Some people will be able to return to their flood-affected Wanganui homes today, Civil Defence Minister Nikki Kaye says.
However, there a some city properties which have yet to be assessed while it could be weeks before roading is cleared in remote areas.
Ms Kaye attended a Civil Defence briefing in the city this morning before heading out to Waitotara in South Taranaki.
"Obviously everyone is working hard to balance getting people into their homes with public safety," she said.
The situation in rural areas was becoming clearer by the day.
Roading around the wider region and in Rangitikei in particular has taken a hammering and Ms Kaye estimated 75 per cent of affected rural roads would be cleared within a month.
"Clearing those roads is going to be a real priority to ensure those people get access. But again there are some parts of these roads that are really damaged."