Weather — If you are up for Saturday sports it will be a chilly start to the morning

Cold end to an already chilly August

Covering period of Fri 25 - Sun 27 August

A ridge of high pressure remains over the country, bringing settled conditions for the rest of the working week. However, a few showers will affect the upper North Island and the Far South, but for much of Aotearoa New Zealand it’s light winds, clear skies and cold nights. From this weekend MetService is however, forecasting a cold end to an already chilly month as winds tip to the southwest. 

It will be another calm, cold and frosty start on Saturday morning for many with areas of low cloud and fog about.  

MetService Meteorologist Amy Loots says, “If you’re out early for Saturday morning sports, in Nelson or Tasman, wrap up warm as it’ll be a chilly start, but the sun should come out by mid-morning and warm things up.” 

“Nelson Airport is running colder than average for August, but just over a degree, and also slightly drier than the long term average.”

“Looking ahead, the last week of August also looks cold in sunny nelson, but not as cold as it has been the few weeks.”

A series of fronts are expected to move up the lower South Island on Saturday, bringing rain to Westland, Southland, and Otago. The fronts weaken as they push further north and onto the North Island on Sunday, however, Saturday is the pick of the weekend. 

“While there is minimal risk of severe weather associated with these fronts, there may be snow fall about some higher roads, especially on Sunday so make sure to stay up to date with the relevant forecasts,” Loots said.  

Following the fronts, a cold showery southwest flow spreads over the country and persists into next week. With these cold temperatures, this month is shaping up to be a cold August for Nelson and Tasman. This comes off the back of three warmer than average winters, driven by La Niña sitting on top of an underlying warming climate and as we head into spring the outlook looks cold – typical for El Nino spring in new Zealand.

 

METSERVICE

Pigeon Post News

Two women arrested following assault outside school

 

Two arrested following Nelson assault 

Thursday, 24 August 2023 - 7:59am | Tasman

Two women have been arrested following an assault that took place outside an intermediate school on Nayland Road on Monday afternoon.  

A 25-year-old and a 27-year-old are due to appear in Nelson District Court on Wednesday 30 August on assault charges.

Enquiries remain ongoing into the wider incident as Police work to identify and interview other suspects.

Anyone who saw the incident take place and has not yet spoken to Police is asked to contact Police via 105, either online or by phone, and quote file number 230822/1005.

Police Media Centre

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Region’s transport choke point has a solution

 The intersection of Queen St & HW6 Gladstone Rd

An intersection that has been a significant choke point for industry and commuters alike is in line for investment with the release today of the Government’s Policy Statement (GPS) on Transport.

The intersection of Richmond’s Queen Street and State Highway 6 is included as part of the strategic investment programme. 

“Due to the growth of the area, this intersection has become increasingly congested and costly to the region, economically and socially”, said Tasman Mayor Tim King.  

“With the agreement to consenting and design over the next three years we can now see a light at the end of the tunnel.” 

The GPS also provides for a significant increase in maintenance funding for local and national roads in the area. “For a number of years, we have had to prioritise maintenance on many of our roads which has led to a rising level of dissatisfaction over the quality of our important transport corridors. 

“Investment of this magnitude in maintenance is an investment in resilience, sustainability and safety in this network, a network that is vitally important to a predominantly rural district such as Tasman and the economic wellbeing of the region. 

“As our predominantly primary sector economy continues to grow and develop the sustainability of our transport network is vital. The proposed investment recognises the national importance of the Richmond State Highway 6 intersection and the need for resilient regional network. 

“While the release of the GPS provides a way forward, it still requires the Council, all sectors that could benefit and residents to submit in its favour. Without strong support for the policy, priority may be given to other areas to our loss. 

“We cannot sit back and accept this proposal is a done deal, we as a District and region need to signal our support.”  

Consultation on the draft GPS closes at 5pm on Friday 15 September 2023.

To submit on the GPS: Draft Government Policy Statement on land transport 2024 Consultation - Te Manatū Waka Ministry of Transport - Citizen Space

Tasman District Council

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Commuter Buzz:

 

Unprecedented Response to New eBus Service!

A wave of enthusiasm has engulfed the region in response to the brand-new eBus service!

Within its inaugural week, an impressive 15,500 journeys were clocked—a staggering 44 percent leap from the former NBus.

Contrasting the old NBus's daily average of 1,800 passengers, the modern eBus is cruising at an impressive daily average of 2,600 passengers.

The inaugural routes to Motueka and Wakefield have struck a chord, amassing 1,200 journeys in their first operational week.

Weekends witnessed an exceptional surge too, with passenger numbers soaring to 2,709—an astonishing 195 percent escalation over the old NBus figures.

We're all ears for your input on routes and bus stops! Join the conversation at https://bit.ly/3Cdha5M, drop a pin on the map, and contribute to shaping the future of routes and stops over the next year.

Tasman District Council

Pigeon Post News

MetService - Heavy Rain Watch -Tasman, about and west of Motueka

 

Widespread wet and windy weekend

MetService covering period of Thursday 17 - Sunday 20 August

The fine weather of today and Friday is set to change this weekend. MetService is forecasting a Tasman Sea low to bring widespread wet and windy weather this weekend. 

