Tasman Mayor Tim King has declared a state of emergency for the Nelson Tasman region, following severe weather and evacuations.

With further rainfall forecast, the declaration will enable a rapid response from our partnering agencies should it be required.

Evacuations have occurred in the Moutere and Brightwater areas. River levels are high, and localised downpours could raise water levels higher, which could trigger the need for further evacuations. If people are evacuated then we ask that they seek accommodation assistance from friends or family first.

For those people that do not have alternative places to go, a Civil Defence Centre has been set up at Motueka Recreation Centre (Old Wharf Road). A community led centre has also been set up at the Moutere Hills Community Centre (1539 Moutere Highway).

Road closures are in place throughout the region. People are being asked to keep off roads and avoid unnecessary travel.

More detailed information is as follows: 

Heavy rainfall has continued overnight, which has resulted in some slips and flooding throughout our region. River levels are high, and could increase with further rainfall.

The Emergency Operation Centre has been activated, and Nelson Tasman Civil Defence are closely monitoring the situation.

An update is as follows. We will provide more information when we have it.

There are roads closed throughout the region.

SH 60 Richmond to Collingwood is currently closed.

SH 6 Belgrove to Richmond

Local Road closures will be updated on https://roadinfo.ramm.com/nz/roadclosuremap.html...

State Highway closures will be updated on https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/.../nelson-and-marlborough

Slips have been noted on SH60 - lower end of the Takaka Hill at the Riwaka end. These are being assessed.

Treat all flood water with caution. This could contain debris or be contaminated.

A Civil Defence centre has been setup at Motueka Recreation Centre (Old Wharf Road).

A community centre has been opened by the community at the Moutere Hills Community Centre (1539 Moutere Highway).

If you are evacuated, or can not travel to your destination, then you can go to these locations. Please remember to take your pets with you, along with important documents and medication.

Dealing with flood conditions - https://www.mpi.govt.nz/.../adverse.../dealing-with-floods/

Advice for floods – DairyNZ https://www.dairynz.co.nz/.../crisis-and.../flood-overview

Dealing with floods – DairyNZ https://www.dairynz.co.nz/.../cri.../wet-weather-management/

Pasture renovation after flooding – DairyNZ https://www.dairynz.co.nz/.../crisis.../pasture-renovation/

Preparing for a flood – Beef + Lamb NZ [PDF, 311KB] https://beeflambnz.com/.../flood-preparation-fact-sheet.pdf

Salt water inundation – Technical advice from the Waikato Regional Council [PDF, 400 KB] https://www.mpi.govt.nz/.../27294-Salt-water-inundation.../

Drive to the conditions - it is very wet out there so please be safe on our roads if you must travel. Avoid unnecessary travel if you can.

Heavy rain continues to fall in the region. Please keep clear of waterways as they could rise rapidly.

Remember - If you are concerned about your immediate safety then please call 111 for assistance.