Daily Recovery Update Friday 18 July 2025
What’s happening now?
Here we go again, just as our region was beginning to find its feet again, we got slammed by the second bout of atrocious weather with devastating effects.
Now the state of emergency has been lifted we are in a transition period which officially lasts until Thursday 14 August, so we’ve stepped back into the recovery phase and have a fully functioning team working on plans for the massive cleanup ahead of all of us.
It’s understandable that as the enormity of this event continues to sink in, people could be feeling overwhelmed dealing with getting their lives and properties back into some semblance of normality, but there is help available.
Our priority is to address urgent needs and restore essential services. We’re working hard to make sure people can safely return to their homes and daily routines as soon as possible.
After that we’ll focus our infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and community facilities. We’ll also support people into longer-term accommodation where needed.
Then we launch our long-term recovery where we’ll need to work on major infrastructure improvements and community wellbeing initiatives and this will take longer. We’re committed to working with central government, local organisations, and the community to ensure ongoing support and resources are available.
It’s important to recognise that recovering from this event will be a marathon, not a sprint. We’re in this together for the long haul, and if you have questions or need support, please call us on 03 543 8400.
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Other useful contacts:
MPI: Animal Welfare — 0800 008 333
MSD: Civil Defence Payments — 0800 559 009
IRD: Tax Relief or Income Assistance — 0800 700 334
LIFELINE: Mental Health Support — 0508 828 865
Nelson Bay’s Primary Health (Psychosocial Support) — 03 539 1170
Red Cross — 0800 733 27677
Salvation Army — 0800 530 000
Rural Support Trust — 0800 787 254
Citizens Advice Bureau — 0800 367 222
Tasman District Council — 03 543 8400
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Road closures and restrictions
Our contractors are working tirelessly to get roads cleared and fully reopened which has and continues to be a massive job.
It’s a little-known fact but at the height of this storm event more than 600 kilometres of our roading network had to be shut – that’s around a third of all roads in Tasman.
Because roads are reopening all the time we can’t list them all here but for the most up to date information about our council roads click on this link for full details.
For local road closures, please visit: https://buff.ly/0B3Horm(external link)
For State Highway closures, please visit: https://buff.ly/CTNDHKU(external link)
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Agricultural Waste
We are not able to accept loads of agricultural flood waste at Resource Recovery Centres stations free of charge however carloads, trailers, utes and small trucks up to five tonnes with domestic flood waste will continue to be accepted.
Domestic rubbish is things like curtains, carpets, furnishings wall linings and insultation. Examples of agricultural waste are things like are woody debris, fence posts and hay bale wrapping.
Work is underway to investigate options for agricultural waste, this has become a bigger task but, in the meantime, can you please stockpile these items on site if possible.
We will let you know as soon as we can when we can take bulk loads of agri-waste, and remember as always, where insurance is in place this should be used to cover waste disposal costs.
Silt collection sites
Our silt collection sites are ready to take your domestic silt which is the stuff from immediately around homes and on driveways.
The two sites are Ngātīmoti Reserve off the Motueka Valley Highway, and the old Māriri landfill next to the Resource Recovery Centre on Robinson Road.
These are for domestic trailers or utes or small trucks up to five tonnes
Ngātīmoti will be open mornings only from 8.00am to 12 noon then the old Māriri landfill will be open afternoons from 1.00pm to 5.00pm. Due to a road closure you can only access it from the Moutere Highway.
These hours are Monday to Saturday.
We’re working with HortNZ and MPI to put a broader plan together to deal with larger volumes of silt which has become a much larger issue after the second flood.
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Important notice to always boil bore water
People who depend on private bore water supplies should always boil it before using it and at times like these it’s even more important than ever.
It’s vital Motueka residents who draw water from bores, particularly those with uncovered water sources, boil all water before using it – this should be always done, not just during or after flooding.
Bacterial contamination is always a very real concern. Boiling water will minimise the risks.
Boil all your water for the following purposes:
· Drinking water
· Food preparation
· Mixing cold beverages
· Utensil washing
· Brushing teeth
· Pets
· Ice making
How to boil water for drinking
· Bring water to a rolling boil (where bubbles appear in the centre and do not disappear when the water is stirred) for one minute or boil a full electric jug until it switches off.
