Christchurch and Banks Peninsula residents are being urged to prepare for possible flooding as the wild weather hammering the North Island tracks south. This could cause flooding in some areas of the district, with Banks Peninsula looking likely to be the most affected. The peninsula is under an orange heavy rain warning from 8am today until 6pm tomorrow. "The upper Heathcote flood storage basins will be functioning as they should during this event, so people may notice fluctuating water levels in the river," Smith said. "Given the amount of rain forecast, Little River residents should prepare for possible flooding, and other parts of Banks Peninsula should be aware of the potential for slips and road disruptions.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 16, 2026 06:41 UTC