NZ Historic Weather Events Catalogue

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June 1925 North Island Storm ( 1925-06-24 )

Heavy rain brought flooding to parts of the North Island and high winds were also experienced in the Waikato.

North Island

Multi HazardMulti Hazard
Duration:   5  days - From the 24th until the 28th June.
Comments:

Waikato

FloodingFlooding at Waikato
Comments:

CommentThe Waikato River was in high flood on the 25th.

Peak River FlowThe Waikato River at Mercer had a peak flow of 32,000 cusecs (906 cumecs), with a catchment area of 4362 square miles (11298 km^2). From reconstructed rating curve.

Peak River LevelThe Waikato River at Mercer recorded a gauge height of 61.20 ft (18.65 m).

CommentLarge areas were flooded on the lower reaches of the Waikato on the 28th. Great areas of country around Taupiri, Ohinewai and Te Kauwhata were covered by water, with only the tops of the fences visible.

DamageBetween Mercer and Ohinewai and from Ohinewai to the main river, the water swept across the metalled road, causing much damage.

FloodingFlooding at Arapuni
Map Location: -38.069486 175.651148
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicAt Arapuni, the Waikao River had a peak discharge of 1553 cumecs.

High Wind GustsHigh Wind / Gust at Firth of Thames
Map Location: -37.132318 175.417388
Comments:

DamageA portion of the fishing fleet had to battle against the gale in the Firth of Thames all afternoon on the 25th. They lost a lot of gear, nets and anchors during the height of the gale. A launch anchored on the coast was driven ashore and smashed to matchwood.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Hamilton
Map Location: -37.780816 175.272836
Comments:

Physical Characteristic3.05 in (7.7cm) of rain fell in Hamilton in 48 hours.

Physical Characteristic4.55 in (11.6 cm) of rain fell in Hamilton in four days from the 23rd to the 26th.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicThe Waikato River rose 10 ft (3.0 m) above normal at Hamilton.

FloodingFlooding at Mercer
Map Location: -37.280396 175.051333
Comments:

CommentIn Mercer, low-lying country was a sheet of water.

Affected LifelineRoads in the area were blocked by flood waters.

Physical CharacteristicThe railway yards were flooded to a depth 2 ft 6 in (76.2 cm).

Physical CharacteristicThe Waikato River had a peak discharge of 3300 cumecs at Mercer.

CommentThe water was still rising round the Mercer area on the 28th, and miles of country were inundated, with only the railway yards and high portions of the township being free from flooding.

FloodingFlooding at Paeroa
Map Location: -37.373937 175.671378
Comments:

ImpactFarms were flooded on the 25th.

FloodingFlooding at Rangiriri
Map Location: -37.43113 175.134897
Comments:

ImpactExtensive inundation occurred at Rangiriri.

CommentThe water was still rising round the Rangiriri area on the 28th, and extended for miles upon miles.

High Wind GustsHigh Wind / Gust at Tapu
Map Location: -36.984833 175.502244
Comments:

DamageA launch broke loose in a gale and was broken to pieces on the shore.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Taupo
Map Location: -38.69531 176.070758
Comments:

Physical Characteristic4.98 in (12.6 cm) of rain fell in Taupo in four days from the 23rd to the 26th.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Te Aroha
Map Location: -37.536498 175.715457
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicTe Aroha received 2.45 in (6.2 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 26th.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Te Kauwhata
Map Location: -37.399424 175.142967
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicTe Kauwhata received 2.44 in (6.2 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 26th.

High Wind GustsHigh Wind / Gust at Thames
Map Location: -37.140988 175.533107
Comments:

CommentThe wind was blowing hard from the north-west on the 25th. It changed suddenly at 2pm.

FloodingFlooding at Tirohia
Map Location: -37.436762 175.645488
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe Te Aroha-Paeroa main road at Waitoki swamp was underwater.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Turua
Map Location: -37.240839 175.562057
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicTurua received 2.59 in (6.6 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 26th.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Waihi
Map Location: -37.39414 175.820732
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicWaihi received 3.96 in (10.1 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 26th.

FloodingFlooding at Whangamarino
Map Location: -37.347207 175.116526
Comments:

ImpactExtensive inundation occurred at Whangamarino.

Bay of Plenty

FloodingFlooding at Bay of Plenty
Comments:

CommentThere was widespread flooding to large areas. The Rangitaiki River caused much flooding.