· Cool the water (do not use ice cubes to do this) and pour into clean container with a lid.
· Refrigerate until needed.
Testing your water
If you want to test your water for bacterial contamination, it can be tested for e.coli as an indicator of contamination. A laboratory can do the test.
Cawthron Laboratories - Cawthron Institute(external link) Nelson, 98 Halifax Street East, Nelson 7010
Ph 03 548 2319
or Hills Laboratory - Drinking Water Testing | Hill Labs(external link) 0508 44 555 22
+64 7 858 2000 (Landline)
The Water Services Authority - Taumata Arowai has valuable advice about drinking water safety on its website. https://www.taumataarowai.govt.nz/for-communities/emergencies/drinking-water-following-a-flood/(external link)
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Yes We Can – United in Support for Flood-Affected Families
Churches of Motueka are supporting families in the region who have been severely affected by the recent floods – many of whom have lost everything.
People are invited to join in a united relief effort by donating essential items to help those in urgent need.
What is needed:
· Clothing (sorted by size and gender)
· Shoes
· Household goods and kitchenware
· Furniture (please offer large items directly at the carpark - displayed in your trailer)
· Vouchers for 2–5 hours of practical help (e.g. gardening, clean-up work, transport)
When & Where:
Saturday, 19 July 2025
Rec Centre, Motueka
- 8:30am–9:30am: Drop-off of donations
- 9:30am–11:30am: Sorting of donations
- 12:00pm–4:00pm: Affected families are welcome to come and collect what they need
Your generosity and willingness to help will bring hope and healing where it’s needed most.
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Student Volunteer Army Generosity
The Student Volunteer Army has had an extremely generous offer from a person willing to help those struggling to pay deal with the clean-up of their property.
A donor has come forward with an offer to cover the cost of an excavator, driver or fuel (or any combination of the three) to help clean up individual properties.
The donor has pledged to cover the costs for up to 100 properties initially, then will reassess at the end of next week after getting a feel level of need.
They are wanting to prioritise this support for people who are struggling financially to cope with the cleaning of their properties.
Any requests for help should go directly to the Student Volunteer Army.
Visit their website www.sva.org.nz/nelsontasman25(external link)
Phone 0508 782 782
e-mail Hello@sva.org.nz
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Thursday 17 July 2025
Volunteers
The Student Volunteer Army is active in the flood affected areas. If you want to volunteer to help out or request their assistance, visit their website Student Volunteer Army New Zealand(external link)
Motueka bore water safety
People have raised concerns about potentially contaminated bore water in Motueka after the flooding.
Tests have been done on around 50 bores and we’re waiting for results to come back from the laboratory which will take several days.
In the meantime, it’s vital Motueka residents who draw water from bores, particularly those with uncovered water sources, to boil all water before using it – this should be always done, not just during or after flooding.
Bacterial contamination is always a very real concern. Boiling water will minimise the risks.
Please note: this advice applies to anyone using bore water throughout the district.
Boil all your water for the following purposes:
- · Drinking water
- · Food preparation
- · Mixing cold beverages
- · Utensil washing
- · Brushing teeth
- · Pets
- · Ice making
How to boil water for drinking
- · Bring water to a rolling boil (where bubbles appear in the centre and do not disappear when the water is stirred) for one minute or boil a full electric jug until it switches off.
- · Cool the water (do not use ice cubes to do this) and pour into clean container with a lid.
- · Refrigerate until needed.
Testing your water
If you want to test your water for bacterial contamination, it can be tested for e.coli as an indicator of contamination. A laboratory can do the test.
Cawthron Laboratories - Cawthron Institute(external link) Nelson, 98 Halifax Street East, Nelson 7010
Ph 03 548 2319
or Hills Laboratory - Drinking Water Testing | Hill Labs(external link) 0508 44 555 22
+64 7 858 2000 (Landline)
- Keep boiling or treating the water until the test results come back with a satisfactory result.
