NZ Historic Weather Events Catalogue
March 2007 Northland Flooding
(
2007-03-28
)
150 years
Northland and Auckland experienced high winds and heavy rain. Extreme rainfall in parts of Northland brought extensive flooding, causing disruption and millions of dollars of damage to public and private property.
North Island
Multi Hazard
at
North Island
Duration: 3 days - From the 28th to the 30th of March.
An active depression moved south-east from the north Tasman Sea and was 'squeezed' against a stationary blocking area of high pressure to the east of New Zealand, over the Chatham Islands. This resulted in moist subtropical air masses from the north-east being pulled south across the Northland region, bringing heavy rain and high winds.
Insurance claims for the storm total $12.5 million.
Northland
Heavy Rain
at
Northland
Parts of Northland recorded 450 mm (45.0 cm) of rain in 36 hours.
Northland experienced some of the heaviest rain in 50 years.
The event had an estimated Return Period of 150 years.
The total rainfall greatly exceeded expectations.
The heaviest rain fell for over 8-10 hours.
The rainfall intensity was extreme, with some locations receiving over 40 mm/hr (4.0 cm/hr).
Flooding
Floods blocked roads north of Whangarei.
About 260 people required emergency accommodation on the night of the 29th.
As many as 3000 hectares of Far North farmland were thought to be affected.
High Wind / Gust
Trees were felled.
Landslide
Numerous landslides occurred. Some damaged main access routes and closed tourist attractions.
Landslides undermined or engulfed some buildings. Damage was done to commercial properties around Northland through landslips.
Multi Hazard
Power and phone services were cut in some areas. Telephone services were cut to 1000 homes. About 2000 homes were without power or phone services during the peak of the flooding.
State Highway 1 was completely blocked in at least three places between Whangarei and Ruakaka.
State Highway 11A between Opua and Kawakawa was still closed on the 2nd.
Dozens of cars were damaged.
228 individual properties were flooded or damaged, including up to 50 business premises. 121 homes were flooded, and 50 properties had structural damage.
Flooding and landslide damage appeared to be the worst in places where dwellings or assets had been situated in precarious locations.
The total repair bill was estimated at $80 million ($85,000,000 2008 dollars), including $20 million ($21,000,000 2008 dollars) for roading and $60 million ($64,000,000 2008 dollars) for damage to property and infrastructure.
Farmers in the region estimated the total cost to their livelihood would be around $20 million ($21,000,000 2008 dollars).
2569 insurance claims were lodged.
Insurance claims totalled $12.5 million ($13,300,000 2008 dollars).
Residential home and contents claims cost $6,350,000 ($6,770,000 2008 dollars).
Commercial claims cost $4,280,000 ($4,560,000 2008 dollars).
Business interruption/loss of profits cost $322,000 ($343,000 2008 dollars).
Motor vehicle claims cost $900,000 ($960,000 2008 dollars).
272 claims were made to the Earthquake Commission.
The claims to the Earthquake Commission totalled $5.9 million ($6,300,000 2008 dollars).
In May 2007, 17 properties were uninhabitable and 45 were "at risk".
The floods caused $7 million ($7,500,000 2008 dollars) damage to Whangarei District Council infrastructure, $6.5 million ($6,900,000 2008 dollars) to district roads.
The estimated cost to individuals, business and the Far North District Council for the March and July floods was $85 million ($89,000,000 2008 dollars).
Multi Hazard
at
Bay of Islands
About 200 vehicles were stranded on State Highway 10 in the Bay of Islands.
Bay of Islands residents in Paihia, Haruru Falls, Waitangi, Opua and Kawakawa had to boil all drinking water from the 29th till the 2nd. Water from taps was discoloured and muddy.
In the more severely affected areas - Paihia, Opua and Russell - 65 houses were damaged either by flood water inundation or slips. Of those, 23 houses were declared dangerous and uninhabitable and five more were close to the dangerous category.
Heavy Rain
at
Brynderwyn
North Brynderwyn Hills recorded 34 mm (3.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
North Brynderwyn Hills recorded 195.5 mm (19.6 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
North Brynderwyn Hills recorded 4.5 mm (0.5 cm) of rain in the 6.5 hours from 12am to 6:30am on the 30th.
Heavy Rain
at
Cape Brett
Cape Brett recorded 126 mm (12.6 cm) of rai in the 29 hours to 2pm on the 29th.
Heavy Rain
at
Dargaville
Dargaville recorded 15 mm (1.5 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
Dargaville recorded 46.5 mm (4.7 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Dargaville recorded 0.5 mm (0.1 cm) of rain in the 6.5 hours from 12am to 6:30am on the 30th.
Flooding
at
Doubtless Bay
Sewage spills occurred at Doubtless Bay.