Affected LifelineMany roads throughout bay were blocked by flood waters. The coastal road was blocked and service cars proceeding coastward were enclosed by waters between Te Teko and Whakatane and Opotiki and Whakatane.

Stock DamageA heavy loss of stock was reported, especially sheep and pigs.

FloodingFlooding at Edgecumbe
Map Location: -37.978901 176.814184
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicThe Rangitaiki River had a peak discharge above Egdecumbe of 1,623 cumecs.

FloodingFlooding at Murupara
Map Location: -38.455726 176.712121
Comments:

Stock DamageStupendous stock losses from the floods were reported at Murupara.

CommentAt Murupara, the Rangitaiki River was at the highest level ever recorded and was still rising on the 25th.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Omanawa Falls
Map Location: -37.841627 176.08308
Comments:

CommentThere were record rainfalls at Omanawa Falls.

FloodingFlooding at Opotiki
Map Location: -38.005993 177.293236
Comments:

ImpactThe Waiokea River overflowed its banks early on the morning of the 25th. The town was inundated throughout the day.

ImpactFloodwaters entered shops and stores but shopkeepers had ample warning so little damage resulted.

Physical CharacteristicThe greatest depth of water in the shops was 3 in (7.6 cm). The water remained at the same height for eight hours, commencing to subside at 7pm. By 9pm the streets were clear.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe heavy rains caused slips and washouts on the country roads.

FloodingFlooding at Poroporo
Map Location: -37.976871 176.952504
Comments:

CommentA large area of land was submerged at Poroporo.

EvacueesSettlers had to move to higher ground.

FloodingFlooding at Rangitaiki
Map Location: -38.875336 176.367617
Comments:

ImpactGreat areas at Rangitaiki were under water.

Stock DamageSerious stock damage was reported in the Rangitaiki area.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Rotorua
Map Location: -38.140434 176.262282
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicRotorua received 3.57 in (9.1 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 26th.

Physical Characteristic5 in (12.7 cm) of rain fell in the Rotorua district.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

CommentRivers adjacent to Rotorua were in record flood.

FloodingFlooding at Taneatua
Map Location: -38.065179 176.993355
Comments:

ImpactTwo men in a milk cart were swept off the road at Taneatua and had to be rescued by ropes.

High Wind GustsHigh Wind / Gust at Tauranga
Map Location: -37.679532 176.173022
Comments:

CommentThere was a north-easterly gale at Tauranga.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain
Comments:

CommentTauranga experienced torrential rains.

Affected LifelinePower was out throughout the district at times.

FloodingFlooding at Wairoa
Map Location: -37.715798 176.084979
Comments:

ImpactFlooding was severe in Wairoa.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard
Comments:

Affected LifelineConsiderable damage was done to roads and many slips came down.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Waiotapu
Map Location: -38.340141 176.355126
Comments:

Physical Characteristic5.61 in (14.2 cm) of rain fell in Waiotapu in four days from the 23rd to the 26th.

FloodingFlooding at Whakatane
Map Location: -37.967356 176.992417
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe Whakatane and Rangitaiki Rivers overflowed, cutting off all communication with the town.

ImpactThe Whakatane River overflowed its banks in several places, inundating large areas of the low lying country and surrounding homes with water.

Affected LifelineAt Whakatane the Opotiki Road was under 12 ft (3.7 m) of water in some places.

CommentIt was the biggest flood experienced there for 20 years.

ImpactNo mails arrived or left Whakatane.

CommentThe flood water was receding on the 26th in fine weather.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard
Comments:

CommentThere was a fierce north-easterly accompained by heavy rain.

EvacueesMany people had to leave their houses on the night of the 25th.

Hawke's Bay

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Tarawera
Map Location: -39.027929 176.568041
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicTarawera received 2.52 in (6.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 26th.

Gisborne

FloodingFlooding at Gisborne
Comments:

CommentRivers and streams in high flood caused serious damage.

Affected LifelineMost of the roads were in a very bad state.

Affected LifelineThe train service was interrupted until the 26th after two washouts occurred on the railway during rain on the 24th, washing out fillings. One washout was between Otoko and Rakauroa and the other between Matawai and Motuhora.

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

Physical CharacteristicGisborne recorded 0.72 in (1.8 cm) of rain on the 24th.

