Relief for Northland as heavy rains subside

Rain-soaked Northland got relief yesterday from a front that has deluged parts of the region.

Rivers and streams swollen by this week's heavy rain were receding last night, although some secondary and rural roads remained closed by slips and flooding as the front moved away.

Some areas were drenched by a month's average rain for July falling between Monday and early yesterday, with one area north-east of Whangarei getting 259mm.
Several thousand students at seven schools had no classes yesterday when five Whangarei high schools and colleges - Kamo, Pompallier, Tikipunga, Whangarei Boys and Whangarei Girls - closed for the day because of further flood fears. Mangakahia Area School and Whangaruru School were also closed. All are expected to reopen today.

Northland Regional Council emergency management team leader Graeme MacDonald said rain overnight on Wednesday had been less than anticipated before the front began drifting south towards the Coromandel Peninsula, where it was expected to drop between 60mm and 80mm on high ground.

There were no reports of injury or significant property damage.

Rainfall figures show that after midnight on Sunday, the Puhipuhi area north- east of Whangarei recorded 259mm of rain up to yesterday.

In the same period, 173mm fell on the Glenbervie Hills just east of Whangarei, while almost 160mm was recorded west of Kerikeri and in the Maungaturoto area.

Kaeo got 144mm, and Ohaeawai in central Northland got 153mm. Whangarei recorded 143mm and Kaitaia 121mm.

Mr MacDonald said the typical monthly rainfall for July in Northland varies from about 120mm in the Far North to about 250mm in the Puhipuhi area.

Regional council staff were continuing to monitor swollen creeks and rivers but most were already receding.

This week's rain contrasts starkly with near-drought conditions in much of Northland and the Far North little more than three months ago.

In the Whangarei district, only Mangahui Road was still listed as closed yesterday, although slips and road surface drop-outs will continue to affect other roads until tomorrow.

In the Far North, four roads - including part of Waikare Road between Kawakawa and Russell - remained closed.

A total of 24 other secondary roads were listed as being flood-affected.