Heavy Rain
at
Glenbervie
East Whangarei (Glenbervie Hills) recorded 104 mm (10.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
East Whangarei (Glenbervie Hills) recorded 332 mm (33.2 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
East Whangarei (Glenbervie Hills) recorded 1.5 mm (0.2 cm) of rain in the 6.5 hours from 12am to 6:30am on the 30th.
Flooding
at
Haruru
The Waitangi River burst its banks at Haruru, inundating Haruru Falls Resort.
The resort was 2 m under water. Flood waters lapped at the front door of the reception area, normally 100m away from the river.
A jetty was washed away along with all the kayaks.
The flooding was worse that Cyclone Bola in 1988.
At Haruru Falls Motor Inn, the campground was flooded, three caravans had to be tied down, and one guest had to be rescuced from the rocks.
Multi Hazard
Haruru Falls Resort was destroyed, with only four out of 28 units remaining. Four were crushed by a landslide and washed away, and the rest were totally flooded.
About 20 people were evacuated from the resort.
Multi Hazard
at
Helena Bay
The coastal Helena Bay Road was blocked.
Flooding
at
Hikurangi Swamp
Hikurangi Swamp was heavily flooded and large areas of pasture were destroyed.
Flood waters covered more than 5000 hectares of farmland.
Stock losses were described as light, as many farmers had heeded the rain warnings. On farm lost 170 young stock and dairy cows.
In the Hikurangi area, the Wairua River rose 3.5 m in two and a half hours.
Heavy Rain
at
Kaeo
Kaeo recorded 131 mm (13.1 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
Kaeo recorded 190.5 mm (19.1 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Kaeo recorded 0.5 mm (0.1 cm) of rain in the 6.5 hours from 12am to 6:30am on the 30th.
One-in-150 year AEP (annual exceedence probability) rainfall occurred in Kaeo, the hills west of Kerikeri and the hills north of Whangarei.
Flooding
Flood waters blocked road access to Kaeo.
The waters were up to 1m deep.
The flood swamped the Kaeo Rugby Club rooms, leaving a $250,000 ($270,000 2008 dollars) damage bill.
The flood waters in the club rooms were 1.4 m deep.
Heavy Rain
at
Kaikohe
Kaikohe recorded 139.4 mm (13.9 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 8am on the 29th.
Flooding
Emergency shelters were set up at Kaikohe.
Heavy Rain
at
Kaitaia
Kaitaia recorded 53.5 mm (5.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
Kaitaia recorded 25.5 mm (2.6 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Kaitaia recorded 0.5 mm (0.1 cm) of rain in the 6.5 hours from 12am to 6:30am on the 30th.
Heavy Rain
at
Kawakawa
Torrential rain forced Kawakawa school to close.
Flooding
A 14-year-old girl clung for her life to a tree after capsizing while kayaking in the Kawakawa inlet.
There were flood waters 2 m high.
Roads were peeled away by the flooding.
Sewage spills occurred at Kawakawa.
Emergency shelters were set up at Kawakawa.
Multi Hazard
About 100 people were taken from school buses and tourist buses into the Kawakawa St Johns Ambulance centre due to floods and slips.
Heavy Rain
at
Kerikeri
Kerikeri recorded 400 mm (40.0 cm) of rain in 36 hours.
The hills west of Kerikeri town received 400 mm (40.0 cm) of rain.
Kerikeri recorded 419 mm (41.9 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
One-in-150 year AEP (annual exceedence probability) rainfall occurred in Kaeo, the hills west of Kerikeri and the hills north of Whangarei.
Flooding
Some parents were unable to reach their children at Kerikeri High School and Kerikeri Primary School.
Sewage spills occurred at Kerikeri.
The historic Kerikeri Stone Store was surrounded by water.
Several houses were inundated by flood waters.
Multi Hazard
Emergency shelters were set up at Kerikeri.
Kerikeri was left without power.
Water main breaks occurred in Kerikeri.
Heavy Rain
at
Mangamuka
East Mangamuka (Mangakawakawa) recorded 99 mm (9.9 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
East Mangamuka (Mangakawakawa) recorded 65.5 mm (6.6 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Heavy Rain
at
Mangawhai
Mangawhai recorded 43.5 mm (4.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
Mangawhai recorded 280.5 mm (28.1 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Mangawhai recorded 16.5 mm (1.7 cm) of rain in the 6.5 hours from 12am to 6:30am on the 30th.
Flooding
at
Mangonui
Sewage spills occurred at Mangonui.
Heavy Rain
at
Marsden Point
Marsden Point recorded 42 mm (4.2 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
Marsden Point recorded 251 mm (25.1 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Marsden Point recorded 2 mm (0.2 cm) of rain in the 6.5 hours from 12am to 6:30am on the 30th.
