increase font size
Fresh heavy rain around the region over Sunday and Monday means the Waikato Regional Council is again closely monitoring river levels in the region for flood risk.
The heaviest falls have been on the Coromandel Peninsula, where up to 200mm has fallen has fallen in the past day, and more is expected today (July 23) and tomorrow.
The Ohinemuri River flowing through the Karangahake Gorge and past Paeroa is now in flood and road closures are possible, says duty emergency management officer Greg Ryan.
The Piako, Waihou and Waitoa rivers are also expected to become swollen over coming days. Further west, the rain is expected to prolong flooding of the Waikato and Waipa rivers which rose after heavy rains the weekend before last.
"We advise farmers to move stock to higher ground if necessary and for all residents to stay up to date with information regarding river levels,"says Ryan.
"People need to be aware of the potential for inundation of flood plains, surface flooding generally and for transport links to be disrupted."
Ryan says the council's staff will liaise with other agencies over any flood response and keep the public up to date with relevant advice.
"It looks as though we're in for a few very wet days on top of what has already been a very wet July, so risks will certainly be elevated this week."
Halter has announced the six winners of its 2026 One Year Free competition, marking the biggest year yet for the annual award and the first time the company has expanded the field beyond its usual line-up.
A Morrinsville business celebrating its 30th birthday has shaken up the street scene in the Waikato township.
The New Zealand ploughing team to the world championship in Croatia next month will be banking on borrowed equipment as they seek glory.
OPINION: Staying on Plan Change 1, NZ First deputy leader Shane Jones took to social media to gain some political points.
OPINION: All eyes are on the Government as Waikato farmers seek urgent help to fend off the controversial Plan Change 1 (PC1), designed to manage nutrient discharges into waterways in the region.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.
OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…
