evacuate their homes. About 12 houses on Awatere Ave and Anne Street in Beerescourt had to be evacuated.

In one house there was 3 ft (90 cm) of water.

At Hamilton, the Waikato River was 4 ft (1.2 m) above the 1953 flood.

The Waikato River at the Hamilton Traffic Bridge reached a gauge height of 154.95 ft (47.23 m) during February.

The Waikato River at the Hamilton Traffic Bridge had a peak discharge of 32,000 cusecs (906 cumecs) during February, with a catchment area of 3178 sq miles (8231 km^2).

This was the greatest flood in the living memory of Hamilton, being higher than the floods of both 1953 and 1907.

A new concrete bridge at the foot of Hatepe hill was damaged and impassable.

Houses on the main north road at Huntly were evacuated when flood waters covered the floors. Huntly College was also evacuated. Some industrial premises at the south end were inundated and evacuated, with over 100 people being evacuated from Huntly south. 120 miners and staff were evcuated from the Huntly miners hostel in Huntly West.

Water was feet deep in dozens of homes. Floors were left covered in inches of silt.

Great South Road between Huntly and Rangiriri was well under water and and was closed, with washouts at six points between the two towns. Emergency pumps took water away from Great South Road.

Huntly schools were closed. Huntly College was awash.

Farmland was heavily flooded.

Huntly lost its water supply during the night of the 25th. All the 4000 residents had to drink dirty flood water.

Hundreds of huge logs and uprooted willow trees threatened to sweep away the 800-foot (240-metre) temporary wooden bridge.

Half of Huntly was under water on the 29th.

The coalmines were out of production and thousands of miners were out of work.

Mail had to be delivered by ship.

Huntly was the worst affected by the Waikato River.

Extensive repairs were needed to railways, churches, schools, and business premises.

Over 50 houses had serious flood damage.

Property damage at Huntly was estimated at £75,000 ($3,145,000 2008 dollars).

The Waipa River at the Huntly Pumping Station reached a gauge height of 40.538 m on the 26th.

The Waipa River at the Huntly Pumping Station had a peak discharge of 1537 cumecs on the 26th, with a catchment area of 12062 km^2. This was the maximum flood recorded.

Lake Taupo rose 1-2 m in three days.

Some houses in the Whangape area were affected by flood waters.

Two houses were severely damaged by flood waters at Mangapehi.

The Mangatawhiri River at the State Highway Bridge had a peak discharge of 1,500 cusecs (42.5 cumecs) on the 27th.

The Waikato River at Mercer reached a height of 5.74 m.

The Waikato River at Mercer had a flood peak of 1260 cumecs.

The Waikato River at Ngaruawahia reached a gauge height of 141 ft (42.98 m) on the 27th.

The Waikato River at Ngaruawahia had a peak discharge of 54,200 cusecs (1535 cumecs) on the 27th, with a catchment area of 4409 sq miles (11,419 km^2).

The Waipa River at the Ngaruawahia C/way reached a gauge height of 42.977 m on the 26th.

The Waipa River at the Ngaruawahia C/way had a peak discharge of 1540 cumecs on the 26th with a catchment area of 11,396 km^2. This was the maximum flood recorded.

The Waipa River broke its banks south of Otorohanga, and fast-running flood waters flowed through business and residential areas.

Serious flooding at Otorohanga caused railway services to be cancelled.

The water across the road was 2-3 ft (60-90 cm) deep.

The flood waters in the business area were up to 5 ft (1.5 m) deep.

The flood waters in the residential area were up to 6 ft (1.8 m) deep.

Many houses along the river had water flowing through them up to 5 ft (1.5 m) deep.

Two-thirds of the town was evacuated. Most of the occupants of houses in Tine Street had to be evacuated.

The Hamilton-New Plymouth road was impassible due to flooding at Otorohanga.

Otorohanga was the worst-affected town.

Huge chuncks of footpath were lifted by the flood and the whole town was left covered in silt.

Surging water burst plate-glass shop windows through the town.

The water supply system in Otorohanga was put out of action.

The estimated return period was 10-50 years.

Property damage at Otorohanga was estimated at £350,000 ($14,680,000 2008 dollars).

The Waipa River at Honikiwi Bridge reached a gauge height of 117 ft (35.66 m) during February.

The Waipa River at Honikiwi Bridge had a peak discharge of 22,000 cusecs (623 cumecs) during February, with a catchment area of 355 sq miles (919 km^2).

