MetService Weather News Release

 

MetService

Unsettled weather but not much rain for Tasman and Nelson in the run-up to Easter

25/03/2024

Covering period of Monday 25th - Thursday 28th March

MetService is forecasting a series of fronts which will make their way over the country this week, bringing strong northwesterly winds and periods of rain, particularly for the South Island. On Thursday, a cold southwesterly flow takes over, and while it brings some clearer skies over the South Island, it also leads to lower temperatures. 

This evening, a cold front reaches the South Island, preceded by strengthening northwesterly winds and accompanied by periods of heavy rain in the west. Strong Wind Watches have been issued for the Southland and Otago Regions, as well as the Canterbury High Country. Heavy Rain Watches are also in place for Fiordland and the ranges of the Westland District. These Severe Weather Watches are in place through the night into the early hours of Tuesday morning.  

A Strong Wind Watch has also been issued for Wellington and Wairarapa from Carterton southwards, as the front moves onto the lower North Island overnight. 

MetService Meteorologist Juliane Bergdolt elaborates, “As the cold front moves northwards early tomorrow morning, northwesterly winds strengthen over the lower North Island. Winds may approach severe gale at times within the Watch area, particularly about the hills, before weakening rapidly and moving eastwards off the country Tuesday night.”

Overnight from Tuesday into Wednesday a low-pressure system passes just to the south of the South Island, bringing another cold front onto the lower South Island. 

Bergdolt details, “We see a repeating pattern on Wednesday as another front moves northwards up the country, reaching Christchurch around midday. Much like Monday’s front, it is preceded by strengthening northwesterlies and potentially heavy rain. Severe Weather Watches may be issued for similar regions as earlier in the week in the coming days. However, this front is followed by strong and cold southwesterly winds, bringing a distinct dip in the temperatures just ahead of the long weekend.”

Looking ahead the Easter forecast still has some uncertainties, with a low-pressure system to the northeast of the North Island that may have a part to play.  However, the driest weather will be in the South Island, with Central Otago, inland Canterbury, and the West Coast most likely to see the sun. However, there will be a chill in the air so wrap up warm for any early morning Easter egg hunts.

MetSercice Comms.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

Line Marking Work on State Highway 60: Delays Expected

 

(Image: SH6/Tasman View Rd intersection). Credit NZTA.

Nighttime Stop/Go this Wednesday night for State Highway 60 Ruby Bay Bypass Safety Barrier Works

Motueka to Nelson Route SH6

Drivers traveling between Motueka and Nelson should be aware of upcoming roadwork. On Wednesday night, March 27, contractors will be completing line marking as part of a safety improvement project.

Key Details:

• Right-Turn Bay Installation: Work crews are ahead of schedule in installing the right-turn bay at the State Highway 60/Tasman View Road intersection.
• Intersection Reopening: Weather permitting, the intersection is expected to reopen on Thursday, March 28.
• Night Work: Line marking for the right-turn bay will take place at night, between 7 pm and 5 am on Wednesday night (March 27).
• Location: The marking will cover approximately 500 meters on either side of the Tasman View Road intersection.
• Delays: Drivers should plan for up to 10 minutes of delays when passing through the work site.
• Speed Limit: For safety reasons, please adhere to the temporary speed limit of 30 km/h during this period.

Additionally, during the Easter weekend and Anzac Day, temporary traffic management will remain in place along the Ruby Bay Bypass on State Highway 60. Traveler's using the highway during the holiday weekend should factor this into their plans.

Stay informed and drive safely! 🚗🛣️

Felix Marwick
Media Manager NZTA

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

First Te Tauihu iwi Cadetships

Pictured: Rangi Anderson (Nelson City Council), Kelly Hayes (Tasman District Council) and Huia Rentoul (Kaituitui Ahurea) Pōwhiri acknowledges first Te Tauihu iwi cadetships. Photo credit Tasman Communications 

Pōwhiri acknowledges first Te Tauihu iwi cadetships 

RICHMOND

25 March, 2024

Local Government-Iwi relationships in the Top of The South have taken an important step forward last week with the official launch of a cadetship program to be run across Nelson City, Tasman and Marlborough District Councils, and supported by the eight Te Tauihu iwi.   

Funded by tranche one of Central Government’s Better Off Funding, three cadetships have been established under the Te Aka Pūkenga programme - a new initiative collectively formed by ngā iwi ō Te Tauihu and the three local Councils. 

