Floodwaters are covering large parts of the Eastern Bay of Plenty after 24 hours of heavy rain. Several larger rivers in the district appear to have spilled into surrounding farmland - around the Otara, Waioeka, and Waiotahi rivers. The Ōpōtiki District Council has activated its Emergency Operations Centre and put portaloos out because the town's wastewater system has broken down. Mayor of Ōpōtiki John Forbes tells Guyon Espiner the spills onto rural land protects the town from flooding.
13 Feb 2018