The safe limit for e.coli is zero, which may be written on the result as <1.
The Water Services Authority - Taumata Arowai has valuable advice about drinking water safety on its website. https://www.taumataarowai.govt.nz/for-communities/emergencies/drinking-water-following-a-flood/(external link)(external link)
There’s also a list of water testing laboratories on the website at https://www.taumataarowai.govt.nz/for-water-suppliers/using-an-accredited-laboratory-to-test-your-drinking-water/(external link)
For those on Council water supplies
For the majority, there are no issues with your drinking water and you don't need to boil it. However there are a few townships with boil water notices in place.
Tapawera is the only Council water supply currently on a temporary boil water notice. We are going through testing currently, and expect to have enough results to reassess the situation for this supply by Monday 21 July.
A reminder that we also have permanent boil water notices in place for Dovedale, Eighty Eight Valley and Redwoods 1 and 2.
The issues affecting the Dovedale water treatment plant have been resolved, and the water is gradually making its way into the Dovedale network. In the meantime, tomorrow Friday 18 July, we will have water tankers at the Dovedale Hall from 9am -12pm and Upper Moutere Village from 10am -12pm.
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Revaluation of flood-damaged properties
We understand that properties impacted by the June/July storms may affect valuations.
Tasman District Council will assess properties in the affected zones and are working with QV to reassess valuations for identified properties. We will be in touch with those property owners.
You may wish to take independent valuation advice which will be at your expense.
In principle, if there is a decrease in value, we will reassess current year rates based on the new value and adjust rates accordingly.
This process will take some time, and you are required to pay your existing rates on time. Any readjustment will be retrospectively applied if approved.
If you have not heard from us, please use this form(external link) to share details and we will be in touch. It’s important Council collates this information, so we can ensure your property is on the list and stay in touch.
Morning update Wednesday 16 July 2025 7.00am
WELFARE 
Our response assessment teams visited a total of 554 properties yesterday in flood-affected areas and they are out again today. They will be focusing on Graham Valley, Rocky River, Mārahau, Thorpe, Golden Downs, Tapawera, and Ngātimoti areas assessing support needs and property conditions. Please keep an eye out for them in your area.
There are a large number of people in challenging situations. If you need assistance, call us on 03 5438400
The Info centre at Motueka Rec Centre is open 10.00am -3.00pm finally today
Motueka combined church welfare/donated goods Sat 19/7prior to 10 to drop off from 12 for those in need. Motueka Recreation Centre.
· 4 households are still in Civil Defence Emergency Management provided accommodation
· 623 locations visited - teams back out today
· 62 further rapid assessments to be carried out today
· 28 Families visited by helicopter yesterday with food, hygiene products, fuel, water and animal feed delivered
· 98 needs assessments completed with 16 ongoing
· There are 10 Red, 31 Yellow and 47 White placard properties
WATER 
The Dovedale Water Treatment Plant remains non-operational. Residents are strongly urged to conserve water. Repaired intake being installed, then reservoirs will need to refill.
Drinking water tankers available (bring your own clean containers):
- Motueka Recreation Centre (30 Old Wharf Rd): 10.00am–5.00pm
- Dovedale Hall: 10.00am–5.00pm
- Upper Moutere Village (1390 Moutere Highway): 3.00pm–5.00pm
Tanker availability is limited and prioritised by need.
Boil water notices remain in place for:
- Dovedale (permanent)
- Redwoods (permanent)
- 88 Valley (permanent)
- Tapawera (temporary)
ROADING 
There are currently 41 local road closures.
State Highway 6 – Rocks Road remains closed to all traffic between Bisley Ave and Richardson St due to a slip. This closure is expected to remain in place throughout the week.
SH63 St Arnaud to Renwick open to residents and essential travel only
Tākaka hill is open 30km limit and one lane in many places
Access to Mārahau expected before end of week. There is no access to the Abel Tasman National Park from Mārahau due to the danger with heavy machinery working on the road.
