Jet Boat Joy Ride in Flooded Waikato Stream Amid Severe Weather in New Zealand

Amid the relentless onslaught of severe weather in New Zealand, a video has gone viral showing a jet boat joy ride through a swollen stream in the Waikato region. The footage, captured between Piopio and Te Kūiti, has raised concerns about safety and the potential risks of such reckless behavior during a natural disaster.

The video shows locals enjoying a high-speed ride in a jet boat, spinning and speeding through the flooded waters. While it may appear thrilling, it highlights the dangers of floodwaters and the importance of heeding safety warnings. Civil Defence has issued clear guidelines, advising people to avoid playing in floodwaters at all costs.

"Floods are New Zealand’s number one hazard in terms of frequency, losses, and declared Civil Defence Emergency Management emergencies," the agency warns on its website. They emphasize the need to put safety first and act quickly if rising water is observed. "Never try to walk, swim, drive through, or play in flood water.

The footage was captured by a motorist traveling through the Waikato region. Earlier in the day, MetService had issued warnings about thunderstorms and heavy rain in Taranaki and coastal parts of Waikato and Waitomo. These warnings followed localized downpours that reached rates of nearly 20mm/hr in parts of the upper North Island overnight.

The wet conditions have followed torrential rains that triggered flash flooding and landslides across Taranaki on Thursday. On Saturday, forecasters reported a moderate risk of thunderstorms in Northland, eastern Bay of Plenty, and Gisborne/Tairāwhiti, with the potential for hail up to 1cm in diameter in Gisborne later in the day. A heavy rain watch has been issued for the Wairoa District in Hawke’s Bay, remaining in force until 9 pm Saturday.

Between 60 and 80 mm of rain and thunderstorms are expected until 1 am Sunday. Streams and rivers could rise rapidly, with peak rates of up to 20mm expected. While there is a "minimal chance" of upgrading to a red warning, the potential for further damage remains high.

The South Island has also been severely impacted by the weather this week. The Nelson Tasman region was hit by damaging floods and heavy rain. Homes in Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough have been left uninhabitable, roads have been damaged, and properties have been inundated with flood waters, described by local authorities as a "one-in-100-year event."

Despite the initial devastation, another bout of heavy rainfall on Thursday did not exacerbate the existing post-flood crisis significantly. MetService confirmed that more than 250mm of rain fell in Blenheim across the month, while about 220mm fell in Nelson—a record for both areas.

As the country continues to grapple with the effects of this relentless weather, it is crucial to remember the importance of safety and preparedness. The jet boat joy ride in the flooded Waikato stream may have been a moment of thrill for some, but it serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by floodwaters and the need to heed official warnings and guidelines.