NZ Historic Weather Events Catalogue

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ModerateMarch 1968 South Island Flooding ( 1968-03-08 )

Heavy rain caused flooding in Tasman-Nelson, Canterbury, Otago and Southland. Otago was hit the hardest with high repair costs along with heavy crop losses.

South Island

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at South Island
Duration:   5  days - Heavy rain and flooding occurred from the 8th until the 12th.
Comments:

Tasman-Nelson

FloodingFlooding at Collins Creek
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicOn the 9th, Collins River at Drop Structure, had a flood discharge of 25.5 cumecs with a catchment area of 17.6 km^2 with a gauge height of 0.914 m.

FloodingFlooding at Roding River
Map Location: -41.361718 173.280424
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicOn the 8th, Roding River at N C C Weir, had a flood discharge of 167 cumecs with a catchment area of 39.1 km^2 with a gauge height of 2.774 m.

FloodingFlooding at Takaka River
Map Location: -40.940021 172.81314
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicOn the 8th, Takaka River had a flood discharge of 1755 cumecs with a catchment area of 829 km^2 with a gauge height of 1.158 m.

FloodingFlooding at Waingaro River
Map Location: -40.91213 172.77381
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicOn the 8th, Waingaro River at Langfords, had a flood discharge of 849 cumecs with a catchment area of 223 km^2 with a gauge height of 1.222 m.

FloodingFlooding at Wairoa River
Map Location: -41.453412 173.086914
Comments:

Peak DischargeOn the 9th, Wairoa River at the Gorge, had a maximum annual flood discharge of 1041 cumecs with a catchment area of 464 km^2 with a gauge height of 5.060 m.

Canterbury

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at Canterbury
Comments:

CommentSerious flooding was reported in coastal districts from Dunedin to south Canterbury following heavy rain on the 8th and the 9th.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

Affected LifelineThere was surface flooding on State Highway 1 in Morven-Glenavy area and five miles north of Waimate.

FloodingFlooding at Morven
Map Location: -44.81896 171.10878
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicMud was nearly 1 ft (30.5 cm) deep in places and blocked the main highway for four chains (18.47 m) near Morven.

Physical CharacteristicA household at Morven awoke at 2:50am on the 9th to find the back portion of their house was awash with about two inches (5.08 cm) of mud

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Omarama
Map Location: -44.485104 169.955987
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicOmarama recorded 1.12 in (2.84 cm) of rain in 24 hours.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Otematata
Map Location: -44.607353 170.178503
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicOtematata recorded 1.24 in (3.15 cm) of rain in 24 hours .

FloodingFlooding at Rakaia River
Map Location: -42.63756 171.39125
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicOn the 9th, Rakaia River at the Gorge, had a flood discharge of 1941 cumecs with a catchment area of 2590 km^2 with a gauge height of 4.039 m.

FloodingFlooding at Rangitata River
Map Location: -43.98151 171.306532
Comments:

Peak DischargeOn the 11th, Rangitata River at the Gorge, had a maximum annual flood discharge of 708 cumecs with a catchment area of 1494 km^2 with a gauge height of 5.517 m.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Waimate
Map Location: -44.7333 171.055364
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicWaimate Borough recorded 4.20 in (10.67 cm) in 24 hours to 9am on the 9th.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

CommentCreeks and streams in the low-lying coastal strip of Waimate district overflowed early on the 9th.

ImpactSome areas had flash floods after overnight torrential downpours brought over five inches of rain. Falls were lighter farther inland.

FloodingFlooding at Waitaki River
Map Location: -44.805453 170.579453
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicOn the 11th, Waitaki River at Parsons Rock, had a flood discharge of 1129 cumecs with a gauge height of 4.404 m.

Physical CharacteristicOn the 13th, Waitaki River at Kurow, had a flood discharge of 1234 cumecs with a gauge height of 4.145 m.

Otago

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Otago
Comments:

CauseOn the 8th and 9th of March, a tropical depression of Fijian origin was located off the west coast of the South Island. This depression was squeezed between two anti-cyclones, and split into three low-pressure systems, the most vigorous of which moved rapidly without warning across the South Island and passed into the Pacific through North Otago. The east and south-east air flow on its lower side subjected the coastal strip of East Otago between Oamaru and the Nuggets to torrential rainfalls between 11-17mm in 24 hours.

CommentThere was flooding and chaos in North Otago after five yaers of drought was broken by heavy rain throughout Otago.

CommentLate on the night of the 10th, heavy rain was falling in Alexandra, Ranfurly and Queenstown.

ImpactRoyal NZ Navy survey ship was delayed in departing from the Port of Otago on the 10th as they were awaiting crew members by train.

CommentRainfall on the 8th was the most intense rainfall in North Otago since September 1963. The total rainfall was the greatest rainfall in 40 years

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

ImpactDry watercourses became raging torrents. The rivers overflowed banks and spilled across farms.

Affected LifelineRoad and rail communication was cut between Oamaru and Dunedin in a number of places.

CommentThe heavy rain was mostly confined to within 16 and 24 km from the coast. The heaviest rainfalls and greatest damage occurred between Herbert in the north and Mosgiel in the south.

DamageThere was severe damage to road and railway bridges and communications, houses, crops, local body services including city waterworks and fences.

DamageThere was severe damage to land, river and stream banks and protection works.

Stock DamageLoss of stock occurred.