Heavy Rain
at
Maungaparerua Hill
Western Hills Kerikeri (Maungaparerua) recorded 175 mm (17.5 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
Western Hills Kerikeri (Maungaparerua) recorded 229 mm (22.9 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Western Hills Kerikeri (Maungaparerua) recorded 0.5 mm (0.1 cm) of rain in the 6.5 hours from 12am to 6:30am on the 30th.
Heavy Rain
at
Maungaturoto
Maungaturoto recorded 20.5 mm (2.1 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
Maungaturoto recorded 130.5 mm (13.1 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Maungaturoto recorded 1 mm (0.1 cm) of rain in the 6.5 hours from 12am to 6:30am on the 30th.
Heavy Rain
at
Oakura Bay
Oakura Bay recorded 85.5 mm (8.6 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
Oakura Bay recorded 285 mm (28.5 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Oakura Bay recorded 0.5 mm (0.1 cm) of rain in the 6.5 hours from 12am to 6:30am on the 30th.
Heavy Rain
at
Ohaeawai
Ohaeawai recorded 110.5 mm (11.1 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
Ohaeawai recorded 153 mm (15.3 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Heavy Rain
at
Opononi
Opononi recorded 36.5 mm (3.7 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
Opononi recorded 43.5 mm (4.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Opononi recorded 0.5 mm (0.1 cm) of rain in the 6.5 hours from 12am to 6:30am on the 30th.
Heavy Rain
at
Opouteke
Oputeke recorded 63 mm (6.3 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
Oputeke recorded 79 mm (7.9 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Landslide
at
Opua
Cliff-top slips endangered several homes at Opua.
Police urged residents in Beechy Road, Franklin Road and Richardson Road to evacuate their homes. About 60 people were evacuated from Opua properties endagered by cliff-top slips.
Multi Hazard
Water main breaks occurred in Opua.
Homes were damaged in Opua.
Landslide
at
Paihia
Paihia was isolated by 23 slips on the road from the south into the township.
Sewage spills occurred at Paihia.
Flooding
Paihia was also isolated with flooding on State Highway 11A between Paihia and Puketona Junction, flooding between Paihia and Opua and between Opua and Kawakawa.
Multi Hazard
Water main breaks occurred in Paihia.
Homes were damaged in Paihia.
Heavy Rain
at
Paparoa
Paparoa recorded 17.5 mm (1.8 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
Paparoa recorded 97.5 mm (9.8 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Flooding
at
Portland
State Highway 1 was flooded anf closed near Portland, south of Whangarei.
Heavy Rain
at
Pouto Point
Pouto Point recorded 7.5 mm (0.8 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
Pouto Point recorded 32 mm (3.2 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Pouto Point recorded 0.5 mm (0.1 cm) of rain in the 6.5 hours from 12am to 6:30am on the 30th.
Heavy Rain
at
Puhipuhi
Puhipuhi Hills recorded 99 mm (9.9 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
Puhipuhi Hills recorded 335.5 mm (33.6 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Puhipuhi Hills recorded 1.5 mm (0.2 cm) of rain in the 6.5 hours from 12am to 6:30am on the 30th.
Flooding
at
Puketona
About 200 vehicles trying to get to Paihia were trapped on State Highway 10 at Puketona Junction. State Highway 10 was blocked at Bulls Gorge north of the Junction and at Oramahoe south of the Junction.
Flooding
at
Punaruku
A man and his children were trapped on the roof of their house on Old Russel Road after flooding cut off their home.
Heavy Rain
at
Rotokakahi
North Hokianga (Rotokakahi) recorded 43.5 mm (4.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
North Hokianga (Rotokakahi) recorded 27 mm (2.7 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
North Hokianga (Rotokakahi) recorded 1 mm (0.1 cm) of rain in the 6.5 hours from 12am to 6:30am on the 30th.
Flooding
at
Ruakaka
A service station at Ruakaka was flooded.
Multi Hazard
at
Russell
Russell was without power overnight on the 29th/30th.
Slips and flooding occurred between Russell and Okiato Point.
Homes were damaged in Russell.
Flooding
Russell was isolated by road, with flooding on the alternate access route via Waikare Road to Kawakawa
Heavy Rain
at
Te Rore
West Mangamuka (Te Rore) recorded 54 mm (5.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
West Mangamuka (Te Rore) recorded 37.5 mm (3.8 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Heavy Rain
at
Tutamoe
Tutamoe recorded 78.5 mm (7.9 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
Tutamoe recorded 76.5 mm (7.7 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Tutamoe recorded 0.5 mm (0.1 cm) of rain in the 6.5 hours from 12am to 6:30am on the 30th.
Heavy Rain
at
Twin Bridges
Twin Bridges recorded 51 mm (5.1 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
Twin Bridges recorded 68.5 mm (6.9 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Twin Bridges recorded 0.5 mm (0.1 cm) of rain in the 6.5 hours from 12am to 6:30am on the 30th.