The goal for these roles is to help to increase iwi capacity by giving cadets exposure and experience working within councils and iwi organisations across the rohe. 

Kelly Hayes (Tasman) and Rangi Anderson (Nelson) are the first to take on this challenge.  

On Monday March 18, the two wāhine started their term with a pōwhiri at Nelson's Whakatū Marae to welcome them into their new positions. 

Marlborough District Council has also appointed their cadet and they will commence their role in April. 

“Personally, it means a lot to me working with Te Kaunihera o Whakatū as well as the local iwi – helping to make a change for everyone and making a difference for āpōpō (tomorrow)” said Rangi (Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngai te Rangi, Ngāti Te Ranginui).  

Having previously worked part-time at Tasman District Council, Kelly (Ngāti Kuia, Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō) said she was excited to return and strengthen the connections she had already made. 

Tasman District Council Chief Executive Leonie Rae said she was delighted to welcome Kelly to our team. 

“This cadetship will provide Kelly with a wonderful opportunity to grow her understanding of the Council and the work that we do to provide intergenerational benefit to our region. In turn, Kelly will provide us an opportunity to grow the all-important relationship we have with Te Tauihu iwi.” 

Tasman District Council Kaihautū Hononga Renee Thomas said “the Te Aka Pūkenga initiative is one that has been given to us by our Te Tiriti Partners.” 

“The mutually beneficial outcomes are aimed at building capacity and capability for whānau, hapū and iwi, as well as strengthening our reciprocal relationship with ngā iwi ō Te Tauihu.” 

“Kelly will bring another layer of experience and knowledge to council, and I hope that she gets to spend time with many people across the community while on this 12-month program. 

The role of Kaituitui Ahurea who will liaise with Tasman and Nelson Councils for management of events leading up to Te Matatini in 2027 has also been filled - with Huia Rentoul (Te Arawa) welcomed at Monday’s pōwhiri. 

Coming from an events background which includes running her own business, Huia said the role offered hononga (connection) to Te Ao Māori and had put her in a position “where I’m meant to be.” 

“It’s connecting to who I am and aligning everything I love and making it my job – I feel like everything I’ve done in my space has led me to be here.”

Tasman Communications.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

 

Name Release By Police - Tākaka

Name Release: Unexplained Death, Pigville Road, Tākaka

22 March 2024

Tasman Police are currently investigating an unexplained death that occurred on Pigville Road in Takaka. The body was discovered on a rural property around 4pm on Tuesday, 12th March 2024. Police are working on conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.

Formal identification has now been completed for the man who was located deceased at his rural property on Pigville Road, Tākaka, Tuesday 12 March. He was 40-year-old Peter Michael Miller of Tākaka. Police extend their sympathies to his family, who we remain in contact with.

The death remains unexplained, and enquiries into what occurred prior to Peter's death are ongoing. The community is urged to come forward with any relevant information that may assist in the case.

Statement from the family of Peter Miller:

"We are devastated to have lost our brother, son, uncle, and friend Peter. His life had been wonderful and full of adventure, and there was so much more he had to offer his family and community. Our family asks that we are left in peace to grieve our loss so please direct any queries to the Police.”

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

Phase D water restrictions for Eighty-Eight Valley, Phase C for Wakefield

 

Phase D water restrictions implemented for Eighty-Eight Valley, Wakefield moves to C 

22 March, 2024

From Monday 25 March, new water restrictions will come into effect for those on Council-managed water supplies in Wakefield and Eighty-Eight Valley.  

Tasman District Council’s Waters and Wastes Manager Mike Schruer says the dry weather conditions across the area are continuing to put our streams, rivers and groundwater levels in decline. 

While the recent augmented release of water from the Waimea Community Dam has enabled urban restrictions to be lifted in Richmond, Brightwater, Māpua/ Ruby Bay and Redwood Valley, other water management zones are being monitored closely to ensure we meet our consented abstraction rates. 

Water users on the Dovedale supply are currently on Phase D restrictions. 

The Wai-Iti dam has now dropped to about 25% full and water release has been throttled back to conserve dam storage and to keep the Wai-Iti river hydrated for as long as possible.   

In order to comply with new rationing levels within the Wai-Iti catchment decided by Tasman’s Dry Weather Task Force, Phase D restrictions will be implemented on Eighty-Eight Valley customers.  

