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Waikato Flooding: Severe Weather Causes Damage

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…

By Daniel Perez - News Editor
Waikato Flooding: Severe Weather Causes Damage

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+

A man was found dead in his vehicle after it was submerged by floodwaters on State Highway 39 last night. (Source: 1News)

Waikato Flooding: Severe Weather Causes Damage
Lionel Killen shows some of the damage to his property

Lionel Killen shows some of the damage to his property (Source: 1News)

Flooding in Ōtorohanga.

Flooding in Ōtorohanga. (Source: 1News)

Culvert washout east of Ōtorohanga.

Culvert washout east of Ōtorohanga. (Source: Supplied)

Ute partially submerged in floodwaters near bridge on SH39.

Ute partially submerged in floodwaters near bridge on SH39.

Flooding in Ōpārau, north west of Ōtorohanga.

Flooding in Ōpārau, north west of Ōtorohanga. (Source: Supplied)

Drone footage of flooding over Ōtorohanga.

Drone footage of flooding over Ōtorohanga. (Source: Leon Hemara- Content To Media)

date:2026-02-14 10:58:00

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About the author: Daniel Perez - News Editor

Former field producer and on‑air correspondent covering U.S. elections and Latin American politics. Daniel’s bilingual expertise powers our fast‑breaking coverage and live blogs. Daniel Perez anchors AchyNewsy.com’s real‑time news desk—breaking stories with accuracy, speed, and context.

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