NZ Historic Weather Events Catalogue

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ModerateJune-July 1925 New Zealand Floods ( 1925-06-30 )

New Zealand

Multi HazardMulti Hazard
Comments:

CommentThe stormy conditions which were prevalent during the last week of June continued into July until the 10th, heavy rains and floods being experienced in the northern and East Coast districts.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at North Island
Duration:   5  days - From the 30th June to the 4th July.
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe telephone lines between Motu and Opotiki were down.

LandslideLandslide
Comments:

Affected LifelineThere were slips on the Motu-Opotiki road. They were all cleared by the 30th.

Waikato

FloodingFlooding at Waikato
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe road between Ohinewai and Rangiriri was completely submerged for 1 1/2 miles (2.4 km).

FloodingFlooding at Mercer
Map Location: -37.280396 175.051333
Comments:

CommentThe Waikato River was still rising at Mercer on the 3rd July. That night it was only about 10 in (25.4 cm) from the top of the Mercer wharf.

ImpactThe township was almost surrounded by water. The sawmills were flooded.

Physical CharacteristicThere was 6 in (15.2 cm) of water over the railway line on the 2nd.

Physical CharacteristicWater was flowing directly from the river into the railway station yard on the night of the 3rd, and was only 6 in (15.2 cm) below the platform. The main line was under water for almost the whole length of the station.

EvacueesNumerous houses in the vicinity of the township had been vacated. Maoris had abandoned a flooded pa on the river bank and were camping in the scrub.

Bay of Plenty

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Bay of Plenty
Comments:

CommentThere was further heavy rain on the 28th to the 29th in the Bay of Plenty and further flooding occurred on the 30th and the 1st of July.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

ImpactWhakatane and Rangitaiki Rivers were still flooded on the 29th.

AreaThere was extensive inundation of the Rangitaiki Plains. 30,000 acres (12,141 ha) were flooded on the 1st of July.

DamageThere was considerable damage to pasture, stock and fences.

Affected LifelineRoads suffered severe damage and small bridges were washed away.

FloodingFlooding at Kaituna River
Map Location: -37.990163 176.344207
Comments:

Peak DischargeKaituna River peaked at 1580 cusecs (44.7 cumecs) at the Rotoiti outfall.

FloodingFlooding at Te Teko
Map Location: -38.038762 176.790607
Comments:

CasualtiesA woman was drowned at Te Teko.

FloodingFlooding at Thornton
Map Location: -37.922474 176.869218
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe bridge at Thornton was washed away.

FloodingFlooding at Waimana
Map Location: -38.140838 177.072413
Comments:

ImpactOn the 29th, the Waimana settlement was in a bad position, with the river threatening to eat a fresh course across the farms.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Whakatane
Map Location: -37.967356 176.992417
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicHeavy rain continued in Whakatane during the 28th and 29th. The total rainfall in Whakatane over seven days to the 30th was 7.5 in (19.05 cm).

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe rivers were again rising and large areas were underwater.

Affected LifelineAll communication by road was cut off. Road and railway lines were damaged.

ImpactMany homesteads were marooned and families had to be rescued by boat.

Gisborne

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Gisborne
Comments:

CommentHeavy rains were experienced throughout the district in the last few days (before the 30th). Wild wintry conditions prevailed again on the 3rd July and heavy rain was experienced in all parts of the district.

Physical Characteristic2.14 in (5.4 cm) of rain fell in Gisborne in three days from 9am on the 1st to 9am on the 4th.

Physical CharacteristicGisborne recorded 0.70 in (1.8 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 2nd.

Physical CharacteristicGisborne recorded 0.39 in (1.0 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 3rd.

Physical CharacteristicGisborne recorded 1.05 in (2.7 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 4th.

Physical CharacteristicGisborne recorded 0.8 in (2.0 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 5th.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

CommentThe continuous downpour caused the rivers and creeks to rise rapidly.

ImpactAll parts of the flats were heavily waterlogged on the 3rd.

LandslideLandslide
Comments:

CommentSeveral slips were reported in the back country.

FloodingFlooding at Bushmere homestead
Map Location: -38.639374 177.926985
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicAt Bushmere, the Waipaoa River had been rising gradually all afternoon on the 3rd. Between 9:30pm and 10:30pm it had risen considerably over 1 ft (30.5 cm).

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Gisborne city
Map Location: -38.656661 178.017356
Comments:

CommentHeavy showers fell frequently in Gisborne on the 30th.

Physical CharacteristicGisborne recorded 0.69 in (1.8 cm) of rain on the 28th.

Physical CharacteristicGisborne registered 9.69 in (24.6 cm) of rain in the month of June. This had only been exceeded once in 31 years (in June 1917).

Physical CharacteristicRain fell in Gisborne on 25 days in June, making it the wettest month for 34 years, in terms of number of days of rain. This had been exceeded only once in 47 years (in July 1890).

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

CommentOn the night of the 30th, the Turanganui River was in a half-flooded condition.

