The government is injecting $200,000 into the mayoral relief fund for Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough as the weather causes extensive damages to roads and property across the regions.

Watch the briefing with Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty here:

'My thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted by severe weather events across the country over recent days,” Kieran McAnulty says.

'The weather has caused considerable damage and been extremely disruptive. That's been all the more challenging for those communities who are still cleaning up after the last bout of heavy weather.

'While it's too early to know the full cost of the damage, this initial $200,000 contribution to the Mayoral Relief Fund is a start and will help ensure there is minimal delay in getting immediate support to those who need it.

'I have been on the ground in Nelson today to speak with emergency responders and locals to discuss their needs and see the extent of the impacts first-hand. I have also been in touch with Mayors in the affected regions to offer the Government's support.

'I want to thank everyone who has moved quickly to respond to this event – the regional CDEM groups, volunteers and first responders who have stepped up to keep people safe.

'With further impacts from this severe weather possible, I encourage everyone in the region to continue to follow advice and instructions from Civil Defence and Council. Stay safe, don't take any chances,” Kieran McAnulty says.

Mayoral Relief Funds help communities bounce back after an emergency. Local communities and councils understand where the immediate needs are and how to help individuals, whānau and community organisations, marae.

The funds are in addition to other support that may be available from other agencies such as the Ministry of Social Development and Ministry for Primary Industries.

Mayoral Relief Funds are intended to help fill gaps quickly where an immediate need exists. It's not a replacement for insurance and costs covered by other funding sources.

Wild weather has been causing chaos across the country, with a state of local emergency in place for the Nelson-Tasman and West Coast regions.

Slips, flooding and washouts have disrupted traffic across the Tasman District and there are fears of more flooding.

Occupants of 233 homes near the Maitai River in Nelson were evacuated after the river burst its banks, and another 10 households in the Tahunanui Hills have had to leave because of a slip.

In the Richmond Ranges, which run between Nelson and Marlborough, locals say rivers and creeks are running higher than they have ever seen them.

The worst affected areas are Canvastown, Rai Valley, Pelorus, and Okiwi Bay.

- Additional reporting by RNZ.