It's a wet King's Birthday Monday - and so we recommend everyone keep warm and dry inside if you can.

The rain is picking up into the afternoon, so driving conditions will become a bit more challenging. Please keep clear of waterways, and avoid any floodwaters, as they could contain unseen debris or be contaminated.

An update from Tasman District Council - Te Kaunihera o te tai o Aorere Hydrology team:

Moderate to heavy rain has fallen on the ranges of Golden Bay and the southern parts of the Richmond and Bryant ranges. Heavy rain is forecast to continue in these areas throughout today and into the early hours of tomorrow. The main rivers in the region have stabilised this morning with an ease in the rain but will begin to rise again as rainfall increases throughout the day.

MetService Heavy Rain Warnings and Watches remain in place through to 4:00am Tuesday 2 June.

For our Rivers – the following is a summary of expected flood flows:

• Moderate flooding (potential for greater impacts; >10 year): Riuwaka, Upper Motueka, Upper Wai-iti, Motupiko

• Moderate flooding (5-10 year): Lower Motueka

• Low to moderate (annual to 5 year): Tākaka, Waingaro

• Near annual: Aorere, Anatoki, Tadmor, Maitai

* Due to forecast rainfall uncertainty in location and intensity, the team are closely monitoring the Riuwaka, Upper Motueka and Lower Motueka, Upper Wai-iti, and the Motupiko catchments.

The heaviest rainfall is expected throughout Monday on the ranges of Golden Bay and the southern parts of the Richmond and Bryant ranges, and it will taper off Tuesday morning.

There remains potential for impacts to SH60 in the upper Tākaka valley and lower Tākaka (Waitapu). This could occur Monday evening, coinciding with high tide.

Moderate flooding is expected in the Riuwaka River (10 - 15 year flood flows), with potential overbank flows into adjacent paddocks.

Localised roading impacts are probable in the Riwaka Valley and on SH60 at the base of Tākaka Hill (Cooks Corner near the turnoff to Kaiteriteri).

The river will peak Monday evening (8 - 11pm).

There is always a risk of slips on Takaka hill with heavy rainfall – so please take care if you are in this area.

Heavy rainfall is expected in the Motupiko and the upper Motueka throughout the day leading to moderate flooding (potential for 10-year flood flows).

While this would be the largest flows seen in the Motupiko (and down through to Tapawera) since 2025, it is well below what was experienced then.

There remains potential to impact roading on SH6 at Kōhatu, and also low-lying roads and paddocks through Tapawera and downstream.

There is still uncertainty here, though the expected river peak is likely to be around Monday 8-11pm.

Anticipating up to 10-year flood flows at Woodstock, dropping to annual to 5-year floods down towards Woodmans Bend. The main river channel should be close to full bank to bank.

There is potential for Peach Island access to be impacted.

There is lowered risk of the Brooklyn and Little Sydney rivers experiencing significant flooding.

Peak river flows are expected near midnight Monday and onwards into Tuesday morning.

The forecast still shows the highest rainfall at the southern end of the Richmond ranges. High flows are mainly into the upper Wai-iti River, possibly up to 20-year flood flows.

The heaviest of the rain is not currently forecast to extend into the Wairoa and Maitai catchments.

Timing of river peaks here would likely be Monday 8-12pm.

Given the rain that has fallen and ground saturation, intense rainfall may still trigger slips. Small streams may respond rapidly and unpredictably where debris is present.

If you have been at risk in previous floods, given the uncertainty in rainfall, it would be prudent to anticipate potential impacts during this event.

The MetService New Zealand forecast is below.

 

Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Period: 17hrs from 9am Mon, 1 Jun - 2am Tue, 2 Jun
Area: Tasman District northwest of Motueka
Forecast: On top of what has already fallen, expect 100 to 150 mm, but possibly more than 250 mm about the ranges. Peak rates of 20 to 30 mm/h, especially from Monday afternoon. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.
Action: Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.

Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Period: 19hrs from 9am Mon, 1 Jun - 4am Tue, 2 Jun
Area: Richmond and Bryant ranges, also the Rai Valley
Forecast: On top of what has already fallen, expect 150 to 200 mm. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h, especially from Monday afternoon. Low chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.
Action: Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.

Heavy Rain Watch
Period: 18hrs from 9am Mon, 1 Jun - 3am Tue, 2 Jun
Area: Parts of Nelson and Tasman Districts not covered by warnings
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.