EDITORIAL:- Transport Choices Programme

 

Motueka about 1900 

Transport Choices Programme - Transport Safety Stalled: First Conspiracy Theorists Derail some of the projects now Waka Kotahi Freezes Funding

In a disheartening turn of events, Waka Kotahi has pulled the plug on funding for the Transport Choices programme in Tasman, citing the need for a clear direction from the new government. This abrupt stoppage comes as a consequence of the recent change in government, throwing a wrench into the gears of progress for the much-needed safety improvements in the region.

The Transport Choices programme, aimed at modernising centuries-old street layouts, has faced vehement opposition from conspiracy theorists and objectors resistant to change. This vocal minority, driven by baseless claims and unfounded fears, has succeeded in partly derailing a program crucial for the safety and accessibility of Tasman's streets.

One of the most alarming aspects of this opposition is that the objections are not only hindering progress but also jeopardising the safety of the most vulnerable members of the community—the young and the elderly. The old street layouts pose a significant risk to these demographics, emphasising the urgency of implementing the proposed changes.

Council Planners have invested considerable time and effort into planning the Transport Choices programme, with the aim of bringing Tasman's urban street layouts into the 21st century. However, the relentless objections from conspiracy theorists have not only disrupted the planning process but have also led to the exclusion of certain streets from improvement projects. Streets that could have been enhanced for safety are now left untouched due to baseless objections when funding was available to proceed.

The frustration is palpable as Tasman Mayor Tim King expresses his disappointment over the temporary halt to the programme, highlighting the missed opportunity to complete crucial projects before the change in government. He notes that the old street layouts not only impede progress but also compromise the safety of those who cannot or choose not to drive.

It is crucial to scrutinise the motives behind the objections from conspiracy theorists who seem determined to resist positive change. The safety and well-being of the community should not be compromised by unfounded claims and resistance to progress. The silent majority, whose interests lie in safer streets, must not be overshadowed by the vocal opposition.

As the community grapples with the repercussions of this funding freeze, there is an urgent need for collaboration between Waka Kotahi, the government, and local authorities to ensure a swift resolution. The resilience of baseless conspiracy theories should not hinder progress and compromise the safety of Tasman's residents. It's time to prioritise the silent majority and move forward with the Transport Choices programme for the betterment of the community.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

Transport Choices funding pause

 

Disappointment at Transport Choices funding pause 

09 November 2023

Tasman District Council is disappointed that the community could miss out on projects to improve safety for people walking or cycling following a Waka Kotahi decision to put funding on hold for its Transport Choices programme. 

Waka Kotahi has told councils that before it could follow through with commitments made to councils and other organisations, “it needs a clear direction from the incoming government on its transport investment priorities.”

Tasman Mayor Tim King says it is disappointing that it will take a bit longer to progress some of the improvements that were proposed under Transport Choices programme funding.

“We want to bring our urban street layouts into the 21st century, meaning they are safe and accessible for people who can’t or don’t drive.”

In Richmond the William Street neighbourhood upgrade, including pedestrian safety improvements at the Hill Street intersection and outside Henley School, is nearing its halfway point, while in Motueka the Pah Street improvements and the raised crossing on Old Wharf Road are progressing well.  Thankfully, Government funding is committed and secure for these works.

Transportation Manager Jamie McPherson says by making a fast start under incredibly challenging timeframes, we are already delivering some much-needed improvements around schools and recreational sites in Richmond and Motueka.  

“We are also pleased that our Streets for People programme, which is also delivering improvements for people walking and cycling in Richmond and Māpua, will continue unaffected by the Transport Choices delay.”

Mayor King says there are many different issues in the road system that all need addressing, and we look forward to working with Waka Kotahi and the Government on their signalled funding for increased road maintenance and the Hope Bypass project.

The $305 million Transport Choices programme comes out of the Climate Emergency Response Fund and is directly administered by the crown and managed by Waka Kotahi. 

No formal date has been set to review the funding situation, but there are signs it will not be until early next year.

Tasman District Council

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

For Led Zeppelin Fans - Led Zeppelin IV's Mysterious Album Cover

 

Led Zeppelin's IV Album Cover to the left - close up of old man to right. The man in the famous album cover has been identified.

Victorian Thatcher's Identity Unveiled on Led Zeppelin's Iconic Album Cover

For over five decades, Led Zeppelin's fourth album, known as "Led Zeppelin IV," has captivated fans worldwide with its distinctive album cover featuring an enigmatic, grey-bearded figure carrying a bundle of sticks on his back. The origins of this iconic image had remained a mystery, but now, thanks to the efforts of a historian and Led Zeppelin enthusiast, the identity of the elderly Victorian thatcher has been revealed.

