Great News from Council that coastline from Mot to Riwaka going to improve

Motueka Coastline. File photo.

Exciting Developments as Motueka's Coastal Environment Receives a Boost

Motueka, 04 December 2023

In a promising turn of events, Motueka's Wastewater Treatment Plant is making a remarkable recovery after two months of dedicated attention and meticulous care.

Back in late September, engineers from the Tasman District Council detected signs of a malfunction in part of the filtration system at the plant. Although it was still operational, it wasn't performing at its peak efficiency.

According to Mike Schruer, Waters and Wastes Manager, the issue lay in the membranes responsible for removing remaining bacteria and minute particles before the water is discharged. Despite the challenge, the council took swift action, temporarily resorting to the pre-2016 system, pumping treated water into an adjacent soakage area where it naturally filtered through the ground.

In response to the situation, a collaborative effort with iwi, Public Health, and the Ministry for Primary Industries implemented a rāhui, restricting the collection of fish and shellfish from the affected coastal area. This joint effort successfully minimized potential impacts.

Mike Schruer delivered the uplifting news that brand-new membranes, generously provided by Marlborough District Council, have been successfully installed and are operating efficiently. This development has allowed the cessation of water pumping into the soakage area.

"We conducted regular water quality testing at various locations around the plant, and we are delighted to report that laboratory results revealed no significant increases in bacteria levels following the emergency pumping program," shared Mike Schruer.

While awaiting results from the forensic analysis of the old membranes to determine the cause of their deterioration, Schruer remains optimistic. The decision on when the rāhui will be lifted is pending, bringing hope for a brighter and healthier coastal environment from Motueka to Riwaka.

Tasman District Council Comms.

Pigeon Post News.

Update on Stoke Homicide

  Second Arrest Made in Stoke Homicide Investigation

Nelson, New Zealand - On Friday the 1 December, in a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the tragic death of James Whitikau Barton in Stoke on Friday, November 10, Tasman Police have announced a second arrest. Detective Inspector Lex Bruning confirmed that a 30-year-old woman is due to appear in court on charges of being an accessory after the fact to murder.

This latest arrest follows the initial charge of murder brought against a 33-year-old man in connection with James Whitikau Barton's death. 

The arrests underscore the meticulous efforts of the police in pursuing justice for James Whitikau Barton and his grieving family. The charges reflect the gravity of the situation and the determination of law enforcement to hold all those involved accountable for their actions.

The community's cooperation and information have played a crucial role in advancing the investigation, and the police continue to urge anyone with additional information to come forward. Collaborative efforts between the police and the community remain vital in ensuring a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

New wave of concerning emails

Concerning Emails Continue: Police Investigation Ongoing

New Zealand, December 3, 2023 - The New Zealand police are actively investigating a new wave of concerning emails directed at various organisations, including hospitals and places of worship. This comes in the wake of similar incidents on November 23 and 24, 2023.

The emails mirror those received in the previous incidents, prompting authorities to intensify efforts to trace their origin. While treating each threat with caution, the police have not established any actual danger at this time.

Organisations are urged to continue reporting such emails to assist in the ongoing investigation. The police express gratitude for the cooperation received, acknowledging the unsettling nature of these communications. The names of individual organisations affected will not be disclosed to prevent unnecessary alarm.

As the investigation unfolds, the community is reminded to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious emails to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.

Pigeon Post News

Tasman urban water restrictions - Phase A

Tasman Water Restrictions. File Photo

Phase A restrictions introduced for Tasman urban supplies from December 1

29 November, 2023

 

Tasman District Council has announced that Phase A water restrictions are being introduced for its urban water supplies, and their rural extensions, effective from this Friday December 1, 2023.  

The areas affected are the Wakefield and Waimea zones, which includes Richmond, Brightwater, Hope, Redwood 1 and 2 and Māpua water supplies.  

Nelson residents living adjacent to Champion Road, where water is supplied from the Richmond Water Supply Scheme, will also face Phase A water restrictions.  

This also covers the Wakatu Industrial Estate, Champion Rd and parts of Saxton Road West. 

Community Infrastructure Group Manager Richard Kirby says recent data showed that Council’s water readings in the Waimea bores and Delta zone were above the consented take.  

