NZ Historic Weather Events Catalogue
July 1983 Upper South Island Flooding
(
1983-07-08
)
16-60 years
Heavy rain caused severe flooding especially in Marlborough and Golden Bay.
South Island
Multi Hazard
at
South Island
Duration: 5 days - There was torrential rain and flooding from the 8th until the 12th of July.
Heavy Rain
Heavy rains resulted in extensive and severe flooding in parts of the Tasman-Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast regions.
A complex, slow-moving depression covered the whole of Tasman Sea, with an anticyclone east of the country also slow-moving. A narrow band of moist tropical air flowed onto the country for a period of 48 hours during the 8th, 9th and 10th. A broad frontal cloud sheet covered the whole country. A large upper level low covered much of Tasman Sea. Warmth of air at low levels made the air unstable, thus assisting upward motion process. Direction of the flow was also a critical factor in the magnitude of flooding. The flow was very northerly, which meant spillover to the south side of Wairau River was very high, making it a “whole catchment” event. Strong winds also contributed to high spillover.
The heaviest falls occurred in high country areas of Tasman-Nelson and Marlborough, which were exposed to the very moist northerly flow which prevailed during the 8th and 9th. The ranges of the Northwest Nelson Forest Park (source of the Aorere, Anatoki, Takaka and Riwaka Rivers) and the Richmond Range (source of the Pelrous River and tributaries of the Wairau River) experienced 24 hour rainfalls in excess of 300 mm and 48 hour rainfalls in excess of 400 mm.
The heavy rain was widespread and prolonged, and had a large impact on river levels. There was rapid depletion of the extensive high country snow cover during the period of heavy rain. The saturated ground, which resulting from snow melt, permitted maximum runoff in high country areas. The melt water probably contributed significantly to the flooding.
Flooding
500 people were evacuated from residential areas of Tuamarina, Spring Creek and Renwick.
There were about 26,000 stock lost due to the flood.
A heavy rain forecast was issued, but the amount forecast was only “120 mm or more in the next 24 to 36 hours”.
Marlborough and Golden Bay floods insurance industry payouts were $2,300,000 ($$6,688,200 2009 dollars).
On the 8th, the damage to dams, bridges, bridge approaches, river banks and stop banks was extensive on all rivers in the Golden Bay, Waimea and Marlborough Counties.
The total number of claims received by the Earthquake and War Damage Commission was 476 and the estimate of the total final payout was $600,000 (1,744,700 2009 dollars).
The total stock losses reported to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries was $410,000 ($1,192,200 2009 dollars).
The combined County Council costings was $1,390,000 ($4,042,000 2009 dollars).
The total damage cost for Catchment districts was $3,218,282 ($9,358,450 2009 dollars).
Total cost of damage to the farming sector including stock losses was $970,000 ($2,820,700 2009 dollars).
The cost of relief activities during the Civil Defence emergencies was $15,000 ($43,600 2009 dollars).
The cost of stock relief for the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries was $9,000 ($26,200 2009 dollars).
The total estimated cost of event was $6,202,000 ($18,209,300 2009 dollars).
There was wide-spread flooding and the main cost to pastoral farmers was replacing stock, repairing fences and re-establishing the pasture.
Horticultural farmers faced a high cost for replacing damaged crops and horticultural structures.
Tasman-Nelson
Heavy Rain
at
Tasman-Nelson
Rainfall from the 8th to the 10th in the Nelson Province varied from 100 mm (10.0 cm) to 300 mm (30.0 cm).
Flooding
There was no loss of life or injury.
Electricity failed in some areas of Golden Bay and Takaka and Motueka and Nelson were cut off from each other.
The damage to Nelson Catchment Board District was $2,173,282 ($6,319,700 2009 dollars).
For the Golden Bay County Council, the road, street and bridge repairs were $150,000 and the Civil Defence Emergency cost $12,000 making a total of $162,000 ($471,100 2009 dollars).
For the Waimea County Council, bridge and bridge approach repairs cost $440,000 and other costs were $82,000 making a total of $522,000 ($1,517,900 2009 dollars).
The total cost of the damage to the farming sector including stock losses in Nelson and Golden Bay was $270,000 ($785,100 2009 dollars).
Stock losses reported to Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries for Waimea and Golden Bay were 1000 sheep, 100 cattle and 15 horses at a total cost of $60,000 ($174,500 2009 dollars).
In Nelson, the total number insurance claims received by the Earthquake and War Damage Commission was 293. The average value of claims which were paid was $529 ($1540 2009 dollars).
Farmland areas were seriously affected.
Horticultural crops were damaged.
It was one of the regions worst ever floods and restorations of flood damaged areas could cost $20,000,000.
Landslide
at
Anatoki Valley
A massive slip flattened a house in Anatoki Valley.
Heavy Rain
at
Cobb Dam
Cobb Dam recorded 227.7 mm (22.77 cm) of rain on the 9th and 10th.
Cobb Powerhouse recorded 290.2 mm (29.02 cm) of rain on the 9th to the 10th.
