Waikato River on 28 January 2025. Photo: RNZ / Libby Kirkby-McLeod
The amount of water flowing through the Waikato River is being intentionally increased by Mercury Energy, as the region prepares for expected heavy rainfall at the end of the week.
Releasing water into the river creates additional capacity within the Waikato hydroelectric system.
Waikato Regional Council's Regional Flood Coordinator Derek Hartley said late on Monday the Karāpiro dam started releasing water, which may continue until Wednesday evening, 2 July.
"This has resulted in water levels downstream of Karāpiro rising.
"To date there has been minimal impact on Waikato River pathways in Hamilton; however, it remains possible that some riverside paths will be inundated and the Grantham Street car park may also be impacted," he said.
Hamilton city council said for safety reasons it had shut several river paths that could flood as they were level to the river.
Parks and Recreations Unit Director Maria Barrie said these were Awatere Avenue to Ann Street; Te Hikuwai Reserve; path below Memorial Park; and Pine Beach to Fairfield Esplanade.
Monitoring by the regional council showed saturated catchments across parts of the region, particularly in hill country and low-lying areas, which increases the risk of surface flooding, elevated river levels and land instability should further rainfall occur.
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