Cyclone Gita - Update 005

1630 hrs 21 February 2018

The state of emergency remains in place as the region deals with the impacts of Cyclone Gita. Latest information follows.

Golden Bay/SH60
As previously advised by The NZ Transport Agency, SH60 on the Riwaka side of the Takaka Hill is severely damaged in several places. It will remain closed for several days at least, and repairs could take some time. An update on the situation will be provided by NZTA tomorrow morning.

Nelson Tasman Civil Defence has arranged for a delivery of food and essential supplies by barge to Port Tarakohe in Golden Bay, which will arrive late tonightor early tomorrow morning. Work is also happening to ensure a regular supply continues by sea as long as required.
The limited fuel supply in Golden Bay is being managed with a $30 worth of fuel per vehicle per day restriction in place. Arrangements have been made so that emergency services and their volunteers, contractors working on the recovery, medical staff and other key personnel have adequate access to fuel.

Arrangements are underway to confirm future fuel deliveries by barge.

A safe parking area for vehicles that must be left in Golden Bay temporarily has been established. This will be at the A&P Showgrounds in Takaka. Please call 03 525 9237 for information and to make arrangements.

Local commercial air operators are still running services for those who want to fly into or out of Takaka. There are also commercial options for leaving Golden Bay by boat.

Marahau

The Riwaka/Kaiteriteri Road is open to residents only and a supply of bottled drinking water has been delivered to the Marahau village. A water tanker will be on available near the cafe from tomorrow morning for residents in need of water. Marahau relies on a private supply which is currently not working. The Riwaka/SandyBay Road is still affected by slips and remains closed at this time.

Other issues

Teams coordinated by Civil Defence are going door to door in Riwaka and other areas. This involves NZ-RT2 (urban search and rescue), Red Cross, Council contractors and a CD response team from Marlborough. NZ Defence Force are providing support with vehicles and helicopters.

Wastewater overflows have been experienced in a number of areas.
Due to the loss of power in Kaiteriteri, sewage overflow will have affected the main beach, Stephens Day and Tapu Bay. Swimming is not advised in these areas. Water sampling and testing will begin tomorrow.

Sewage overflows were also experienced in Motueka so residents should treat any pooled water on their property as potentially contaminated. Those who take water from private bores where flooding has occurred are advised to boil water to reduce the risk of potential contamination. Please note: Boiling water in the kettle is sufficient.

The water supply at Dovedale is currently not operational. Residents are advised to rely on stored supplies for now.
Rubbish collections are suspended in Golden Bay for this week as rubbish is usually removed by road and there is limited storage capacity.

The regional Civil Defence Emergency Operations Centre will remain activated this week to assist the recovery.

For ongoing updates please go to www.nelsontasmancivildefence.co.nz.

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