DamageDamage occurred in the Big Kuri, Trotter's, Kartigi and Pleasant River Valleys, the lower Waikouaiti flood plain, the Waitati, Upper Leith and Silverstream. Heavy to moderate damage was sustained in the lower Kaikoura, Green Island, Lindsay's Creek, Meggatburn Area, Taieri River Trust Area, Palmerston Creek, Island Stream and Waianakarua River. Lighter damage occurred in the Kakanui, Shag, Middlemarch, Tokomairiro and Clutha Areas and in Milton Borough

Insurance ClaimThere were 170 Earthquake and War Damage Commission claims for flood damage in the Otago area to date (20th of March).

FloodingFlooding at North Otago
Comments:

CommentLow lands of North Otago bore the brunt of deluge with Herbert being in the centre of the flood.

Affected LifelineBad scouring took place, particularly along State Highway 1, where bridge approaches in Shag Point area were dangerously undermined and the seal was washed away in sections.

Affected LifelineMain damage appeared to be confined to Katiki-Shag Point section of highway where the shoulder metal was scoured away and the sealing disappeared.

Damage CostDamage cost was estimated at well into five figures.

Affected LifelineBetween Dunedin and Hampden, the main trunk railway was undermined in several sections.

Affected LifelineThere was a slip south of Otepopo tunnel and a substantial washout left a 30 ft gap in the railway, which was reported to be 25 ft deep.

Affected LifelineThe midnight express on the 8th from Christchurch went as far as Waiapakarua but returned to Oamaru.

FloodingFlooding at South Otago
Comments:

CommentMost of South Otago had only moderate rainfall.

CommentRivers and creeks were swollen but there was little flooding except in the Milton area.

Affected LifelineRiverside roads such as the road between Balclutha and Clydevale, State Highway 92 between Balclutha and Finegand, and State Highway 91 between Balclutha and Kaitangata, were either covered or partially covered with water. State Highway 92 was closed to traffic.

Stock DamageThere were no stock losses reported in South Otago.

Crop DamageMuch of the 40% of unharvested cereal crops (such as wheat, oats and barley) were damaged by lodging and sprouting.

FloodingFlooding at West Otago
Comments:

Crop DamageAn estimated 10,000 acres (4047 ha) of wheat crops in West Otago were thought to have been destroyed.

CommentIt was the worst disaster to hit southern farming industry in decades.

Damage CostThe loss to West Otago and Southland would mean a loss of income of $4,000,000.

Crop DamageA estimated 10,000 acres (4047 ha) of oats and barley in West Otago and Southland were destroyed.

FloodingFlooding at Balclutha
Map Location: -46.23013 169.733472
Comments:

ImpactIn Balclutha, much of the area around the town hall was under water on the12th. It was thought to be caused by a buildup of storm water, although some river water was seeping through a drainage outlet.

Stock DamageNo stock reported lost.

DamageThere was no reports of damage to shops or property.

FloodingFlooding at Bruce County
Comments:

Damage CostThe damage to roads in the Bruce County was approximately $6000-$8000 ($93,200-124,200 2009 dollars).

CommentThe areas most affected were Glenledi, north branch and Adams Flat.

CommentThe main problem was that culverts on roads were unable to cope with the high flow of water.

Affected LifelineCreeks were choked with growth unable to handle the flow. Streams flowed down several roads, stripping metal from the surface and depositing it in unrecoverable areas.

FloodingFlooding at Clutha River
Map Location: -46.203535 169.699318
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicClutha River was running at approximately 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) above normal over the 8th and 9th.

Physical CharacteristicOn the 12th, the Clutha River was running at 7 ft (2.13 m) above normal. It spilled onto low-lying roads and some small unprotected river flats between Cyldevale and Clutha.

CommentThe river reached its peak at Clyde at approximately 1pm on the 12th.

Peak DischargeOn the 12th, Clutha River at Lowburn Ferry Bridge had a maximum annual flood discharge of 899 cumecs with a catchment area of 6211 km^2 with a gauge height of 2.134 m.

Physical CharacteristicOn the 13th, Clutha River at Balclutha had a flood discharge of 2072 cumecs with a catchment area of 20,306 km^2 with a gauge height of 21.001 m.

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

Physical CharacteristicDunedin city recorded well over 6 in (15.24 cm) of rain in 24 hours.

Physical CharacteristicMaori Hill recorded 4.29 in (10.90 cm) of rain in 24 hours to 9am on the 9th.

Physical CharacteristicMaori Hill recorded 2.36 in (6.00 cm) of rain in 24 hours to 9am on the 10th.

Physical CharacteristicMusselburgh recorded 3.58 in (9.09 cm) of rain in 24 hours to 9am on the 9th. The intensities of rainfall at Musselburgh were considerably higher than those of the 1928 storm.

Physical CharacteristicMusselburgh recorded 2.81 in (7.14 cm) of rain in 24 hours to 9am on the 10th.

CommentThis rainfall was the heaviest recorded in Dunedin since December 4th, 1938 and more than twice the average rainfall for the month.

CommentMore rain fell steadily on the afternoon and evening of the 10th in Dunedin.

CommentThe rainfall at Maori Hill was the highest on record for March and the third highest ever recorded.

Physical CharacteristicThe 24 hour rainfall total of 6.21 inches (15.77 cm) had been exceeded only once in 76 years. It was considered a one in 50 year rainfall.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicOn the 9th, the Waters of Leith at the University, had a flood discharge of 113 cumecs with a catchment area of 43.5 km^2 with a gauge height of 2.438 m.

Affected LifelineRoad and rail communications to the north and south were cut, but all resumed on the night of the 10th.

ImpactHouses were flooded.

Affected LifelineThe motorway north of Dunedin was washed out in two places by flood waters on the night of the 8th. About halfway along the motorway, a stretch of roadway 24.4 m long dropped from sight down a hillside. A new section of road on the Kilmog, north of Dunedin, was seriously damaged.

