UPDATE: State Highway 60 Mapua closed following serious crash - (SH60 HAS REOPENED)

UPDATE: State Highway 60 Mapua closed following serious crash.(SH60 HAS REOPENED)

Update 7.35 pm:

State Highway 60 has now reopened following a fatal crash earlier today.

New Zealand Transport Agency/Waka Kotahi wants to thank drivers for their patience and understanding while emergency services and contractors attended this incident.

Update 4:10 pm:

State Highway 60 remains closed near the intersection of Mapua Road following a serious crash earlier this afternoon.

 

Local road detours are now in place from Pea Viner Corner via the Moutere Highway and back out to State Highway 60 on Gardner Valley Road.

Police are investigating the incident and the road will remain closed while they carry out their work. This is likely to take several hours.

 

Drivers are urged to avoid the area and can expect travel delays until the highway is reopened.

 

Updates on the highway’s status can be found on our website:

• Highway conditions – Nelson/Marlborough

PREVIOUS REPORT::

State Highway 60 Mapua closed following serious crash.

Drivers travelling on State Highway 60 between Richmond and Motueka can expect delays following a serious crash on the highway this afternoon.

 

The crash near the intersection of Mapua Road, involving a car and a motorcycle, was reported just after 2.30 this afternoon.

 

The highway is currently closed while emergency services and contractors attend the crash scene.

 

The closure is expected to be in place for some time.

Drivers should avoid the area and use alternative routes. Traffic delays can be expected until the crash scene is cleared.

NZTA

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

Local Driving Behaviour

TASMAN POLICE

 Driving behaviour in Nelson a concern to Police

Four motorists in Nelson have lost their licence after being clocked driving at more than 140kph.

The vehicles were among seven Police caught at high speed on Whataku Drive within an hour on Sunday evening. Anyone caught driving 40kmh above the speed limit has their licence suspended instantly, and will be summonsed to appear in court.

The driving behaviour has Police concerned says Inspector Hamish Chapman, Tasman’s Road Policing Manager.

“In one recent operation, seven motorists were found to be driving with excess breath alcohol, while many more have been caught using cell phones in operations targeting distracted driving."

“We’re urging motorists to think about their lives, their careers, their travel opportunities, and also other people. The impact of being caught drink-driving, or travelling at dangerous speeds can have effects on you that you can’t anticipate."

“Ask yourself what you’d say to a person’s family if your poor driving behaviour resulted in someone getting killed, and what you would tell your own family."

“There’s no excuse that can justify it.”

Police Communications.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

MetService - Weather News Release

MetService

 

A Wetter Week Ahead for parts of New Zealand

15/01/2024

Covering period of Monday 15 - Friday 19 January

The hot and sunny start to 2024 is put on pause early this week, with MetService forecasting heavy rain and possible downpours over parts of the North Island, while the South Island experiences a cool change from the high temperatures last week.

A Heavy Rain Warning was issued this morning (Monday) for central western areas of the North Island. Additionally, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch was issued for the northeast of the North Island from the Coromandel Peninsula through Rotorua to the eastern ranges of Bay of Plenty, and a Heavy Rain Watch for those eastern ranges until tomorrow morning (Tuesday). 

MetService Meteorologist Clare O’Connor says: “While the first two weeks for 2024 were overall quite dry for the North Island, we are seeing a wet week ahead. The Severe Thunderstorm Watch for the upper North Island today in particular could see downpours of 25-40mm/h within the watch area, so residents should be prepared for heavy falls later today.”

Down south, there has been a sharp change from the weather of last week, in particular the temperature: Invercargill’s forecast maximum temperature today (Monday) is a mere 14°C.

Summer will return though; Tuesday heralds a sunny day for the South Island and most of the North Island as a ridge takes hold of the situation again, pushing the rain northwards. These conditions continue on Wednesday, but by Thursday the rain returns – this time for central Aotearoa/New Zealand. 

“What’s left of the band of rain from Monday makes its way over to the west of Aotearoa, bringing more rain to western South Island areas north of about Hokitika, but Wellington and the Kapiti Coast should plan for wet weather in the second half of the week also.” O’Connor notes. 

The final act of the wet week arrives on Friday: a low pressure system forming in the Tasman Sea drags warm, moist air over the South Island. MetService’s Severe Weather Outlook is indicating a high confidence of heavy falls of rain along the South Island’s West Coast, and Severe Weather Watches and Warnings may follow in the lead up to the arrival of this system.

MetService Communications.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

Nelson Airport Upgrades

 

Nelson Airport Upgrades

Airport set to begin pedestrian and cycling facility upgrades

Footpaths and pedestrian crossings will be improved and extra covered bike racks added as part of major upgrades at each end of the Nelson Airport terminal beginning this month.

On 22 January, contractor Fulton Hogan will begin work on the Airport House Pathway and Private Carpark Upgrade projects.

The Airport House Pathway project will improve the walkway from the Value Carpark to the terminal past Airport House, removing redundant roads and footpaths and creating a new wide and direct footpath. Improved pedestrian crossings, better lighting and CCTV coverage will all enhance safety.

