RT20 - Marlborough Emergency Response

22/05/2026

Our close friend “over the hill” receiving his KSM from GG Dame Cindy Kiro. Great stuff Ian!

Mr Ian Watts, of Nelson, KSM for services to Land Search and Rescue

Mr Ian Watts joined the Nelson Tasman Land Search and Rescue as a volunteer in 1975, later serving as Chair. He was a founding member of the Nelson Tasman New Zealand Emergency Response Team. He led his team’s response to the Kaikōura earthquakes, the Pigeon Valley fire, Cyclones Fehi and Gita, and the COVID-19 lockdowns. He liaises with New Zealand Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, St John personnel and local councils. Mr Watts has led the Response Team in setting up a new base, overhauling its vehicle fleet, initiating a gear inventory system and achieving national accreditation.

09/05/2026

A successful Thursday night doing flood water response training! Thanks to RNZAF Base Woodbourne for hosting us in their pool.

NZ Defence Force

12/04/2026

Marlborough Civil Defence and Emergency Management is expecting another weather forecast from MetService New Zealand shortly, which Council's Rivers team and hydrologist will then use to run their model for the Wairau River system. Actual rainfall data will also inform their thinking.

Forecasting rainfall and its effects on the Wairau River plain can be challenging when different weather forecast models predict different rainfall levels in different places. However the closer we get to a storm event the easier it is to make accurate predictions for each area.

At this stage the emergency management team is busy gathering all the latest information, under the leadership of Incident Controller Richard MacNamara. Rivers Manager Andy White and his team are busy crunching the incoming data as we speak. Council and Marlborough Roads staff are out and about, checking on our three waters systems and our roading network. Fire and Emergency, Police and other key agencies are on standby, in case they are needed.

WE PLAN TO PROVIDE ANOTHER UPDATE BY ABOUT 3pm TODAY.

The current forecast is below.

Area: Eastern Marlborough, especially between Blenheim and Kaikoura, and about the Richmond Range

Period: 14hrs from 9am - 11pm Sun, 12 Apr

Forecast: Expect 70 to 100 mm of rain to accumulate, but up to 120 mm possible about the Seaward Kaikoura Range. Peak rates of 20 to 30 mm/h expected this afternoon and early evening. Minimal chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.

Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.

Action: Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.

IMAGE: the Incident Management Team, Emergency Coordination Centre, Blenheim, 12.40pm today.

NZ Civil Defence NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Nelson, Tasman & Marlborough RT20 - Marlborough Emergency Response Nelson Tasman Civil Defence Wellington Region Emergency Management Office

28/03/2026

Out supporting the YES Programme- Big Day Out this morning in Picton!

10/03/2026

A stunning Marlborough day for the Multicultural Festival on Saturday ☀️ Thanks to those that visited the Civil Defence tent and to all those who organised and volunteered to make such an awesome day happen ✨

08/03/2026

🖤 International Women's Day 2026, we want to thank the women of NZRT-20 for their contributions and commitment! ❤️

19/02/2026

Tonight, rope rescue training took place with a great view.

29/01/2026

What are you looking at 👀?

Oh, just newest re-accredited NZRT in town!

Yesterday we received the news that we have completed everything for re-accreditation, with our good friend at New Zealand Response Teams - NZRT Liz citing we are an “impressive asset” to the Marlborough region.

Not only did we recertify our Foundation Skills, Light Rescue, CDC/Welfare and Out of Region strands, we also are the newest kids on the block to be accredited with Rope Rescue and Flood Response.

Well done everyone, it's a massive achievement for the team! Thank you to all your whānau too for their support in allowing you to volunteer.

Think you have what it takes to join the team? We are looking for people to take on vital support roles. Get in touch with Marlborough Emergency Management today!

Marlborough District Council
NZ Civil Defence
Nelson Marlborough - Fire and Emergency
Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast Police

Photo: the to-be-signed certificate that is in the post to our base.

30/12/2025

👏👏Congratulations 👏👏 to our friend over the hill, Mr. Ian Watts, on his KSM. Your recognition is well-deserved and we love hanging out when we get to!

Stay safe this New Year’s Eve, everyone. See you all next year 🥳

Ian Watts has also helped people in earthquakes, fires, storms and a pandemic.

22/10/2025

Team Marlborough, be super careful out there tomorrow - no time for complacency. Secure outdoor furniture, trampolines and non-fixed large objects. Keep up to date with weather, traffic and emergency information. Listen to our mates at Brianfm or RNZ for emergency information. NZ-RT20 is on standby should we be required to help.

If you face a situation that is life threatening or has the potential to become life threatening, please call 111.

🔴UPDATE: Marlborough 🔴

The Orange Strong Wind Warning has now been upgraded to Red from Cape Campbell southwards, including the Kaikoura Coast.

🕛WHEN: Thursday 6am - 4pm

⚠️ACTION: Stay indoors or seek sturdy shelter away from trees. Avoid travel. Be ready for power and communication outages. https://getready.govt.nz/emergency/storms

See the full Warning here: http://bit.ly/AllWarnings

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Nelson, Tasman & Marlborough