Thursday, February 3, 2022

Nelson - Rocks Road Closed Today - City flooding

 

Rocks Road closed for part of the day today

The weather in Nelson and Tasman overnight has been extremely bad with heavy rain and strong winds. Now with high tide coming SH6 along Rocks Rd is closed like parts of SH6 on the West Coast.

There is flooding in Nelson as Council advises below.

This part of SH6 has been a problem for Nelson commuters for years. 

Nelson City Council has just announced that "Rocks Road SH6 is closed today, Thurs 3 Feb until 2pm due to significant wave height caused by the wet weather and tide conditions. 

"The No2 bus between Nelson + Richmond via Tahunanui will not run during this time and will operate along Route 1 instead via Bishopdale as well as the regular No1 buses."


Wild sea along Rocks Road. R. Therkleson



The detour will be:

Northbound traffic, turn right onto Whakatu Dr, continue onto Waimea Rd, onto Rutherford St, right onto Halifax St, left onto Trafalgar St and then right back onto SH6. Reverse for southbound.

Please note this detour is not suitable for heavy vehicles.

Traffic may be held up like when there was a sinkhole on Main Road Stock a few months ago.


Traffic jam when Main Rd Stock was closed


Nelson City Flooding

Nelson City Council advises that "please be aware that rain and higher than usual tides are expected around midnight and midday each day for the rest of this week and has the potential to lead to surface flooding in some areas, as seawater rises through the stormwater system."

The areas that can be affected include:

• Wakatu Carpark

• QEII Drive underpass

• Paru Paru Rd

• Vanguard St

• Gloucester St

• Tahaki St (Countdown/Elma Turner Library Carpark)

The Council will have signage in place, but please be aware of this risk.




Pigeon Post News

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

WEATHER WARNING - STATE OF EMERGENCY - SH6 WEST COAST CLOSED

Tasman - Severe weather warnings in place   Buller - State of emergency SH6 Closed


Tasman - current water restrictions remain in place

The Met Service are right the heavy rain has arrived. The Tasman District Council has issued a severe weather warning, the Buller District Council have issued a state of emergency and SH6 on the west coast is closed.

Tasman

Tasman District Council advise that campers must avoid low-lying areas near waterways, particularly in Golden Bay, as forecast heavy rain may cause rivers and streams to rise rapidly. 

“Campers should be aware of low-lying sites that can potentially become flooded, and were advised to avoid activities near river banks during this period, especially in Golden Bay.”

In a statement, Tasman District Council also urged “residents to make sure drains are clear of debris and stock are moved away from river flats immediately.”

The advice comes after MetService on Wednesday updated and extended an orange heavy rain warning issued on Tuesday for Tasman District, west of Motueka.

An extended period of heavy rain is now forecast from 2pm on Wednesday to 11pm on Friday.

The Tasman area west of Motueka can expect 300 to 450mm of rain to accumulate about the ranges, and 100 and 150mm near the coast, with peak rates around 30mm/hr.

There is also a weather warning for the Richmond Ranges and Bryant  Ranges from 6:00 pm Wednesday to 11:00 pm Friday. The heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.  

The Aorere catchment is likely to be most affected during this event with moderate to high flood levels expected based on the current forecast rainfall. The rest of Golden Bay will also experience rising river levels, but to a lesser extent.

Buller

In the mean time a local state of emergency for the Buller District has been declared this afternoon as West Coast residents batten down the hatches and prepare to evacuate as torrential rain begins to hammer the region.

MetService has declared a red warning for Westland and Buller - with the potential for hundreds of millimetres to drop over 48 hours.

A large-scale response is kicking into gear, with West Coast Emergency Management setting up centres in Greymouth, Hokitika and Westport.

Mayor Jamie Cliene made the Buller District declaration at 2.35pm today, which allows Civil Defence controllers to direct and co-ordinate personnel, material and other resources made available and provides access to extraordinary powers to deliver an effective and timely response to an emergency.

The current weather event has the potential to cause serious flooding to parts of the Buller District.

"Members of the public are reminded to prepare getaway bags in preparation for potential evacuations tomorrow," the council says.

"If anyone is feeling unsafe, please self-evacuate to friends or family on higher ground.”

Health authorities are preparing to evacuate nearly 70 residents from the O'Conor Rest Home.

Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has been stood up in Westport with local and national agencies supporting the district.


