Tasman District mayor Tim King is welcoming extra financial support from central government to help cover the tens of millions of dollars in roading repairs after the region’s recent back-to-back storms.
At the peak of the emergencies, more than 600 kilometres of Tasman’s roading network were closed.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has confirmed a bespoke Financial Assistance Rate (FAR) to support councils in restoring local roads.
Director of regional relationships Emma Speight says NZTA acknowledges the financial challenges Tasman District Council is facing.
“We are committed to supporting councils in restoring local roads affected by these events,” she saus.
Under the package, NZTA will fund 91% of immediate response costs such as cleanup work to get roads reopened, while recovery activities — including permanent repairs like drainage, retaining structures, road surfaces and erosion protection — will receive 81% funding.
The emergency support package carries a regional cap of $50 million, which covers both Tasman District Council and Marlborough District Council roading repairs.
Mayor King says the rapid funding decision is “extremely pleasing”.
“There has been a lot of temporary work done to get roads reopened and communities reconnected so confirmation of these special financial arrangements will enable us to get on with planning and delivering permanent repair work,” he says.
“I’d like to thank NZTA for their speed in deciding on the level of financial assistance for us, as we continue to get back on our feet following the big midwinter storms.”
He says it will be a lengthy process to restore all roads, bridges and associated infrastructure, but the extra support is a “big boost”.
