NZ Historic Weather Events Catalogue
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 Hazard
Duration: 5 days - From the 24th until the 28th June.
Waikato
Flooding
at
Waikato
The Waikato River was in high flood on the 25th.
The 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.
The Waikato River at Mercer recorded a gauge height of 61.20 ft (18.65 m).
Large 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.
Between Mercer and Ohinewai and from Ohinewai to the main river, the water swept across the metalled road, causing much damage.
Flooding
at
Arapuni
At Arapuni, the Waikao River had a peak discharge of 1553 cumecs.
High Wind / Gust
at
Firth of Thames
A 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 Rain
at
Hamilton
3.05 in (7.7cm) of rain fell in Hamilton in 48 hours.
4.55 in (11.6 cm) of rain fell in Hamilton in four days from the 23rd to the 26th.
Flooding
The Waikato River rose 10 ft (3.0 m) above normal at Hamilton.
Flooding
at
Mercer
In Mercer, low-lying country was a sheet of water.
Roads in the area were blocked by flood waters.
The railway yards were flooded to a depth 2 ft 6 in (76.2 cm).
The Waikato River had a peak discharge of 3300 cumecs at Mercer.
The 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.
Flooding
at
Paeroa
Farms were flooded on the 25th.
Flooding
at
Rangiriri
Extensive inundation occurred at Rangiriri.
The water was still rising round the Rangiriri area on the 28th, and extended for miles upon miles.
High Wind / Gust
at
Tapu
A launch broke loose in a gale and was broken to pieces on the shore.
Heavy Rain
at
Taupo
4.98 in (12.6 cm) of rain fell in Taupo in four days from the 23rd to the 26th.
Heavy Rain
at
Te Aroha
Te Aroha received 2.45 in (6.2 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 26th.
Heavy Rain
at
Te Kauwhata
Te Kauwhata received 2.44 in (6.2 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 26th.
High Wind / Gust
at
Thames
The wind was blowing hard from the north-west on the 25th. It changed suddenly at 2pm.
Flooding
at
Tirohia
The Te Aroha-Paeroa main road at Waitoki swamp was underwater.
Heavy Rain
at
Turua
Turua received 2.59 in (6.6 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 26th.
Heavy Rain
at
Waihi
Waihi received 3.96 in (10.1 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 26th.
Flooding
at
Whangamarino
Extensive inundation occurred at Whangamarino.
Bay of Plenty
Flooding
at
Bay of Plenty
There was widespread flooding to large areas. The Rangitaiki River caused much flooding.
Many 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.
A heavy loss of stock was reported, especially sheep and pigs.
Flooding
at
Edgecumbe
The Rangitaiki River had a peak discharge above Egdecumbe of 1,623 cumecs.
Flooding
at
Murupara
Stupendous stock losses from the floods were reported at Murupara.
At Murupara, the Rangitaiki River was at the highest level ever recorded and was still rising on the 25th.
Heavy Rain
at
Omanawa Falls
There were record rainfalls at Omanawa Falls.
Flooding
at
Opotiki
The Waiokea River overflowed its banks early on the morning of the 25th. The town was inundated throughout the day.
Floodwaters entered shops and stores but shopkeepers had ample warning so little damage resulted.
The 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 Hazard
The heavy rains caused slips and washouts on the country roads.
Flooding
at
Poroporo
A large area of land was submerged at Poroporo.
Settlers had to move to higher ground.
Flooding
at
Rangitaiki
Great areas at Rangitaiki were under water.
Serious stock damage was reported in the Rangitaiki area.
Heavy Rain
at
Rotorua
Rotorua received 3.57 in (9.1 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 26th.
5 in (12.7 cm) of rain fell in the Rotorua district.
Flooding
Rivers adjacent to Rotorua were in record flood.
Flooding
at
Taneatua
Two men in a milk cart were swept off the road at Taneatua and had to be rescued by ropes.
High Wind / Gust
at
Tauranga
There was a north-easterly gale at Tauranga.
Heavy Rain
Tauranga experienced torrential rains.
Power was out throughout the district at times.
Flooding
at
Wairoa
Flooding was severe in Wairoa.
Multi Hazard
Considerable damage was done to roads and many slips came down.
Heavy Rain
at
Waiotapu
5.61 in (14.2 cm) of rain fell in Waiotapu in four days from the 23rd to the 26th.
Flooding
at
Whakatane
The Whakatane and Rangitaiki Rivers overflowed, cutting off all communication with the town.
The Whakatane River overflowed its banks in several places, inundating large areas of the low lying country and surrounding homes with water.
At Whakatane the Opotiki Road was under 12 ft (3.7 m) of water in some places.
It was the biggest flood experienced there for 20 years.
No mails arrived or left Whakatane.
The flood water was receding on the 26th in fine weather.
Multi Hazard
There was a fierce north-easterly accompained by heavy rain.
