Alert opened: 27 Oct 2025
A State of Emergency remains in place for the Clutha District due to extensive damage caused by red alert winds and ongoing power outages.
It is likely this will continue into next week. Work is continuing to restore services, and good progress has been made, but this will still take some time to complete. We know this is a difficult time for everyone affected.
For all updates, check the Otago Emergency Management Facebook page and Clutha District Council Facebook page.
The communities' welfare needs are continuing to be assessed, and these include drinking and wastewater services.
MPI and Dairy NZ are assessing the help that farmers will need to milk cows.
People can contact Clutha District Council on 0800 801 350.
Stay up to date with Civil Defence information from Clutha District Council at www.cluthadc.govt.nz, or listen to the following radio stations for updates:
Hokonui
South Otago 91.3 FM or 88.3 FM
Otago Regional Council has postponed all proactive dairy farm inspections. Council’s compliance team can be reached on 0800 800 033 or pollution@orc.govt.nz.
Farmers who require support are encouraged to contact their local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.
Affected districts
Alert opened: 26 Oct 2025
MetService Severe Weather Warning
Issued at 11:04pm Mon 27 Oct 20255
A significant storm to impact much of New Zealand on Labour Day
An active low pressure system over the Tasman Sea moves across New Zealand Monday night and Tuesday morning, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to many regions, including heavy snow for Canterbury High Country and inland Otago.
Warnings and Watches are now in force.
People are advised to keep up to date with the latest warnings.
Heavy Snow Warning - Orange
Area: Canterbury High Country south of SH73, Queenstown Lakes District about and north of Wanaka, and Central Otago about and north of Ranfurly
Period: 15 hours from 8:00pm Mon 27 Oct to 11:00am Tue 28 Oct
Forecast: On top of the snow that has already accumulated, expect 5 to 10 cm of snow to settle above 500 metres, but 10 to 20 cm above 800 metres about the Mackenzie Basin and northern parts of Otago.
Minimal chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Travel disruption and damage to trees and powerlines are possible. Cold conditions may cause stress for livestock.
Action: Prepare for snow, cold temperatures, and possible power outages. If you must travel, drive cautiously, and ensure you have snow chains, sleeping bags, warm clothing, and emergency items.
Affected districts
Know where you can find up to date information
Maniototo Burn - 92.3 FM/729 AM
More FM - 90.3 FM / 94.3 FM
RNZ National - 101.5 FM/639 AM
Newstalk ZB - 89.6 FM / 95.1 FM / 90.6 FM
Radio Central - 91.9 FM (Alexandra, Clyde, Cromwell), 94.3FM (Teviot Valley), 104.3 FM (Maniototo)
Radio Live - 95.9 FM
Radio Wanaka - 92.2 FM
The Hits - 99.9 FM
More FM - 93.7 FM (South Otago from Clinton), 92.9 FM (Balclutha),
107.1 FM (from Lawrence).
Hokonui - 94.8 FM (Southland), 91.3 FM & 88.3 FM (South Otago),
95.2FM (West Otago)
RNZ National - 101.4 FM / 810 AM
Radio Dunedin - 1305 AM, 95.4 & 106.7FM
More FM - 97.4 FM
The Hits - 89.4 FM
The Breeze - 98.2 FM
Magic Talk - 96.6 FM
Newstalk ZB - 1044 AM
RNZ National - 101.4 FM
RNZ National - 810 AM
OAR FM - 105.4 FM, 1575 AM
Queenstown Lakes - Queenstown
More FM - 92 FM
The Hits - 90.4 FM
Newstalk ZB - 89.6 FM
RNZ National - 101.6 FM/1134 AM
Queenstown Lakes - Wanaka
Radio Wanaka - 92.2 FM
More FM - 99.4 FM
The Hits - 96.2 FM
RNZ - 101.0 FM
Newstalk ZB 90.6 FM
More FM - 100 FM
RNZ National - 101.4 FM & 810 AM
Newstalk ZB - 1395 AM
Oamaru Heritage Radio - 88.3 & 107 FM
Real- 104FM
The Hits - 98.4 FM
Oamaru FM - 91.2FM
The Breeze- 97.6 FM
Puketapu Radio - 756 AM
