RATES HIKE IMMINENT

When you pay rates is it going here?

It will take a few minutes of your time to get the 9.06% increase in YOUR rates reduced.

The proposed Tasman District Council increase in rates is more than double the 4.04% budgeted in the Council’s long term plan.

Do you want to pay the increase of 9.06% on your rates?

 

What can YOU do about it?

You need to have your say at:  shape.tasman.govt.nz/annual-plan  

Statistically, you won’t say boo, but only chatter on Facebook where your comments will disappear into thin air and won’t be noted by Council, unless you go to the correct link above.

Council admits itself, in the preamble to the long term plan, that people are less engaged in Council affairs than before and engagement is declining further.

Council relies on YOU to be engaged in their consultation processes as they make the decisions for you from the information they receive from consultation. If no one bothers to take part in the consultation process for community decisions then all Council receives are submissions from pressure groups and others who are not representative of the general population.

Council research has consistently shown that those who make a submission to the Council are not representative of the general public. This is reflected in Council’s recent resident survey results, which showed that only half of Tasman residents were happy with Council’s methods of consultation.

Council public engagement has many problems engaging with youth, migrants, specific communities in Tasman, and renters. Many people feel that decisions have already been made when they are consulted. Analysis also shows that engagement is geographically skewed in Tasman. For example, 20% of submissions to the Council on one consultation came from Golden Bay despite only making up 10% of Tasman’s population.

What are we going to do about this? It will only take a snippet of time from our busy lives to connect to the website above and comment on the rates increase. I don’t want the rates to stay at a 9.06% increase myself, too many goods and services are going up. A major increase like this will be financially crippling for pensioners, low income earners, tenants who’s rents will increase and businesses who have just gone through a crippling pandemic and the country is just about facing a depression. 

YOU have control here in this instance, but you have to go to the website and put your comments down.

Don’t Just Comment On Facebook.

Council is proposing some reductions to minimise the rates increase, but don’t rely on it happening. You must put a comment on their website asap as the consultation process closes at the end of April.

Editor

Pigeon Post News Richmond, Tasman

Fonterra

 

Fonterra Takaka

Fonterra taking further steps to decarbonise and lift efficiency

Fonterra is continuing to progress its decarbonisation work with the announcement of another site transitioning from coal and the installation of a heat pump and solar thermal system.  

 

The Co-operative will convert its coal boilers at its Hautapu site to wood pellets and install a heat pump at its Palmerston North milk processing site that supplies the local market. Both projects have recieved support from  the Government Investment in Decarbonising Industry (GIDI) Process Heat Contestable Fund.

 

Fonterra Chief Operating Officer Fraser Whineray says the Co-operative is commercially focused on reducing emissions.

“There are a number of solutions we’re using to decarbonise our operations and these two projects are a good example of different technologies available.”

 

Once complete in early 2024 the Hautapu site will reduce our carbon emissions by a forecast 15,785 tonnes per annum - the equivalent of taking about 6,500 cars off New Zealand’s roads.

 

The heat pump at the Palmerston North site will convert wasted heat from the refrigeration system into a heat source. This will reduce the amount of natural gas needed for process heat. The site will also generate additional heat via a solar thermal plant.

 

“This GIDI co-funding will help the Co-operative progress two emission reduction projects ahead of time. It will help us continue to make progress towards our target of reducing emissions by 30% across all our manufacturing operations by 2030 (from a 2018 baseline), on the way to net zero by 2050, and transition out of coal by 2037” says Mr Whineray.

 

Fonterra is receiving up to $2.5million in co-funding to complete the work at Hautapu and $425,000 for the Palmerston North site project.

 

These projects are just two of many underway to decarbonise the Fonterra business, such as the Waitoa and Stirling sites that are in the process of installing wood biomass boilers to transition out of coal.

 

The Stirling wood biomass boiler will fire up for the first time today, marking the next step on the site’s transition to be totally reliant on renewable energy for its process heat. Changing to this boiler will reduce the annual carbon emissions by 18,500 tonnes – the equivalent of taking approximately 7,700 cars off New Zealand’s roads.

 

The new Waitoa wood biomass boiler, due to be operational in November 2023, will reduce the site’s annual carbon emissions by approximately 48,000 tonnes, the equivalent of taking approximately 20,000 cars off New Zealand’s roads.

Fonterra Media.

Pigeon Post News Richmond, Tasman.

Weather News Release

METSERVICE WEATHER MAP THURSDAY TO SATURDAY 20 - 22 APR 2023.

