This message was updated at 1300 hours on Thursday 23 February 2012.

Moderate rain has been falling in the Waimakariri and Rakaia river catchments. Both rivers are still rising at their gorges. Expect these rivers to continue to rise throughout the day.

At this time ECan does not expect the rivers to rise to significant flood levels or for there to be any "out of river" flood problems. However, any recreationalists or contractors, using the riverbed itself, should remain wary of rising river levels.

Next update due: Friday 24 February.