Many people had to leave their houses on the night of the 25th.
Hawke's Bay
Heavy Rain
at
Tarawera
Tarawera received 2.52 in (6.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 26th.
Gisborne
Flooding
at
Gisborne
Rivers and streams in high flood caused serious damage.
Most of the roads were in a very bad state.
The 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 Rain
at
Gisborne City
Gisborne recorded 0.72 in (1.8 cm) of rain on the 24th.
Gisborne recorded 0.20 in (0.5 cm) of rain on the 25th.
Heavy Rain
at
Koranga
Koranga 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.
Flooding
A washout occurred on the Koranga road, near Harding's.
Heavy Rain
at
Marumoko
Marumoko (about 50 miles north of Gisborne) received 8 in (20.3 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 26th.
Heavy Rain
at
Motu
Torrential rain was experienced in the Motu district from the 23rd. The rain ceased at 3pm on the 25th.
Flooding
The 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.
There 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.
By 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.
The road to Motuhora was under water in places and cars could not get through on the 25th.
The flood was more severe than that experienced at the beginning of the month.
Multi Hazard
Roads throughout the Motu district were affected by flood waters and slips.
Flooding
at
Moutohora
The flats at Motuhora were under water.
On the main road near the traffic bridge the water was waist deep. The road to the station was inundated to the same depth.
The 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.
Several houses were invaded by the waters and the occupants had to leave.
Houses were invaded to a depth of 3 ft (91.4 cm).
Multi Hazard
The train was unable to leave Motuhora on the morning of the 25th owing to washouts and slips on the line.
Landslide
A large slip came down on the road at Korte's, entirely blocking the road even to horse traffic.
Heavy Rain
at
Pakihiroa homestead
Pakihiroa received 6.87 in (17.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 26th.
Heavy Rain
at
Tikitiki
Kahukura (Tikitiki) received 5 in (12.7 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 26th.
Flooding
at
Waipaoa River
The Waipaoa River rose considerably after the heavy rains. It rose 1 ft (30.5 cm) between 7am and 10am on the 25th.
Wellington
Heavy Rain
at
Wellington
There was a fair amount of rain in other parts of the region, particularly in the north.
Heavy Rain
at
Wellington City
Wellington received 8.33 in (21.2 cm) of rain for the month of June - 72% above the average. Rain fell on 21 days.
Fog
at
Wellington Harbour
Wellington was enveloped in a dense fog from early on the evening of the 24th.
The 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 Hazard
Duration: 5 days - From the 24th until the 28th June.
Waikato
Flooding
at
Waikato
The Waikato River was in high flood on the 25th.
The 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.
The Waikato River at Mercer recorded a gauge height of 61.20 ft (18.65 m).
Large 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.
Between Mercer and Ohinewai and from Ohinewai to the main river, the water swept across the metalled road, causing much damage.
Flooding
at
Arapuni
At Arapuni, the Waikao River had a peak discharge of 1553 cumecs.
High Wind / Gust
at
Firth of Thames
A 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 Rain
at
Hamilton
3.05 in (7.7cm) of rain fell in Hamilton in 48 hours.
4.55 in (11.6 cm) of rain fell in Hamilton in four days from the 23rd to the 26th.
Flooding
The Waikato River rose 10 ft (3.0 m) above normal at Hamilton.
Flooding
at
Mercer
In Mercer, low-lying country was a sheet of water.
Roads in the area were blocked by flood waters.
The railway yards were flooded to a depth 2 ft 6 in (76.2 cm).
The Waikato River had a peak discharge of 3300 cumecs at Mercer.
The 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.
Flooding
at
Paeroa
Farms were flooded on the 25th.
Flooding
at
Rangiriri
Extensive inundation occurred at Rangiriri.
The water was still rising round the Rangiriri area on the 28th, and extended for miles upon miles.
High Wind / Gust
at
Tapu
A launch broke loose in a gale and was broken to pieces on the shore.
Heavy Rain
at
Taupo
4.98 in (12.6 cm) of rain fell in Taupo in four days from the 23rd to the 26th.
Heavy Rain
at
Te Aroha
Te Aroha received 2.45 in (6.2 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 26th.
Heavy Rain
at
Te Kauwhata
Te Kauwhata received 2.44 in (6.2 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 26th.
High Wind / Gust
at
Thames
The wind was blowing hard from the north-west on the 25th. It changed suddenly at 2pm.
Flooding
at
Tirohia
The Te Aroha-Paeroa main road at Waitoki swamp was underwater.
Heavy Rain
at
Turua
Turua received 2.59 in (6.6 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 26th.
Heavy Rain
at
Waihi
Waihi received 3.96 in (10.1 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 26th.
Flooding
at
Whangamarino
Extensive inundation occurred at Whangamarino.
Bay of Plenty
Flooding
at
Bay of Plenty
There was widespread flooding to large areas. The Rangitaiki River caused much flooding.
