Prime Minister Bill English has described the Edgecumbe flooding as on par with the devastating Kaikoura earthquakes as it is confirmed some people have lost their homes.
Mr English visited the town and its Fonterra factory on Friday morning after floodwaters swamped the area yesterday, forcing about 2000 residents to flee their homes.
Mr English said there was still flooding and a lot of water in the town's lower part.
"It's at least as significant as the events in Kaikoura and for the people affected, it's huge."
The flood had ''quite serious consequences'' for many households and many people would need ongoing support.