Final update
Roads
All roads in Christchurch are now open, apart from Hendersons Road which is impacted by the managed release of stormwater from the basins. We will keep monitoring the conditions, and will open the road as soon as we can.
The majority of roads across Banks Peninsula are now open, or about to open, with exception of Bossu Road from #220 to Lands End Road (closed due to bridge washout) and Lighthouse Road.
Land stability - Lighthouse Road
The slip at Lighthouse Road in Akaroa continues to be monitored regularly. Visual assessments of the road cracks suggests some movement is still occurring. We need several days’ worth of information to establish what's happening with the land, before we can make a decision about when residents can return to their properties and how access might be restored, and potential options to manage this slip in the short and long term.
Akaroa wastewater
Thank you again to Akaroa residents for their patience and understanding as we work to resolve the burst pressure wastewater main. The temporary pump is working well and is preventing any overflows into the harbour, so residents can now return to normal use of the wastewater system. Longer term, we will be replacing the pipe and the team are now working on the best way to do this.
We will be updating Newsline with any major updates, but we are now closing this blog.
State of emergency lifted for Christchurch city
The state of emergency that was put in place in response to flooding has been lifted in Christchurch at 1:00pm today, but remains in place for Banks Peninsula ward.
“Things in Christchurch have settled down, but we still have a couple of issues in Banks Peninsula that we need to keep an eye on so it’s good to have access to powers under the State of Emergency if they’re required. There are some road closures over there, and some land instability that needs to be monitored” says Mayor Phil Mauger.
"Although we are transitioning into a recovery period, we are still keeping a close eye on the stormwater basins, and monitoring river levels, to ensure we keep any disruption to a minimum.”
Lifting the state of emergency in Banks Peninsula ward will be assessed next week.
Road closures
The only road closures to remain in place in Christchurch are Hendersons Road, and Empire Road from Main North Road.
State of emergency to be reassessed at 12pm today.
After a quiet night, a decision on whether to lift or partially lift the state of emergency will be considered at 12pm.
Roads
In Christchurch, we still have four roads closed: Empire Road from Main North Road, Lower Styx Road from #980 to the lagoon, and Henderson Road and Cashmere Road, which are affected by our managed release of water from the stormwater basins. The basins continue to drain slowly, as expected.
In Banks Peninsula, there are some roads still closed but we expect that most will open early next week, with only Lighthouse Road and Bossu Road from #220 to Lands End Road (closed due to bridge washout) likely to take longer.
Land stability
The slip at Lighthouse Road in Akaroa continues to be monitored regularly, with no changes observed in the last 24 hours.
Akaroa wastewater
Thank you again to Akaroa residents for their patience and understanding as we work to resolve the issues. The temporary pump has now stopped wastewater entering the harbour. The pump needs constant monitoring so you can expect to see staff onsite 24/7. Longer term, we need to replace the pipe, and planning for that is now underway.
In the meantime, we are asking Akaroa residents to please continue to limit their demand on the wastewater system. We will reassess this again tomorrow, once we are confident the pump is continuing to stop overflows.
Banks Peninsula roads
Remaining closed roads in Banks Peninsula:
- Reynolds Valley Road from Okuti Valley Road to Bossu Road
- Britmeyers Road to end
- Ushers Road to end
- Bossu Road from #220 to Lands End Road
- From #43 Lighthouse Road
- Port Levy Pigeon Bay Road from Pa Road to Little Pigeon Road
- Western Valley Road from Port Levy to Montgomerys
- Goughs Bay Road
- Gap, Robin Hood Bay and Harrisons Road
- Peraki from Bossu Road to end
- Panama
- Cemetery Road Wainui from Wainui Main Road to Seaview Lane
Christchurch to remain in a state of emergency.
While the fine weather today has helped dry things out, we are still dealing with some very saturated land across our district. There are still concerns about land stability and the potential for further slips, so the decision has been made not to lift the state of emergency for Christchurch and Banks Peninsula. We will be reassessing this again tomorrow.
Land stability
Our geotechs have been out again today, checking on land damage. We now have monitoring equipment onsite at Lighthouse Road in Akaroa and are keeping a close eye on any land movement. There has been no significant change in the land since yesterday.
Roads
The majority of roads across Christchurch are now open, with the exception of Empire Road from Main North Road, Lower Styx Road from#980 to the lagoon, Henderson Road and Cashmere Road.
