Sandbags available as a precaution on the on the West Coast

Sandbags available 

Hokitika

With an extended period of adverse weather expected over the next few days and into the long weekend, Westland District Council is making sandbags available as a precaution to businesses and residents in areas of Hokitika identified as likely to be worst affected by potential surface flooding and cars causing bow waves.

To assist people and reduce the likelihood of water entering premises, there will be pallets with sandbags available for use. 

West Coast Emergency Management advise if there is surface flooding, please avoid driving in these areas to reduce the bow waves sending water off the road and onto the pavements and surrounding premises.

West Coast Emergency Management

Pigeon Post News, Richmond, Tasman.

Weather for Tasman

 

MetService - New set of warnings issued but not in the Upper South

2/2/2023

Covering period of Thursday 2 - Monday 6 February

MetService has issued a new set of Heavy Rain Warnings and Watches for further rain around Aotearoa as we head into Waitangi Weekend. 

The warm, humid air which played a part in record-breaking rain around Auckland last Friday is still bringing rain to our shores today (Thursday). MetService Orange Warnings for Heavy Rain are currently in force around western Bay of Plenty but also Westland south of Otira with Heavy Rain Watches for Northland, Auckland, Coromandel, remaining Bay of Plenty, Taranaki and northern parts of Fiordland. Currently none of these are red warnings but there is still a risk of significant impacts with MetService Orange Warnings, especially when downpours and thunderstorms are involved so keeping up-to-date with the MetService forecast is advised.

MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris warns, “Rain falling onto already sodden ground will pool faster and impacts/delays should be expected where heavy rain falls but Saturday and Sunday will give a decent chance to dry out for recently impacted areas”

The west coast of South Island had a relatively dry January, but they are kicking off February with a run of rain from today through to Monday with a bit of respite on Saturday.

“This may come as welcome news to those on tank water in the region but with less rain than normal in January we might see a bit of debris end up on roads around Westland,” Ferris states.

The warm, humid air streaming in from the north is not only bringing rain to areas of Aotearoa New Zealand  but is continuing to  pump up temperatures around the south and east of  South Island. Temperatures in the high 20s or low 30s will be common from Blenheim down to Invercargill from today (Thursday) through Sunday and heat alerts will likely be issued for these hotter than usual temperatures. (Note: Heat Alerts are only issued two days in advance) 

“We’re forecasting Christchurch to exceed 30°C for three

consecutive days, which has happened before but only a handful of times,” informs Ferris, “in addition the overnight temperatures are well above average so there is little reprieve from the heat. We advise people to keep hydrated, seek shade, and check in with vulnerable members of your community”

From late on Saturday, we have our next widespread band of rain moving over the country from the west, starting in the southwest it spreads over  South Island before reaching  North Island during the second half of Sunday. It does move through rather quickly, but rain will linger into Monday, especially around the North Island, easing as the day progresses for most people.

“While a front is forecast to deliver rain in the second half of the long weekend it does bring in some cooler air which might be a relief for those struggling to sleep through the heat,” states Ferris.

Forecast for the Tasman Region

No Warnings or Watches for the Upper South but there are Warnings and Watches for the central and lower West of the South Island

Friday

 3 FEB

Occasional rain, clearing in the afternoon as cloud breaks up. Northerlies, easing in the evening.

Issued: 9:33pm Thu 2 Feb

Saturday

 4 FEB

Mostly cloudy. Isolated afternoon and evening showers. Northerlies.

Issued: 9:51am Thu 2 Feb

Sunday

 5 FEB

Occasional rain, becoming persistent in the morning and possibly heavy later. Northerlies, turning westerly late.

Issued: 11:10am Thu 2 Feb

Monday

 6 FEB

Mostly cloudy with isolated showers. Southwesterlies developing, turning southeasterly later.

Issued: 11:10am Thu 2 Feb

From Thursday 2 Feb to Monday 6 Feb Rain, Pressure and Wind. MetService.

West Coast Weather Warning Met Service

MetService

Pigeon Post News, Richmond, Tasman.

New Bluebridge Ferry sails into Wellington

The new Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry MV Connemara

Tasman and Nelson 

dog owners now have a choice when crossing the Strait with their pet doggies

Bluebridge has a new addition to it’s Cook Strait Ferry fleet which arrived in Wellington on the 29 January 2023 with a splendid welcome from the Port of Wellington tugboats after it’s 40-day journey from France.

MV Connemara, after a lick of paint, has traveled through the Atlantic Ocean, the Panama Canal, past the Galápagos Islands into the Pacific Ocean, then on to it’s new home in Wellington, to undertake a new role across Cook Strait for Bluebridge

The ship is expected to join Bluebridge’s working fleet this month which will be the largest, fastest and newest ship in the fleet.

Connemara being welcomed into Wellington Harbour

The purchase of the ship will expand the capacity of Bluebridge to service increased demand for freight and give some surprises to the travelling public.

