Government Pledges $2 Million for Tasman Flood Recovery and Waste Cleanup
According to Minister Simmonds, the Tasman district was struck by multiple rounds of flooding over recent months, leaving widespread damage in its wake.

- Country:
- New Zealand
The Government has announced up to $2 million in emergency funding to assist the Tasman District Council with recovery efforts following the severe flooding that battered the region during this winter. Environment Minister Penny Simmonds confirmed that the financial support will come from the newly established emergency waste fund, created to help communities cope with the overwhelming waste generated in the aftermath of natural disasters.
Addressing the Scale of the Damage
According to Minister Simmonds, the Tasman district was struck by multiple rounds of flooding over recent months, leaving widespread damage in its wake. The events not only displaced residents but also created mountains of waste from damaged households, farms, and orchards. Local waste management services struggled to cope with the sudden surge in demand, leading to the need for urgent government assistance.
The funding will go towards covering the costs of flood-related waste cleanup, repairing waste and resource recovery infrastructure, and managing the massive quantities of silt deposited across properties. These thick silt layers have been described as one of the most difficult and costly challenges of the recovery effort, particularly for the farming and horticultural sectors.
Severe Impacts on Growers and Communities
Communities along the Motueka River, especially growers in Riwaka and nearby settlements, were among the hardest hit. Orchards were inundated, resulting in the destruction of crops and significant financial losses for local growers. Infrastructure essential to the horticultural supply chain—such as sheds, cool stores, packhouses, and worker accommodation—was damaged or destroyed.
“The impact on livelihoods and the wider community is significant,” Ms Simmonds said. “This funding will help ease the clean-up costs and support the council and community as they continue to recover.”
Government’s Commitment to Local Support
The emergency waste fund was established to provide local councils with timely access to financial assistance for managing waste after a disaster. Ms Simmonds emphasized that such funding is crucial in enabling communities to begin rebuilding as quickly as possible, without being held back by overwhelming cleanup costs.
In addition to the $2 million grant, the Ministry for the Environment is actively assisting the Tasman District Council in applying for a waiver of the waste disposal levy. This move is designed to further ease the financial strain on the council and residents, ensuring that flood-related silt and debris can be disposed of more affordably.
Resilience and Recovery Ahead
The road to recovery for Tasman is expected to be long and demanding. Nevertheless, the Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the district as it rebuilds. Minister Simmonds praised the determination and resilience shown by residents during the cleanup, noting the strong sense of community that has emerged from the disaster.
“We know how hard people have been working to clean up and rebuild, and we’re grateful for the resilience and care they’ve shown for one another,” she said.
For Tasman, this latest funding injection provides a lifeline as the district begins the long process of restoring homes, livelihoods, and infrastructure. While the challenges remain immense, the combination of local determination and government support offers hope for a steady path forward.