Nelson-Tasman floods: Government to pay up to $5m for new weather radar

Calls for a new weather radar in the Nelson-Tasman region have been answered after recent devastating flooding in the area.

The Government has today announced it will fund the new system “to improve severe weather monitoring and response in the region”.

It will result in MetService’s contract with the Crown being adjusted to begin a procurement process for the new infrastructure, which could cost up to $5 million upfront and about $800,000 per annum to operate.

“This is something the community has asked for,” said Associate Transport Minister James Meager, who holds the responsibility for the meteorological forecasting and warning service.

“It’s my hope the investment will give locals peace of mind over their individual and property safety in future events.”

Heavy rains this month caused flooding across the Nelson-Tasman region. Photo / Tim Cuff

A state of emergency was declared in the flood-ravaged region last week.

The recent flooding left homes in Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough uninhabitable, roads damaged and properties inundated with flood waters in what was described by local authorities as a “one-in-100-year event”.

Between the night of Friday, July 11, and the following Saturday morning, up to 200mm of rain was reported to have fallen in some areas of the region.

Slips, surface flooding and significant damage from the floods have rendered many roads across the upper South Island unsafe.

“Roads are unsafe for general travel due to flooding, slips, and damage,” Nelson Tasman Civil Defence said last week.

Since 2011, there have been five states of emergency declared in the region, Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell said.

Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell (second left) and Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour (right) visiting the Nelson Tasman Civil Defence emergency management centre this month. Photo / Tim Cuff

Mitchell said the new radar “will give emergency managers greater ability to monitor rainfall and flooding risk during a severe weather event, reducing the risk of loss of life and property”.

The Government has also put together a $600,000 support package for farmers impacted by the flooding as well as accommodation support for displaced residents.

There are currently 10 weather radars in the national network managed by MetService.