The state of Civil Emergency in the Nelson Tasman Region has been extended by a further seven days.

The decision to extend the emergency status has been made due to the weather forecast of further heavy rain in the next 24 to 36 hours. It will enable a rapid response from partnering agencies should it be required.

Civil Defence Emergency Controller Alec Louverdis says the New Zealand Defence Force has been deployed in the area and ready to respond when needed.

He says an Air Force NH90 helicopter is also on standby to assist if required.

Alec Louverdis says support is also being provided by two specialist NZRT2 - Nelson Tasman Emergency Response Teams and further emergency operations staff have been drafted in from around the country to assist.

Two community meetings are being organised to update people in Riwaka and Ngatimoti on Saturday.

In Riwaka the meeting will be at the Riwaka Memorial Hall from 12.00pm-2.00pm at the Riwaka Memorial Hall, and in Ngatimoti the meeting will be from 3.00pm until 5.00pm at the Ngatimoti Hall.

These meetings will provide an opportunity for Nelson Tasman Civil Defence to give an update on the current situation and for people to speak directly to Tasman District Council, government agencies and support organisations.

Meanwhile, generosity from all around the country has seen donations to the Nelson-Tasman Mayoral Relief Fund grow to close to $20,000, which will be added to the $100,000 pledged by the Government.

To make a donation people can deposit funds into the Tasman District Council bank account:
Account number: 12-3193-0002048-00
Account name: Tasman District Council
Please use the reference “Mayoral Relief Fund”, or “MRF”

Alternatively, people can donate at a Tasman District Council office.

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