Flooding
at
Golden Bay
A Civil Defence Emergency was declared at 2:20am on the 10th until 9:45am on the 11th.
Flooding in Golden Bay was the worst since 1967.
Power and telephone services to many parts of Golden Bay were cut.
Floodwater from both rivers (Takaka and Anatoki) swept across dairy farms and a couple of kiwifruit gardens, ripping out fences and posts, uprooting trees and damaging roads.
Stock losses, particularly sheep were high.
A Golden Bay farmer recorded 475 mm (47.5 cm) of rain in 48 hours.
The rainfall in this area had an annual recurrance interval over 100 years or more.
Residents described the flood as the worst seen in 60 years.
There was widespread damage in the area.
Comparable floods to this one occured in 1924 and 1967.
Flooding
at
Kotinga
The farming area was the worst hit area. Floodwater from both Takaka and Anatoki Rivers swept across dairy farms.
Stock losses were reported to be high.
One approach to the Kotinga bridge was washed out.
On the 11th, Kotinga and the Pupu Valley were likely to be without power for several more days. Seven power poles were down.
Flooding
at
Motueka
The worst flooding in Motueka was in High Street. The houses were sandbagged on the night of the 9th.
Surface flooding covered most of the area.
Water lapped at the doorsteps of buildings.
Flooding
at
Motueka River
The measured flow in the Motueka River at its peak was 3000 cumecs.
Flooding
at
Motueka Valley
Floodwaters wrecked a kiwifruit garden. It ws esitmated that six acres were lost along with two acres of boysenberries.
State Highway 61 was blocked by floodwaters.
The flood covered nine acres of two and three year old apricot plantings.
Flooding
at
Motupipi
At one stage the power was switched off at the NZED substation at Motupipi because the men were in danger of being electrocuted. They were working in waist deep water at the substation.
Over 100 people were evacuated from the Motupipi street areas.
Flooding
at
Moutere River
Moutere River flooding was the worst since 1961.
Heavy Rain
at
Nelson City
Nelson Airport recorded 113 mm (11.3 cm) of rain from the 9th to the 10th.
Nelson was also isolated through slips and flooding between the city and Bleinheim on the road to Murchison.
Flooding
at
Ngatimoti
Floodwaters swept through the Ngatimoti garage leaving a coating of silt on the tools.
Floodwater surrounded a home.
Flooding
at
Pigeon River
Homes were isolated because the Pigeon Valley bridge was destroyed.
Pipes from the Wakefield water supply were broken when bridge was destroyed.
Pigeon Valley bridge cost $300,000 ($872,400 2009 dollars) to replace.
Flooding
at
Port Nelson
$250,000 ($727,000 2009 dollars) worth of pipeline laying equipment was lost when a barge was capsized in the storm.
Flooding
at
Riwaka
Orchard developments in Riwaka and the Motueka area were extensively damaged in the flood.
Riwaka River burst its banks.
The river flooded a field of asparagus and six acres of new plantings of apple trees.
Two houses near the Kaiteriteri turnoff had floodwaters through them. Several houses near Riwaka hotel were flooded.
The coastal highway was closed.
Flooding
at
Takaka
Several rivers in the Takaka Valley flooded, inundating the township and large areas of surrounding farmland.
The floodwaters were reported to be 30 cm deeper than in flood of 1967.
A Civil Defence Emergency was declared on the 10th to 9:00am on the 11th after several rivers in the Valley spilled over their banks.
140 people (nearly 40 families) were evacuated from Takaka township.
The township and large areas of farmland were inundated.
Road and bridge washouts marooned dozens of families. All roads in and out of Takaka were impassable including the highway to Nelson.
One metre of mud-laden water from the Takaka River raged through Takaka's main street.
Power and telephone services were cut for some time. Some residents had no power for three days and no radio.
Takaka River swept away the northern approach to the bridge.
The flood in Takaka is officially regarded as a 50-year flood.
A farm at Paynes Ford, where the Waingaro River meets the Takaka River, was one of the worst-affected properties, with water surging metres deep around and through the home. The water level was 14 inches (35.6 cm) up the side of the piano.
At a clothing and sports shop in Commercial Street the water mark was 20 cm up the back wall.
Landslide
Takaka Hill Road (State Highway 60) was closed by slips.
Flooding
at
Tapawera
12 people from Tapawera were evacuated.
Heavy Rain
at
Uruwhenua
Uruwhenua recorded 462 mm (46.2 cm) of rain in 48 hours from the 8th to the 9th (which has a return period of 140 years).
Flooding
at
Wai-iti River
Wai-iti River rose 300 mm (30.0 cm) in 30 minutes on the 9th.
Flooding
at
Waimea County
Flood damage cost between $500,000 - $1,000,000 ($1,454,000 - $2,908,000 2009 dollars).
Bridges, bridge approaches, roads and water pipes were swept away.
Twenty roads were closed, two bridges were destroyed and five were badly damaged.
Nine bridges had their approaches washed out.
Roads that were closed throughout the county included Eves Valley, Sandy Bay, Riwaka Valley, Baton Road, Glearay Road, Cable Bay and Teal Valley Roads, Mole and Rapahannock Roads, Maitai Road, Wairoa Gorge Roads.