“These measures do not reflect an overly low level of water available in the district, as most schemes are well below their interim limits.” 

“However, it has underlined a need for precautions to avoid broader restrictions later in the season. With a dry summer predicted, we are implementing these restrictions in order to extend our aquifier supplies throughout summer.” 

“We will be reviewing the situation the following week to see if there is any improvement. The amount of rainfall in the coming days will determine whether there is a need for ongoing or elevated restrictions.”   

“In the meantime, we encourage residents in all areas of the district to conserve water as much as possible and hints on how to do that are available on the Council website.” 

Under Phase A restrictions, watering of grass or lawns is not permitted.  However, watering decorative and productive gardens is permitted using a handheld hose with trigger nozzle or time limited water system.    

For pool owners, filling a pool is prohibited at this time, however topping up a pool is still permitted.       

More details on what the restrictions mean can be found at  www.tasman.govt.nz/link/water-restrictions .

Information about Phase A water restrictions at home:

Phase A:

YOU CAN:

• Do outdoor washing (cars, windows, outdoor areas) with a hand held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, water blaster or bucket.
• Water your flowers/trees/planters with a hand held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, watering systems on a timer or a bucket. Watering listed protected trees is allowed using these methods.
• Water your veggie garden and fruit trees with a hand held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, watering systems on a timer or a bucket.
• Top up a pool, spa or water feature.
• Use water for play.

YOU CAN’T:

• Water the lawn.
• Fill a pool, spa or water feature but you can top one up if needed.

Tasman District Council Communications.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

Saturday 25 November: Nelson Airport tests emergency response with planned simulation

Emergency Simulation at Nelson Airport. Photo Credit: Angela Middlebrook, Nelson Airport.   

 Successful Emergency Simulation at Nelson Airport Validates Emergency Response Preparedness

Date: 27 November 2023

Nelson Airport's recent full-scale emergency exercise on Saturday, 25 November, proved to be a seamless collaboration between the airport's Rescue Fire Service, Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ), Police, and Hato Hone St John. The exercise, which simulated an aircraft crash landing, involved 80 to 100 emergency service personnel and volunteers. Notably, the airport remained fully operational throughout the exercise, ensuring no disruption to regular services or activities.

According to Nelson Airport Senior Rescue Fire Officer Matt van der Heyden, the comprehensive emergency exercise was a mandatory requirement, conducted every two years under Civil Aviation Authority rules. Van der Heyden emphasized the importance of such simulations, stating, "Events such as the one we’re practicing for are extremely rare, but that makes simulations such as this even more important to ensure we are prepared to respond should the need ever arise.”

The exercise kicked off at 10:30 am and concluded by 2:00 pm, encompassing controlled live fire and smoke, along with increased emergency service traffic and activity around the airport. Matt reassured the public that these elements were all part of the exercise, meticulously planned over several months leading up to the event.

In a post-exercise update on 27 November 2023, Nelson Airport reported that the emergency simulation ran smoothly, with emergency services successfully testing their procedures and equipment. Matt van der Heyden expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating, "It went extremely well, and while there are always a few small things to work on, I was really pleased with how well everyone worked together to respond to the scenario.”

Testing Emergency Response at Nelson Airport. Photo Credit: Angela Middlebrook, Nelson Airport.   

He extended gratitude to all the agencies involved in the simulation and gave a special acknowledgment to the Air Training Corps No. 23 (Nelson) Squadron, whose volunteers played a crucial role in simulating casualties during the exercise.

Nelson Airport, in compliance with Civil Aviation Authority regulations, will continue to conduct such comprehensive emergency exercises every two years to ensure the ongoing preparedness and effectiveness of its emergency response capabilities.

Nelson Airport Communications Manager, Beth Catley.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond

METSERVICE & TRAFFIC BULLETIN

MetService and Traffic Bulletin - Pigeon Post News.

Traffic bulletin and

MetService Severe Weather Watch 

MetService: Issued at 9:43am Fri 24 Nov 2023

Strong winds for Wellington and Marlborough, and heavy rain for Hawke's Bay and Tairawhiti/Gisborne

A cold front moves northwards over central New Zealand today, followed by strong southerly winds. A Strong Wind Watch is in force for Wellington and parts of Marlborough.

