Motueka and Tasman floods 2025

The story so far

Heavy rain caused widespread damage across the Tasman district, especially the Motueka Valley and Kohatu.^{29 Jun 2025; 15 Jul 2025} Debris in the Motueka River tore out power lines, and power was restored to Motueka residents five days later.^{3 Jul 2025} A Tapawera farm lost dozens of hectares to the river, a Kaiteriteri holiday park was hit by a wall of water carrying forestry slash, and a Motueka Valley family lost fences and sheds after a farmer's wife was swept away while moving horses.^{10, 12, 15 Jul 2025} The Government announced a support package for affected rural workers, reported as either $500,000 or $600,000, which some local farmers said was insufficient.^{16 Jul 2025} The Government gave the Student Volunteer Army a $50,000 grant for region-wide clean-up, and a mental health advocate called for long-term support for residents.^{20, 29 Jul 2025}

What's next

The Student Volunteer Army clean-up funded by the grant is to run over the next four to six weeks.^{20 Jul 2025}

Key moments

1. 29 Jun 2025Heavy rain causes widespread damage in Motueka Valley and Kohatu.
2. 3 Jul 2025Power restored to Motueka residents after five days without supply.
3. 12 Jul 2025Wall of water with forestry slash hits Kaiteriteri holiday park.
4. 15 Jul 2025Motueka Valley farmer's wife swept away while moving horses.
5. 16 Jul 2025Government announces support package for Tasman rural workers; amount disputed.
6. 20 Jul 2025$50,000 Government grant funds Student Volunteer Army clean-up.
7. 29 Jul 2025Mental health advocate calls for long-term support after two floods.
8. 30 Jul 2025Riwaka farmer reports unprecedented flooding, silt and creek changes.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.