Severe weather event - 23 October

Find the latest updates and information on the red wind warning for Selwyn here.

Update 2pm Friday 24 October

Thank you everyone for all your help and looking after each other over the past few days. Have a great long weekend.

To help us all enjoy, please remember:

• The total fire ban remains in place. Do not light any fires outdoors including gas fires.
• Whitecliffs Domain campground is closed while we clean up the trees and make sure they’re safe,
• Coes Ford, Chamberlains Ford and Lakeside Domain campgrounds are open if you’re looking to make the most of the long weekend.
• Treat all powerlines as live
• High winds may have weakened branches or trees, which could still fall.

Update 8am Friday 24 October 

Good morning Selwyn – it’s looking like a beautiful morning out there, but there are still a few things we need to remember to stay safe today as we clean up.

Please remember the State of Emergency is still in place.

River flows are easing in the high country, but please be careful around rivers. Environment Canterbury is continuing to monitor the river flow and flood protection infrastructure throughout the day.

There are still fallen trees, branches, power lines, and debris scattered across the district. So please drive with care and plan your journey with the NZTA journey planner and the Selwyn District Council Road Closures Map.

Treat all power lines as live. If you see power lines down please call Orion on 0800 363 9898

Please be careful around trees as trees and branches may have been loosened in the wind yesterday.

The total fire ban remains in place. Do not light any fires outside including gas cookers.

Coes Ford, Chamberlains Ford, and Whitecliffs Domain campsites are currently closed until our arborist team can assess the trees following Thursday’s strong winds.

We understand many people are eager for the start of the camping season; however, public safety remains our top priority.

Updates will be posted on the Selwyn District Council website and Facebook page once the campgrounds are deemed safe to reopen.

Lakeside Domain remains open for free camping.

Update 6:00am Friday 24 October

Flooding and Weather Update – Rakaia River

Update 10:15pm Thursday 23 October

Flooding Update – Rakaia River

Current Situation

• Heavy rain in the Canterbury high country has caused the Rakaia River to rise rapidly; it is now in significant flood.
• Flows peaked at 4,800 m³/s at Fighting Hill and are moving downstream tonight.
• There is a risk of the river breaking out near State Highway 1 and at Rakaia Huts, with potential flooding of properties and farmland.

Evacuation Decision

• Environment Canterbury (ECan) and Selwyn District Council (SDC) have jointly decided to recommend precautionary evacuation.
• This applies to:
  • North Rakaia Huts
  • Rural land adjacent to the river downstream of State Highway 1
• Door knocking is underway in the affected area suggesting voluntary evacuation

What Residents Should Do

• Evacuate now if possible – go to friends or whānau first.
• A Civil Defence Centre is open at Lincoln Events Centre for those needing assistance.
• If there is immediate danger to life or safety, dial 111.
• For support, call 0800 SELWYN.

Additional Context

• Rain has eased, but flows remain high across major Canterbury rivers.
• Farmers near flood-affected rivers should move stock away from vulnerable areas.
• Public advised to avoid the area and stay updated via official channels including NZTA Journey Planner for updates regarding State Highway 1

Update 9:15pm Thursday 23 October

Flooding Update – Rakaia River

Heavy rain in the headwaters has caused the Rakaia River to rise rapidly and the river is now in significant flood.

Because of the high volume of water there is a risk the Rakaia River may break out onto State Highway 1 and further downstream at the Rakaia Huts.

Rakaia Huts Residents

• Water is expected to reach the settlement around midnight tonight, but we advise you to be prepared and evacuate to friends and family now if you can.
• Door knocking is taking place in the area.
• If there is immediate danger to life or safety, please dial 111
• If you require support please contact us on 0800 SELWYN

Our team are continuing to monitor the situation and advise avoiding the area if you can.

Update 4.10pm Thursday 23 October

While the Red Wind Warning currently remains in place, conditions across Selwyn are beginning to settle. Hazards remain and we encourage residents to be alert and continue taking precautions.

Current Situation

• Fire: Local emergency services are responding to a few small fires. A total fire ban remains in place. Please remain vigilant – do not light any fires or use any camp cookers outdoors.
• Wind: Gusts have reduced, but the risk from high winds remains. The warning is still active, and residents should continue to exercise caution.
• Hazards: Fallen trees, branches, downed power lines, and debris are present across the district. These pose ongoing risks to safety and travel.
• Power: Power outages continue to affect several places across Selwyn. Orion is working to restore power where it is safe to do so. If you are without power, please contact Orion. Do not approach or attempt to move fallen power lines – treat all lines as live.
• Roads: Avoid unnecessary travel. SH73 remains closed between Springfield and Otira. Please refer to the NZTA website for the latest road updates, as a number of roads across Selwyn and the South Island remain closed.
• Rivers: There has been a lot of rain falling in the Rakaia and Waimakariri upper river catchments. Flows will travel through lower parts of the river this evening and overnight. Stay up to date with the latest river information on Environment Canterbury's website.
• Rubbish bin collection: In Rolleston, collections will operate on Friday as normal. Please make sure you put your bins out early in the morning. Bins that were scheduled for Thursday collection will be emptied on Saturday.

