NZ Historic Weather Events Catalogue

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ModerateMay 1933 Gisborne and Hawke's Bay Flooding ( 1933-05-25 )

Heavy rain and floooding were experienced in Gisborne and Hawke's Bay. There were also heavy seas around Wellington.

North Island

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at North Island
Duration:   6  days - From the 25th till the 30th.
Comments:
Heavy RainHeavy Rain
Comments:

CommentVery heavy rainfalls were experienced from Gisborne south as far as Wairoa and also right up the East Coast. Falls were somewhat lighter inland in the Matawai-Motu area.

LandslideLandslide
Comments:

Affected LifelineCommunication between Gisborne and Napier was still subject to interruption on the 28th owing to slips, with trouble-spots at the Waikahou Bridge, the Devil's Elbow, Matahorua Gorge and Bartletts. On the Napier-Taupo Road there was one large slip.

Gisborne

FloodingFlooding at Gisborne
Comments:

CommentThere were high floods in rivers and streams on the east coast. Creeks were substantially swollen up the Coast, especially north of Tolaga Bay, on the afternoon of the 26th.

Physical CharacteristicThe Waipaoa River reached its peak at about 9am on the 27th, when the water at several ponts was lapping only about 4 ft (1.2 m) below the dangerous level.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard
Comments:

Affected LifelineComunication on the Coast Road was interrupted.

ImpactGisborne's mail arrangements were interrupted by the blocking of the south road.

LandslideLandslide
Comments:

Affected LifelineThere were some minor slips on the Tahunga and Patutahi-Rere roads. On the Tiniroto road there were slips at the far end, at the Hangaroa bluff section and on the Gisborne side of the Kaikoura bridge. Near the bridge, foot-deep clay covered the road.

LandslideLandslide at Bartletts
Map Location: -38.839907 177.899501
Comments:

Affected LifelineSlips came down at Kaitoke, a short distance beyond Bartlett's.

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

CommentHeavy, steady rain set in early on the 26th and continued without intermission throughout the day and night.

Physical CharacteristicSince the rain started on the 23rd, a total of 1.57 in (4.0 cm) had fallen by 9am on the 26th.

Physical Characteristic5.63 in (14.3 cm) of rain fell in Gisborne in the 24 hours to 9am on the 27th. The previous highest rainfall to this was registered in June 1917.

Physical Characteristic3.17 in (8.1 cm) of rain fell in the 24 hours to 9am on the 28th.

Physical Characteristic8.80 in (22.4 cm) of rain fell in the 48 hours from 9am on the 26th to 9am on the 28th.

Physical Characteristic10.37 in (26.3 cm) of rain fell in the five days ended at 9am on the 28th.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

CommentIn the suburb of Mangapapa, the Matokitoki Creek overflowed on the 26th. The water rapidly spread across the low-lying areas between Ormond Road and the hills.

Physical CharacteristicFlood waters entered several houses to a depth of 1 or 2 in (2.5-5.1 cm).

Physical CharacteristicA foot (30.5 cm) of water covered an area measuring about 0.75 miles (1.2 km) each way. Practically all the water had disappeared by 10am on the 27th.

Physical CharacteristicAt about 10:25pm on the 26th, the water was measured at a depth of 13 in (33 cm) on the foothpath outside Messrs Sim and McAra's store.

DamageThe gravel roads in the vicinity of Mangapapa suffered considerably and an abutment on the bridge at the upper end of Clifford St sustained some damage.

Affected LifelineA serious scour developed at the bridge opposite Memorial Home in Mangapapa and was expected to take a week to fix. As the result of flooding in the upper reaches of the Taruheru River, a small bridge in the Glenroy road was washed away.

Physical CharacteristicThe Waimata River rose very fast on the afternoon of the 26th due to heavy rain in the back country. It rose by some 8-10 ft (2.4-3.0 m) between 7pm and 9pm.

Physical CharacteristicBy about 9pm on the 26th, the Waimata River was 20 ft (6.1 m) above normal - the same level as it attained in the disastrous floods of February 1932.

CommentIn town, both rivers were swollen to tremendous heights on the evening of the 26th, greater than they were in February 1932. The grassy flats on the river banks were completely submerged on either side.

DamageFlood waters scoured gardens and swept canoes and boats away.

DamageWaikanae beach was covered in places 6 ft (1.8 m) and 8 ft (2.4 m) deep with driftwood, timber, dead stock and vegetables that had been brought down by the flooded rivers, mainly the Waipaoa. There were tree trunks up to 24 in (61 cm) and 30 in (76 cm) in circumference, timber from jetties, piers, fences and decking, and a huge buoy, which used to mark the Hawea rock near the centre of the bay.