Flooding
at
Waiomio
A house at Waioimo was flooded.
Flooding
at
Waipapa
Emergency shelters were set up at Waipapa and Kaikohe.
Heavy Rain
at
Whangarei
Whangarei Airport recorded 244 mm (24.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 8am on the 29th.
Whangarei Airport recorded 180 mm (18.0 cm) of rain in the 9 hours from 10am to 7pm on the 28th.
Whangarei Airport recorded 40.6 mm (4.1 cm) of rain in the hour from 1pm to 2pm on the 28th.
Whangarei City recorded 45.5 mm (4.6 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
Whangarei City recorded 222 mm (22.2 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Whangarei City recorded 3 mm (0.3 cm) of rain in the 6.5 hours from 12am to 6:30am on the 30th.
One-in-150 year AEP (annual exceedence probability) rainfall occurred in Kaeo, the hills west of Kerikeri and the hills north of Whangarei.
Flooding
Flood waters closed roads and businesses in the Whangarei CBD.
Several businesses in Whangarei's Commerce Street were evacuated. The working population was told to go home on the afternoon of the 29th as the water level in the reservoir rose.
The water in the reservoir reached within 300 mm of the back-up spillway crest.
Emergency shelters were set up in Whangarei.
At least 200 homes were flooded in Whangarei.
There was a break in the sewage main servicing most of Whangarei city, causing large amounts of raw effluent to be spilt into the upper Whangarei Harbour on the 1st. About 10,000 cubic metres of sewage flowed into the harbour.
Flooding
at
Whangaroa
Sewage spills occurred at Whangaroa.
Auckland
High Wind / Gust
at
Auckland
In greater Auckland more than 3000 houses lost power on the 29th, in Northcote, Te Atatu, Waiheke and Kaukapakapa.
Multi Hazard
There was severe motorway conjestion across the city, the worst affected areas being northbound from Penrose to the harbour bridge.
High Wind / Gust
at
Auckland City
A man cheated death when a 15m eucalyptus tree blew over and crushed the car he was sitting in at Auckland Domain.
Multi Hazard
at
Great Barrier Island
On the 29th, Great Barrier Island was cut off from transport to the mainland, with no flights or boats in or out.
Heavy Rain
Heavy rain fell on Great Barrier Island.
Heavy Rain
at
Whangaparaoa Peninsula
Whangaparoa Peninsula recorded 123.8 mm (12.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 8pm on the 29th.
References
- Headline: Castaways forced to rough it for real.
- The New Zealand Herald, 30 March 2007.
- Headline: Chaos in the rain.
- The New Zealand Herald, 30 March 2007.
- Headline: Motorist has close shave in Domain.
- The New Zealand Herald, 30 March 2007.
- Headline: 'One-in-50-years' storm.
- The New Zealand Herald, 30 March 2007.
- Headline: Weather 'eggbeater' whips country's north.
- The New Zealand Herald, 30 March 2007.
- Headline: Storm was a one-in-150-year event.
- The New Zealand Herald, 31 March 2007.
- Headline: Sewage discharge sets back flooding clean-up.
- The New Zealand Herald, 1 April 2007.
- Headline: Farmers count the cost as region tries to shake off storm.
- The New Zealand Herald, 2 April 2007.
- Headline: Rates rise and loan to pay for storm's damage.
- The New Zealand Herald, Source: Tony Gee, 25 May 2007.
- Headline: More rain spells worse days ahead for Far North.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 16 July 2007.
- NIWA and GNS Science. (2007). Natural Hazards 2007, Hazards summary 2007, Focus on the Northland Floods, p7.
- NIWA and GNS Science. (2007). Natural Hazards 2007, Insurance, 2007 - an expensive year for the insurance industry, p13.
- Headline: Rugby club rising again - Wave of support after flooding.
- www.northernadvocate.co.nz, 13 October 2008.
- www.nrc.govt.nz. Northland Regional Council - Rainfall Data.
- Headline: Floods sweep houses, people away.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Richard Edmondson and Michael Field, 29 March 2007.
- Headline: Heavy rain headed for Bay of Plenty, Gisborne.
- www.stuff.co.nz, 30 March 2007.
- Headline: Time to count cost of flood damage.
- www.stuff.co.nz, 30 March 2007.
- Headline: Costly year for natural disasters.
- www.stuff.co.nz, 3 May 2008.
- Headline: Far North mops up.
- tvnz.co.nz, 30 March 2007.
- Headline: Flood damage still being assessed.
- tvnz.co.nz, 2 April 2007.