Physical CharacteristicGisborne recorded 0.20 in (0.5 cm) of rain on the 25th.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Koranga
Map Location: -38.464325 177.419738
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicKoranga Valley received 5.33 in (13.5 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 25th. This was the heaviest rain recorded since May 1914, the date of the big flood.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

Affected LifelineA washout occurred on the Koranga road, near Harding's.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Marumoko
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicMarumoko (about 50 miles north of Gisborne) received 8 in (20.3 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 26th.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Motu
Map Location: -38.258449 177.551615
Comments:

CommentTorrential rain was experienced in the Motu district from the 23rd. The rain ceased at 3pm on the 25th.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

CommentThe Motu River broke its banks during the early hours of the morning on the 25th, swamping the low-lying portions of the township. The water was well over the flats at Motu.

Physical CharacteristicThere was 3 ft (91.4 cm) of water on the road in front of Common Shelton's store where the road runs parallel with the Motu River.

CommentBy midday the water was lapping the steps of the buildings. The small bridge on the Opotiki side of the Motu tennis courts was under water.

Affected LifelineThe road to Motuhora was under water in places and cars could not get through on the 25th.

CommentThe flood was more severe than that experienced at the beginning of the month.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard
Comments:

Affected LifelineRoads throughout the Motu district were affected by flood waters and slips.

FloodingFlooding at Moutohora
Map Location: -38.280615 177.527289
Comments:

CommentThe flats at Motuhora were under water.

Affected LifelineOn the main road near the traffic bridge the water was waist deep. The road to the station was inundated to the same depth.

Physical CharacteristicThe Motu River was reported to have risen about 14 ft (4.3 m) at Moutohora. It was much higher than the previous flood. The water was just lapping the railway bridge.

ImpactSeveral houses were invaded by the waters and the occupants had to leave.

Physical CharacteristicHouses were invaded to a depth of 3 ft (91.4 cm).

Multi HazardMulti Hazard
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe train was unable to leave Motuhora on the morning of the 25th owing to washouts and slips on the line.

LandslideLandslide
Comments:

Affected LifelineA large slip came down on the road at Korte's, entirely blocking the road even to horse traffic.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Pakihiroa homestead
Map Location: -37.856446 178.087527
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicPakihiroa received 6.87 in (17.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 26th.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Tikitiki
Map Location: -37.797294 178.411972
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicKahukura (Tikitiki) received 5 in (12.7 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 26th.

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

Physical CharacteristicThe Waipaoa River rose considerably after the heavy rains. It rose 1 ft (30.5 cm) between 7am and 10am on the 25th.

Wellington

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Wellington
Comments:

CommentThere was a fair amount of rain in other parts of the region, particularly in the north.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Wellington City
Map Location: -41.288771 174.777069
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicWellington received 8.33 in (21.2 cm) of rain for the month of June - 72% above the average. Rain fell on 21 days.

FogFog at Wellington Harbour
Map Location: -41.268015 174.837389
Comments:

CommentWellington was enveloped in a dense fog from early on the evening of the 24th.

ImpactThe conditions on the water were so bad they held up the steamer Mararoa outside the harbour entrance for about 2 hours on the morning of the 25th.

References

Cowie, C.A. and Attwood, A.K. (1957). Floods in New Zealand 1920-1953, The Soil Conservation Control Council, Wellington, New Zealand.
Headline: Fog and rain.
The Gisborne Times, 26 June 1925.
Headline: Heavy rain in Bay of Plenty.
The Gisborne Times, 26 June 1925.
Headline: Motu River in flood.
The Gisborne Times, 26 June 1925.
Headline: Fishing fleet in danger.
The Gisborne Times, 27 June 1925.
Headline: Water in Opotiki shops for eight hours.
The Gisborne Times, 27 June 1925.
Headline: Winter weather: Big flood at Whakatane.
The Gisborne Times, 27 June 1925.
Headline: Winter weather: Large areas flooded in Waikato.
The Gisborne Times, 30 June 1925.
Headline: Wet month in Poverty Bay, Worst June for thirty-four years.
The Gisborne Times, 2 July 1925.
Headline: Wet month in Wellington.
The Gisborne Times, 2 July 1925.
Hydrology Annual No.3 1955, Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Council, Wellington, New Zealand.
Ministry of Works. (1954). Waikato River Floods of July 1953 and July 1952.
Headline: Rivers rise.
The Thames Star, June 25 1925.
Headline: The weather.
The Thames Star, June 26 1925.

