Media Update #3 Time 09.20am

Westland District Council has activated a Level 3 Emergency Operations Centre in response to severe weather across all of Westland. This is not yet a declared Civil Defence emergency.

Westland District Council wishes to advise that a helicopter has been dispatched to assess roads in Franz Josef and Fox Glacier and bring in ground crew to assess how to safely get stranded tourists out of the affected area safely. This is being conducted under the control of New Zealand Police. Getting the stranded people out of the area is the first priority; the vehicles will be recovered at a later point in time. Challenges with this include slips, fallen trees and, of greatest concern, live power lines down which need to be isolated before the road can be cleared.

We are aware of a few medical issues and these are being handled as a matter of urgency under the supervision of New Zealand Police.

News has been received that there is a 100m long slip that is 9 metres high at Douglas Bluff south of Haast that prevents a barrier from exiting Haast southbound. Prolonged delays are expected. It is estimated there are at least 600 tourists in Haast and we are undertaking a welfare assessment of their needs. The road and slip is being managed by New Zealand Transport Agency and their contractors.

Franz Josef and Fox Glacier water and sanitation is under review. Franz Josef and Haast has no landline or cell coverage. Satellite phone communications available with certain key agencies in Franz Josef.

Council staff, volunteers and contractors are continuing their work today. State Highway 6 from Ross south through to Makarora is closed until further notice. Power remains intermittent and vulnerable through the District.

Public safety remains our highest priority both for residents, tourists, volunteers, contractors and staff.

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