Marlborough
Heavy Rain
at
Marlborough
An eastward moving depression with its band of rain was reinforced by a moist northerly airstream, which brought torrential rain to the high country of the Nelson-Marlborough provinces.
Flooding
The damage cost for the Marlborough Catchment Board was $1,045,000 ($3,038,800 2009 dollars).
Marlborough Electric Power Board had extensive damage to intake works on the Branch River power project.
For the Marlborough County Council, bridge and bridge approach repairs cost $246,000, general road repairs cost $404,000 and contingencies cost $56,000, making a total of $706,000 ($2,053,000 2009 dollars).
Total cost of damage for the farming sector including stock losses was $700,000 ($2,035,500 2009 dollars).
Stock losses reported to Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries included 4400 sheep, 100 cattle, 1000 pigs and 110 deer. This was valued at a total of $350,000 ($1,017,800 2009 dollars).
The total number of insurance claims received by the Earthquake and War Damage Commission was 83 with an average value of each claim at $1854 ($5390 2009 dollars).
Nearly 300 people were forced from their homes.
There were no causualties due to the floods.
Two injuries occurred. A young woman was sent to hospital after a tractor accident and a man was badly cut by glass.
A Civil Defence Emergency was declared at 8:17am on the 10th to 5:00pm on the 12th.
60 people were evacuated.
Stock losses reached up to 25500 sheep, 1000 pigs, 130 cattle and 4 horses.
By the 12th, many low-lying areas especially in Tuamarina and Spring Creek were still underwater.
Several secondary roads were closed.
The rail link between Blenheim and Picton was out.
State Highway 1 was closed and northern approaches to the Wairau bridge were washed out.
State Highway 6 (from Renwick to Okaramio) and State Highway 63 (from Renwick to Rotoiti) was closed due to damaged bridges.
Heavy Rain
at
Awatere River
Heavy rain caused the Awatere River to flood.
Flooding
About twelve properties in the upper valley were isolated by floodwaters.
The Jordan bridge was washed out and damaged.
Limestone Creek and Castle Creek bridges were washed out.
Approaches to Old Upcot bridge were washed away by Awatere River.
Ward bridge was out of use.
Flooding
at
Blenheim
Taylor Pass Road was closed at Vinegar Creek.
Flooding
at
Canvastown
Rushing waters lifted the tarseal from the road.
Landslide
There were slips which damaged roads from Canvastown to Havelock.
Heavy Rain
at
Opouri Valley
Upper Opouri Valley recorded 501 mm (50.1 cm) of rain.
Flooding
Opouri Road was closed.
Heavy Rain
at
Patriarch
Patriarch recorded 338 mm (33.8 cm) of rain in 48 hours over the 8th and 9th (which has an esitmated return period of over 150 years).
Flooding
at
Pukaka Stream
Pukaka Stream topped its banks.
Flooding
at
Renwick
In the Renwick Zoo most of the farm animals drowned, and the fences were levelled.
Approximately 30 families (120 people) were evacuated.
Houses were inundated.
Heavy Rain
at
The Leatham
The Leatham recorded 256.5 mm (25.65 cm) of rain in 48 hours over the 8th and 9th (which has a return period of over 150 years).
Flooding
Leatham Road was closed beyond the hydro scheme.
Flooding
at
Tuamarina
Tuamarina was the worst area hit by 1983 flood.
One house was washed away.
The Tuamarina river stopbank was breached just south of the Kaituna Road bridge. And the Wairau River broke out at Tuamarina and Spring Creek.
Floodwaters raged through the township. There was little warning. Residents fled to high ground on cemetery hill. About 40 residents took refuge on the hill, and 15 took refuge in the cheese factory.
The village was lost beneath torrents of water.
Buildings directly in the path of the torrent were hardest hit, including the school, store and houses further down Pembers Road. Water roared around the cheese factory and rushed down Blind Creek Road.
Two helicopters lifted people from the hill and factory roof.
Many animals drowned.
It was the biggest flood since 1868.
The flood wrecked the railway line, highway and roads.
It toppled power and telephone poles.
Most houses on western side of highway had water in or around them and some had water up to the window level outside.
The school house was badly damaged and a resident lost his car, tractor and new garage.
Flooding
at
Twidles Island (near Havelock)
Family were forced to flee their home when threatened by flooding. The waters of the Pelorus River was lapping at their feet.
Floodwaters were estimated to have peaked at 4pm on the 10th.
The island was completely cut off.
Floodwaters rose at least 10 cm above the last flood on the island.
Flooding
at
Wairau Pa
Only one house had water through it.
Heavy Rain
at
Wairau River
Wairau Valley recorded 167 mm (16.7 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Wairau Valley recorded 225 mm (22.5 cm) of rain in 48 hours (which has an estimated return period 130 years).
Wairau Valley-Hillersdon area recorded 200 mm (20.0 cm) of rain in 48 hours.
