Morning update Wednesday 16 July 2025
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
For State Highway closures, please visit: https://buff.ly/CTNDHKU
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.
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.