21 Feb 2018

Selwyn lifts state of emergency

6:03 pm on 21 February 2018

Selwyn District Council has lifted it state of emergency this afternoon in the wake of Cyclone Gita.

Winds at Barrytown on the West Coast as Gita passed through.

Winds at Barrytown on the West Coast as Gita passed through. Photo: Supplied / Madeleine McGee

The State of Emergency was declared on Tuesday evening in response to possible effects of the cyclone.

Selwyn Civil Defence local controller Helene Faass says river levels have not caused significant problems due to lower than predicted rainfall.

The MetService heavy rain warning and strong wind warnings have been lifted for Canterbury.

The Chamberlains, Coes and Whitecliffs campgrounds were closed last night at 6pm with campers told to make alternative accomodation.

Ms Faass said while the rainfall didn't reach predicted levels, taking a precautionary approach and declaring meant the council had access to powers and resources to evacuate low-lying settlements such as the upper and lower Selwyn Huts if necessary.

Meanwhile, a state of emergency remains in place in Nelson and Tasman.

Nelson Tasman Civil Defence has arranged for a delivery of food and essential supplies by barge to Port Tarakohe in Golden Bay, which will arrive late tonight or early tomorrow morning.

A spokesperson said work was also happening to ensure a regular supply continues by sea as long as required.

Fuel was now being rationed.

The limited fuel supply in Golden Bay is being managed with a $30 daily restriction on fuel purchases per day, except for emergency services and volunteers helping with the recovery.

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