Flooding
Wairau flood control scheme failed to cope with the flood event. The rivers protection scheme was designed for a 100 year flood which would allow 50 cm of freeboard along the banks. The river topped the banks.
The flow had a return period of approximately 150 years and it was probably comparable to that of 1868 event.
The river rose 6 m above normal and the Wairau Plains flooded.
Floodwaters wrecked several houses.
It was estimated that the river rose about 0.2 m per hour.
The river peaked at 8.5 m on the 9th.
It was estmated that the river was discharging atleast 200,000 cusecs (5663 cumecs).
The estimated return period for the flow was 500 years.
The flood was about 30-40% greater than the 1975 April flood.
Stock losses in the area included 2000-3000 sheep, 100 cattles and over 500 pigs.
The Wairau Bridge southern approach was washed out.
Residents along the Wairau River between Rapaura and Spring Creek were evacuated.
West Coast
Heavy Rain
at
West Coast
There were extreme rainfalls recorded in the Reefton area and in Grey Valley on the 8th and 9th.
Flooding
at
Dobson
At Dobson, the Grey River peaked at 3.15 am on the 10th and was 5.73 m above normal and was discharging 4184 cumecs.
Heavy Rain
at
Greymouth
Greymouth recorded 205.5 mm (20.55 cm) of rain in 48 hours.
Heavy rain in the back country held the level of the Grey River up to the towns wharf for hours.
Flooding
Shops and homes were flooded. Water flooded 30-40 houses in low-lying parts of Blaketown, Greymouth and Cobden.
Some Blaketown families were evacuated during the night of the 9th.
The Grey River's main tributaries (the Big Grey River and Ahaura River) held their peak for six hours.
Flood waters damaged the tar seal along the road.
Heavy Rain
at
Reefton
Reefton recorded 214 mm (21.4 cm) of rain in 48 hours (which has a return period of 110 years).
Heavy Rain
at
Upper Mai Mai
Upper Maimai Creek recorded 216 mm (21.6 cm) of rain in 24 hours (which has a return period of 100 years).
References
- Benn, J.L. (n.d.) Major Flood Events in Greymouth, New Zealand: 1862-1988. West Coast Regional Council
- Clark, A. (1983). The Wrath of the Waters: The 1983 Takaka Valley Flood.
- Headline: Civil Defence Declarations since 1 January 1963
- Declared Civil Defence Emergencies,
- Insurance Councils, The Cost of Weather Loses, Claims History (Updated 2004)
- Major weather events in New Zealand, FLOODS and HIGH RAINFALL to 31st May 2006.
- Major weather events in New Zealand, FLOODS AND HIGH RAINFALL, Floods to 31st July 2006
- Nelson - Marlborough Regional Concil, Takaka Flood Frequency, Maps and Newspapers., Reports of Historical Floods; 1991, published, Nelson-Marlborough Regional Council,pp.61.
- Nottage, D.A. (1991). Nelson-Marlborough Regional Council. Takaka Flood Frequency Maps and Newspaper Reports of Historical Floods.
- NZ Met Service. (2008). Meteorology of Extreme Rainfalls in New Zealand (Mark Pascoe, Ed.).
- The Marlborough - Nelson Bays Floods on 8-10 July 1983, Quayle, A.M, Pointer, M.W. and Challands, N. New Zealand Meteorological Service Technical Information Circular No. 194
- Headline: Awatere properties isolated.
- The Marlborough Express, 11 July 1983.
- Headline: Pictures tell the story of Tua Marina flood.
- The Marlborough Express, 11 July 1983.
- Headline: Rivers' ravage leaves plain in shambles.
- The Marlborough Express, 11 July 1983.
- Headline: Most flood victims mopping up.
- The Marlborough Express, 12 July 1983.
- Headline: Residents began task of cleaning homes.
- The Marlborough Express, 12 July 1983.
- Headline: Twidles Island family forced to flee again.
- The Marlborough Express, 12 July 1983.
- Headline: Catchment Board was unaware of size of flood.
- The Marlborough Express, 13 July 1983.
- Headline: Floating bins wreak havoc.
- The Nelson Evening Mail, 11 July 1983.
- Headline: Floods leave region devastated.
- The Nelson Evening Mail, 11 July 1983.
- Headline: High st hardest hit.
- The Nelson Evening Mail, 11 July 1983.
- Headline: Nelson flood repairs could cost $20m.
- The Nelson Evening Mail, 11 July 1983.
- Headline: People evacuated from Wairau Plains area.
- The Nelson Evening Mail, 11 July 1983.
- Headline: Storm sinks valuable gear.
- The Nelson Evening Mail, 11 July 1983.
- Headline: Waimea damage may cost $1M
- The Nelson Evening Mail, 11 July 1983.
- Headline: Pattempt soon to salvage gear.
- The Nelson Evening Mail, 12 July 1983.
- Headline: Pigeon Valley Residents show resourcefulness.
- The Nelson Evening Mail, 12 July 1983.
- Headline: Flood debate surges back and forth.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Nelson Mail, 13 December 2008.
- Headline: Opening the floodgates of opinion.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Nelson Mail, 13 December 2008.