Physical CharacteristicThe Waipaoa River rose to within 5 or 6 in (12.7-15.2 cm) of the banks at about 10am on the 30th.

ImpactThe Waimata and Taruheru Rivers had swollen considerably, causing a big fresh in the Town section of the rivers. Large quantities of silt brought down wiped out the navigable channel for shipping purposes, which had been recently dredged. From about 200 ft () inside the entrance, the silting extended for practically the whole length of the channel, reducing the depth to 4 ft (1.2 m).

FloodingFlooding at Kaitaratahi
Map Location: -38.527149 177.903096
Comments:

ImpactNear Kaiteratahi, traces of heavy silt on the river banks in places where the water had rushed along were particularly noticeable.

Affected LifelineThe roads near Kaiteratahi were badly cut up in a few cases, and resembled a quagmire.

FloodingFlooding at Makauri
Map Location: -38.62495 177.958179
Comments:

CommentA considerable part of Makauri was under water on the 3rd.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Mangatu Forest
Map Location: -38.208905 177.877712
Comments:

CommentHeavy rain was reported to have fallen in the Mangatu and Arowhana district.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Matawai
Map Location: -38.356439 177.53729
Comments:

CommentThick, misty rain had been experienced in the Matawai area during the last few days (before the 30th).

LandslideLandslide
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe train from Matawai to Gisborne was delayed on the morning of the 30th by a slip across the line between Matawai and Rakauroa.

Affected LifelineA large slip was reported on the Korangi Rd and several small slips were reported on the Waioeka Rd into Trafford's.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe road from Trafford's into Chilcott's to the large construction camp of the NZ Roads Ltd was completely blocked with slips and there were also several large washouts.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Ngatapa
Map Location: -38.587511 177.788321
Comments:

CommentContinuous rain had been experienced in the Ngatapa area during last few days (before the 30th) and also on the 3rd.

CommentThe creeks were all high and were running in high flood on the 3rd.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

ImpactThe Totangi creek overflowed its banks on the morning of the 30th for a few hours but receded before midday. That evening it overflowed again, covering the Totangi Valley in water. On the 3rd, the Totangi overflowed at about 11am. It was going down very quickly on the 5th.

ImpactThe Ngatapa creek overflowed near the Ngatapa bridge. All the flats in that vicinity were under water on the evening of the 30th.

ImpactOn the 3rd, the main Ngatapa creek, the Mangatoitoi, overflowed at about 4pm, flooding the whole of the Ngatapa township.

Affected LifelineThe floodwaters covered the road down to as far as the Rock Cutting near Mr Perry's homestead.

ImpactThe mail car was unable to get through that evening and several lorries were caught by the flood waters above Ngatapa and were unable to get back to town for the night.

Physical CharacteristicThe water was fully 3 ft (91.4 cm) deep around the Post Office.

CommentThere were still traces of surface water in the Ngatapa district on the 5th.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at Poverty Bay
Map Location: -38.715042 177.981783
Comments:

Affected LifelineRoads were seriously affected in Poverty Bay.

LandslideLandslide at Rakauroa
Map Location: -38.418174 177.561313
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe afternoon train from Motuhora was unable to rech Gisborne on the 3rd owing to a slip on the line between Rakauroa and Otoko.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Ruatoria
Map Location: -37.890508 178.310264
Comments:

CommentHeavy rain had fallen in the Ruatoria area over the last few days (before the 30th).

CommentThe rivers were all running fairly high. The rivers and creeks remained in a swollen condition on the 1st July.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe creeks and rivers on the Ruatoria-Tokomaru Bay road were considerably swollen. On the 29th the water at some crossings was up to the floor boards of the service cars. The creeks were too high for car traffic on the 30th and on the 1st.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Te Karaka
Map Location: -38.467237 177.870255
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicTe Karaka recorded 11 1/2 in (29.5 cm) of rain in the month of June on 28 days - triple the average rainfall. This was the highest fall registered since the last big flood in March 1918.

FloodingFlooding at Waerengaahika
Map Location: -38.601149 177.92432
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicIn the vicinity of Waerengaahika, the river was in half flood at 5pm on the 3rd, and with continuous heavy rain it commenced to rise at the rate of 2 ft (61 cm) an hour. By 10:30pm it was 15 ft (4.6 m) above normal. At 12:30am the river was over its banks, running towards the stop bank.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Waioeka River
Map Location: -38.266881 177.311324
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicA total of 16 in (40.6 cm) of rain was registered in the Waioeka for the month of June.

FloodingFlooding at Waiohika homestead
Map Location: -38.592077 177.967367
Comments:

CommentThe Taruheru River came over at Waiohika in the afternoon of the 3rd.

FloodingFlooding at Waipaoa River
Map Location: -38.627543 177.908335
Comments:

CommentThe particularly heavy and continuous rains on the 3rd caused the Waipaoa River to rise early that night at the rate of nearly 2 ft an hour. This continued until nearly midnight, when the rise became slower.