Another dose of heavy rain for central Aotearoa

Covering period of Thursday 20 - Tuesday 25 April

MetService is forecasting further heavy rain for northwestern parts of the South Island and the lower North Island on the back of two very wet days for those areas.

A low pressure system approaching from the northwest is the culprit behind the expected drenching as it crosses central New Zealand tonight (Thursday) through to Saturday afternoon. Orange Heavy Rain Warnings have been issued for southern Westland, western Tasman, and Mt Taranaki, while Heavy Rain Watches are in place for the rest of the northwest of the South Island and the Greater Wellington region.

There is still uncertainty surrounding the details of where the heaviest rain around the upper South Island and lower North Island will fall, so it is well worth following updates to the Severe Weather Warnings on metservice.com, especially for those in the Greater Wellington region and northern Marlborough.

MetService meteorologist Dan Corrigan explains, “Depending on the exact path of the low pressure centre, there could be major impacts for Wellington, and the area is likely to be upgraded to an Orange Heavy Rain Warning. Even if warning criteria is not reached, there is still a risk of impacts like surface flooding, slips, and rising rivers in already sodden areas. These hazards, along with poor visibility in heavy rain, can also cause travel delays and disruptions.” 

The same low pressure system will also cause strong northerly winds across the central North Island hill country from the Kaimanawa Mountains across to South Taranaki from Friday evening through early Saturday morning (a Yellow Strong Wind Watch is in place). The northerly air flow is also making for muggy overnight conditions, with temperatures remaining in the high teens in the North Island for the next two nights.

Otago and Southland will be the only regions to avoid the rain with the low, and as it moves away during Saturday and overnight into Sunday, the settled weather will spread to the rest of New Zealand.

However, on Sunday afternoon, a change to strong, cold southwesterly winds will arrive in the deep south, bringing showery weather there with a dusting of autumn snow on the mountains above around 800m. The cooler temperatures and showers will spread northwards across the rest of the country on Sunday night while blustery southwesterly winds affect exposed coastlines. The showery weather is expected to become confined to the east coasts during Monday, with plenty of sunny skies opening up across the country.

“Looking ahead to ANZAC day, we have reasonable confidence at this stage that high pressure will bring settled weather for most of the South Island, but it could well be a frosty one for people waking up early. Southwesterly winds may still be quite breezy in the North Island, but the weather looks largely dry aside from showers for eastern parts,” says Corrigan.

From MetService.

Pigeon Post News Richmond, Tasman.

METSERVICE FORECAST - TASMAN

ALL OF TASMAN UNDER HEAVY RAIN WARNING AND HEAVY RAIN WATCH

Heavy Rain Warning and Heavy Rain Watch - Tasman

Heavy Rain Warning - Orange

Period: 17hrs from 9am Fri, 21 Apr - 2am Sat, 22 Apr

Area: Tasman northwest of Motueka

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Expect 70 to 100 mm to accumulate, especially about the ranges. Peak rates of 10 to 20 mm/h.

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

Issued: 9:34am Fri 21 Apr

Next update: 9:00pm Fri 21 Apr

Heavy Rain Watch


Period: 14hrs from 10am Fri, 21 Apr - midnight Fri, 21 Apr

Area: The remainder of Nelson/Tasman not under Orange Warning

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria, mainly about the ranges.

Issued: 9:34am Fri 21 Apr

Next update: 9:00pm Fri 21 Apr———————————————————

NELSON/TASMAN REGIONAL FORECAST

Friday

21 Apr

Rain, heavy at times. Northeasterlies, turning southeasterly this evening.

Issued 4:54pm Fri 21 Apr

Saturday

22 Apr

Rain, with heavy falls about Golden Bay, clearing during the morning and fine breaks developing. Light winds and sea breezes.

Issued 11:03am Fri 21 Apr

SUNDAY

23 Apr

Partly cloudy. Westerlies developing in the morning.

Issued 1:00pm Fri 21 Apr

METSERVICE.

—————————————————-

Pigeon Post News Richmond, Tasman.

Beginners Winter Project!

 

Argentine Tango - A Winter Project!

Anne-Maree Therkleson a Tango Teacher for over 20 years of Tango Libre, is offering Absolute Beginners Classes to start you on your Tango journey, for the first time since Covid.

She is very excited to be offering this special 7 week Introductory Course.  

