Snow is forecast this Wednesday in Hanmer Springs - Winter Tango Festival starts Friday

 

Welcome to the 7th Winter Tango in Hanmer

Winter Tango is just one week away, and I couldn't be more thrilled to extend a warm welcome to you in this charming little village, nestled amongst the freshly snow-clad mountains! The winter wonderland awaits, and we're all set to make this festival an unforgettable experience.

Hanmer Springs War Memorial Hall 1961

As we gear up for the festivities a few things to consider!

• The snow has arrived so pack your woollies. The magic of tango will keep you warm in the hall, but prepare for the chilly beauty of our surroundings as you step outside.
• A special thank you to everyone who expressed their interest in having dinner at Fire and Ice on the Fri night. They will be offering a lunchtime menu for those who prefer a "smaller portion" meal or the option to choose à la carte. So, you can fuel up with delicious food and be ready to dance the night away!  Due to varying arrival times, Fire and Ice has kindly reserved a few tables for our festival attendees. While you might need to wait briefly for a seat, fret not – you can join other tangueros for a heartwarming mulled wine at the bar.
• Calling all theme enthusiasts! Each event at Winter Tango brings a unique theme to add to the excitement. Get ready to shine as we ‘Go Disco’ on Friday night, splash ‘vibrant colours’ on Saturday afternoon, embrace elegance in ‘Black and White’ on Saturday night, and sport a casual yet stylish look with ‘Denim and Diamonds’ on Sunday. Let your creativity soar, and let's make each night a celebration of tango and joy!

Hanmer Springs War Memorial Hall

I want you all to have the time of your lives at Winter Tango, so travel safe and arrive with hearts full of excitement. Whether I see you on the dance floor or at Fire and Ice, let's dance, laugh, and make memories together.

If you haven't booked your spot yet, there's still time! Don't miss out on this wonderful event – secure your place now and be part of this magical tango celebration.  Couples and leaders, we need you on the dance floor! It's going to be an incredible experience filled with dance, music, and the joy of tango. So, don't wait any longer – secure your spot and join us for an unforgettable time at Winter Tango.  Let's create some more magical moments together!

See you very soon!

Yours in tango

Anne-Maree

www.tangolibre.com

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.

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.

Pigeon Post News Richmond

Weather:- El Niño on its way: NIWA explains especially for farmers

Looking towards Tasman on a very cold winter day

 

El Niño is on its way, with whispers it could cause the Earth’s warmest ever year. But what is it? NIWA scientists tell all.

Over the past three years, you may have heard about the rare ‘triple-dip’ La Niña that had its hands on the steering wheel of Mother Nature’s car. It had strong influences on New Zealand’s weather patterns – we experienced atmospheric rivers, ex-tropical cyclones, floods, droughts, record temperatures, high humidity, and multiple marine heatwaves.

But now a new driver is coming to town: El Niño.

El Niño and La Niña are opposite phases of a natural global climate cycle. Typically, during an El Niño event, there is a weakening or reversal of the trade winds that blow across the equatorial Pacific. This allows warm water to move eastwards, creating hotter than average ocean temperatures towards South America.

The opposite happens during La Niña, with unusually warm water pooling in the western Pacific, near Papua New Guinea.

The ocean-atmosphere system seesaws between these states every few years, changing which side of the Pacific will experience more clouds, rainfall, and storms. This has a domino effect on global weather patterns.

In 2015, an exceptionally strong El Niño took hold in the Pacific Ocean, triggering a cascade of damaging weather. Indonesia was plunged into a deep drought that fuelled severe wildfires, while heavy rains inundated the Horn of Africa. Closer to home, several New Zealand regions experienced a very dry spring and start to summer, prompting concerns of drought. The event also helped make 2016 the planet’s hottest year on record.

During the last three years, a significant amount of warm water built up in the western Pacific Ocean and is now sloshing eastward, so El Niño is building once again.

Markedly, ocean temperatures in key regions are warmer in June 2023 than they were during June in previous strong El Niño episodes, such as in 1997 and 1982. This raises concerns for worldwide weather pattern changes over the coming year, which all depends on location. The closer a place is to the tropical Pacific, the more immediate and likely the effects will be. For a country like New Zealand which sits outside of the tropics, the effects of El Niño can take some time to build and often don’t fully set in until spring or summer.

So, what should we expect? During El Niño, New Zealand tends to experience more southerly winds during winter. While that hasn’t been the case so far, a sharp cold snap along with strong winds will soon arrive on our shores and last into early next week. During late winter, spring, and summer, southwesterly-to-westerly winds may become more prominent. This increases the chance for drier-than-normal conditions in eastern areas of the country and tends to cause more rain in the west. Such winds can also contribute to increased wildfire risk because of drying grounds in key agricultural regions, along with occasional hot air masses coming in from Australia.

El Niño has been associated with historically significant droughts in New Zealand, such as in 1972-73, 1982-83, 1997-98, and 2009-10, but it doesn’t always bring one.

The important thing is to monitor the situation carefully and have an action plan in case this we do get unusually dry weather later in 2023 or in 2024.

NIWA

Pigeon Post News Richmond

NOTICE:- State Highway 6 closed southbound next week for two nights

Headwall to be placed at the end of Saxton Creek Culvert

Ensuring Safety and Progress: Crane Installation for Saxton Culvert Headwall

For anyone traveling to and from Nelson next week, it's essential to be aware of the road closure and traffic diversion due to the ongoing Saxton Creek Stage 4 upgrade. Here are the key details to take note of:

• Dates and Timing: The road closure will take place on Monday, July 31, and Tuesday, August 1, 2023. The closure will be in effect from 7:30 pm to 6:00 am on both days.

• Location and Closure: The closure will affect the southbound lane of State Highway 6 (SH6) in Nelson. The closure will start at the Nayland Road/Saxton Road off-ramp of SH6 and extend to the Salisbury Road roundabout.

• Traffic Diversion: Southbound traffic will not be able to access the closed section of SH6 during the specified hours. Southbound traffic can still enter the highway from the Quarantine Road end of SH6 and exit on the Nayland Road/Saxton Road off-ramp.

STATE HIGHWAY 6 NELSON ROAD CLOSURE: SOUTHBOUND FROM NAYLAND ROAD.  SOUTHBOUND EXIT TO NAYLAND ROAD OPEN

• Reason for Closure: The closure is necessary to facilitate the lifting of a headwall, which is a retaining structure at the exit of the culvert, as part of the Saxton Creek Stage 4 upgrade. Contractors need to use a crane for this operation, and for safety reasons, it has been scheduled overnight to minimize the impact on traffic.

• Safety Measures: The closure is implemented to ensure the safety of both contractors working on the upgrade and the general public. As the lifting operation involves heavy machinery and potential hazards, it's crucial for all motorists to follow the traffic diversions and exercise caution in the area.

If you are planning to travel to or from Nelson during the specified dates and times, it's advisable to adjust your travel plans accordingly and be prepared for delays and detours. 

Stay informed about any updates or changes to the road closure schedule and plan alternative routes if necessary.

Pigeon Post News Richmond

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