Tasman

The government has unlocked extra support for flood-affected farmers and growers in Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough, following last week's deluge. Audio

Thunderstorms are forecast to bring heavy rain to the storm-battered Nelson and Tasman regions. Audio

Pouesi and Hillary Fitisemanu, who live by the Motueka River, were ready for the weather, but the rain came thick and fast.

An RNZ reporter surveying the scene by helicopter says the worst affected area appears to be the township of Kohatu, beside the Motueka River, and across to Quinney's Bush.

Following a helicopter survey, Tasman's deputy mayor says damage to the Motueka Valley is more extensive than could be seen from the ground.

The region remains under a state of emergency.

Sixty homes in Spring Creek were evacuated after heavy rain lashed the top of the South Island.

The councils says there are no limits to the building site's operating hours as it is in an industrial zone.

Six people have been hurt in two crashes in Tasman, including three who were critically injured, with police appealing for information and witnesses to one of the incidents.

But Rohan O'Neill-Stevens says he hasn't ruled out a return to local politics in the future.

Stolen goods, two firearms and drugs were recovered in a number of search warrants in recent weeks.

The councillor says voters should always look for an authorisation statement or something that's genuine.

Nicola Willis and Simeon Brown say the redevelopment is less than half of what the previous Labour-led government committed.

Two buildings will be refurbished while a whole new building will be built.

The road was closed between Hira and Whangamoa, but has since reopened.

A design tweak has been approved for the billboard, which is expected to be erected by October, but a dark sky proponent is not pleased.

Nelson City Council hydrologist Chris Strang says there has been an increase in storms and their unpredictability.

Public toilets and rubbish bins are just some of the casualties of Tasman District Council's latest attempt to cut costs.