MetService meteorologist Andrew James say, “With high pressure taking hold of the steering wheel through into the weekend, we’ve got a cracking end to the working week for most of the country – Thursday sees showers gradually clear, with just a pesky few remaining in the far south of the South Island, and Friday is looking similar.” 

The weekend, however, is a different story. A broad area of low pressure is expected to cross Aotearoa New Zealand during Saturday and Sunday, bringing with it significant and widespread rain and wind.  

Severe Weather Watches for heavy rain are already in place for parts of Westland and Tasman while there is a Strong Wind Watch for Fiordland. Central North Island areas are likely to be added tomorrow. Some of these could be upgraded to warnings if required. 

Andrew has more detail “Rain gets going along the South Island’s west coast during Saturday morning, then into the afternoon the system moves onto the North Island. Wherever you are, Saturday’s best weather is going to be early in the day.” 

During Sunday the rain and wind continues to move eastwards across the country, with places like the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty potentially set to see the wettest weather.  

“The best advice this weekend is to keep up with the latest forecasts at metservice.com,” says James. 

The good news is that the weather is set to settle again after the weekend, as a ridge of higher pressure rebuilds across Aotearoa.

MetService

Pigeon Post News Richmond

Conservation Week 14 to 20 August 2023

DOC would like us to Take Action for Nature and Clean Spaces this Week

Conservation Week, a national event promoting nature and conservation engagement, is back this year, urging Aotearoa's residents to step up for nature. The Department of Conservation (DOC) is calling on individuals to contribute to a cleaner environment by participating in various activities. These actions include picking up litter, contributing time or funds to local community initiatives, and making sustainable choices to protect the unique ecosystems of Aotearoa.

Why Clean Up?

In this year's Conservation Week, DOC is challenging citizens to make a difference by cleaning up litter, safeguarding cherished local spots. Whether it's a beach, park, trail, or playground, these places hold personal significance to many as sources of leisure, exercise, and solace. However, litter poses a grave threat to these areas, impacting soil, waterways, wildlife, and overall ecological health. Collaborative efforts are crucial to counteract this harm, ensuring the preservation of natural spaces for both fauna and human well-being.

Taking Action

Taking action is straightforward and impactful. When in your treasured spaces, observe the amount and common areas of litter accumulation. Equip yourself with gloves and a bag – a paper supermarket bag or a bin liner – and aim to fill it before heading home. Share photos of your efforts online using DOC's #ConservationWeek hashtag to inspire others. Additionally, demonstrate love for nature by taking responsibility for your own waste during outdoor activities, such as walks, hikes, or bike rides. Carry a bag or container to collect your waste, minimizing your environmental footprint.

Further Steps for a Cleaner Environment

Engage younger generations by discussing the significance of maintaining clean natural spaces and involving them in litter cleanups. Organize outings with friends or family to clean up beaches or nature trails during weekends. Protect local wildlife by addressing food waste, as even biodegradable materials can attract harmful pests if left in inappropriate environments. To reduce waste, explore plastic-free alternatives in your household.

As Conservation Week continues, Aotearoa's residents are called upon to unite in a shared commitment to preserving the country's extraordinary natural heritage. By taking action, individuals contribute not only to the health of the environment but also to their own well-being.

DOC

Pigeon Post News

Take note:- Severe Weather Outlook

 

MetService Severe Weather Outlook - Valid Thu 17 Aug 2023 through to Sun 20 Aug 2023

MetService Severe Weather Outlook

A ridge of high pressure spreads onto the country from the west on Thursday, with cold and showery southwesterlies easing.

The flow is forecast to turn northerly on Friday as the ridge moves to the east of Aotearoa/New Zealand and a frontal system approaches from the Tasman Sea.

The front is expected to lie just to the west of Aotearoa/New Zealand by midnight Saturday, bringing rain to northern and western parts of the country and strong to gale force northeast winds to exposed places. The front should move eastwards over central New Zealand on Sunday, followed by a change to colder and showery southwesterlies. Meanwhile, the front is forecast to slow down as it moves eastwards over northern New Zealand due to a low developing on the front.

On Saturday, there is moderate confidence rainfall amounts will reach warning criteria about northwest Tasman, and low confidence of heavy rain for Westland south of Otira.

On Sunday, there continues to be moderate confidence of warnable amounts of rain for northwest Tasman, while there is low confidence of a period of heavy rain for other parts of Nelson/Tasman and northern Marlborough. There is also low confidence of a warnable period of heavy rain and severe northeast gales for the northern North Island from North Taranaki across the central high country to East Cape, as drawn on the chart. However, for Taranaki Maunga the confidence of heavy rain is considered moderate.

Low confidence:
a 20% likelihood (or 1 chance in 5) that the event will actually happen.
Moderate confidence:
a 40% likelihood (or 2 chances in 5) that the event will actually happen.
High confidence:
a 60% likelihood (or 3 chances in 5) that the event will actually happen.

Issued: 10:33am Tue, 15 Aug
Valid from midnight Wed, 16 Aug to midnight Sun, 20 Aug

MetService

Pigeon Post News Richmond