Anne-Maree says “I have been waiting a long time, to find the right time to offer this, and what time is better than Winter when it is so easy to become a couch potato!  The course will cover a little bit of history, the fundamental elements of tango, musicality, connection with yourself and your partner and of course how to move around the floor.  It is always very exciting to introduce dancers to Tango as it is a very special, connected and passionate dance. The community is wonderful, welcoming and fun.”

Anne-Maree has been dancing for over 25 years and teaching for well over 20 years. She has had tango schools in Sydney and has been teaching in Nelson/Tasman for the past 12 years.  A very passionate dancer and teacher who also runs four Tango festivals a year in New Zealand, one of which is in Nelson.  

Anne-Maree says “It's great to be able to offer these elegant and busy festivals so people can strut their stuff.  Dancers come from many from New Zealand and Australia for the festivals, with a travelling tangueros (tango dancers) popping in from Europe, the UK and the USA.”

“I would encourage dancers of other partnered dances (Ballroom, Salsa, Rock'n'Roll, Swing) to come and give it a go and see what it’s all about. You don't have to come with a partner, but remember, it does take "2 to Tango” so it is very helpful if you come with a partner, just to keep you dancing all night!”

The Absolute Beginners course starts on 8 May and all the details are in the flyer below.  You can register by contacting her directly on annemaree@tangolibre.com You can check out her website www.tangolibre.com to read all about her and all she does.

Your Winter Project!

Stay warm, be challenged and have fun, connect with a great community of dancers and find your tango mojo!

Monday nights 8 May to 26 June (no class 5 June)

Old St John's Hall, 320 Hardy St, Nelson

6.15-7.45pm

7 week course

$100 per person

Please register with a partner if possible to

annemaree@tangolibre.com

Anne-Maree Therkleson | Tango Libre

Pigeon Post News Richmond Tasman

DNA detects threatened flatheads

 

Clutha flatheads are the more peculiar of the galaxiid species, as individuals look very different, and can also be genetically distinct. Photo DOC

Sophisticated DNA technology has detected a previously unknown population of critically threatened Clutha flathead galaxias in Central Otago’s Ōrau/Cardrona River.

“Central Otago is the proud home to numerous galaxiid species that are found nowhere else in the world,” DOC River Ranger Chris Kavazos says.

“Unfortunately, Clutha flatheads are one of the most endangered galaxias because of trout predation and habitat loss. They share the same threat status as kākāpō.

“Given the threats these fish face, it’s amazing to discover a new population. Now it’s on us to ensure it survives.”

Chris says DNA technology is a game changer for conservation work, helping to detect elusive species. Clutha flatheads are difficult to spot as they camouflage with gravels and cobbles in waterways.

“We were surveying the upper Cardrona Valley for Clutha flatheads in late 2021. This involved taking an eDNA (environmental DNA) sample in the lower Tyre Gully, which is on public conservation land.

“From the water sample we detected the presence of Clutha flatheads up to 5km upstream.”

Chris has done follow-up surveys of Tyre Gully and reckons its Clutha flathead population is in the hundreds.

“The Tyre Gully population has healthy numbers compared to neighbouring waterways which probably have only a handful of adults.

“It turned out a small waterfall in Tyre Gully was the only thing stopping trout downstream from migrating up and predating the flatheads.

“However, future flood events could make the waterfall useless as a trout barrier, meaning we could lose the entire Tyre Gully flathead population overnight.

“The removal of trout downstream is already underway and will offer better protection for the population in the long term.”

Chris says better barriers are helping too. WAI Wānaka, a driving force behind freshwater restoration efforts in the Cardrona Valley, have collaborated with Otago Polytechnic on a movable, adjustable fish passage barrier currently in use at Tyre Gully.

“All this work will increase the habitat available to flatheads, allowing re-occupation of habitats lost through trout predation.”

Chris emphasises that trout in Tyre Gully aren’t part of the recreation fishing network as they’re small and not trophy fish. They also don’t breed into any recreational fishing networks.

“Clutha flatheads are still dangerously close to extinction, but we now have the chance to save a population that could have become extinct without us knowing it was ever there.”

Paulette Tamati-Elliffe of te Rūnanga o Ōtākou, says the mauri of the Cardrona Valley’s waterways has been diminished with loss of taoka species, but the discovery of Clutha flatheads gives hope that mauri can be restored.

“By removing introduced species, Clutha flatheads are given a fighting chance to survive and even thrive.”  

