Heaphy Track now fully open

The Heaphy Track is now fully open says DOC.

The Heaphy Track Great Walk fully reopens as a through walk

The Heaphy Track Great Walk is fully open as a through walk - with celebrations at the West Coast end.

A section of the track between Heaphy and MacKay huts has been closed since the storms in February 2022 caused severe damage, including the loss of three bridges, most significantly the Heaphy River bridge.

DOC has organised events to mark the reopening and thank local communities affected by the closure for their patience while the track was partially closed.

DOC Buller Operations Manager Suvi Van Smit says DOC has been very mindful of the impact the closure has had on the communities at both ends of the 82-kilometre track.

“The Heaphy Track is an important asset for Karamea, the West Coast and Golden Bay.”

“The quickest most straightforward solution for replacing the Heaphy Bridge may have been to use the same design at the same place, but we had to ensure that whatever solution was put in place it would endure and this took time.”

A hydrology report found a new Heaphy Bridge at the old site could soon be threatened by future flooding.

The most resilient solution turned out to be to build two bridges, one across the Heaphy River downstream from the previous bridge, the other over the Lewis River with a small section of new track in between.

The new Heaphy Bridge is well above the 100-year climate change adjusted flood level, Suvi van Smit says.

“I want to pay tribute to the outstanding work done to get us to here - to all the DOC staff involved from dealing with the initial response to the storm damage through to where we are now with the Heaphy re-bridged and to Abseil Access and Westreef for the work they’ve done.”

The celebrations started with Ngāti Waewae blessing the new bridge across the Heaphy River. 

This was followed by a community planting and morning tea at Kohaihai plus a ribbon cutting at the Kohaihai River Bridge which marks the start/end of the track on the West Coast side.

The event then shift to the Karamea Pulse Energy Centre for presentations on the reconstruction work, the significance of the area to Ngāti Waewae and the history of the track.

Suvi van Smit says over 11,600 bednights have already been booked for track huts between 19 October and the end of June next year.

“It’s clear the word is out that this legendary Great Walk is fully open for business again. Here’s hoping for a great summer for people to make the most of the Heaphy and everything else that Karamea and Golden Bay have to offer.”

More information:

Until mid-December, when construction of the Lewis River bridge is finished, it will be necessary to ford the Lewis River. In normal flow, this is an ankle-height crossing of approximately 20 metres.

During this time, DOC rangers will be onsite to assess river conditions and provide guidance to track users. If the river becomes unsafe to cross, DOC staff will advise track users that it’s not safe to cross.

Department of Conservation.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

Rāhui in place - MOTUEKA

Rāhui in place for part of Motueka coastline from 10.00 am on Wednesday 18 October 2023, covers the area indicated in yellow in the map above. Credit map Tasman District Council.

Rāhui in place for part of Motueka coastline

Te Tauihu iwi have placed a rāhui across the Motueka coastline of Te Tauihu o Te Waka-a-Māui, as a result of a failure of parts of the Motueka Wastewater Treatment Plant facility which has seen seepage of treated water into the Motueka estuary. 

Last month Council engineers discovered that part of the filtration system at the Motueka Wastewater treatment plant was showing signs of failure and while it was still functioning, it was not working at optimum performance.

The part of the system causing concern are membranes used in the final filtering stage after the wastewater treatment process. 

The Council is focusing on keeping the oxidation pond levels constant (to avoid an uncontrolled overflow) by pumping any partially treated wastewater to the adjacent former soakage area and allowing it to seep and overflow to the former wetland area.

The rāhui, which took effect at 10.00 am on Wednesday 18 October, covers the area indicated in yellow in the attached map.

 

The rāhui covers the coastline and river mouths from North of the saltwater baths to the Riuwaka river mouth and prevents the gathering of seafood and kai in these areas, as well as swimming and entering the water.  

The rāhui was implemented by the hau kāinga whānau of Motueka with the support of the eight mana whenua iwi of Te Tauihu and Tasman District Council.

A rōpū of mana whenua iwi gathered at Motueka for karakia to acknowledge the implementation of the rāhui.  

 

The area will continue to be monitored and the rāhui will stay in place until levels of contamination are considered low enough to be safe to return to activities in the area and our whānau, hapū and iwi are happy that it is safe to lift the rāhui.

Click link to view map

https://mcusercontent.com/7b03d53f27269a285cc2174f5/_compresseds/373024e3-38bd-7da9-25bf-cd1f42880ef2.jpg

Tasman District Council, communications.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

Wanderers Sports Club, Brightwater, new hoops opening - Saturday 14 October

Mayor Tim King enjoying the action, straight from the farm, at Saturday’s basketball court opening at Brightwater. Photo credit to Wanderers Sports Club and Tasman District Council.

