The declaration follows significant flooding across the district, with rising river levels affecting homes, businesses, farms, roads and essential services.
“Some communities have become isolated, and a number of residents have already been evacuated from affected areas to ensure their safety,” Little said.
“Declaring a State of Emergency allows emergency services and response agencies to work together quickly and effectively to protect people, coordinate resources, and support our communities as the situation continues to develop.”
Little said emergency management teams would continue monitoring conditions throughout the night, and further updates would be provided as information becomes available.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected. Please continue to look after yourselves, your whānau and your neighbours.”
Emergency alert: ‘Evacuate now. Evacuate to higher ground’
Just before 10pm, Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence issued an emergency mobile alert for low-lying areas near the Wairoa River, including houses between Outram Street and Grant Street, and Kopu Road and Apatu Street.
“Evacuate now. Evacuate to higher ground or inland,” the alert said.
“People in this area must leave now, take essential items and pets with you. If lives are in immediate danger dial 111.
“Avoid travelling through flood water if possible. Stay out of flooded areas until advised by officials.
“Organise to stay with friends or family if you can, or go to Wairoa War Memorial Hall a Civil Defence Centres will be established there to provide assistance.
“There is serious flooding in low-lying areas of Wairoa from the Wairoa River.”
Wairoa District Council had earlier warned residents to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice – concerned about the lower catchment of the Wairoa River.
The roads closed as at 11.30pm on Thursday were:
Karaka Street
Browne Street
Sturdee Street
Rose Street
Outram Street
Kopu Road (Spooner’s Point to Pilot Hill)
Grey Street
Lion Street
Colin Street
Grant Street
McLean Street (Fraser Street to Colin Street)
Mohaka Coach Road (fallen trees)
Glenbrook Road (low-lying areas)
Kotare Road (low-lying areas)
Ruakituri Road (closed)
SH38 – Frasertown to Tuai (surface flooding, trees and debris)
SH2 – Turiroa Cutting (flooding)
Earlier
Wairoa District Council said earlier police would be door knocking properties in the area to ensure residents were aware of the changing conditions and to assist anyone who may need to evacuate.
“If you live in or near this area, please be prepared to leave immediately if advised to do so. If you feel unsafe, do not wait. Move to higher ground, stay with family or friends, or head to the Wairoa War Memorial Hall, which is open as an evacuation centre.”
Following discussions with its flood modellers on Thursday evening, the council said there were increasing concerns that river levels could rise significantly overnight.
Its concern was for the lower catchment of the Wairoa River.
“While the Wairoa River mouth is open, outgoing water and rising flow is competing against large 3m-4m swells coming in from the coast,” it said.
“More water is also expected to flow into the Wairoa River from the upper catchments, with further heavy rain forecast overnight.”
More than 700 properties were without power.
The council said Firstlight Network crews were working to restore power as safely and as quickly as conditions allow.