More than six months after record floods devastated the Tasman District, the recovery effort is expected to cost around $50 million and take up to two years, with significant damage to farms, homes, roads and river infrastructure still being repaired.
The floods, described as the worst in 150 years, damaged more than 60 roads, affected hundreds of homes, and caused widespread erosion and land loss along rivers such as the Motueka and Wai-iti, while total insurance claims across the South Island from the June event alone reached $37.4 million.
According to state media, Tasman District Council faces about $12 million in uncovered costs, while a recent Office of the Auditor-General report criticised shortcomings in flood protection planning, asset monitoring and inspection schedules.
Recovery manager Richard Kirby told state media urgent river and roading works are being prioritised to improve resilience before future floods, but warned that further severe weather could delay progress, as rural communities and landowners continue to shoulder long-term financial and emotional impacts alongside ongoing repairs involving the council, the New Zealand Transport Agency, and the Department of Conservation.
Newzealand: The flooding in Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough occurred around June 27–28, 2025, following a 24-hour period of intense rainfall. Some locations recorded over 300 mm of rain during that time, leading to widespread emergencies and evacuations. pic.twitter.com/5wQjzWO7zS
— Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) June 28, 2025
New Zealand miles behind building resilience. This is why major insurers can’t get reinsurance and are refusing to give renewals in these areas. Government needs to act and act now. Stop mucking around Luxon.
Politicians only think three years ahead
And what tricks they can perform
Or pull out of the hat
Poles don’t count
Unless they are favoring
Wind thrown wood under urgency being injected into already saturated markets
Costly and complex