Residents who have evacuated from The Pines Beach and Kairaki are now able to return home but should still be prepared to evacuate again if asked.

Managed access to the area will be restricted to residents and Civil Defence asks that other people stay away from the area for now.

The main flooding risk to the area comes from a broken flood gate.

Civil Defence has been managing the problem overnight with a temporary solution – a digger holding a steel plate against the gate.

Pumps were also in place to help manage the extra water.

Environment Canterbury engineers will be investigating a permanent solution for the gate at low tide this afternoon, however the digger is ready to stay in place for a second night if required.

Overnight six properties in the Okuku area were evacuated due to flooding.

Civil Defence is in contact with the affected families and assessing the damage further today.

With evacuees staying with friends, families and neighbours, the Civil Defence Centre in Rangiora Baptist is no longer required and has closed.

Flooding caused significant damage to roads and bridges in the Lees Valley.

Aerial surveys have shown bridges badly damaged and a major washout on Lees Valley Road.  

Civil Defence has arranged for a helicopter to fly in supplies of fresh water and prescription medicine until road access can be restored to the five properties at Mt Pemberton Station.

The residents have also chartered their own additional flights to get supplies and people in and out of the area. The Station’s private water scheme was compromised by the flooding.

Canterbury remains in a State of Emergency.