An RNZ reporter surveying flood damage by helicopter says she has seen widespread and extensive damage extending up the Motueka Valley.
RNZ reporter Samantha Gee was on a reconnaissance mission for Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell after heavy rain hit the area.
She said the worst affected stretch of road was State Highway 6 at Kohatu, which still had water from the Motueka River flowing across it on Sunday.
The worst affected areas are in parts of the Motueka Valley, Tapawera, Tadmor and the Wai-iti Valley.
Photo: Samantha Gee / RNZ
Photo: Samantha Gee / RNZ
There also appeared to be significant damage to the Great Taste cycleway trail beside the highway.
"Many farms have been inundated," she said. "You can see that stock has been lost."
Photo: Samantha Gee / RNZ
The Wai-iti River was still running very high, though the Motueka River had receded.
Photo: Samantha Gee / RNZ
Tasman Deputy Mayor Stuart Bryant told RNZ after surveying the damage he had not seen the level of water damage for some time.
"There's lots of water around, much more than I have seen in a long long time."
Photo: Samantha Gee / RNZ
Photo: Samantha Gee / RNZ
Photo: Samantha Gee / RNZ
Photo: Samantha Gee / RNZ
Photo: Samantha Gee / RNZ
Photo: Samantha Gee / RNZ
Photo: Samantha Gee / RNZ
The Motueka estuary, with Jackett Island in the foreground, after flooding in the Tasman region in June 2025. Photo: Samantha Gee / RNZ
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