Flood-Hit Locals Urge Visitors to Help, Not Just Watch

Residents in the Motueka Valley are urging visitors to stop rubbernecking during the ongoing flood recovery and instead offer hands-on assistance.

After two weeks of relentless rain, the Motueka Valley is still reeling from the effects of the recent flooding. The area has seen significant damage, with rivers overflowing their banks and entire communities struggling to clean up the mess.

Local volunteer Dave Tailby, who has been working tirelessly to help his community, has expressed frustration over the influx of tourists who are more interested in taking photos than helping out. “If you’re coming to look here in this zone, bring a bloody shovel, bring a wheelbarrow, bring some gloves and some boots and make yourself useful,” he said.

Tailby emphasized that the community doesn’t need more eyes on the situation but rather more hands to help with the cleanup. “If you just want to come and have a look, don’t do it,” he added.

Tony from Tasman Water Care, who has been working long hours since the floods began, echoed Tailby’s sentiments. “What people most need right now is help,” he said. “It’s been terrible with the rubberneckers.”

Residents have also reported incidents of theft in the area, with some people taking advantage of the chaos to steal from damaged homes and businesses. One local man told reporters that he and others in the community are fed up with people “coming here and pinching s...”

As the region continues to recover, the message from the locals is clear: if you’re going to visit, bring something useful with you. Whether it’s a shovel, a wheelbarrow, or just a willingness to help, every bit of assistance is appreciated.

The community is working hard to rebuild, and they hope that visitors will understand the importance of being a part of the recovery process rather than just observing it.