Flood room

• First warning level – the river level has reached its normal channel capacity.
• Second warning level – the river has overtopped the river channel banks and has inundated the area (berm) next to river but is still within either a floodway or stopbanked part of the Councils river scheme.

• Advise landowners to move stock from low lying areas adjacent to the river.
• Refer to the Regional Council’s website for Bay of Plenty Regional rainfall and river levels.
• Listen to the local radio station for further updates.

• Monitors weather forecasts, Regional Council rainfall and river level sites and coastal conditions.
• Determines the level of flood response and actions of the wider flood team.
• Issues flood warnings to rural landowners.
• Works with Regional Council staff responsible for flood protection infrastructure.
• Deals directly with queries from residents and ratepayers regarding river levels, weather patterns and forecasts affecting the Bay of Plenty.
• Liaises with other councils, Civil Defence Emergency Management and dam operators.

The Flood Room in operation

Never assume you are safe close to a river, stream, drain or other type of waterway during a flood.

• Water may go over the top of banks.
• Erosion could cause ground to give way.
• Debris can block a waterway, making a dam that could give way.
• Be wary of storm surges, they’re particularly dangerous around river mouths and low-lying areas. 

Always have an emergency exit route planned if you have to be around a waterway during a flood.

Make sure someone knows where you are and keep in contact with that person on a regular basis.

Stay away from waterways, rivers, streams and drains when water levels are higher than normal, particularly if they are still rising.

During a major flood event stopbanks can overtop or breach (where a part of the stopbank falls down).

Small things like rabbit holes, rotten trees, services such as cables or pipes can let water flow through the stopbanks - water wants to go where there is the least resistance!

If you need advice please contact your local council.

Please contact your local council. The rule of thumb is urban flooding is managed by District and City Councils while rural flooding is managed by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

Tell the person you talk to:

• Your contact details.
• Where you are.
• What you are seeing.
• Is the water clear or muddy?
• Is there soil or stone particles in the water? If there are particles in the water it may mean that the water is scouring its way through the ground making a path for the water to travel through.

It’s also helpful if you have a photo or video to send through.