Record rain a wake-up call

Published on 11 January 2023

It’s confirmed – the rain we’ve experienced so far this year has broken all records. In the short space of 11 days we’ve had the level of rainfall we normally get in five months.

According to the regional monitoring network, Waikato Regional Council, the saturation levels on the Coromandel are unprecedented. It has confirmed that the Coromandel has received 800mm of rain so far this year, a new record. Normally this volume is not reached until May.

The graph below shows rainfall recorded at the Kauaeranga River-Pinnacles rain station, with the blue line indicating the rain experienced in the past 11 days set against the median rain for this time of year. For more information and graphics, visit Waikato Regional Council's Environmental maps and data web pages. 

“While we deal with the aftermath of the rain in the last two weeks, this is a real wake-up call for the future,” says Mayor Len Salt.

Everyone at risk in vulnerable coastal areas really needs to plan in advance to reduce the risks that heavy rain and flooding brings, our Mayor says.

“It also shines a light on the work our Council is doing around our Shoreline Management Pathways, and implementation plan for coastal areas,” Mayor Len says.

Find out more here about how our Council is working with coastal communities to prepare and adapt for the future.

Although Cyclone Hale has passed, it has left considerable damage in its wake. Our teams continue to work across the Coromandel to resolve issues including isolation, road closures, slips and flooding. Our roading contractors are working hard on clearing and reopening roads, as is Waka Kotahi/NZTA on the State Highways it controls.

Due to our saturated catchments, further slips and trees falling across roads are anticipated, according to our Civil Defence Controller Garry Towler. Extreme caution is advised on all roads.

Keep checking our website, our Facebook page and Waka Kotahi/NZTA's website for regular updates.