Physical CharacteristicThe river reached its highest point, some 2-3 ft (61-92 cm) below the top of the stop bank, between 12pm and 1pm on the 4th. Towards 11am the water came through the cut at Tietjen's Bend in between two stop banks, but the banks held and the water flowed back into the river. The river went down rapidly on the 5th.

Physical CharacteristicAbout midday on the 4th, the river was estimated to be almost 20 ft (6.1 m) higher than the normal summer level.

Physical CharacteristicDuring the past month, the continuous rain had caused the river to be running half full, and the rise on the night of the 3rd and morning of the 4th was fully 15 ft (4.6 m).

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Whatatutu
Map Location: -38.383396 177.836989
Comments:

CommentHeavy rain was experienced in the Whatatutu district all day on the 3rd, and the Waipaoa and Mangatu Rivers rose gradually.

Manawatu-Wanganui

FloodingFlooding at Manawtau-Wanganui
Comments:

CommentThe Manawatu River flooded.

Physical CharacteristicSome roads were covered with water 3-6 ft (0.9-1.8 m) deep.

Affected LifelineInundation of low-lying land occurred between Palmerston North and Shannon, causing interruption of road traffic.

Peak River LevelThe peak level of the Manawatu River was 14ft 6in (4.4 m) at the Fitzherbert Bridge gauge.

Peak River FlowThe peak discharge of the Manawatu River was 63,000 cusecs (1784 cumecs).

LandslideLandslide at Manawatu Gorge
Map Location: -40.31792 175.798027
Comments:

CommentA heavy slip occurred in the Manawatu Gorge on the morning of the 2nd.

CommentIn the last 6 weeks (before the 2nd) there had been more slips in the gorge than at any similar period during the last 10 years.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicAt the entrance to the Manawatu Gorge, on the Woodville side, the Manawatu River rose to 8 ft (2.4 m) in 2.5 hours.

ImpactThe river flooded out the Public Works camp.

FloodingFlooding at Moutoa
Map Location: -40.507761 175.389793
Comments:

ImpactThe Moutoa and Makerua districts were extensively flooded when the river burst its banks near the Shannon-Foxton bridge.

FloodingFlooding at Palmerston North
Map Location: -40.355525 175.616438
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicThe Manawatu River was rising rapidly on the 2nd. The flood gauge at Palmerston North showed a rise of 4 ft (1.2 m) between 2pm and 8:30pm.

Physical CharacteristicLate on the night of the 2nd, the river level was at 15 ft (4.6 m).

FloodingFlooding at Shannon
Map Location: -40.551271 175.420312
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicThe main road north of Shannon was 3 ft (91 cm) under water at 8pm on the 2nd.

CommentA good deal of country was inundated.

Canterbury

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at Canterbury
Comments:

CommentOn the 2nd, the flooded areas of Canterbury were increased by the warm wind, causing the sudden melting of snow, which had fallen in the high country in the past few days. Conditions were improving on the 4th.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

Affected LifelineRailway traffic on the Midland and Southbridge lines was interrupted.

Affected LifelineVehicular traffic by road to many parts of Canterbury was impossible.

CommentThe Waimakariri River had not broken its banks at any place by the 3rd.

DamageIn some areas, the damage done was the greatest that had been suffered for several decades.

CommentThe ground in the country on which the flood water was lying was already at saturation point before the floods came.

Maritime / CoastalMaritime / Coastal
Comments:

CommentA very heavy sea was running on the coast on the 2nd, which backed up the rivers.

FloodingFlooding at Ashburton
Map Location: -43.902384 171.736416
Comments:

CommentThe position in the Ashburton district was stated to be the worst that had been experienced in 40 years.

Crop DamageWinter-sown wheat crops in the Ashburton district were water swept.

Affected LifelineAt Ashburton, the main south road was declared closed.

FloodingFlooding at Christchurch
Map Location: -43.53067 172.636149
Comments:

DamageMany houses in the city and country were invaded by flood waters and considerable damage was done.

DamageIn the city, the greatest damage was to roads, which had sunk under the sodden conditions, causing inumerable potholes. At the Bank of New Zealand corner and all down High St, the main highway was in a particularly bad condition. In some places the surface was scoured out right alongside the tram rails, with the rails projecting a few inches above the surface. It was expected to cost the Tram Board thousands to repair the roadways.

FloodingFlooding at Coldstream
Map Location: -43.298803 172.609188
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicThe Ahsley River, previously in half flood, rose 16 in (40.6 cm) on the morning of the 2nd.

CommentResidents in the Coldstream area were apprehensive of a serious overflow over their farms.

FloodingFlooding at Eyre River
Map Location: -43.330544 172.281605
Comments:

CommentThe Eyre River overflowed its banks and the country around Oxford and Cust was flooded.

DamageThe overflowing of the Eyre was the cause of most of the damage north of Christchurch.

Affected LifelineMany bridges or their approaches were swept away, isolating some sections of the farming community.

FloodingFlooding at Eyreton
Map Location: -43.413786 172.546094
Comments:

CommentThe settlers of Eyreton stated that they had not seen similar conditions for 30 years.

