Get ready for Winter: Keep our drains flowing
Selwyn District Council media release: 28th April 2026
Flooding is our most common natural hazard in Selwyn. As we head into the wetter months, now’s the time to take a few simple steps to help protect your home, your street, and our wider community. Flooding can happen quickly, but being prepared makes a real difference.
Start with a simple prep talk with your whānau about what you would do if flooding or another emergency affected your home. Make sure you have an evacuation plan, know where you would go, and that everyone understands what to do if you’re not together.
Having a grab bag ready can also help you act quickly. It should include essentials like warm clothes, walking shoes, water, snacks, medications, a torch, radio, batteries, and copies of important documents. At home, aim to have enough supplies to last at least three days, including water, food that doesn’t need cooking, and supplies for pets or babies.
What Council is doing
The Council works across the entire drainage network. This includes:
- Monitoring and cleaning ponds, pipes and open drains.
- Clearing roadsides and on‑street gutters in high leaf‑fall areas.
- Removing obstructions that reduce drainage capacity, so water can flow effectively during heavy rain.
If you spot a blocked street drain, let us know through Snap Send Solve or call 0800 SELWYN (735 996). Working together helps keep Selwyn’s drainage network operating at its best.
How you can help
On your property the same simple steps can make a big difference. Keeping drainage clear is a shared responsibility.
- Clear your gutters: Scoop out those autumn leaves so rain can flow freely.
- Check drains: Ensure your outdoor drains aren't buried under garden debris.
- Flush your downpipes: Run a hose through your downpipes to check for hidden clogs.
- Let water flow: Raking up leaves and clearing dead wood helps remove blockages for water to flow away from your house or soak up into the ground
- Check the flood maps on the Council website: If your property has an overland flow path, make sure it’s clear of obstructions and that any fences have gaps beneath to let water flow through.
Find more tips on preparing for flooding and other emergencies in the ‘Are You Ready?’ guide online. Printed copies are available at Selwyn libraries, service centres, and the Rolleston Council Office.