Waka Kotahi Traffic Bulletin

Rai Valley accessible from Blenheim via State Highway 6 this morning.

State Highway 63. Leathem Road to Saint Arnaud.

Contractors are working to build a permanent repair for the washed-out Branch River Bridge.  Photo: Thanks to Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency

Traffic Bulletin

30 August 2022

Rai Valley accessible from Blenheim via State Highway 6 this morning:

Contractors continue to make substantial progress in reopening State Highway 6 to residents and road users. From 10 am this morning, the road closures are being shifted on the Marlborough side, allowing Rai Valley residents access to Blenheim.

State Highway 6. Hira to Rai Valley:

From 10 am, Tuesday 30 August, the road closure point moves from Havelock to the Rai Valley. State Highway 6 is now closed between Hira and Ronga Road/French pass turn off. Speed restrictions and traffic signals are in place and drivers are urged to take care when traveling on this stretch of road.

 

As announced last week, we aim to reopen the last stretch of State Highway 6, Hira to Rai Valley, tomorrow, Wednesday 31 August, weather permitting.

Image: Mud and debris on SH6, Hira-Havelock. Photo: 

Thanks to

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency

State Highway 6. Rocks Road:

Rocks Road is open to traffic in both directions and is subject to a 30km/h speed restriction.

Cyclists travelling from Nelson to Richmond need to use the railway reserve walk/cycleway, while those travelling from Richmond to Nelson can ride on the road. Pedestrians can use the seaward side footpath in both directions.

The road may be closed at short notice if geotechnical experts advise of the risk of slips or if there are weather issues. Road users should expect delays when using this route.

State Highway 63. Leathem Road to Saint Arnaud:

We want to have the road open within the next few weeks, with restrictions, while full repairs are completed. Currently,   contractors are working to build a permanent repair for the washed-out Branch River Bridge. Diversion work on the river has been completed, and the rebuilding of the approach to the bridge is underway.

 

Because a permanent repair is being done, the work requires a much more involved and detailed process and will take longer to complete. However, it will mean that further prolonged closures won’t be needed at this site.

(See photo at top of page of washed-out Branch River Bridge.  Photo: Thanks to 

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency)

State Highway 60. Tākaka. Between Waitapu Wharf Road and Rangihaeata Road:

Due to severe weather damage and ongoing repairs, this road is open intermittently during the day for light vehicles and heavy vehicles of up to 26 tonnes only.

The opening times are 8 am-9 am, 12 pm-1 pm, 3 pm-4 pm and 6 pm-7 am each day. The road is closed at all other times.

Advice to road users:

Please respect all road closures. Road crews need to be able to do their work, and the closures give them the time and space to do their job. The quicker they can work, the sooner the roads can be reopened.

 

While roads are reopening, drivers must be aware things are not back to normal. Please drive to the conditions, be alert for roadworks and respect all speed limits and traffic restrictions at work sites. It is also important that drivers be prepared for delays as work to restore the local highway network continues.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency

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RURAL SUPPORT FOR STORM STRICKEN FARMERS

Support for storm stricken farmers in Top of South and Far North

PRESS RELEASE

Hon Damien O’Connor  21 AUGUST 2022

Rural Communities Minister Damien O’Connor has classified severe weather that affected farmers and growers in the Top-of-the-South and the Far North District as a medium-scale adverse event, unlocking Government support.

“The severe weather in the past week has tested farmers and growers in both regions,” Damien O’Connor said.

“We’re making $150,000 available for local Rural Support Trusts and Mayoral Relief Funds to help farmers and growers recover. The Top-of-the-South will receive $120,000 and the Far North has been allocated $30,000.”

Damien O’Connor said the Ministry for Primary Industries has been working closely with sector groups and other agencies to continue assessing the storm’s impact.

“Paddocks and crops have surface flooding, infrastructure and fencing are damaged, while road closures are impacting access for activities such as milk collection and stock movements," Damien O’Connor said.

