METSERVICE WEEKEND WEATHER - SNOW REPORT

 

Finally, a fine weekend &

Rainbow Snow Report

Covering period of Thursday 27th - Monday 31st July

The last of the wild weather from the past week fizzles out on Friday as a narrow ridge builds over the country, with MetService forecasting a fine weekend across much of Aotearoa. Unfortunately, there’s still a bit of weather to get through before then.

A cold front quickly makes its way up the North Island Thursday afternoon, stormy conditions are expected along both coasts and residents in these areas should beware of a periods of gusty winds and heavier showers.

MetService meteorologist Clare O’Connor says: “This is a fast-moving front, so any impacts should be brief. If you’re attending tonight’s football game in Hamilton, the worst will have passed before kick-off”.  

Southwesterlies will strengthen about central New Zealand into the evening, and a Strong Wind Watch is in place for Wairarapa (south of Featherston), Wellington, and the Kaikōura Coast from 8pm tonight until 6am Friday morning. Due to the persistent southwesterly flow over the last week, MetService has also issued swell warnings along the east coast of the South Island and the lower North Island, with a peak of nine metres in the far south this afternoon, and four to five metres about Wellington and Cook Strait tonight.

A building ridge settles conditions for most of the country on Friday, clearing skies, calming seas, easing winds, and in turn dropping temperatures on Saturday morning. With the exception of a few showers about western parts of Aotearoa, Saturday will be a dry, blue-sky day – and it’ll be much the same on Sunday.

O’Connor details: “A weak trough moves up the west coast of the South Island on Sunday morning, but there’s very little oomph behind it. Over in the east, it’ll be a Dunner stunner ahead of the Football Ferns final group match on Sunday night.” 

O’Connor details: “A weak trough moves up the west coast of the South Island on Sunday morning, but there’s very little oomph behind it. Over in the east, it’ll be a Dunner stunner ahead of the Football Ferns final group match on Sunday night.” 

Overall, a calmer and clearer weekend ahead weather wise – keep up with our forecasts for full details wherever you are in Aotearoa.

Latest snow conditions in Rainbow.

(1,437m to 1,800m)

Reported Thursday 27th July 2023

Rainbow Snow Depths and Conditions.

Upper Snow Depths	20cm
Lower Snow Depths	5cm
Snow Conditions	4cm Snow in last 48hrs
Snow in last 48Hrs	+4cm
Snow in last 7days	+4cm

Rainbow Snow Forecast

Snow Forecast by day for Rainbow

Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed
Snow to resort					Snow to resort	Snow to resort

Pigeon Post News Richmond

Nelson Police are seeking public assistance

 

Nelson Police are seeking public assistance to identify dirt bike rider/s in Nelson and Richmond area.

They ride Kawasaki dirt bikes which are a distinctive bright green in colour with black and white trim.  One of the bikes has the racing number ‘888’ on the sides and front. 

Police would like to locate the dirt bikes and speak with the owner/s.

We want to hear from any local residents with information that can assist police in identifying the owners or locating the bikes.

Anyone with information can contact Police on 105, quoting file number  230712/8670 or phone Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police Media Team

Pigeon Post News

Event - Winter Tango New Zealand

www.wintertangohanmer.co.nz

Winter Tango in Hanmer Springs: “A Magical Celebration of Tango Dancing”

Event Date: 4-6 August 2023

In the heart of the pristine alpine village of Hanmer Springs, New Zealand, tango enthusiasts from all corners of the world are eagerly preparing to embark on a truly enchanting experience – the 7th Winter Tango Festival. Under the majestic backdrop of the snow-clad Southern Alps, this event promises three days of pure delight, as tangueros come together for the pleasure of social dancing like never before.

At the forefront of this remarkable festival stands the indomitable Anne-Maree Therkleson, the visionary Director and Tango Dance Teacher of Nelson/Tasman ‘Tango Libre’. With her tireless efforts and passion for tango, Anne-Maree orchestrates this annual gathering, leaving no stone unturned to ensure its grand success. 

A whole year's planning and meticulous coordination are woven behind the scenes, and it is the dedication of the Nelson/Tasman Tango community volunteers and others from across New Zealand that breathe life into this splendid event.

The Winter Tango Festival in Hanmer Springs has firmly established itself on the global Tango calendar, alluring tangueros to the enchanting winter wonderland of Hanmer Springs year after year. This cherished tradition draws enthusiasts from far and wide, as they come together to revel in the exquisite art of tango amidst a truly magical setting.