The ship offers 120 private cabins, some of which are dog friendly as many passengers like to travel with their dogs and have them close by when travelling. Connemara has been designed so passengers can easily take their canine pets on board and there are special facilities for dogs on board.

Connemara is an Italian-built Visentini class vessel which was launched on 18 December 2006. The roll-on roll-off ferry was first chartered to Balearia for services in Spain, where the ship started operating between Barcelona and Palma on 20 May 2007.  

Since then the ship has been operating in Europe and most recently on 16 January 2018, Brittany Ferries announced it would be chartering Connemara to sail between Ireland, Spain and France.  

The Connemara sailing under Brittany Ferries

Brittany Ferries were severely economically affected during the covid epidemic and this is possibly why we have Connemara on our shores now, but of course we once again have a second hand vessel for a dangerous stretch of water.

The new ship has a capacity for 518 passengers, 120 freight vehicles, 195 cars, offers a limited number of designated dog-friendly cabins, allows for easier passenger access to vehicles, free WiFi and movies, and freshly prepared meals.

Connemara takes her name from a famous Irish region located in Galway.

What a welcome to Wellington!

From the reaction on social media people with doggies are pleased that they can take their pets on board with them without leaving their doggies in their vehicles.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

Waimea and Wakefield urban supplies return to Phase A water restrictions

Richmond, Brightwater, Hope, Wakefield, Redwood 1 and 2 and Māpua water supplies return to Phase A restrictions

Most urban water restrictions return to Phase A

Richmond, Brightwater, Hope, Wakefield, Redwood 1 and 2 and Māpua water supplies return to Phase A restrictions

“Waimea and Wakefield and their rural extensions will return to Phase A water restrictions, effective immediately”  Community Infrastructure Group Manager Richard Kirby said.

Richard went on to say “sufficient levels of recent and expected rainfall had eased concerns around excess water takes in the affected areas.” 

“We had been abstracting slightly more than our consent daily limits for the week up until yesterday, Monday January 30. However, the recent rainfall should have lowered water consumption.” 

“We want to thank everyone for doing their part to reduce their water use – we will continue to monitor our water supplies as summer continues.” 

“In the meantime, we encourage residents in all areas of the district to continue conserving water as much as possible.” 

Waimea includes Richmond, Brightwater, Hope, Redwood 1 and 2 and Māpua water supplies. 

Under Phase A restrictions, watering of grass or lawns is not permitted.  However, watering decorative and productive gardens is permitted using a handheld hose with trigger nozzle or time limited water system.    

For pool owners, filling a pool is prohibited at this time, however topping up a pool is still permitted.       

Nelson residents living adjacent to Champion Road, where water is supplied from the Richmond Water Supply Scheme, are also included in these Phase B water restrictions.  

This covers the Wakatu Industrial Estate, Champion Rd and parts of Saxton Road West.  

 Richard said “Phase A restrictions would be reviewed next week.”   

There’s lots you can do at home and at work to reduce your water use. Check them out at tasman.govt.nz/water saving tips and remember, every drop counts! 

Tasman District Council

Pigeon Post New, Richmond.

Tasman’s Dry Weather Taskforce Has Lifted Some Water Restrictions

Tasman District Council lifts Stage One water restrictions

Tasman’s Dry Weather Taskforce Convenor Kim Drummond - Press Release

Recent rain and the prospect of more in the coming days has prompted Tasman District Council to lift Stage One water restrictions for users in Motupiko, Tadmor and Waimea Plains water management zones, effective immediately.  

Tasman’s Dry Weather Taskforce had previously made the decision to introduce restrictions to affiliated and unaffiliated consent holders from Monday, 30 January, based on data which suggested a possible dip below trigger levels for our rivers and dams.  

However, Taskforce Convenor Kim Drummond, said that the region had useful but varying amounts of rain last week, which has helped raise river flows to varying degrees across the region and above restriction triggers.  

More useful rain is predicted this coming Wednesday, February 1, and towards the end of the week.  

“Based on information at hand, restrictions in place are lifted immediately,” Kim said. 

“This means Stage One rationing - or a cut in use by 20 percent of consented water take levels - is no longer required for the Motupiko and Tadmor water management zones, as well as unaffiliated and affiliated consent holders in the Waimea Delta, Golden Hills, Redwood, Waimea Reservoir, Upper Confined, Waimea Upper Catchment and Waimea West water management zones. 

Taskforce Convenor Kim Drummond said “Council will continue to keep an eye on river flows, aquifer levels and salinity in the coastal aquifers. The deep Moutere aquifer in the Eastern zone continues to drop and the rain impact on this will be monitored as well.  

“The need for a Dry Weather Task Force meeting will be evaluated again early next week” Kim said. 

Tasman District Council

Pigeon Post News, Richmond

MetService Weather - Heavy Rain Watch area northwest of Motueka

Heavy Rain Watch northwest of Motueka

Weather Watch in Tasman

There are 11 warnings or watches in the North Island, one in the Upper South and one in Westland south of Otira

A significant rain event is flowing from the Northeast and MetService advises to stay up to date with the latest information at www.metservice.com/warnings and take care out there.