Affected LifelineThe route into Dunedin was closed from approximately 9:30am on the 9th to noon on the 10th to all but essential traffic.

Affected LifelineThe repairs to gaping holes in the road took around two weeks.

Affected LifelineAll rail services to and from Dunedin were cancelled on the 9th. The line between Dunedin and Oamaru was blocked by several minor slips and two large washouts at Hampden and Goodwood which occurred early in the morning of the 9th. The line south of Duendin was blocked on the 9th by flooding at Waihola and a slight slip at Clarksville.

Physical CharacteristicA house in Harden Street in Leith Valley, had up to 2 ft (0.61 m) of water flowing through at 7am on the 10th and some gardens were damaged.

CommentPine Hill Creek flooded in the early morning of the 10th. Flooding became worse later in day with rain pelting down between 1pm-3pm

Damage CostThe first estimate of flood damage in Dunedin was tens of thousands of dollars.

DamageThe hardest hit areas were North-East Valley and areas near the head waters of the Water of Leith.

CommentThe Leith didn't overflow its banks at any stage, but floodwaters rose to an unprecedented height.

EvacueesThere was a temporary evacuation of several homes in Harden Street on the morning of the 9th.

Affected LifelineThe roadway next to the stream was cut away along Malvern Street by raging floodwaters.

Affected LifelineThe city water supply was damaged at Sullivans Reservoir, where a slip threatened a supply line and one of the two mains leading from the reservoir was washed away.

ImpactLindsay's Creek overflowed in North-East Valley and France and Selwyn Streets received the bulk of the water.

Affected LifelineThere was trouble caused by the blocking of Kaikorai Stream. It resulted in Kaikorai Valley Road being turned into a small river for a short time on the 9th.

Affected LifelineKaikorai Stream washed out a water main to part of Green Island Borough.

ImpactThere were dozens of reports of flooding throughout Dunedin which were received by the city engineer's department.

ImpactSouth Dunedin was awash for several hours on the afternoon of the 9th when Portobello pumping station became blocked with debris.

Affected Lifeline2500 telephone subscribers were cut off.

ImpactAs a result of excessive rainfall, a small amount of petrol seeped from a tank at Atlantic Union Oil Company's terminal yard in Jutland Street.

Damage CostThe business of Wolfenden and Russell had "several thousand dollars worth" of goods damaged by water. Water entered the front of the shop early in the morning then appeared to subside, but later rose to a much higher level, in some places 1 ft (0.30 m).

Insurance ClaimThere were 154 Earthquake and War Damage Commission claims for flood damage to date on the 16th of March.

Damage CostThe damage to public propertyv was estimated at $34,650 ($538,100 2009 dollars) for 110 houses or commercial buildings which were flooded.

Damage94 houses were flooded on the flat. 10 houses were flooded in North-East Valley and six were flooded in Kaikorai Valley, Leith Valley and Sommerville Street.

Damage Cost Up to March 14th, $3,600 ($55,900 2009 dollars) had been spent on the cost of clearing slips and scours but further repairs would cost $15,000 ($232,900 2009 dollars).

Damage CostThe cost of work in the Water of Leith and Lindsays Creek was $7550 ($117,200 2009 dollars).

Damage CostThe cost of repairing damage to the water supply installations was estimated at $8500 ($132,000 2009 dollars).

Damage CostThe cost of extending the bridge over the north bank of Lindsays Creek, to prevent future scouring, was $13,000 ($201,900 2009 dollars).

Damage CostThe cost of the small pumping station provided at end of Felix Street was $2000 ($31,000 2009 dollars).

Damage CostThe cost of modifications to screens near the Musselburgh pumping station were approximately $800 ($12,400 2009 dollars).

Damage CostThe cost of the council's share of flood damaged roads was approximately $10,700 ($166,200 2009 dollars).

Affected LifelineThe Otago Peninsula suffered under the weekend deluge and small private roads suffered badly. Irvine Road at the Cove lost much of its surface and became a waterfall during the worst of the downpour.

LandslideLandslide
Comments:

Affected LifelineThere were many slips on Portobello Road and Harington Point highway. A man narrowly escaped when a slip came down from cliff he was standing below in Portobello Road. The debris completely blocked the road.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Enfield
Map Location: -45.041243 170.866267
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicEnfield recorded 3.52 in (8.94 cm) of rain in 24 hours.

FloodingFlooding at Hampden
Map Location: -45.3273 170.81957
Comments:

Affected LifelineA bus was abandoned in floodwaters on State Highway 1 at Kaka Creek, north of Hampden, on the morning of the 9th. Water was covering the seats and lapping the top of the dashboard. The driver and single passenger escaped out of the roof dome.

CommentWater rose rapidly and at one stage it rose four inches in ten minutes.

DamageAbout 3000 copies of the Otago Daily Times were ruined by water.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Herbert
Map Location: -45.22545 170.78766
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicHerbert recorded 7.24 in (18.39 cm) of rain in 12 hours.

FloodingFlooding at Karitane
Map Location: -45.78096 170.53094
Comments:

CommentA 9 ft (2.74 m) gap down to sea level was made in the sandhills at Karitane by Waikouaiti River and the sea.

FloodingFlooding at Kawarau River
Map Location: -45.020175 168.966862
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicOn the 12th, Kawarau River at Chards Road had a flood discharge of 350 cumecs with a catchment area of 4367 km^2 with a gauge height of 5.639 m.

FloodingFlooding at Macandrew Bay
Map Location: -45.868491 170.599784
Comments:

Damage CostMost serious damage to schools was done at the North-East Harbour School at Macandrew Bay by washed out soil, silt movements and blocked drains. It was estimated that it would cost an estimated $1000 ($15,500 2009 dollars) to repair.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Momona Airport
Map Location: -45.917509 170.223166
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicMomona Airport recorded 3.39 in (8.61 cm) of rain in 24 hours to 9am on the 9th.