Hendersons and Cashmere roads are affected by our managed release of water from the stormwater basins. Cashmere Road will hopefully open tomorrow, but Hendersons Road will remain closed for at least another couple of day as we continue to release water into the Heathcote. The team are doing their best to minimise disruption, but river levels will continue to fluctuate for the next few days because of this.
SH75 opened this afternoon. However, there are still some smaller roads across Banks Peninsula that remain closed. Our contractors are working hard to reopen them as soon as possible.
Akaroa wastewater
Thank you to Akaroa residents for their patience and understanding as we work to resolve the issues with the pressure wastewater main. Unfortunately our attempts to repair the main have not been successful, so our focus this evening is on temporary pumping, to limit the discharge to harbour. Contractors will be onsite again tomorrow.
In the interim, we are asking Akaroa residents to please continue to limit their demand on the wastewater system.
North Christchurch road closures
Road closures remaining in place in Christchurch's northern area
- Empire Road from Main North Road
- Lower Styx Road from #980 to the lagoon
SH75 reopened
The Akaroa highway between Birdlings Flat and Little River, SH75, has reopened to all traffic.
Akaroa residents asked to reduce demand on wastewater system
A wastewater main has blown on Beach Road in Akaroa. We’ve got contractors out fixing it, but it could take all day to repair.
To help us manage the issue, we’re asking local residents to reduce their use of the wastewater system.
Please limit your water usage, delay putting on the washing machine or dishwasher, and avoid flushing the toilet.
Lake Forsyth successfully opened
Late this afternoon Council contractors were successfully able to open Lake Forsyth.
Based on current conditions and upcoming weather and swell/wave forecasts, we expect the lake will drain for the next seven days.
We will continue to monitor the lake closely over the weekend.
Dyers Pass Road now open
Dyers Pass road between Sign of the Takahe and Governors Bay is now open.
The ground is still very saturated, so take care when travelling in hilly areas in case there are further slips.
Heathcote River water levels
Our stormwater basins have been operating well, retaining water so we can manage river flow in the Heathcote.
We have been closely monitoring the basins and are starting to release water. As a result, Heathcote river levels will fluctuate and there will likely be some flooding across roads, but not in properties.
Our contractors will be monitoring the situation closely and will be proactively putting out signage in key areas.
Cracks in Lighthouse Road, Akaroa
Following Geotech assessment of cracks in Lighthouse Road and the surrounding land in Akaroa one more property on Aylmers Valley Road has evacuated.
As a precaution, yesterday several properties self-evacuated from our primary evacuation zone.
The assessment found there no immediate danger to the evacuated properties or other properties in the vicinity. However, if conditions change, we may require houses further down to evacuate at short notice.
We have identified this secondary evacuation zone as a precautionary measure. The evacuation area is bordered by Lighthouse Road, Onuku Road and Aylmers Valley Road, and includes Newton Place.
Lighthouse Road evacuation map
Volunteers will be door knocking these properties this afternoon. We understand that some of these properties will be holiday homes and may not currently be occupied so we will be leaving flyers with information and contact details.
The secondary evacuation zone includes the Akaroa Health Centre. Civil Defence has been in regular contact with the Centre and plans are already in place, should an evacuation be required.
We will now put monitoring equipment in on the Lighthouse Road site, to understand how the land is moving over time. However with rainfall easing, we are not anticipating that there will be any significant land movement.
Sports field closure
- Due to the amount of rain that has fallen our concern is for the safety of the players and that the fields would not stand up to play. Any damage sustained would be difficult to repair for the rest of the season.
- The condition of the fields will be reassessed next week and the fields will be opened when conditions allow.
- Council facilities including libraries, art gallery, pools and sport and recreation centres will be open as usual.
Banks Peninsula roading update
Here's the latest roading update from Banks Peninsula:
Closed roads:
- SH75 between Birdlings Road and Kinloch Road
- Kinloch Road from Okuiti Valley Road to Bossu Road
- Reynolds Valley Road from Okuiti Valley Road to Bossu Road
- Bossu Road from #220 to Lands End Road
- From #43 Lighthouse Road
- Port Levy Pigeon Bay Road from Pa Road to Little Pigeon Road
- Western Valley Road from Port Levy to Montgomery
- Stony Bay Rd is closed from the first cattle stop
- Goughs Bay Road
- Hickory Bay Road
- Gap, Robin Hood Bay and Harrisons Road
- Peraki from Bossu Road to end
- Le Bons Bay Road from #592
- Dalglish's Road from Lebons Bay Road to end
- Te Oka
- Cemetery Road Wainui
- Southern bays are currently being inspected
- Millers Road from Gebbies Pass Road to SH75
Reopened:
- Gebbies Pass Road from Millers Road to Charteris Bay Road but there is still flooding.
