Civil Defence team to monitor conditions overnight
Published on 19 April 2026
Whanganui’s Civil Defence Emergency Management Operations Centre will remain staffed overnight to monitor conditions following the flood peak and high tide on the Whanganui River earlier today.
Staff will remain on duty overnight in preparation for forecast localised rain this evening and a high tide expected around midnight.
Whanganui District Council incident controller, Stuart Hylton, thanked the community for taking advice earlier in the day seriously and being prepared to evacuate.
“We’re fortunate the river didn’t reach the levels that were forecast,” says Mr Hylton.
The river reached a peak of 7.8 metres as measured at the Town Bridge in Whanganui 12.30pm this afternoon. As at 7.00pm, it has receded to 7.4 metres.
“But it’s a good reminder for those in low-lying areas to check your emergency supplies and checklists and make sure they’ve got a grab bag ready to go.”
The State of Local Emergency will remain in place overnight and will be reviewed in the morning, once there is confidence the community is no longer at risk. If you do feel unsafe where you are, self-evacuate immediately.
“Our team deals with these types of events regularly, and our community can be assured we’ll continue to provide updates if anything changes.”
Roads are closed at the Papaiti Kauarapaoa culvert (Papaiti Road), Mangamahu Road, Whanganui River Road, Kaiwhaiki Road and Kainui Road at Mangamahu due to a slip.
The river boardwalks at Moutoa Quay and Drews Avenue remain closed. Access to Kowhai Park and surrounding areas on Anzac Parade are restricted due to surface flooding. The public is advised to stay clear.
We have also received reports of people entering floodwaters.
"This is extremely dangerous and should not be attempted,” says Mr Hylton.
“The river will remain swollen and fast flowing through to at least Monday, and it’s not a safe place to be.”
Drivers are also reminded not to drive through floodwaters.
Please stay up to date via the Whanganui District Council Facebook page, website, and Antenno.