FloodingFlooding at Hapuku
Map Location: -42.319105 173.738785
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe approach to the Hapuka River was washed away on the 2nd.

FloodingFlooding at Kaikoura
Map Location: -42.402255 173.685685
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe Stoney Creek was in flood and traffic south was blocked on the morning of the 2nd.

CommentThe Lyell Creek was rising rapidly but hadn't yet entered the town.

FloodingFlooding at Little River
Map Location: -43.769095 172.782518
Comments:

CommentLittle River was under water on the 2nd.

Affected LifelineRoad communication with Akaroa was cut off.

Physical CharacteristicParts of Little River had been under 4 ft (1.2 m) of water.

LandslideLandslide
Comments:

Affected LifelineLittle River was still inaccessible by road on the 4th owing to slips.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Methven
Map Location: -43.637403 171.629133
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicMethven received 228 mm (22.8 cm) of rain in the month of July. This was Methven's all-time rainfall high for July.

FloodingFlooding at Oxford
Map Location: -43.296143 172.188958
Comments:

CommentThe settlers of Oxford stated that they had not seen similar conditions for 30 years.

Otago

LandslideLandslide at Otago
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe Dunedin-Ranfurly railway line was blocked on the 1st owing to slips and fallen rock near Mount Allen. It remained closed on the 2nd.

DamageThe goods train from Ranfurly to Dunedin ran into fallen rock on the evening of the 1st. Two engines on the train were badly damaged and eight trucks, including a wagon load of sheep, were derailed.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at Cromwell
Map Location: -45.040741 169.203073
Comments:

CommentThe weather had been stormy at Cromwell.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Dunedin
Map Location: -45.87911 170.502707
Comments:

CommentRain fell steadily all day on the 2nd, increasing in intensity as the afternoon wore on.

FloodingFlooding at Merton
Map Location: -45.636541 170.590008
Comments:

CommentLow-lying country in the vicinity of Merton was flooded.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Naseby
Map Location: -45.024623 170.13756
Comments:

CommentHeavy rain fell all night at Naseby, following a fall of 9 in of snow.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

CommentThe creeks and rivers were in a flood.

FloodingFlooding at Otokia
Map Location: -45.949621 170.189374
Comments:

Affected LifelineFlood water invaded the south railway line at Otokia on the night of the 3rd. A goods train was held up the next morning and the service to Outram was interrupted.

FloodingFlooding at Outram
Map Location: -45.859829 170.220115
Comments:

Affected LifelineA washout occurred near Outram on the afternoon of the 2nd. About half a mile of the line was scoured out. One train from Outram and one from Mosgiel were cut out.

Physical CharacteristicThe water was 9 in (22.9 cm) deep on the track.

FloodingFlooding at Shag River
Map Location: -45.437536 170.676143
Comments:

Affected LifelineCreeks in the Shag Valley had washed out, making the Otago Central road impassable.

FloodingFlooding at Swinburn Peak
Map Location: -45.175394 170.346616
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe Swinburn bridge on the Dunback-Kyeburn portion of the main Palmerston-Clyde road was swept away,

FloodingFlooding at Taieri Plain
Map Location: -45.88401 170.253762
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicOn the Taieri, the river was at the 15 ft 2 in (4.6 m) mark on the 2nd.

References

Headline: Floods hit roads, rivers.
www.ashburtonguardian.co.nz, 1 August 2008.
Cowie, C.A and Attwood, A.K. (1957). Floods in New Zealand 1920-53, The Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Council, Wellington, New Zealand. p239.
Headline: Heavy rains.
The Gisborne Times, 1 July 1925.
Headline: Fears of flood in Canterbury.
The Gisborne Times, 2 July 1925.
Headline: Heavy rains.
The Gisborne Times, 2 July 1925.
Headline: Mercer almost surrounded by water.
The Gisborne Times, 2 July 1925.
Headline: Steady downpour in Otago.
The Gisborne Times, 2 July 1925.
Headline: Wet month in Poverty Bay: Worst June for thirty-four years.
The Gisborne Times, 2 July 1925.
Headline: Heavy rain: Manawatu River rising rapidly.
The Gisborne Times, 3 July 1925.
Headline: Flooded country.
The Gisborne Times, 4 July 1925.
Headline: Floods in Canterbury: Worst for forty years.
The Gisborne Times, Source: Press Association, 4 July 1925.
Headline: Mid-Canterbury rivers falling.
The Gisborne Times, Source: Press Association, 4 July 1925.
Headline: Waikato River still rising: Mercer railway line under water.
The Gisborne Times, Source: Press Association, 4 July 1925.
Headline: Heavy rain: Over two inches in three days.
The Gisborne Times, 6 July 1925.
Headline: Railway line covered with water: Service interrupted.
The Gisborne Times, Source: Press Association, 6 July 1925.
Headline: Rain ceases in Christchurch: Heavy damage to tram tarcks.
The Gisborne Times, 6 July 1925.
New Zealand Official Yearbook, 1927, Heading: Rainfall for the Year 1925.