- Insurance Council of New Zealand (www.icnz.org.nz/current/weather)
March 2007 Northland Flooding
(
2007-03-28
)
150 years
Northland and Auckland experienced high winds and heavy rain. Extreme rainfall in parts of Northland brought extensive flooding, causing disruption and millions of dollars of damage to public and private property.
North Island
Multi Hazard
at
North Island
Duration: 3 days - From the 28th to the 30th of March.
An active depression moved south-east from the north Tasman Sea and was 'squeezed' against a stationary blocking area of high pressure to the east of New Zealand, over the Chatham Islands. This resulted in moist subtropical air masses from the north-east being pulled south across the Northland region, bringing heavy rain and high winds.
Insurance claims for the storm total $12.5 million.
Northland
Heavy Rain
at
Northland
Parts of Northland recorded 450 mm (45.0 cm) of rain in 36 hours.
Northland experienced some of the heaviest rain in 50 years.
The event had an estimated Return Period of 150 years.
The total rainfall greatly exceeded expectations.
The heaviest rain fell for over 8-10 hours.
The rainfall intensity was extreme, with some locations receiving over 40 mm/hr (4.0 cm/hr).
Flooding
Floods blocked roads north of Whangarei.
About 260 people required emergency accommodation on the night of the 29th.
As many as 3000 hectares of Far North farmland were thought to be affected.
High Wind / Gust
Trees were felled.
Landslide
Numerous landslides occurred. Some damaged main access routes and closed tourist attractions.
Landslides undermined or engulfed some buildings. Damage was done to commercial properties around Northland through landslips.
Multi Hazard
Power and phone services were cut in some areas. Telephone services were cut to 1000 homes. About 2000 homes were without power or phone services during the peak of the flooding.
State Highway 1 was completely blocked in at least three places between Whangarei and Ruakaka.
State Highway 11A between Opua and Kawakawa was still closed on the 2nd.
Dozens of cars were damaged.
228 individual properties were flooded or damaged, including up to 50 business premises. 121 homes were flooded, and 50 properties had structural damage.
Flooding and landslide damage appeared to be the worst in places where dwellings or assets had been situated in precarious locations.
The total repair bill was estimated at $80 million ($85,000,000 2008 dollars), including $20 million ($21,000,000 2008 dollars) for roading and $60 million ($64,000,000 2008 dollars) for damage to property and infrastructure.
Farmers in the region estimated the total cost to their livelihood would be around $20 million ($21,000,000 2008 dollars).
2569 insurance claims were lodged.
Insurance claims totalled $12.5 million ($13,300,000 2008 dollars).
Residential home and contents claims cost $6,350,000 ($6,770,000 2008 dollars).
Commercial claims cost $4,280,000 ($4,560,000 2008 dollars).
Business interruption/loss of profits cost $322,000 ($343,000 2008 dollars).
Motor vehicle claims cost $900,000 ($960,000 2008 dollars).
272 claims were made to the Earthquake Commission.
The claims to the Earthquake Commission totalled $5.9 million ($6,300,000 2008 dollars).
In May 2007, 17 properties were uninhabitable and 45 were "at risk".
The floods caused $7 million ($7,500,000 2008 dollars) damage to Whangarei District Council infrastructure, $6.5 million ($6,900,000 2008 dollars) to district roads.
The estimated cost to individuals, business and the Far North District Council for the March and July floods was $85 million ($89,000,000 2008 dollars).
Multi Hazard
at
Bay of Islands
About 200 vehicles were stranded on State Highway 10 in the Bay of Islands.
Bay of Islands residents in Paihia, Haruru Falls, Waitangi, Opua and Kawakawa had to boil all drinking water from the 29th till the 2nd. Water from taps was discoloured and muddy.
In the more severely affected areas - Paihia, Opua and Russell - 65 houses were damaged either by flood water inundation or slips. Of those, 23 houses were declared dangerous and uninhabitable and five more were close to the dangerous category.
Heavy Rain
at
Brynderwyn
North Brynderwyn Hills recorded 34 mm (3.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
North Brynderwyn Hills recorded 195.5 mm (19.6 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
North Brynderwyn Hills recorded 4.5 mm (0.5 cm) of rain in the 6.5 hours from 12am to 6:30am on the 30th.
Heavy Rain
at
Cape Brett
Cape Brett recorded 126 mm (12.6 cm) of rai in the 29 hours to 2pm on the 29th.
Heavy Rain
at
Dargaville
Dargaville recorded 15 mm (1.5 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
Dargaville recorded 46.5 mm (4.7 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Dargaville recorded 0.5 mm (0.1 cm) of rain in the 6.5 hours from 12am to 6:30am on the 30th.
Flooding
at
Doubtless Bay
Sewage spills occurred at Doubtless Bay.