Physical CharacteristicMomona Airport recorded 2.82 in (7.16 cm) of rain in 24 hours to 9am on the 10th.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Oamaru
Map Location: -45.087138 170.980874
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicOamaru recorded 5.05 in (12.83 cm) of rain in 24 hours.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

ImpactPeople in low-lying sections woke to find furniture floating about and water flowing under their beds.

ImpactAt the north end, residents were generally the worst off, also those on the hill with their homes in depressions were surrounded with water.

ImpactAlong the flat at the north end, water was spilling off hills and brought with it yards of clay and debris, which blocked water channels and stormwater drains.

CommentThe north end was like a lake as dawn broke on the 9th.

ImpactSome streets and residential properties were covered with ankle-deep sludge.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Outram
Map Location: -45.859829 170.220115
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicOutram recorded 4.13 in (10.49 cm) of rain in 24 hours on the night of the 8th. This rainfall surpassed the previous rainfall one day record which occurred on January 23, 1966.

Physical CharacteristicOutram recorded 5.24 in (13.31 cm) of rain in 48 hours from the 8th to the 10th.

FloodingFlooding at Palmerston
Map Location: -45.483857 170.721017
Comments:

Stock Damage800 sheep had been reported lost by the 12th.

Crop DamageConsiderable acreages of standing crops were destroyed and miles of fences were swept down.

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

Physical CharacteristicWater didn't come near danger level in the contour channel at Taieri or in the Taieri River. The gauge reached 13 ft 4 in (4.06 m).

ImpactOwhiro Stream and Silver Stream overflowed their banks, flooding buildings and land.

AreaApproximately 2500 acres (1012 ha) of land on the Taieri Plain was under water.

Impact500 acres (202 ha) of land that was under water, on lower Taieri, was caused by the overflow of the recently completed contour channel. 300 acres (121 ha) was under water from the Meggetburn near Berwick.

CommentBoth Clutha River and Taieri River took a long time to return to their normal levels.

CommentThe ponding on East Taieri wouldn't subside until the level of the river returned to normal.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Tokomairiro area
Map Location: -46.182546 169.996672
Comments:

ImpactHeavy rain in the Tokomairiro catchment area on the night of the 8th and the morning of the 9th caused flooding of a wide area near Milton.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

ImpactA North Branch farmer found his flat land under water in the morning.

Crop DamageWater moved quickly, flooding paddocks of wheat and turnips.

CommentIn minutes creeks rose from trickles to surging torrents 46 m wide.

ImpactHuge logs were carried downstream on the Salmonds Creek branch of Tokomairiro River and had to be hauled out.

Affected LifelineState Highway 1 between Clarksville and Milton was under water on the afternoon of the 9th.

CommentApart from an isolated cloudburst at Glenore, most rain fell in coastal areas.

Affected LifelineMany roads were damaged by water. Glenledi Road was closed because of damage to Sadlers Bridge and lakeside road to Kaitangata was closed for several days because of water damage.

FloodingFlooding at Waitaki County
Map Location: -44.68553 170.42406
Comments:

Damage CostThe damage in Waitaki County was estimated to run into five figures.

Affected LifelineThere were two really serious washouts. A bridge into Maraeweka was demolished and a serious washout on Breakneck Road was impassable to traffic.

Affected LifelineHorse Range Road was closed.

FloodingFlooding at Waitati River
Map Location: -45.78096 170.53094
Comments:

Affected LifelineWaitati Stream was swollen to a torrent and in one place along the road approximately 3/4 of the road width was washed away for a distance of 4 chains (80.5 m).

Southland

FloodingFlooding at Southland
Comments:

Crop DamageIt was estimated that 30,000 acres (12,141 ha) of wheat crops in Southland were destroyed (which was 80% of the district's planted wheat crop).

References

Hydrology Annual, No. 16, 1968, Part 1, R. E. Owen, 1969, Government Printer, Wellington, Water and Soil Division, New Zealand
Major weather events in New Zealand, FLOODS AND HIGH RAINFALL, Floods to 31st July 2006
NEW ZEALAND OFFICIAL YEARBOOK, 1969, 74th Issue, Department of Statistics, Wellington, A.R.Shearer, Government Printer
Headline: Coastal Otago Ravaged by Unprecedented Rain.
Otago Daily Times, 11 March 1968.
Headline: Damage in City Estimated at Thousands of Dollars.
Otago Daily Times, 11 March 1968.
Headline: Five-year Drought Ends.
Otago Daily Times, 11 March 1968.
Headline: Over 6in of Rain Fell in Two Days.
Otago Daily Times, 11 March 1968.
Headline: Took Refuge in Baths.
Otago Daily Times, 11 March 1968.
Headline: Weather Today.
Otago Daily Times, 11 March 1968.
Headline: Daily Times Driver Makes Hasty Exit.
Otago Daily Times, 13 March 1968.
Headline: West Otago Crops Destroyed in Flood.
Otago Daily Times, 13 March 1968.
Headline: Flood Damage to Roads Estimated Over $6,000.
Otago Daily Times, 14 March 1968.
Headline: Water Causes Costly Damage.
Otago Daily Times, 15 March 1968.
Headline: Flood Claims Total 154.
Otago Daily Times, 16 March 1968.
Headline: Flood Damage Bill $34,650.
Otago Daily Times, 20 March 1968.
Otago Regional Council: Flooding History (http://www.orc.govt.nz)
Owen, R.E. (1969). Hydrology Annual No.16, 1968. Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Council. Wellington, NZ: The Ministry of Works.

