Pigeon Post News

Friday, February 11, 2022

Tasman District Council road advice near Murchison

Buller River Murchison

Tasman District Council on the 11 February has advised through Antenno that there is still a problem with the roads near and around Murchison due to the rain during the past days.

Murchison is known as the 'whitewater capital' of the country, because there are rivers everywhere – the Gowan, Mangles, Matiri, Glenroy, Matakitaki, Maruia and the mighty Buller.

For anybody into canoeing or kayaking, it's a dream come true with the region offering some of the best all-grades options in New Zealand.

But if you are travelling

Take care on these ROADS:

Rappahannock Road - 4wd access only.

Pointons road - 4wd access only.

Maruia west bank – 4wd access only.

Matakitaki west bank has had major slips on it and is closed. Road is ok for normal use up to closure just past Johnsons creek.

Matakitaki east – open but drive with care.

Glenroy Road – 4wd access only.

Matiri has had water damage across the sealed are - open but drive with care.

Brooks road has flood damage - open but drive with care.

Pigeon Post News

No Sun this Weekend for Tasman

Weather Map Friday 11 Feb Tropical Cyclone DOVI bearing down on us

Tasman District Council Principal Hydrologist Martin Doyle explains what we may expect from the weather this weekend.

"Last week’s rain gave us a good reminder of nature’s potential to wreak havoc – 600mm in Golden Bay over three days and significant rainfall around the Richmond Ranges and out to Hira was testament to that.

"As you’ll be aware Buller has copped it once again in the last day or so and this has extended to the southern reaches of Tasman District. We’ve also had some road closures south of Murchison due to slips.

"The Friday lunchtime MetService advice was that ex-tropical cyclone DOVI was most likely to pass over central North Island.

Cyclone DOVI over NZ Sunday 13 Feb weather map

"For our region, this means strong easterly winds, and expect moderate to heavy rain (around 150mm in the next 24 hours) across the northern fringe of our region.

"We’re expecting to see surface flooding – annual level flooding at worst - and some slips as a result of the weather, so we’re going to be on alert to provide updates on conditions and respond to the situation as and when it is needed.

"Areas mostly likely to be affected are Hira and Collins valleys through to Rai, Riwaka and the Takaka Hill, and the coastal fringe from Tākaka around to Pakawau. For periods they also expect moderate rain in the Lakes to Upper Buller area, but nothing like the totals and intensities seen over the past week.

"There is the potential for stream and rivers that drain the Richmond Ranges to flood to annual levels – these streams being Collins, Hira and Maitai. Further slips are very possible through this area.

"Expect moderate flooding in the Riwaka area but the Takaka Hill road will get more rain this time and may be vulnerable to slips. The same advice extends to the eastern side of the Abel Tasman National Park.

"Small rivers and streams in northern Golden Bay may reach annual flood levels.

"We are not expecting flooding in our larger rivers to reach more than relatively minor levels – less than an annual flood.

"While the effects of DOVI remain moderate for our region, should the path change, this advice will also change.

Thanks to Principal Hydrologist Martin Doyle and Tim O'Connell Communications Officer Tasman District Council

Pigeon Post News

Thursday, February 10, 2022

Rainfall in Tasman sees most water restrictions lifted

Richmond before the rain. Photo R Therkleson

Sunny Tasman should be in drought, but over the last weeks significant unseasonal rainfall has seen the immediate removal of all water restrictions, except for permit holders in the Moutere Eastern Groundwater Zone.

This is despite a decision made earlier to reinstate water restrictions for a further two weeks, effective Monday 7 February 2022. Since then there has been considerable rainfall.

Tasman District Dry Weather Task Force Convenor Dennis Bush-King said “the appreciable rainfall since then has seen river, and most aquifer, levels rise to well above rationing triggers.”

“I am sure this is welcome news to growers whose irrigation needs were ramping up. The irony is that we don’t want too much water to fall as surface water flooding can cause different sorts of problems than drought, but both extremes can adversely affect farming operations.”

The removal of the restrictions was effective immediately from the 4 February, 2022.

Included are the restrictions applicable to domestic consumers connected to Council community supplies.(some being in Nelson)

Stage One rationing, meaning a cut in use by 20 percent of consented water take levels, will still apply to those in the Moutere Eastern Groundwater Zone.

Dennis said, “that dry conditions are likely to return and continue through too April, so wise water use by everyone was encouraged.”

The Council is also encouraging users in 88 Valley, Wakefield and Brightwater to be careful with water use following the recent rains as increased sediment will require the Council to use stored water not affected by silt.

Monitoring will continue and restrictions will be reintroduced if flows and levels decline below the rationing triggers in the coming weeks.