A low pressure system is expected to develop northeast of East Cape this evening, bringing a strong and humid south to southeast flow to Hawke's Bay and Tairawhiti/Gisborne. Heavy rain should develop during Saturday and continue through to Sunday. The Heavy Rain Watch for parts of Hawke's Bay and Tairawhiti/Gisborne has been upgraded to Orange Warnings.

People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case any changes are made.

Strong Wind Watch 

Area: Wellington, Eastern Marlborough Sounds and the Kaikoura Coast

Valid: 7 hours from 2:00pm Fri 24 Nov to 9:00pm Fri 24 Nov

Forecast: Southerly winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.

An update will be issued by 9:00pm Fri 24 Nov

WAKA KOTAHI TRAFFIC BULLETIN 

Important information for drivers:

• The Metservice has issued a strong wind watch for Wellington, eastern Marlborough Sounds and the Kaikoura Coast. It is in effect this afternoon and into this evening (Friday, 24 November) with severe gales forecast. Road users - particularly motorcyclists, truck and van drivers, and towing vehicles – must take extra care in exposed areas. Strong wind gusts don’t just affect your driving. They can create other hazards like treefalls, downed powerlines, and blown debris. Check weather and road conditions before you travel.
• Metservice Weather Warnings
• Waka Kotahi Journey Planner

MetService & NZ Transport Agency.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

Weather News Release - Covering period of Thursday 23 - Monday 27 November

METSERVICE.

Dramatic shift in weather 

 23/11/2023

MetService is closely monitoring a significant weather shift set to unfold as a large frontal system sweeps northward across the country. This meteorological event is poised to bring notable changes in temperature, strong winds, and heavy rain over the next 24 hours and into the weekend.

Today (Thursday), the eastern South Island braces for thunderstorm activity, accompanied by punchy winds and potential hail. MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane emphasises, "Rapid changes in weather conditions are expected with this frontal passage."

Thursday boasts warm temperatures in Blenheim (28°C) and Christchurch and Ashburton (27°C). However, a stark temperature drop is anticipated as the cold front progresses from the South Island to the North Island by Saturday. Maximum temperatures on Friday in the South Island only reach the low to mid-teens, with Ashburton and Christchurch  at a nippy 12°C and 13°C.

For the North Island, Masterton drops from 25°C on Thursday to 14°C on Saturday, while Auckland and Northland will transition to cooler and fresher air, departing from the "tropical feel" of late. Brief snowfalls are also possible in elevated areas of the lower South Island late Thursday into Friday.

A significant feature of this weather system is the arrival of strong and blustery southerly winds, affecting the eastern South Island and lower North Island. A Strong Wind Watch has been issued for Wellington, Marlborough Sounds, and the Kaikōura Coast for Friday from 2 pm to 11 pm. Makgabutlane advises, "Precautions are recommended, securing loose items and exercising caution on the roads, especially in exposed areas where gusts may approach severe gale." Strong winds persist over the North Island during the weekend, especially in Gisborne and the Bay of Plenty.

These winds may also generate large waves in the lower North Island on Friday, extending to the eastern North Island on Saturday, with heights reaching 3 to 4 metres. Extra care is urged for those planning activities near the water during this period.

Lastly, the frontal system also brings rainfall for most of the country. The wettest conditions are expected to impact the eastern North Island on the back of an already wet start to this past week. A Heavy Rain Watch is in place for Hawke's Bay and Tairāwhiti/Gisborne from Friday 1 pm to Sunday 9 am. “This is long period of wet weather, and residents are advised to stay updated with the latest forecasts, as areas may be added or upgraded in the coming days,” Makgabutlane says.

The weather system is expected to move away on Sunday, bringing improved conditions to the South Island and most of the North Island. The reprieve will be brief, however, as the next low-pressure system approaches in the new week. Details of this will be added in the coming days on MetService’s new look Severe Weather Outlook. MetService is New Zealand’s only authorised provider of Severe Weather Watches and Warnings.

MetService Communications.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.