Parts of Waikato were hit by severe flooding, slips and heavy rain overnight, causing widespread flooding and evacuations across the region.
More than 80 people were evacuated from Ōtorohanga after the district declared an overnight local State of Emergency.
Follow 1News’ live updates of the latest weather developments here
A man was found dead after his vehicle was submerged in floodwaters between Pirongia and Ōtorohanga Friday night.
Ōtorohanga Mayor Rodney Dow acknowledged the “tragic loss of life” within the district and said the scale of destruction was “devastating”.
Here’s a selection of photos from overnight and this morning, showing some of the impacts from this heavy weather event.
Drone captures scale of damage after Ōtorohanga ‘weather bomb’ – Watch on TVNZ+
date:2026-02-14 10:58:00