17 hours ago
Photos: Extensive damage caused by ongoing Tasman floods
Flooding in the Tasman region in June 2025.
Photo:
Samantha Gee / RNZ
An RNZ reporter surveying flood damage by helicopter says she has seen widespread and extensive damage extending up the Motueka Valley.
RNZ reporter Samantha Gee was on a reconnaissance mission for Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell
after heavy rain hit the area
.
She said the worst affected area appeared to be the township of Kohatu, beside the Motueka River, and across to Quinney's Bush.
Flooding in the Tasman region in June 2025.
Photo:
Samantha Gee / RNZ
State Highway 6 was still covered in water for several hundred metres, and there were slips and road closures across the Tasman District.
Flooding in the Tasman region in June 2025.
Photo:
Samantha Gee / RNZ
There also appeared to be significant damage to the Great Taste cycleway trail beside the highway.
"Many farms have been inundated," she said. "You can see that stock has been lost."
Photo:
Samantha Gee / RNZ
The Wai-iti River was still running very high, though the Motueka River had receded.
Photo:
Samantha Gee / RNZ
Tasman Deputy Mayor Stuart Bryant told RNZ after surveying the damage he had not seen the level of water damage for some time.
"There's lots of water around, much more than I have seen in a long long time."
Photo:
Samantha Gee / RNZ
Photo:
Samantha Gee / RNZ
Photo:
Samantha Gee / RNZ
Photo:
Samantha Gee / RNZ
Photo:
Samantha Gee / RNZ
Photo:
Samantha Gee / RNZ
Photo:
Samantha Gee / RNZ
Mitchell was about to begin a briefing to reporters.
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