Residents Gather for Civil Defence Meeting After Historic Flooding

More than 60 residents attended a Nelson Tasman Civil Defence meeting at the Ngātīmoti Memorial Hall on Saturday afternoon. The meeting was convened in response to the recent severe flooding, which officials confirmed was the worst in the region since 1877.

Residents raised questions about waste and debris disposal, driveway access restoration, water contamination risks, and the possibility of rate relief. Patrick Shortley, a long-time resident of the Motueka Valley, shared his perspective on the impact of the floods.

"The loss of infrastructure is significant, but I feel for the people whose homes have been inundated. It's the things that have no monetary value, like family photo albums or pets that didn't survive," Shortley said. He noted that the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but the emotional and physical recovery will take time.

Shortley, who facilitates the Motueka Valley Association, emphasized the need for community support in the recovery process. He described the event as a "major significant event" and expressed confidence in the resilience of the local community.

Nelson Tasman Civil Defence controller Rob Smith confirmed that the recent flood was the largest since 1877. He noted that the flood levels matched a historical plaque placed in the area to mark the 1877 event. Smith acknowledged that the full recovery costs would take time to calculate and that government support would be essential for the long-term clean-up.

"This was a much bigger flood than the 1983 event, which was already a significant valley-floor flood. This was half a metre to a metre higher," Smith said. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between residents, local authorities, and the government to address the challenges ahead.

The meeting highlighted the need for a coordinated response to the flood's aftermath, with a focus on both immediate and long-term recovery efforts. Community members expressed hope that their collective efforts would lead to a swift and comprehensive recovery.