State of emergency declared in Nelson Tasman

Thursday, 10 July 2025

With more heavy rain barrelling toward the top of the south, a state of emergency was declared for the Nelson Tasman region on Thursday afternoon.

In a post on the Nelson Tasman Civil Defence Facebook page at 4.47pm, Tasman mayor Tim King declared a new state of emergency for the region, just three days after the last one was lifted.

The post said this is a pre-emptive step, due to the existing conditions, following the recent severe weather that hammered the region.

King told RNZ that if the forecast came true, parts of his district will have experienced six months’ worth of rain in 12 days.

The declaration ensures that the response to any incoming weather that is due to hit the region over the next 48 hours can be “swift, to try and minimise the impact to people and property”.

Nelson Tasman Emergency Management has been activated and will be monitoring the incoming weather.

The weather front is expected to reach the Nelson Tasman districts on Friday morning, with the worst of the weather expected this afternoon. Rainfall could peak at rates of about 20mm per hour.

Strong winds, approaching severe gales, are also expected for the Tasman region.

The MetService said there was a “moderate” chance of its orange rain warnings for the Nelson and Tasman districts being upgraded to a red.

People are being asked to be ready and to make plans before the weather arrives.

Stock should be moved to higher ground, and people should keep clear of waterways as they could rise rapidly if heavy rainfall was to occur. Care needs to be taken around trees, as there is the chance of trees toppling with strong winds and the existing sodden ground conditions.

It is recommended that people stay off the roads and avoid unnecessary travel, as road conditions will be slippery.