The Nelson-Tasman region remains under a state of emergency, with evacuations, widespread flooding, slips, power cuts, and pleas to conserve water.
Tasman Mayor Tim King says areas hit hard two weeks ago have gone from "a bit of a cleanup job" to needing "a complete rebuild" after the latest rain.
King appeared to choke up as he spoke to media on Saturday afternoon about the devastation.
"I've spent my whole life in this community... it's pretty heartbreaking when you have these conversations with people... there's that sense of, where do you even start?"
MetService says the front has moved eastwards away from New Zealand, and it has lifted most of its severe weather warnings and watches. But unsettled conditions will continue to affect many parts of the country through the weekend with periods of heavy rain in the west of the South Island.
Meanwhile, Civil Defence is asking Kaiteriteri and Riwaka residents to continue to conserve water due to a problem with the water supply line.
RNZ is New Zealand's statutory civil defence lifeline radio broadcaster, providing vital information and updates as they come to hand.
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