She was joined by West Coast-Tasman MP Damien O’Connor and under-secretary to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries and Minister for Trade and Export, Rino Tirikatene.
After being briefed at the NBS Theatre, Ms Ardern went to see the damage caused to farms, roads and water supply in the February 10 flood.
On February 13, the Government contributed $300,000 to support Buller district to recover from the weather events.
Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor classified the severe weather as a medium-scale adverse event for the West Coast and top of the South Island, allowing $200,000 support for affected farmers and growers.
Emergency Management Minister Kiritapu Allan then announced $100,000 for the mayoral relief fund for Buller.
The Buller District Council said today an initial damage assessment estimated the two February storms had caused between $21.5million and $43million worth of damage.
That would present a significant challenge for the small ratepayer base, Mayor Jamie Cleine said.
"We are already reeling as a community from the impact of the July [2021] flooding events."
In Reefton, the floodwaters ripped open a historic landfill and the Westport water supply had been severely compromised. There were also slips on a number of roads.
As many as 70 farms were damaged, and assessments by the Ministry for Primary Industries were pending.
Meanwhile, the Government yesterday activated Enhanced Taskforce Green in Buller and southern Tasman.
Social Development and Employment Minister Carmel Sepuloni said it would help councils hire job seekers to help with the flood clean-up.
"This funding will help farmers complete clean-up work on their properties, including clearing debris.
"Across the West Coast and southern Tasman districts, damage assessments are being carried out. The Ministry of Social Development will work with agencies to make sure Enhanced Task Force Green assistance is provided as soon as possible to farmers in need of this support," Ms Sepuloni said.
