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

Massive Forest Debris Raft Clear at Māpua Wharf

Slash build-up at Māpua Wharf

 RICHMOND — A substantial raft of forestry slash and woody debris accumulated tightly against the pontoons and vessel moorings at Māpua Wharf following earlier heavy rainfall. 

Safety & Structural Risks: Tasman District Council Community Relations Manager Chris Choat noted the buildup was highly substantial but confirmed it did not pose a structural threat to the wharf itself. However, it prompted public safety warnings due to debris blocking the pontoons where children and pedestrians frequently gain easy access to the water.

• The Current Status: The Tasman Harbourmaster was dispatched to clear the area. By 2:00 PM this afternoon, the harbourmaster successfully released the "dam" of logs, though a small amount of residual cleanup remains to clear the last of the debris from around local vessels and structures. Local boat club members have also been assisting by securing larger drifting logs to prevent them from slipping out into the open shipping channels as maritime hazards. 

Have a good evening, Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

Spectacular Lightning Storm Lashes Richmond Ranges: Over 1,000 Strikes Recorded

 

LIGHTNING OVER THE RICHMOND RANGES THURSDAY NIGHT

BREAKING NEWS

Good afternoon, RICHMOND — A volatile overnight weather system put on a spectacular but disruptive display across the Top of the South, sending over 1,100 lightning strikes splitting through the skies.

The Tasman region was all talk about thunder and lightning following a Thursday night of heavy thunder and lightning that concentrated directly over the Richmond Ranges. Warm northerly winds and unusually high sea surface temperatures fuelled the active front, which briefly knocked out power to properties on Thursday night before network crews restored lines. The tropical air mass even shattered long-standing temperature records, with Nelson registering its highest-ever June minimum temperature of 15.4°C.

MetService Update: Severe Weather Watch Active

While the spectacular lightning has moved away, MetService advises that local wilderness areas are not entirely clear of risk just yet. A Heavy Rain Watch remains active for the Tasman Ranges and Buller through to 8:00 PM this evening (Friday 5 June). Forecasters warn that periods of heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms could approach warning criteria during the afternoon, with a moderate chance of the watch being upgraded to a full warning. Fortunately, the system is moving quickly. Clear skies are on the horizon, with MetService predicting a fine, stable winter pattern to establish itself over Richmond by Saturday morning, bringing a mostly clear weekend with light winds.

👀Local News Catch-up: Overflows, Crashes, and Project Deferrals

Beyond the stormy skies, several key local stories are developing across the district this Friday afternoon:

• Wastewater Systems Overwhelmed: Saturated soil and torrential inflows have heavily stressed regional infrastructure. The Tasman District Council is currently managing numerous localised sewage overflows. Concurrently, Nelson Mayor Nick Smith has addressed a separate major breach on Paru Paru Road, which has been leaking untreated wastewater into Saltwater Creek and the Maitai River mouth at an estimated 100 to 200 litres per second.
• Ruby Bay Road Disruptions: Motorists continue to face delays along Aporo Road today. Emergency services closed the arterial route between Marriages Road and Stafford Road following a serious single-vehicle crash late yesterday, and local diversions remain active while investigations continue.
• Motueka Pool Project Paused: The Tasman District Council has formally agreed to defer long-awaited plans for the Motueka swimming pool development on King Edward Street. The project faces an indefinite hold following annual plan deliberations that revealed an unexpected $3 million spike in servicing costs. I’m sure ratepayers will be pleased with the sensible decision.
• Urban Growth Plan Meetings: Public drop-in sessions regarding Plan Change 81 and Change 1 are still set to proceed. The initiatives seek to introduce faster residential consenting and medium-density zoning across Richmond, Brightwater, Wakefield, and Tākaka. The next public consultation meeting is scheduled at the Wakefield Village Hall on Monday 8 June.

Enjoy the fine winter weather clearing up over the weekend, stay warm out there in Richmond, and I will see you next time a local story breaks. Have a wonderful weekend!

— Pigeon Post News (FRIDAY 5 JUNE)

Mild Relief for Tasman After King’s Birthday Storm System: "We Avoided Any Major Issues"

The Waimea River flooding a little under the Appleby Bridge

 Good Morning, Good Morning RICHMOND — The Tasman District has breathed a collective sigh of relief this week after a multi-day deluge over the Kings Birthday weekend that left the region largely unscathed. 

Despite heavy orange rain warnings and widespread anxiety, the weather event proved to be remarkably mild compared to the devastating floods of recent years. 

A few road closures remained in place across the district while roading crews waited for local floodwaters to recede. 