Over the course of three days, the festival will host four milongas (social dancing events), including a unique Breakfast Milonga – that promises a delicious morning filled with croissants, fruit, meat, cheese, coffee, tea and tango. For each milonga, expert Tango DJs have meticulously compiled music, ensuring that every event possesses its own distinct flavour, setting the stage for an unforgettable dancing experience.

DJs for the Festival: DJ DEB (Christchurch), DJ MAIDA (Auckland), DJ MARIAN (Christchurch), DJ BRENDON (Nelson).

The venue for all the milongas is none other than the iconic Hanmer War Memorial Hall, splendidly decorated to reflect the majestic snow-capped ranges, where the magic of tango will come alive. The festivities commence with the Welcome Milonga, a relaxed and joyous affair to greet newcomers and set the tone for an incredible weekend. The Afternoon Tea Milonga offers a delightful interlude to indulge in cups of tea and cake, while the iconic Black and White Milonga promises an evening of elegance and wintery delights.

Anne-Maree's vision extends beyond the dance floor. She fosters a sense of community, where people from all walks of life come together to share their love for music and dance. Her efforts go beyond Winter Tango, as she organises four festivals throughout the year in different parts of New Zealand, facilitating connections and weaving a tapestry of joy through tango.

For tango virgins, the concept of dancing in tandas (sets of three or four tangos) to different pieces of music may seem intriguing. It creates an opportunity to dance with the same partner for a while before inviting someone new to join in the rhythm for the next tanda. This unique social aspect of tango embodies the spirit of Winter Tango, bringing people closer together in a dance of joy and camaraderie.

For those yearning to be a part of this magical event, reservations can be made on Anne-Maree's website, www.tangolibre.com, where details about Winter Tango and her other exciting festivals and classes can be found.

So mark your calendars and let Anne-Maree Therkleson's Winter Tango in Hanmer sweep you off your feet, as you embark on a journey of tango and camaraderie in a winter wonderland like no other. Let the music guide your steps and the warmth of the tango community envelop your soul as you dance the nights away under the glistening stars of Hanmer Springs.

Hanmer Springs, a charming town nestled in the mountains of New Zealand's South Island, boasts a captivating blend of Maori and European history. For thousands of years, Maori travellers visited the thermal springs on their journeys to the West Coast in search of pounamu. The European history of Hanmer Springs traces back to the 1800s when the village was named after the early settler, Thomas Hanmer. Since the late 19th century, the town's thermal pools have been a magnet for travellers from around the world. Today, Hanmer Springs presents an array of activities catering to both relaxed and adventurous travellers, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

For those seeking relaxation between milongas, the thermal pools and spa provide a soothing escape for this tired feet, while the surrounding landscape offers opportunities for leisurely walks, golfing, and shopping.

For the more adventurous, skiing at Hanmer Springs Ski Area and Mt. Lyford presents thrilling experiences. Bungee jumping and jet boating add excitement to the journey.

In conclusion, once a year, the Winter Tango festival in Hanmer War Memorial Hall brings together tango enthusiasts from around the world. This captivating event offers four milongas (social events), creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for all participants. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Southern Alps, the festival adds an artistic and cultural dimension to Hanmer Springs, making it even more appealing to visitors during this special time of the year.

Hanmer Springs is a destination that caters to a wide range of interests, making it an ideal getaway for travellers looking to relax, explore, and embrace the magic of tango.

Anne-Maree Therkleson | Tango Libre

M +64 27 238 0568

www.tangolibre.com

 

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

"Kaikōura's State-of-the-Art Fire Station Unveiled:”

The opening of the Kaikōura new Fire Station

“A Beacon of Safety for the Community’’

The Kaikōura Volunteer Fire Brigade and the entire community rejoiced as they marked the momentous occasion of the official opening of their new, purpose-built fire station on the 22 July 2023. The Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. Barbara Edmonds, along with Fire and Emergency representatives, local iwi, stakeholders, including Kaikōura Mayor Craig Mackle, and past members of the Kaikōura brigade, participated in the celebration.

Hon. Barbara Edmonds cutting the ribbon

The journey towards this cutting-edge $7.04 million facility began in 2021 after a devastating earthquake in 2016 rendered the old station unfit for use. Located dangerously close to the shore, the previous station was also vulnerable to tsunami risks. However, the new station, thoughtfully positioned outside the tsunami zone, embodies resilience and foresight.

Thanks to the generous funding support, in part from the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund, the new station boasts an array of features, including three appliance bays, decontamination and breathing apparatus filling facilities, spacious operations and training rooms, as well as well-equipped offices. In addition, a resource garage is on-site to house supplementary appliances and a tanker.