The Piako River at Recorder Site 203 reached a gauge height of 18.7 ft (5.70 m) on the 25th. This was the highest level recorded at this site.

The Piako River at Recorder Site 203 had a peak discharge of 4,350 cusecs (123 cumecs) on the 25th, with a catchment area of 203.5 sq miles (527 km^2).

The Waipa River at the Pirongia Cableway reached a gauge height of 28.682 m on the 25th.

The Waipa River at the Pirongia Cableway had a peak discharge of 1217 cumecs on the 25th, with a catchment area of 2152 km^2. This was the maximum flood recorded.

Poutu Stream had a peak discharge of 7,000 cusecs (198 cumecs) on the 24th (estimate very unreliable).

Some houses at Rangiriri were affected by flood waters.

Several farms close to Rangiriri were evacuated.

The Waikato River at Rangiriri Bridge reached a gauge height of 121.51 ft (37.04 m) on the 27th.

The Waikato River at Rangiriri Bridge had a peak discharge of 39,060 cusecs (1106 cumecs) on the 27th, with a catchment area of 4796 sq miles (12,422 km^2).

The Waikato River at Rangiriri reached a gauge height of 37.125 m during February, with a catchment area of 12,422 km^. This was the maximum flood recorded.

Four schools were closed.

Several houses were invaded and evacuated.

The water supply system in Te Awamutu was put out of action.

The Mangaokewa burst its banks, flooding the whole business area of Te Kuiti.

The Mangaokewa River rose 20 ft (7.00 m) in 24 hours.

The business area was flooded to depths ranging from 18 in to 5 ft (46 cm to 1.5 m).

The Waipa River was roaring down at 10 times its normal volume.

Rats from the rubbish dump were swept down the main street, presenting the fear of disease.

Many people were evacuated and slept in the high school. The Te Kuiti railway settlement was evacuated.

Te Kuiti was isolated by the flood waters, with all roads and bridges leading into the town unusable.

450 houses were touched by the flood. Flood water poured through windows into homes.

Extensive silt deposits occurred.

The water supply system in Te Kuiti was put out of action.

Property damage at Te Kuiti was estimated at £120,000 ($5,032,000 2008 dollars).

The flood level at Tokaanu was higher than the previous record of 30 years earlier.

The bridge over the Waipa River at Tokanui, on the Te Kuiti-Hamilton highway, was washed away.

After a minor flood of 6,000 cusecs (170 cumecs) on the 18th, the Tongariro River was back to about normal on the night of the 22nd when it began to rise sharply.

By the night of the 23rd, premises on the left bank at Duchess Pool were being evacuated. By 7:30am on the 24th, flood waters had invaded the State Hydro compound, which was evacuated.

Considerable damage and losses occurred. A number of riverside residences were lost.

Farmlands were heavily silted.

Three serious washouts closed the state highway for several days.

The Waikato River at Tuakau Bridge reached a gauge height of 13.22 ft (4.03 m) on the 28th.

The Waikato River at Tuakau Bridge had a peak discharge of 42,766 cusecs (1211 cumecs) on the 28th, with a catchment area of 5389 sq miles (13,957 km^2).

The Tongariro River was in high flood.

Turangi was isolated by the wild flood waters of the Tongariro River on the 24th. The south approach to the new Tongariro River bridge at Turangi was completely washed away and the bridge was in danger of being destroyed.

At Turangi, 18 houses and 3 baches were swept away. Six houses were damaged.

The Taupo-Waiouru road was flooded at Turangi.

The Tongariro River at Turangi reached its peak at 10am on the 24th, with the maximum discharge estimated at 51,000 cusecs (1444 cumecs).

The flood caused major changes in the course and characteristics of the river section at Turangi.

The Waitoa River at Recorder Site 205 reached a gauge height of 7.35 ft (2.24 m) on the 28th.

The Waitoa River at Recorder Site 205 had a peak discharge of 910 cusecs (25.8 cumecs) on the 28th, with a catchment area of 166.8 sq miles (432 km^2).

The Waikato River at Whatawhata reached a height of 21.96 m.

The Waikato River at Whatawhata had a flood peak of 1130 cumecs.

The Waipa River at the Whatawhata Bridge reached a gauge height of 3.4 ft (1.04 m) on the 26th.

The Waipa River at the Whatawhata Bridge had a peak discharge of 46,802 cusecs (1325 cumecs) on the 26th.