Crop DamageHundreds of pumpkins and marrows were washed down onto the beach.

Stock DamageDead cattle and many sheep were washed down onto the beach.

Affected LifelineA pipe suspended over the Waimata River, providing practically the sole water supply for three Riverside Rd residents, was swept away.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard
Comments:

Affected LifelineRiverside Road, beyond Brown's, was unsafe for traffic due to a number of small slips and washouts. Darwin Road beyond Oman's was also unsafe as a result of slips and washouts.

LandslideLandslide
Comments:

CommentThere was a slight slip on the town side of Messrs Sim and McAra's store, which contained 18 in (45.7 cm) of water on the evening of the 26th.

Affected LifelineOn the 29th two slips came down at the top end of Stout Street, beyond the borough boundary, completely blocking the road.

FloodingFlooding at Kaitaratahi
Map Location: -38.527182 177.903092
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicAt Kaiteratahi bridge, the Waipaoa River was just over the gravel at about 9pm on the 27th.

FloodingFlooding at Kanakanaia
Map Location: -38.409537 177.943109
Comments:

Affected LifelineA temporary low-level bridge on Kanakanaia Road over the Waihora Creek was swept away.

FloodingFlooding at Loisel's homestead
Map Location: -38.440418 178.302028
Comments:

Affected LifelineLoisel's flat was covered with water on the 27th.

FloodingFlooding at Makauri
Map Location: -38.62495 177.958179
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicAt Makauri, the Taruheru was well over its banks on the morning of the 27th, and a long stretch of water extended above Tucker's. Between dusk and 8pm, the river rose 8 ft (2.4 m).

FloodingFlooding at Ormond
Map Location: -38.559145 177.924847
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe water started coming over the road at the Ormond dip on the night of the 26th.

LandslideLandslide at Otoko
Map Location: -38.463891 177.646866
Comments:

Affected LifelineThere were a few small slips on the Otoko Hill on the night of the 26th.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Patutahi
Map Location: -38.62513 177.890917
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicAt Patutahi, 3.56 in (9.0 cm) of rain fell between 9am and 10pm on the 26th.

LandslideLandslide at Tatapouri
Map Location: -38.646034 178.145444
Comments:

Affected LifelineOn the Gisborne side of the Tatapouri Hill, a large quantity of soil came down and completely covered the road.

Maritime / CoastalMaritime / Coastal
Comments:

DamageAt Tatapouri, a small fishing boat disappeared from the beach.

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

Physical Characteristic3.08 in (7.8 cm) of rain fell in Te Karaka in 24 hours.

Physical Characteristic4.63 in (11.8 cm) of rain fell in Te Karaka in 48 hours.

LandslideLandslide at Tolaga Bay
Map Location: -38.370254 178.307107
Comments:

Affected LifelineTolaga Bay Gorge was blocked by a slip, which covered about 2 chains (40 m) of the road with soil 4 ft (1.2 m) deep.

FloodingFlooding at Waiapu River
Map Location: -37.812969 178.385854
Comments:

ImpactThe Waiapou River rose rapidly and topped its banks at the Willows settlement, inundating a small area of land.

FloodingFlooding at Waimata
Map Location: -38.503811 178.046705
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicThe Waimata River rose 25 ft (7.6 m) above normal in Waimata Valley.

Affected LifelineThe Waimata Road was blocked by slips in the cutting about 1/2 mile (800 m) beyond Mr A. R. Watson's turnoff. Traffic was held up there during the weekend.

LandslideLandslide at Wairata homestead
Map Location: -38.376211 177.53913
Comments:

Affected LifelineA large tree came down across the road near Wairata on the 27th, delaying traffic for a while.

FloodingFlooding at Whatatutu
Map Location: -38.383396 177.836989
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicAt about 1:30am on the 27th, the Waipaoa River had risen by about 15 ft (4.6 m), and was still rising.

Physical CharacteristicTawhiti Station at Whatatutu reported that the flood waters were practically up to the level reached in February 1932 early on the evening of the 26th.

FloodingFlooding at The Willows homestead
Map Location: -38.507457 177.889671
Comments:

CommentApparently the only portion of the district to actually have flooded by overflow from the rivers was a small area near The Willows, where the damage was practically negligible.

Hawke's Bay

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Hawke's Bay
Comments:

CommentHeavy rain commenced on the night of the 25th and fell almost continuously until the 28th. Heavy rain was still falling in the back country districts on the 29th.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

CommentThe rivers in the northern Hawke's Bay district rose. The rivers around Napier only became dangerous around 9pm on the 29th after conditions had already improved greatly on the lowlands.

CommentThe Ngaroruru River broke its banks, flooding large areas of land.

Affected LifelineMany roads were blocked by floodwaters.

