Dunedin Under Red Rain Warning as Climate Reality Hits

Dunedin is under a rare red-level heavy rain warning, with surface flooding and land instability already reported across the city. Civil Defence has activated its emergency bunker as forecasters warn of 80 to 120mm of rain through Monday morning. This is the sixth red warning MetService has issued this year, raising urgent questions about whether Aotearoa's infrastructure is prepared for the reality of escalating climate events.

What is happening on the ground in Dunedin?

Heavy rainfall arrived earlier than expected on Sunday, catching many residents off guard. Civil Defence Controller Sandy Graham confirmed the bunker will operate overnight with staff and contractors responding to issues as they emerge. Dunedin mayor Sophie Barker described it as a