State of Emergency Declared in Canterbury as Severe Weather Batters Region

The declaration, signed at 3:24pm, enables local authorities to exercise emergency powers to safeguard lives and property during this critical period.

In response to ongoing severe weather conditions, Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell has formally declared a state of local emergency for the Canterbury Region. The declaration, signed at 3:24pm, enables local authorities to exercise emergency powers to safeguard lives and property during this critical period.

Extraordinary Measures Amid Extraordinary Circumstances

The declaration was made under unusual circumstances, as recent local government elections have left the region without formally sworn-in mayors who would ordinarily have the authority to issue such declarations.

“I have made this declaration as the Canterbury Mayors have not yet been able to be sworn in following the recent local elections,” said Minister Mitchell. “The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has been in close contact with the Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Group and confirmed that a declaration is necessary.”

By stepping in, the Government has ensured there is no delay in enabling emergency response teams to act swiftly and access the full suite of legal powers available under the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act.

Civil Defence Powers Now Active

The declaration means that local Civil Defence teams in Canterbury now have the authority to carry out emergency evacuations, close roads, requisition property, and restrict public access to certain areas as needed.

“These powers are critical to allow Civil Defence to support emergency services in protecting people and property,” Minister Mitchell noted. “This is a significant weather event that is causing impacts around many parts of the country.”

The Minister extended his sympathies to affected communities, urging all residents to take the threat seriously: “Put safety first. Don’t take any chances.”

Dangerous Weather Continues Across the South Island

The declaration follows widespread heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flooding across Canterbury and surrounding areas. Rivers have breached their banks in some districts, roads have been closed due to landslides and surface flooding, and power outages have affected numerous rural communities.

MetService continues to issue severe weather warnings, with forecasts indicating more rainfall and damaging winds in the coming hours. Coastal areas may also experience storm surges and large waves.

Authorities are urging the public to:

• Stay informed through MetService and local Civil Defence updates

• Avoid unnecessary travel, especially in flood-prone or high-wind areas

• Check on vulnerable neighbours and family members

• Prepare for possible evacuation with essential supplies

For the latest safety tips and resources, residents are advised to visit GetReady.govt.nz — New Zealand’s official emergency preparedness portal.

Coordinated National and Regional Response

Emergency services, including Fire and Emergency New Zealand, New Zealand Police, and local volunteer civil defence units, are actively working across Canterbury to respond to calls for help, manage evacuations, and assess infrastructure damage.

Minister Mitchell emphasized that the Government is monitoring the broader national weather situation as well. “This event is not isolated to Canterbury. Severe weather is affecting many parts of the country,” he said, leaving the door open for further emergency declarations if conditions deteriorate elsewhere.

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As the situation unfolds, the priority remains public safety. The declaration provides vital legal backing for a coordinated and agile response, while underscoring the Government’s commitment to protecting New Zealanders amid natural disasters.