Maritime / CoastalMaritime / Coastal
Comments:

CommentHeavy seas were running in the Bay.

FloodingFlooding at Dartmoor
Map Location: -39.482953 176.690437
Comments:

Affected LifelineA temporary low-level bridge was washed away at Dartmoor, leaving the settlers cut off for a time.

DamageA few fences were damaged.

LandslideLandslide at Devils Elbow
Map Location: -39.266888 176.872626
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe Napier-Wairoa road was blocked with slips at the Devil's Elbow.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Eskdale
Map Location: -39.394568 176.82922
Comments:

Physical Characteristic12.36 in (31.4 cm) of rain fell in Eskdale in four days.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicThe Esk River rose to the decking of the Waipunga Bridge, exceeding the peak level of the 1924 flood.

FloodingFlooding at Fernhill
Map Location: -39.590617 176.762035
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicThe Ngaruroro River rose to 10 ft (3.0 m) at Fernhill.

Affected LifelineThe Ngaruroro River overflowed into the dip on the Omahu side of the bridge.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Hastings
Map Location: -39.635771 176.828045
Comments:

CommentThe rain was exceptionally heavy in Hastings on the morning of the 27th. The rain ceased except for occasional showers on the 29th.

Physical Characteristic3.48 in (8.8 cm) of rain fell in Hastings in the 24 hours to 9am on the 27th.

FloodingFlooding at Hatuma
Map Location: -40.033265 176.487976
Comments:

CommentHatuma reported heavy falls, with low-lying areas covered.

FloodingFlooding at Maharakeke
Map Location: -40.021675 176.438733
Comments:

CommentMaharakeke reported heavy falls, with low-lying areas covered.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Maraetotara River
Map Location: -39.827775 176.895693
Comments:

Physical Characteristic6.11 in (15.5 cm) of rain fell at the head of Maraetotara Stream in the 24 hours to 9am on the 27th.

LandslideLandslide at Matahorua Viaduct
Map Location: -39.168128 176.952838
Comments:

Affected LifelineSlips came down in the Matahoura Gorge.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Meeanee
Map Location: -39.542704 176.888089
Comments:

CommentIt was still raining heavily in the area on the night of the 29th.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

CommentA slight break in the Tutaekuri River bank was reported at Meeanee on the 28th, but was fixed.

ImpactAt 10:45pm on the 29th, the Tutaekuri River broke both its banks below Meeanee. The river broke its banks in six places. A considerable area of the Meeanee district was flooded, greater than in 1897. Floodwaters raced across paddocks, levelling fences.

Physical CharacteristicA sheet of water extended for practically an area of 3 miles (4.8 km) by 2 miles (3.2 km).

Peak Water LevelThe depth of the water ranged from a few inches to 3 ft (91 cm) at Meeanee.

Physical CharacteristicThere was 2 ft (61 cm) of water on the road at the river bend near Meeanee.

ImpactThe Tutaekuri River also broke its banks at Fairy's bend, a mile above Meeanee, and inundated the Papakuru district.

DamageMany settlers suffered considerable losses.

CommentThe flood was the worst experienced at Meeanee since 1917.

ImpactAll homes in the Tannery Rd area were completely surrounded and flood water entered some houses.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Napier
Map Location: -39.502426 176.892804
Comments:

CommentThe rain in Napier ceased except for occasional showers on the 29th.

Physical CharacteristicNapier had a rainfall of 7 in (17.8 cm) over three days from the 27th to the 30th.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

CommentThere was much water on the harbour reserves south and west of Napier.

Peak River LevelThe Ngaruroro River rose 6 ft (1.8 m) in 2 hours, with a peak level of 12 ft 6 in (3.8 m) above normal at Redcliff Bridge - the same level as in the 1924 flood.

Physical CharacteristicAt the Taradale bank, the water rose 6 ft (1.8 m) in 2 hours.

Maritime / CoastalMaritime / Coastal
Comments:

ImpactThe flood waters of the Tutaekuri River met breaking seas at the entrance. Waves were breaking well out and rolling through the pierheads, making use of the harbour impossible to all boats. The flooding was made more extensive by the fact that the earthquake had narrowed the Tutaekuri channel by at least 1/3 of its width.

FloodingFlooding at Pakowhai
Map Location: -39.584175 176.861298
Comments:

Peak Water LevelAt the Pakowhai road, the Ngaruroro River broke free, covering the road up to a depth of 3 ft (91 cm).

FloodingFlooding at Porangahau
Map Location: -40.297164 176.611003
Comments:

CommentPorangahau reported heavy falls, with low-lying areas covered.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Puketapu
Map Location: -39.508443 176.793634
Comments:

Physical Characteristic14.21 in (36.1 cm) of rain fell in Puketapu in four days.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

ImpactThe Puektapu flats were covered with water on the night of the 29th. It was reported that the conditions were the worst ever known.

