Fifteen people have been airlifted from a rural property in Buller, after a creek flooded and cut off access.
Photo: BULLER EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
They were taken from the property on Powerhouse Road to an evacuation centre by bus.
Civil Defence controller Al Lawn says he's cautiously optimistic that no further evacuations will be needed tonight.
About 100 people are staying at the Holcim evacuation centre on Cape Foulwind Road.
Lawn said it will stay open throughout the night for evacuees.
Buller District mayor Jamie Cleine said earlier today that everyone heading to the evacuation centre should take bedding and food for three days and be prepared to sleep in their cars.
Civil Defence ordered a partial evacuation of Westport this morning.
Many roads around the West Coast remain affected by slips and debris.
Buller Emergency Management urged everyone to stay away from flooded areas and to not drive or walk through flood water, as the water may have washed away parts of the road or contain debris.