The new Kaikōura Fire Station

District Commander of Canterbury, Dave Stackhouse, from Fire and Emergency New Zealand, expressed his enthusiasm for the new station and its potential to serve as a vital hub for emergency services and the community. He emphasised that this state-of-the-art facility is constructed to withstand seismic challenges, ensuring continued operation even after a disaster strikes.

Kaikōura Fire Station

Stackhouse noted that the role of local firefighters extends far beyond responding to fires; the new station will equip them to handle a diverse range of incidents around Kaikōura, further strengthening their capacity to safeguard the community.

The opening of this modern fire station stands as a testament to Kaikōura's unwavering spirit and preparedness, providing a secure base for the Kaikōura Volunteer Fire Brigade to serve their community diligently for many years to come.

MEDIA: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Pigeon Post News Richmond

Pigeon Post News Presents: Discover the Power of Pilates for Mind and Body

pilates@tangolibre.com

 

Unleash Your Strength and Unwind Your Mind with Pilates

Pilates, the renowned exercise method celebrated for its focus on functional movement and overall body strength, has taken the fitness world by storm. 

Developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, this invigorating practice has captivated enthusiasts of all ages, offering a pathway to improved well-being through the mind-body connection.

Strengthen Your Core, Transform Your Life

At the heart of Pilates lies a core objective: to strengthen the abdominals, improve posture, stabilise and elongate the spine, and cultivate balance and overall strength. 

Unlike traditional workouts that target isolated muscle groups, Pilates works holistically, harmonising the body and promoting balance. 

Concentration, control, centring, proper breathing, flow, and precision form the six fundamental principles that underpin every Pilates session.

A Gentle Path to Resilience

Pilates stands apart as a low-impact exercise method that gently combines fluid movements with controlled breathing, making it accessible to individuals of all fitness levels and ages. 

By prioritising strength and mobility, Pilates aligns the body, fine-tunes movement patterns, and strengthens the deep core muscles. 

With its focus on the core, Pilates enhances stability and cultivates heightened body awareness.

Beyond the Physical: A Journey of Mind and Spirit

Pilates extends its benefits beyond the physical realm, offering profound mental and emotional advantages. 

The mind-body connection fostered in Pilates nurtures increased concentration and mindfulness during the exercises. 

By emphasising proper alignment and breathing patterns, Pilates helps alleviate stress levels and elevate mood, providing a holistic approach to fitness and well-being.

Experience the Artistry of Pilates with Anne-Maree

Step into the serene ambiance of Anne-Maree Therkleson's home studio in Richmond, where Dance and Pilates teacher Anne-Maree invites you to discover the transformative power of Pilates. 

Offering small, intimate classes with a maximum of seven participants, Anne-Maree ensures individual attention and a personalised experience. 

Join her on Tuesdays at 9 am, Wednesdays at 5:45 pm, or Thursdays at 9 am, and she will provide all the necessary equipment for your journey.

A Welcome for All, Regardless of Experience

Anne-Maree warmly invites both novices and seasoned practitioners to join her Pilates classes. 

Unsure if Pilates is right for you? 

Reach out to Anne-Maree for a friendly chat to address any questions or concerns you may have. 

Alternatively, dive straight into the world of Pilates by registering for a term and experiencing firsthand the grace and fluidity it can bring to your life.

Don't miss your chance to embark on this incredible journey. Term 3 has commenced, but she is still is offering positions to students to have the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the realm of Pilates. 

To learn more about Anne-Maree's Pilates classes and to register, reach out to her via email at pilates@tangolibre.com. Take the leap and discover the path to improved strength, flexibility, and overall well-being through Pilates.

Note: Anne-Maree's Pilates classes are limited, so secure your spot today!

Anne-Maree Therkleson pilates@tangolibre.com

———————————————————

Pigeon Post News Richmond, Tasman.

Mapua - Help Needed urgently

This is our loving dog Vincent not Delia's

 

House/Dog Sitter needed Urgently

Hello,

My name is Delia, and I'm currently residing in Mapua. Unfortunately, my family has experienced a tragic event in the UK, and I must urgently travel there. However, before I can leave, there are some problems to be addressed.

You see, I have two large dogs, one of which has undergone recent surgery and requires daily rehabilitation. Due to their special needs, I cannot place them in kennels while I am away. Therefore, I am seeking someone who can take up this challenging responsibility.

I'm in search of an angelic soul who would be willing to help care for my dogs during my absence. The timing of my departure will depend on finding this kind-hearted person. Although the duration is somewhat flexible, I anticipate a minimum period of three weeks.

If you are up for this challenge and would like to offer assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me at - This problem has been solved with your help.

