Mark Mitchell: Emergency Management Minister on the State of Emergency in the South Island

The Emergency Management Minister's praising authorities for their fast thinking in today's wild weather.

A local State of Emergency remains in force for Nelson, Marlborough, and Tasman, where an orange heavy rain warning's been extended until 3pm.

Another 40 millimetres is expected to fall.

Mark Mitchell has been in Blenheim this morning, assisting Civil Defence.

He told Matt Heath and Tyler Adams the affected councils made decisions early, and our first responders have been outstanding.

Mitchell says people that needed to evacuate have done so, and everyone has been well-managed during the weather events.

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