Pigeon Post News:

The Sunday Regional and Global BriefRates Backlash Simmers as Tasman Annual Plan is Finalised

Community outcry remains loud across the Tasman District following the council’s formal adoption of a sharp 9.9% average rates increase for the 2026/2027 financial year. Disgruntled residents have taken to public forums to voice anger over the added financial pressure, particularly a mandatory $125 infrastructure recovery charge. Local business associations warn that compounding operational overheads, coupled with ongoing road disruptions, could mirror the recent shock permanent closure of Nelson’s iconic Prego Mediterranean Foods & Comida Cafe.

NBL Game Postponement Puts All Eyes on Tonight's Trafalgar Blockbuster

Nelson sports fans had a quiet Friday night after the NBS Nelson Giants' away fixture against the Wellington Saints was officially postponed. However, local stadium lights will burn bright tonight at 6:00 pm, as the Giants host the formidable Auckland Tuatara at the Trafalgar Centre. The home side expects a packed crowd as they look to build on momentum from their previous 92–79 masterclass over the Manawatū Jets.

Black Caps Scent Victory at Trent Bridge While All Blacks Prep for French Opener

On the international sporting stage, our national teams are dominating the headlines:

• Cricketers in England: The Black Caps have put themselves in a commanding position on day three of the series-deciding third Test at Trent Bridge. After securing an 84-run first-innings lead, an unbeaten 60 from Rachin Ravindra pushed New Zealand’s second-innings total to 120-3, stretching their overall lead to an ominous 204 runs.
• All Blacks Status: The All Blacks are not playing this weekend, but their highly anticipated 2026 international test season officially kicks off next Saturday, 4 July, against France at Christchurch's brand-new One New Zealand Stadium. Meanwhile, New Zealand Rugby and Rugby Australia just announced a historic new tradition locking in Suncorp Stadium to host Anzac Day Bledisloe Cuptests starting in 2027.

International Brief: Deadly Venezuela Earthquakes and Northern Japan Shaken

Overseas, a catastrophic double earthquake in Venezuela has left the country in a state of humanitarian crisis, with the confirmed death toll tragically rising to 235 as crews dig through ruined infrastructure in La Guaira. Meanwhile, a completely separate 6.9 magnitude earthquake rattled the northern coast of Japan. Thankfully, Japanese officials confirmed that no tsunami waves were generated, and no major structural damage or severe injuries were immediately recorded.

Stay warm, enjoy the game at the Trafalgar Centre tonight, and have a safe week ahead.

— From the newsroom at Pigeon Post News, Richmond, Tasman District.

Pigeon Post Sports Desk:

The Ultimate Weekend Regional Wrap-Up

NBS Nelson Giants Lock in Focus for Sunday Night Blockbuster

While basketball fans across the region were left waiting following the official postponement of the Giants’ away game against the Wellington Saints originally scheduled for Friday night, 26 June, all eyes now shift to tomorrow, Sunday 28 June. The NBS Nelson Giants will return to the hardwood at the Trafalgar Centre in Nelson for a massive home clash against the formidable Auckland Tuatara. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 pm, with the team eager to carry forward the explosive form that saw Shane Gatling drop a 30-point performance to sink the Manawatū Jets 92–79. Doors open early for the Sky Broadband Rapid League curtain-raiser at 5:00 pm.

Trafalgar Park Semi-Finals Decided Under the LightsThe top-tier Men's Division 1 Tasman Trophy competition delivered high-stakes, uncompromising playoff rugby as the semi-finals played out at Trafalgar Park in Nelson:

• Nelson vs. Waimea Old Boys: The Nelson club battled Richmond's primary powerhouse, Waimea Old Boys, under the Friday night lights in a gruelling, physical match that captivated traveling Waimea fans. Nelson won the thrilling Tasman Trophy semi-final match against Waimea Old Boys with a final score of 50–48. The high-stakes play-off took place on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Trafalgar Park. Nelson secured their spot in the grand final after sealing the victory with a dramatic last-minute try.

 Key Match Plays

• Early Winger Double-Injury: Just five minutes into the game, Nelson lost both starting wingers, Adam Schwass and Solo Gukirewa, forcing immediate tactical changes that ultimately led to Malaulau's match-defining shift to the wing.The Last-Minute Winner: After a relentless back-and-forth battle that saw the lead swing multiple times, Nelson sealed the 50–48 victory with a dramatic, clutch try in the very last minute of regular play to punch their ticket to the grand final. 

  • Marist vs. Central (Blenheim): Regular-season table-toppers Marist took on the dangerous Central squad in the late-night slot to lock in the other half of the championship bracket. Marist decisively won the second semi-final against Central (Blenheim) with a final score of 36–7 The Grand Final: The surviving teams from these two brutal encounters have officially booked their spots in the Tasman Trophy Grand Final, which is set to kick off next Friday, 3 July at 7:30 pm.

