The warning comes after a man was found dead in a submerged car on State Highway 39 at Puketotara. Meanwhile, a group of campers were evacuated from a campground amid the flooding, slips and heavy rain in Ōtorohanga. Photo: RNZMan dies in floodwatersA man died after his vehicle became submerged in floodwaters while travelling on State Highway 39 last night. The car was submerged near the intersection of SH39 and Kiwi Rd at Puketotara, and the man was found deceased inside the vehicle, police said. Flooding in Waikato has closed State Highway 39 between Pirongia and Ōtorohanga.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 13, 2026 22:46 UTC