ModerateJune-July 1925 New Zealand Floods ( 1925-06-30 )

New Zealand

Multi HazardMulti Hazard
Comments:

CommentThe stormy conditions which were prevalent during the last week of June continued into July until the 10th, heavy rains and floods being experienced in the northern and East Coast districts.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at North Island
Duration:   5  days - From the 30th June to the 4th July.
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe telephone lines between Motu and Opotiki were down.

LandslideLandslide
Comments:

Affected LifelineThere were slips on the Motu-Opotiki road. They were all cleared by the 30th.

Waikato

FloodingFlooding at Waikato
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe road between Ohinewai and Rangiriri was completely submerged for 1 1/2 miles (2.4 km).

FloodingFlooding at Mercer
Map Location: -37.280396 175.051333
Comments:

CommentThe Waikato River was still rising at Mercer on the 3rd July. That night it was only about 10 in (25.4 cm) from the top of the Mercer wharf.

ImpactThe township was almost surrounded by water. The sawmills were flooded.

Physical CharacteristicThere was 6 in (15.2 cm) of water over the railway line on the 2nd.

Physical CharacteristicWater was flowing directly from the river into the railway station yard on the night of the 3rd, and was only 6 in (15.2 cm) below the platform. The main line was under water for almost the whole length of the station.

EvacueesNumerous houses in the vicinity of the township had been vacated. Maoris had abandoned a flooded pa on the river bank and were camping in the scrub.

Bay of Plenty

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Bay of Plenty
Comments:

CommentThere was further heavy rain on the 28th to the 29th in the Bay of Plenty and further flooding occurred on the 30th and the 1st of July.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

ImpactWhakatane and Rangitaiki Rivers were still flooded on the 29th.

AreaThere was extensive inundation of the Rangitaiki Plains. 30,000 acres (12,141 ha) were flooded on the 1st of July.

DamageThere was considerable damage to pasture, stock and fences.

Affected LifelineRoads suffered severe damage and small bridges were washed away.

FloodingFlooding at Kaituna River
Map Location: -37.990163 176.344207
Comments:

Peak DischargeKaituna River peaked at 1580 cusecs (44.7 cumecs) at the Rotoiti outfall.

FloodingFlooding at Te Teko
Map Location: -38.038762 176.790607
Comments:

CasualtiesA woman was drowned at Te Teko.

FloodingFlooding at Thornton
Map Location: -37.922474 176.869218
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe bridge at Thornton was washed away.

FloodingFlooding at Waimana
Map Location: -38.140838 177.072413
Comments:

ImpactOn the 29th, the Waimana settlement was in a bad position, with the river threatening to eat a fresh course across the farms.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Whakatane
Map Location: -37.967356 176.992417
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicHeavy rain continued in Whakatane during the 28th and 29th. The total rainfall in Whakatane over seven days to the 30th was 7.5 in (19.05 cm).

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe rivers were again rising and large areas were underwater.

Affected LifelineAll communication by road was cut off. Road and railway lines were damaged.

ImpactMany homesteads were marooned and families had to be rescued by boat.

Gisborne

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Gisborne
Comments:

CommentHeavy rains were experienced throughout the district in the last few days (before the 30th). Wild wintry conditions prevailed again on the 3rd July and heavy rain was experienced in all parts of the district.

Physical Characteristic2.14 in (5.4 cm) of rain fell in Gisborne in three days from 9am on the 1st to 9am on the 4th.

Physical CharacteristicGisborne recorded 0.70 in (1.8 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 2nd.

Physical CharacteristicGisborne recorded 0.39 in (1.0 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 3rd.

Physical CharacteristicGisborne recorded 1.05 in (2.7 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 4th.

Physical CharacteristicGisborne recorded 0.8 in (2.0 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 5th.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

CommentThe continuous downpour caused the rivers and creeks to rise rapidly.

ImpactAll parts of the flats were heavily waterlogged on the 3rd.

LandslideLandslide
Comments:

CommentSeveral slips were reported in the back country.

FloodingFlooding at Bushmere homestead
Map Location: -38.639374 177.926985
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicAt Bushmere, the Waipaoa River had been rising gradually all afternoon on the 3rd. Between 9:30pm and 10:30pm it had risen considerably over 1 ft (30.5 cm).

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Gisborne city
Map Location: -38.656661 178.017356
Comments:

CommentHeavy showers fell frequently in Gisborne on the 30th.

Physical CharacteristicGisborne recorded 0.69 in (1.8 cm) of rain on the 28th.

Physical CharacteristicGisborne registered 9.69 in (24.6 cm) of rain in the month of June. This had only been exceeded once in 31 years (in June 1917).

Physical CharacteristicRain fell in Gisborne on 25 days in June, making it the wettest month for 34 years, in terms of number of days of rain. This had been exceeded only once in 47 years (in July 1890).

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

CommentOn the night of the 30th, the Turanganui River was in a half-flooded condition.

