Extreme weather, Weather  |  1h ago

Find the latest information on the red wind warning for Christchurch and Banks Peninsula here.

Waimakariri River Update

The Waimakariri River is currently experiencing high flood levels. Flows in the upper river above the Gorge have peaked at approximately 2700 m³/s, and these elevated flows are expected to move through the lower river this evening.

As a precaution, we recommend that residents in Kairaki and Pines Beach begin preparing in case an evacuation becomes necessary.

Residents in the secondary floodplain areas - including McLeans Island, Coutts Island, and Templars Island - should also consider getting ready to leave if needed.

You will be notified if an evacuation is required. However, if you feel unsafe at any time, please don’t hesitate to leave early. 

Stay safe around trees

While the worst is behind us, winds still have the potential to pick up so it’s important you remain aware of your surroundings and avoid any potential hazards including trees. 

The team is working hard to assess any damage but if you're playing sport or planning to head to a park this weekend, be careful and stay clear of trees as branches could still come down. 

Winds passing

A red wind warning remains in place however the worst of the weather has now passed, with Christchurch and Banks Peninsula largely avoiding destructive winds. Areas in Banks Peninsula are experiencing high winds up to 130km/h.   

There have been no reports of any major damage at this stage. 

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) remains concerned about the risk of wildfires and a total ban on outdoor fires and fireworks is in force. 

Kerbside bin collections are expected to be complete by 4pm. Additional drivers and runners were deployed to return bins to properties where possible. 

Library closures

  • Redwood Library and carpark is closed. This is a precaution due to the proximity of large trees and forecast strong winds.
  • Fendalton Library carpark is closed. This is a precaution due to the proximity of large trees and forecast strong winds.
  • JP Services at Shirley and Spreydon Libraries cancelled.
  • Citizens Advice Bureau at Fendalton Library cancelled.
  • Akaroa Library is closed.

Any further library closures can be found here.

Information about bin collections

If it’s your bin collection day today please bring your bin in as soon as possible once emptied.
Your neighbours might need help too, if you spot their bin and no one seems to be home, do the right thing and bring their bin in for them.
This will reduce the chance of bins being blown over and causing hazards.
Staff and contractors are on the ground in affected areas.
A red wind warning remains in place for Christchurch and Banks Peninsula and damaging winds up to 130km/h are expected between 10am and 4pm.
Keep yourself safe today by being aware of your surroundings – and particularly try to avoid being near trees – both at your own home and in public spaces.
Think about what hazards might be present in your regular walking routes before you head out to walk your dog or make your way to work. If possible, postpone any outdoor activities until the wind dies down.

Park closures

As a precautionary measure, we'll be keeping a number of our parks closed during the red wind warning.
  •  Christchurch Botanic Gardens Te Māra Huaota o Waipapa, including the Armagh Street and Riccarton Avenue car parks
  •  Mona Vale
  •  The Groynes
  •  Bottle Lake Forest
  •  Spencer Park
  •  Horseshoe Lake Dog Park
  •  Urumau Reserve
  •  Pony Point in Cass Bay
  •  Victoria Park, including Tawharanui Trail, Latta's Spur Track and The Harry Ell Walkway
  •  Diamond Harbour's Coastal Cliffs Track

Total fire ban

Canterbury - Fire and Emergency has declared a total ban on open fires and fireworks across the region starting from noon today because of the gales, high temperatures and low humidity that are forecast for the next few days.
This means no new fires at all, for any reason, and no fireworks. 

Bin collections

If it's your bin collection day tomorrow and you don't need to put your bins out - please don't!
If you really need them emptied, please put them out at 6am rather than tonight, and collect them as quickly as possible once emptied. This will reduce the chance of bins being blown over and causing hazards.

State of local emergency declared for Canterbury

The Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell has declared a state of local emergency for the Canterbury Region, to assist in the response to the current severe weather.
James Thompson, Canterbury Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group Controller explained that "after discussion with emergency services and the chief executives the decision was made to declare and due to the current local body election cycle with no mayors sworn in, we asked Minister Mitchell to do this on our behalf."
"We are working closely with our partner agencies to position resources and prepare for any impacts tomorrow."
Thursday’s forecast is for stronger wind and higher temperatures across a broader area of the region, we are asking the public to please take this warning seriously.
  • Consider how these winds may impact you and your property and take action to mitigate any impacts.
  • Avoid non-essential travel.
Please avoid non-essential travel, stay up to date with the latest information and be assured that we are working jointly across the agencies to keep our communities safe.