TE PUKE, Bay of Plenty – July 30, 2025 – After a tumultuous 24 hours of relentless heavy rain and strong winds, Te Puke is slowly emerging from under significant floodwaters, revealing the impact of the recent weather event that swept across the Bay of Plenty. While the worst of the downpours appears to have passed, residents are now assessing the damage and the altered landscape, particularly around popular recreational areas like the Te Puke wetlands, walkway, and dog park.
MetService had issued an Orange Heavy Rain Warning for the Bay of Plenty, in effect from Tuesday morning until 8 AM today, Wednesday, July 30. Forecasts indicated 150 to 180 mm of rain, primarily inland, with peak rates reaching 25 to 40 mm/h in localised downpours overnight. These predictions unfortunately proved accurate, leading to widespread surface flooding, rapid rises in streams and rivers, and difficult driving conditions across the region. Slips also affected major highways, causing closures and disruptions.
Locally, the Te Puke wetlands, a vital ecological area and cherished community asset, bore the brunt of the deluge. Reports from residents indicate that large sections of the wetlands, along with the adjacent walkway and the Te Puke dog park, were entirely submerged, transforming familiar pathways into temporary waterways. Eyewitnesses described a landscape dramatically altered, with water levels reaching unexpected heights.
“It was quite a sight to behold,” remarked one local, referring to the Te Puke wetlands. “The water was just everywhere, covering the walkway and even parts of the dog park. You could barely tell where the paths were anymore.”
As of Wednesday afternoon, the immediate threat has subsided, and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and local authorities are reporting an easing of the rain. However, the receding waters are now leaving behind a tell-tale sign of the storm’s intensity. While the main channels of streams like the Ōhineangaanga Stream, which has historically caused flooding in some Te Puke neighbourhoods, are now receding, residual surface water remains in low-lying areas.
The Te Puke wetlands and adjacent recreational spaces are gradually re-emerging, but mud and debris are expected to be prevalent. The full extent of any damage to the walkways and park infrastructure will become clearer in the coming days as clean-up efforts begin. The Western Bay of Plenty District Council had recently highlighted the importance of wetlands in managing stormwater and providing flood storage, and this event certainly tested their capacity. A new wetland for a popular Te Puke park was even announced in April 2025, aimed at improving flood storage and water quality, underscoring the ongoing efforts to bolster the region’s resilience.
Residents are urged to continue exercising caution, especially near waterways, as ground saturation increases the risk of further slips, and some roads may still be affected by debris. While the immediate crisis has passed, Te Puke is now in the recovery phase, assessing and cleaning up after nature’s powerful display.
