Lake Ellesmere full

**Issued by Environment Canterbury on behalf of CDEM Canterbury Group**

Due to the current weather conditions Te Waihora / Lake Ellesmere has risen significantly. At present, we are unable to open the lake to the sea because of weather conditions and large swell overtopping the beach crest. With rain expected to continue we expect the lake to continue rising. Low lying areas around the shore of the lake are expected to flood. The forecast is for conditions to improve enough for works to start on Monday and for the cut to take three days to open.

We advise residents in low lying areas near Lake Ellesmere to:
o Move all stock
o If residents in low lying areas near the Ellesmere feel anxious or unsafe they are advised to go to evacuate
o Watch council websites for detailed updates on the situation
o https://www.ecan.govt.nz/home/flood-warning/
o http://www.selwyn.govt.nz/home
Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere is the largest lake in Canterbury and has no natural outlet to the sea. It is valued for cultural and environmental reasons and was opened by generations of Ngāi Tahu before Pākehā arrival.
o The lake has been regularly opened since at least the early 1800s, before European settlement. More than 300 openings have been recorded.
o Openings are closed naturally by gravel washing from the sea and closing the passage.
For more information about opening Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere go here:
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/your-region/your-environment/river-and-drain-management/opening-te-waihoralake-ellesmere/

We will release further statements as the situation evolves and more information becomes available.

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