July 1983 Upper South Island Flooding
(
1983-07-08
)
16-60 years
Heavy rain caused severe flooding especially in Marlborough and Golden Bay.
South Island
Multi Hazard
at
South Island
Duration: 5 days - There was torrential rain and flooding from the 8th until the 12th of July.
Heavy Rain
Heavy rains resulted in extensive and severe flooding in parts of the Tasman-Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast regions.
A complex, slow-moving depression covered the whole of Tasman Sea, with an anticyclone east of the country also slow-moving. A narrow band of moist tropical air flowed onto the country for a period of 48 hours during the 8th, 9th and 10th. A broad frontal cloud sheet covered the whole country. A large upper level low covered much of Tasman Sea. Warmth of air at low levels made the air unstable, thus assisting upward motion process. Direction of the flow was also a critical factor in the magnitude of flooding. The flow was very northerly, which meant spillover to the south side of Wairau River was very high, making it a “whole catchment” event. Strong winds also contributed to high spillover.
The heaviest falls occurred in high country areas of Tasman-Nelson and Marlborough, which were exposed to the very moist northerly flow which prevailed during the 8th and 9th. The ranges of the Northwest Nelson Forest Park (source of the Aorere, Anatoki, Takaka and Riwaka Rivers) and the Richmond Range (source of the Pelrous River and tributaries of the Wairau River) experienced 24 hour rainfalls in excess of 300 mm and 48 hour rainfalls in excess of 400 mm.
The heavy rain was widespread and prolonged, and had a large impact on river levels. There was rapid depletion of the extensive high country snow cover during the period of heavy rain. The saturated ground, which resulting from snow melt, permitted maximum runoff in high country areas. The melt water probably contributed significantly to the flooding.
Flooding
500 people were evacuated from residential areas of Tuamarina, Spring Creek and Renwick.
There were about 26,000 stock lost due to the flood.
A heavy rain forecast was issued, but the amount forecast was only “120 mm or more in the next 24 to 36 hours”.
Marlborough and Golden Bay floods insurance industry payouts were $2,300,000 ($$6,688,200 2009 dollars).
On the 8th, the damage to dams, bridges, bridge approaches, river banks and stop banks was extensive on all rivers in the Golden Bay, Waimea and Marlborough Counties.
The total number of claims received by the Earthquake and War Damage Commission was 476 and the estimate of the total final payout was $600,000 (1,744,700 2009 dollars).
The total stock losses reported to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries was $410,000 ($1,192,200 2009 dollars).
The combined County Council costings was $1,390,000 ($4,042,000 2009 dollars).
The total damage cost for Catchment districts was $3,218,282 ($9,358,450 2009 dollars).
Total cost of damage to the farming sector including stock losses was $970,000 ($2,820,700 2009 dollars).
The cost of relief activities during the Civil Defence emergencies was $15,000 ($43,600 2009 dollars).
The cost of stock relief for the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries was $9,000 ($26,200 2009 dollars).
The total estimated cost of event was $6,202,000 ($18,209,300 2009 dollars).
There was wide-spread flooding and the main cost to pastoral farmers was replacing stock, repairing fences and re-establishing the pasture.
Horticultural farmers faced a high cost for replacing damaged crops and horticultural structures.
Tasman-Nelson
Heavy Rain
at
Tasman-Nelson
Rainfall from the 8th to the 10th in the Nelson Province varied from 100 mm (10.0 cm) to 300 mm (30.0 cm).
Flooding
There was no loss of life or injury.
Electricity failed in some areas of Golden Bay and Takaka and Motueka and Nelson were cut off from each other.
The damage to Nelson Catchment Board District was $2,173,282 ($6,319,700 2009 dollars).
For the Golden Bay County Council, the road, street and bridge repairs were $150,000 and the Civil Defence Emergency cost $12,000 making a total of $162,000 ($471,100 2009 dollars).
For the Waimea County Council, bridge and bridge approach repairs cost $440,000 and other costs were $82,000 making a total of $522,000 ($1,517,900 2009 dollars).
The total cost of the damage to the farming sector including stock losses in Nelson and Golden Bay was $270,000 ($785,100 2009 dollars).
Stock losses reported to Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries for Waimea and Golden Bay were 1000 sheep, 100 cattle and 15 horses at a total cost of $60,000 ($174,500 2009 dollars).
In Nelson, the total number insurance claims received by the Earthquake and War Damage Commission was 293. The average value of claims which were paid was $529 ($1540 2009 dollars).
Farmland areas were seriously affected.
Horticultural crops were damaged.
It was one of the regions worst ever floods and restorations of flood damaged areas could cost $20,000,000.
Landslide
at
Anatoki Valley
A massive slip flattened a house in Anatoki Valley.
Heavy Rain
at
Cobb Dam
Cobb Dam recorded 227.7 mm (22.77 cm) of rain on the 9th and 10th.
Cobb Powerhouse recorded 290.2 mm (29.02 cm) of rain on the 9th to the 10th.