“This was a severe storm with over 1m of rain falling over four days in parts of the Nelson region. The top of Rai Valley recorded 1,020 mm and Takaka Airport 508 mm of rain in four days. In Northland, soils are also extremely saturated, having received over 500 mm of rain in recent days. The fact it’s followed the second wettest July on record does not help at all. This is an enormous amount to cope with at the best of times."

“The storm couldn’t have happened at a worse time of year, with lambing and calving under way. Even though farmers were well prepared, the clean-up will be challenging because this weather event been extended over a prolonged period."

“We will continue to assess whether further support is needed, such as Enhanced Taskforce Green for clean-up, once the full extent of the storm damage is understood in the coming weeks."

 "We know that farmers and growers in other parts of the country have also been impacted by this storm, so extra support may be needed when we have a fuller picture."

“This is the third time in just over a year we have classified a medium-scale adverse event for flooding in Tasman, Nelson and Marlborough. I realise many people will be doing it tough, but I also know there will be many people willing to get stuck in and help support their neighbour’s clean-up.”

"The medium-scale event classification covers the Far North District and the three Top-of-the-South districts of Tasman, Nelson City (which includes rural areas such as Cable Bay) and Marlborough. The funding includes wellbeing support and specialist technical advice for farmers, horticulturalists and other primary industry businesses."

Tasman, Marlborough and the West Coast districts were hit by severe weather in July 2021. The flooding was classified as a medium-scale adverse event unlocking $200,000 of government funding for the primary sector, and Enhanced Taskforce Green was made available. 

Then in February 2022 a storm caused extensive flooding in Buller, parts of Nelson and Marlborough. This was also classified as a medium-scale adverse event unlocking a further $200,000 of government support.

Helpful links and numbers:

Farmers needing support around dealing with floods are encouraged to visit the MPI Website.

Farmers needing expert feed support to do a feed plan or to source supplementary feed should contact their levy body or Federated Farmers:

• DairyNZ: 0800 4 DairyNZ (0800 432 479 69)
• Beef + Lamb New Zealand: 0800 BEEFLAMB (0800 233 352)
• Federated Farmers: 0800 FARMING (0800 327 646)

Farmers who require wellbeing support should contact Rural Support Trust on 0800 RURAL HELP or 0800 787 254.

Assistance measures can include:

• Resourcing for rural recovery co-ordination.
• Resource for on-farm farm clean-up. This could involve the co-ordination of volunteers or the use of Enhanced Taskforce Green.
• A boost for the Rural Support Trust to help serve communities with pastoral care, including organising local events and arranging recovery facilitators who work one-to-one with farmers and growers.
• Technology transfer activities and events.
• Other usual recovery measures, which may include tax flexibility and income assistance options, can be made available as appropriate.

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Farmgate Milk Price

Fonterra provides milk price update

 

Fonterra on the 26 August 2022 revised its 2022/23 forecast Farmgate Milk Price range from NZ$8.75-$10.25 per kgMS to NZ$8.50-$10.00 per kgMS.

This reduces the midpoint of the range from NZ$9.50 to NZ$9.25 per kgMS, however the current advance payment rate of NZ$5.70 per kgMS is unchanged.

Fonterra Chief Executive Miles Hurrell says “the change in the 2022/23 forecast Farmgate Milk Price will be disappointing for our farmers but it reflects a number of factors, including the recent downward trend in global dairy prices driven by some short-term softening in global demand, and the general impact of inflation on purchasing behaviour. However, we believe the longer-term outlook for dairy remains positive,” says Mr Hurrell.

Fonterra will release its financial results for the year ending 31 July 2022 on Thursday, 22 September 2022.

Press Release from Fonterra

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Rocks Rd SH6 Nelson and SH6 Golden Bay Birds Hill OPEN

 

Roads Open

Rocks Road

The team Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency - South Island have advised that SH6 Rocks Road is now OPEN to both lanes of traffic with a 30km/h speed restriction in place. 

Please note! The road may be closed at short notice if geotechnical experts advise there is a risk of slips, or if weather issues arise. 

Please still plan for trips to take longer than usual, as a temporary speed restriction of 30km/h remains in place while repair work continues.

