Source: Radio New Zealand
A local state of emergency has been declared in Ōtorohanga, Waikato, after the district was lashed by heavy rains.
The declaration was made at 12:57am on Saturday and will stay in effect for seven days.
Mayor Rodney Dow said the district had experienced widespread flooding, slips and inundation.
“The situation in Ōtorohanga is serious.”
He said the community was grieving following news that a man had died after his car became submerged in floodwaters.
Here is some of the footage and imagery that emerged following the deluge:
Flooding on nearby Kio Kio Station Road. Supplied / Colin Payne
Floodwaters in Ōtorohanga, on Saturday 14 February, 2026. RNZ/ Marika Khabazi
Ōtorohanga Mayor Rodney Dow said the community was grieving following news that a man had died after his car became submerged in floodwaters. RNZ/ Marika Khabazi
A car near Ōtorohanga Primary School was submerged following the flooding. RNZ/Marika Khabazi
Flooding in Ōtorohanga, on 14 February 2026. Supplied/ Joy Wickham
Flooding on Corcoran Road on Saturday morning. Facebook/Waipā District Council
Flooding on Kio Kio Station Road, where residents were evacuated overnight. Supplied / Colin Payne
Flooding at Ōtorohanga Museum. Supplied / Amanda Kiddie
A slip on State Highway 39, Ōtorohanga. Supplied / Otorohanga Volunteer Fire Brigade
Flooding on State Highway 39, Ōtorohanga. Supplied / Otorohanga Volunteer Fire Brigade
Flooding in Ōtorohanga, on 14 February 2026. Supplied/ Joy Wickham
Bystanders observe flooding around Phillips Avenue in Ōtorohanga on 14 February 2026. RNZ / Marika Khabazi
A garden bed floating on a flooded property on Phillips Avenue following flooding in Ōtorohanga.
Flooding on Phillips Road, Ōtorohanga. RNZ / Lucy Xia
Trish Osterman’s home following flooding in Ōtorohanga. RNZ / Lucy Xia
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
