Greerton Marist Rugby grounds still resemble a lake, almost five days after a deluge of rain flooded parts of the city.

On Friday, heavy rain caused a stream to overflow and lower parts of Oropi and Greerton to flood, including the Greerton rugby grounds.

Tauranga experienced 147mm of rainfall when a sub-tropical storm passed over the country last Thursday and Friday.

There was a 42-hour heavy rain watch in place for most of the Bay of Plenty.

In a statement this week, Tauranga City Council said last week’s heavy rain caused the Waiorohi Stream to rise above its banks and overflow into the rugby grounds.

Flooding on State Highway 29a near the Oropi roundabout. Photo / Zoe Blake

The council said the significant amount of rain led to unusually high water levels, which increased how far and how long the flooding lasted.

“Once the stormwater levels drop, Tauranga City Council’s drainage team will check the pump station.

“We ask park users to stay out of the flooded areas while water remains on the fields, and during the clean-up period. This helps keep people safe and protects the playing surfaces from further damage.”

It said the fields would need time to dry after the water recedes before it could be safely used again.