Birds Hill open

Great news for northern Golden Bay residents - SH60 is open from 6pm for SH60 between Waitapu Wharf Road and Rangihaeata Road:

The road will be open to light vehicles and heavy vehicles up to 26 tonne and 8 wheels from 6pm Friday 26 August to 7am Tuesday 30 August.  

There will be a speed restriction of 30km/h, with single lane access.

From Tuesday 30 August 7am, the road will be open intermittently to light vehicles and heavy vehicles up to 26 tonnes and 8 wheels during the following hours: 8am-9am, 12-1pm, 3-4pm, 6-pm-7am.

Tasman District Council

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Father of NZ soldier killed in Ukraine says son was 'kind, gentle man’

NZ soldier killed in Ukraine

It comes as the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) confirmed the soldier who was killed in Ukraine while on leave was Corporal Dominic Abelen.

"Corporal Abelen, 30, served with 2nd/1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (RNZIR) based in Burnham, and had served with the NZDF for 10 years," the NZDF said in a statement.

"He was on a period of leave without pay at the time of his death and was not on active duty with the NZDF."

A tribute from his father Bryce was also attached to the statement.

It reads: "Dominic was in the NZ Army for 10 years but never got to fight for his country.

"He didn't tell us he was going to Ukraine until he was there. He knew we would talk him out of it. He also knew the risks of going there but still went to fight for them.

"That is Dominic, always thinking of helping others.

"We understand why he went and hold no grudge against the NZ or Ukraine Army and fully support what he did.

"Dominic loved being in the army, the life-long friends he made there.

"There has been relentless support from half the Burnham Military Camp that knew him, as well as personnel from overseas.

"A kind, gentle man with the most infectious smile that you couldn't help but smile back.

"He had a love of the outdoors and did a lot of tramping. He spent his holidays travelling around New Zealand and the world.

"I'm extremely proud of my children and especially Dominic for standing up and doing what he thought was right. He leaves a massive hole in all our hearts."

The NZDF says it is supporting consular officials around formal identification and repatriation, "Noting the very difficult circumstances of doing so in a conflict zone".

Commanding Officer of 2/1 RNZIR Lieutenant Colonel Cory Neale said Corporal Abelen had deployed to Iraq during his time in service and was "a well-liked and respected soldier".

"Corporal Abelen was a quality junior non-commissioned officer, a trusted go-to member of his company and an absolute character who genuinely cared for his soldiers and friends.

"He will be missed, but also remembered long into the future," Neale said.Corporal Abelen's sister also paid tribute to him.

"The most amazing human being and the buffest Abelen with the biggest heart to match. Makes everyone he knew immensely proud. The embodiment of drive and power," she said.

"I am so proud to call you my brother, I knew you always wanted to risk your life for what you believe in. You proved that so I won't be sad that you are gone but proud that you lived the life of a hero."

NZDF says it will not comment on the circumstances surrounding Corporal Abelen's death as he was not on active duty.

The NZDF also clarified that it doesn't know how many of their personnel on leave might be in Ukraine at present.

(Source: 1News)

Waka Kotahi Traffic Bulletin: South Island State Highways. Weather update

 

Nelson/Marlborough/Tasman state highway update

Weather warning:

More bad weather is forecast for today. A heavy rain watch has been issued for Tasman, west of Motueka, and rain is expected for Nelson and Marlborough later today and overnight. This could affect roads across the upper South Island. Road users should stay up to date on road and weather conditions before they travel.

 

Metservice Weather Warnings

 

Waka Kotahi Journeys Page

 

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State Highway 6, Rocks Road, partial reopening:

The road is currently open under restrictions. It is planned to be open daily from 8 am to 7 pm to one-way for northbound traffic only from Tahunanui towards the City. A 30 km/h speed limit is in place along Rocks Road and by Tahunanui to minimise the impact on homes at risk from a nearby slip.

Nelson Civil Defence's geotechnical experts will review the slip's status and advise us if Rocks Road needs to be closed. If weather becomes an issue, a closure may be required at short notice.