The provisional rainfall (mm) for the first nine days of February in these locations in Tasman are as follows:

Murchison 174mm

Mokihinui 176mm

Aorere at Perry Saddle 618mm

Collingwood 279mm

Anatoki at Paradise 717mm

Takaka Aerodrome 502mm

Motupipi 402mm

Riwaka at Takaka Hill 233mm

Motueka at Woodmans 55.3mm

Mapua at Bowling Club 52mm

Moutere at Kellings Rd 49mm

Waimea at TDC Nursery 73mm

Richmond 104mm

Richmond Rangers. Photo R Therkleson

Pigeon Post News

Buller - State of Emergency - Second time in a Week

A State of Emergency has been declared for Buller on the West Coast at 9.45am by Buller mayor Jamie Cleine following further rain impacts on the district for the second time in a week.

Buller has declared a state of emergency following impacts from further weather last night and today.

Voluntary evacuations are recommended by the Buller Emergency Management but now at 2.30 on Thursday for some areas mandatory evacuation is in place for parts of Westport after the state of emergency was declared.

Some houses are becoming wet and all roads in and out of Buller are closed with slips or flooding.

The event, which was under forecast, in terms of intensity and impacts, has left the district isolated.

Buller Emergency Management is recommending that people self-evacuate and mandatory to evacuation centres and higher ground, as far as practicable, given the current road closures.

The Buller River is 11.4 metres high and running at 7 thousand cubic metres a second but authorities are concerned about the amount of water in the upper reaches of the river which still has to flow through the Buller River.

The peak of the water in the Buller River should reach Buller at about 6-7 tonight when there is a high tide.

"This event was not forecast to have the impacts it has had, but the Emergency response is in hand, and the Emergency Operations Centre is here to help those who cannot help themselves,” says Controller Bob Dickson.

“Due to our current isolation, we don’t currently have the additional resource present in the district as we had last week. We encourage people to help themselves, and their neighbours. Anyone who needs special assistance should contact the Emergency Operations Centre on 0800 234 533.”

Evacuation centres have been arranged again for residents.

Buller Emergency Management said “we know people are weary after last week and will be feeling anxious – the Community Hub is open for support. Staff and navigators will be there to have a chat and a cup of tea. This is not an evacuation site. You can also call the Emergency Operations Centre on 0800 234 533”

Evacuation areas in Westport

West Coast DHB

Philip Wheble, Incident Controller of the West Coast DHB said “the West Coast DHB staff are preparing to evacuate Buller Health due to the impacts of the current weather event in the region.

Until then, Buller Medical remains open for urgent care. If you live north of Westport, we have staff in Karamea and Ngakawau. And if you are in Reefton, Reefton Health is open.

Please note, that all outpatient clinics, day surgery appointments and planned care appointments have been cancelled.

If you are registered with Coast Medical, they are still open. 

Pigeon Post News

Saturday, February 5, 2022

Residents in the evacuation areas in Westport return home

After fears of a disastrous Friday night the Buller Emergency Management announced “It is with great pleasure that we let our community know that the effects of the recent storm have not been as severe as we feared. We welcome everybody in the evacuation areas in Westport to return to their homes.”

‘The team will be doing further inspections and reconnaissance up the Buller Gorge and north of Westport to Karamea.”

“We will inform the community of any further issues in those areas once identified.”

Clean-up in Westport

“Thank you for your cooperation and support over the last 3 days." The Buller Emergency Management made all the correct decisions during the storm and gave Westport residents plenty of forward planning to keep them safe.

“Travelling back to your home: You may encounter multiple hazards when driving such as slips, debris and surface water on the road. Take extra care on the road.”

The Buller Emergency Management advised residents to “please stay safe as you return home and when you get home.” This was the advise given to residents very recently.

Buller Emergency Management

“When entering your property, be cautious and ensure everything is safe to use. Be careful with power and gas.”

The Buller Emergency Management advised residents about insurance, taking photos of any damage and not to eat anything from gardens that have been flooded.

Advise was for residents was to keep up to date with announcement from Buller Emergency Management

Westport

Buller Emergency Management said “returning home after another flood event can be a very emotional and distressing time.

If you are feeling stressed or anxious, or would like additional support, talk to the friendly team at the Westport Flood Recovery Community Hub, 175 Palmerston Street. They can connect you with a local navigator and other support agencies. The Community Hub is open 9.30am to 4.00pm weekdays. Phone 0800 768 348.”

Further heavy rain expected for Tasman - CIVIL DEFENCE NOT ACTIVATED YET

TASMAN HEAVY RAIN - Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Not yet Activated

Tasman Bay

Tasman District Council is keeping a cautious eye on the next phase of severe weather approaching the region.

Metservice has updated its weather forecast for Nelson and Tasman on Friday, with the area west of Motueka expected to experience 150 to 250mm of rain to accumulate about the ranges, and 60 to 100mm near the coast from midday Friday to 3am Saturday, in addition to what has already fallen.

Peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h about the ranges, and up to 35mm/hr, are anticipated.

Bryant Ranges

Council is also keeping an eye on what rainfall occurs around the Richmond and Bryant Ranges as well as the Nelson Lakes areas, particularly in relation to rising river levels.

