02 Oct 2026
3 weeks ago
314 views
A new weather radar site near Drumduan’s Horoirangi Peak has been selected to improve timely and accurate weather information for Nelson Tasman, addressing the region's limited radar coverage. Funded with up to $5 million by the government and expected to be operational by mid-2027, the radar will use advanced Doppler dual-polarisation technology to enhance rainfall estimates and weather monitoring. This initiative aims to strengthen New Zealand’s resilience to severe weather, aiding emergency management, councils, and communities in better preparing for and responding to disasters.
24 Jun 2026
4 months ago
873 views
The Government has successfully completed the 2025–26 state highway renewal programme, investing a record $2.07 billion through the 2024–27 National Land Transport Programme to maintain and improve New Zealand’s road infrastructure. Despite significant weather challenges, over 1,800 lane kilometres were resurfaced or rebuilt, with unfinished sites scheduled for completion next summer. Innovative construction techniques and effective communication have minimized disruption, ensuring safer, higher-quality roads vital for transportation and economic activity.
12 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1220 views
The Government has established the Crown Review Team, led by Raveen Jaduram and supported by legal and engineering experts, to investigate the catastrophic failure at Moa Point wastewater treatment plant and ensure it does not recur. The team will conduct a coordinated investigation for both Wellington City Council and Wellington Water Ltd, delivering interim and final reports by August 2026, with findings expected before the transfer of water assets to Tiaki Wai Limited. Local Government Minister Simon Watts emphasized transparency, coordination with Greater Wellington Regional Council’s regulatory activities, and the public release of findings while managing legal and enforcement risks.
14 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1282 views
The Government is urging North Island communities to prioritize safety amid severe weather warnings and recent flooding that has already caused a fatality. Emergency services and agencies, including the NZDF and local Civil Defence, are actively supporting response efforts and have resources pre-positioned in vulnerable areas. Authorities advise avoiding floodwaters, non-essential travel, and staying alert to landslide risks while following updates from official channels for safety guidance.
26 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1494 views
Wairoa Airport will receive a $4.2 million upgrade, including runway extension and improved infrastructure, to enhance its operational capacity and support the region’s growing needs. The airport plays a crucial role in commercial flights, emergency health transport, and logistics during extreme weather, as demonstrated during Cyclone Gabrielle. Funded by the Regional Infrastructure Fund and North Island Weather Event fund, construction will begin in late 2026, with local employment prioritized.
20 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1174 views
Legislation has passed its first reading to enable Earth Sciences New Zealand to acquire MetService, uniting the country’s key meteorological agencies to improve climate understanding and natural hazard response. The bill removes MetService from the State-Owned Enterprises Act, mandates data access policies, and exempts the acquisition from certain commerce regulations to prioritize public benefits over competition concerns. This integration aims to provide clearer climate insights, more accurate forecasts, faster warnings, and enhanced scientific collaboration while maintaining MetService’s trusted brand and authoritative public safety role.
20 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1204 views
Legislation has passed its first reading to enable Earth Sciences New Zealand to acquire MetService, uniting the country’s key meteorological agencies to improve climate understanding and response to natural hazards. The bill removes MetService from the State-Owned Enterprises Act, mandates data access policies, and exempts the acquisition from certain competition laws to prioritize public benefits. This integration aims to provide clearer climate insights, more accurate forecasts, faster warnings, and enhanced collaboration using expanded infrastructure and technology.
27 Oct 2025
12 months ago
1458 views
The Government is providing $150,000 in total to assist Clutha and Southland communities affected by severe weather, with $75,000 allocated to Southland and $25,000 to the Clutha District Council Mayoral Relief Fund for immediate needs. The Ministry for Primary Industries is contributing an additional $50,000 through the Mayoral Relief Fund to aid the rural sector in recovery efforts. The medium scale adverse event classification allows for further support for farmers and growers, including tax relief, Rural Assistance Payments, and activation of Enhanced Taskforce Green, with affected individuals encouraged to contact their local Rural Support Trust for assistance.
24 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1224 views
Minister Mark Mitchell declared a state of local emergency in Southland due to potential impacts from power outages following a significant weather event, as the Southland Mayors have not been sworn in after local elections. This declaration grants local Civil Defence emergency powers to respond and support services, urging residents to prioritize safety, follow instructions, and stay informed about weather updates. The state of local emergency in Canterbury continues, with the Minister empowered to declare such emergencies when local representatives are unavailable due to election procedures.
23 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1219 views
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay advises farmers, growers, and foresters to prioritize safety and heed weather warnings, especially in the Canterbury region under a red level strong wind warning. The warning indicates potential dangers such as flying debris, fallen trees, and powerline hazards, urging caution and avoiding unnecessary risks. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is actively monitoring the situation and collaborating with civil defence teams, while affected individuals are advised to stay indoors, prepare for power cuts, and seek support from the Rural Support Trust if needed.
22 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1333 views
Minister Mark Mitchell has declared a state of local emergency for Canterbury due to severe weather, as the mayors have not been sworn in after recent elections. The declaration grants local Civil Defence emergency powers to respond effectively. Mitchell urges residents to heed advice from local authorities, prioritize safety, and stay informed through official channels like MetService.
12 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1293 views
The Government is investing $1.6 million to repair and reopen Tasman’s Great Taste Cycle Trail, damaged by recent storms, aiming to boost tourism and support local businesses. The funding will address flood and wind damage by repairing sections, replacing infrastructure, and creating alternative routes. Reopening the trail will benefit the Nelson-Tasman region, reconnect communities, and provide opportunities for locals and visitors to enjoy the outdoors.
12 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1355 views
The Government is providing $50k to Nelson Tasman for domestic tourism marketing to support local businesses impacted by severe weather events, according to Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston. Nearly 70% of tourism and hospitality businesses in the region have suffered revenue losses due to cancellations and a drop in visitors. The funding will be used for a domestic marketing campaign to promote tourism in Nelson Tasman, emphasizing its importance for the local economy and encouraging visitors to explore the region.
29 Jul 2025
1 year ago
1844 views
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay is urging farmers, foresters, and growers in the Top of the South, Bay of Plenty, and parts of Northland to prepare for adverse weather conditions, with orange rain warnings issued for these regions due to significant rainfall expected. MPI staff are on standby to assist, with additional support deployed in affected areas, such as the Top of the South and the Bay of Plenty. Farmers are advised to relocate stock to higher ground in preparation for the storm, and are encouraged to stay updated on weather warnings for further guidance.
20 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2020 views
Youth Minister James Meager has announced a one-time $50,000 grant to the Student Volunteer Army (SVA) to mobilize young volunteers aged 12-24 to assist in response to severe weather events in Nelson Tasman. The SVA will coordinate region-wide activities for the next four-to-six weeks to provide valuable assistance to communities affected by recent flooding. The initiative aims to engage young people in disaster response, offering them a youth development opportunity while contributing to community recovery efforts.