Community Spirit Shines as Motueka Faces the Aftermath of Devastating Floods

Residents of Motueka are coming together to rebuild their lives and support one another in the wake of the region's worst flood in nearly 150 years. The Nelson Tasman region remains under a state of emergency as communities work tirelessly to clear debris and recover from the damage caused by the recent deluge.

Personal Stories of Loss and Resilience

Blue Malosso, a recent arrival to the Motueka Valley from Australia, described the emotional toll of watching her home be swept away by floodwaters. The family had invested their savings into a small home, which was completely destroyed and dragged 400 meters from its original site by the Motueka River.

"Walls, doors, everything sort of came off the house. You're finding broken bunk beds in the middle of orchards, beds that your kids slept in two nights ago, fridges just everything," Malosso said.

Malosso expressed the difficulty of dealing with the aftermath, especially with sentimental items lost forever. "Things that meant a lot to me like clothes that you brought your new-born kids home from the hospital in, nowhere to be seen. I mean that's really devastating," she said.

Community Support and Solidarity

Despite the devastation, the community has shown remarkable resilience. Local businesses and community groups have organized fundraisers, provided free meals, and offered temporary shelter to those affected. The Hotel Motueka, for instance, hosted a successful fundraiser that raised nearly $7000 for flood victims. General manager Vince Sibbald highlighted the generosity of locals, noting that about 35 people have stayed at the hotel for free since the flooding began.

"We've got some people here, they're just thankful they're warm, they're dry and their safe, that's our main focus," Sibbald said.

Environmental and Structural Damage

The floodwaters have left a trail of destruction, with silt and debris covering properties and roads. Residents like Tamara Jenkins, who owns land near the river, described the unprecedented damage caused by the fast-moving water. "The river has taken off a massive chunk of the corner down there, which it has never been up that high," Jenkins said.

Twenty-four-year-old Kahu Stringer, who has lived in the Motueka Valley his entire life, noted the severity of the storm. "Some people can't fully clean their property unless they got a digger because you can't drive a vehicle on it. It's all just river silt all over everyone's property," he said.

Looking Ahead

As the region continues to recover, the focus remains on rebuilding and supporting those affected. The community's efforts highlight the strength and solidarity of the people of Motueka in the face of adversity.