ModerateMarch 1968 South Island Flooding ( 1968-03-08 )

Heavy rain caused flooding in Tasman-Nelson, Canterbury, Otago and Southland. Otago was hit the hardest with high repair costs along with heavy crop losses.

South Island

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at South Island
Duration:   5  days - Heavy rain and flooding occurred from the 8th until the 12th.
Comments:

Tasman-Nelson

FloodingFlooding at Collins Creek
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicOn the 9th, Collins River at Drop Structure, had a flood discharge of 25.5 cumecs with a catchment area of 17.6 km^2 with a gauge height of 0.914 m.

FloodingFlooding at Roding River
Map Location: -41.361718 173.280424
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicOn the 8th, Roding River at N C C Weir, had a flood discharge of 167 cumecs with a catchment area of 39.1 km^2 with a gauge height of 2.774 m.

FloodingFlooding at Takaka River
Map Location: -40.940021 172.81314
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicOn the 8th, Takaka River had a flood discharge of 1755 cumecs with a catchment area of 829 km^2 with a gauge height of 1.158 m.

FloodingFlooding at Waingaro River
Map Location: -40.91213 172.77381
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicOn the 8th, Waingaro River at Langfords, had a flood discharge of 849 cumecs with a catchment area of 223 km^2 with a gauge height of 1.222 m.

FloodingFlooding at Wairoa River
Map Location: -41.453412 173.086914
Comments:

Peak DischargeOn the 9th, Wairoa River at the Gorge, had a maximum annual flood discharge of 1041 cumecs with a catchment area of 464 km^2 with a gauge height of 5.060 m.

Canterbury

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at Canterbury
Comments:

CommentSerious flooding was reported in coastal districts from Dunedin to south Canterbury following heavy rain on the 8th and the 9th.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

Affected LifelineThere was surface flooding on State Highway 1 in Morven-Glenavy area and five miles north of Waimate.

FloodingFlooding at Morven
Map Location: -44.81896 171.10878
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicMud was nearly 1 ft (30.5 cm) deep in places and blocked the main highway for four chains (18.47 m) near Morven.

Physical CharacteristicA household at Morven awoke at 2:50am on the 9th to find the back portion of their house was awash with about two inches (5.08 cm) of mud

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Omarama
Map Location: -44.485104 169.955987
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicOmarama recorded 1.12 in (2.84 cm) of rain in 24 hours.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Otematata
Map Location: -44.607353 170.178503
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicOtematata recorded 1.24 in (3.15 cm) of rain in 24 hours .

FloodingFlooding at Rakaia River
Map Location: -42.63756 171.39125
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicOn the 9th, Rakaia River at the Gorge, had a flood discharge of 1941 cumecs with a catchment area of 2590 km^2 with a gauge height of 4.039 m.

FloodingFlooding at Rangitata River
Map Location: -43.98151 171.306532
Comments:

Peak DischargeOn the 11th, Rangitata River at the Gorge, had a maximum annual flood discharge of 708 cumecs with a catchment area of 1494 km^2 with a gauge height of 5.517 m.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Waimate
Map Location: -44.7333 171.055364
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicWaimate Borough recorded 4.20 in (10.67 cm) in 24 hours to 9am on the 9th.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

CommentCreeks and streams in the low-lying coastal strip of Waimate district overflowed early on the 9th.

ImpactSome areas had flash floods after overnight torrential downpours brought over five inches of rain. Falls were lighter farther inland.

FloodingFlooding at Waitaki River
Map Location: -44.805453 170.579453
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicOn the 11th, Waitaki River at Parsons Rock, had a flood discharge of 1129 cumecs with a gauge height of 4.404 m.

Physical CharacteristicOn the 13th, Waitaki River at Kurow, had a flood discharge of 1234 cumecs with a gauge height of 4.145 m.

Otago

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Otago
Comments:

CauseOn the 8th and 9th of March, a tropical depression of Fijian origin was located off the west coast of the South Island. This depression was squeezed between two anti-cyclones, and split into three low-pressure systems, the most vigorous of which moved rapidly without warning across the South Island and passed into the Pacific through North Otago. The east and south-east air flow on its lower side subjected the coastal strip of East Otago between Oamaru and the Nuggets to torrential rainfalls between 11-17mm in 24 hours.

CommentThere was flooding and chaos in North Otago after five yaers of drought was broken by heavy rain throughout Otago.

CommentLate on the night of the 10th, heavy rain was falling in Alexandra, Ranfurly and Queenstown.

ImpactRoyal NZ Navy survey ship was delayed in departing from the Port of Otago on the 10th as they were awaiting crew members by train.

CommentRainfall on the 8th was the most intense rainfall in North Otago since September 1963. The total rainfall was the greatest rainfall in 40 years

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

ImpactDry watercourses became raging torrents. The rivers overflowed banks and spilled across farms.

Affected LifelineRoad and rail communication was cut between Oamaru and Dunedin in a number of places.

CommentThe heavy rain was mostly confined to within 16 and 24 km from the coast. The heaviest rainfalls and greatest damage occurred between Herbert in the north and Mosgiel in the south.

DamageThere was severe damage to road and railway bridges and communications, houses, crops, local body services including city waterworks and fences.

DamageThere was severe damage to land, river and stream banks and protection works.

Stock DamageLoss of stock occurred.

DamageDamage occurred in the Big Kuri, Trotter's, Kartigi and Pleasant River Valleys, the lower Waikouaiti flood plain, the Waitati, Upper Leith and Silverstream. Heavy to moderate damage was sustained in the lower Kaikoura, Green Island, Lindsay's Creek, Meggatburn Area, Taieri River Trust Area, Palmerston Creek, Island Stream and Waianakarua River. Lighter damage occurred in the Kakanui, Shag, Middlemarch, Tokomairiro and Clutha Areas and in Milton Borough

Insurance ClaimThere were 170 Earthquake and War Damage Commission claims for flood damage in the Otago area to date (20th of March).

