9:20 am today

Two years since Nelson's storms, how is the recovery going?

From Nine To Noon, 9:20 am today
Nelson's Maitai River in flood on 18 August, 2022.

Nelson's Maitai River in flood on 18 August, 2022. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

It's been two years to the day since the skies opened on Nelson and it did not stop raining for five days.

The heavy rain - referred to as an atmospheric river - caused flooding and what is now known as New Zealand's largest urban landslip.

There were more than 400 landslips in all and about 1200 people had to be evacuated from their homes.

The Nelson City Council has bought out 10 Brook St properties and seven others are eligible for buyout.

Homeowners continue to deal with issues around land stability and insurance - such as Scott May who woke up one day in August to find 160 tonnes of soil had piled up against his house. 

Work to resolve the issues continues and he's now concerned the payout he's received from EQC won't be enough to cover the extensive geotechnical work needed.

Scott tells his story to Paddy, but first Nelson mayor Nick Smith gives his reflections on the city's long road to recovery from that 2022 storm.

Scott May's house with the landslip to the right that occurred on August 16, 2022.

Photo: Supplied by Scott May