Grassroots Drama Sweeps Division 2 Elimination Rounds Sudden-death knockouts across the Car Company Nelson Bays Division 2 brought a massive wave of pride and heartbreak to local community grounds on Saturday:

• Brightwater (Centennial Park): Local Wanderers Division 2 supporters packed the boundary lines at the Brightwater Domain, but a highly disciplined Huia squad from Motueka executed perfectly under pressure to eliminate the hosts in a tight 27–23 nail-biter.

• Takaka (The Battle of the Bay): The rural landscape of Golden Bay witnessed intense derby action at the Takaka Rugby Football Club. A relentless, come-from-behind second-half scoring surge by visitors Collingwood broke home hearts, stealing a narrow victory from Takaka right at the death. The "Battle of the Bay" local derby between Takaka and Collingwood ended in a 24–5 victory for Collingwood. 

Wakefield (Quiet Fields): 

• No matches were scheduled for the Wakefield pitches, leaving the local sports community to travel out to support the neighbouring playoff battles in Brightwater.

Brightwater:

The playoff battle in Brightwater was a Nelson Bays Division 2 Top 6 Elimination Final between Wanderers Div 2 and Huia Div 2. 

The high-stakes knockout match took place at the Brightwater Domain on Friday, June 26, 2026, featuring the 3rd-seeded Wanderers hosting the 6th-seeded Huia. In a hard-fought upset, Huia won the match with a final score of 27–23, ending the Wanderers' season and advancing Huia further into the playoff bracket. 

RICHMOND - Waimea Women 

• Richmond (Jubilee Park): The match scheduled at Jubilee Park in Richmond on Friday, June 26, 2026, between Waimea Women and Kahurangi Women was unplayed because Kahurangi defaulted the game. As a result, Waimea Women were awarded the victory via forfeit. 

Netball Action Sparks at Saxton Field and Football Goals Flow in MotuekaBeyond the rugby lines, the district's winter sports codes delivered stellar performances across Saturday:

• Saxton Field Netball: Competitive winter rounds lit up the Nelson Netball Centre. In Collegiate Grade action, Nayland College Senior Maroon ground out a gritty 7–4 win over 9B Nayland College. Concurrently, Rai Valley Area School Gold put on a clinical display to defeat the Murchison Netball Club 17–8.
• Motueka Football Showcase: On the football pitch, Flooring Xtra Motueka claimed an action-packed 6–3 victory over the Suburbs Sicarios. Clinical first-half goals from Ryan and Jimmy were brilliantly backed up by a quick-fire double from Jackson, before a late strike from Jonty firmly iced all 3 competition points.

Keep active, back your neighbourhood clubs, and have an exceptional weekend.

— From the sports desk at Pigeon Post News, Richmond, Tasman District.

PIGEON POST RICHMOND - News in Brief

Lower Queen St., Richmond

News in Brief

Tasman Ratepayers Face 9.9% Rates Hike

Ratepayers in the Tasman District Council area face a substantial 9.9% average rates increase after elected officials finalised the region's complex 2026/2027 Annual Plan. Mayor Tim King noted that rising infrastructure costs, insurance, and the lingering financial impacts of past severe weather events left the council with few popular financial levers to pull. By contrast, neighbouring Nelson City Council adopted a much smaller 4.7% increase.

Road Closures and Costs Force Closure of Iconic Nelson Business

After 19 years of operations, local culinary staple Prego Mediterranean Foods & Comida Cafe has announced it is shutting its doors permanently. The owners cited a devastating combination of ongoing road closures from major CBD works and relentlessly rising operational costs. The community has expressed deep sadness over losing a foundational piece of the central city's hospitality scene.

Tasman Mako Leader David Havili Announces Move to Japan

In local rugby news, Tasman Mako leader and Crusaders captain David Havili has confirmed a future move to Japan. The versatile All Blacks back intends to finish out his local commitments and return to provincial colours for Tasman before heading overseas later this year to begin his new international club chapter.

Upcoming NBS Nelson Giants Basketball Fixtures

Local basketball fans have a busy stretch ahead as the NBS Nelson Giants continue their 2026 Sal's NBL campaign. Fans can secure tickets through Giants Flicket for these upcoming rounds:

Wellington Saints (Away): Friday, 26 June, 2:30 pm at TSB Arena

Auckland Tuatara (Home): Sunday, 28 June, 6:00 pm at Trafalgar Centre

Franklin Bulls (Home): Sunday, 5 July, 3:00 pm at Trafalgar Centre

Southland Sharks (Away): Saturday, 11 July at ILT Stadium Southland

Coalition Tensions Rise Over Proposed India Free Trade Agreement

On the national stage, political sparks are flying between National and New Zealand First over confidential immigration documents linked to a proposed free trade agreement with India. NZ First leader Winston Peters publicly targeted National in Parliament, alleging that proposed immigration policy concessions within the draft deal are discriminatory toward Indian nationals.