June 1925 North Island Storm ( 1925-06-24 )

Heavy rain brought flooding to parts of the North Island and high winds were also experienced in the Waikato.

North Island

Multi HazardMulti Hazard
Duration:   5  days - From the 24th until the 28th June.
Comments:

Waikato

FloodingFlooding at Waikato
Comments:

CommentThe Waikato River was in high flood on the 25th.

Peak River FlowThe Waikato River at Mercer had a peak flow of 32,000 cusecs (906 cumecs), with a catchment area of 4362 square miles (11298 km^2). From reconstructed rating curve.

Peak River LevelThe Waikato River at Mercer recorded a gauge height of 61.20 ft (18.65 m).

CommentLarge areas were flooded on the lower reaches of the Waikato on the 28th. Great areas of country around Taupiri, Ohinewai and Te Kauwhata were covered by water, with only the tops of the fences visible.

DamageBetween Mercer and Ohinewai and from Ohinewai to the main river, the water swept across the metalled road, causing much damage.

FloodingFlooding at Arapuni
Map Location: -38.069486 175.651148
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicAt Arapuni, the Waikao River had a peak discharge of 1553 cumecs.

High Wind GustsHigh Wind / Gust at Firth of Thames
Map Location: -37.132318 175.417388
Comments:

DamageA portion of the fishing fleet had to battle against the gale in the Firth of Thames all afternoon on the 25th. They lost a lot of gear, nets and anchors during the height of the gale. A launch anchored on the coast was driven ashore and smashed to matchwood.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Hamilton
Map Location: -37.780816 175.272836
Comments:

Physical Characteristic3.05 in (7.7cm) of rain fell in Hamilton in 48 hours.

Physical Characteristic4.55 in (11.6 cm) of rain fell in Hamilton in four days from the 23rd to the 26th.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicThe Waikato River rose 10 ft (3.0 m) above normal at Hamilton.

FloodingFlooding at Mercer
Map Location: -37.280396 175.051333
Comments:

CommentIn Mercer, low-lying country was a sheet of water.

Affected LifelineRoads in the area were blocked by flood waters.

Physical CharacteristicThe railway yards were flooded to a depth 2 ft 6 in (76.2 cm).

Physical CharacteristicThe Waikato River had a peak discharge of 3300 cumecs at Mercer.

CommentThe water was still rising round the Mercer area on the 28th, and miles of country were inundated, with only the railway yards and high portions of the township being free from flooding.

FloodingFlooding at Paeroa
Map Location: -37.373937 175.671378
Comments:

ImpactFarms were flooded on the 25th.

FloodingFlooding at Rangiriri
Map Location: -37.43113 175.134897
Comments:

ImpactExtensive inundation occurred at Rangiriri.

CommentThe water was still rising round the Rangiriri area on the 28th, and extended for miles upon miles.

High Wind GustsHigh Wind / Gust at Tapu
Map Location: -36.984833 175.502244
Comments:

DamageA launch broke loose in a gale and was broken to pieces on the shore.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Taupo
Map Location: -38.69531 176.070758
Comments:

Physical Characteristic4.98 in (12.6 cm) of rain fell in Taupo in four days from the 23rd to the 26th.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Te Aroha
Map Location: -37.536498 175.715457
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicTe Aroha received 2.45 in (6.2 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 26th.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Te Kauwhata
Map Location: -37.399424 175.142967
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicTe Kauwhata received 2.44 in (6.2 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 26th.

High Wind GustsHigh Wind / Gust at Thames
Map Location: -37.140988 175.533107
Comments:

CommentThe wind was blowing hard from the north-west on the 25th. It changed suddenly at 2pm.

FloodingFlooding at Tirohia
Map Location: -37.436762 175.645488
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe Te Aroha-Paeroa main road at Waitoki swamp was underwater.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Turua
Map Location: -37.240839 175.562057
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicTurua received 2.59 in (6.6 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 26th.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Waihi
Map Location: -37.39414 175.820732
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicWaihi received 3.96 in (10.1 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 26th.

FloodingFlooding at Whangamarino
Map Location: -37.347207 175.116526
Comments:

ImpactExtensive inundation occurred at Whangamarino.

Bay of Plenty

FloodingFlooding at Bay of Plenty
Comments:

CommentThere was widespread flooding to large areas. The Rangitaiki River caused much flooding.