The Tauranga-Te Puke-Whakatane main highway was blocked at Matata.

Major floods occurred in the Otara River on the 20th and 23rd and in the Waioeka River and Torere Stream on the 23rd.

There was widespread flooding and particularly severe damage in the Opotiki County. Adjacent areas were also badly affected.

The Otara River rose rapidly and overflowed on the 20th, inundating the Opotiki Borough. The flood cleared the town on the falling tide. Following further heavy rain, the Otara River was again in high flood on the 23rd, as were the Waioeka River and Torere Stream.

At about 8pm on the 20th, driftwood and other debris brought down by the Otara flood created a jam at the main highway bridge.

The stopbank protecting Opotiki Borough was overtopped and business and residential areas were severely flooded.

The town was inundated to depths only 4 in (10 cm) below the major 1957 flood, when flood waters in business areas were up to 4 ft (1.2 m) deep.

Opotiki streets were covered in water 60 cm deep.

The flood waters poured into homes, leaving thick silt.

A number of families had to be evacuated.

The Waioeka River, backed up by a high tide and on-shore winds, overtopped its stopbanks on the 23rd and Opotiki was again inundated. Flooding was of the same order as that experienced on 20th.

Stock were drowned.

The loss of stock in shops was light.

The Waioeka River eroded the older part of the cemetery.

Roads and highways suffered severe damage.

Damage to roads, highways, bridges, etc. in the Opotiki area was £45,812 ($1,920,900 2008 dollars), compared with the May 1957 flood figure of £25,400 ($1,065,000 2008 dollars) for the same items.

The Otara River was heavily swollen.

Farmers along the Otara River had heavy losses. Driftwood had torn many miles of fencing and low-lying paddocks were covered in inches of silt.

Bridge approaches on the East Cape road at Torere were damaged.

The Waioeka River at the Gorge Recorder reached a gauge height of 21.75 ft (6.63 m) on the 23rd.

The Waioeka River at the Gorge Recorder had a peak discharge of 56,000 cusecs (1586 cumecs) on the 23rd, with a catchment area 275 sq miles (712 km^2).

The Waiotahi Valley was reported to be affected by floods.

The Ngaruroro River at Fernhill Bridge had a peak discharge of 32,000 cusecs (906 cumecs) on the 24th, with a catchment area of 744 sq miles (1927 km^2).

Heavy rain in the headwaters gave rise to a flood in the Ngaruroro River on the 24th.

It was only a small flood, but of interest in that the flood producing rain appeared to form the western fringe of the storm that gave rise to disastrous flooding in other catchments during the same period.

There was exceptional flooding in the Whanganui River and its Ongarue and Pungapunga tributaries on the 24th and 25th.

The ground was already saturated and preceded by a minor flood on the 17th.

The main highway from Wanganui to National Park at Puiaka was washed away.

The Rangitikei River and its tributary the Moawhango River were in high flood on the 24th and 25th.

Overflows between Onepuhi and Bulls inundated some 800-1000 acres (3.24-4.05 km^2) of the lower flats. Between Bulls and the sea, over 4000 acres (16.19 km^2) were under water, which was aggravated by a spring tide.

An ancient Maori war canoe was swept away from its mooring site near Kaiwhaiki.

The Rangitikei River at Kakariki Bridge reached a gauge height of 13.5 ft (4.11 m) on the 25th.

The Rangitikei River at Kakariki Bridge had a peak discharge of 58,000 cusecs (1642 cumecs) on the 25th, with a catchment area of 1388 sq miles (3595 km^2).

The Rangitikei River at Mangaweka Bridge peaked twice, the first peak was 23.6 ft (7.19 m) at 5:30pm on the 24th, and the ultimate peak was 25.5 ft (7.77 m) at 12:15am on the 25th.

The river level did not drop below 22.75 ft (6.93) for some 10 hours.

The Rangitikei River at Mangaweka Bridge had a peak discharge of 67,000 cusecs (1897 cumecs) on the 25th, with a catchment area of 1076 sq miles (2787 km^2).

People in the more vulnerable parts of Manunui were forced to evacuate their homes.

Erosion was very pronounced at Manunui, where one house was lost.

The Moawhango River at Moawhango first peaked at 16.5 ft (5.03 m) above normal at about 1:30pm on the 24th. The river reached its ultimate peak of approximately 22 ft (6.71 m) above normal later on the 24th - only about 6.5 ft (1.98 m) below the record flood of 1897.

