In the eastern Bay of Plenty river levels are still rising, roads are closed and there is significant surfacing water still around, so holidaymakers and residents are advised to take care,

Bay of Plenty Regional Council's duty flood manager Ken Tarborton said that there had been some wild weather and a lot of rain which has resulted in a lot of surface flooding and some road closures.

Rainfall to date:

• western Bay of Plenty: 70mm to 120mm
• Rotorua/Kaituna: 150mm to 210mm
• Rangitāiki: 150mm to 250mm
• eastern Bay of Plenty 170mm to 300mm

Mr Tarboton said rivers in the eastern Bay had risen overnight and would continue to do this for some time today given the heavy rainfall in the ranges.

Rivers as at 7am today:

• Kaituna @ Te Matai peaked at 1am - falling slowly.
• Rangitāiki @ Rabbit Bridge still rising
• Rangitāiki @ Te Teko close to peaking at 3am just below 2nd alert level
• Whakatāne @ Wharf peaked with high tide at 1am below the level of the stoplogs which were inserted as a precautionary measure.
• Whakatāne close to peaking around 3am at Rūātoki and Valley.
• Waimana @ Gorge - continues to rise at Gorge and Ranger Station approx. 250mm/hr.
• Waioeka @cableway - continues to rise approx. 150mm/hr
• Nukuhoe @ Glenhlome continues to rise approx. 150 mm/hr

Some roads are closed due to the flooding and people should check for the latest information on this by visiting www.whakatane.govt.nz for local roads and www.nzta.govt.nz

Some of the current closures are:

• State Highway 2 at Waimana flooded and closed at Wardlaw Glade.
• Valley Road between Whakatāne and Tāneatua flooded during night but was open to vehicles travelling with caution.
• Wainui Road is still flooded at Glenholme Road. Also closed off between Cheddar Valley and Stanley Road.
• Kopuriki Road is still flooded at Rabbit Bridge.
• Possible surface flooding on Kaituna Right Bank at Te Matai.

Mr Tarboton said Regional Council staff were continuing to work throughout the day to monitor the situation and undertake any emergency works that might be required.