Physical CharacteristicThe Waipaoa River rose to within 5 or 6 in (12.7-15.2 cm) of the banks at about 10am on the 30th.

ImpactThe Waimata and Taruheru Rivers had swollen considerably, causing a big fresh in the Town section of the rivers. Large quantities of silt brought down wiped out the navigable channel for shipping purposes, which had been recently dredged. From about 200 ft () inside the entrance, the silting extended for practically the whole length of the channel, reducing the depth to 4 ft (1.2 m).

FloodingFlooding at Kaitaratahi
Map Location: -38.527149 177.903096
Comments:

ImpactNear Kaiteratahi, traces of heavy silt on the river banks in places where the water had rushed along were particularly noticeable.

Affected LifelineThe roads near Kaiteratahi were badly cut up in a few cases, and resembled a quagmire.

FloodingFlooding at Makauri
Map Location: -38.62495 177.958179
Comments:

CommentA considerable part of Makauri was under water on the 3rd.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Mangatu Forest
Map Location: -38.208905 177.877712
Comments:

CommentHeavy rain was reported to have fallen in the Mangatu and Arowhana district.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Matawai
Map Location: -38.356439 177.53729
Comments:

CommentThick, misty rain had been experienced in the Matawai area during the last few days (before the 30th).

LandslideLandslide
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe train from Matawai to Gisborne was delayed on the morning of the 30th by a slip across the line between Matawai and Rakauroa.

Affected LifelineA large slip was reported on the Korangi Rd and several small slips were reported on the Waioeka Rd into Trafford's.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe road from Trafford's into Chilcott's to the large construction camp of the NZ Roads Ltd was completely blocked with slips and there were also several large washouts.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Ngatapa
Map Location: -38.587511 177.788321
Comments:

CommentContinuous rain had been experienced in the Ngatapa area during last few days (before the 30th) and also on the 3rd.

CommentThe creeks were all high and were running in high flood on the 3rd.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

ImpactThe Totangi creek overflowed its banks on the morning of the 30th for a few hours but receded before midday. That evening it overflowed again, covering the Totangi Valley in water. On the 3rd, the Totangi overflowed at about 11am. It was going down very quickly on the 5th.

ImpactThe Ngatapa creek overflowed near the Ngatapa bridge. All the flats in that vicinity were under water on the evening of the 30th.

ImpactOn the 3rd, the main Ngatapa creek, the Mangatoitoi, overflowed at about 4pm, flooding the whole of the Ngatapa township.

Affected LifelineThe floodwaters covered the road down to as far as the Rock Cutting near Mr Perry's homestead.

ImpactThe mail car was unable to get through that evening and several lorries were caught by the flood waters above Ngatapa and were unable to get back to town for the night.

Physical CharacteristicThe water was fully 3 ft (91.4 cm) deep around the Post Office.

CommentThere were still traces of surface water in the Ngatapa district on the 5th.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at Poverty Bay
Map Location: -38.715042 177.981783
Comments:

Affected LifelineRoads were seriously affected in Poverty Bay.

LandslideLandslide at Rakauroa
Map Location: -38.418174 177.561313
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe afternoon train from Motuhora was unable to rech Gisborne on the 3rd owing to a slip on the line between Rakauroa and Otoko.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Ruatoria
Map Location: -37.890508 178.310264
Comments:

CommentHeavy rain had fallen in the Ruatoria area over the last few days (before the 30th).

CommentThe rivers were all running fairly high. The rivers and creeks remained in a swollen condition on the 1st July.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe creeks and rivers on the Ruatoria-Tokomaru Bay road were considerably swollen. On the 29th the water at some crossings was up to the floor boards of the service cars. The creeks were too high for car traffic on the 30th and on the 1st.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Te Karaka
Map Location: -38.467237 177.870255
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicTe Karaka recorded 11 1/2 in (29.5 cm) of rain in the month of June on 28 days - triple the average rainfall. This was the highest fall registered since the last big flood in March 1918.

FloodingFlooding at Waerengaahika
Map Location: -38.601149 177.92432
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicIn the vicinity of Waerengaahika, the river was in half flood at 5pm on the 3rd, and with continuous heavy rain it commenced to rise at the rate of 2 ft (61 cm) an hour. By 10:30pm it was 15 ft (4.6 m) above normal. At 12:30am the river was over its banks, running towards the stop bank.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Waioeka River
Map Location: -38.266881 177.311324
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicA total of 16 in (40.6 cm) of rain was registered in the Waioeka for the month of June.

FloodingFlooding at Waiohika homestead
Map Location: -38.592077 177.967367
Comments:

CommentThe Taruheru River came over at Waiohika in the afternoon of the 3rd.

FloodingFlooding at Waipaoa River
Map Location: -38.627543 177.908335
Comments:

CommentThe particularly heavy and continuous rains on the 3rd caused the Waipaoa River to rise early that night at the rate of nearly 2 ft an hour. This continued until nearly midnight, when the rise became slower.

