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The cleanup for some flood-hit areas of Canterbury, Otago and Southland is expected to take several weeks, after weekend flooding damaged bridges, shut roads, and caused campsites to be evacuated.
In Waitaki, the Otematata River burst its banks, requiring nearly 200 holidaymakers to be evacuated, and early estimates suggest the repairs to roads will cost well into six-figures.
Waitaki District Mayor Gary Kircher spoke to Te Aniwa Hurihanganui.