The Flood

When the record flood hit Central Otago and Southland in November I couldn't sit by in Wellington and watch the devastation of my home town of Queenstown on TV. I had to fly south and record the historic tragedy with my camera.
When I arrived on November 25 the flood waters had dropped a metre, yet it was still deep enough to top my chest waders in some streets. In the drained areas the stench of putrefaction was awful - like a refuse tip - with rotting food, mouldy carpets, dead animals and silt steaming in the sun.
Dozens of people saw their homes and businesses destroyed, and many were told that if they rebuilt on their properties they would not get insurance cover.
It was humbling to witness such grief. Most people were happy to talk about their experiences, indeed grateful for a sympathetic ear, but some were so livid with anger I feared they would attack me.
The trip culminated in an exhibition of 40 images in April, 2000, at the PhotoSpace Gallery, Courtenay Place, Wellington. I also exhibited vintage photographs of flood scenes taken by my father, Doug Knowles, who was a professional photographer in Queenstown from the 1940s to the 1960s.

Queenstown Sportsworld's proprietor
Martin Morris, and his assistant, Taz Dawson, were mocked by neighbours when they sandbagged early. But it bought them time to move stock to the mezzanine.

Kingston Wharf
· This flood exceeded the previous highest in 1878.
· Lake Wakatipu reached 2.64 m above average.
· In the 1990s there were four 100-year floods.

Public Meeting Kingston
The Queenstown Lake District Council denied liability for property losses saying building permits were issued with best possible information. Citizens should not sue the council as they would be effectively suing themselves as ratepayers.

Parawa Southland
Pollen floating on the floodwaters is deposited in lines as the level recedes.