Heavy Rain Watch

Period: 13hrs from 7am - 8pm Wed, 1 Feb

Area: Tasman northwest of Motueka

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Issued: 9:17am Tue 31 Jan

Next update: 9:00pm Tue 31 Jan

Tasman Weather

TOMORROW 1 Feb

Periods of rain developing in the morning, possibly heavy and thundery. Northeasterlies developing around midday.

Issued 7:49pm Tue 31 Jan

THURSDAY 2 Feb

Occasional rain. Northerlies, easing in the evening.

Issued 9:52am Tue 31 Jan

Farewell Spit at 9pm Tue, 31 Jan

• Temperature: 20°
• Wind Speed: 7km/h
• WInd Direction: East
• Rainfall (last hour): 0.0mm
• Humidity: 84%
• Pressure: 1017hPa

Pigeon Post News

NELSON REGIONAL WEATHER - Heavy Rain Watches and Severe Thunderstorm Watch

 

Rain, pressure and wind 30 Jan to 3 Feb 2023

Upper North Island not out of the woods yet

30/1/2023

Covering period of Mon 30 Jan - Thu 2 Feb

MetService has issued a fresh batch of Severe Weather Warnings for regions recently affected by extreme rain. The moisture lingers through the week and even spreads across the South Island.

Heavy rain with the potential for thunderstorms and downpours returns to northern areas early on Tuesday and will continue into Wednesday.

MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris warns, “The very warm and humid airmass covering Aotearoa brings ripe conditions for persistent, heavy rain plus the risk of thunderstorms which can further intensify the rainfall.”

Localised parts of Northland (especially north of Whangārei) could see in excess of 200mm of rain fall in around 24 hours which, given the already sodden ground, could bring about flooding quickly. Parts of Auckland could see a further 100mm or more and people should be preparing for further rain related impacts from late on Tuesday into Wednesday.

Coromandel Peninsula is also in the firing line with this next event, and the Heavy Rain Watch currently in force is expected to be upgraded to a Warning later today (Monday) as forecast rain is likely to bring about further slips midweek. Wednesday through Friday could see further rain accumulate around northern regions, but current information is suggesting this rain will be less heavy and not as widespread. Please follow advice from local authorities.

Heavy rain shifts to the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty on Wednesday and parts of the South Island will also receive some moisture.

Western areas of the South Island are running a lot drier than normal (20-50% of January normal) but look to get a string of rainy days from midweek into the weekend. This may come as welcome news but there’s the potential of heavy rain in the mix too.

“Nationwide we’re in for a week of steamy temperatures which will be notably warm overnight. New Plymouth Airport only got down to 20.2°C Monday morning, making it one of its warmest January nights,” says Lewis.

“On a more positive note current information suggests the upper North Island will have some settled weather for Waitangi weekend.”

Given northern areas of Aotearoa New Zealand have already experienced record-breaking rainfall this month it is more important than ever to keep up with the latest forecasts.

NELSON REGIONAL FORECAST

Heavy Rain Watch


Period: 6hrs from 9am - 3pm Mon, 30 Jan

Area: Tasman northwest of Motueka

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, with thunderstorms possible. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria in some places. Note, another burst of heavy rain is expected on Wednesday and early Thursday, and another Watch may be issued closer to the time.
Issued: 9:00am Mon 30 Jan
Next update: 9:00pm Mon 30 Jan

Heavy Rain Watch


Period: 4hrs from 9am - 1pm Mon, 30 Jan

Area: Richmond and Bryant ranges, Rai Valley area and the Marlborough Sounds

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria in some places.
Issued: 9:00am Mon 30 Jan
Next update: 9:00pm Mon 30 Jan

Severe Thunderstorm Watch


Period: 8hrs from 1pm - 9pm Mon, 30 Jan

Area: Marlborough, Nelson, Buller, Canterbury Plains, Canterbury High Country

Forecast: Scattered heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected over inland parts of Buller, Nelson, Marlborough and north to mid Canterbury this afternoon and evening. Some of these thunderstorms may become slow moving and SEVERE, producing localised downpours of 25 to 40 mm/h and hail. Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips. Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain. Expect thunderstorms to ease tonight.
Issued: 8:19am Mon 30 Jan
Next update: 9:00pm Mon 30 Jan

Monday

 30 JAN

Mostly cloudy. Scattered showers, some heavy, with thunderstorms and a risk downpours inland, easing this evening. Northeasterlies, dying out this evening.

Issued: 1:57pm Mon 30 Jan

Tuesday

 31 JAN

Cloudy periods. Isolated showers inland from late morning. Light winds, easterlies about Golden Bay.

Issued: 11:31am Mon 30 Jan

Wednesday

 1 FEB

Rain. Northeasterlies developing.

Issued: 9:41am Mon 30 Jan

MetService

Pigeon Post News, Richmond