Thank you,

Delia from Mapua

Pigeon Post News Richmond

Editor: Thank you for all your comments

Baton Valley - Tasman: From Gold Mining History to Tourist Destination

Baton Valley Tasman

 Take Care in the Back Country as Tourists and Locals visit unfamiliar territory

The back country of Tasman, New Zealand, offers a captivating haven for outdoor enthusiasts, drawing in trampers, hunters, and cyclists with its untamed beauty and rich history. One of the significant historical sites in this region is the Baton Valley, nestled at the base of the majestic Mount Arthur. In the 19th century, this valley was a bustling centre of gold mining activity, triggered by the discovery of gold traces by the adventurous sailor, Batteyn Norton, in 1855. The news of gold brought around 100 diggers to the area by 1859, creating a vibrant community.

The Baton gold, although less valuable due to its sandy composition, coexisted with the highly sought-after Wangapeka gold, leading to the establishment of a store, hotel, and annual grand dances organised by the Taylor family in 1859. J.W. Sutcliffe also managed another hotel in the valley, adding to the growing community.

The initial gold diggings were concentrated near the Skeet and Ellis Rivers, making the field easily accessible. However, as time passed, the initial excitement waned, resulting in a decrease in the number of diggers, with only around 50 remaining. Some diggers transitioned into settlers and contributed to the establishment of a local school, while hack meetings at the Baton racecourse brought participants from distant districts.

Although the Baton Valley was not considered a wealthy gold field, it served as a fallback option for farmers and diggers facing difficulties elsewhere. Notable gold discoveries occasionally occurred, such as Arthur Needham's find, which enabled him to purchase a farm. In the late 1800s, visitors reported finding gold along the Motueka and Baton Rivers, with some individuals earning substantial amounts, up to £12 per week.

However, by 1902, the Baton workings were largely abandoned, except for the 1930s Depression period when men were subsidised to search for gold in the riverbed, resulting in new discoveries. The construction of the Baton Bridge in 1907 greatly benefited settlers by improving access to the area, contributing to its ongoing development.

In the present day, the Baton Valley proudly preserves its agricultural heritage while enticing tourists with the allure of the Tasman's Great Taste Cycle Trail. This back and beyond section of the cycle trail offers a thrilling 4 to 6-hour biking experience from Tapawera to Riwaka. The trail treats visitors to awe-inspiring vistas of mountains, farmlands, rivers, and vast skies, fostering a deep connection with nature.

However, as enticing as the backcountry may be, caution is essential. Once traveler's leave the towns at each end of the trail, options for restocking supplies become limited. It is vital to ensure sufficient provisions for the journey ahead. The trail comprises rural gravel roads, which are shared with vehicles, including logging trucks and milk tankers. Cyclists must exercise caution and remain mindful of loose gravel. For e-bike users, carrying enough battery charge is crucial, as no charging facilities exist in the backcountry, and cellular coverage is sparse.

Recent events in Baton Valley serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by those venturing into the backcountry. A cyclist was found after being lost for ten days, surviving without food, last week. He apparently went for a bush walk and became lost. Thanks to the vigilant efforts of the Police, search teams and a member of the public who reported an abandoned tent cycle and other items, the man was located and safely transported to the hospital. This incident underscores the importance of early reporting and preparedness when participating in outdoor activities in remote areas.

Sergeant Jonny Evans of Nelson Bays Search and Rescue expressed gratitude to the individual who initially alerted the authorities and acknowledged the efforts of the search teams and LandSAR volunteers involved in the rescue operation.

Authorities strongly advise individuals engaging in tramping, hunting, and cyclists who intend to some tramping as well, in the backcountry to carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). PLBs are invaluable tools that enable rescue teams to respond quickly by pinpointing the location of distress signals. Registering the PLB with the Rescue Coordination Centre NZ before embarking on any outdoor excursion ensures a rapid and efficient emergency response.

In conclusion, the Baton Valley, steeped in historical significance and coupled with the allure of the Great Taste Cycle Trail, has transformed into a thriving tourist destination. Adventurers seeking an unforgettable experience are drawn to this untamed paradise. However, undertaking such ventures requires a blend of adventurous spirit and responsible preparedness. By approaching the backcountry with caution, foresight, and respect for its wilderness, visitors can fully immerse themselves in its enchanting beauty while minimising risks and preserving its charm for generations to come.

Sources:

Nelson Provincial Museum Pupuri Taonga o Te Tai Ao

Tasman’s Great Taste Cycle Trail - Tasman District Council

NZ Police Media Centre

—————————————

Pigeon Post News, Richmond, Tasman.