Flooding
at
Golden Bay
A Civil Defence Emergency was declared at 2:20am on the 10th until 9:45am on the 11th.
Flooding in Golden Bay was the worst since 1967.
Power and telephone services to many parts of Golden Bay were cut.
Floodwater from both rivers (Takaka and Anatoki) swept across dairy farms and a couple of kiwifruit gardens, ripping out fences and posts, uprooting trees and damaging roads.
Stock losses, particularly sheep were high.
A Golden Bay farmer recorded 475 mm (47.5 cm) of rain in 48 hours.
The rainfall in this area had an annual recurrance interval over 100 years or more.
Residents described the flood as the worst seen in 60 years.
There was widespread damage in the area.
Comparable floods to this one occured in 1924 and 1967.
Flooding
at
Kotinga
The farming area was the worst hit area. Floodwater from both Takaka and Anatoki Rivers swept across dairy farms.
Stock losses were reported to be high.
One approach to the Kotinga bridge was washed out.
On the 11th, Kotinga and the Pupu Valley were likely to be without power for several more days. Seven power poles were down.
Flooding
at
Motueka
The worst flooding in Motueka was in High Street. The houses were sandbagged on the night of the 9th.
Surface flooding covered most of the area.
Water lapped at the doorsteps of buildings.
Flooding
at
Motueka River
The measured flow in the Motueka River at its peak was 3000 cumecs.
Flooding
at
Motueka Valley
Floodwaters wrecked a kiwifruit garden. It ws esitmated that six acres were lost along with two acres of boysenberries.
State Highway 61 was blocked by floodwaters.
The flood covered nine acres of two and three year old apricot plantings.
Flooding
at
Motupipi
At one stage the power was switched off at the NZED substation at Motupipi because the men were in danger of being electrocuted. They were working in waist deep water at the substation.
Over 100 people were evacuated from the Motupipi street areas.
Flooding
at
Moutere River
Moutere River flooding was the worst since 1961.
Heavy Rain
at
Nelson City
Nelson Airport recorded 113 mm (11.3 cm) of rain from the 9th to the 10th.
Nelson was also isolated through slips and flooding between the city and Bleinheim on the road to Murchison.
Flooding
at
Ngatimoti
Floodwaters swept through the Ngatimoti garage leaving a coating of silt on the tools.
Floodwater surrounded a home.
Flooding
at
Pigeon River
Homes were isolated because the Pigeon Valley bridge was destroyed.
Pipes from the Wakefield water supply were broken when bridge was destroyed.
Pigeon Valley bridge cost $300,000 ($872,400 2009 dollars) to replace.
Flooding
at
Port Nelson
$250,000 ($727,000 2009 dollars) worth of pipeline laying equipment was lost when a barge was capsized in the storm.
Flooding
at
Riwaka
Orchard developments in Riwaka and the Motueka area were extensively damaged in the flood.
Riwaka River burst its banks.
The river flooded a field of asparagus and six acres of new plantings of apple trees.
Two houses near the Kaiteriteri turnoff had floodwaters through them. Several houses near Riwaka hotel were flooded.
The coastal highway was closed.
Flooding
at
Takaka
Several rivers in the Takaka Valley flooded, inundating the township and large areas of surrounding farmland.
The floodwaters were reported to be 30 cm deeper than in flood of 1967.
A Civil Defence Emergency was declared on the 10th to 9:00am on the 11th after several rivers in the Valley spilled over their banks.
140 people (nearly 40 families) were evacuated from Takaka township.
The township and large areas of farmland were inundated.
Road and bridge washouts marooned dozens of families. All roads in and out of Takaka were impassable including the highway to Nelson.
One metre of mud-laden water from the Takaka River raged through Takaka's main street.
Power and telephone services were cut for some time. Some residents had no power for three days and no radio.
Takaka River swept away the northern approach to the bridge.
The flood in Takaka is officially regarded as a 50-year flood.
A farm at Paynes Ford, where the Waingaro River meets the Takaka River, was one of the worst-affected properties, with water surging metres deep around and through the home. The water level was 14 inches (35.6 cm) up the side of the piano.
At a clothing and sports shop in Commercial Street the water mark was 20 cm up the back wall.
Landslide
Takaka Hill Road (State Highway 60) was closed by slips.
Flooding
at
Tapawera
12 people from Tapawera were evacuated.
Heavy Rain
at
Uruwhenua
Uruwhenua recorded 462 mm (46.2 cm) of rain in 48 hours from the 8th to the 9th (which has a return period of 140 years).
Flooding
at
Wai-iti River
Wai-iti River rose 300 mm (30.0 cm) in 30 minutes on the 9th.
Flooding
at
Waimea County
Flood damage cost between $500,000 - $1,000,000 ($1,454,000 - $2,908,000 2009 dollars).
Bridges, bridge approaches, roads and water pipes were swept away.
Twenty roads were closed, two bridges were destroyed and five were badly damaged.
Nine bridges had their approaches washed out.
Roads that were closed throughout the county included Eves Valley, Sandy Bay, Riwaka Valley, Baton Road, Glearay Road, Cable Bay and Teal Valley Roads, Mole and Rapahannock Roads, Maitai Road, Wairoa Gorge Roads.