For local road closures, please visit: https://buff.ly/0B3Horm(external link)
For State Highway closures, please visit: https://buff.ly/CTNDHKU(external link)
Local roads being focused on today 16/7
Dovedale Road
Motueka Valley Road
Motueka Valley Westbank Road
Riwaka – Sandy Bay
Kaiteriteri – Sandy Bay
Old School Road
Wangapeka River Road
Sunday Creek Road
Stock Road
Wangapeka Westbank Road
Tapawera-Baton Road
Kerr Hill Road
Dehra Doon
POWER 
About 8 properties are without power.
Many outages involve serious damage to the network and access roads, making repairs difficult and delays likely. Network Tasman will provide updates as crews continue to make progress.
We know this is a challenging time – thank you for your patience and support. Stay safe and as always if you need help, please phone us on 03 543 8400 
SILT MANAGEMENT
Domestic silt (that can be transported by car, ute or small trailer)
Locations have been identified Ngātīmoti Reserve off the Motueka Valley Highway, and the old Māriri landfill next to the Resource Recovery Centre on Robinson Road.
The cost of dumping is being covered by Tasman District Council, and we will confirm their opening hours by the end of the week.
OTHER WASTE
Flood damaged household waste can be taken to your nearest Resource Recovery Centre (RRC) and Tasman District Council will cover the cost.
Please don’t put material on the roadside, as this makes it difficult and more expensive to manage.
If you have agricultural or horticultural waste which you can safely load and unload yourself, please take it to Māriri or Richmond RRC.
Recyclable or reusable waste such as plastics, metals, tyres, posts and timber can also be taken it to your nearest RRC.
You can get more information on cleaning up after an event here: https://www.ifso.nz/pages/natural-disasters-after-the-event(external link).
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Yes We Can – United in Support for Flood-Affected Families
Churches of Motueka are supporting families in the region who have been severely affected by the recent floods – many of whom have lost everything.
People are invited to join in a united relief effort by donating essential items to help those in urgent need.
What is needed:
- Clothing (sorted by size and gender)
- Shoes
- Household goods and kitchenware
- Furniture (please offer large items directly at the carpark - displayed in your trailer)
- Vouchers for 2–5 hours of practical help (e.g. gardening, clean-up work, transport)
When & Where:
Saturday, 18 July 2025
Rec Center, Motueka
- 8:30am–9:30am: Drop-off of donations
- 9:30am–11:30am: Sorting of donations
- 12:00pm–4:00pm: Affected families are welcome to come and collect what they need
Your generosity and willingness to help will bring hope and healing where it’s needed most.
Silt dumping sites to open at Ngātīmoti and Māriri
Planning is underway to open two special collection sites for the dumping of domestic silt that has been cleared from around houses.
The two sites are Ngātīmoti Reserve off the Motueka Valley Highway, and the old Māriri landfill next to the Resource Recovery Centre on Robinson Road.
These are for domestic trailer or ute loads of silt as they can’t accommodate larger trucks or heavy vehicles.
Household silt is silt around your home and outbuildings and the driveway to your home.
The cost of dumping at the Ngātīmoti and Māriri sites is being covered by Tasman District Council, and we will confirm their opening hours within the next two days.
This is only for silt and no other storm debris or household materials.
Working with silt can be a health hazard.
Always assume that silt is contaminated with farm run-off, chemicals, or sewage which can make you sick, so you need to take precautions.
Dust from silt can contain airborne contaminants, along with bacteria, viruses and fungi as well as chemicals and poisons washed down during the flooding.
Before you begin the clean-up, do a quick check for any obvious sources of contamination nearby and remember to protect yourself. It’s suggested to use overalls, gloves, safety glasses and facemask.
Full details of the two silt collection sites will be released then they are finalised.
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Recovery Update Friday 11 July 2025 4.00pm
Flood waste management
The latest weather event has meant we’ve had to hit the pause button on some aspects of our flood damage waste management plan. Right now, the priority is to ensure people are safe. But once the weather clears, we know there will be a lot to clean up and people will be eager to get started, so we’ve put together this advice sheet to help you to navigate the clean-up.