Search for Survivors Intensifies After Devastating Venezuela Earthquakes

Overseas, a catastrophic double earthquake in Venezuela has left the nation reeling, with the confirmed death toll climbing to 235 as search and rescue teams frantically comb through the rubble. Massive destruction is reported across several regional towns and the port city of La Guaira. Global seismic experts confirm that while three major international quakes occurred within a short window, they are not structurally connected.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

Winter Blast Eases for Tasman, But Extreme Caution Urged on Alpine Passes This Weekend

Pigeon Post News, Richmond, Tasman, NZ

Caution Urged on Alpine Passes This Weekend

A settled, fine weekend is on the horizon for the Tasman District as a disruptive winter weather system begins to clear. However, motorists planning to travel between the islands or through the upper South Island must prepare for severe alpine driving conditions. Heavy overnight frosts, lingering road grit, and black ice mean our mountain passes will require maximum vigilance.

Richmond & Tasman Weather: A Welcome, Sunny Respite

Following a week of intense southerlies and volatile winter showers, MetService New Zealand confirms that high pressure is moving in to bring a clear, mostly sunny weekend across Richmond and the broader Tasman area.

• Saturday, 27 June: Any early residual showers will quickly clear in the morning to make way for a beautiful, fine day. Winds will remain light with a pleasant afternoon high of 16°C, though overnight temperatures will quickly plummet to a chilly 6°C.
• Sunday, 28 June: The clear skies continue with a crisp, fully fine day ahead. Southerly breezes are forecast to die out completely by morning. Expect a daytime high of 14°C and a frosty overnight low dropping to just 4°C.

Driving SH60 Richmond to Tākaka 

State Highway 60 between Richmond and Tākaka is currently open, but drivers must exercise high caution over the Tākaka Hill summit due to ice, heavy winter frosts, and historical slip vulnerabilities.

Route Overview & Current Conditions SH60

• Richmond to Riwaka: Traffic is flowing smoothly. Watch for typical winter dampness and surface moisture in shaded spots around Motueka. 
• Tākaka Hill Summit (SH60): Fully open 24/7, but standard alpine winter hazards apply. Due to the recent cold snap, the summit is prone to black ice and heavy frosts, particularly on the southern (Riwaka) face and heavily shaded corners. 
• Slump Sites & Maintenance: The route remains structurally vulnerable at historical slip points like Drummond’s Corner. Be prepared for localised temporary speed limits or sections with a narrower road width.

Weekend Weather for the Drive SH60

The weather over the hill will clear up beautifully, but temperatures will be very low:

• Saturday: Residual morning dampness will clear rapidly into a fine, crisp afternoon. Light winds mean excellent visibility.
• Sunday: Clear, fine, and sunny. However, an overnight drop to near-freezing will mean severe morning frost and refreezing moisture on the road surface.

Alpine Passes: High-Country Hazards and Road Status

While coastal regions enjoy the sunshine, the upper South Island alpine corridors are still recovering from major snowfall. While key routes have successfully reopened after closures earlier today, extreme care is paramount.

Arthur's Pass (SH73)

Mountain pass

West Coast Region

OPEN WITH CAUTION. The highway between Springfield and Arthur's Pass Village was entirely blocked on Friday morning due to heavy snow, ice, and multiple stranded vehicles. NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) contractors have cleared the road, but freezing high-country temperatures mean that melting snow will refreeze into treacherous black ice overnight.

Lewis Pass (SH7)

Mountain pass

Lewis Pass

OPEN. This northern pass received up to 5cm of snow over the summit, with areas further east recording up to 10cm. While the weather is clearing, heavy shading means ice and grit remain a hazard across the highway.

Rahu Saddle (SH7)

Mountain pass

Rahu Saddle

OPEN. No active closures are in place, but winter driving area warnings span the entire spine of the Alps.

Pigeon Post Essential Travel Tips

If you must head out across the passes this weekend, NZTA officials advise packing a winter safety kit containing warm layers, food, and fresh water. Always ensure your vehicle has a healthy amount of fuel or battery range in the event of unexpected travel diversions.

Before you turn the key, make sure to double-check the live, up-to-the-minute highway statuses via the interactive NZTA Journey Planner.

Stay warm, drive to the winter conditions, and enjoy the beautiful crisp sunshine in our backyard this weekend!

Pigeon Post News, Richmond - 26 June 2026

Tasman District Braces for Heavy Rain and Southerly Gales

Heavy Rain and Southerly Gales

RICHMOND — Local residents across the Tasman District are advised to dig out their wet-weather gear and secure loose outdoor items as an active winter storm system moves over the top of the South Island. MetService has placed inland Tasman west of Motueka under an Orange Heavy Rain Warning until midnight tonight, warning that rapid river rises, surface flooding, and slips are possible.