Heavy Rain
at
Glenbervie
East Whangarei (Glenbervie Hills) recorded 104 mm (10.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
East Whangarei (Glenbervie Hills) recorded 332 mm (33.2 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
East Whangarei (Glenbervie Hills) recorded 1.5 mm (0.2 cm) of rain in the 6.5 hours from 12am to 6:30am on the 30th.
Flooding
at
Haruru
The Waitangi River burst its banks at Haruru, inundating Haruru Falls Resort.
The resort was 2 m under water. Flood waters lapped at the front door of the reception area, normally 100m away from the river.
A jetty was washed away along with all the kayaks.
The flooding was worse that Cyclone Bola in 1988.
At Haruru Falls Motor Inn, the campground was flooded, three caravans had to be tied down, and one guest had to be rescuced from the rocks.
Multi Hazard
Haruru Falls Resort was destroyed, with only four out of 28 units remaining. Four were crushed by a landslide and washed away, and the rest were totally flooded.
About 20 people were evacuated from the resort.
Multi Hazard
at
Helena Bay
The coastal Helena Bay Road was blocked.
Flooding
at
Hikurangi Swamp
Hikurangi Swamp was heavily flooded and large areas of pasture were destroyed.
Flood waters covered more than 5000 hectares of farmland.
Stock losses were described as light, as many farmers had heeded the rain warnings. On farm lost 170 young stock and dairy cows.
In the Hikurangi area, the Wairua River rose 3.5 m in two and a half hours.
Heavy Rain
at
Kaeo
Kaeo recorded 131 mm (13.1 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
Kaeo recorded 190.5 mm (19.1 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Kaeo recorded 0.5 mm (0.1 cm) of rain in the 6.5 hours from 12am to 6:30am on the 30th.
One-in-150 year AEP (annual exceedence probability) rainfall occurred in Kaeo, the hills west of Kerikeri and the hills north of Whangarei.
Flooding
Flood waters blocked road access to Kaeo.
The waters were up to 1m deep.
The flood swamped the Kaeo Rugby Club rooms, leaving a $250,000 ($270,000 2008 dollars) damage bill.
The flood waters in the club rooms were 1.4 m deep.
Heavy Rain
at
Kaikohe
Kaikohe recorded 139.4 mm (13.9 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 8am on the 29th.
Flooding
Emergency shelters were set up at Kaikohe.
Heavy Rain
at
Kaitaia
Kaitaia recorded 53.5 mm (5.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
Kaitaia recorded 25.5 mm (2.6 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Kaitaia recorded 0.5 mm (0.1 cm) of rain in the 6.5 hours from 12am to 6:30am on the 30th.
Heavy Rain
at
Kawakawa
Torrential rain forced Kawakawa school to close.
Flooding
A 14-year-old girl clung for her life to a tree after capsizing while kayaking in the Kawakawa inlet.
There were flood waters 2 m high.
Roads were peeled away by the flooding.
Sewage spills occurred at Kawakawa.
Emergency shelters were set up at Kawakawa.
Multi Hazard
About 100 people were taken from school buses and tourist buses into the Kawakawa St Johns Ambulance centre due to floods and slips.
Heavy Rain
at
Kerikeri
Kerikeri recorded 400 mm (40.0 cm) of rain in 36 hours.
The hills west of Kerikeri town received 400 mm (40.0 cm) of rain.
Kerikeri recorded 419 mm (41.9 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
One-in-150 year AEP (annual exceedence probability) rainfall occurred in Kaeo, the hills west of Kerikeri and the hills north of Whangarei.
Flooding
Some parents were unable to reach their children at Kerikeri High School and Kerikeri Primary School.
Sewage spills occurred at Kerikeri.
The historic Kerikeri Stone Store was surrounded by water.
Several houses were inundated by flood waters.
Multi Hazard
Emergency shelters were set up at Kerikeri.
Kerikeri was left without power.
Water main breaks occurred in Kerikeri.
Heavy Rain
at
Mangamuka
East Mangamuka (Mangakawakawa) recorded 99 mm (9.9 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
East Mangamuka (Mangakawakawa) recorded 65.5 mm (6.6 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Heavy Rain
at
Mangawhai
Mangawhai recorded 43.5 mm (4.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
Mangawhai recorded 280.5 mm (28.1 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Mangawhai recorded 16.5 mm (1.7 cm) of rain in the 6.5 hours from 12am to 6:30am on the 30th.
Flooding
at
Mangonui
Sewage spills occurred at Mangonui.
Heavy Rain
at
Marsden Point
Marsden Point recorded 42 mm (4.2 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
Marsden Point recorded 251 mm (25.1 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Marsden Point recorded 2 mm (0.2 cm) of rain in the 6.5 hours from 12am to 6:30am on the 30th.