Physical CharacteristicThe river reached its highest point, some 2-3 ft (61-92 cm) below the top of the stop bank, between 12pm and 1pm on the 4th. Towards 11am the water came through the cut at Tietjen's Bend in between two stop banks, but the banks held and the water flowed back into the river. The river went down rapidly on the 5th.

Physical CharacteristicAbout midday on the 4th, the river was estimated to be almost 20 ft (6.1 m) higher than the normal summer level.

Physical CharacteristicDuring the past month, the continuous rain had caused the river to be running half full, and the rise on the night of the 3rd and morning of the 4th was fully 15 ft (4.6 m).

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Whatatutu
Map Location: -38.383396 177.836989
Comments:

CommentHeavy rain was experienced in the Whatatutu district all day on the 3rd, and the Waipaoa and Mangatu Rivers rose gradually.

Manawatu-Wanganui

FloodingFlooding at Manawtau-Wanganui
Comments:

CommentThe Manawatu River flooded.

Physical CharacteristicSome roads were covered with water 3-6 ft (0.9-1.8 m) deep.

Affected LifelineInundation of low-lying land occurred between Palmerston North and Shannon, causing interruption of road traffic.

Peak River LevelThe peak level of the Manawatu River was 14ft 6in (4.4 m) at the Fitzherbert Bridge gauge.

Peak River FlowThe peak discharge of the Manawatu River was 63,000 cusecs (1784 cumecs).

LandslideLandslide at Manawatu Gorge
Map Location: -40.31792 175.798027
Comments:

CommentA heavy slip occurred in the Manawatu Gorge on the morning of the 2nd.

CommentIn the last 6 weeks (before the 2nd) there had been more slips in the gorge than at any similar period during the last 10 years.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicAt the entrance to the Manawatu Gorge, on the Woodville side, the Manawatu River rose to 8 ft (2.4 m) in 2.5 hours.

ImpactThe river flooded out the Public Works camp.

FloodingFlooding at Moutoa
Map Location: -40.507761 175.389793
Comments:

ImpactThe Moutoa and Makerua districts were extensively flooded when the river burst its banks near the Shannon-Foxton bridge.

FloodingFlooding at Palmerston North
Map Location: -40.355525 175.616438
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicThe Manawatu River was rising rapidly on the 2nd. The flood gauge at Palmerston North showed a rise of 4 ft (1.2 m) between 2pm and 8:30pm.

Physical CharacteristicLate on the night of the 2nd, the river level was at 15 ft (4.6 m).

FloodingFlooding at Shannon
Map Location: -40.551271 175.420312
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicThe main road north of Shannon was 3 ft (91 cm) under water at 8pm on the 2nd.

CommentA good deal of country was inundated.

Canterbury

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at Canterbury
Comments:

CommentOn the 2nd, the flooded areas of Canterbury were increased by the warm wind, causing the sudden melting of snow, which had fallen in the high country in the past few days. Conditions were improving on the 4th.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

Affected LifelineRailway traffic on the Midland and Southbridge lines was interrupted.

Affected LifelineVehicular traffic by road to many parts of Canterbury was impossible.

CommentThe Waimakariri River had not broken its banks at any place by the 3rd.

DamageIn some areas, the damage done was the greatest that had been suffered for several decades.

CommentThe ground in the country on which the flood water was lying was already at saturation point before the floods came.

Maritime / CoastalMaritime / Coastal
Comments:

CommentA very heavy sea was running on the coast on the 2nd, which backed up the rivers.

FloodingFlooding at Ashburton
Map Location: -43.902384 171.736416
Comments:

CommentThe position in the Ashburton district was stated to be the worst that had been experienced in 40 years.

Crop DamageWinter-sown wheat crops in the Ashburton district were water swept.

Affected LifelineAt Ashburton, the main south road was declared closed.

FloodingFlooding at Christchurch
Map Location: -43.53067 172.636149
Comments:

DamageMany houses in the city and country were invaded by flood waters and considerable damage was done.

DamageIn the city, the greatest damage was to roads, which had sunk under the sodden conditions, causing inumerable potholes. At the Bank of New Zealand corner and all down High St, the main highway was in a particularly bad condition. In some places the surface was scoured out right alongside the tram rails, with the rails projecting a few inches above the surface. It was expected to cost the Tram Board thousands to repair the roadways.

FloodingFlooding at Coldstream
Map Location: -43.298803 172.609188
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicThe Ahsley River, previously in half flood, rose 16 in (40.6 cm) on the morning of the 2nd.

CommentResidents in the Coldstream area were apprehensive of a serious overflow over their farms.

FloodingFlooding at Eyre River
Map Location: -43.330544 172.281605
Comments:

CommentThe Eyre River overflowed its banks and the country around Oxford and Cust was flooded.

DamageThe overflowing of the Eyre was the cause of most of the damage north of Christchurch.

Affected LifelineMany bridges or their approaches were swept away, isolating some sections of the farming community.

FloodingFlooding at Eyreton
Map Location: -43.413786 172.546094
Comments:

CommentThe settlers of Eyreton stated that they had not seen similar conditions for 30 years.

