Tākaka: Community Resilience Prevails

 

ITM Building Supplies Store on fire. Supplied.

ITM Building Supplies Store in Tākaka: Community Resilience Prevails Amidst Fire and Contamination Challenges

Ray Therkleson

The Tākaka community in Golden Bay faced a significant challenge as the ITM building supplies store succumbed to a devastating fire on Thursday, January 11, 2024. The incident not only marked the loss of a crucial local business but also sparked concerns about potential water contamination in this isolated community. Despite the adversity, the response from the Tasman District Council, the Local Volunteer Firefighting Brigades, and the community itself has painted a positive outlook for recovery.

The fire, which broke out in the early hours, posed a serious threat to neighbouring properties, including the PGG Wrightson farm supplies store. Thanks to the swift and coordinated efforts of the Takaka Volunteer Fire Brigade, with support from fire crews spanning Tākaka, Collingwood, Upper Tākaka, Kaiteriteri, Motueka, and Nelson City, disaster was averted. Grant Haywood, Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s Nelson-Marlborough district commander, thanked the crews for containing the fire under challenging circumstances.

Remarkably, 13 fire trucks were dispatched to the scene, and their collective efforts prevented the spread of the fire further into adjoining businesses and the main street. The containment measures adopted by the firefighting teams played a crucial role in mitigating the potential impact on the community.

In the aftermath of the fire, concerns about water contamination surfaced, given the nature of the destroyed building's inventory. However, a meticulous inventory assessment by the store owners revealed that only relatively small volumes of paints and associated products were affected. The bulk store of chemical and paint products, located separately, remained unharmed, significantly minimising the risk of hazardous runoff.

The Tasman District Council demonstrated swift and effective action by initiating stormwater testing, employing red dye to trace potential contamination pathways. The results provided reassurance, indicating that any water runoff was confined to a limited area and did not pose a threat to local streams or the estuary.

Crucially, the Council's proactive approach extended to monitoring private water bores in the vicinity. Approximately 25 properties in the Motupipi Street area were directly contacted, with residents advised to consume bottled water as a precautionary measure. Transparent communication and precautionary measures underscored the Council's commitment to the safety and well-being of the community.

Despite the setback, the resilient spirit of the Tākaka community shines through. Tasman Mayor Tim King acknowledged the inconveniences caused by the loss of the ITM store but, highlighted the community's strength in supporting each other. He emphasised the community's ability to navigate challenges, even in isolation, as locals will rally together to face the situation with positivity and mutual assistance.

In the face of adversity, the collective efforts of the Tākaka Voluntary Fire Brigade, other Voluntary Fire Brigades, the Tasman District Council, and the tight-knit Tākaka community have paved the way for recovery and exemplified the strength that defines this isolated rural gem.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

MetService - Weather News Release

 

MetService

Very Hot Weather Continues

11/01/2024

Covering period of Thursday 11 - Sunday 14 January

MetService is forecasting high temperatures to endure through the weekend, with warm northwesterlies developing again on Saturday – a repeat of the current set up over the South Island/Te Waipounamu, while a ridge dominates the situation in the North Island/Te Ika-a-Māui.

 

A warm, moist northwesterly flow is delivering rain to the west and the south of the South Island today (Thursday), resulting in a Heavy Rain Watch for southern Westland until Thursday evening. The flow dries out and heats up as it travels over the Southern Alps in a classic foehn wind scenario, pushing up the mercury as it reaches eastern areas – Christchurch reached 31°C early Thursday afternoon as the hot air touched down in the Garden City. 

Up north, the settled and mostly sunny days continue into Friday for the North Island/Te Ika-a-Māui: temperatures about average; showers mostly isolated and inland; morning clouds giving way to blue skies. While northwesterly winds pick up on Thursday evening for the lower North Island, they drop out again Friday morning.  

MetService Meteorologist Clare O’Connor expands: “A weak cold front travels up the South Island overnight into Friday bringing about a change to easterly winds on Friday morning and low cloud pushing onto the east coast with the return of ridge conditions. This wind change will also be felt over in the west, with the dying out of the northerly winds and the sun poking through by afternoon there. North Islanders will be mostly unaffected, aside from cloudier conditions to start about the Kapiti Coast and Wellington.” 

The ridge over the South Island is short-lived, and another warm, moist northwesterly flow develops Saturday morning and travels northwards up the country. MetService’s Severe Weather Outlook signals heavy rain affecting the south and west of the South Island again from Saturday afternoon; any necessary Severe Weather Watches or Warnings will be issued closer to the time. Temperatures are forecast to rise once more in the east of the South Island, but the east of the North Island will feel it too this time: models are currently indicating that Hastings could reach 33°C on Sunday. 

MetService advises anyone out and about in the sunshine over the next few days to remain sun smart: slip, slop, slap, and wrap, and make sure you have sufficient fluids to keep you hydrated. Heat alerts will be issued for locations that are reaching their highest temperatures – keep up with your local forecast to make sure you are the most prepared you can be for the day.

