Medium-scale adverse event classification triggered support
Severe weather events in mid-2025 caused significant flooding and extensive damage across the top of the South Island.
The Government classified the flooding as a medium-scale adverse event across the Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough areas in late June.
On 16 July 2025, the Government announced a $600,000 funding package for flood-affected farmers, growers, and foresters.
Media releases about the flooding
16 July: Government announces $600,000 support package – Beehive
30 June: Support for flood-affected farmers and growers – Beehive
Clean-up work programme has been activated
In late June, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) activated a response and continues to support the primary sector recovery. MPI is working with the councils, the Top of South Rural Support Trust, industry groups, and volunteers as a key part of recovery efforts in the affected areas.
An Enhanced Taskforce Green work programme has been activated in Tasman and Marlborough. Support is available to help clean-up:
- flood debris
- clear fences, and
- repair buildings and waterways.
Farmers, growers, and communities can self-register by contacting the Rural Support Trust on freephone 0800 787 254. Local job seekers available to help with the clean-up effort can register their interest by emailing totsemploymentteam@msd.govt.nz
More details about Enhanced Taskforce Green – Work and Income
Find out about other support
Our information sheet has more details about the range of support available to help farmers, foresters, growers, and rural communities to recover.
Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough recovery – information sheet [PDF, 1.4 MB]
Animal welfare support and advice for farmers
Getting help with feed planning and budgeting can help give you peace of mind. Having a feed budget can help you:
- calculate your feed demand
- calculate your feed supply
- investigate options to fill feed gaps
- proactively make decisions.
Support is available from your local veterinarian, farm advisers, industry organisations, specialist services, and MPI's On Farm Support team.
Wet weather management – DairyNZ
Flood support resources – Beef + Lamb NZ
About On Farm Support: a service for farmers and growers
Disease prevention for livestock after flooding
A major flooding event and periods of ongoing rain can increase the risk of livestock contracting diseases.
Our fact sheet has useful information about the steps you can take to prevent disease.
Livestock health after prolonged wet conditions and flooding – fact sheet [PDF, 1.8 MB]
Cleaning up fallen trees in Tasman
A combination of strong winds and tree roots sitting in saturated soil, toppled large swathes of healthy production forests in the Tasman district.
Resources are available to support the clean-up.
Land management options after wind fallen trees or a slip – Canopy [PDF, 483 KB]
Managing a plantation forest salvage operation following a major windthrow event
Wellbeing support for farmers and growers
For help or assistance freephone the Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254 in the first instance.
