Kaikoura Accident Today: Six people were rescued after their vehicles became trapped in floodwaters between Nelson and Blenheim during severe weather conditions that impacted the region late Friday evening.
Police said emergency services were called at approximately 8:35pm after reports that multiple travellers were stranded in rising floodwaters on State Highway 6 near Canvastown, amid heavy rain and storm activity across the area.
In response, coordinated rescue efforts were launched involving Search and Rescue teams, Surf Life Saving New Zealand, Fire and Emergency crews, and personnel from the Defence Force. Rescue teams successfully reached the scene and retrieved six people from their vehicles, all of whom were brought to safety.
Authorities confirmed that State Highway 6 between Pelorus and Havelock was closed on Friday due to dangerous weather and flooding conditions. The route was reopened by mid-morning Saturday after conditions improved, though restrictions remain in place.
The NZ Transport Agency advised that a temporary 50km/h speed limit has been implemented along the affected stretch of highway, urging motorists to exercise extreme caution while travelling through the area. Crews were also deployed to clear debris and assess damage caused by the flooding.
The Transport Agency additionally confirmed that four vehicles that had been caught in the floodwaters were later recovered.
Police warned that flood levels in the region remained high into Saturday morning, and continued to urge the public to avoid unnecessary travel through affected areas until conditions fully stabilise. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as cleanup and recovery efforts continue along the highway corridor.