Banks Peninsula water supply and wastewater update
As part of our ongoing response to wet weather, our teams are closely monitoring Banks Peninsula’s water supply and wastewater networks. Our wastewater networks and wastewater treatment plants are operating well.
At this stage there is still more than enough water in our reservoirs to supply water to residents across Banks Peninsula and we’re in a stable position. However, due to murky water and weather impacts the Duvauchelle, Pigeon Bay and Wainui water treatment plants aren’t in service. There is plenty of water in these reservoirs and water tankers are bringing water from Akaroa to Duvauchelle to supplement the supply.
We’re still encouraging water conservation where possible and ask that residents avoid using large amounts of water for flooding clean-up over the next 48 hours until the weather has passed and our water treatment plants return to service. We want to reassure residents that we have staff and contractors available around the clock to respond to any issues.
If there are any changes that may affect the water supply, we’ll share updates.
Roads reopen
Roads in Christchurch's central and northern areas are mostly reopen.
Closures remain for:
- Avonside Drive from Wainoni Road to Kerrs Road
- Empire Road from Main North Road
Southern road update
Closed:
- Summit Road from Dyers Pass to Gebbies Pass
- Dyers Pass Road from Summit Road/Sign of the Kiwi to Governors Bay Road
- Ernlea Terrace from Colombo Street
- Hunter Terrace
- Waimea Terrace
- Eastern Terrace from Bowenvale Ave to Birdwood
- Palatine Terrace from Burnbrae to Buxton
- Riverlaw Terrace from Birdwood Ave
- Ford Road
- Garlands Road to Aynsley Tce
Partial closure:
- Cashmere Road to Listrella
- Cashmere Road to Hendersons
- Cashmere Road/Sutherlands Road
- Hoon Hay/Worsleys Roads
- Penruddock Rise
- Sparks Road/Hendersons Road
Northern central road update
Roads closed:
- Avonside Drive from Retreat Road to Woodham Road
- Avonside Drive from Wainoni Road to Kerrs Road
- New Brighton Road from Rawson Street to Pages Road
- Fitzgerald Ave from Kilmore Street to Cambridge Terrace
- Empire Road from Main North Road
- River Road
- Cambridge Terrace from Barbados Street to Churchill Street
- Avondale Road from New Brighton Road to Mervyn Drive
Kerbside collection
Organic bins will be collected in Lyttelton today. There may potentially be some streets that are still not able to be done due to conditions, and these will be attempted tomorrow. Christchurch collections will operate as usual.
Road closure
Dyers Pass Road is closed from the Sign of the Takahe to Governors Bay due to a slip.
Stormwater basins
Our stormwater basins have been operating well but are now at or near full capacity.
With a number of basins reaching capacity, overflow is occurring and may increase flood levels around the upper Heathcote River. Some properties may already be affected.
Please be aware that with high tide around 7.40pm, areas in the lower Heathcote may also see impacts.
We’re actively monitoring the water levels in the Heathcote River and will do our best to limit any impacts on residents overnight. Over the coming days you’ll continue to see changing water levels as we manage the release of water from the basins.
Travel carefully
Avoid travel unless it is urgent.
If you must drive, drive slowly, and with care and attention to avoid pushing ponded water onto people’s property.
If in doubt don’t drive through flooded areas. You don’t know what is under the water, there could be significant potholes or damage you can't see.
Take care when travelling in hilly areas in case there are slips, and watch out for any fallen trees.
If you can’t make it home this evening or can’t stay with friends or family, please get in touch with the Contact Centre on 03 941 8999 or 0800 200 169.