Affected LifelineMany roads throughout bay were blocked by flood waters. The coastal road was blocked and service cars proceeding coastward were enclosed by waters between Te Teko and Whakatane and Opotiki and Whakatane.

Stock DamageA heavy loss of stock was reported, especially sheep and pigs.

FloodingFlooding at Edgecumbe
Map Location: -37.978901 176.814184
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicThe Rangitaiki River had a peak discharge above Egdecumbe of 1,623 cumecs.

FloodingFlooding at Murupara
Map Location: -38.455726 176.712121
Comments:

Stock DamageStupendous stock losses from the floods were reported at Murupara.

CommentAt Murupara, the Rangitaiki River was at the highest level ever recorded and was still rising on the 25th.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Omanawa Falls
Map Location: -37.841627 176.08308
Comments:

CommentThere were record rainfalls at Omanawa Falls.

FloodingFlooding at Opotiki
Map Location: -38.005993 177.293236
Comments:

ImpactThe Waiokea River overflowed its banks early on the morning of the 25th. The town was inundated throughout the day.

ImpactFloodwaters entered shops and stores but shopkeepers had ample warning so little damage resulted.

Physical CharacteristicThe greatest depth of water in the shops was 3 in (7.6 cm). The water remained at the same height for eight hours, commencing to subside at 7pm. By 9pm the streets were clear.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe heavy rains caused slips and washouts on the country roads.

FloodingFlooding at Poroporo
Map Location: -37.976871 176.952504
Comments:

CommentA large area of land was submerged at Poroporo.

EvacueesSettlers had to move to higher ground.

FloodingFlooding at Rangitaiki
Map Location: -38.875336 176.367617
Comments:

ImpactGreat areas at Rangitaiki were under water.

Stock DamageSerious stock damage was reported in the Rangitaiki area.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Rotorua
Map Location: -38.140434 176.262282
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicRotorua received 3.57 in (9.1 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 26th.

Physical Characteristic5 in (12.7 cm) of rain fell in the Rotorua district.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

CommentRivers adjacent to Rotorua were in record flood.

FloodingFlooding at Taneatua
Map Location: -38.065179 176.993355
Comments:

ImpactTwo men in a milk cart were swept off the road at Taneatua and had to be rescued by ropes.

High Wind GustsHigh Wind / Gust at Tauranga
Map Location: -37.679532 176.173022
Comments:

CommentThere was a north-easterly gale at Tauranga.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain
Comments:

CommentTauranga experienced torrential rains.

Affected LifelinePower was out throughout the district at times.

FloodingFlooding at Wairoa
Map Location: -37.715798 176.084979
Comments:

ImpactFlooding was severe in Wairoa.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard
Comments:

Affected LifelineConsiderable damage was done to roads and many slips came down.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Waiotapu
Map Location: -38.340141 176.355126
Comments:

Physical Characteristic5.61 in (14.2 cm) of rain fell in Waiotapu in four days from the 23rd to the 26th.

FloodingFlooding at Whakatane
Map Location: -37.967356 176.992417
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe Whakatane and Rangitaiki Rivers overflowed, cutting off all communication with the town.

ImpactThe Whakatane River overflowed its banks in several places, inundating large areas of the low lying country and surrounding homes with water.

Affected LifelineAt Whakatane the Opotiki Road was under 12 ft (3.7 m) of water in some places.

CommentIt was the biggest flood experienced there for 20 years.

ImpactNo mails arrived or left Whakatane.

CommentThe flood water was receding on the 26th in fine weather.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard
Comments:

CommentThere was a fierce north-easterly accompained by heavy rain.

EvacueesMany people had to leave their houses on the night of the 25th.

Hawke's Bay

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Tarawera
Map Location: -39.027929 176.568041
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicTarawera received 2.52 in (6.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 26th.

Gisborne

FloodingFlooding at Gisborne
Comments:

CommentRivers and streams in high flood caused serious damage.

Affected LifelineMost of the roads were in a very bad state.

Affected LifelineThe train service was interrupted until the 26th after two washouts occurred on the railway during rain on the 24th, washing out fillings. One washout was between Otoko and Rakauroa and the other between Matawai and Motuhora.

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

Physical CharacteristicGisborne recorded 0.72 in (1.8 cm) of rain on the 24th.

