Photo: Supplied / Colin PayneA State of Emergency declared at 1am in Ōtorohanga, in the King Country, where people have been forced to evacuate by rising floodwaters, and buildings have been flooded. By Soumya Bhamidipati of RNZAn Ōtorohanga resident has described his dramatic and unexpected rescue early this morning, after he awoke to find himself waist-deep in floodwater. Kio Kio Station Rd resident Colin Payne said waters close to three metres high had come through his Ōtorohanga property in the King Country overnight. Man dies in floodwatersA man died after his vehicle became submerged in floodwaters while travelling on State Highway 39 last night. Flooding in Waikato has closed State Highway 39 between Pirongia and Ōtorohanga.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 13, 2026 22:43 UTC