FloodingFlooding at North Otago
Comments:

CommentLow lands of North Otago bore the brunt of deluge with Herbert being in the centre of the flood.

Affected LifelineBad scouring took place, particularly along State Highway 1, where bridge approaches in Shag Point area were dangerously undermined and the seal was washed away in sections.

Affected LifelineMain damage appeared to be confined to Katiki-Shag Point section of highway where the shoulder metal was scoured away and the sealing disappeared.

Damage CostDamage cost was estimated at well into five figures.

Affected LifelineBetween Dunedin and Hampden, the main trunk railway was undermined in several sections.

Affected LifelineThere was a slip south of Otepopo tunnel and a substantial washout left a 30 ft gap in the railway, which was reported to be 25 ft deep.

Affected LifelineThe midnight express on the 8th from Christchurch went as far as Waiapakarua but returned to Oamaru.

FloodingFlooding at South Otago
Comments:

CommentMost of South Otago had only moderate rainfall.

CommentRivers and creeks were swollen but there was little flooding except in the Milton area.

Affected LifelineRiverside roads such as the road between Balclutha and Clydevale, State Highway 92 between Balclutha and Finegand, and State Highway 91 between Balclutha and Kaitangata, were either covered or partially covered with water. State Highway 92 was closed to traffic.

Stock DamageThere were no stock losses reported in South Otago.

Crop DamageMuch of the 40% of unharvested cereal crops (such as wheat, oats and barley) were damaged by lodging and sprouting.

FloodingFlooding at West Otago
Comments:

Crop DamageAn estimated 10,000 acres (4047 ha) of wheat crops in West Otago were thought to have been destroyed.

CommentIt was the worst disaster to hit southern farming industry in decades.

Damage CostThe loss to West Otago and Southland would mean a loss of income of $4,000,000.

Crop DamageA estimated 10,000 acres (4047 ha) of oats and barley in West Otago and Southland were destroyed.

FloodingFlooding at Balclutha
Map Location: -46.23013 169.733472
Comments:

ImpactIn Balclutha, much of the area around the town hall was under water on the12th. It was thought to be caused by a buildup of storm water, although some river water was seeping through a drainage outlet.

Stock DamageNo stock reported lost.

DamageThere was no reports of damage to shops or property.

FloodingFlooding at Bruce County
Comments:

Damage CostThe damage to roads in the Bruce County was approximately $6000-$8000 ($93,200-124,200 2009 dollars).

CommentThe areas most affected were Glenledi, north branch and Adams Flat.

CommentThe main problem was that culverts on roads were unable to cope with the high flow of water.

Affected LifelineCreeks were choked with growth unable to handle the flow. Streams flowed down several roads, stripping metal from the surface and depositing it in unrecoverable areas.

FloodingFlooding at Clutha River
Map Location: -46.203535 169.699318
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicClutha River was running at approximately 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) above normal over the 8th and 9th.

Physical CharacteristicOn the 12th, the Clutha River was running at 7 ft (2.13 m) above normal. It spilled onto low-lying roads and some small unprotected river flats between Cyldevale and Clutha.

CommentThe river reached its peak at Clyde at approximately 1pm on the 12th.

Peak DischargeOn the 12th, Clutha River at Lowburn Ferry Bridge had a maximum annual flood discharge of 899 cumecs with a catchment area of 6211 km^2 with a gauge height of 2.134 m.

Physical CharacteristicOn the 13th, Clutha River at Balclutha had a flood discharge of 2072 cumecs with a catchment area of 20,306 km^2 with a gauge height of 21.001 m.

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

Physical CharacteristicDunedin city recorded well over 6 in (15.24 cm) of rain in 24 hours.

Physical CharacteristicMaori Hill recorded 4.29 in (10.90 cm) of rain in 24 hours to 9am on the 9th.

Physical CharacteristicMaori Hill recorded 2.36 in (6.00 cm) of rain in 24 hours to 9am on the 10th.

Physical CharacteristicMusselburgh recorded 3.58 in (9.09 cm) of rain in 24 hours to 9am on the 9th. The intensities of rainfall at Musselburgh were considerably higher than those of the 1928 storm.

Physical CharacteristicMusselburgh recorded 2.81 in (7.14 cm) of rain in 24 hours to 9am on the 10th.

CommentThis rainfall was the heaviest recorded in Dunedin since December 4th, 1938 and more than twice the average rainfall for the month.

CommentMore rain fell steadily on the afternoon and evening of the 10th in Dunedin.

CommentThe rainfall at Maori Hill was the highest on record for March and the third highest ever recorded.

Physical CharacteristicThe 24 hour rainfall total of 6.21 inches (15.77 cm) had been exceeded only once in 76 years. It was considered a one in 50 year rainfall.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicOn the 9th, the Waters of Leith at the University, had a flood discharge of 113 cumecs with a catchment area of 43.5 km^2 with a gauge height of 2.438 m.

Affected LifelineRoad and rail communications to the north and south were cut, but all resumed on the night of the 10th.

ImpactHouses were flooded.

Affected LifelineThe motorway north of Dunedin was washed out in two places by flood waters on the night of the 8th. About halfway along the motorway, a stretch of roadway 24.4 m long dropped from sight down a hillside. A new section of road on the Kilmog, north of Dunedin, was seriously damaged.

Affected LifelineThe route into Dunedin was closed from approximately 9:30am on the 9th to noon on the 10th to all but essential traffic.