Peak Water LevelThe flats were flooded to a depth of 2 ft (61 cm).

DamageMany fences were washed away.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Tangoio
Map Location: -39.327667 176.914911
Comments:

CommentHeavy rain was still falling in Tangoio on the 27th.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Te Aratipi homestead
Map Location: -39.836465 176.905307
Comments:

Physical Characteristic6.50 in (16.5 cm) of rain fell in Te Aratipi in 24 hours.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Undercliff homestead
Map Location: -39.676729 176.923655
Comments:

Physical Characteristic3.73 in (9.5 cm) of rain fell in Undercliff in the 24 hours to 9am on the 27th.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Waimarama
Map Location: -39.815128 176.988843
Comments:

Physical Characteristic2.73 in (6.9 cm) of rain fell in Waimarama in the 24 hours to 9am on the 27th.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard
Comments:

CommentWaimarama had exceptionally heavy rain and gale force winds.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Waipawa
Map Location: -39.940581 176.600338
Comments:

Physical Characteristic5.07 in (12.9 cm) of rain fell in Waipawa in three days.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Waipukurau
Map Location: -39.999445 176.562423
Comments:

Physical Characteristic5.30 in (13.5 cm) of rain fell in Waipukurau in three days.

Physical Characteristic2.98 in (7.6 cm) of rain fell in Waipukurau in the 24 hours to 9am on the 29th.

CommentIt was the heaviest fall there for some years.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

CommentCreeks and streams overflowed their banks. At the Waipukurau railway, the river overflowed its banks and spread over a wide area.

ImpactThere was minor flooding, where stormwater entered premises. Most low-lying areas were under water. Central Park was underwater and the river overflowed into Russell Park.

CommentThe river inundated the area at Pah flats.

Physical CharacteristicSeveral shops and business premises were flooded to 3 in (7.6 cm) with silt and water.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Wairoa
Map Location: -39.041861 177.423248
Comments:

CommentIt was still raining in Wairoa on the evening of the 28th.

FloodingFlooding at Wanstead
Map Location: -40.140814 176.537526
Comments:

CommentWanstead reported heavy falls, with low-lying areas covered.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Whanawhana homestead
Map Location: -39.542825 176.431084
Comments:

CommentThere was tremendous rain at whanawhana.

Physical Characteristic2.80 in (7.1 cm) of rain fell in Whanawhana in seven hours.

Physical Characteristic3.60 in (9.1 cm) of rain fell in Whanawhana in 24 hours.

Physical Characteristic2.5 in (6.4 cm) of rain fell in Whanawhana in the 24 hours to 9am on the 27th.

LandslideLandslide
Comments:

Affected LifelineSeveral slips blocked access to an area on Whana Whana Rd.

Wellington

Maritime / CoastalMaritime / Coastal at Cook Strait
Map Location: -41.247772 174.473756
Comments:

CommentHeavy seas were reported to be running in Cook Strait on the 29th.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at Wellington city
Map Location: -41.28855 174.776764
Comments:

ImpactBad weather - fog, rain and wind - held up all shipping movements at Wellington on the 29th.

References

Cowie, C.A. and Attwood, A.K. (1957). Floods in New Zealand 1920-1953. The Soil Conservation Control Council, Wellington, New Zealand.
Headline: Flood damage.
The Gisborne Times, 27 May 1933.
Headline: A more serious turn: Flats covered with water.
The Gisborne Times, 29 May 1933.
Headline: Cast up by sea.
The Gisborne Times, 29 May 1933.
Headline: Conditions in Hawke's Bay.
The Gisborne Times, 29 May 1933.
Headline: Gisborne's outlets.
The Gisborne Times, 29 May 1933.
Headline: Levels fall.
The Gisborne Times, 29 May 1933.
Headline: Wairoa notes: Slips in Matahoura Gorge.
The Gisborne Times, 29 May 1933.
Headline: Local and general.
The Gisborne Times, 30 May 1933.
Headline: Sheet of water.
The Gisborne Times, 30 May 1933.
Headline: Rain declining in Hawke's Bay.
The Gisborne Times, 30 May 1933.
Headline: Heavy rain: Rivers show rise.
The Hawkes Bay Tribune, 27 May 1933.
Headline: Heavy rain: Swollen rivers.
The Hawkes Bay Tribune, 29 May 1933.
Headline: Roads open again.
The Hawkes Bay Tribune, 29 May 1933.
Headline: Waipukurau district: Low-lying areas under water.
The Hawkes Bay Tribune, 29 May 1933.

