States of emergency in the Waipā and Ōtorohanga districts have been extended for a further seven days.
The decision followed ongoing response by both councils, emergency services, iwi and partner agencies after severe weather battered the districts last weekend.
Several state highways were closed, people were evacuated from their homes, and a man was found dead after his vehicle was submerged in floodwaters.
The states of emergency in Waipā and Ōtorohanga were now set to expire on February 28.
Waipā Mayor Mike Pettit said the extension was about keeping residents safe and that the district was "still in response mode".
"We are not out of the woods yet. While we have made good progress, there are still some significant issues we are dealing with."
Some residents were still unable to return home, while the switch over for the Pirongia water supply would be a "critical point in time", he said.
"I thank you, the community, for your understanding and patience as we work in resolving these issues together."
Ōtorohanga Mayor Rodney Dow said parts of his district continued to face challenging conditions, including ongoing impacts to roads, farms and access routes.
“The extension is not a reason to panic. It gives the right legal settings to continue managing the situations in the best way possible," he said.
“Our district has been significantly affected, and the state of emergency gives us the ability to keep supporting communities, co-ordinate response efforts and respond quickly as conditions continue to change.”



















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