Between 30 April and 3 May 2025, Christchurch City and Banks Peninsula received prolonged, intense rainfall resulting in flooding and multiple landslips across the region.

A State of Emergency was declared on 2 May 2025. Residents within the area most at risk from the Lighthouse Road land instability were temporarily evacuated.

The State of Emergency was lifted on 12 May and we began our transition to recovery.

The transition enables the Christchurch City Council Recovery Office to assume coordinated leadership for recovery planning and delivery.

Priorities for the recovery are:

• to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents and communities
• to support the usual Council operations to address impacts on infrastructure, roading and community assets

There is currently a designation in place under the Building Act on the primary and secondary zones near the land instability.

All cracks on Lighthouse Road have been sealed/patched and the road has been restored to a condition where the road is open to residents and essential delivery/service vehicles only. This is to minimise traffic loading while further assessments are completed.

The head scarp cracks in the hillside remains and is approx. 100m long and up to 200mm wide.

Remediation requires further assessment before the extent of potential work and timeframes are confirmed.

More information on Lighthouse Road land instability

A working group was established in 2023 to explore options for flood mitigation in the Little River township. Known as the Little River Flooding Round Table Group, it includes representatives from: Little River Wairewa Community Trust, Wairewa Rūnanga, Ecan Staff, CCC Staff, Banks Peninsula Water Zone Committee, elected members from Christchurch City Council and Environment Canterbury, and Little River Ratings District staff.

A report outlining the findings of recent flood mapping and possible mitigation options has been received by the Round Table, and will be used to progress the understanding around flooding and identification of mitigation options.

For more information on the Little River Village Flooding project please contact Jane Harrison

There are a number of protocols that exist as part of the joint consent between the Council and Wairewa Rūnanga for the opening of Wairewa / Lake Forsyth. These protocols were followed during the event. However, as with all events of this nature we’ll be carrying out a review of our response.

In addition, we will continue to work with the Little River Flooding working party to further understand the drivers and impacts from this event. This may result in operational changes or further initiatives to reduce the flood vulnerability of the community.

Other road closures, damage and slips

The rain caused a large number of slips on Banks Peninsula. Any road closures that are still in place are for safety and to allow Council staff and contractors to compete further assessments.

Road users are advised to take extra care when travelling through these areas and to please follow any temporary traffic management signage.

Cemetery Road Wainui: Geotech assessment is ongoing however the road has access from both ends