Emergency Response

Our teams are working closely with our partner agencies and will continue monitoring conditions overnight and responding where needed. We will keep you updated with any changes.

Community Impact

Thanks for everyone’s proactive efforts across the district. We appreciate everyone who took steps to prepare and stay safe. Your efforts have made a real difference.

What You Can Do

• Continue to stay alert for hazards, especially when travelling or working outdoors.
• Avoid unnecessary travel while crews work to clear debris and restore services.
• Report emergencies or immediate risks to life by calling 111.
• If you need any other assistance, please contact Selwyn District Council (0800 SELWYN)
• Stay informed via:
  o Selwyn District Council Facebook
  o Canterbury CDEM Facebook
  o Local radio stations

Stay safe, stay connected, and thanks for looking out for each other.

Update 1.15pm Thursday 23 October

Canterbury is currently sitting under a red wind warning for Thursday the 23rd of October.  We have already seen the impact of high winds and also rain in the headwaters causing our alpine rivers to rise quickly.

Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery, Mark Mitchell, has declared a state of emergency for the Canterbury region to assist in the response to the current severe weather event.

The weather is playing out as forecast – with the intense wind to increase throughout the day.

Travel

Avoid unnecessary travel.

As expected, roads are closing across the region. Only travel if essential we would prefer people keep off the roads. Keep up to date on the NZTA website or your local council.

Water

Selwyn Water has advised us that due to power outages across the district, four of our rural water schemes are currently running on backup generators. Water treatment and supply are continuing as normal, and there is no impact to water quality. Our contractor is closely monitoring the situation we will keep you updated if anything changes throughout the day.

Power

We are seeing impacts to power supply and transport please take care.

For the latest on outages and restoration time please check the Orion website.

Do not attempt to move debris near power lines. Treat all lines as live during outage periods, power may be restored at any time.

If you require any other information, please call your power company’s phone line.

Communications

Stay informed via radio, Selwyn District Council's Facebook page, CDEM Canterbury Facebook page and emergency services.

Any updates or emergency messaging will be shared across media channels including radio if you happen to be without power.

Use the radio in your car if you lose access to internet or communications for updates.

Travel

Avoid unnecessary travel.

As expected, roads are closing across the region. Only travel if essential we would prefer people keep off the roads. Keep up to date on the NZTA website or the Selwyn District Council Road Closures Map.

Emergency Management Response

The Selwyn CDEM and regional Emergency Coordination centres have been activated, civil defence and emergency management is working closely with partner agencies to coordinate the response to this weather event.

Fire & Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has declared a total ban on open fires and fireworks across the whole of Canterbury because of the gales, high temperatures and low humidity that are forecast for the next few days.

Flooding

Heavy rain is falling this morning (Thursday) in the headwaters of major Canterbury rivers: Waiau Uwha, Hurunui, Waimakariri, Rakaia, Rangitata, and Waitaki.

River levels will have started rising in the upper parts this morning, and are expected to increase downstream from this evening.

Stay safe around rivers – if you're working or spending time near riverbeds, be alert to rising water levels.

Farmers near these rivers should consider moving stock to higher ground.

Update 9.15am Thursday 23 October

Power

We are starting to see power outages across the district, please:

- Charge your devices

- What’s your plan B. Think about where you are going to go if you do have to leave your house due to damage. Check your travel routes on the NZTA journey planner and the Council road closures map before travelling.

- Prepare any food or water you might need now, including boiling water if you need. Please remember there is a total fire ban, do not light any fires outdoors, including using gas fires

- ⚠ Stay clear. Treat all power lines as live. If you see lines down please call Orion immediately on 0800 363 9898

- For the latest on outages and restoration time please check directly with Orion on its outages page

- If you aren’t able to get online, there will be updates on your local radio station. There is a radio in your car if you lose access to internet or communications.

Travel

- Avoid non-essential travel on Thursday, especially in the high country

- Plan any journeys today

- Check the NZTA journey planner and the Council road closures map before travelling

- Avoid low-lying areas and be cautious around our rivers and lakes.