Many low-lying rural areas experienced slight surface flooding, and Tasman's Great Taste Trail suffered localised damage in several places. 

The broader region initially braced for far more significant disruption as MetService issued strict alerts for parts of the district. 

Memory of the estimated $50 million worth of flood damage from mid-2025 remained fresh for local communities. However, initial reports indicated that the regional infrastructure generally held up well against the elements.

Resilience in Golden Bay and Minor Surface Flooding

Speaking to Pigeon Post News, Tasman District Council Communications Officer Tim O'Connell confirmed that the district bypassed any major flooding catastrophes. 

"We got a bit of surface flooding in the vicinity of the upper Wai-iti but only one property evacuated," O'Connell said. "Golden Bay had some massive rain totals but they are somewhat resilient to inclement weather." O'Connell also noted that while monitoring systems flagged localised spikes near Richmond, the urban centre managed to escape the worst of the weather. "Richmond suburbia wasn’t too bad either — a couple of rising water alarms near Easby Park (Reservoir Creek), but overall, we avoided any flooding issues."

By the Numbers: Official Catchment Totals

Data from the final Tasman District Council Hydrology team report reveals exactly where the heavy rain concentrated. 

Headwaters took a massive hammering, with peak event totals reaching 739mm near Paradise Peak in the Golden Bay ranges. Canaan Downs in the Abel Tasman area recorded 673mm, while Slaty Peak in the Richmond and Bryant Ranges tracked 616mm of accumulation. 

Managed totals were significantly lower on the flats, with Tākaka township recording 189mm, Collingwood 105mm, and Motupiko 76mm. 

The extreme range rainfall triggered significant 10-to-20-year flood flows for the Wairoa and Waimea rivers. The Tākaka and Wai-iti rivers peaked at safer 5-year levels, while the Riuwaka hit a 10-year flow peak.

A Fine Balance

Tasman Mayor Tim King states that balancing public safety with avoiding unnecessary panic is a "fine balance" during severe weather events. To improve accuracy and prevent overstating threats, a new $5 million local rain radar will replace Tasman District relying on distant Wellington radar, which will enable more precise warnings to protect the region from destructive flooding like that seen in high-country areas, while avoiding overstating threats to the lowlands. Read the full story at Radio New Zealand. 

Floodwaters backed up behind Tasman's Great Taste Trail

Local Tracks and Trails Face Disruptions

Local recreation networks and trail monitors are advising outdoor enthusiasts to exercise caution as surface water recedes across the district. On the Great Taste Trail, the section from Lower Queen Street to Redwood Road remains completely closed due to floodwater after the Waimea River rose significantly. Additionally, the unpaved paper road section of Higgins Road in Wakefield, between the end of the sealed road and Edward Street, is closed due to deep surface flooding. 

In regards to the cycle trails, all Kingsland Mountain Bike Tracks have been completely shut down and will remain closed for the next few days. Forestry and council teams are currently moving into the area to clear downed trees and recent slips caused by the heavily saturated soil.

MetService Local Forecast Today: 

The weather provider outlines the following:

• Friday 5 June (Today): 

       Note on Upcoming Rain Risk Takaka Area

MetService have issued a Heavy Rain Watch

Period: 13hrs from 7am - 8pm Fri, 5 Jun
Area: Buller and the Tasman Ranges
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain and possible thunderstorms, and amounts may approach warning criteria. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.
Issued: 8:48pm Thu 4 Jun
Next update: 10:00am Fri 5 Jun

     For the rest of Tasman expect a lingering period of rain with    localised heavy falls through the morning. Conditions are forecast to steadily break apart into just a few isolated showers by the afternoon as the northerly winds die away.

• Saturday 6 June: The weather clears up beautifully across the Top of the South, bringing a mainly fine start to the weekend with light winds. There is just a small, residual chance of an isolated light shower lingering before completely drying out in the afternoon.
• Sunday 7 June: A stable, classic winter pattern settles over the district. The day is locked in to be completely fine and clear, though cooler southwesterlies will develop later in the evening.

Useful Links for Local Monitoring

• Track active regional changes via the MetService Severe Weather Warnings Home Page.
• Check real-time road conditions and closures on the NZTA/Waka Kotahi Journey Planner.
• Review live water statistics via the Tasman District Council River Flow Reports.
• Read detailed district metrics on the Tasman District Council Rainfall Reports.

As we look forward to the winter skies clearing up this weekend, a massive thank you goes out to our local roading crews, first responders, and hydrologists for keeping us well-informed and safe. Keep warm, check in on your neighbours, and we will catch you in the next update!

— Your friends at Pigeon Post News, Richmond.