Fiordland’s unprecedented high rainfall, with more on the way, has resulted in “extremely dangerous conditions”, forcing postponement of both the Labour Weekend Te Anau-Manapouri fishing competition and Ki Uta Ki Tai Waka Challenge.

It’s the first time in 18 years that organisers of the Te Anau Manapouri Fishing Classic and the Cruise Milford Take A Kid Fishing Competition have had to postpone the events with conditions likely to be just too treacherous.

Shevaun Taberner, of Te Anau Events, says it was “a big call for us…but the safest”.

“Conditions on Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri, and in the upper Waiau River are considered dangerous and will worsen,” she says.

This year's Stabicraft Te Anau Manapouri Fishing Classic has been postoned due to dangerous lake and river conditions. File/Photo: Southland App

A big front will dump more rain on the region from Wednesday night through to Thursday afternoon.

“After Thursday’s rain, McGregor’s Pond is expected to flood due to the overflow from the Whitestone River,” Taberner says.

Organisers made the tough call after consulting with local Police, Environment Southland’s harbourmasters, Fish and Game officers, and major event sponsors.

Postponement is the “only responsible option”, she says.

“Not only would fishing be far from enjoyable, but parts of the waterways could be extremely dangerous, due to the unprecedented rainfall over recent weeks, along with forecasts for further heavy rain on Thursday.”

They’re now hoping to reschedule the event for the last weekend in November, and with accommodation being a key concern, one of the event's accommodation providers had already offered free rebooking for the coming months, she said.

Organisers were also offering to either refund entrants or carry their entries forward to 2026 for anyone who couldn't make the new date.

Photo: Ngā Kete Matauranga Pounamu

Ki Uta Ki Tai Waka Challenge organisers, Ngā Kete Matauranga Pounamu, said keeping kaihoe and whānau safe had been paramount in their mind and the decision to postpone had not been reached lightly.

The waka challenge began on Lake Te Anau in 2020, with 2025 expected to be the biggest yet, with 53 teams entered, a spokesperson said.

"To our kaihoe, rangatahi and pakeke who have trained hard for this event, stick with us, E kaua e hemo – dont give up! we’ll be back!."

Other land-based Labour Weekend events including the Manapouri Art Exhibition, Market and Park Run are however all expected to go ahead as usual.