The combination of heavy rain and autumn leaves resulted in flooding on lower Helwick Street, Wanaka, this morning, Queenstown Lakes District Council Wanaka operations manager Chris Hawker said.

"Leaves had blocked drains on Hedditch Street which resulted in a reasonable volume of water being sent down Ardmore Street to pool in lower Helwick Street at around 3am," Mr Hawker said.

Council roading contractor Works Infrastructure had acted quickly to clear drains.

"Water was threatening a number of properties, however the water quickly dispersed once drains were clear and I am not aware of any damage," Mr Hawker said.

The incident meant all drains in Wanaka's central business district would now be checked and cleared daily.

"Works Infrastructure will carry out pre-emptive sump clearance to prevent any repeat flooding," Mr Hawker said.

The new Cardrona storm water outfall project, which would see storm water re-directed from the bottom of Ardmore Street, had now gone to tender.

"That project will substantially improve the situation and ostensibly protect that area from any future flooding risk," Mr Hawker said.

ENDS

For further information please contact Chris Hawker 0274 364 455.

By: Tamah