Weather event: Local states of emergency declared

Local states of emergency were declared today for Selwyn District, Christchurch, and Banks Peninsula following heavy rainfall that has caused flooding and raised river levels across the region.

All Ara Institute of Canterbury campuses are scheduled to open as normal tomorrow. However, we ask all staff and students to prioritise their safety when making travel decisions.

"While our campuses remain open, we understand that some areas are significantly affected by flooding and road closures," says Deb Young, Ako Excellence Director. "We encourage everyone to assess their local conditions and not travel if it's unsafe to do so."

Travel advisory

If you need to travel tomorrow:

• Check current road conditions using the NZTA Journey Planner
• Confirm public transport is operating on your route
• Drive with caution and be alert for surface flooding, debris, and reduced visibility
• Do not attempt to drive or walk through flooded areas.

Affected by the weather?

• For staff: Please contact your manager if you're unable to travel to campus safely.
• For students: Contact your tutor if you cannot attend classes. We will ensure that weather-related absences do not negatively impact your learning outcomes.

Stay informed

The situation continues to evolve. For the latest updates, please check:

• Christchurch City Council for Christchurch and Banks Peninsula
• Selwyn District Council for Selwyn District

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on this web page as necessary.

Stay safe and look after one another.