ModerateMay 1933 Gisborne and Hawke's Bay Flooding ( 1933-05-25 )

Heavy rain and floooding were experienced in Gisborne and Hawke's Bay. There were also heavy seas around Wellington.

North Island

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at North Island
Duration:   6  days - From the 25th till the 30th.
Comments:
Heavy RainHeavy Rain
Comments:

CommentVery heavy rainfalls were experienced from Gisborne south as far as Wairoa and also right up the East Coast. Falls were somewhat lighter inland in the Matawai-Motu area.

LandslideLandslide
Comments:

Affected LifelineCommunication between Gisborne and Napier was still subject to interruption on the 28th owing to slips, with trouble-spots at the Waikahou Bridge, the Devil's Elbow, Matahorua Gorge and Bartletts. On the Napier-Taupo Road there was one large slip.

Gisborne

FloodingFlooding at Gisborne
Comments:

CommentThere were high floods in rivers and streams on the east coast. Creeks were substantially swollen up the Coast, especially north of Tolaga Bay, on the afternoon of the 26th.

Physical CharacteristicThe Waipaoa River reached its peak at about 9am on the 27th, when the water at several ponts was lapping only about 4 ft (1.2 m) below the dangerous level.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard
Comments:

Affected LifelineComunication on the Coast Road was interrupted.

ImpactGisborne's mail arrangements were interrupted by the blocking of the south road.

LandslideLandslide
Comments:

Affected LifelineThere were some minor slips on the Tahunga and Patutahi-Rere roads. On the Tiniroto road there were slips at the far end, at the Hangaroa bluff section and on the Gisborne side of the Kaikoura bridge. Near the bridge, foot-deep clay covered the road.

LandslideLandslide at Bartletts
Map Location: -38.839907 177.899501
Comments:

Affected LifelineSlips came down at Kaitoke, a short distance beyond Bartlett's.

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

CommentHeavy, steady rain set in early on the 26th and continued without intermission throughout the day and night.

Physical CharacteristicSince the rain started on the 23rd, a total of 1.57 in (4.0 cm) had fallen by 9am on the 26th.

Physical Characteristic5.63 in (14.3 cm) of rain fell in Gisborne in the 24 hours to 9am on the 27th. The previous highest rainfall to this was registered in June 1917.

Physical Characteristic3.17 in (8.1 cm) of rain fell in the 24 hours to 9am on the 28th.

Physical Characteristic8.80 in (22.4 cm) of rain fell in the 48 hours from 9am on the 26th to 9am on the 28th.

Physical Characteristic10.37 in (26.3 cm) of rain fell in the five days ended at 9am on the 28th.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

CommentIn the suburb of Mangapapa, the Matokitoki Creek overflowed on the 26th. The water rapidly spread across the low-lying areas between Ormond Road and the hills.

Physical CharacteristicFlood waters entered several houses to a depth of 1 or 2 in (2.5-5.1 cm).

Physical CharacteristicA foot (30.5 cm) of water covered an area measuring about 0.75 miles (1.2 km) each way. Practically all the water had disappeared by 10am on the 27th.

Physical CharacteristicAt about 10:25pm on the 26th, the water was measured at a depth of 13 in (33 cm) on the foothpath outside Messrs Sim and McAra's store.

DamageThe gravel roads in the vicinity of Mangapapa suffered considerably and an abutment on the bridge at the upper end of Clifford St sustained some damage.

Affected LifelineA serious scour developed at the bridge opposite Memorial Home in Mangapapa and was expected to take a week to fix. As the result of flooding in the upper reaches of the Taruheru River, a small bridge in the Glenroy road was washed away.

Physical CharacteristicThe Waimata River rose very fast on the afternoon of the 26th due to heavy rain in the back country. It rose by some 8-10 ft (2.4-3.0 m) between 7pm and 9pm.

Physical CharacteristicBy about 9pm on the 26th, the Waimata River was 20 ft (6.1 m) above normal - the same level as it attained in the disastrous floods of February 1932.

CommentIn town, both rivers were swollen to tremendous heights on the evening of the 26th, greater than they were in February 1932. The grassy flats on the river banks were completely submerged on either side.

DamageFlood waters scoured gardens and swept canoes and boats away.

DamageWaikanae beach was covered in places 6 ft (1.8 m) and 8 ft (2.4 m) deep with driftwood, timber, dead stock and vegetables that had been brought down by the flooded rivers, mainly the Waipaoa. There were tree trunks up to 24 in (61 cm) and 30 in (76 cm) in circumference, timber from jetties, piers, fences and decking, and a huge buoy, which used to mark the Hawea rock near the centre of the bay.

