Security Scare at Nelson Airport

Nelson Airport receives "Concerning" email. Photo R Therkleson.

Security Scare at Nelson Airport Resolved: Terminal Evacuated Following email of a "concerning nature"

In a development today, Sunday, December 17, at Nelson Airport, authorities swiftly responded to a threatening email, resulting in the evacuation of the airport terminal as a precautionary measure. Police are actively working to trace the origin of the concerning email and assure the public that no immediate threat has been identified.

The security measures were implemented after the airport received an alarming email, prompting the involvement of the police, ambulance, and fire service. The evacuation, which took place just after 9 am, was conducted to ensure the safety of all individuals present. The building was cleared for re-entry shortly before 10 am, allowing for the resumption of flights.

While there is confidence from the police that there is no ongoing threat, the terminal remained evacuated as a precautionary step. Authorities advise members of the public to avoid the airport until the incident is fully resolved. Traveler's with flights to and from Nelson are urged to follow instructions provided by their respective airlines.

Police expressed understanding of the unsettling nature of such incidents and extended gratitude to everyone involved for their cooperation during the investigation. Ongoing inquiries are being conducted to determine the source of the threatening email, and updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

The latest update from the Police Media Centre is that normal operations are resuming at the Nelson Airport and that “both the airport and planes there have been cleared and Police are confident there is no ongoing threat.

Police Media Centre

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand urges caution

Fire at Appleby Tuesday 12 Dec. Photo Fire & Emergency New Zealand.

 

Fire and Emergency urges caution following fire in Appleby near Richmond

Fire and Emergency is reminding people to be very careful with their fire activity following a fire in Appleby near Richmond on Tuesday 12 December.

The fire started at a firewood supply yard near Appleby around 4pm after a permitted burn pile got out of control.

Crews and trucks from 10 different brigades worked alongside two helicopters to contain and extinguish the fire. The last crew left the scene around 3am, with the property handed back to the owners this morning.

Assistant Commander Craig Davies says the fire had a lot of wood in a relatively small area and was fanned by strong winds, which resulted in a high intensity fire that was difficult to extinguish. 

Appleby fire.

"Our mainly volunteer personnel we had at the fire all worked extremely hard and it is a credit to them that the fire was contained and prevented from spreading.

"Unfortunately, a front-end loader, a truck and a firewood splitter were destroyed in the blaze, but the work of the crews meant the neighbouring properties were protected.

"We would like to thank Taylors Contracting and Fulton Hogan, who helped by supplying water tankers and front-end loaders.”

Craig Davies says the very dry and windy conditions, with wind gusts up to 90kmh, will be present in the area again on Wednesday, so people should be cautious with any burning or spark-generating activity.

"Please be very careful with ignition sources and please remember to always check the local fire danger at www.checkitsalright.nz and follow our safety guidelines, even if you have a permit to light a fire.

"If the fire danger is Very High or Extreme, it is best to postpone a fire."

Fire at Appleby

Report from the Richmond Voluntary Fire Brigade

It was another busy day for the Richmond Voluntary Fire crew, the third call today turned into a large fire in Appleby. 

The Richmond Volunteers were joined by crews from Hira, Nelson, Mapua, Brightwater, Upper Moutere, Motueka, Appleby, Tasman, and Ngatimoti. 

They also had some great Community assistance from Taylors Ltd, Miller's firewood and Fulton Hogan suppliing water tankers and heavy machinery plus two helicopters helping to make great progress. They wished to thank heaps very one who helped.

They said it was a great effort by all involved who had worked so hard to make very good progress and to make a substantial difference. Crews will be staying overnight to keep working on it.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

Dry summer forecast sees wider water restrictions introduced for Tasman

 Dry summer forecast sees wider water restrictions introduced for Tasman 

13 December, 2023

Driven by falling river flows, an extended dry summer forecast and a need to conserve water at the earliest opportunity, Tasman District Council has announced water restrictions for a number of urban users and consent holders.  

