Gita: Takaka Hill hit hard, tourists cut off

People may have to be ferried out of the Tasman region's Golden Bay, and food supplies may be shipped in if SH60 can't be opened quickly. About 5000 residents and about 1000 tourists are trapped by the road closure. Tasman District Mayor Richard Kempthorne tells us many locals are waking up to flooded homes and farms. The worst hit is Takaka Hill he says. Engineers and Civil Defence have looked at the roads, and alternative routes for stranded tourists are being considered - including ferries, barges or flights. Another major issue is for dairy farmers trying to get milk out, he says.