Waste disposal – Household Flood Damaged Waste
Flood damaged household waste can be taken to your nearest Resource Recovery Centre (RRC) and we will cover the cost. You’ll need to fill out a form before you dispose of your material with your contact details, your insurance company (if applicable), where the material has come from and confirmation that it’s flood-related waste. You can complete this short form in advance: https://rebrand.ly/7suw3bd(external link). We may need to take photos of the waste.
We will only accept material at the RRCs that you can transport by car, ute or small trailer
Please don’t put material on the roadside, as this makes it difficult and more expensive to manage.
Rural/Farm Waste
Volunteer support with aspects of cleaning up may be available for you – please contact the Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254 https://bit.ly/4nAdYYC(external link)
Further information on large scale waste disposal will be provided next week
Silt Control
We realise that silt is a real problem and not necessarily easy to deal with. We are asking people not to dispose of silt until we have a silt management plan in place and create special drop off sites. Planning is underway for this, but as you can understand the logistics of an operation like this take time.
Our advice at this stage is to please leave silt on site, where it safe and practical to do so. If you have cleaned up silt and dumped it, please let us know where it’s been dumped.
The problem is some of the silt contains the highly invasive and nasty Asiatic Knotweed and we need to ensure that it isn’t spread further round Tasman in dumped silt.
Fence Posts
We ask that fenceposts and wire are not bundled together and that where possible wire is removed - removing wire from fence posts greatly increases the chance of posts and wire being reused and reduces transport costs.
You can get more information on cleaning up after an event here: https://www.ifso.nz/pages/natural-disasters-after-the-event(external link).
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Recovery Update Thursday 10 July 2025 3.30pm
Weather Warning – until midnight Friday 11 July
Nelson Tasman Emergency Management is closely monitoring the situation as the rain continues and has plans in place.
The key message is keep safety first. Don’t take chances. Act quickly if you see water rising and move to higher ground. If you feel in danger phone 1-1-1 immediately.
Please be aware that the ground is saturated and with further rain combined with wind, falling trees will become a potential danger.
Based on the rain that is currently forecasted by Metservice, our hydrologists are expecting flood flows to be large in the areas of Wai-iti Valley, Upper Motueka, Motupiko, Tadmor, and the Motueka from Kohatu to the Coast. Riwaka and Brooklyn areas should also prepare on this basis. While our best estimate is for something less than that seen two weeks ago, there is the possibility that the rainfall may last longer, or be heavier than predicted, and this combined with the very saturated conditions, impacted infrastructure and compromised riverbeds, requires considerable caution.
Read the latest Metservice advisory here. https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home#upper-south(external link).
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Help coming for clean-up efforts
The government plans to bring in jobseekers to help with the response to the recent flooding in Tasman.
Social Development Minister Louise Upston has announced the activation of an Enhanced Task Force Green.
This allows the use of funding for training, supplying, transporting and paying people on the Jobseeker benefit to help with the cleanup.
The Ministry of Social Development will work with agencies to make sure Enhanced Task Force Green assistance is provided as soon as possible to farmers and growers in need of this support.
It’s expected the work could include clearing debris and fencelines, as well as repairing buildings and waterways.
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Financial assistance from Work and Income
Depending on your situation, Work and Income may be able to help you and your family with things like bedding, clothing, food, rent, power bills, repairs or replacing appliances.
You don’t need to be on a benefit to get help - it’s also available to people on low incomes. However, you may have to pay the money back, depending on your situation.
Go to workandincome.govt.nz and search for ‘urgent costs’ for more information. Or visit your local Work and Income/MSD service centre to talk about your situation and find out about any help you may be able to get. You can also call 0800 559 009.
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Recovering fence posts and wire
Tasman District Council is looking at working with RePost to salvage fence posts and wire from the floods, with more details to follow.
As a first step, to help with recovering posts, it is important to separate posts from wire so they can be transported. We would ask that fenceposts and wire are not bundled together and that where possible wire is removed. Mostly removing wire from fence posts greatly increases the chance of posts and wire being reused and reduces transport costs for everyone caused by bundled fences being taken to Council resource recovery centres.
Volunteer support with this task may be available – please contact the Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254 https://bit.ly/4nAdYYC(external link)
Further details on fence recovery options will follow when in place.