Controller Bob Dickson says: “The EOC is fully staffed and current forecasting and modelling shows we could have an event similar to the Westport floods in July 2021.”


“We have mobilised resources, activated our local partner agencies, and flood preparations in Westport are underway.” 


“Residents are encouraged to self evacuate to friends or families on higher ground or out of district, included in our preparations are plans for mandatory evacuations”


Evacuation Centres across the district and in Greymouth are being activated and more information will follow. 


People are advised to take bedding, water, food, medication, warm clothes and to remember their pets.


The 3,000 sandbags from this morning have been distributed, there are another 20,000 expected to be delivered at 3pm to the same locations – the Kawatiri Coastal Trail by the Buller Bridge. “We will post an update once the additional supply arrives.”


“We know this is a very stressful time for Buller residents but we have proven it once – if we stick together as a community we can get through this together.”


“Residents must be prepared to evacuate at any time over the next few days and to assist those who may need help.”


For more information and to keep up to date go to Buller Emergency Management Facebook page and listen to Coast FM.


Members of the public are reminded to prepare getaway bags in preparation for potential evacuations tomorrow.

Check on your neighbours and help anyone who might need assistance.

Follow all instructions issued by emergency response personnel.

  • If life is in danger call 111.
  • Stay off the roads and avoid flooded areas.


Mayor Cleine says “the safety of people is the main priority and it’s essential to follow all instructions given by authorised personnel.”

The EOC has staff ready to take enquiries on 03 789 7999.

Wednesday Evening

State Highway 6 has been closed this evening by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

Heavy rainfall in South Westland has closed SH6 early this evening between Makarora and Fox Glacier, says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.


The situation will be reviewed at midday, Thursday, 3 February. 

“Waterfalls in the Haast Valley are affecting the highway,” says Moira Whinham, Maintenance Contract Manager for Waka Kotahi on the West Coast.


“Water is across the road at the Mahi Tahi River south of Bruce Bay, as well as reports of high flows at Douglas Creek, and Kaka Creek. 


“Damage assessments will start at first light, subject to river levels dropping.”


View the West Coast traffic updates here: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/regions/12


Elsewhere on SH6 there is surface flooding on low-lying areas of highway and people are advised to avoid travel in these areas if possible. 


• West Coast Emergency Management: https://westcoastemergency.govt.nz/

• Emergency Management advice https://getthru.govt.nz/

• Buller Emergency Management: https://www.facebook.com/BullerCD/

 Buller Emergency Management Ph 03 789 7999


Westport road closure

WestReef have temporary closed Lyndhurst Street from Hunter Streets to Domett Streets due to surface flooding.

The road closure will be in place overnight to stop cars driving through the surface water creating bow waves.



Please attribute to Philip Wheble, Incident Controller – West Coast DHB

West Coast DHB continues to prepare for and monitor the expected impact of the current severe weather event occurring on the West Coast.

Today, our staff have been checking in on community-based patients to ensure that everyone has medication and go-bags on hand in the event they need to evacuate.

In South Westland, health care services remain open and our staff are on stand-by to respond as required. If you need to travel for any reason, please ensure that you check the road conditions prior to departing.

In Buller, the majority of residents at O’Conor Rest Home have been evacuated today to alternative accommodation – some have gone to stay with family, a handful to a facility in Nelson-Marlborough, some down to Te Nikau in Greymouth and the majority are now on their way to Christchurch. We have some residents still at O’Conor Rest Home who will be evacuated tomorrow.

Our team involved in arranging these transfers have done an exceptional job in a very short timeframe. The outcome is reflective of how well our health system partners work together during a Civil Defence emergency.

We continue to work through our options for the provision of urgent care services in Buller. At this stage, we are looking to set up two sites in Westport – one on the southern side of the Buller River and a northern site.

We will provide further information regarding on-going access to health care once details have been confirmed.

In the meantime, Buller Medical is open and seeing patients. If you live north of Westport, our rural nurse specialists are available so please continue to access your rural health clinics if you need to. Reefton Health is open for business as usual.

Buller Health’s Foote Ward team is ready to relocate as and when required. While roads remain open and it is safe to do so, anyone requiring hospital level care will be transferred to Greymouth or to another facility depending on their clinical requirements.

DHB staff have also been undertaking a number of steps to minimise any potential flood damage. To-date, the team have relocated the DHB pool vehicles to higher ground on to the new Buller Health facility building site as well as preparing to sandbag doorways and where possible securing the infrastructure tunnels.