Crop DamageHundreds of pumpkins and marrows were washed down onto the beach.

Stock DamageDead cattle and many sheep were washed down onto the beach.

Affected LifelineA pipe suspended over the Waimata River, providing practically the sole water supply for three Riverside Rd residents, was swept away.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard
Comments:

Affected LifelineRiverside Road, beyond Brown's, was unsafe for traffic due to a number of small slips and washouts. Darwin Road beyond Oman's was also unsafe as a result of slips and washouts.

LandslideLandslide
Comments:

CommentThere was a slight slip on the town side of Messrs Sim and McAra's store, which contained 18 in (45.7 cm) of water on the evening of the 26th.

Affected LifelineOn the 29th two slips came down at the top end of Stout Street, beyond the borough boundary, completely blocking the road.

FloodingFlooding at Kaitaratahi
Map Location: -38.527182 177.903092
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicAt Kaiteratahi bridge, the Waipaoa River was just over the gravel at about 9pm on the 27th.

FloodingFlooding at Kanakanaia
Map Location: -38.409537 177.943109
Comments:

Affected LifelineA temporary low-level bridge on Kanakanaia Road over the Waihora Creek was swept away.

FloodingFlooding at Loisel's homestead
Map Location: -38.440418 178.302028
Comments:

Affected LifelineLoisel's flat was covered with water on the 27th.

FloodingFlooding at Makauri
Map Location: -38.62495 177.958179
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicAt Makauri, the Taruheru was well over its banks on the morning of the 27th, and a long stretch of water extended above Tucker's. Between dusk and 8pm, the river rose 8 ft (2.4 m).

FloodingFlooding at Ormond
Map Location: -38.559145 177.924847
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe water started coming over the road at the Ormond dip on the night of the 26th.

LandslideLandslide at Otoko
Map Location: -38.463891 177.646866
Comments:

Affected LifelineThere were a few small slips on the Otoko Hill on the night of the 26th.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Patutahi
Map Location: -38.62513 177.890917
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicAt Patutahi, 3.56 in (9.0 cm) of rain fell between 9am and 10pm on the 26th.

LandslideLandslide at Tatapouri
Map Location: -38.646034 178.145444
Comments:

Affected LifelineOn the Gisborne side of the Tatapouri Hill, a large quantity of soil came down and completely covered the road.

Maritime / CoastalMaritime / Coastal
Comments:

DamageAt Tatapouri, a small fishing boat disappeared from the beach.

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

Physical Characteristic3.08 in (7.8 cm) of rain fell in Te Karaka in 24 hours.

Physical Characteristic4.63 in (11.8 cm) of rain fell in Te Karaka in 48 hours.

LandslideLandslide at Tolaga Bay
Map Location: -38.370254 178.307107
Comments:

Affected LifelineTolaga Bay Gorge was blocked by a slip, which covered about 2 chains (40 m) of the road with soil 4 ft (1.2 m) deep.

FloodingFlooding at Waiapu River
Map Location: -37.812969 178.385854
Comments:

ImpactThe Waiapou River rose rapidly and topped its banks at the Willows settlement, inundating a small area of land.

FloodingFlooding at Waimata
Map Location: -38.503811 178.046705
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicThe Waimata River rose 25 ft (7.6 m) above normal in Waimata Valley.

Affected LifelineThe Waimata Road was blocked by slips in the cutting about 1/2 mile (800 m) beyond Mr A. R. Watson's turnoff. Traffic was held up there during the weekend.

LandslideLandslide at Wairata homestead
Map Location: -38.376211 177.53913
Comments:

Affected LifelineA large tree came down across the road near Wairata on the 27th, delaying traffic for a while.

FloodingFlooding at Whatatutu
Map Location: -38.383396 177.836989
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicAt about 1:30am on the 27th, the Waipaoa River had risen by about 15 ft (4.6 m), and was still rising.

Physical CharacteristicTawhiti Station at Whatatutu reported that the flood waters were practically up to the level reached in February 1932 early on the evening of the 26th.

FloodingFlooding at The Willows homestead
Map Location: -38.507457 177.889671
Comments:

CommentApparently the only portion of the district to actually have flooded by overflow from the rivers was a small area near The Willows, where the damage was practically negligible.

Hawke's Bay

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Hawke's Bay
Comments:

CommentHeavy rain commenced on the night of the 25th and fell almost continuously until the 28th. Heavy rain was still falling in the back country districts on the 29th.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

CommentThe rivers in the northern Hawke's Bay district rose. The rivers around Napier only became dangerous around 9pm on the 29th after conditions had already improved greatly on the lowlands.

CommentThe Ngaroruru River broke its banks, flooding large areas of land.

Affected LifelineMany roads were blocked by floodwaters.

