Torrential rain has slammed the Wellington region, forcing the evacuation of dozens of homes, flooding properties, and closing roads as emergency services and residents brace for more severe weather.
Twenty-five homes in Stokes Valley and one in Porirua were evacuated on Saturday morning as a deluge described by some as "tropical hurricane like" caused creeks to burst their banks and sent water surging through streets. Most of those who left their homes are staying with family and friends, while a small number have taken shelter in council-provided facilities.
The flash flooding, which residents say is the worst they have seen in years, has left a trail of damage and thick silt, with community clean-up efforts underway ahead of further forecast downpours. The event highlights the ongoing challenges the capital faces with its infrastructure, an issue that continues to be a point of contention for many locals. For more on this, read about how Wellington confronts future amid infrastructure woes.
'Horrific' flooding in Stokes Valley
Stokes Valley was hit particularly hard, with residents waking to find their properties submerged. Tina Darryl, a resident of Tawhai Street, described the scene as "horrific" after a small creek behind her property transformed into a river just below knee-height.
I looked outside, and I said to my husband, 'Umm, our yard is under water.' He went out to look out the back because we have a little creek that runs behind us, and unfortunately, it wasn't a little creek anymore.
The floodwaters inundated her washhouse and swept through neighbouring properties. In the aftermath, Ms Darryl and her husband were among many residents helping others, including an older couple whose gravel driveway had been completely washed onto the road. She also reported that a section of Tawhai Street had collapsed, with the Hutt City Council placing road cones around a ten-metre-long hole. "It's kind of just past the bend, so if people are driving up and down in a hurry they may end up in the hole," she said.
Other long-time residents shared similar stories of shock and disbelief. Helen Coffey, who has lived in the area for more than 40 years, said it was the worst flooding she had ever witnessed. Eugene Grant, a 16-year resident, said his family felt the water coming up through their floorboards after a manhole burst, shooting water two metres into the air and sending silt down the street.
Pāuatahanui and Plimmerton hit by repeat flooding
To the north of Porirua, the settlement of Pāuatahanui also experienced severe flooding. Resident Andrew Frazer said that while rain had been steady since the early hours, a sudden, intense downpour around 9:30 am was the heaviest he had seen in his 20 years living there. The resulting floodwater entered his home and remained for about an hour before receding, leaving behind a layer of silt.
Meanwhile, in the coastal suburb of Plimmerton, residents were once again battling a familiar foe. A nearby stream overflowed, flooding homes in what locals described as a recurring problem. Volunteers were out in force, sandbagging properties and attempting to clear drains. One resident, who gave his name as Damo, said the stream floods "pretty much every time there's a big storm" and lamented that drains are often clogged despite repeated calls for maintenance. His mother, Irene, expressed her frustration for her neighbours, saying, "this is the second time in four to five years that they've been flooded out like this, and it's not fair on them."
The flooding caused significant travel disruption, with the SH59 Plimmerton Roundabout closed. Porirua Mayor Anita Baker confirmed that 40mm of rain had fallen in Plimmerton within just two hours, with more expected.
Authorities warn more rain is on the way
Wellington Region Civil Defence Emergency Management Group spokesperson Dan Neely has warned that the situation remains volatile. Two more bands of heavy rain were expected to move through the region on Saturday afternoon and evening. He urged the public to stay home, avoid non-essential travel, and not to drive through floodwaters. For the latest weather updates, residents are encouraged to check official sources like the MetService website. In related educational news, the new UC Māori teaching degree graduates will empower the next generation.
"It's difficult to predict exactly where the heaviest bouts of rain will fall, but areas near State Highway 2, State Highway 58, and State Highway 59 are still a concern," Mr Neely said. With the ground already saturated and waterways swollen, locals are being told to prepare for further potential flooding and disruption.
The community spirit has shone through the disaster, with neighbours helping each other clear silt and debris. However, for many, like Plimmerton resident Alice Odean who was left clearing heavy silt from her driveway, the feeling is one of anger. "It's just clean up and wait for the next round," she said. The recurring nature of these floods raises ongoing questions about infrastructure resilience and maintenance across the greater Wellington area, an issue that costs residents not only in property damage but also in mounting Wellington water bills as authorities grapple with solutions.
While the focus is currently on clean-up and preparation, the beauty of the region's natural environment, often enjoyed through activities like hiking Wellington's best walks, now presents a hazard as hillsides are sodden and prone to slips. As the community waits for the next band of rain to pass, there's a shared sense of anxiety and weary resolve.
