New Zealand Grapples with Widespread Flooding and States of Emergency

A series of severe weather events have prompted an unprecedented number of states of emergency across New Zealand, with the North Island bearing the brunt of heavy rain and flooding. As of February 16, 2026, eight states of emergency have been declared this year, matching the total for all of 2025, according to Civil Defence data.

Current Emergency Declarations

States of Emergency are currently in place for the Manawatū-Whanganui region, as well as the Waipā and Ōtorohanga districts. Earlier local states of emergency in Tararua, Rangitīkei, and Manawatū Districts have been incorporated into the region-wide declaration for Manawatū-Whanganui as of Sunday evening.

Impacts and Evacuations

The severe weather has led to widespread disruption and evacuations. Homes have been evacuated in Lower Hutt, the Manawatū District, and along the Tararua District coast due to rising river levels according to 1News. Tens of thousands of people are without power across the lower North Island. Approximately 500 schools, kura, and early learning centres have been closed due to the hazardous conditions as reported by the Ministry of Education.

Tragic Loss of Life

Tragically, one man died on Friday evening when his ute was submerged in floodwaters on State Highway 39 between Pirongia and Ōtorohanga as reported by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

What is a State of Emergency?

A state of emergency is a formal legal mechanism activated under the Civil Defence Emergency Management framework, granting special powers to authorized officials responding to an emergency. NEMA states that a declaration provides “extra-ordinary powers” enabling a swift and effective response when normal arrangements are insufficient. These powers include the ability to:

• Close or restrict access to roads or public places
• Remove or secure dangerous structures and materials
• Provide rescue, first aid, food, and shelter
• Conserve essential supplies and regulate traffic
• Dispose of dead persons and animals
• Enter onto premises for rescue or to save lives
• Evacuate premises
• Requisition equipment, materials, and assistance

These powers are effective for up to seven days unless extended or terminated earlier.

Climate Change and Extreme Weather

Scientists at NIWA suggest that a warmer atmosphere, driven by climate change, intensifies storms by increasing the amount of moisture it can hold, leading to heavier rainfall and stronger winds.

Earlier Emergency Declarations in 2026

The year began with a deadly subtropical low impacting the upper North Island between January 20 and 21, prompting states of emergency in Whangārei District, Thames-Coromandel District, Hauraki District, the Bay of Plenty Region, and Tairāwhiti Region. This earlier system resulted in nine fatalities: six from a landslide at a Mount Maunganui holiday park, two from a landslide in Pāpāmoa, and one when a vehicle was swept away near Warkworth.

Regional Overview: Manawatū-Whanganui

The Manawatū-Whanganui region is located in the lower half of the North Island of New Zealand, with Palmerston North and Whanganui as its main population centres according to Wikipedia. The region covers over 22,000 square kilometers and is home to approximately 260,700 residents as of June 2025.

If life, health, or property is in danger, call 111 immediately. Remember, never drive, walk, or swim through floodwaters. If waters are rising, evacuate to higher ground immediately.