The unsettled weather is the result of a low-pressure system bearing down from the Tasman Sea, drawing a moisture-laden front directly across our region before introducing much colder air from the south.

Short-Term Breakdown: What to Expect

• Wednesday, 24 June: Morning showers will turn to heavy, persistent rain by this afternoon across most of the district. Richmond and Motueka can expect a high of 14°C to 15°C, with northeasterly winds building throughout the day.
• Thursday, 25 June: Rain is expected to clear in the morning, leaving behind a mostly cloudy day. However, temperatures will drop to a high of 13°C, and overnight lows will plunge to 4°C. The main concern shifts to the wind, with southeasterlies rising to a gale in the evening.
• Friday, 26 June: A frosty, clear morning is on the cards as the system moves east. Strong southwesterly winds will ease by the afternoon, leading into a fine, crisp winter weekend.

Alpine Warnings and Backcountry Impact

For those commuting over the hill or heading into the back country, the influx of cold air on Thursday will drastically lower freezing levels. MetService has issued road snowfall warnings for major South Island passes. Up in the Nelson Lakes National Park, the freezing level will drop from 2100 metres down to 1200 metres before dawn on Thursday, bringing significant high-country snow and gale-force southeasterlies peaking at 80 km/h.

Community Safety Notice

The Community Safety Notice advises caution due to anticipated surface flooding, road snowfall warnings for central passes, and a strong wind advisory for Tasman Bay. Updated road conditions can be monitored through the NZTA Waka Kotahi Journey Planner.

For up-to-the-minute updates on the weather tracking, local residents can monitor the MetService Weather Warnings Page or keep their eyes on the Pigeon Post News at www.pigeonpostnews.co.nz or google Pigeon Post News Richmond.

"Have a wonderful, warm evening ahead."

RICHMOND LOCAL NEWS UPDATES

NEWS UPDATES

Traffic & Regional Transit

• Ruby Bay: Aporo Road is fully operational and cleared of initial transit blockages, though roading crews advise motorists to watch for minor residual shoulder debris and surface pooling.
• Richmond Regional Road Closures:
• Paton Road: A round-the-clock 24/7 closure takes effect starting Monday, 8 June 2026, between Ranzau Road and #186 Paton Road to construct a vital new retaining wall.
• Cropp Place & Easby Park: Restricted daytime access continues along the main walking tracks and the cul-de-sac due to ongoing stormwater pipe laying and pump station upgrades.
• Riwaka-Sandy Bay Road: Complete closure remains in place over Mārahau Hill for significant storm damage repairs.

Local Community & Agriculture Updates

• Poultry and Winners: The Nelson Poultry & Pigeon Association Show wrapped up with top category titles awarded to Elliott Orr (Best Heavy Breed Black Orpington), C&J Robinson (Champion Light Breed White Silkie Hen), and Peter Kettle (Champion Game Bantam). Pigeon honours went to Wayne Southee (Champion Homer) and Dave Spencley (Champion Fancy Pigeon).
• Brightwater Sale-yards Status: The River Terrace Road yards are currently undergoing cleanup after local floodwaters forced the cancellation of last week's auction. The facilities are locked in to officially reopen on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, at 12:00 pm for the next scheduled livestock sale.

Council Updates & Infrastructure Notes

• Public Infrastructure & Water Notes: An urgent conserve water alert remains active for Tapawera due to persistent electrical faults at the local water treatment facility. Meanwhile, council teams are completing environmental checks following storm-related sewage pump station overflows across the district's saturated network.
• Community Grants: The Tasman District Council has formally opened applications for its annual Community Grants Scheme alongside the Creative Communities funding pool, encouraging local clubs and event organisers to submit project budgets. 
• New Council Updates: Lookout Road inside Kingsland Forest Park will be fully closed this coming Monday, 8 June 2026, to allow heavy machinery, trucks, and excavators to safely clear fallen trees and storm debris.
• Urban Growth Consultation: Final prep is underway for the public presentation on Plan Change 81, which outlines long-term housing intensification strategies for Central Richmond, Brightwater, and Wakefield. 

Education & Other Local News

• NMIT Leadership: The Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) has formally transitioned operations over to its newly appointed Chief Executive, Dr. Caroline Seelig.
• Nelson Provincial Museum: The regional landmark is drawing weekend crowds for its newly opened temporary exhibition, Taku Rau Tīkumu, which is believed to be a first, a new exhibition dedicated entirely to the mountain daisy Tikumu, once a taonga for weavers the knowledge of weaving techniques had almost been lost.

Cheers,

The Pigeon Post News, Richmond, Team