February 2026 Flood Recovery - Ōtorohanga District

Following the severe weather and flooding across the Ōtorohanga District on 13 - 14 February 2026, many people across our communities experienced and continue to experience disruption, damage and uncertainty.

While the emergency response phase has now ended, recovery work across the district continues. Recovery is about restoring infrastructure, supporting affected communities, and rebuilding stronger and more resilient systems for the future where its feasible and affordable to do so.

Ōtorohanga District Council is coordinating recovery work alongside government agencies, iwi and hapū, lifeline utilities, community organisations and industry partners.

This page brings together all flood recovery updates, key information, support services and progress across the district in one place.

WHAT HAPPENED

In February 2026, a severe weather event caused significant flooding and infrastructure damage across the Ōtorohanga District.

The impact included:

• Widespread damage to local roads

• Landslips and culvert failures

• Bridge damage

• Flood impacts to homes and properties

• Damage to water and wastewater infrastructure

• Disruption to rural communities and transport routes

The scale of the event required a Civil Defence response, coordinated through a Western Waikato Emergency Operations Centre operated jointly with Waipā District Council.

The emergency response phase focused on:

• Protecting lives and property

• Restoring access and connectivity

• Supporting affected households

• Stabilising critical infrastructure

As the immediate risks reduced, the focus shifted into long-term recovery.

OUR RECOVERY PRIORITIES

Recovery across the district is guided by four key focus areas.

COMMUNITY

Whānau and Community Wellbeing

Supporting the wellbeing of our communities remains a priority. This includes:

• Ensuring people know where to find support

• Connecting residents with assistance services

• Supporting households affected by placarding or displacement

• Ongoing welfare follow-ups and community engagement

BUILT

Lifelines, Infrastructure and Access

Significant work is underway to restore damaged infrastructure.

This includes:

• Road repairs and stabilisation

• Bridge repairs and assessments

• Culvert and drainage repairs

• Wastewater and stormwater system repairs

• Restoring safe transport routes

Where possible, repairs will aim to increase resilience to future weather events.

NATURAL

Te Taiao and Places of Significance

Recovery also focuses on protecting and restoring the natural environment.

This includes:

• Managing landslip risks

• Stabilising land affected by erosion

• Protecting waterways and ecosystems

• Recognising cultural and environmental values

ECONOMIC

Supporting Livelihoods

Recovery also supports the economic wellbeing of the district by:

• Restoring transport access

• Supporting farms and rural businesses

• Minimising disruption to local businesses

• Supporting community resilience

THE IMPACT OF THE FEBRUARY FLOODS

The February floods had a significant impact across the district. These numbers were last updated on 10 March 2026.

Transport Network Impact

• 37 local roads affected

• 350 - 400 known road fault sites

• 21 local roads closed at the peak of the event

• 2 roads currently fully closed for repair

• 19 roads operating as one lane while repairs continue

State Highways

• 3 state highways closed during the event

• 1 state highway still awaiting reopening

Infrastructure Damage

• 23 bridges damaged

• 4 bridges closed during the event

• 1 bridge currently unable to carry full capacity

Landslips

Major slip zones were identified including:

• Lurman Road – approximately 2km of continuous slips

• Pirongia West Road – approximately 3km of slips

• Mangati Road – bridge lost during flooding (temporary ford in place for residents)

HOUSING IMPACT

Rapid building assessments were carried out following the flooding.

Current placards issued:

• 19 Yellow placards

• 10 White placards

• 116 people displaced from homes

Council staff continue to work with affected households to understand individual situations and connect residents with the appropriate support services.

SUPPORTING AFFECTED HOUSEHOLDS

Council welfare teams have been working closely with affected residents through:

• Community BBQs and meetings

• Welfare visits

• Wellbeing check-ins

• Connecting residents with assistance services

Support provided to date includes:

• 22 welfare visits

• 76 wellbeing check calls

• 4 community meetings

MAYORAL DISASTER RELIEF FUND

The Ōtorohanga District Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund has been established to help people affected by the February floods.

The fund may assist with:

• Basic household needs

• Essential personal items (where uninsured or underinsured)

• Clearing debris from properties

• Insurance excess payments

• Replacement of essential items

Applications can be made here: https://www.otodc.govt.nz/our-district/funding-and-grants

SUPPORT FOR FARMERS AND RURAL COMMUNITIES

Council is working alongside rural support partners to assist farmers and rural communities.

Partners include:

• Rural Support Trust

• Ministry for Primary Industries

• Rural Cluster Group

These organisations provide support including:

• Financial and wellbeing assistance

• Rural advisory services

• Recovery support for farms and rural businesses

WATER AND WASTEWATER REPAIRS

Flooding caused damage to several water and wastewater systems.

Work underway includes:

• Repairs to the Main North Road sewer pump station

• Repairs at the wastewater treatment plant

• Temporary repair of the Gradara Avenue sewer main

• Investigation of repairs to the Ōtorohanga Domain stormwater pipeline

The wastewater treatment plant continues to operate within consent conditions.

ROAD AND INFRASTRUCTURE REPAIRS

Repair work continues across the district.

This includes:

• Clearing slips

• Repairing culverts and drainage systems

• Stabilising road embankments

• Bridge inspections and repairs

• Planning permanent repair solutions

Some repairs require engineering design, funding decisions and construction planning, meaning recovery will take time.

Updates on road repairs can be found here:

https://www.otodc.govt.nz/latest-news/article/604/from-response-to-recovery

WHERE TO FIND SUPPORT

If you or someone you know needs help following the floods, the following services are available.

HERE TO HELP YOU

Food parcels, financial support and community assistance
www.heretohelpu.nz

MINISTRY OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Financial assistance and accommodation support
0800 559 009

RURAL SUPPORT TRUST

Confidential support for farmers and rural communities
0800 787 254

NEED TO TALK?

Free counselling available 24/7
Call or text 1737

SALVATION ARMY

Food assistance and community support
0800 53 00 00

RED CROSS

Community support services
0800 733 276

CONTACT US

If you need assistance or have questions about flood recovery:

Ōtorohanga District Council

Phone: 0800 734 000 (24 hours)
Email: info@otodc.govt.nz