Maritime / CoastalMaritime / Coastal
Comments:

CommentHeavy seas were running in the Bay.

FloodingFlooding at Dartmoor
Map Location: -39.482953 176.690437
Comments:

Affected LifelineA temporary low-level bridge was washed away at Dartmoor, leaving the settlers cut off for a time.

DamageA few fences were damaged.

LandslideLandslide at Devils Elbow
Map Location: -39.266888 176.872626
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe Napier-Wairoa road was blocked with slips at the Devil's Elbow.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Eskdale
Map Location: -39.394568 176.82922
Comments:

Physical Characteristic12.36 in (31.4 cm) of rain fell in Eskdale in four days.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicThe Esk River rose to the decking of the Waipunga Bridge, exceeding the peak level of the 1924 flood.

FloodingFlooding at Fernhill
Map Location: -39.590617 176.762035
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicThe Ngaruroro River rose to 10 ft (3.0 m) at Fernhill.

Affected LifelineThe Ngaruroro River overflowed into the dip on the Omahu side of the bridge.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Hastings
Map Location: -39.635771 176.828045
Comments:

CommentThe rain was exceptionally heavy in Hastings on the morning of the 27th. The rain ceased except for occasional showers on the 29th.

Physical Characteristic3.48 in (8.8 cm) of rain fell in Hastings in the 24 hours to 9am on the 27th.

FloodingFlooding at Hatuma
Map Location: -40.033265 176.487976
Comments:

CommentHatuma reported heavy falls, with low-lying areas covered.

FloodingFlooding at Maharakeke
Map Location: -40.021675 176.438733
Comments:

CommentMaharakeke reported heavy falls, with low-lying areas covered.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Maraetotara River
Map Location: -39.827775 176.895693
Comments:

Physical Characteristic6.11 in (15.5 cm) of rain fell at the head of Maraetotara Stream in the 24 hours to 9am on the 27th.

LandslideLandslide at Matahorua Viaduct
Map Location: -39.168128 176.952838
Comments:

Affected LifelineSlips came down in the Matahoura Gorge.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Meeanee
Map Location: -39.542704 176.888089
Comments:

CommentIt was still raining heavily in the area on the night of the 29th.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

CommentA slight break in the Tutaekuri River bank was reported at Meeanee on the 28th, but was fixed.

ImpactAt 10:45pm on the 29th, the Tutaekuri River broke both its banks below Meeanee. The river broke its banks in six places. A considerable area of the Meeanee district was flooded, greater than in 1897. Floodwaters raced across paddocks, levelling fences.

Physical CharacteristicA sheet of water extended for practically an area of 3 miles (4.8 km) by 2 miles (3.2 km).

Peak Water LevelThe depth of the water ranged from a few inches to 3 ft (91 cm) at Meeanee.

Physical CharacteristicThere was 2 ft (61 cm) of water on the road at the river bend near Meeanee.

ImpactThe Tutaekuri River also broke its banks at Fairy's bend, a mile above Meeanee, and inundated the Papakuru district.

DamageMany settlers suffered considerable losses.

CommentThe flood was the worst experienced at Meeanee since 1917.

ImpactAll homes in the Tannery Rd area were completely surrounded and flood water entered some houses.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Napier
Map Location: -39.502426 176.892804
Comments:

CommentThe rain in Napier ceased except for occasional showers on the 29th.

Physical CharacteristicNapier had a rainfall of 7 in (17.8 cm) over three days from the 27th to the 30th.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

CommentThere was much water on the harbour reserves south and west of Napier.

Peak River LevelThe Ngaruroro River rose 6 ft (1.8 m) in 2 hours, with a peak level of 12 ft 6 in (3.8 m) above normal at Redcliff Bridge - the same level as in the 1924 flood.

Physical CharacteristicAt the Taradale bank, the water rose 6 ft (1.8 m) in 2 hours.

Maritime / CoastalMaritime / Coastal
Comments:

ImpactThe flood waters of the Tutaekuri River met breaking seas at the entrance. Waves were breaking well out and rolling through the pierheads, making use of the harbour impossible to all boats. The flooding was made more extensive by the fact that the earthquake had narrowed the Tutaekuri channel by at least 1/3 of its width.

FloodingFlooding at Pakowhai
Map Location: -39.584175 176.861298
Comments:

Peak Water LevelAt the Pakowhai road, the Ngaruroro River broke free, covering the road up to a depth of 3 ft (91 cm).

FloodingFlooding at Porangahau
Map Location: -40.297164 176.611003
Comments:

CommentPorangahau reported heavy falls, with low-lying areas covered.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Puketapu
Map Location: -39.508443 176.793634
Comments:

Physical Characteristic14.21 in (36.1 cm) of rain fell in Puketapu in four days.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

ImpactThe Puektapu flats were covered with water on the night of the 29th. It was reported that the conditions were the worst ever known.