The Council is currently rationed to 80% of its consented limit from the source that supplies Eighty-Eight Valley water scheme. This, in turn, means we had to initially impose ‘Phase A’ restrictions on customers. 

Everyone has complied and thank you for your efforts to conserve water use thus far. 

Unfortunately, with continuing dry weather and river flows in the wider catchment in decline, further restrictions have to be put in place. 

This means we cannot extract more than 65% of Council’s consented limit from the source water so downstream waterways can continue to flow. 

If the Council does not meet the Stage 2 restriction requirements of the DWTF and dry weather continues, we may have to impose further restrictions on customers and go to Phase E. 

Council will be imposing Phase C restrictions on Wakefield supply customers.  

The Wakefield supply is being supplemented by the Brightwater supply and therefore does not have such urgency to reduce usage but we do need to ensure that the Wakefield groundwater aquifer is protected as far as possible. 

Thank you for your co-operation as we try to negotiate this very dry season and minimise environmental impacts. 

Further information on restrictions is available here - Current restrictions - reticulated | Tasman District Council

Under Phase C 

YOU CAN: 

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

YOU CAN’T: 

• Water the lawn. 
• Fill or top up a pool, spa or water feature. 
• Use water for play. 

 

Under 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 only 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

Tasman District Council, Communications.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

"Dry Weather Task Force Updates Water Restrictions for Tasman District Consent Holders"

 Tasman Dry Weather Task Force update 

Thursday 21 March 2024

Tasman's Dry Weather Task Force (DWTF) has updated its water restrictions for consent holders across the district.  

The following Water direction notices will apply from Monday 25 March 2024 for consent holders in these Water Management Zones:   

Changes to previous week:  

• Motupiko – Stage 3 Commences   
• Rainy – Cease take Commences
• Wai-iti Zones – Move to Stage 2   

Continued directions: 

• Tākaka – Water Management Area – FMU – Stage 1 (a 20% cut for authorised weekly usage) remains  
• Moutere/Dove/Powley Creek – Cease take remains  
• Moutere Eastern Groundwater – Stage 4 (a 65% cut ) remains  
• Moutere Western Groundwater – Stage 2 (a 35% cut) remains   
• Baton/Wangapeka/ Glenrae/Tadmor/Tapawera – Stage 1 remains  
• Stanley Brook - Stage 1 remains  
• Waimea Affiliated and Unaffiliated – No Restrictions  

There has been barely any rain across the district in the last week. The minimal rain that has fallen has been insufficient to break the dry conditions in the soil. 

The upcoming rainfall forecast indicates some showers (for Friday ~10 mm) and possibly some rain mid-week next week (~20 mm). 

However, the NIWA drought forecasting tool still indicates an ongoing dry spell for the next few weeks.    

One positive is that some of the main irrigation takes are tapering off for activities such as hops and early apple harvesting. 

Across the district rivers and aquifers remain in decline at variable rates – depending on their location and level of abstractions. 

Now that the Waimea dam is supplementing flows, the main area of concern is the groundwater levels in the Moutere.  

• Moutere Eastern Deep Groundwater Zone looks to have stabilised with a small rise over last week. 
• The Moutere Western Groundwater has been fluctuating over the last week but overall, there has been a slight rise from the lower level in early March. 

Motupiko has dropped from 246 l/s last week to 196 l/s this week. Without further useful rain this will drop further to the point that a cease take may be considered in the coming weeks. 

The Wai-Iti dam has now dropped to about 26% full (compared to 31% last week) and water release has been throttled back to conserve dam storage and to keep the river hydrated for as long as possible.  

The Waimea Dam is about 93 % full this week. Augmentation has continued with flows being about 2600 l/s to 2900 l/s at Wairoa Gorge with the lower river flow at Appleby at about 1600 l/s. 

Dry Weather Task Force Convenor Kim Drummond said that while the irrigation needs of the horticultural and farming sector were beginning to ease, the effects of minimal rain across the district were apparent on the dry landscapes and paddocks which bore testament to the challenges faced by those still needing water. 

“Many people are feeling the strain of the ongoing dry conditions and the implication of the situation has a wider community interest – while acknowledging the human impact arising from what has now reached drought level, the DWTF must ensure we are taking the right steps and actions to help our rivers and aquifers replenish going forward.”