Severe thunderstorm and hail disrupt Cup Week at Riccarton Park

Saturday 15 November 2025 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated Sat 15 Nov 2025, 5:08pm

In this story Fire and Emergency New Zealand, NZME, MetService

Heavy rain, thunder, and hail hit the Canterbury region on Saturday afternoon. The weather caused disruption to the New Zealand Cup meet at Riccarton Park and resulted in roof damage in Timaru. MetService has issued a new thunderstorm warning for the Christchurch and Selwyn areas.

How they headlined it

4:56pm

1. RNZSat 15 Nov 2025, 4:56pm

   Carnage at Cup Week as violent thunderstorm hits Canterbury (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldSat 15 Nov 2025, 5:08pm

   Severe hailstorm forces delays to NZ Cup meet at Christchurch’s Riccarton Park (opens in new tab)