Ōtorohanga Flooding: State of Emergency, Evacuations & 1 Dead | RNZ News

A man was found dead in a submerged car at Puketotara on State Highway 39 early Saturday morning as a state of emergency was declared for the Ōtorohanga District following overnight flooding, RNZ reported.

The state of emergency, declared by Ōtorohanga District Mayor Rodney Dow, took effect immediately at 12:57 am and is set to expire in seven days, according to a Facebook post from the Ōtorohanga District Council. The rapid rise in floodwaters inundated homes and buildings, submerging vehicles and prompting the evacuation of approximately 80 people from a camping site, a local marae, and at least two residences.

Mayor Dow expressed his sadness regarding the fatality and urged residents to exercise caution and prioritize their safety. Many roads and highways throughout the district remain closed, and authorities are advising against non-essential travel. Drone footage captured by RNZ shows the extent of the flooding in Ōtorohanga, with Phillips Avenue visibly impacted.

The flooding follows a period of heavy rainfall across the Waikato district. David and Joy Wickham, who were evacuated from a nearby camping site, returned to find their campervan underwater, according to reports.

The current emergency comes as forecasters warn of continued wild weather across much of New Zealand. Orange and red weather warnings have been issued for heavy rain and strong winds across both the North and South Islands, extending through Saturday and Sunday.

Rodney Dow was elected mayor of Ōtorohanga in 2025, succeeding Max Baxter, who served from 2013 to 2025, according to Wikipedia. He can be contacted through the Ōtorohanga District Council at 07 873 4333 or via email at [email protected].

The Ōtorohanga District Council has not yet announced plans for long-term recovery efforts, and the full extent of the damage remains unclear as floodwaters recede.