Marlborough
Heavy Rain
at
Marlborough
An eastward moving depression with its band of rain was reinforced by a moist northerly airstream, which brought torrential rain to the high country of the Nelson-Marlborough provinces.
Flooding
The damage cost for the Marlborough Catchment Board was $1,045,000 ($3,038,800 2009 dollars).
Marlborough Electric Power Board had extensive damage to intake works on the Branch River power project.
For the Marlborough County Council, bridge and bridge approach repairs cost $246,000, general road repairs cost $404,000 and contingencies cost $56,000, making a total of $706,000 ($2,053,000 2009 dollars).
Total cost of damage for the farming sector including stock losses was $700,000 ($2,035,500 2009 dollars).
Stock losses reported to Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries included 4400 sheep, 100 cattle, 1000 pigs and 110 deer. This was valued at a total of $350,000 ($1,017,800 2009 dollars).
The total number of insurance claims received by the Earthquake and War Damage Commission was 83 with an average value of each claim at $1854 ($5390 2009 dollars).
Nearly 300 people were forced from their homes.
There were no causualties due to the floods.
Two injuries occurred. A young woman was sent to hospital after a tractor accident and a man was badly cut by glass.
A Civil Defence Emergency was declared at 8:17am on the 10th to 5:00pm on the 12th.
60 people were evacuated.
Stock losses reached up to 25500 sheep, 1000 pigs, 130 cattle and 4 horses.
By the 12th, many low-lying areas especially in Tuamarina and Spring Creek were still underwater.
Several secondary roads were closed.
The rail link between Blenheim and Picton was out.
State Highway 1 was closed and northern approaches to the Wairau bridge were washed out.
State Highway 6 (from Renwick to Okaramio) and State Highway 63 (from Renwick to Rotoiti) was closed due to damaged bridges.
Heavy Rain
at
Awatere River
Heavy rain caused the Awatere River to flood.
Flooding
About twelve properties in the upper valley were isolated by floodwaters.
The Jordan bridge was washed out and damaged.
Limestone Creek and Castle Creek bridges were washed out.
Approaches to Old Upcot bridge were washed away by Awatere River.
Ward bridge was out of use.
Flooding
at
Blenheim
Taylor Pass Road was closed at Vinegar Creek.
Flooding
at
Canvastown
Rushing waters lifted the tarseal from the road.
Landslide
There were slips which damaged roads from Canvastown to Havelock.
Heavy Rain
at
Opouri Valley
Upper Opouri Valley recorded 501 mm (50.1 cm) of rain.
Flooding
Opouri Road was closed.
Heavy Rain
at
Patriarch
Patriarch recorded 338 mm (33.8 cm) of rain in 48 hours over the 8th and 9th (which has an esitmated return period of over 150 years).
Flooding
at
Pukaka Stream
Pukaka Stream topped its banks.
Flooding
at
Renwick
In the Renwick Zoo most of the farm animals drowned, and the fences were levelled.
Approximately 30 families (120 people) were evacuated.
Houses were inundated.
Heavy Rain
at
The Leatham
The Leatham recorded 256.5 mm (25.65 cm) of rain in 48 hours over the 8th and 9th (which has a return period of over 150 years).
Flooding
Leatham Road was closed beyond the hydro scheme.
Flooding
at
Tuamarina
Tuamarina was the worst area hit by 1983 flood.
One house was washed away.
The Tuamarina river stopbank was breached just south of the Kaituna Road bridge. And the Wairau River broke out at Tuamarina and Spring Creek.
Floodwaters raged through the township. There was little warning. Residents fled to high ground on cemetery hill. About 40 residents took refuge on the hill, and 15 took refuge in the cheese factory.
The village was lost beneath torrents of water.
Buildings directly in the path of the torrent were hardest hit, including the school, store and houses further down Pembers Road. Water roared around the cheese factory and rushed down Blind Creek Road.
Two helicopters lifted people from the hill and factory roof.
Many animals drowned.
It was the biggest flood since 1868.
The flood wrecked the railway line, highway and roads.
It toppled power and telephone poles.
Most houses on western side of highway had water in or around them and some had water up to the window level outside.
The school house was badly damaged and a resident lost his car, tractor and new garage.
Flooding
at
Twidles Island (near Havelock)
Family were forced to flee their home when threatened by flooding. The waters of the Pelorus River was lapping at their feet.
Floodwaters were estimated to have peaked at 4pm on the 10th.
The island was completely cut off.
Floodwaters rose at least 10 cm above the last flood on the island.
Flooding
at
Wairau Pa
Only one house had water through it.
Heavy Rain
at
Wairau River
Wairau Valley recorded 167 mm (16.7 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Wairau Valley recorded 225 mm (22.5 cm) of rain in 48 hours (which has an estimated return period 130 years).
Wairau Valley-Hillersdon area recorded 200 mm (20.0 cm) of rain in 48 hours.