But cooler air is on the horizon: “A fresh southwesterly change early Monday will be in sharp contrast to the hot weather of the weekend – maximum temperatures are forecast to barely reach the high teens early next week, in some places this is even lower than recent overnight temperatures, which might be appreciated by anyone who has been struggling to sleep this last week.” O’Connor says.

MetService Communications

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

NELSON AIRPORT - COME AND WALK NELSON’S AIRPORT RUNWAY

 

Nelson Airport. Photo credit R. Therkleson Pigeon Post News.

Nelson Airport’s Walk the Runway back in 2024!

The popular Walk the Runway fundraising event is back, offering the public a chance to take a sunset stroll ‘behind the scenes’ at Nelson Airport on 20 January 2024.

This is only the second time the airport has opened its runway up to the public. In January 2023, the inaugural Walk the Runway event exceeded all expectations with a crowd of more than 2000 taking part.

Nelson Airport Communications Manager Beth Catley said the airport was excited to offer the experience for a second time.

“The event last year had rave reviews and we had so many requests to repeat it – both from those who came along as well as those who missed out but saw the amazing photos or heard about it afterwards from friends. So we’ve decided to do it again this year, and on a slightly earlier date to make the most of the summer evening light.”

Walk the Runway starts at 7.30pm on Saturday 20 January, ready for participants to head out on the tarmac as soon as the last flight lands around 8pm.

The event is a fundraiser for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer NZ, supporting the entry of three airport firefighters in the 2024 Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge. Sounds Air have also come on board this year as a sponsor, making a $2000 donation to the fundraiser.

Veteran firefighter Murray Hart, who has been part of the Nelson Airport Rescue Fire Service for more than 40 years, will be competing for the eighth time. Murray has taken out his age category four times in the challenge and will be competing in the Supreme Masters division. He’s been training hard again this year running hills around the region and up the Tamaki Steps whenever he gets the chance, as have his colleagues Matt van der Heyden and Alec Hampson.

Nelson Airport firefighters Matt van der Heyden and Murray Hart will compete in the 2024 Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge, along with colleague Alec Hampson. Photo credit Nelson Airport Communications Manager Beth Catley.

“The Sky Tower challenge has become very competitive for an initiative that started 20 years ago with just 17 firefighters taking part,” Murray said. “Now there’s 1000 firefighters every year and last year we raised $1.5 million. I'm there to compete, but I always have in the back of my mind the stories of the families and children with cancer that are supported by the service through really hard times. It’s an incredible charity to support and I hope everyone who comes along to the runway walk has a great night and gives generously.” 

Beth said this year the airport is asking participants to register and donate online in advance to give organisers an idea of numbers and reduce cash handling on the night.

“We were blown away by the interest last year and we want to make sure we put on a great night for everyone. Part of that is making sure we have enough volunteers and capacity to ensure everything runs smoothly, so if people register in advance that will be a big help for our planning. Those who are coming along with a family or group only need to register and donate once using the online system.”

Beth said while pre-registration is encouraged, it’s not compulsory and people will be able to donate on the night. Parking is free and people are asked to follow the directions of marshals to the designated area.

Participants can register at eventbrite.co.nz (search ‘Walk the Runway’) and check out the FAQs for more event details.

Nelson Airport Communications Manager Beth Catley.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

Brightwater and Wakefield - Further water conservation urged while Wakefield Treatment Plant issues remedied

 

Wakefield Tasman.

Further water conservation urged while Wakefield Treatment Plant issues remedied

10 January, 2024 

Tasman District Council is asking residents in Brightwater and Wakefield to conserve water as much as possible while two issues relating to the Wakefield water supply are resolved. 

Coinciding with heavy rain in the area, staff and contractors responded to an increase of turbidity (muddy water) in the raw water coming from Wakefield well on the evening of 5 January, causing the Wakefield Water Treatment Plant to shut down and cease supply. 

The Wakefield water supply sources water that has been filtered through gravels from the Wai-iti River, entering two infiltration galleries into the well. 

A further issue emerged on Monday 8 January with water in the Wakefield Infiltration Gallery found to  contain an as-yet unknown blue/white substance. 

The Wakefield WTP has been shut off while the investigation into the possible reason for the colouring continues. 

The council has notified Taumata Arowai and the Public Health Service and will continue to liaise with these organisations as required. 

In the meantime, the Wakefield community is being supplied treated water from the Brightwater supply. 

Tasman District Council Waters and Wastes Manager Mike Schruer said efforts to implement potential back-up supplies were underway, including the use of a previously abandoned bore. 

Phase D water restrictions are already in place for council-managed reticulated water supplies in Wakefield and the Waimea Plains, which includes Richmond, Brightwater, Hope,  Redwood Valley, Eighty-Eight Valley, Dovedale and Māpua/ Ruby Bay. 

