Selwyn District has officially ended its state of emergency after days of heavy rain and strong winds caused flooding and damage across parts of New Zealand. However, Christchurch and the nearby Banks Peninsula remain under emergency conditions as recovery efforts continue.
The wild weather hit on Thursday, bringing strong winds and heavy rain to many parts of the country. In Wellington, winds have calmed, and flights have restarted at the airport, but Cook Strait ferry services are still cancelled until Saturday. About 300 homes in Wellington are still without power.
In Canterbury, including Selwyn and Banks Peninsula, flooding damaged roads and homes. Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell visited affected areas by helicopter and said help will be provided to those hit hardest.
Selwyn Mayor Sam Broughton said the decision to lift the emergency order was made because of improving weather, though some residents still face flooding on their properties. Civil Defence will continue to assist anyone in need.
Meanwhile, a heavy rain warning for Wairarapa has been lifted, but big waves are expected in Wellington until Friday evening.
To help prevent future accidents during floods, Civil Defence is launching a new safety campaign called Get The Flood Out (GTFO). Officials say flooding is the most common and damaging natural hazard in New Zealand, and they are urging people not to enter floodwaters.