Heavy Rain
at
Maungaparerua Hill
Western Hills Kerikeri (Maungaparerua) recorded 175 mm (17.5 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
Western Hills Kerikeri (Maungaparerua) recorded 229 mm (22.9 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Western Hills Kerikeri (Maungaparerua) recorded 0.5 mm (0.1 cm) of rain in the 6.5 hours from 12am to 6:30am on the 30th.
Heavy Rain
at
Maungaturoto
Maungaturoto recorded 20.5 mm (2.1 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
Maungaturoto recorded 130.5 mm (13.1 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Maungaturoto recorded 1 mm (0.1 cm) of rain in the 6.5 hours from 12am to 6:30am on the 30th.
Heavy Rain
at
Oakura Bay
Oakura Bay recorded 85.5 mm (8.6 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
Oakura Bay recorded 285 mm (28.5 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Oakura Bay recorded 0.5 mm (0.1 cm) of rain in the 6.5 hours from 12am to 6:30am on the 30th.
Heavy Rain
at
Ohaeawai
Ohaeawai recorded 110.5 mm (11.1 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
Ohaeawai recorded 153 mm (15.3 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Heavy Rain
at
Opononi
Opononi recorded 36.5 mm (3.7 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
Opononi recorded 43.5 mm (4.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Opononi recorded 0.5 mm (0.1 cm) of rain in the 6.5 hours from 12am to 6:30am on the 30th.
Heavy Rain
at
Opouteke
Oputeke recorded 63 mm (6.3 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
Oputeke recorded 79 mm (7.9 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Landslide
at
Opua
Cliff-top slips endangered several homes at Opua.
Police urged residents in Beechy Road, Franklin Road and Richardson Road to evacuate their homes. About 60 people were evacuated from Opua properties endagered by cliff-top slips.
Multi Hazard
Water main breaks occurred in Opua.
Homes were damaged in Opua.
Landslide
at
Paihia
Paihia was isolated by 23 slips on the road from the south into the township.
Sewage spills occurred at Paihia.
Flooding
Paihia was also isolated with flooding on State Highway 11A between Paihia and Puketona Junction, flooding between Paihia and Opua and between Opua and Kawakawa.
Multi Hazard
Water main breaks occurred in Paihia.
Homes were damaged in Paihia.
Heavy Rain
at
Paparoa
Paparoa recorded 17.5 mm (1.8 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
Paparoa recorded 97.5 mm (9.8 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Flooding
at
Portland
State Highway 1 was flooded anf closed near Portland, south of Whangarei.
Heavy Rain
at
Pouto Point
Pouto Point recorded 7.5 mm (0.8 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
Pouto Point recorded 32 mm (3.2 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Pouto Point recorded 0.5 mm (0.1 cm) of rain in the 6.5 hours from 12am to 6:30am on the 30th.
Heavy Rain
at
Puhipuhi
Puhipuhi Hills recorded 99 mm (9.9 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
Puhipuhi Hills recorded 335.5 mm (33.6 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Puhipuhi Hills recorded 1.5 mm (0.2 cm) of rain in the 6.5 hours from 12am to 6:30am on the 30th.
Flooding
at
Puketona
About 200 vehicles trying to get to Paihia were trapped on State Highway 10 at Puketona Junction. State Highway 10 was blocked at Bulls Gorge north of the Junction and at Oramahoe south of the Junction.
Flooding
at
Punaruku
A man and his children were trapped on the roof of their house on Old Russel Road after flooding cut off their home.
Heavy Rain
at
Rotokakahi
North Hokianga (Rotokakahi) recorded 43.5 mm (4.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
North Hokianga (Rotokakahi) recorded 27 mm (2.7 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
North Hokianga (Rotokakahi) recorded 1 mm (0.1 cm) of rain in the 6.5 hours from 12am to 6:30am on the 30th.
Flooding
at
Ruakaka
A service station at Ruakaka was flooded.
Multi Hazard
at
Russell
Russell was without power overnight on the 29th/30th.
Slips and flooding occurred between Russell and Okiato Point.
Homes were damaged in Russell.
Flooding
Russell was isolated by road, with flooding on the alternate access route via Waikare Road to Kawakawa
Heavy Rain
at
Te Rore
West Mangamuka (Te Rore) recorded 54 mm (5.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
West Mangamuka (Te Rore) recorded 37.5 mm (3.8 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Heavy Rain
at
Tutamoe
Tutamoe recorded 78.5 mm (7.9 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
Tutamoe recorded 76.5 mm (7.7 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Tutamoe recorded 0.5 mm (0.1 cm) of rain in the 6.5 hours from 12am to 6:30am on the 30th.
Heavy Rain
at
Twin Bridges
Twin Bridges recorded 51 mm (5.1 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
Twin Bridges recorded 68.5 mm (6.9 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Twin Bridges recorded 0.5 mm (0.1 cm) of rain in the 6.5 hours from 12am to 6:30am on the 30th.