Affected LifelineThe repairs to gaping holes in the road took around two weeks.

Affected LifelineAll rail services to and from Dunedin were cancelled on the 9th. The line between Dunedin and Oamaru was blocked by several minor slips and two large washouts at Hampden and Goodwood which occurred early in the morning of the 9th. The line south of Duendin was blocked on the 9th by flooding at Waihola and a slight slip at Clarksville.

Physical CharacteristicA house in Harden Street in Leith Valley, had up to 2 ft (0.61 m) of water flowing through at 7am on the 10th and some gardens were damaged.

CommentPine Hill Creek flooded in the early morning of the 10th. Flooding became worse later in day with rain pelting down between 1pm-3pm

Damage CostThe first estimate of flood damage in Dunedin was tens of thousands of dollars.

DamageThe hardest hit areas were North-East Valley and areas near the head waters of the Water of Leith.

CommentThe Leith didn't overflow its banks at any stage, but floodwaters rose to an unprecedented height.

EvacueesThere was a temporary evacuation of several homes in Harden Street on the morning of the 9th.

Affected LifelineThe roadway next to the stream was cut away along Malvern Street by raging floodwaters.

Affected LifelineThe city water supply was damaged at Sullivans Reservoir, where a slip threatened a supply line and one of the two mains leading from the reservoir was washed away.

ImpactLindsay's Creek overflowed in North-East Valley and France and Selwyn Streets received the bulk of the water.

Affected LifelineThere was trouble caused by the blocking of Kaikorai Stream. It resulted in Kaikorai Valley Road being turned into a small river for a short time on the 9th.

Affected LifelineKaikorai Stream washed out a water main to part of Green Island Borough.

ImpactThere were dozens of reports of flooding throughout Dunedin which were received by the city engineer's department.

ImpactSouth Dunedin was awash for several hours on the afternoon of the 9th when Portobello pumping station became blocked with debris.

Affected Lifeline2500 telephone subscribers were cut off.

ImpactAs a result of excessive rainfall, a small amount of petrol seeped from a tank at Atlantic Union Oil Company's terminal yard in Jutland Street.

Damage CostThe business of Wolfenden and Russell had "several thousand dollars worth" of goods damaged by water. Water entered the front of the shop early in the morning then appeared to subside, but later rose to a much higher level, in some places 1 ft (0.30 m).

Insurance ClaimThere were 154 Earthquake and War Damage Commission claims for flood damage to date on the 16th of March.

Damage CostThe damage to public propertyv was estimated at $34,650 ($538,100 2009 dollars) for 110 houses or commercial buildings which were flooded.

Damage94 houses were flooded on the flat. 10 houses were flooded in North-East Valley and six were flooded in Kaikorai Valley, Leith Valley and Sommerville Street.

Damage Cost Up to March 14th, $3,600 ($55,900 2009 dollars) had been spent on the cost of clearing slips and scours but further repairs would cost $15,000 ($232,900 2009 dollars).

Damage CostThe cost of work in the Water of Leith and Lindsays Creek was $7550 ($117,200 2009 dollars).

Damage CostThe cost of repairing damage to the water supply installations was estimated at $8500 ($132,000 2009 dollars).

Damage CostThe cost of extending the bridge over the north bank of Lindsays Creek, to prevent future scouring, was $13,000 ($201,900 2009 dollars).

Damage CostThe cost of the small pumping station provided at end of Felix Street was $2000 ($31,000 2009 dollars).

Damage CostThe cost of modifications to screens near the Musselburgh pumping station were approximately $800 ($12,400 2009 dollars).

Damage CostThe cost of the council's share of flood damaged roads was approximately $10,700 ($166,200 2009 dollars).

Affected LifelineThe Otago Peninsula suffered under the weekend deluge and small private roads suffered badly. Irvine Road at the Cove lost much of its surface and became a waterfall during the worst of the downpour.

LandslideLandslide
Comments:

Affected LifelineThere were many slips on Portobello Road and Harington Point highway. A man narrowly escaped when a slip came down from cliff he was standing below in Portobello Road. The debris completely blocked the road.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Enfield
Map Location: -45.041243 170.866267
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicEnfield recorded 3.52 in (8.94 cm) of rain in 24 hours.

FloodingFlooding at Hampden
Map Location: -45.3273 170.81957
Comments:

Affected LifelineA bus was abandoned in floodwaters on State Highway 1 at Kaka Creek, north of Hampden, on the morning of the 9th. Water was covering the seats and lapping the top of the dashboard. The driver and single passenger escaped out of the roof dome.

CommentWater rose rapidly and at one stage it rose four inches in ten minutes.

DamageAbout 3000 copies of the Otago Daily Times were ruined by water.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Herbert
Map Location: -45.22545 170.78766
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicHerbert recorded 7.24 in (18.39 cm) of rain in 12 hours.

FloodingFlooding at Karitane
Map Location: -45.78096 170.53094
Comments:

CommentA 9 ft (2.74 m) gap down to sea level was made in the sandhills at Karitane by Waikouaiti River and the sea.

FloodingFlooding at Kawarau River
Map Location: -45.020175 168.966862
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicOn the 12th, Kawarau River at Chards Road had a flood discharge of 350 cumecs with a catchment area of 4367 km^2 with a gauge height of 5.639 m.

FloodingFlooding at Macandrew Bay
Map Location: -45.868491 170.599784
Comments:

Damage CostMost serious damage to schools was done at the North-East Harbour School at Macandrew Bay by washed out soil, silt movements and blocked drains. It was estimated that it would cost an estimated $1000 ($15,500 2009 dollars) to repair.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Momona Airport
Map Location: -45.917509 170.223166
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicMomona Airport recorded 3.39 in (8.61 cm) of rain in 24 hours to 9am on the 9th.