Cardrona Valley freshwater restoration efforts will continue to be a collaborative effort between WAI Wānaka, DOC, Otago Regional Council and Otago Fish & Game, with scope for the wider community involvement thanks to WAI Wānaka’s efforts.

WAI Wānaka Partnerships Manager Julie Perry says the group recently received funding for its ‘Taking care of Tyre Gully’ project from the WWF Conservation Fund.

“This project provides opportunities for everyone to learn about the Tyre Gully Clutha Flathead population and even play a direct role in restoration efforts.”

Background

eDNA detection involves collecting samples of the environment such as water or soil.

In this case, Chris put an eDNA sampler at the foot of Tyre Gully that concentrated DNA into a filter. This sample was then sent to Wilderlab NZ Ltd, for sequencing to determine the identity of freshwater species living in the waterway.

DOC

Pigeon Post News Richmond Tasman

MetService forecast

 

Heavy Rain Warning orange - areas in orange for Tasman, Nelson and Marlborough

Heavy Rain Warnings

Heavy Rain Warning - Orange


Period: 11hrs from 7pm Tue, 18 Apr - 6am Wed, 19 Apr

Area: Tasman west of Motueka

Forecast: Expect 80 to 120 mm of rain in the ranges, and 50 to 80 mm possible nearer the coast. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h expected.

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

Issued: 8:31am Tue 18 Apr
Next update: 9:00pm Tue 18 Apr

Heavy Rain Warning - Orange


Period: 13hrs from 8pm Tue, 18 Apr - 9am Wed, 19 Apr

Area: The Richmond and Bryant Ranges, also the Rai Valley area and northern parts of the Marlborough Sounds

Forecast: Expect 80 to 110 mm of rain. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h expected.

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

Issued: 8:31am Tue 18 Apr
Next update: 9:00pm Tue 18 Apr

Nelson Regional Forecast

TODAY18 Apr

Scattered rain, becoming widespread and heavy at times about the ranges and Golden Bay from afternoon and elsewhere this evening. Northerlies, strong in exposed places this evening.

Issued 1:35pm Tue 18 Apr

TOMORROW19 Apr

Early rain with heavy falls, easing to isolated showers and fine breaks in the morning. Northerlies, strong in exposed places, easing in the morning.

Issued 11:18am Tue 18 Apr

THURSDAY20 Apr

Partly cloudy, with a few showers developing in the afternoon. Light winds.

Issued 11:55am Tue 18 Apr

MetService Press Release

A large high to the east of the country has moved away, making way for a front to move up the South Island on Tuesday. This front will bring a period of heavy rain and MetService has issued Heavy Rain Watches and Warnings for western and northern parts of the South Island.

Heavy Rain Warnings are in force for the ranges of Westland south of Otira from Tuesday morning, and northwest Tasman from Tuesday afternoon. Heavy Rain Watches are in force for Fiordland from Tuesday morning, the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers from Tuesday morning, the ranges of Buller and Westland north of Otira from midday Tuesday, and the Richmond and Bryant Ranges, the Rai Valley, and northern parts of the Marlborough Sounds from Tuesday evening.

MetService meteorologist Jessie Owen says, “The front is then expected to bring rain to the lower North Island on Wednesday before it weakens away on Thursday.”

The upper North Island can expect to remain under showery northeasterly conditions throughout the week. This northeasterly wind flow has another effect: it is dragging warm air from the north down over New Zealand giving rise to warmer than average temperatures for this time of year. Most noticeable will be the warm minimum temperatures across the North Island. 

Owen says, “there won’t be any significant cooling between day and night, it will feel quite muggy overnight.” Most North Island minimums will be 5-7°C warmer than average, with many places likely to remain in the high teens overnight. Autumn is typically a very changeable season and it is not uncommon to see both warm and cold outbreaks at this time of year, this will still be a noticeably warm week ahead. If you have already piled up your bed with Winter blankets you’ll be needing to put them away again for a while, the muggy air sticks around until a cold front brings a change of airmass over the weekend.

The east coast of the South Island will be the place to be for outdoor activities this week, once the rain from Tuesday’s front passes through they are in line for a few days of settled weather with temperatures around average for this time of year.

Towards the end of the week an active trough is expected to approach New Zealand, bringing another spell of wet and windy weather. There is a risk of heavy rain and northeasterly gales associated with this system (https://www.metservice.com/warnings/severe-weather-outlook) so make sure you keep up to date with latest forecasts at www.metservice.com

Weather flow Monday to Thursday

MetService

Pigeon Post News Richmond Tasman