Flooding
at
Waiomio
A house at Waioimo was flooded.
Flooding
at
Waipapa
Emergency shelters were set up at Waipapa and Kaikohe.
Heavy Rain
at
Whangarei
Whangarei Airport recorded 244 mm (24.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 8am on the 29th.
Whangarei Airport recorded 180 mm (18.0 cm) of rain in the 9 hours from 10am to 7pm on the 28th.
Whangarei Airport recorded 40.6 mm (4.1 cm) of rain in the hour from 1pm to 2pm on the 28th.
Whangarei City recorded 45.5 mm (4.6 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 28th.
Whangarei City recorded 222 mm (22.2 cm) of rain in the 24 hours from 12am to 12am on the 29th.
Whangarei City recorded 3 mm (0.3 cm) of rain in the 6.5 hours from 12am to 6:30am on the 30th.
One-in-150 year AEP (annual exceedence probability) rainfall occurred in Kaeo, the hills west of Kerikeri and the hills north of Whangarei.
Flooding
Flood waters closed roads and businesses in the Whangarei CBD.
Several businesses in Whangarei's Commerce Street were evacuated. The working population was told to go home on the afternoon of the 29th as the water level in the reservoir rose.
The water in the reservoir reached within 300 mm of the back-up spillway crest.
Emergency shelters were set up in Whangarei.
At least 200 homes were flooded in Whangarei.
There was a break in the sewage main servicing most of Whangarei city, causing large amounts of raw effluent to be spilt into the upper Whangarei Harbour on the 1st. About 10,000 cubic metres of sewage flowed into the harbour.
Flooding
at
Whangaroa
Sewage spills occurred at Whangaroa.
Auckland
High Wind / Gust
at
Auckland
In greater Auckland more than 3000 houses lost power on the 29th, in Northcote, Te Atatu, Waiheke and Kaukapakapa.
Multi Hazard
There was severe motorway conjestion across the city, the worst affected areas being northbound from Penrose to the harbour bridge.
High Wind / Gust
at
Auckland City
A man cheated death when a 15m eucalyptus tree blew over and crushed the car he was sitting in at Auckland Domain.
Multi Hazard
at
Great Barrier Island
On the 29th, Great Barrier Island was cut off from transport to the mainland, with no flights or boats in or out.
Heavy Rain
Heavy rain fell on Great Barrier Island.
Heavy Rain
at
Whangaparaoa Peninsula
Whangaparoa Peninsula recorded 123.8 mm (12.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 8pm on the 29th.
References
- Headline: Castaways forced to rough it for real.
- The New Zealand Herald, 30 March 2007.
- Headline: Chaos in the rain.
- The New Zealand Herald, 30 March 2007.
- Headline: Motorist has close shave in Domain.
- The New Zealand Herald, 30 March 2007.
- Headline: 'One-in-50-years' storm.
- The New Zealand Herald, 30 March 2007.
- Headline: Weather 'eggbeater' whips country's north.
- The New Zealand Herald, 30 March 2007.
- Headline: Storm was a one-in-150-year event.
- The New Zealand Herald, 31 March 2007.
- Headline: Sewage discharge sets back flooding clean-up.
- The New Zealand Herald, 1 April 2007.
- Headline: Farmers count the cost as region tries to shake off storm.
- The New Zealand Herald, 2 April 2007.
- Headline: Rates rise and loan to pay for storm's damage.
- The New Zealand Herald, Source: Tony Gee, 25 May 2007.
- Headline: More rain spells worse days ahead for Far North.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 16 July 2007.
- NIWA and GNS Science. (2007). Natural Hazards 2007, Hazards summary 2007, Focus on the Northland Floods, p7.
- NIWA and GNS Science. (2007). Natural Hazards 2007, Insurance, 2007 - an expensive year for the insurance industry, p13.
- Headline: Rugby club rising again - Wave of support after flooding.
- www.northernadvocate.co.nz, 13 October 2008.
- www.nrc.govt.nz. Northland Regional Council - Rainfall Data.
- Headline: Floods sweep houses, people away.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Richard Edmondson and Michael Field, 29 March 2007.
- Headline: Heavy rain headed for Bay of Plenty, Gisborne.
- www.stuff.co.nz, 30 March 2007.
- Headline: Time to count cost of flood damage.
- www.stuff.co.nz, 30 March 2007.
- Headline: Costly year for natural disasters.
- www.stuff.co.nz, 3 May 2008.
- Headline: Far North mops up.
- tvnz.co.nz, 30 March 2007.
- Headline: Flood damage still being assessed.
- tvnz.co.nz, 2 April 2007.
- Insurance Council of New Zealand (www.icnz.org.nz/current/weather)