FloodingFlooding at Hapuku
Map Location: -42.319105 173.738785
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe approach to the Hapuka River was washed away on the 2nd.

FloodingFlooding at Kaikoura
Map Location: -42.402255 173.685685
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe Stoney Creek was in flood and traffic south was blocked on the morning of the 2nd.

CommentThe Lyell Creek was rising rapidly but hadn't yet entered the town.

FloodingFlooding at Little River
Map Location: -43.769095 172.782518
Comments:

CommentLittle River was under water on the 2nd.

Affected LifelineRoad communication with Akaroa was cut off.

Physical CharacteristicParts of Little River had been under 4 ft (1.2 m) of water.

LandslideLandslide
Comments:

Affected LifelineLittle River was still inaccessible by road on the 4th owing to slips.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Methven
Map Location: -43.637403 171.629133
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicMethven received 228 mm (22.8 cm) of rain in the month of July. This was Methven's all-time rainfall high for July.

FloodingFlooding at Oxford
Map Location: -43.296143 172.188958
Comments:

CommentThe settlers of Oxford stated that they had not seen similar conditions for 30 years.

Otago

LandslideLandslide at Otago
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe Dunedin-Ranfurly railway line was blocked on the 1st owing to slips and fallen rock near Mount Allen. It remained closed on the 2nd.

DamageThe goods train from Ranfurly to Dunedin ran into fallen rock on the evening of the 1st. Two engines on the train were badly damaged and eight trucks, including a wagon load of sheep, were derailed.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at Cromwell
Map Location: -45.040741 169.203073
Comments:

CommentThe weather had been stormy at Cromwell.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Dunedin
Map Location: -45.87911 170.502707
Comments:

CommentRain fell steadily all day on the 2nd, increasing in intensity as the afternoon wore on.

FloodingFlooding at Merton
Map Location: -45.636541 170.590008
Comments:

CommentLow-lying country in the vicinity of Merton was flooded.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Naseby
Map Location: -45.024623 170.13756
Comments:

CommentHeavy rain fell all night at Naseby, following a fall of 9 in of snow.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

CommentThe creeks and rivers were in a flood.

FloodingFlooding at Otokia
Map Location: -45.949621 170.189374
Comments:

Affected LifelineFlood water invaded the south railway line at Otokia on the night of the 3rd. A goods train was held up the next morning and the service to Outram was interrupted.

FloodingFlooding at Outram
Map Location: -45.859829 170.220115
Comments:

Affected LifelineA washout occurred near Outram on the afternoon of the 2nd. About half a mile of the line was scoured out. One train from Outram and one from Mosgiel were cut out.

Physical CharacteristicThe water was 9 in (22.9 cm) deep on the track.

FloodingFlooding at Shag River
Map Location: -45.437536 170.676143
Comments:

Affected LifelineCreeks in the Shag Valley had washed out, making the Otago Central road impassable.

FloodingFlooding at Swinburn Peak
Map Location: -45.175394 170.346616
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe Swinburn bridge on the Dunback-Kyeburn portion of the main Palmerston-Clyde road was swept away,

FloodingFlooding at Taieri Plain
Map Location: -45.88401 170.253762
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicOn the Taieri, the river was at the 15 ft 2 in (4.6 m) mark on the 2nd.

References

Headline: Floods hit roads, rivers.
www.ashburtonguardian.co.nz, 1 August 2008.
Cowie, C.A and Attwood, A.K. (1957). Floods in New Zealand 1920-53, The Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Council, Wellington, New Zealand. p239.
Headline: Heavy rains.
The Gisborne Times, 1 July 1925.
Headline: Fears of flood in Canterbury.
The Gisborne Times, 2 July 1925.
Headline: Heavy rains.
The Gisborne Times, 2 July 1925.
Headline: Mercer almost surrounded by water.
The Gisborne Times, 2 July 1925.
Headline: Steady downpour in Otago.
The Gisborne Times, 2 July 1925.
Headline: Wet month in Poverty Bay: Worst June for thirty-four years.
The Gisborne Times, 2 July 1925.
Headline: Heavy rain: Manawatu River rising rapidly.
The Gisborne Times, 3 July 1925.
Headline: Flooded country.
The Gisborne Times, 4 July 1925.
Headline: Floods in Canterbury: Worst for forty years.
The Gisborne Times, Source: Press Association, 4 July 1925.
Headline: Mid-Canterbury rivers falling.
The Gisborne Times, Source: Press Association, 4 July 1925.
Headline: Waikato River still rising: Mercer railway line under water.
The Gisborne Times, Source: Press Association, 4 July 1925.
Headline: Heavy rain: Over two inches in three days.
The Gisborne Times, 6 July 1925.
Headline: Railway line covered with water: Service interrupted.
The Gisborne Times, Source: Press Association, 6 July 1925.
Headline: Rain ceases in Christchurch: Heavy damage to tram tarcks.
The Gisborne Times, 6 July 1925.
New Zealand Official Yearbook, 1927, Heading: Rainfall for the Year 1925.