Flooding
Wairau flood control scheme failed to cope with the flood event. The rivers protection scheme was designed for a 100 year flood which would allow 50 cm of freeboard along the banks. The river topped the banks.
The flow had a return period of approximately 150 years and it was probably comparable to that of 1868 event.
The river rose 6 m above normal and the Wairau Plains flooded.
Floodwaters wrecked several houses.
It was estimated that the river rose about 0.2 m per hour.
The river peaked at 8.5 m on the 9th.
It was estmated that the river was discharging atleast 200,000 cusecs (5663 cumecs).
The estimated return period for the flow was 500 years.
The flood was about 30-40% greater than the 1975 April flood.
Stock losses in the area included 2000-3000 sheep, 100 cattles and over 500 pigs.
The Wairau Bridge southern approach was washed out.
Residents along the Wairau River between Rapaura and Spring Creek were evacuated.
West Coast
Heavy Rain
at
West Coast
There were extreme rainfalls recorded in the Reefton area and in Grey Valley on the 8th and 9th.
Flooding
at
Dobson
At Dobson, the Grey River peaked at 3.15 am on the 10th and was 5.73 m above normal and was discharging 4184 cumecs.
Heavy Rain
at
Greymouth
Greymouth recorded 205.5 mm (20.55 cm) of rain in 48 hours.
Heavy rain in the back country held the level of the Grey River up to the towns wharf for hours.
Flooding
Shops and homes were flooded. Water flooded 30-40 houses in low-lying parts of Blaketown, Greymouth and Cobden.
Some Blaketown families were evacuated during the night of the 9th.
The Grey River's main tributaries (the Big Grey River and Ahaura River) held their peak for six hours.
Flood waters damaged the tar seal along the road.
Heavy Rain
at
Reefton
Reefton recorded 214 mm (21.4 cm) of rain in 48 hours (which has a return period of 110 years).
Heavy Rain
at
Upper Mai Mai
Upper Maimai Creek recorded 216 mm (21.6 cm) of rain in 24 hours (which has a return period of 100 years).
References
- Benn, J.L. (n.d.) Major Flood Events in Greymouth, New Zealand: 1862-1988. West Coast Regional Council
- Clark, A. (1983). The Wrath of the Waters: The 1983 Takaka Valley Flood.
- Headline: Civil Defence Declarations since 1 January 1963
- Declared Civil Defence Emergencies,
- Insurance Councils, The Cost of Weather Loses, Claims History (Updated 2004)
- Major weather events in New Zealand, FLOODS and HIGH RAINFALL to 31st May 2006.
- Major weather events in New Zealand, FLOODS AND HIGH RAINFALL, Floods to 31st July 2006
- Nelson - Marlborough Regional Concil, Takaka Flood Frequency, Maps and Newspapers., Reports of Historical Floods; 1991, published, Nelson-Marlborough Regional Council,pp.61.
- Nottage, D.A. (1991). Nelson-Marlborough Regional Council. Takaka Flood Frequency Maps and Newspaper Reports of Historical Floods.
- NZ Met Service. (2008). Meteorology of Extreme Rainfalls in New Zealand (Mark Pascoe, Ed.).
- The Marlborough - Nelson Bays Floods on 8-10 July 1983, Quayle, A.M, Pointer, M.W. and Challands, N. New Zealand Meteorological Service Technical Information Circular No. 194
- Headline: Awatere properties isolated.
- The Marlborough Express, 11 July 1983.
- Headline: Pictures tell the story of Tua Marina flood.
- The Marlborough Express, 11 July 1983.
- Headline: Rivers' ravage leaves plain in shambles.
- The Marlborough Express, 11 July 1983.
- Headline: Most flood victims mopping up.
- The Marlborough Express, 12 July 1983.
- Headline: Residents began task of cleaning homes.
- The Marlborough Express, 12 July 1983.
- Headline: Twidles Island family forced to flee again.
- The Marlborough Express, 12 July 1983.
- Headline: Catchment Board was unaware of size of flood.
- The Marlborough Express, 13 July 1983.
- Headline: Floating bins wreak havoc.
- The Nelson Evening Mail, 11 July 1983.
- Headline: Floods leave region devastated.
- The Nelson Evening Mail, 11 July 1983.
- Headline: High st hardest hit.
- The Nelson Evening Mail, 11 July 1983.
- Headline: Nelson flood repairs could cost $20m.
- The Nelson Evening Mail, 11 July 1983.
- Headline: People evacuated from Wairau Plains area.
- The Nelson Evening Mail, 11 July 1983.
- Headline: Storm sinks valuable gear.
- The Nelson Evening Mail, 11 July 1983.
- Headline: Waimea damage may cost $1M
- The Nelson Evening Mail, 11 July 1983.
- Headline: Pattempt soon to salvage gear.
- The Nelson Evening Mail, 12 July 1983.
- Headline: Pigeon Valley Residents show resourcefulness.
- The Nelson Evening Mail, 12 July 1983.
- Headline: Flood debate surges back and forth.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Nelson Mail, 13 December 2008.
- Headline: Opening the floodgates of opinion.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Nelson Mail, 13 December 2008.