Weather Event Update: 4.30pm 12 July 2025
ROADS UPDATE
Roads are unsafe for general travel due to flooding, slips, and damage. Please STAY OFF THE ROADS unless absolutely necessary.
Crews are working hard to assess and repair all urgent lifelines. Unnecessary travel delays their work.
Some communities remain cut off without power, water, or comms — we're working urgently to restore access.
If the road is closed, please do not use it, it is closed for a reason and that is predominately for your safety and the safety of contractors.
For local road closures please visit: https://buff.ly/0B3Horm
For State Highway closures please visit: https://buff.ly/CTNDHKU
There is NO access to Nelson via SH6 from Murchison.
Travel via Kaikōura if essential.
DRINKING WATER UPDATE
Tapawera
Water supply to Tapawera residents has been restored. Please boil and conserve water until further notice.
Riwaka and Kaiteriteri
Water supply to Riwaka and most parts of Kaiteriteri has been restored.
The water is fully treated and safe to drink.
We still can’t supply the area incorporating Kahu Close, Kimi Ora, Bethany Park and street numbers above 67 Martin Farm Road. We do not have a timeframe for full resumption at this stage but it is unlikely to be today, Saturday.
An alternative water supply will continue to be made available to affected residents.
WELFARE UPDATE
We’ve done a welfare check via helicopter for residents in Tapawera, Tadmor, and Mārahau to assess needs and triage urgent medical requirements.
Remember, if you need emergency medical attention, call 111.
HEALTH
Follow all boil water notices carefully.
Bore water users should boil water as a precaution.
If you don’t have safe running water:
- Boil water for 1 minute (or until the jug switches off), OR
- Disinfect with 5 drops of plain, unscented bleach per litre (½ tsp per 10L). Wait 30 mins.
- Do not use bleaches that contain detergents.
- Applies to water used for drinking, food prep (incl. baby formula), brushing teeth, and washing dishes.
More info here: https://buff.ly/tz3XxqU
STAY IN TOUCH
Stay connected.
- Antenno App https://buff.ly/AOTDl4J
- Our website https://nelsontasmancivildefence.co.nz/
- Local radio
- and check in with your neighbours
Let’s look after each other.
POST-FLOOD HAZARDS
Fire
Use camp stoves safely: stable, heat-resistant surface in ventilated areas
Avoid candles if power's out — use torches instead
Turn off appliances that were on when power went out
Get flood-soaked appliances checked by an electrician
Electrical
There may be damaged or low powerlines in areas. Treat all power lines as *live* at all times and stay clear!
Contamination
Stay out of flood waters! They may be contaminated. Wash your hands with soap and water if you come into contact with flood water.
Navigation
There are also hazards in the water. Please take care if navigating and watch out for debris.