A meeting of Tasman’s Dry Weather Task Force was held this week to discuss the possible implementation of measures, in response to the arrival of the El Nino weather pattern and the likelihood of drier months ahead. 

Taskforce convenor Kim Drummond said having sufficient water available for everyone – be it for irrigation, commercial or residential use - was a major consideration for the district.  

Therefore, a conservative approach was essential to meet the demand of the community. 

“Our primary objective is to ensure  the rivers and aquifers have enough water to support life, and due to the dry weather we need to start rationing the amount that people use.” 

“With minimal rainfall expected in the lead up to Christmas, it is important to be prepared and take action now so we can avoid water shortages and broader restrictions later in the summer season. 

Water Consent Holders 

Stage 1 Rationing - or a 20% cut from authorised weekly usage - will begin from Monday 18 December 2023 for consent holders in the Dovedale and Motupiko Water Management Zones where flows have or are about to hit trigger levels. 

Watering of lawns or decorative gardens is not permitted for any water user situated in the affected water management zones. Stock drinking water is not affected by these water restrictions. 

“The position will be reviewed at the next meeting of the Dry Weather Taskforce on 19 December 2023 – in the meantime, we ask everyone to conserve water as much as they can,” Kim said. 

If you receive your water from a Council supply 

Users on Council-managed reticulated water supplies are also affected, with Phase B water restrictions coming into effect on Friday 15 December, for those on water supply in Wakefield, Richmond, Brightwater, Hope, Redwood Valley 1 and 2, Māpua / Ruby Bay, Dovedale and Eighty Eight Valley. 

Nelson residents living adjacent to Champion Road, Wakatu Industrial Estate, and parts of Saxton Road West, where water is supplied from the Richmond Water Supply Scheme, will also face Phase B water restrictions. 

Tasman District Council Group Manager Community Infrastructure Richard Kirby said “the move to Phase B followed the implementation of Phase A restrictions on December 1 and was primarily driven by the need to avoid exceeding the amount of water Council could extract from its intakes”.   

“It’s important to note that Phase B is very much at the lower end of the scale of the restrictions we implement – but with minimal rain forecast in the coming days, we need to continue managing demand by implementing restrictions at this time.” 

• Under Phase B restrictions; 
• You can't water the lawn, fill or top up a pool, spa or water feature, or use water for play. 
• You can still do outdoor washing (cars, windows, outdoor areas) with a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, water blaster or bucket. 
• Flowers/trees/planters can be watered every second day only with a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, watering systems on a timer or a bucket. 
• Veggie gardens and fruit trees can be watered with a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, watering systems on a timer, or a bucket. 

Richard said “the situation will continue to be monitored in the coming days. However, if there is no significant rainfall and demand does not reduce then Phase C restrictions will follow on 22 December 2023”. 
 

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

Source: Tasman District Council, Te tai o Aorere, Communications.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

Richmond Community Christmas Dinner - KOHA ENTRY

 

RICHMOND

A Heartwarming Christmas Dinner: Holy Trinity Church Welcomes Members of the Community who may need it the most.

As the festive season approaches, the spirit of giving and community comes alive in Richmond. Holy Trinity Church is extending a warm invitation to the members of the Richmond community who need a Christmas Dinner provided for them filled with joy, and the spirit of giving.

Date and Venue:

On Christmas Day, Monday, December 25, the Holy Trinity Church Hall at 27 Dorset St, Richmond, will transform into a haven of holiday cheer. The doors will open at 11:00am, where guests can enjoy delightful nibbles and non-alcoholic drinks, setting the stage for a festive celebration. The Christmas Dinner will commence at 12:30pm, offering a delectable feast to bring the community together.

Inclusive Christmas Celebration:

This heartwarming event is open to those who need it most in the community, regardless of age. Holy Trinity Anglican Church understands that Christmas is a time for togetherness, and they extend a special welcome to those who may need it the most. The event operates on a koha entry system, ensuring that everyone, young or old, can join in the festivities without any barriers.