At this time, opening both lanes or reversing the one-way direction for morning and afternoon peak traffic times cannot be done safely. Our experience is that reversing traffic on the same lane and ensuring people are aware of the changes and timing is far too complex at this time.

 

Opening Rocks Road to two-lane, two-way traffic also depends on the risk posed by the nearby slip. We are working with Nelson Civil Defence Geotechnical advisors to see when this can happen. We will provide further updates when we know more.

Average travel times from Richmond to Nelson fell this morning, and we will continue to monitor peak traffic flows over the coming days to understand the impact of reopening.

 

Because of the ongoing slip risks in the Rocks Road area, the route is closed to pedestrians and cyclists for safety reasons. This is based on guidance from the Nelson Civil Defence and its geotechnical experts. We cannot say when pedestrians or cyclists will be able to resume using the road. We recommend cyclists use the Railway Reserve route via Bishopdale Hill to access Nelson’s city centre.

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State Highway 6. Atawhai Drive:

This is now restored to two lanes. Work continues to clear slip sites further, with traffic management in place. With wet weather forecast, road users should be aware conditions here could change at short notice.

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State Highway 63. Renwick to Saint Arnaud:

The northern closure point has now moved to Leatham Road. However, the highway remains closed between Leatham Road and Saint Arnaud. 

Contractors are working hard to restore this link. Efforts are underway to divert the river away from the abutment at the washed-out Branch River Bridge.

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State Highway 6. Renwick to Hira:

Good progress is being made on reopening Renwick to Havelock to all road users. Final safety checks need to be done, and Civil Defence approval given before full access can resume. We will update the situation as soon as decisions are made.

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State Highway 60. Tākaka to Onekaka update:

Efforts to reopen this road to heavy vehicles are going well. However, daytime road closures remain in place. This week, the road will be open to light vehicles only during the following hours 8 am - 9 am, 12 pm - 1 pm, 3 pm - 4 pm, and 6 pm - 7 am. We will update the road’s status as soon as access for heavy vehicles is restored.

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Advice to road users:

In Nelson, the closure of local roads and the limited use of State Highway 6 via Rocks Road means congestion may be an ongoing problem. Drivers must factor this into their travel plans and show patience and consideration for other road users.

 

Across the wider region, roadworks will be ongoing for some time. Some of this work will result in road closures. When these are planned, we will let people know in advance. We also ask that speed limits be observed, and drivers are prepared for delays.

 

Most importantly, flood damage is present on most roads across the top of the South Island. It is vital people drive to the conditions and adjust their speed accordingly.

State Highway 6, Rocks Road, Nelson to open with traffic limitations.

WAKA KOTAHI MEDIA RELEASE: 24 August

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency

Rocks Rd to open with traffic limitations

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency

Following careful and considered geotechnical analysis, a green light has been given for State Highway 6 Rocks Road to partially reopen in Nelson.

 

The route will be cleared for use from 8.30 am today. It will be one lane and one way, under strict conditions.

 

Mark Owen, Acting National Manager Maintenance and Operations, says the decision has been carefully considered in partnership with Civil Defence and the Nelson City Council on geotechnical advice. Care is being taken to protect nearby homes.

 

“From tomorrow, the road will be open daily from 8 am to 7 pm to northbound traffic only from Tahunanui towards the City. It has been set up this way to reduce the impact heavy vehicles have on roadworks in Nelson’s CBD. A 30 km/h speed limit will be in place along Rocks Road and by Tahunanui to minimise the impact on homes at risk from a nearby slip.”

 

Mr Owen says Rocks Road will only be open to vehicles during daylight hours. For safety reasons, cyclists and pedestrians won’t be able to use the route.

“Geotechnical experts will do ongoing inspections of the route to see the impact the traffic is having on the road and nearby properties. If problems are detected, the road may close again at short notice, including during wet weather”, Mr Owen says.

 

Advice to road users:

In Nelson, the closure of local roads and the limited use of State Highway 6 via Rocks Road means congestion will be an ongoing problem. Drivers must factor this into their travel plans. We ask they show patience and consideration for other road users.

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