Accessing health care

Remember, if you need health advice, please call Healthline on 0800 611 116 – calls are answered 24/7. If you need to be seen, they will tell you what to do and where to go.

  • If it’s an emergency, call 111 as per usual
  • For wellbeing support you can talk to a counsellor free of charge, call or text 1737 any time of the day or night.
  • For pregnancy support and advice over the phone, please call your LMC/midwife.
  • You can also visit our HealthInfo website for trusted health advice on a range of issues.
  • If you require essential prescription medications and your supply is running low, call your usual GP number for advice – Find a GP, medical practice, clinic or health centre | West Coast DHB (wcdhb.health.nz)
  • Buller Pharmacy in Westport, at 168 Palmerston Street is open for over the counter medications and health advice.

Meals on wheels

Our Buller-based WellFood team are continuing to provide the Meals on Wheels service along with our valued Red Cross volunteers who continue to deliver to recipients in the community.

Surgical appointments

Surgical appointments booked for tomorrow (Thursday) at Te Nikau Hospital have been postponed until another date.

COVID-19 vaccination clinics

The Westport vaccination clinic has been closed as the safety of our staff and community is an integral part of our planning for this weather event. While we appreciate that this decision may be inconvenient, our focus at this time is ensuring that we are well prepared for the expected flooding.

The Reefton vaccination clinic is set to go ahead tomorrow (Thursday) from 11am – 3pm at the Reefton Community Hall.

On Friday (04/02/2022), we have clinics in Hokitika and Greymouth which are both open from 10am – 4pm.

On Saturday (05/02/2022), our Greymouth vaccination drive-through clinic at the Greymouth Aerodrome will be open from 10am to 6pm. Please note, that due to the weather event, we will no longer be holding a drive-through clinic on Friday, however you can attend the Greymouth clinic located on the Te Nikau campus instead.

While we are vaccinating 5-11-year olds as well as people 12 years and over, we recommend that bookings are made so that people are not kept waiting. Drop-ins are limited due to the additional time it takes to vaccinate children as fewer people can be vaccinated at each clinic.

You can book online for clinics at www.BookMyVaccine.nz or call 0800 28 29 26.

Clinic details are available on our vaccination website – Home – Vaccinate Canterbury and West Coast (vaccinatecanterburywestcoast.nz)

Keep up your good hygiene habits and remember to scan in wherever you are

Now’s also a really good time to ensure that when you are out and about you wear a mask especially indoors, scan in everywhere you go, and show your COVID-19 vaccine pass when you need to. Keeping a good record of where you have been makes the job of contact tracers so much easier.

If you develop any COVID-19 symptoms, please arrange to get tested immediately and remain isolated at home or in the accommodation you are staying in. This advice extends to anyone even if they haven’t visited any of the locations of interest. If you’re not sure what you should do, please call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for advice.

Be prepared

Check and restock your emergency kit and follow the advice of your local Civil Defence group.

To check what you may need, visit https://getready.govt.nz/prepared/household/supplies/

Here is a link with flood-specific advice: https://getready.govt.nz/emergency/floods/

Stay up-to-date

For the latest updates, ‘like’ your local District Council’s Facebook page, or check the latest news on their website:

Weather conditions

To get the most up to date information on severe weather around the country, or any other forecasts, see metservice.comor download the MetService mobile app.

Road conditions



Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Heavy Rain Warnings just announced by Met Service - Council Advice


The Met Service have just announced both an Orange and Red rain warning for parts of the South Island.

The heavy rain Orange warning applies to Tasman west of Motueka for 31 hours from 2pm Wednesday, 2 February to 9pm Thursday, 3 February.

Forecast: Expect 150 to 250mm of rain. Peak rates of 20 to 40mm/h. Please note, that further rain is expected after this period, and the Warning may be extended.

Impact: Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.



Red and Orange Heavy Rain Warning zones


Both Tasman District Council and Nelson City Council have issued warnings on Antenno.


Councils warn that the heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible.


Make sure drain areas are clear of debris, stock should be moved away from river flats, and campers should be aware of low lying sites that can potentially become flooded.


Storm moving in Met Service

The region has been mostly very dry for weeks except for some rain after Tasman District Council issued Phase A water restrictions after which TDC issued a further notice that the water restrictions remain in effect.

Yesterday it was a beautiful day. Photo Ray Therkleson

It looks as though from the Met Service forecast  that the Nelson Tasman region will have plenty of rain over the next few days.

