As of 7:15 AM today, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, the Wellington region remains under a Regional State of Emergency. While some river levels in the Hutt Valley and Wairarapa rose less than initially feared overnight, the situation remains critical due to the sheer volume of water and debris.

Current Status & Safety
Red Rain Warning: This remains in effect for Wellington and Wairarapa until midnight tonight. MetService warns that while the intensity has fluctuated, further heavy falls could trigger additional landslips on already saturated ground.


Casualties: Police have named Philip Sutton, a man in his 60s, as missing after his home on Karori South Road was hit by floodwaters and debris yesterday. Search operations are ongoing.


Evacuations: Residents in parts of Wainuiomata (Konini, Wetherby, and Rata Streets) and the southern suburbs were evacuated yesterday. Approximately 10 houses in Berhampore, Mornington, and South Karori have been declared uninhabitable.

If you feel at risk from this weather event , call 111 and self evacuate. Don't wait.


Infrastructure & Closures
Hutt Valley Bridges: Both the Kennedy Good Bridge and Melling Bridge have been reopened as of 4:15 AM this morning.

Public Facilities: All Wellington City Council libraries, pools, and recreation centres (including Akau Tāngi) are closed today. Major attractions like the Wellington Zoo, Zealandia, and the Cable Car also remain closed.


Health Alert: Avoid the South Coast (Ōwhiro Bay to Breaker Bay). Significant damage to the Moa Point treatment plant has resulted in untreated sewage discharging into Tarakena Bay.


Welfare & Assistance
If you have been displaced or need a safe place to go, the following centers remain open:

Walter Nash Centre (Taitā)

Wainuiomata Marae

Kōraunui Marae

Whakamaru (Wellington City Mission)


Travel Advice
Avoid all non-essential travel. Many local roads in the southern suburbs (Newtown, Berhampore, Island Bay) still have significant debris, surface flooding, or dislodged manhole covers. If you must drive, exercise extreme caution near hillsides due to the ongoing risk of landslips.

How is the weather looking where you are? Are you currently in an area affected by these closures?