Nelson City Council has taken the first step in giving rates relief to property owners forced out of their homes in December's record flooding.
Dozens of families were forced from their homes by flooding or landslips, and some are still waiting to return.
Deputy mayor Ali Boswijk says it is only fair that people evacuated from their homes during December's disaster should receive some rates compensation.
The council is proposing to remit part or all of the land rates on affected properties for the time they were uninhabitable.
It is seeking public feedback on the proposal and most affected ratepayers are welcoming the move.
However, one homeowner says a rebate will mean little to him because the council will not accept liability for a large slip on to his land from council reserve land.
He says the earthworks could cost $150,000.
Meanwhile, the council is warning of a downpour of up to 180mm west of Motueka on Wednesday, and about half that amount for areas east of the town.
