Chaotic weather hits New Zealand, disrupting flights and forcing schools to close

7NEWS

01-05-2025

Australians travelling to New Zealand are being warned of wild weather and flight cancellations set to last for the rest of the week.
Towns across the North Island and upper South Island have copped gale force winds and heavy rain over the past 24 hours, with 21 warnings and watches declared.
The country's capital, Wellington on the North Island, received average winds of 87km/h, speeds not seen since 2013.
In Baring Head, south of the capital, gusts reached 160km/h.
MetService has issued a red warning for Wellington residents stating that: 'Threat to life from flying items and falling trees. Destructive winds will cause widespread damage including powerlines and roofs, with dangerous driving conditions and significant disruption to transport and power supply.'
'Wellington is no stranger to high winds but even by our standards this is an extraordinary day in the capital,' MetService meteorologist John Law told AAP.
This warning forced the Victoria University of Wellington, along with many local schools, to shut their doors.
At the capital's international airport, flights in and out have been majorly disrupted as airlines continue to cancel flights.
'Current conditions are expected to continue impacting our network throughout the day, so we encourage customers travelling to check the Air New Zealand app or the arrivals and departures page on our website for the latest updates,' Air New Zealand CEO Alex Marren said.
'As the wind is likely to continue throughout the day, we're offering flexibility for those with travel to and from Wellington. Customers are encouraged to self-serve and change or defer their travel plans where possible.'
Jetstar has had eight cancelled flights and one diversion on flight JQ251.
'Safety is our number one priority, and our teams are continuing to monitor the conditions for flights later today,' a JetStar spokesperson told the NZ Herald.
Ferry services by Cook Strait between the South and North Islands have been cancelled as well.
Meanwhile, in Christchurch on the South Island, at least 12 flights have been cancelled.
The Avon River in the city has also overflowed near the CBD due to heavy rainfall.
The local council has raised concerns about the storm water network becoming inundated as rain continues.
'This can affect the mains, meaning that in some areas people may be experiencing 'slow' or 'no' service,' the council said.
'Toilets, showers and sinks may empty slowly or in the worst cases not at all.
'If this was to happen, the council will arrange any clean-up to property or the environment following being notified of overflows.'
Rivers have also risen around the greater Canterbury region — of which Christchurch is the major centre — leading to the establishment of a state of emergency.
Schools were forced to close too, while Selwyn district council began handing out sandbags.
Locals were told to conserve water and, if possible, evacuate.
'Heavy rain continues to fall, with a warning in place until 6pm this evening. Please DO NOT DRIVE on the roads unless necessary,' Selwyn Council said in a statement.
'Although precautionary, we are asking that residents in Selwyn Huts self-evacuate from the area due to concerns of flooding from the Selwyn River.'
The storm has also delivered the season's first major snowfall, coating the inland town of Tekapo on the South Island.
Snow warnings have also been issued around Christchurch, Central Otago, the Queenstown Lakes District, and Canterbury High country.