Peak Water LevelThe flats were flooded to a depth of 2 ft (61 cm).

DamageMany fences were washed away.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Tangoio
Map Location: -39.327667 176.914911
Comments:

CommentHeavy rain was still falling in Tangoio on the 27th.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Te Aratipi homestead
Map Location: -39.836465 176.905307
Comments:

Physical Characteristic6.50 in (16.5 cm) of rain fell in Te Aratipi in 24 hours.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Undercliff homestead
Map Location: -39.676729 176.923655
Comments:

Physical Characteristic3.73 in (9.5 cm) of rain fell in Undercliff in the 24 hours to 9am on the 27th.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Waimarama
Map Location: -39.815128 176.988843
Comments:

Physical Characteristic2.73 in (6.9 cm) of rain fell in Waimarama in the 24 hours to 9am on the 27th.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard
Comments:

CommentWaimarama had exceptionally heavy rain and gale force winds.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Waipawa
Map Location: -39.940581 176.600338
Comments:

Physical Characteristic5.07 in (12.9 cm) of rain fell in Waipawa in three days.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Waipukurau
Map Location: -39.999445 176.562423
Comments:

Physical Characteristic5.30 in (13.5 cm) of rain fell in Waipukurau in three days.

Physical Characteristic2.98 in (7.6 cm) of rain fell in Waipukurau in the 24 hours to 9am on the 29th.

CommentIt was the heaviest fall there for some years.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

CommentCreeks and streams overflowed their banks. At the Waipukurau railway, the river overflowed its banks and spread over a wide area.

ImpactThere was minor flooding, where stormwater entered premises. Most low-lying areas were under water. Central Park was underwater and the river overflowed into Russell Park.

CommentThe river inundated the area at Pah flats.

Physical CharacteristicSeveral shops and business premises were flooded to 3 in (7.6 cm) with silt and water.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Wairoa
Map Location: -39.041861 177.423248
Comments:

CommentIt was still raining in Wairoa on the evening of the 28th.

FloodingFlooding at Wanstead
Map Location: -40.140814 176.537526
Comments:

CommentWanstead reported heavy falls, with low-lying areas covered.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Whanawhana homestead
Map Location: -39.542825 176.431084
Comments:

CommentThere was tremendous rain at whanawhana.

Physical Characteristic2.80 in (7.1 cm) of rain fell in Whanawhana in seven hours.

Physical Characteristic3.60 in (9.1 cm) of rain fell in Whanawhana in 24 hours.

Physical Characteristic2.5 in (6.4 cm) of rain fell in Whanawhana in the 24 hours to 9am on the 27th.

LandslideLandslide
Comments:

Affected LifelineSeveral slips blocked access to an area on Whana Whana Rd.

Wellington

Maritime / CoastalMaritime / Coastal at Cook Strait
Map Location: -41.247772 174.473756
Comments:

CommentHeavy seas were reported to be running in Cook Strait on the 29th.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at Wellington city
Map Location: -41.28855 174.776764
Comments:

ImpactBad weather - fog, rain and wind - held up all shipping movements at Wellington on the 29th.

References

Cowie, C.A. and Attwood, A.K. (1957). Floods in New Zealand 1920-1953. The Soil Conservation Control Council, Wellington, New Zealand.
Headline: Flood damage.
The Gisborne Times, 27 May 1933.
Headline: A more serious turn: Flats covered with water.
The Gisborne Times, 29 May 1933.
Headline: Cast up by sea.
The Gisborne Times, 29 May 1933.
Headline: Conditions in Hawke's Bay.
The Gisborne Times, 29 May 1933.
Headline: Gisborne's outlets.
The Gisborne Times, 29 May 1933.
Headline: Levels fall.
The Gisborne Times, 29 May 1933.
Headline: Wairoa notes: Slips in Matahoura Gorge.
The Gisborne Times, 29 May 1933.
Headline: Local and general.
The Gisborne Times, 30 May 1933.
Headline: Sheet of water.
The Gisborne Times, 30 May 1933.
Headline: Rain declining in Hawke's Bay.
The Gisborne Times, 30 May 1933.
Headline: Heavy rain: Rivers show rise.
The Hawkes Bay Tribune, 27 May 1933.
Headline: Heavy rain: Swollen rivers.
The Hawkes Bay Tribune, 29 May 1933.
Headline: Roads open again.
The Hawkes Bay Tribune, 29 May 1933.
Headline: Waipukurau district: Low-lying areas under water.
The Hawkes Bay Tribune, 29 May 1933.