Bainham, Collingwood, Takaka, Upper Takaka, Pohara, Awaroa, Riwaka and Kaiteriteri are all in the heavy rain warning Orange zone.

Murchison should be advised that you are very close to the West Coast heavy rain warning Red zone.

Anyone entering the Able Tasman National Park and the North West Nelson Forest Park should be advised that this area has a heavy rain Orange warning.

The Kahurangi National Park is in both the  heavy rain Red and Orange zones.


Clouds moving in over the Richmond Ranges today. Photo Ray Therkleson

The Buller area has a heavy rain Red Warning with rain from Wednesday to 6pm Friday.

The forecast is: expect 300 to 400mm of rain to accumulate about the ranges, and 150 to 200mm near the coast. Peak rates of 20 to 35mm/h about the ranges, with thunderstorms possible.

Please note, that further heavy rain is likely during Friday night and Saturday, and this Warning could be extended.

This rain is expected to cause dangerous river conditions and significant flooding. Slips and floodwaters are likely to disrupt travel, making some roads impassable and possibly isolating communities.

Pigeon Post News
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Sunday, January 30, 2022

BROKIN MIC - Playing in Sundial Square, Richmond

 

Brokin Mic

On Friday 28th January Brokin Mic were playing in Sundial Square as part of The Tasman District Council Friday lunchtime Summer Series concert programme.


I was a little disappointed as I thought the Council’s lunchtime programme would attract quite a crowed, but there were very few people there.


Certainly it was hot and there is not much shade in the square.


Brokin Mic were playing very popular pop music with Thomas and Luke on instruments and Layna an accomplished vocalist.


The small crowd really enjoyed the 80’s and 90’s pop music and many where taking photos of the group.


Brokin Mic

Thomas, Luke and Layna met while playing individually at Red 16 in Nelson and decided to form a group together. They have only been playing together for three months, but when I heard them playing, I thought they had been a group for some time.

Brokin Mic play often at Red16 and if you need a good pop group to play for you their phone number is 022 080 30 55


Sundial Square
Tasman District Council have had to change a number of their events under the Red light setting for Covid-19.


The Council said “now that we have moved to Red under the Covid-19 Protection Framework, some of our events are unable to take place as initially planned - some have been cancelled, some postponed, and some will go ahead with extra protections in place.” 


Tasman District Council Summer Series
The changes in the events are as follows:

  • After consultation with the Tapawera community, we have decided to postpone the Summer hang-out in Tapawera and Tapawera Skateboard Coaching events until we are at Orange.
  • The Tasman Asian Night Food Fair has been cancelled.
  • The remaining Summer Movies Al Fresco have also been cancelled.
  • The Tasman Skatepark Tour events in Richmond, Brightwater, Māpua, Motueka and Nelson have been cancelled.
  • Due to weather, the Amazing Race at Washbourn Gardens is postponed until Wednesday 2 February from 2pm - 4pm.
  • The Skateboard coaching events in Richmond and Motueka will still go ahead as planned, you need to register for these events.
  • Second Hand Sunday is still on.
  • The Lunchtime Concerts at Sundial Square are still happening.
  • At this stage, the Richmond to Rabbit Island Family Bike Ride is still scheduled to go ahead.

Pigeon Post News
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This news is for you the Tasman / Nelson Community

Saturday, January 29, 2022

No Tsunami Threat to New Zealand


There was a magnitude 6.4 earthquake near the Kermadec Islands at 3.46pm this afternoon and this may have caused a tsunami threat to New Zealand.

Civil Defence said at 4.44pm "based on current information, the assessment is that the earthquake is unlikely to have caused a tsunami that will pose a threat to New Zealand."

The National Emergency Management Agency advised people in coastal areas to stay out of the water, stay off beaches, and to not go sightseeing as it was assessing the risk of a tsunami.

The earthquake struck at 3.46pm northeast of New Zealand  and was 33km deep according to NEMA.

Apparently there has been a second 5.3 magnitude earthquake in the same region at 4.01pm.

Civil Defence have not issued any alert about this on their website.


Pigeon Post News.


Thursday, January 20, 2022

Emergency Services to the Rescue

RICHMOND TASMAN 

Richmond Volunteer Fire Service. Photo Ray Therkleson

St John Nelson Bays were very busy over the New Year holiday period and so were the Richmond Fire Service. Many people were out and about with accidents happening and also medical emergencies.

