Pasifika in Nelson Tasman safe but alert as more rain looms, says community leader

Pacific communities in the Nelson-Tasman region were spared from the severe impacts of torrential rain last week, despite forecasts of more bad weather on the horizon.

Robert Blake, Director of the Nelson-Tasman Pasifika Community Trust, says most of their 167 registered families have not experienced major property damage.

“Our team was busy calling on Friday afternoon, ensuring that they were safe,” he says. “A lot of our families in the Motueka area had a lot of surface flooding, but we were quite fortunate with our Pacifica families that it actually hadn’t reached the house. So the effect to our local population was very minimal.”

Seasonal workers under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme have also attended the event unharmed, as the Trust maintains close contact with their employers.

“We were lucky to speak to pastoral carers for about eight orchards in the Motueka area, and they informed us that their staff were well and safe and looked after,” Blake says.

“Also, I had a chance to speak with [the] Tongan liaison officer who was actively checking in on his RSE members here in the Nelson-Tasman area.”

In the 2023 Census, 2994 people identified as Pacific Peoples, accounting for 2.9 per cent of the region’s total population.

Speaking on Radio New Zealand, Nick Smith, Nelson’s Mayor, warns locals to exercise caution while travelling.

“We’re urging people, where possible, to carpool, to use our bus system that’s been diverted, or work at home, because the congestion in and out of the city this morning will be pretty awful.”

Watch Robert Blake's full interview below.

Local information in Pacific languages

While immediate needs are not widespread, Blake says there is ongoing demand for accessible information.

“There have been concerns mainly for just information around what to do, where to go and general health information or information about accommodation.”

A Civil Defence drop-in centre is now operational at the Motueka Recreation Centre on Old Wharf Road, providing food and information on accommodation, insurance, and animal welfare.

Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell touring the storm-ravaged wider Nelson-Tasman region on Sunday. Photo/Pool images

Blake says local Civil Defence teams have made strong efforts to include Pacific communities in emergency planning.

“We’re included in all their Civil Defence updates. We’re part of a team that helps develop plans,” he says. “We do have information in our own Pacific languages as well… after-a-flood fact sheets that are available in Cook Island Māori, Fijian, Sāmoan, and Tongan in large print and in audio as well.”

Looking ahead

With more heavy rain expected on Thursday, the Trust is preparing by reaching out directly to households.

“Our team will be door-knocking in local areas with information on where to go around natural disasters… because these times, you know, they can be quite stressful and worrying for our people,” Blake says.

His final message to the Pacific community is one of caution and care.

“Please don’t play in the floodwaters. Keep your hands clean. It’s important that after a flood, you drain, dry and clean your property and belongings,” he says.

“For those who are on bore water, please be very careful. Any water or food that is touched [by] floodwaters will need to be thrown away immediately. And if you’re unsure, please reach out to your local general practice in Motueka, or if you’re feeling unwell, please see your doctor ASAP.”

The Nelson-Tasman Pasifika Community Trust can be reached at the Civil Defence drop-in centre at the Motueka Recreation Centre or by phoning 0508 PASIFIKA (0508 7274 3452).

Fire and Police officials are encouraging people to stay home if possible.