Led Zeppelin IV's Mysterious Cover

The album "Led Zeppelin IV," released on November 8, 1971, is one of Led Zeppelin's most celebrated works, featuring legendary tracks like "Stairway to Heaven." What made this album even more intriguing was its cover art, which notably lacked any band name or album title. Instead, it showcased a framed, coloured image of a stooped man carrying a bundle of hazel, often referred to as a painting, with a partly demolished suburban house on the back cover. The photograph was discovered by the band's lead singer, Robert Plant, in an antique shop near guitarist Jimmy Page's house in Pangbourne, Berkshire.

The Discovery

The man behind the mystery figure on the album cover has been identified as Lot Long, a Victorian thatcher from Wiltshire. The breakthrough came from the dedicated efforts of Brian Edwards, a visiting research fellow at the University of the West of England's regional history centre. Edwards stumbled upon the image in a photograph album while conducting research that extended from an exhibition he curated with the Wiltshire Museum in 2021.

Edwards's research sought to engage the public with Wiltshire's history by exploring everyday sources, including photographs. While following up on early photographs of Stonehenge, he unexpectedly uncovered the iconic image of the Wiltshire thatcher that had graced Led Zeppelin IV's cover.

"Led Zeppelin created the soundtrack that has accompanied me since my teenage years, so I really hope the discovery of this Victorian photograph pleases and entertains Robert, Jimmy, and John Paul," Edwards said, reflecting on his personal connection to the band and his excitement about the find.

Unveiling the Identity

The original image of the Wiltshire thatcher was discovered in a Victorian photograph album titled "Reminiscences of a visit to Shaftesbury. Whitsuntide 1892. A present to Auntie from Ernest." This album contained over 100 architectural views, street scenes, and portraits of rural workers from Wiltshire, Dorset, and Somerset. Beneath the stooped man's image, the photographer had written "A Wiltshire thatcher."

Further research revealed that the thatcher in the photograph was Lot Long (sometimes Longyear), who was born in Mere in 1823 and passed away in 1893. At the time the photograph was taken, Long was a widower living in a small cottage in Shaftesbury Road, Mere.

Additionally, a part-signature matching the writing in the album suggested that the photographer was Ernest Howard Farmer (1856-1944), the first head of the school of photography at what is now the University of Westminster.

Farmer's photograph is currently housed in the Wiltshire Museum in Devizes, where an exhibition featuring this iconic image, along with others from the Victorian era, is scheduled to take place in spring 2024.

A Historical Connection

The discovery of Lot Long's identity has added an intriguing layer of history to Led Zeppelin's already legendary album cover. David Dawson, the director of Wiltshire Museum, noted how the forthcoming exhibition, "The 'Wiltshire Thatcher: a photographic journey through Victorian Wessex," would celebrate the work of Ernest Farmer. Farmer's photography, often capturing the spirit of rural life in Wiltshire and Dorset, provides a striking connection between the Victorian era and Led Zeppelin's iconic album cover, creating a bridge between the past and the present.

With the mystery finally solved, fans of Led Zeppelin can now appreciate the rich history behind the album cover that has become an enduring symbol of rock and roll.

NELSON AIRPORT - precautionary landing

Nelson Airport.

Originair Precautionary Landing After Indication of Possible Engine Fire 

Nelson, New Zealand - A potential incident raised alarms at Nelson Airport today as an Originair flight headed to Palmerston North reported an indication of a possible fire in one of its engines. Emergency services responded swiftly to ensure the safety of all passengers and the crew.

At approximately 1:30 pm on Friday, November 3, 2023, Nelson Airport received reports of an engine issue aboard an Originair flight en route from Nelson to Palmerston North. The aircraft had called in a fire indicator in its right-hand engine, prompting the airport's emergency response.

Fire and Emergency vehicles rushed to the scene around 1:20 pm following the call from the aircraft. Fortunately, the plane was able to land safely at Nelson Airport. Despite the initial concern, the spokesperson for Fire and Emergency reassured the public that there was no actual fire on board. The aircraft was thoroughly inspected to confirm the absence of any fire risk.

Upon landing, the airport's Rescue Fire Service met the aircraft and, together with the inspection team, verified the safety of the aircraft. In a collaborative effort, the local police and Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) provided support for the airport response.

While the incident resulted in some slight delays for departing flights, these flights have now resumed their schedules. Originair has taken prompt action to ensure passengers reach their intended destination by arranging an alternative service to Palmerston North today.

Passengers disembarked the flight safely after the precautionary landing. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of the airport's robust safety measures and the prompt response of emergency services in ensuring the safety of all travelers.

Nelson Airport and Originair continue to prioritise safety and maintain their commitment to the well-being of passengers and crew.

Nelson Airport Press Release.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

Official results for the 2023 General Election

Updates: Final election 2023 results released after special votes counted, ballots checked

Official results for the 2023 General Election

Nov 3, 2023 | Media release

The Electoral Commission has declared the official results for the 2023 General Election.

Party vote - main points

The National Party has two fewer seats, Te Pāti Māori has gained two, and the Green Party has gained one more.  

