Nelson Tasman Faces “Complete Rebuild” After Flooding
Extreme rainfall devastates the region, displacing residents and damaging infrastructure.
Following torrential rain, the Nelson Tasman region of New Zealand is grappling with extensive flood damage. With approximately 100 homes evacuated and thousands without power, officials estimate the cost of recovery will reach millions, leading to what the local mayor calls a “complete rebuild.”
Devastation in Nelson Tasman
The intense downpour, which saw up to 200mm of rain in certain areas between Friday night and Saturday morning, prompted a state of emergency. A red heavy rain warning was in effect for the Tasman district southwest of Motueka, exacerbating an already critical situation.
Tasman District Mayor Tim King expressed his distress, stating the damage was “probably the most devastating”
he had witnessed. He highlighted the severe impact on horticultural crops in Motueka Valley, turning what was previously a cleanup into a complete reconstruction effort.
“Some of the areas that were badly impacted last time, particularly some of the horticultural crops in Motueka Valley, have been absolutely devastated this time, so what was a bit of a clean up job is now like a complete rebuild, and that’s going to be a case right around the district.”
—Tasman District Mayor Tim King
Government Response and Challenges
Minister for Emergency Management Mark Mitchell acknowledged the extensive damage, estimating costs in the millions. He also recognized the hard work of locals and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in the face of extremely challenging circumstances.
Acting Prime Minister David Seymour noted the immediate priorities are restoring essential water and communication networks. He explained the steep terrain complicates these efforts, spreading the damage across numerous locations.
Unprecedented Rainfall
According to MetService meteorologist John Law, the region has experienced an “incredibly wet time,”
with approximately 900mm of rainfall in the Nelson City area, more than double the typical 400mm for this time of year. The continuous heavy rain has saturated the ground, heightening concerns.
The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) reports that July 2024 was New Zealand’s wettest July on record, with some areas experiencing more than 300% of their average rainfall (NIWA 2024).
Hydrologist’s Perspective
Martin Doyle, Principal Hydrologist at Tasman District Council, described the past two weeks as “relentless,”
with rainfall equivalent to half a year’s worth. He emphasized the rapid escalation of events, leading to widespread evacuations and significant landscape alterations. Rivers have changed course, and some farms have lost substantial portions of their land.
Auckland Landslips
In Auckland, landslips prompted evacuations in Muriwai and Laingholm. Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) responded to a landslide in Motutara Rd, Muriwai, evacuating nearby homes and establishing cordons. Urban search and rescue personnel and geotechnical experts are assessing the situation.
Another slip in Victory Rd, Laingholm, led to the evacuation of four houses and road closures. Auckland Council is deploying geotechnical experts to assess the scene.
Looking ahead, more rain is forecast for Wednesday, requiring ongoing vigilance and updated forecasts from MetService.