Your Hosts:

The Holy Trinity Anglican Church is not just providing a meal; they are creating an environment of warmth and companionship. The church, nestled in the heart of Richmond, is opening its doors to embrace the community and make Christmas a memorable and inclusive experience for those that need to be embraced at Christmas.

Tickets and Availability:

Tickets for this heartwarming Christmas Dinner are available at Holy Trinity Church, Age Concern, and Richmond Mall. The tickets are free, but the Church does accept koha to help cover the costs of running the dinner. The koha entry ensures that everyone can participate. 

It's an opportunity for those in need in the  community to come together, share a meal, and create lasting memories in the true spirit of the Christmas.

A Celebration of Community and Compassion:

This Christmas Dinner is not just a meal; it's a celebration of the Richmond community and a demonstration of compassion and unity. Holy Trinity Anglican Church is dedicated to ensuring that no one feels alone or left out during the Christmas season. 

How to Contribute:

As we approach this season of giving, let us come together as a community in Richmond, to make this Christmas Dinner a symbol of our warmth, kindness, and togetherness. You may know someone who would like to go to the Christmas Dinner and has nowhere else to go for Christmas. Let them know about this Christmas Dinner.

Alternatively, yourself or you may know someone who might like to provide a donation or contribute towards this event - contact the Holy Trinity Church Admin., Team at office@richmondanglican.church

The Details:

Date: 

Christmas Day, Monday, December 25. 

Tickets: 

Tickets are free with koha entry. They are available at Holy Trinity Church, Age Concern, and Richmond Mall. 

Location of the Christmas Dinner:

The Holy Trinity Church Hall at 27 Dorset St, Richmond.

Time: 

The doors will open at 11:00am, for nibbles and non-alcoholic drinks then the Christmas Dinner will commence at 12:30pm.

—————————————————————

RICHMOND

Church Notice:

Christmas at Holy Trinity Church Richmond

'The Coming of a Saviour'

List of services:

Nine Lessons & Carols 17 December 7:00pm

Pyjama Christmas 24 December 11:00pm

Christmas Day 25 December 9:30am

Location: 

27 Dorset St, Richmond.

Contacts: 

www.richmondanglican.church

office@richmondanglican.church

Ph: 03 544 8844.

---------------------------------------------------------

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

Nelson Cathedral Christmas Events & Services

 

Nelson Cathedral Events and Services

Christmas is a very busy and exciting season at the Nelson Cathedral. The very popular Christmas Tree Festival has begun with the light-up service already taken place, but the Christmas Tree Festival continues with many Christmas trees on show. The festival also features lunchtime Musical concerts with local musicians for a donation.

These events are to follow: ‘Festival of Nine Sessions and Carols’, ‘Kid’s Christingle Service’, ‘Christmas Eve Carols’ on the steps of the Cathedral, and much more listed below:

Nelson Cathedral Christmas Tree Festival: 

The Christmas Tree Festival at Nelson Cathedral is now open every day till 14 Jan. It is a community event & open to everyone, every day - from 8.30am until 6pm. Late night closing at 9.30pm on Friday evenings 15, 22 and 29 of  December at Nelson Cathedral.

The more than 60 trees have been decorated mainly by community organisations including a number of kindergartens & retirement villages. 

Lunchtime  Christmas Concerts:

Lunchtime concerts 1 - 1:30pm weekdays from 4 to 20 December. 

Festival of Nine Sessions & Carols:

This festival is to take place on 18 December at 7pm.

Kid’s Christingle Service:

This is to take place on Saturday 23 December at 5:30pm

Christmas Eve Carols on the Cathedral Steps:

Christmas eve ‘Carols on the Steps’ of the Cathedral 24 December 8:45pm and at 10:15pm ‘Choir Sings Carols from the Gallery.’

Christmas Day

Christmas Day 25 December 10am Choral Communion.

Evening Pray with Hymns

Sunday 7 January Evening Pray with Hymns 5-30pm

Christmas Tree Switch-off Service

Sunday 14 January 10-00am Family Communion and Christmas Tree Switch-off Service.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.