Bad weather causes flooding, disrupts air show | Radio New Zealand News

Downpours in parts of the North Island have caused flooding and disrupted the Wings over Wairarapa air show.

In Kawerau, Bay of Plenty, torrential rain started about 3am, flooding half a dozen homes.

Houses in Kawerau were flooded in this morning's downpour.Photo: Google Maps

Areas near River Road, Onslow Street, Beattie Road and the top of Valley Road were most affected.

Kawerau district mayor Malcom Campbell said drains struggled with the deluge, and some basements were flooded.

Mr Campbell said water in the middle of the town had subsided but some roads were still flooded and he urged motorists to drive slowly.

The Fire Service had two crews out, pumping water from basements.

Air show disrupted

Today's air show at the Wings over Wairarapa festival has been cancelled and organisers are still deciding about tonight's events.

Planes at the festival in 2015 (file).Photo: RNZ / Kim Griggs

The annual air festival is held at Hood Aerodrome in Masterton and draws thousands of spectators - many from outside the region.

Event manager Jenny Gasson said her team was bitterly disappointed.

"Unfortunately the weather has played a significant role today and we are all devastated the air show is not on.

"We are in the process of contacting all corporate ticket holders and sponsors and communicating the news with all our ticket holders," she said.

"We will make a decision later today about tonight's scheduled evening show. We are all now hoping the weather improves ahead of tomorrow so that we can put on a terrific air show."