Work at the eastern end of the terminal building will add two new covered bike sheds, tripling the bike storage facilities available at the airport. The project will create a new rubbish and recycling compound, safe vehicle access and additional authorised parking spaces, freeing up more space in public carparks.

Work is expected to take approximately six weeks, depending on weather.

Nelson Airport chief executive Mark Thompson said the projects were part of an ongoing stream of work to lift the overall airport environment to a high standard that complements the award-winning terminal building.

“This will bring significant benefits for pedestrian safety and convenience, as well as improving the experience for our customers and the level of service for many of our tenants.”

Mark said there will be some disruption to traffic and pedestrian flows during the construction period.

“Carrying out both projects at once will reduce the length of the disruption, and some work will be carried out at night too. In the meantime, we’re asking everyone to please take extra care when visiting the airport, pay attention to the safety signage and take it slow.”

The work follows on closely from completion of the first stage of a new commercial development at the southern end of the airport in December. The first stage saw the opening of back of house car grooming and maintenance facilities for GO Rentals, and the creation of simpler and safer exit and entry to the  Value Carpark via a new road.

“We’re working hard to make sure Nelson Airport is a facility our community can be very proud of. Improvements will be ongoing as we work towards our vision of being a world-class airport where zero-emissions aircraft operate,” Mark said.

Nelson Airport Communications.

Pigeon Post News.

WATER RESTRICTIONS UPDATE:

 Phase B Water Restrictions implemented for Richmond, Hope, and Māpua urban water users -  Phase D remains for other areas 

12 January, 2024

Tasman District Council has announced that Phase B Water Restrictions will be implemented with immediate effect for users of Council-managed reticulated water supplies in Richmond, Hope and Māpua/ Ruby Bay.

However, those in Wakefield, Brightwater, Redwood Valley 1 and 2, Dovedale and Eighty-Eight Valley will remain at Phase D at this stage.

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 move to Phase B water restrictions.

The Wakefield and Brightwater Phase D restrictions remain as we continue to investigate and resolve the two issues affecting the Wakefield Treatment Plant.

 

The samples that we have taken are being analysed under urgency and we expect to receive results next week.

We're extremely grateful for the community's assistance in recent weeks and we appreciate your ongoing efforts in the days ahead.

With dry weather set to continue, there is no harm in saving water where you can, no matter what part of Tasman you live in.

As a recap for those subject to 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.

As for those in Phase D:

You CAN: 

• Wash your car using recycled grey water only. 
• Do essential outdoor washing for safety reasons, using a bucket only. 
• Water listed protected trees every second day only with a hand held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, watering systems on a timer or a bucket. 
• Water your veggie garden and fruit trees every second day using a bucket only. 

You CAN'T: 

• Water your flowers/trees/planters. 
• Water the lawn. 
• Fill or top up a pool, spa or water feature. 
• Use water for play. 

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

Tasman District Council Communications.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

Tākaka Fire Contamination Concerns

Tasman District Council map highlighting the specific area of focus now for any possible contamination of drinking water, which includes Motupipi Street and Buxton Lane. Map provided by Tasman District Council Communications.

Tasman District Council Addresses Contamination Concerns Attentively 

After Tākaka ITM Fire

January 13, 2024

Tākaka, Golden Bay - In response to the large fire that engulfed the ITM building in Tākaka on Thursday, the Tasman District Council is actively conducting investigations to assess the potential impact on neighbouring properties and address concerns about water contamination. Tim O’Connell, Communications Officer, Tasman District Council, shares the latest update on the ongoing efforts.

"Our environmental team is diligently working to determine if any potentially contaminated water from the firefighting effort may have reached the groundwater supplying household bores in the vicinity," says O'Connell. Initial indications suggest that water flowed toward Motupipi Street and collected in a field drain. To mitigate any risks, this collected water has been promptly pumped out.

In a proactive move to ensure the safety of residents, the Tasman District Council has directly contacted approximately 30 properties on Motupipi Street and Buxton Lane. Residents in these areas have been advised not to drink water from their bores until further notice. The Council is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to contain and address the situation.

As part of the investigation, red dye has been introduced into the stormwater system to trace the movement of water. The Council has provided a map (above) highlighting the specific area of focus, which includes Motupipi Street and Buxton Lane. This map is instrumental in identifying the likely pathways of any contaminated water.

"While the map shows the small area that we are currently focusing on, we want to assure the community that all necessary precautions are being taken. In the unlikely event that anyone notices red dye in their water elsewhere or has any other concerns, we urge them to contact the Tasman District Council immediately," emphasises O'Connell.

To further ensure the safety of the community, water samples have been collected and sent away for testing. The Council anticipates receiving the results early next week, providing a comprehensive understanding of the water quality in the affected areas.

It is crucial to note that all other areas of Tākaka remain unaffected by the incident. However, residents are encouraged to contact their health professional if they experience any health concerns.

The Tasman District Council remains committed to transparency, effective communication, and the well-being of the Tākaka community. Regular updates will be provided as the investigation progresses, ensuring that residents stay informed and supported during this challenging time.

R Therkleson.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

 

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.