Mike asked water users, in Brightwater and Wakefield in particular, to continue with their water saving measures to help reduce demand while we look to remedy the situation. 

“This is not a drought-related issue, but rather a localised supply issue - providing the necessary water supply is crucial but we cannot use the Wakefield Water Treatment Plant until we know what the reason for the colouring is,” Mike said. 

“Even then we are still dealing with capacity issues for Wakefield until we get a back up supply up and running. In order to meet the current demand, water is already being supplemented by the Brightwater scheme and the Hope part of the scheme is be supplied by the Richmond scheme.” 

“Over and above the Phase D restrictions in place, we need to be conserving water in every way we can – whether its limited showering, even general domestic use – any water use needs to be considered.” 

The restrictions for Wakefield water supply are in place not because of flows in the river (which are above triggers) but because the current infiltration gallery from which water is taken for the treatment plant, near the river upstream of the Wakefield-Pigeon Valley Bridge, has deteriorated and is not physically able to conduct water at sufficient capacity. 

A major upgrade for water supply on the Waimea Plains is due to start within the next year to rationalise the three water schemes supplying water to Brightwater, Wakefield and Eighty-Eight Valley.  

Tasman Communications.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

Takaka - UPDATE at 1800 - Warning of potential water contamination after Golden Bay fire

Potential river water contamination in Takaka update 1800

11 January 2024 - Update at 1800 from Tasman District Council

Fears of widespread water pollution have eased in Tākaka, but testing is underway to determine if there is any contamination of water supplies following a large overnight fire in the Golden Bay town.

The retail shop of building and hardware supplier ITM was destroyed in the blaze which broke out about 3.00 am. The neighbouring Wrightson rural supply company building was also damaged in the fire. 

Initially there were concerns that water run-off from the fighting effort may have been contaminated with toxins from the building but an inventory of stock from the premises shows only relatively small volumes of paints and associated products were burnt.

The company’s bulk store of chemical and paint products was well away from the fire in a separate building and unaffected.

Stormwater testing using red dye has been done today to establish the flow of any potentially contaminated water from the fire site. This shows that any water that flowed from the scene was confined to a relatively small area and did not get into any streams or the local estuary.

However, because all properties in Tākaka are supplied from private water bores, one area near the fire site is being monitored. 

Full precautions are being taken and Tasman District Council is directly contacting 25 or so properties in a small area on Motupipi Street near Buxton Lane intersection to make them aware of potential infiltration of their bore water.

As a general precaution people living in these properties are being advised to drink bottled water due to the uncertainty about contamination, until further notice. 

If residents notice red dye in their bore water from the testing, they should contact Tasman District Council and if people feel unwell, they should seek medical attention immediately.

UPDATE from Council at 1400

Tasman District Council environmental officers are using red dye to see if any contaminated water has spread following a large overnight fire in Tākaka in Golden Bay.

The large fire at a hardware and building supplies company in Golden Bay initially generated a warning about possible contamination of nearby waterways.

There were early concerns that water used to fight the fire at the ITM retail outlet in Tākaka may have led to a discharge of contaminants in run-off water.

However, inspections show the contaminated run-off was confined to a drain off Motupipi Street from where it will be extracted. The council is now confident that no pollutants made it into the Motpipi stream nor the Rototai Estuary.  

  

Harmless red dye has now been placed into the stormwater system at the fire site to assess if there are any other points where potentially contaminated water may have discharged to.

There is no reticulated water supply in Tākaka and so residents and businesses use private bores for water. If people notice the red dye in their water supply, they should contact Tasman District Council as soon as possible.

Ash has also fallen in the area surrounding the fire scene and property owners who collect water from roofs are advised to divert pipes away from their collection tanks.

Advice from Council this morning

A large fire at a hardware and building supplies company in Golden Bay has generated a warning about contamination of nearby waterways. 

Tasman District Council is requesting all users of water from the Motupipi River in Takaka, from a tributary near Waitapu Engineering on Motupipi Street to the Rototai Estuary, to immediately cease taking water for any purpose such as domestic supply, stock drinking or irrigation.

The fire at the ITM retail outlet in Takaka may have led to the discharge of the following into the river:  paint, petroleum-based products, copper-chrome-arsenic from treated timber, melted plastic residue and fire-fighting chemicals.

These chemicals are likely to be toxic or harmful to humans, animals and aquatic life and may have long-lasting effects. 

The chemicals will be most concentrated in the upper reaches of the waterway where there is less dilution, but flow rates are such that it could have reached the estuary.

The situation is under investigation by Tasman District Council Environmental Officers and details of likely quantities discharged to the waterway and any adverse effects on the stream ecosystem will become clearer through the day.

Tasman District Council Communications.

Pigeon post News, Richmond.