The doors to our Whitianga and Paeroa offices will be closed for the summer break from 4pm on Friday, 20 December, while our Taupō and Hamilton offices will close for the summer break at 1pm on Tuesday, 24 December. All offices will reopen on Monday, 6 January 2025. To report air or water pollution, unsafe water activities in or on a river, lake or harbour, or make a general enquiry or information request during this time, call us 24/7 on 0800 800 401.

Close alert

Taupo, Waikato and Waipa management zones leap day flood event February 29 to March 5, 2004

TR 2004/06
  1. Services »
  2. Publications »
  3. TR2004/06

Report: TR2004/06

Author: Adam Munro

Abstract

This report examines the key aspects of the ‘Taupo, Waikato, and Waipa Management Zones Leap Day Flood Event of February 29 to March 5, 2004’. It has been produced as part of Waikato Regional Council's internal reporting requirements.

The report provides a comprehensive overview of the flood event that resulted in high river levels on the Tongariro, Tauranga Taupo, Waipa and Waikato River systems as a result of record monthly rainfall (three to four times above normal in some areas). The opportunity has been taken in this report to pull together a wide range of information and findings from both internal and external sources including:

  • Hydrological information (primarily rainfall totals and peak river levels)
  • Flood Management Strategies and Key Decision Points
  • Waikato Regional Council's Response
  • Performance of the Flood Warning Network and Flood Protection Schemes
  • Comparison to historical and recent events, and
  • Lessons learnt (as opportunities for improvement).

Recommendations and key actions follow towards the rear of the report.

Taupo, Waikato and Waipa Management Zones Leap Day Flood Event February 29 to March 5, 2004 [PDF, 758 KB]