• The number of seats in Parliament on these results will be 122.
• The National Party has 48 seats compared with 50 on election night.
• Te Pāti Māori has 6 seats compared with 4 on election night.
• The Green Party has 15 seats compared with 14 on election night.
• There are no changes for the Labour Party which has 34 seats, ACT New Zealand which has 11 seats, and the New Zealand First Party which has 8 seats.
• There is an overhang of two seats because Te Pāti Māori won more electorate seats than it would otherwise have from its share of the party vote.
• One more seat will be added to Parliament after the Port Waikato by-election, taking the total to 123.

Electorate vote - main points

Four electorate results have changed since election night:

• Labour candidate Rachel Boyack has won Nelson with a majority of 29 votes over the National candidate Blair Cameron.
• Labour candidate Phil Twyford has won Te Atatū with a majority of 131 votes over the National candidate Angee Nicholas.
• Te Pāti Māori candidate Takutai Tarsh Kemp has won Tāmaki Makaurau with a majority of 4 votes over the Labour candidate Peeni Henare.  
• Te Pāti Māori candidate Mariameno Kapa-Kingi has won Te Tai Tokerau with a majority of 517 over the Labour candidate Kelvin Davis.

All other electorate candidates leading on election night have been confirmed as winning their seats.

Key statistics

• The total number of votes cast was 2,883,412. 
• The number of special votes was 603,257 - 20.9% of total votes (17% in 2020 & 2017).
• Turnout of people who were enrolled to vote was 78.2% (82.2% in 2020, 79.8% in 2017). 
• The final enrolment rate was 94.7% (94.1% in 2020, 92.4% in 2017).

Background

The official results for the General Election held on 14 October 2023 have been determined in accordance with the requirements of electoral legislation.

The scrutiny of the rolls has been completed and the master roll for each electorate has been prepared.

All votes counted on election night have been counted a second time, and special votes have been checked for eligibility before being counted. This has been done in the presence of Justices of the Peace and any scrutineers appointed by candidates.

Comprehensive audit checks have also been completed at the national level to ensure the results are accurate.

The results are subject to any applications for judicial recounts.

Details of the official results are available at www.electionresults.govt.nz

Comment

The anticipation surrounding the final election results for New Zealand in 2023 has come to an end, providing a clearer picture of the upcoming Parliament.

The National Party has experienced a setback, losing two seats compared to the election night outcome. This loss has left them without a majority, even when joined by ACT.

Meanwhile, the Māori Party has gained two additional electorate seats, one of them secured by a margin of just four votes. This has resulted in a total of 122 seats in Parliament, with an upcoming increase to 123 following the Port Waikato by-election.

The three-week period following the election day has been dedicated to counting special votes and conducting thorough ballot checks.

These are the latest election results:

Initially, there were still 600,000 votes awaiting counting after the election night, complicating the National Party's task of forming a government.

Leader Christopher Luxon has engaged in discussions with New Zealand First regarding a potential alliance and will now require their eight votes to achieve a majority.

In a closely contested race, Labour's Peeni Henare lost Tāmaki Makaurau to Te Pāti Māori's Takutai Tarsh Kemp by a slim margin of four votes.

Deputy Labour leader Kelvin Davis also experienced defeat in Te Tai Tokerau, losing to Mariameno Kapa-Kingi from Te Pāti Māori by 517 votes. He had previously stated his intention to retire from politics if he lost the seat.

On a positive note for Labour, Phil Twyford and Rachel Boyack have successfully reclaimed Te Atatu and Nelson, respectively. This victory has led to Shanan Halbert and Tracey McLellan losing their list seats.

Furthermore, the Greens have managed to secure an additional seat. 

Electoral Commission. 

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

Richmond Transport Choices News

 

Part of the proposed plan for Champion Road. Credit Tasman District Council.

Exciting News for Richmond Residents: Transformation of Champion Road Coming!

Prepare for a brand-new, safer, and more vibrant Champion Road in Richmond, as the Tasman District Council gears up to kickstart an innovative transformation between Salisbury Road and Hill Street. This project isn't just about improving infrastructure – it's about making the streets safer for our community.

Collaboration is at the heart of this endeavour, as a dedicated group of local residents has joined forces with TDC’s project team to pioneer a cutting-edge layout that prioritises cyclist safety and road enhancements. Imagine a Champion Road that's not only efficient but also a hub for healthy and sustainable transportation.

One of the standout features of this venture is the construction of a state-of-the-art raised pedestrian crossing outside Garin College, ensuring the safety of pedestrians and students. Additionally, TDC are introducing dedicated cycle lanes that will be separated from traffic, making it easier and safer for cyclists to navigate our town.

The great news is that this transformation is made possible through a partnership with Waka Kotahi's Streets for People and Transport Choices programs, guaranteeing that we're moving toward a more accessible and people-friendly Richmond. TDC are committed to environmental sustainability too, as the materials used in this project will be easily repurposed, allowing for hassle-free adjustments to the design if needed.

Mark your calendars for December when the work is set to begin, and get ready to embrace the positive changes that Champion Road has in store for you. Stay up to date at shape.tasman.govt.nz

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.