South road update
New road closures:
- Cashmere Road to Hendersons Road to Sutherlands Road
- Hendersons Road closed from Sparks Road to Cashmere Road
Remain closed:
- Ernlea Terrace closed at Colombo Street
- Hunter Terrace
- Riverlaw Terrace
- Clarendon Terrace
- Richardson Terrace
- Eastern Terrace from Bowenvale Avenue to Birdwood Avenue
- Palatine Terrace from Burnbrae Street to Buxton Terrace
- Ford Road
- Summit Road - Sign of the Kiwi to Gebbies Pass Road
- Garlands Road to Aynsley Terrace
- Aynsley Terrace to Centaurus Road
- Cashmere Road to Leistrella Road
- Provincial Road to Kennedys Bush Road
- Waimea Terrace
- Birdwood Avenue to Riverview Street
State of Emergency for Christchurch and Banks Peninsula
A Local State of Emergency has been declared for Christchurch and Banks Peninsula.
Mayor Phil Mauger made the declaration at 4pm due to the impact of the wet weather such as flooding, slips, landslide and falling trees, particularly on Banks Peninsula.
“We need to make sure we’re able to keep people safe by putting all of our resources into responding to any problems that arise and one of the best ways we can do this is by declaring a Local State of Emergency.”
“We expected the weather would ease, which hasn’t happened so declaring will mean we are prepared for anything that may happen overnight,” the Mayor said.
“The decision to include Christchurch was made as precautionary measure. High tide is expected at 7.41pm so declaring means we would have access to powers under the State of Emergency if they’re required.”
Banks Peninsula road update
New closures:
- Gebbies Pass Road from Millers Road to Charteris Bay Road
- 43 Lighthouse Road
- Te Oka
- Onuku Road 1.4km from the end of the road due to a fallen tree
- Cemetery Road in Wainui
A number of southern bays are closed due to flooding and slips.
Remain closed
- Peraki from Bossu Road to end
- Le Bons Bay Road from #592
- Dalglish's Road from Lebons Bay Road to end
- Millers Road from Gebbies Pass Road to SH75
- SH75 from Tai Tapu to Akaroa
- Gebbies Pass Road from SH75 to Charteris Bay Road
- Kinloch Road from Okuiti Valley Road to Bossu Road
- Reynolds Valley Road from Okuiti Valley Road to Bossu Road
- Bossu Road from #220 to Lands End Road
- Port Levy Pigeon Bay Road from Pa Road to Little Pigeon Road
- Stony Bay Rd is closed from the first cattle stop
South Christchurch road update
New road closures:
- Waimea Terrace
- Birdwood Avenue to Riverview Street
Remain closed:
- Ernlea Terrace closed at Colombo Street
- Hunter Terrace
- Riverlaw Terrace
- Clarendon Terrace
- Richardson Terrace
- Eastern Terrace from Bowenvale Avenue to Birdwood Avenue
- Palatine Terrace from Burnbrae Street to Buxton Terrace
- Ford Road
- Summit Road - Sign of the Kiwi to Gebbies Pass Road
- Garlands Road to Aynsley Terrace
- Aynsley Terrace to Centaurus Road
- Cashmere Road to Leistrella Road
- Provincial Road to Kennedys Bush Road
Christchurch northern area road update
New road closures:
- Avondale Road from New Brighton Road to Mervyn Drive
- Fitzgerald Avenue is down to one land between Heywood Terrace and River Road
Remain closed:
- Fitzgerald Avenue between Kilmore Street and Cambridge Terrace
- Cambridge Terrace from Barbadoes Street to Churchill Street
- New Brighton Road between Rawson Street and Pages Road
- Avonside Drive between Wainoni Road and Kerrs Road
- Avonside Drive/Swanns Road between Retreat Road and Woodham Road
- Empire Road from Main North Road
- River Road
- #278 Gardiners Road
Little River Library and Customer Service Hub
The Little River Library and Customer Service Hub has closed due to flooding. It expected to reopen tomorrow (Friday 2 May).
Southern network road update
Here are the latest road closures in the south of Christchurch:
- Ernlea Terrace closed at Colombo Street
- Hunter Terrace
- Riverlaw Terrace
- Clarendon Terrace
- Richardson Terrace
- Eastern Terrace
- Palatine Terrace from Burnbrae Street to Buxton Terrace
- Ford Road
- Summit Road - slip
- Garlands Road to Aynsley Terrace
- Aynsley Terrace to Centaurus Road
- Cashmere Road to Leistrella Road
- Provincial Road to Kennedys Bush Road
Stay out of floodwater
Do not try to walk, swim or drive through floodwaters – the water does not have to be very deep or moving very fast before it can carry you or your car away.