Fire

- There is a total fire ban across Canterbury do not light any fires outdoors, including using gas fires

Update - 7am Thursday 23 October

Update - 4.15pm Wednesday 22 October

State of Emergency Declared

A Regional State of Emergency has been declared for Canterbury by Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell to assist in the response to the current severe weather.

Please prepare for the severe winds tomorrow.

Keep an eye on this page or our Facebook Page for updates. There is a radio in your car if you lose access to internet or communications.

Get ready

• Check your property and secure anything outdoors that could become airborne in high winds (for example - trampolines, outdoor furniture, bins)
• Make sure pets and stock have safe shelter.
• If you’ve had an outdoor fire recently, check it’s completely out and cold to the touch.
• Avoid lighting any new fires or using gas cookers outside.
• Make a plan with your family about what you’re doing tomorrow, where you’ll be and any changes you need to make to stay safe. Industrial action is scheduled on Thursday that may affect your normal schedules
• With potential impacts to power supply and transport please take this time to charge phones and prepare in the instance that you are without power.
• For the latest on outages and restoration time please check directly with Orion on its outages page

Travel

• Avoid non-essential travel on Thursday, especially in the high country
• Plan any journeys today
• Check the NZTA journey planner and the Council road closures map before travelling
• Avoid low-lying areas and be cautious around our rivers and lakes.
• Avoid parks and reserves

Fire

• Fire and Emergency New Zealand is urging people to delay any outdoor fires they have planned from this week through until the end of Labour Day
• Check your old burn piles on Wednesday and make sure they are cold all the way through. That means turning them over and looking for smouldering embers. A fire reigniting in the forecast winds could be devastating.
• While vegetation may appear green, this can be deceptive - dead fuels, such as grass and leaves, remain present and can ignite easily.
• A fire in these conditions would spread very quickly and be difficult for our crews to be able to control. These crews may already be stretched responding to weather-related callouts.
• The high winds may also make it difficult for air operations to take place, further hampering our ability to control any fires that break out.

Rubbish bin collection

• Collection of rubbish bins in Springfield, Sheffield, Darfield, Kirwee and West Melton tomorrow is now postponed to Saturday 25 October. Please keep you bins secured inside your property until Saturday morning.

Update 2pm Wednesday 22 October

Selwyn Emergency Management is urging people in the district to prepare now for the severe weather forecast to arrive tomorrow.

Met Service has issued a red weather warning for severe winds across Canterbury, including the entire Selwyn District on Thursday. Wind gusts are forecast to get up to 150km in the high country and 130km across the plains – which could cause damage to trees, powerlines and roofs and make travel dangerous. There is also a heavy rain warning in place for the headwaters of our lakes and rivers. The Selwyn Emergency Management team is monitoring the situation and ready to respond if needed.

We are asking everyone to please get prepared today, by following the list below.

Keep an eye on this page or our Facebook Page for updates. There is a radio in your car if you lose access to internet or communications.

Get ready

• Check your property and secure anything outdoors that could become airborne in high winds (for example - trampolines, outdoor furniture, bins)
• Make sure pets and stock have safe shelter.
• If you’ve had an outdoor fire recently, check it’s completely out and cold to the touch.
• Avoid lighting any new fires or using gas cookers outside.
• Make a plan with your family about what you’re doing tomorrow, where you’ll be and any changes you need to make to stay safe. Industrial action is scheduled on Thursday that may affect your normal schedules
• With potential impacts to power supply and transport please take this time to charge phones and prepare in the instance that you are without power.
• For the latest on outages and restoration time please check directly with Orion on its outages page

Travel

• Avoid non-essential travel on Thursday, especially in the high country
• Plan any journeys today
• Check the NZTA journey planner and the Council road closures map before travelling
• Avoid low-lying areas and be cautious around our rivers and lakes.
• Avoid parks and reserves

Fire

• Fire and Emergency New Zealand is urging people to delay any outdoor fires they have planned from this week through until the end of Labour Day
• Check your old burn piles on Wednesday and make sure they are cold all the way through. That means turning them over and looking for smouldering embers. A fire reigniting in the forecast winds could be devastating.
• While vegetation may appear green, this can be deceptive - dead fuels, such as grass and leaves, remain present and can ignite easily.
• A fire in these conditions would spread very quickly and be difficult for our crews to be able to control. These crews may already be stretched responding to weather-related callouts.
• The high winds may also make it difficult for air operations to take place, further hampering our ability to control any fires that break out.

Rubbish bin collection

• Collection of rubbish bins in Springfield, Sheffield, Darfield, Kirwee and West Melton tomorrow is now postponed to Saturday 25 October. Please keep you bins secured inside your property until Saturday morning.

Last modified: 24 Oct 2025 2:05pm