The Nihoniho and Pukerimu bridges were both damaged.

The Ohura River was very high, and was over the road in several places.

The deck of Okahukura Bridge was submerged.

The Ongarue River at Okahukura Bridge rose to 33.6 ft (10.24 m) above normal.

People in the more vulnerable parts of Okahukura were forced to evacuate their homes.

The Ongarue River rose to 18.25 ft (5.56 m) above normal at Ongarue Bridge.

The Ongarue River was over the highway in several places between Taumarunui and Te Kuiti.

Many areas were heavily inundated.

River works, roads, highways, the railway and property generally suffered substantial damage.

Flooding in the lower reaches did not reach the same proportions as in the upper catchment, but was still fairly severe.

The cost of restoring river works subsidised by the Council was over £32,000 ($1,342,000 2008 dollars).

Flooding at and below the end of Parewanui Road, including Flock House, Okanogan settlement and Tangimoana township was the worst experienced for many years.

A number of farm houses were marooned in the Parewanui area.

Crops were badly affected in the lower Parewanui area. The losses consequent to the inundation of 80 acres (0.32 km^2) of potatoes were tentatively assessed at £10,000 ($419,300 2008 dollars).

The flooding in the lower reaches of the Rangitikei River was the worst experienced in recent years.

A new river mouth developed some 1 1/2 miles (2.4 km) south of the original outlet.

Erosion was very pronounced on some sections.

A number of farm houses were marooned, particularly in the Parewanui area.

Damage done to river works, including drains and plantations was £4,223 ($177,100 2008 dollars).

Pastures were covered with silt and miles of fences were damaged.

Crops were generally badly affected, especially in the lower Parewanui area.

Stock losses were relatively light, with 100-150 sheep or lambs drowned.

Three parts of the Tangimoana settlement were under water on the 25th.

Tangimoana was isolated, with the only communication by telephone.

It was the biggest flood in memory.

80 houses were affected by the flood, with water flowing through many of them. 25-30 houses at Tangimoana and 8 or 9 at Okanogan were invaded to depths of up to several feet.

Women and children were evacuated. About 30 elderly people were taken to the Clydesdale Hall.

The water in front of the school was waist deep.

The school was closed on the 25th.

The Ongarue River at Tarangamotu Bridge rose to 28.25 ft (8.61 m) above normal.

The Ongarue River at Tarangamotu Bridge was 10.75 ft (3.28 m) above deck level.

There were flood waters over the streets of Taumarunui.

A bridge collapsed at Taumarunui.

The flood at Taumarunui was the largest in recent years, and said to be the worst since 1939.

The Ongareu River did not break into the Taumarunui town, the flooding there was mainly due to small hill streams ponding behind the stopbanks.

Evacuees: Homes in Matapuna were evacuated when storm water had surrounded many houses and invaded a few. People in the more vulnerable parts of Taumarunui were forced to evacuate their homes.

South of Taumarunui, the stone protective work along the banks of the Wanganui River was washed away for about 100 yards (90 m). Erosion was very pronounced along Taumarunui Esplanade, where the stopbank was badly undermined and two sections collapsed.

The Whanganui River at Matapuna Bridge peaked at 15.83 ft (4.82 m) above normal.

During the February and December floods, some sections of the 2 1/2 mile long stopbank protecting the Borough of Taumarunui were subject to severe and continuous attack. At a numer of points the bank suffered extensive damage.

Te Maire Bridge (below the Ongarue confluence) was submerged.

At Te Maire Bridge, the level of the Whanganui River was 37.5 ft (11.4 m) above normal.

The Whanganui River overflowed its banks along Anzac Parade between the No.3 Line and Nile Street on the 25th.

Anzac Parade was covered with water over 1/2 mile (800 m).

At Wanganui, 13 houses were isolated, and six dwellings and a shop water entered by flood waters. An orchard was inundated and flood waters entered a camp. Water covered Kowhai Park.

The isolated buildings were evacuated.

At the peak of the flood, the Whanganui River was about 30 in (75 cm) below the level of the 1904 flood and about 2 ft (60 cm) below the 1940 flood.

60 yards (55 m) of the connecting pier between the shore and the Imlay Wharf was washed downstream.

Flooding along the Aramoho banks of the Whanganui River was fairly extensive.