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Re-grassing after a flood
Pasture renovation after major flooding events requires a careful and strategic approach. There are several useful websites that provide guidelines on how to handle different types of damage to pastures, from lightly silted to completely dead, due to being underwater.
Key steps include taking time to clear debris and unwanted material, selecting appropriate planting methods, planning for weed management, and applying the necessary fertilisers.
Considerations like the species of grass to plant, soil aeration, nitrogen management, and animal health are also highlighted. Following these guidelines will help you restore the productive ability of your land quickly and effectively.
Two of those websites are https://www.dairynz.co.nz/support/crisis-and-adverse-events/pasture-renovation/(external link)
Farmers and growers who require support are encouraged to contact their local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.
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Recovery Update Weds 09 July 2025 2.00pm
Weather Watch
MetService has updated the Severe Weather Rain Watch for northwest of Motueka to now include Friday’s rain. Another Watch has also been issued for the rest of the region for Friday's rain.
Our hydrologists believe Wednesday’s rain will not produce floods in the rivers, but Friday’s rain with higher amounts and most likely higher intensities could cause moderate floods in the main rivers of Tākaka and Aorere rivers (up to annual flood) and cause surface flooding and exacerbate the issues of high groundwater levels in the lower lying areas and cause slips.
Overall, we can expect further surface flooding and ponding, in particular affecting roads and other low areas that probably have already had some degree of flooding. There is also the potential for further landslips to be triggered. With increased wind, there is the risk of tree fall with sodden ground.
Links for more information:
• MetService warnings: https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home#upper-south(external link).
• Updates on local road conditions: https://roadinfo.ramm.com/nz/roadclosuremap.html...(external link)
• Updates on state highway conditions: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/regions/tasman/(external link)
• River flow reports: https://www.tasman.govt.nz/flow-report/(external link)
• Rainfall reports: https://www.tasman.govt.nz/report/(external link)
Potentially contaminated bore water
Bacterial contamination is a very real and major concern for flooded areas. Boiling water for private supplies will minimises the risk.
But there is an additional contamination concern in the rural areas with spilled agrichemicals. Numerous agrichemical containers were carried away by the floodwaters and spilled into the waters and onto land.
Boiling water will not make chemically contaminated water safe. If you discover any of these containers near your bore water supply, please do not use it for drinking or supplying animals.
You will need to get your water tested. The Water Services Authority - Taumata Arowai has valuable advice about drinking water safety on its website. https://www.taumataarowai.govt.nz/for-communities/emergencies/drinking-water-following-a-flood/(external link)
There’s also a list of water testing laboratories on the website at https://www.taumataarowai.govt.nz/for-water-suppliers/using-an-accredited-laboratory-to-test-your-drinking-water/(external link)
We can help with guidance and support for home loss recovery.
Do you need help working through this confusing process? We now have Navigators in place to help you out.
Our Navigators can support you through the recovery process after homes and land have been damaged in the recent flood event, they provide you a single contact point for all your questions.
Their role is to support you to access the right services, at the right time, through connection with appropriate wrap-around recovery support agencies. These agencies are all working with the same goal in mind – to get you back into your property when it is safe.
The service is designed to empower individuals and whānau to help increase resilience and self-reliance so you can get through this and move forward with your lives. To get in touch with our Navigators call us at Tasman District Council on 543 8400
Waste disposal
People affected by the flood event can dispose of any solid waste at council cost at their nearest Council Resource Recovery Centre. You’ll need to fill out a form before you dispose of your material. We’ll need to know your contact details, your insurance company (if applicable), where the material has come from and confirmation that it’s flood-related waste. You can complete this short form in advance: https://rebrand.ly/7suw3bd(external link). We may need to take photos of the waste.
If you are not able to transport your material to a Resource Recovery Centre, then please call us on 03 543 8400 and we will look at getting a contractor to collect the material. Please don’t put material on the roadside, as this makes it difficult and more expensive to manage. You can get more information on cleaning up after an event here: https://www.ifso.nz/pages/natural-disasters-after-the-event(external link).
Silt control
We are asking people not to dispose of silt until we have a silt management plan in place and a drop off site is organised.