Always assume that floodwater is potentially contaminated with animal or human sewage. Ensure hands, clothes and property are thoroughly cleaned after contact with floodwaters.
Banks Peninsula road closure update
Here are the latest road updates in Banks Peninsula:
- Governors Bay Teddington Road from Gebbies Pass Road to Bamfords Road is open to one lane
New closures:
- Peraki from Bossu Road to end
- Le Bons Bay Road from #592
- Dalglish's Road from Lebons Bay Road to end
- Millers Road from Gebbies Pass Road to SH75
Remain closed:
- SH75 from Tai Tapu to Akaroa
- Gebbies Pass Road from SH75 to Charteris Bay Road
- Kinloch Road from Okuiti Valley Road to Bossu Road
- Reynolds Valley Road from Okuiti Valley Road to Bossu Roa
- Bossu Road from #220 to Lands End Road
- Port Levy Pigeon Bay Road from Pa Road to Little Pigeon Road
-
Stony Bay Rd is closed from the first cattle stop
Banks Peninsula water supplies
As part of our work to monitor and respond to wet weather our teams are keeping a close eye on Banks Peninsula water supplies.
We’re currently in a good position and all our reservoirs are full. While the situation is stable, heavy rain events are unpredictable and we encourage residents to be mindful of water use and conserve where possible – particularly in Akaroa, Takamatua and Duvauchelle, where our ability to produce water is most likely to be impacted by rain.
We want to reassure residents that we have staff and contractors available round the clock to respond to issues. If any issues arise that put pressure on the water supply we’ll provide updates via our Facebook page and Newsline live-blog.
Wastewater information
We are monitoring our wastewater network as heavy rainfall can cause it to become inundated with rain and flood water. This can affect the mains, meaning that in some areas people may be experiencing “slow” or “no” service. Toilets, showers and sinks may empty slowly or in the worst cases not at all. If this was to happen the Council will arrange any clean up to property or the environment following being notified of overflows.
South Christchurch road closures
Here are the latest road closures in the south of Christchurch:
- Ernlea Terrace closed at Colombo Street
- Hunter Terrace
- Riverlaw Terrace
- Clarendon Terrace
- Richardson Terrace
- Eastern Terrace
Banks Peninsula road closures
The following roads are closed in Banks Peninsula:
- SH75 from Tai Tapu to Akaroa
- Gebbies Pass Road from SH75 to Charteris Bay Road
- Kinloch Road from Okuiti Valley Road to Bossu Road
- Reynolds Valley Road from Okuiti Valley Road to Bossu Road
- Governors Bay Teddington Road from Gebbies Pass Road to Bamfords Road
- Bossu Road from #220 to Lands End Road
- Port Levy Pigeon Bay Road from Pa Road to Little Pigeon Road
-
Stony Bay Rd is closed from the first cattle stop
Kerbside collection
Lyttelton organics kerbside collection will be impacted today due to the weather.
Road closure update
The following roads in Christchurch's northern area are closed:
- Fitzgerald Avenue between Kilmore Street and Cambridge Terrace
- Cambridge Terrace from Barbadoes Street to Churchill Street
- New Brighton Road between Rawson Street and Pages Road
- Avonside Drive between Wainoni Road and Kerrs Road
- Avonside Drive/Swanns Road between Retreat Road and Woodham Road
- Empire Road from Main North Road
- River Road
- #278 Gardiners Road
Weather update
The wet weather in Christchurch and Banks Peninsula has settled in and high tides are also predicted.
To prepare, our contractors have been out clearing gutters, sumps, stormwater grates and beach outfalls as well as making checks of the stormwater network ahead of the rain.
We’re also managing water levels in the Ōpāwaho Heathcote River. Residents along the upper and mid-reaches of the river can expect fluctuations of water levels at any time before, during and after the rainfall event, even during periods of dry weather. This is to reduce peak flood levels during the rainfall event by maximising the use of the storage volume in the basins.
Our stormwater network is designed to cope with heavy rain and our road network is also part of our stormwater network playing an important role during wet weather events. In most parts of the city our roads have been designed as secondary flow paths for stormwater so in heavy rain its normal to see some flooding on our roads.
Staff and contractors are ready to respond to any issues.
More information about wet weather and flooding on our website here.
Road closures
The following roads are closed due to flooding with high tides affecting roads around the river:
- New Brighton Road between Rawson Street and Pages Road
- Avonside Drive between Wainoni Road and Kerrs Road