Golden Bay residents have been advised by Civil Defence not to buy panic supplies, and to only buy fuel for the coming week to ensure there is enough for everyone. Food supplies would be delivered on Thursday following the closure of the Takaka Hill road, State Highway 60, which has left the community cut off. Local commercial air operators were still running services for those who want to fly into or out of Takaka, Civil Defence said. The storm wreaked chaos through the middle part of the country, causing flooding, road closures and the cancellation and delay of several flights. Eighty were later escorted home in Takaka on Tuesday night, while 53 spent the night at the Motueka welfare centre.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 20, 2018 19:47 UTC