Damage in residential and business areas was mainly caused by silting. Two of Wanganui's three rowing clubs suffered flood damage.

The Whanganui River at Victory Bridge reached a gauge height of 56.2 ft (17.13 m) on the 24th.

The Whanganui River at Victory Bridge had a peak discharge of 65,000 cusecs (1841 cumecs) on the 24th, with a catchment area of 830 sq miles (2150 km^2).

The Whanganui River first peaked at Victory Bridge at 12pm on the 24th, 10.5 ft (3.2 m) above normal. The river then rose to an ultimate peak of 15.0 ft (4.6 m) above normal at about 8pm.

The Whanganui River at the Paetawa Recorder reached a gauge height of 51.2 ft (15.61 m) on the 25th.

The Whanganui River at the Paetawa Recorder had a peak discharge of 184,000 cusecs (5210 cumecs) on the 25th, with a catchment area of 2605 sq miles (6747 km^2). (Owen, 1960)

The Wanganui River at the Paetawa Recorder had a peak discharge of 3962 cumecs on the 25th, with a catchment area of 6643 km^2. This was the maximum flood recorded. (Owen, 1969).

On the 22nd the Hokitika River and more southern rivers were in high flood.

In the Hokitika River the flooding was of the same order as the major 143,000 cusec (4049 cumecs) flood of December 1957.

Heavy rain brought a flood which poured into the Otira township.

The Waitaki River at Black Jacks Point reached a gauge height of 939.8 ft (286.45 m) on the 25th.

The Waitaki River at Black Jacks Point had a peak discharge of 57,744 cusecs (1635 cumecs) on the 25th, catchment area controlled.

At Hakataramea, the stopbank protecting the township, county road and approaches to the highway bridge was severely damaged along 30 chains (600 m) of its length.

The flooding in the Rangitata River followed the same pattern as the major flood of 25th December 1957.

Overflows from the south branch escaped into Kapunatiki Creek and low-lying areas between the south and middle branches were heavily inundated.

Considerable damage was done to the December flood restoration work in progress or just completed as well as old well established protection works.

The Rangitata River at the Recorder Irrigation Intake reached a gauge height of 12.6 ft (3.84 m) on the 22nd.

The Rangitata River at the Recorder Irrigation Intake had a peak discharge of 46,000 cusecs (1303 cumecs) on the 22nd, with a catchment area of 577 sq miles (1494 km^2).

The Waitaki River at the hydro station had a peak dishcarge of 60,000 cusecs (1699 cumecs) on the 22nd.

The river works suffered further damage and erosion was again pronounced.

For about six months the Clutha River flowed continuously at a level equivalent to at least the annual flood, more often at biennial flood level.

The most notable flood of 5-7 year frequency was from the 22nd to the 24th, following heavy rain in the upper and middle catchment and high lake levels.

Emergency measures were successful in averting flooding in all but the Barnego area.

The already weakened lower Clutha stopbanks suffered further damage.

The Clutha River at Balclutha reached a gauge height of 70.5 ft (21.49 m) on the 23rd.

The Clutha River at Balclutha had a peak discharge of 82,800 cusecs (2345 cumecs) on the 23rd, with a catchment area of 7840 sq miles (20,306 km^2).

The Barnego area was inundated due to the approach road being breached and the floodgates falling.

The Pomahaka River at Swans Bridge reached a gauge height of 153.9 ft (46.91 m) on the 23rd.

The Pomahaka River at Swans Bridge had a peak discharge of 11,000 cusecs (311 cumecs) on the 23rd, with a catchment area of 763 sq miles (1976 km^2).

In the Koau Branch, the Inch Clutha stopbank at Fyfe's was heavily eroded.

Lake Wakatipu rose to 8.70 ft (2.65 m).

Lake Wanaka reached a gauge height of 11.82 ft (3.60 m) on the 24th.

Lake Wanaka had a peak discharge of 38,000 cusecs (1076 cumecs) on the 24th, with a catchment area of 992 sq miles (2569 km^2).

Lake Wakatipu had a discharge of 24,000 cusecs (680 cumecs).

The Manuherikia River at Ophir reached a gauge height of 7.9 ft (2.41 m) on the 22nd.

The Manuherikia River at Ophir had a peak discharge of 5,700 cusecs (161 cumecs) on the 22nd, with a catchment area of 786 sq miles (2036 km^2).

The Mataura and Oreti Rivers were high and caused flooding in low-lying areas on the 25th.