Physical CharacteristicGisborne recorded 0.20 in (0.5 cm) of rain on the 25th.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Koranga
Map Location: -38.464325 177.419738
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicKoranga Valley received 5.33 in (13.5 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 25th. This was the heaviest rain recorded since May 1914, the date of the big flood.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

Affected LifelineA washout occurred on the Koranga road, near Harding's.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Marumoko
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicMarumoko (about 50 miles north of Gisborne) received 8 in (20.3 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 26th.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Motu
Map Location: -38.258449 177.551615
Comments:

CommentTorrential rain was experienced in the Motu district from the 23rd. The rain ceased at 3pm on the 25th.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

CommentThe Motu River broke its banks during the early hours of the morning on the 25th, swamping the low-lying portions of the township. The water was well over the flats at Motu.

Physical CharacteristicThere was 3 ft (91.4 cm) of water on the road in front of Common Shelton's store where the road runs parallel with the Motu River.

CommentBy midday the water was lapping the steps of the buildings. The small bridge on the Opotiki side of the Motu tennis courts was under water.

Affected LifelineThe road to Motuhora was under water in places and cars could not get through on the 25th.

CommentThe flood was more severe than that experienced at the beginning of the month.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard
Comments:

Affected LifelineRoads throughout the Motu district were affected by flood waters and slips.

FloodingFlooding at Moutohora
Map Location: -38.280615 177.527289
Comments:

CommentThe flats at Motuhora were under water.

Affected LifelineOn the main road near the traffic bridge the water was waist deep. The road to the station was inundated to the same depth.

Physical CharacteristicThe Motu River was reported to have risen about 14 ft (4.3 m) at Moutohora. It was much higher than the previous flood. The water was just lapping the railway bridge.

ImpactSeveral houses were invaded by the waters and the occupants had to leave.

Physical CharacteristicHouses were invaded to a depth of 3 ft (91.4 cm).

Multi HazardMulti Hazard
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe train was unable to leave Motuhora on the morning of the 25th owing to washouts and slips on the line.

LandslideLandslide
Comments:

Affected LifelineA large slip came down on the road at Korte's, entirely blocking the road even to horse traffic.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Pakihiroa homestead
Map Location: -37.856446 178.087527
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicPakihiroa received 6.87 in (17.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 26th.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Tikitiki
Map Location: -37.797294 178.411972
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicKahukura (Tikitiki) received 5 in (12.7 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 26th.

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

Physical CharacteristicThe Waipaoa River rose considerably after the heavy rains. It rose 1 ft (30.5 cm) between 7am and 10am on the 25th.

Wellington

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Wellington
Comments:

CommentThere was a fair amount of rain in other parts of the region, particularly in the north.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Wellington City
Map Location: -41.288771 174.777069
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicWellington received 8.33 in (21.2 cm) of rain for the month of June - 72% above the average. Rain fell on 21 days.

FogFog at Wellington Harbour
Map Location: -41.268015 174.837389
Comments:

CommentWellington was enveloped in a dense fog from early on the evening of the 24th.

ImpactThe conditions on the water were so bad they held up the steamer Mararoa outside the harbour entrance for about 2 hours on the morning of the 25th.

References

Cowie, C.A. and Attwood, A.K. (1957). Floods in New Zealand 1920-1953, The Soil Conservation Control Council, Wellington, New Zealand.
Headline: Fog and rain.
The Gisborne Times, 26 June 1925.
Headline: Heavy rain in Bay of Plenty.
The Gisborne Times, 26 June 1925.
Headline: Motu River in flood.
The Gisborne Times, 26 June 1925.
Headline: Fishing fleet in danger.
The Gisborne Times, 27 June 1925.
Headline: Water in Opotiki shops for eight hours.
The Gisborne Times, 27 June 1925.
Headline: Winter weather: Big flood at Whakatane.
The Gisborne Times, 27 June 1925.
Headline: Winter weather: Large areas flooded in Waikato.
The Gisborne Times, 30 June 1925.
Headline: Wet month in Poverty Bay, Worst June for thirty-four years.
The Gisborne Times, 2 July 1925.
Headline: Wet month in Wellington.
The Gisborne Times, 2 July 1925.
Hydrology Annual No.3 1955, Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Council, Wellington, New Zealand.
Ministry of Works. (1954). Waikato River Floods of July 1953 and July 1952.
Headline: Rivers rise.
The Thames Star, June 25 1925.
Headline: The weather.
The Thames Star, June 26 1925.