One incident in Richmond showed how busy the emergency services were.

St John Nelson Bays Territory Manager Anne-Maree Harris said “St John Ambulance takes patient welfare very seriously and it’s always our objective to respond as soon as possible – with life-threatening calls given the highest priority – which is the right approach to prioritise the most urgent and time-critical patients, but it means some patients may experience a wait.” 


A very elderly man had a fall in Sundial Square at the rear of Richmond Mall on Tuesday the 11th January.  St John confirmed “it was notified of an incident near Richmond Mall at 1.51pm.”


Members of the general public and Richmond Mall Security were looking after the man in the very hot afternoon sun. The Richmond Mall Security brought out umbrellas so the members of the public could shade the patient.


St John Nelson Bays Territory Manager Anne-Maree Harris said “an ambulance was assigned about 40 minutes after the first call but unfortunately was diverted to another higher priority call.”


By approximately 2.10 The Richmond Volunteer Fire Service arrived to lend a hand and do what they could.


Anne-Maree Harris said “St John clinical support (a paramedic or ICP) contacted to re-triage the patient at 3.01pm and determined that, whilst considered urgent, the priority had not changed due to other ambulances being committed to more serious incidents. The ambulance arrived at 4.52pm.”


St John Nelson Bays Ambulance. Photo Ray Therkleson

The injured person had approximately a two hour wait for an ambulance even though it was only a 15 to 20 minute trip to hospital due to the emergency services being so busy.


St John Nelson Bays Territory Manager Anne-Maree Harris said “the long wait times are frustrating, and St John continues to review its practices to ensure all patients are attended to as quickly as possible.” 


“As an organisation we always strive to provide a high standard of care to patients, and we are continually evaluating the workload to get assistance to patients as soon as possible.”


Check out St John Community Shop 56-48 Rutherford St Nelson. Photo Ray Therkleson

Check out St John Nelson Bays web site to become a financial member of St John or to find out how you could help them. Look up St John Nelson and Tasman Bays Community organisation to find out how you could help there or visit St John Community Shop (op shop) 56-48 Rutherford Street, Nelson. You might find a bargain and also help St John’s.


Pigeon Post News

Copyright


Friday, January 14, 2022

‘Aggressive’ Protesters make Golden Bay Council Staff Retreat to Back Room

Tasman Golden Bay 

Tasman District Council Tākaka Council Service Centre

The Tasman District Council on the 10 January advised the public that the My Vaccine Pass will be needed by people who enter the Tasman District Libraries from Wednesday the 12 January.


This Council decision followed the introduction of a new policy by Tasman District Council that required all library staff to have received their first Covid-19 vaccine by 5 January.


Despite the requirement of the My Vaccine Pass all the library staff in all of Tasman’s Libraries are still going to provide alternative services for unvaccinated members of the public.


Nevertheless on January 11th, a demonstration opposing the Tasman District Council policy of requiring the My Vaccine Passes (MVP) for libraries was held at the Tasman District Council Tākaka Service Centre.


Tim O’Connell ​The ​Communications Officer from Tasman District Council confirmed that “at around 11.20am on Tuesday 11 January, several staff working inside Tasman District Council’s Tākaka Service Centre on Commercial St were confronted by a group of aggressive protesters who had entered the building.”


“Indications were that the protest was in relation to the mandating of vaccine passes at Tasman District Libraries from January 12.”

 

“Staff managed the situation extremely well by removing themselves into a back room while the Police were called. The group moved outside soon after – after which the centre’s entrance doors were secured.”


Police said “there were reports to Police of a number of people at the Takaka Service Centre around 11:15am on Tuesday, who were acting in a disorderly manner and refusing to leave. No one was injured.”


“It appears a short time later, they (the) group left, and Police were no longer required” Police said.​ There were about 30 protesters and no one was arrested.​


The group of protesters were extremely aggressive in their actions and towards the Council staff who have no say in the decision of Council. 


There was some expectation that some sort of demonstration would occur in Golden Bay in relation to more covid-19 restrictions in the Bay.


The Tākaka Service Centre remained closed until 1pm, Tim O’Connell ​The ​Communications Officer for the Tasman District Council said.


Council staff are being supported to ensure they are able to continue working in a safe environment.

 

“While we (Council) appreciates people’s right to protest, we do not condone the actions of the group” Tim O’Connell The Communications Officer finally commented.



Pigeon Post News

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