Our advice at this stage is to leave silt on site, where it is safe and practical to do so. If you have cleaned up silt and dumped it, please let us know where it’s been dumped.
But we have a potential problem with Asiatic Knotweed caught up in silt and debris.
Seeds are not the issue with knotweed, it is the prolific underground rhizome material (can grow 3m deep and up to 7m out from the parent material) which may have been exposed by floodwaters at sites in the above river catchments and washed downstream. Any vegetation fragments can grow into new plants. Asiatic knotweed is a highly destructive pest plant that is very persistent and difficult to destroy, due to the large mass of underground plant material.
In the UK, it is reviled for growing/pushing through concrete, asphalt and building foundations. This pest likes damp feet so most of our sites are by rivers, which is also how it likes to spread, though it can grow in dry areas too. This noxious weed is our highest concern in terms of spread and impacts. It is deciduous so won’t be obvious at this time of year but will show itself in the coming summers. It can remain underground and not obvious for easily 20 years.
Because of this we request that no soil, sediment or gravel is taken off-site in the following catchments.
- Sherry River
- Motueka River downstream of the Wangapeka/Motueka River confluence
- Pigeon Valley Stream downstream from Pigeon Valley Road
- Riwaka River downstream of the North and South Branch confluence.
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Tuesday 08 July
We have a large fully functioning team working on plans for recovery from this storm event.
But we understand that as the enormity of this event sinks in, people could be feeling overwhelmed dealing with getting their lives and properties back into some semblance of normality.
The recovery process is a journey, and we’re taking a phased approach to make sure our community is safe, supported, and stronger for the future. Here’s what you can expect:
• Immediate actions (first few weeks): Our priority is to address urgent needs and restore essential services. This includes clearing hazards, making slips safe, reopening roads, and ensuring everyone has access to water, power, and other basics. We’re working hard to make sure people can safely return to their homes and daily routines as soon as possible.
• Rebuilding and strengthening (next few months): Once the immediate needs are met, we’ll focus on repairing and reinforcing our infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and community facilities. We’ll also support people into longer-term accommodation where needed, and help our communities be more resilient for future events.
• Long-term recovery (ongoing): Some aspects of recovery, like major infrastructure improvements and community wellbeing initiatives, will take longer. We’re committed to working with central government, local organisations, and the community to ensure ongoing support and resources are available. Our goal for the region is to come back stronger together, at a pace that works for our community.
It’s important to recognise that recovering from this event will be a marathon, not a sprint. We’re in this together for the long haul, and we’ll keep you updated every step of the way. If you have questions or need support, please reach out to us.
Support is available:
If you need welfare support, help to get rid of waste, or want to report a risk including potential slips or dangerous trees, don’t hesitate to contact us on 03 543 8400. We have dedicated support people here to assist.
If you have been impacted by the floods you can access additional financial support through the Ministry of Social Development and by making an application to the Mayoral Relief Fund at tasman.govt.nz/mayoral-relief-fund, you can also pick up a paper copy of the application form from any of our Service Centres.
The government has also unlocked extra support for farmers and growers, with up to $100,000 available for recovery efforts.
For those of you on rural properties with a significant quantity of debris, the Rural Support Trust is available for advice and help. Call 0800 03 787254 or visit https://www.rural-support.org.nz/Regions/South-Island/Top-of-the-SouthCall(external link).
The key thing to remember is you’re not alone – we have the people, information and resources to help – please don’t be afraid to call us on our 24 hour phone number, 03 543 8400.
Useful Contacts:
• MPI: Animal Welfare — 0800 008 333
• MSD: Civil Defence Payments — 0800 559 009
• IRD: Tax Relief or Income Assistance — 0800 700 334
• LIFELINE: Mental Health Support — 0508 828 865
• Nelson Bay’s Primary Health (Psychosocial Support) — 03 539 1170
• Red Cross — 0800 733 27677
• Salvation Army — 0800 530 000
• Rural Support Trust — 0800 787 254
• Citizens Advice Bureau — 0800 367 222
• Tasman District Council — 03 543 8400