Many 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.
A heavy loss of stock was reported, especially sheep and pigs.
Flooding
at
Edgecumbe
The Rangitaiki River had a peak discharge above Egdecumbe of 1,623 cumecs.
Flooding
at
Murupara
Stupendous stock losses from the floods were reported at Murupara.
At Murupara, the Rangitaiki River was at the highest level ever recorded and was still rising on the 25th.
Heavy Rain
at
Omanawa Falls
There were record rainfalls at Omanawa Falls.
Flooding
at
Opotiki
The Waiokea River overflowed its banks early on the morning of the 25th. The town was inundated throughout the day.
Floodwaters entered shops and stores but shopkeepers had ample warning so little damage resulted.
The 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 Hazard
The heavy rains caused slips and washouts on the country roads.
Flooding
at
Poroporo
A large area of land was submerged at Poroporo.
Settlers had to move to higher ground.
Flooding
at
Rangitaiki
Great areas at Rangitaiki were under water.
Serious stock damage was reported in the Rangitaiki area.
Heavy Rain
at
Rotorua
Rotorua received 3.57 in (9.1 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 26th.
5 in (12.7 cm) of rain fell in the Rotorua district.
Flooding
Rivers adjacent to Rotorua were in record flood.
Flooding
at
Taneatua
Two men in a milk cart were swept off the road at Taneatua and had to be rescued by ropes.
High Wind / Gust
at
Tauranga
There was a north-easterly gale at Tauranga.
Heavy Rain
Tauranga experienced torrential rains.
Power was out throughout the district at times.
Flooding
at
Wairoa
Flooding was severe in Wairoa.
Multi Hazard
Considerable damage was done to roads and many slips came down.
Heavy Rain
at
Waiotapu
5.61 in (14.2 cm) of rain fell in Waiotapu in four days from the 23rd to the 26th.
Flooding
at
Whakatane
The Whakatane and Rangitaiki Rivers overflowed, cutting off all communication with the town.
The Whakatane River overflowed its banks in several places, inundating large areas of the low lying country and surrounding homes with water.
At Whakatane the Opotiki Road was under 12 ft (3.7 m) of water in some places.
It was the biggest flood experienced there for 20 years.
No mails arrived or left Whakatane.
The flood water was receding on the 26th in fine weather.
Multi Hazard
There was a fierce north-easterly accompained by heavy rain.
Many people had to leave their houses on the night of the 25th.
Hawke's Bay
Heavy Rain
at
Tarawera
Tarawera received 2.52 in (6.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 26th.
Gisborne
Flooding
at
Gisborne
Rivers and streams in high flood caused serious damage.
Most of the roads were in a very bad state.
The 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 Rain
at
Gisborne City
Gisborne recorded 0.72 in (1.8 cm) of rain on the 24th.
Gisborne recorded 0.20 in (0.5 cm) of rain on the 25th.
Heavy Rain
at
Koranga
Koranga 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.
Flooding
A washout occurred on the Koranga road, near Harding's.
Heavy Rain
at
Marumoko
Marumoko (about 50 miles north of Gisborne) received 8 in (20.3 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 26th.
Heavy Rain
at
Motu
Torrential rain was experienced in the Motu district from the 23rd. The rain ceased at 3pm on the 25th.
Flooding
The 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.
There 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.
By 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.
The road to Motuhora was under water in places and cars could not get through on the 25th.
The flood was more severe than that experienced at the beginning of the month.
Multi Hazard
Roads throughout the Motu district were affected by flood waters and slips.
Flooding
at
Moutohora
The flats at Motuhora were under water.
On the main road near the traffic bridge the water was waist deep. The road to the station was inundated to the same depth.
The 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.
Several houses were invaded by the waters and the occupants had to leave.
Houses were invaded to a depth of 3 ft (91.4 cm).
Multi Hazard
The train was unable to leave Motuhora on the morning of the 25th owing to washouts and slips on the line.
Landslide
A large slip came down on the road at Korte's, entirely blocking the road even to horse traffic.
Heavy Rain
at
Pakihiroa homestead
Pakihiroa received 6.87 in (17.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 26th.
Heavy Rain
at
Tikitiki
Kahukura (Tikitiki) received 5 in (12.7 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 26th.
Flooding
at
Waipaoa River
The Waipaoa River rose considerably after the heavy rains. It rose 1 ft (30.5 cm) between 7am and 10am on the 25th.
Wellington
Heavy Rain
at
Wellington
There was a fair amount of rain in other parts of the region, particularly in the north.
Heavy Rain
at
Wellington City
Wellington received 8.33 in (21.2 cm) of rain for the month of June - 72% above the average. Rain fell on 21 days.
Fog
at
Wellington Harbour
Wellington was enveloped in a dense fog from early on the evening of the 24th.
The 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.