Prime Minister John Key flew in to flood-hit Wanganui yesterday afternoon to discuss plans for the region's recovery.
The Prime Minister had earlier flown over the region in a helicopter with Wanganui mayor Annette Main to survey the damage.
Accompanied by Civil Defence Minister Nikki Kaye, Mr Key met Whanganui MP Chester Borrows and local authority representatives at the district council chamber to consider plans for cleaning up the region.
After the meeting, he said the first priority was to address damage to homes and roading.
"I will need to go back and talk to the Finance Minister and Cabinet colleagues to see how much assistance we can make available," Mr Key said.