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A massive clean-up in the top of the south is underway after major flooding, and is being described as likely the "biggest recovery ever faced" in the Marlborough region.
Major disruptions across the top of Te Waipounamu, as the state highways connecting Blenheim and Nelson remain firmly shut.
The commute is now taking eight hours - with a diversion through Canterbury. It's causing headaches for businesses and supply chains.
Reporter Niva Chittock and visual journalist Sam Rillstone are in Blenheim.