Tasman Mayor Tim King and Nelson Mayor Nick Smith - PRESS RELEASE

 

Intersection of Queen St and Gladstone Road - Photo courtesy of Tasman District Council

Mayors welcome bypass commitment 

Tasman Mayor Tim King and Nelson Mayor Nick Smith have welcomed the commitment from the National Party as part of its 2023 Transport Policy to get on and build the Hope Bypass, extending from south of Ranzau Road to north of Queen Street.
 
“The congestion around the Queen Street and Gladstone Road intersection is hugely frustrating and costly for the region. We have welcomed the work Waka Kotahi has done on the planning for the Hope Bypass but are disappointed its construction is not in their 10-year plan. The congestion just keeps getting worse, particularly with the rapid growth in Richmond. This commitment to prioritise it will be welcomed by the thousands of people in Tasman who use this critical highway every day,” Mayor King says. “It also complements the significant investment Waka Kotahi has made to our new public transport service”.
 
“The Nelson-Tasman region contributes over $100 million a year in fuel taxes and road user charges into the National Land Transport Fund yet we risk being short-changed in getting no substantive investment in new highways this decade. We got Queen Elizabeth Drive in the 1980s, the Richmond Deviation in the 1990s, the Stoke Bypass in the 2000s, the Ruby Bay Bypass in the 2010s and we need the Hope Bypass in the 2020s. The region needs increased investment in all modes of transport covering cycling, buses, cars and trucks to support growth. The new eBus service is welcome but the biggest concern that has been raised with me by drivers is keeping on time with the bus depot in Richmond West and the congestion in Lower Queen Street. The Hope Bypass is complementary to making the new bus service work,” Mayor Nick says.
 
The two mayors welcome the commitment to this investment in the Nelson-Tasman region, estimated at $250 million. This commitment also shows the merits of the Nelson Regional Development Agency presenting to Wellington our infrastructure priorities, of which Nelson Hospital and the Hope Bypass were the joint top two most important projects.

TASMAN DISTRICT COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS

WHAT ARE YOUR MOST IMPORTANT PROJECTS FOR THE COMMUNITY?   DROP ME AN EMAIL

Pigeon Post News

FONTERRA MEDIA RELEASE:

 

Fonterra updates FY23 earnings guidance

Fonterra Co-operative Group has today provided an update on its forecast normalised earnings for FY23 and full year dividend.

 

CEO Miles Hurrell says while the Co-op is still in the process of finalising and having its FY23 numbers audited, it expects to end the year at the top end of its forecast range of 65-80 cents per share.

 

“Fonterra has reported strong earnings through FY23 off the back of favourable Ingredients margins. As we close out our books, we’re in a position to provide further guidance on where we expect to end the year. 

 

“Furthermore, we expect to pay a full year dividend at the top end of our dividend policy, which is 40-60% of normalised earnings,” says Mr Hurrell.

 

The full year dividend comprises the interim dividend of 10 cents per share already paid, plus the final dividend expected to be paid in October.

Fonterra will confirm its final FY23 earnings and full year dividend when it reports its financial results in September. 

Fonterra

Pigeon Post News

Weekend weather

Snow gone by the weekend, but the cold temperatures linger

Webcam located at Beginner Area in Rainbow Ski Area, Tasman New Zealand.

Covering period of Thursday 10 - Sunday 13 August

A cold front, which closed several roads over the South Island this morning (Thursday), is moving over the North Island today, lowering snow to 5-600m over the lower and central North Island. MetService is forecasting settled weather behind the cold front today or tomorrow before another set of weather features moves over the country this weekend. 

April Clark, MetService meteorologist, said, “Snow affecting the upper South Island, including the higher suburbs of Christchurch, is on the easing trend, with showers and snow set to gradually clear.”

“As for the North Island, showers and bitter conditions are expected throughout the day, with snow lowering to 5-600m over southern and central regions. Road Snow Warnings are out for the Remutaka Hill Road, Desert Road and Napier-Taupō Road this afternoon and evening” Clark continued.

The settled, but icy, weather, which is already gracing the lower South Island today, is due to a ridge of high pressure which has started to move in behind the cold front. Skies are expected to clear over the rest of the country tomorrow as the ridge moves north.

Clear skies after this polar blast makes a perfect recipe for freezing overnight temperatures. Many inland regions of the South Island are looking to drop more than a couple of degrees below zero overnight tonight. Queenstown is looking to plummet to -5C tomorrow, which could be their coldest temperature this year so far, but well off their all-time low of -12.2C in July 1995 . The coldest temperatures in the North Island will most likely happen Saturday morning with Masterton set to drop to -3C.

Over the weekend a couple of fronts moves northwards over both the North and South Islands, though most of the rain associated with each will be contained to western regions, leaving the east mostly fine. Both daytime and overnight temperatures make a slight recovery as these fronts move over.

Editor: It felt really cold this morning in Richmond with the temperature dropping below zero at Nelson Airport, but looking west and south at the rangers and mountains from Tahunanui Back Beach there really wasn’t as much snow as one would expect.

Sunrise looking through to D'urville island from Mahana

today at 07:37 Photo: Ian Poole - thanks Ian

 

Photo looking north west from Tahunanui Back Beach at midday today

Photo looking west from Tahunanui Back Beach at midday today

Photo looking west from Tahunanui Back Beach at midday today

Photo looking west from Tahunanui Back Beach at midday today

Photo looking south west from Tahunanui Back Beach at midday today

Photo looking south from Tahunanui Back Beach at midday today

MetService

Pigeon Post News Richmond

Work for nature this summer with DOC

 

DOC has launched a new process to make it easier for jobseekers to place into their ideal roles.

The system allows candidates to register their preference for specific work streams, such as hut wardens, weed control or visitor centre work. This means people can apply for multiple roles, while indicating their ideal seasonal work at the same time.

Seasonal work at DOC is an excellent opportunity to upskill and learn more about careers in conservation, with many permanent DOC staff having found their calling through starting out in similar roles.

Deputy Director-General Regional Operations Henry Weston says he hopes to create a buzz around seasonal work.

“DOC’s workload skyrockets in the summer months, and the help we get from these temporary team members helps us keep on track with our important conservation work,” says Henry. “Fences that have been damaged over winter, rapidly growing weeds, and breeding pests are just some of the examples of why we need more boots on the ground.

“By showcasing the work we have, and allowing people to stream into their preference, we hope we’ll get ever more dedicated conservation workers on board helping us do the best we can for Aotearoa New Zealand.”

Heritage and Visitor Ranger James McQueen began his conservation career as a seasonal worker, and says it was a great way to gain experience and test the waters with conservation work.

“I started seasonally in this role in 2021, with three years in the Queenstown Visitor Centre before that,” says James. “The seasonal roles were a great way to get experience before going into conservation full time.

“I was going from office work to outdoors work, so the seasonal role was a great way to dip my toes into what the work really was.

“I’ve worked with tons of seasonal people now, some of them who find out it’s not for them, and others who realise wow, this is what I want to do. The seasonal roles are a great way to try out conservation work and really decide if that’s where you want to be. For me, and a lot of my colleagues, it is.”

Find out more about seasonal conservation work at:- https://www.doc.govt.nz/careers/seasonal-recruitment/

Pigeon Post News Richmond

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