1984 Southland floods

In late January 1984, the Southland and Fiordland regions of New Zealand's South Island experienced a strong north-westerly front and moist conditions, which led to heavy rainfall and flooding between 26 and 27 January. Several urban centres and towns in Southland including Invercargill, Riverton, Bluff, Otautau and Tuatapere experienced significant flooding. In response, the Mayor of Invercargill Eve Poole and Civil Defence authorities declared local states of emergency in Invercargill and much of Southland. The 1984 Southland floods caused significant damage to local housing, farms, infrastructure, and property, with insurance claims amounting to between $45.8 million and $55 million ($189 million and $227 million, adjusted for inflation).