Physical CharacteristicMomona Airport recorded 2.82 in (7.16 cm) of rain in 24 hours to 9am on the 10th.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Oamaru
Map Location: -45.087138 170.980874
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicOamaru recorded 5.05 in (12.83 cm) of rain in 24 hours.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

ImpactPeople in low-lying sections woke to find furniture floating about and water flowing under their beds.

ImpactAt the north end, residents were generally the worst off, also those on the hill with their homes in depressions were surrounded with water.

ImpactAlong the flat at the north end, water was spilling off hills and brought with it yards of clay and debris, which blocked water channels and stormwater drains.

CommentThe north end was like a lake as dawn broke on the 9th.

ImpactSome streets and residential properties were covered with ankle-deep sludge.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Outram
Map Location: -45.859829 170.220115
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicOutram recorded 4.13 in (10.49 cm) of rain in 24 hours on the night of the 8th. This rainfall surpassed the previous rainfall one day record which occurred on January 23, 1966.

Physical CharacteristicOutram recorded 5.24 in (13.31 cm) of rain in 48 hours from the 8th to the 10th.

FloodingFlooding at Palmerston
Map Location: -45.483857 170.721017
Comments:

Stock Damage800 sheep had been reported lost by the 12th.

Crop DamageConsiderable acreages of standing crops were destroyed and miles of fences were swept down.

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

Physical CharacteristicWater didn't come near danger level in the contour channel at Taieri or in the Taieri River. The gauge reached 13 ft 4 in (4.06 m).

ImpactOwhiro Stream and Silver Stream overflowed their banks, flooding buildings and land.

AreaApproximately 2500 acres (1012 ha) of land on the Taieri Plain was under water.

Impact500 acres (202 ha) of land that was under water, on lower Taieri, was caused by the overflow of the recently completed contour channel. 300 acres (121 ha) was under water from the Meggetburn near Berwick.

CommentBoth Clutha River and Taieri River took a long time to return to their normal levels.

CommentThe ponding on East Taieri wouldn't subside until the level of the river returned to normal.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Tokomairiro area
Map Location: -46.182546 169.996672
Comments:

ImpactHeavy rain in the Tokomairiro catchment area on the night of the 8th and the morning of the 9th caused flooding of a wide area near Milton.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

ImpactA North Branch farmer found his flat land under water in the morning.

Crop DamageWater moved quickly, flooding paddocks of wheat and turnips.

CommentIn minutes creeks rose from trickles to surging torrents 46 m wide.

ImpactHuge logs were carried downstream on the Salmonds Creek branch of Tokomairiro River and had to be hauled out.

Affected LifelineState Highway 1 between Clarksville and Milton was under water on the afternoon of the 9th.

CommentApart from an isolated cloudburst at Glenore, most rain fell in coastal areas.

Affected LifelineMany roads were damaged by water. Glenledi Road was closed because of damage to Sadlers Bridge and lakeside road to Kaitangata was closed for several days because of water damage.

FloodingFlooding at Waitaki County
Map Location: -44.68553 170.42406
Comments:

Damage CostThe damage in Waitaki County was estimated to run into five figures.

Affected LifelineThere were two really serious washouts. A bridge into Maraeweka was demolished and a serious washout on Breakneck Road was impassable to traffic.

Affected LifelineHorse Range Road was closed.

FloodingFlooding at Waitati River
Map Location: -45.78096 170.53094
Comments:

Affected LifelineWaitati Stream was swollen to a torrent and in one place along the road approximately 3/4 of the road width was washed away for a distance of 4 chains (80.5 m).

Southland

FloodingFlooding at Southland
Comments:

Crop DamageIt was estimated that 30,000 acres (12,141 ha) of wheat crops in Southland were destroyed (which was 80% of the district's planted wheat crop).

References

Hydrology Annual, No. 16, 1968, Part 1, R. E. Owen, 1969, Government Printer, Wellington, Water and Soil Division, New Zealand
Major weather events in New Zealand, FLOODS AND HIGH RAINFALL, Floods to 31st July 2006
NEW ZEALAND OFFICIAL YEARBOOK, 1969, 74th Issue, Department of Statistics, Wellington, A.R.Shearer, Government Printer
Headline: Coastal Otago Ravaged by Unprecedented Rain.
Otago Daily Times, 11 March 1968.
Headline: Damage in City Estimated at Thousands of Dollars.
Otago Daily Times, 11 March 1968.
Headline: Five-year Drought Ends.
Otago Daily Times, 11 March 1968.
Headline: Over 6in of Rain Fell in Two Days.
Otago Daily Times, 11 March 1968.
Headline: Took Refuge in Baths.
Otago Daily Times, 11 March 1968.
Headline: Weather Today.
Otago Daily Times, 11 March 1968.
Headline: Daily Times Driver Makes Hasty Exit.
Otago Daily Times, 13 March 1968.
Headline: West Otago Crops Destroyed in Flood.
Otago Daily Times, 13 March 1968.
Headline: Flood Damage to Roads Estimated Over $6,000.
Otago Daily Times, 14 March 1968.
Headline: Water Causes Costly Damage.
Otago Daily Times, 15 March 1968.
Headline: Flood Claims Total 154.
Otago Daily Times, 16 March 1968.
Headline: Flood Damage Bill $34,650.
Otago Daily Times, 20 March 1968.
Otago Regional Council: Flooding History (http://www.orc.govt.nz)
Owen, R.E. (1969). Hydrology Annual No.16, 1968. Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Council. Wellington, NZ: The Ministry of Works.