Between 150mm and 230mm of rain is expected to accumulate from 1pm Friday to 11am Saturday, in addition to what has already fallen, with peak rates of 10mm to 25mm/h.

Richmond Ranges Saturday Morning 5th Feb

Staff were made aware of several minor slips in the district overnight, as well as pooling of water near Pōhara and on properties near the Tākaka River. However, no road closures were necessary.

The Nelson Tasman Civil Defence Emergency Management Group was yet to activate the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) as of 2pm on Friday but were monitoring the situation as it developed.

Takaka Hill Road that has just been repaired after storms

The Aorere, Anatoki and Tākaka areas of Golden Bay have received between 229mm and 433mm in the last two days.

Rivers in Golden Bay have receded thanks to a brief pause in rainfall on Friday but will again rise this evening with the forecast rain expected to see slightly higher flows than Thursday, peaking later tonight and early Saturday morning.

River flows occurring so far have not caused any issues, and this should remain the case with subsequent flows to come.

However, with the saturation already seen in Golden Bay, and also in the hills behind Richmond and Nelson, we remain cautious that any unexpected high intensities could cause flooding higher than predicted levels.

As the event proceeds, there are also likely to be some slips and surface flooding.

Richmond looking towards Nelson Airport Saturday 5th Feb

Council encourages everyone to take care during the wet weather period, especially when driving or in the vicinity of rivers and waterways.

Weather Report:

MetService

ORANGE warning heavy rain warning remains in forces for parts of Tasman, Marlborough, Wellington, Horowhenua Kapiti Coast, Tararua Range and Mount Taranaki. Heavy rain watch is force for the remainder of Taranaki, Taumarunui, Taihape and Whanganui.

Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.

Area: Nelson Lakes

Period: 4hrs from 9pm Fri, 4 Feb - 1am Sat, 5 Feb

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Expect 60 to 90mm of rain to accumulate, in addition to what has already fallen. Peak rates of 10 to 25mm/h.

Area: Tasman west of Motueka

Period: 6hrs from 9pm Fri, 4 Feb - 3am Sat, 5 Feb

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Expect another 60 to 100mm of rain to accumulate about the ranges, and 50 to 80mm near the coast, in addition to what has already fallen. Peak rates of 10 to 25mm/h especially about the ranges.

Area: Rai Valley, Richmond and Bryant Ranges

Period: 12hrs from 9pm Fri, 4 Feb - 9am Sat, 5 Feb

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Expect 80 to 110mm of rain to accumulate, in addition to what has already fallen. Peak rates of 10 to 25mm/h.

Pigeon Post News

Thanks to Tasman District Council

Friday, February 4, 2022

Westport - A well organised evacuation

Buller River Westport

Today the evacuation began in Westport and the Mayor Jamie Cleine gave an update on the current situation.

Buller district mayor Jamie Cleine said “heavy rain is expected to pass through overnight and ease to just passing showers by tomorrow afternoon.”

Buller Emergency Management

“The Westport community are all doing a fantastic job of evacuating.

281 houses have been visited by Police, Fire and Emergency, Westport Land Search and Rescue and our volunteers and already over 158 households have evacuated.”

Helicopters are assisting the medically vulnerable to get out of evacuation areas. He believes we are all getting through this together.

He thanked the community for moving swiftly and wanted them to keep safe.

Westport

He is “comfortable that they have evacuated enough of Westport for the present event and that evacuations are now just about complete.

There were many residents who self evacuated 48-24 hours ago when Buller Emergency Management suggested that people should start evacuating. A significant number of people made the move.

“Messaging has been going out for about 2 days for people to evacuate as they had a good idea that there was going to be a flood.”

Help came from all over the South Island

There has been very good forward planning and modelling with help from the MetService. Modelling suggested the Buller River would rise to a similar level as the 2021 event, "so slightly less than the July flood at this stage”.

Westport

There has been some resistance from some residents to evacuate but he said “they don’t want them to become a rescue situation in the middle of the night.”

The Buller Emergency Management have a full evacuation plan right down to a full list of streets that would need to be evacuated.

The Army was there to help

“The river is being monitored and it should be at its highest at 2.30 am Saturday tomorrow.”

The Prime Minister will be in Westport tomorrow and the Government has provided everything that Westport needs.

“The community have learnt well from the July event and have acted well today.”

Sandbags Westport

“Emergency Services have come from all over the South Island to help. Due to the proactive start to this event by the Buller Emergency Management and media, the public have been well informed.”

The community knew what to do as many prepared themselves to evacuate like turning off the power, water and gas which made it safer for authorities and utilities in the area.

Westport

“People have been told to be prepared to evacuate for three days. At 3pm Friday, officials reassessed the situation and were comfortable enough that Westport had been evacuated enough,” Cleine said.

“Anyone outside the evacuated areas who felt unsafe could choose to leave too, and anyone who could not stay with friends or family could stay at a welfare centre set up at the old Holcim cement site near Cape Foulwind” Buller Emergency Management said.