Team effort helps Wanderers new hoops happen 

With the assistance of local businesses, organisations and the Brightwater community, a previously underutilised part of Taylors Contracting Wanderers Community Sports Club facilities has been transformed into a space where all ages and abilities can pursue their hoop dreams.  

Work to install a full-size basketball court complete with two new high-quality, permanent Airtime Hoops was completed during the October school holidays.

 

The new equipment is located on the hard court area beside the Wanderers’ clubrooms, with new markings painted in the club’s familiar blue and yellow colours adding a ‘swish’ finish to the set-up. 

Saturday’s basketball court opening at Brightwater. Photo credit to Wanderers Sports Club and Tasman District Council.

An opening day was held on Saturday 14 October - with Tasman district Councillors, Mayor Tim King and members of the Nelson Giants basketball team present to try out the new hoops.   

Wanderers General Manager Jimmy van der Colk said the courts have been underutilised ever since netball was centralised to Saxton Stadium. 

 

“Seeing families playing basketball with the old netball hoops provided the motivation needed to start rejuvenating the ‘wasted’ space.”

 

“Given the popularity of basketball and the minimal barriers to participation - all you need is a ball - it was a no brainer to pursue this project.”

 

“We put up a temporary water-based basketball hoop as a trial and were blown away by the number of people using it. As we were putting it together a group from the skate park ran home to grab their basketballs.

Children having a great time on Saturday at the opening of the new basketball court Brightwater. Photo credit to Wanderers Sports Club and Tasman District Council.

Wanderers approached OneForty One New Zealand and NBS who were both keen to provide funding toward the project, allowing the purchase of the two basketball hoops. 

 

Further support was provided by McDonald Contracting & Construction and the Tasman District Council

who pitched in to carry out concrete works and paint the courts.

  

In addition, several keen locals volunteered to assemble the hoops and fundraise for the install by organising quiz nights. 

Jimmy said Wanderers are grateful to all these businesses and organisations for helping us to increase

and improve sporting opportunities for our local communities, creating a great asset for minimal cost. 

“It's been amazing seeing the court become popular with families, primary aged kids and teenagers just shooting hoops or playing 3 on 3.” 

 

Brent Williams, NBS Branch Manager, Richmond says: “Our financial support for Wanderers goes beyond just numbers. Together with all the other investment partners, we’re building a stronger, healthier more vibrant community through the power of sports.” 

The adjustable height function of the hoops provided increased opportunities for wheelchair players to enjoy the game of basketball, with a number of chairs made available for the public to use at Saturday’s

opening. 

Plenty of enjoyment at the opening of the very special basketball court Brightwater. Photo credit to Wanderers Sports Club and Tasman District Council.

Local advocate for Youth Disability Sports Neisha Kindley said wheelchair basketball allowed participation by people of all abilities and ages. The sport offered kids in the region a chance to experience something new and is not just reserved for people who use wheelchairs in their day-to-day life. “We’re really pleased that the new court has considered this variance of the game of basketball.” 

Matt Vernick, Disability & Inclusion Lead, Basketball NZ added it was “great to see more opportunities in Tasman for people to get on court and play.”  

“It’s awesome that Wanderers has recognised that this is an easy way to be inclusive.” 

Also being promoted at the opening was the Girls Got Game initiative.  “Based on Basketball New Zealand’s Kiwi Hoops programme, Girls Got Game aims to introduce more young girls to basketball and encourage them to continue being active and enjoy basketball with their friends,” said Denise Coughlan, General Manager Nelson Basketball.

Credited to the Wanderers Sports Club and TDC Communications.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

Police appeal for information

 Police appeal for information - Andrew Sloan

Monday, 16 October 2023 - 11:39am / Tasman Police

Police are seeking information on the whereabouts of 33-year-old Andrew Sloan.

Andrew was in the Mount Richmond Forest Park, at locations such as Rocks Hut, Middy Creek, Captain Creek and possibly Browning Hut over the weekend.

He is Caucasian, approximately 180cm tall, and was wearing black Asics running shoes and dark clothing.

Police believe he may be walking towards the Picton area.

Anyone who may have seen Andrew or know of his whereabouts is urged to call Police on 105, quoting file number 231016/7770.

Tasman Police.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

A Children's story from Moutere

Cottage in Moutere

 "The Enchanted Wisteria Garden of Moutere”

In the charming Moutere area, nestled in the heart of the Tasman District in New Zealand's South Island, there lived a kind-hearted couple named Ian and Penny. They had the most magical garden, and at this time of year, their wisteria was blooming like never before, filling the air with the most enchanting fragrance.

Ian and Penny's home was a cozy cottage surrounded by beautiful flowers and trees. But the highlight of their garden was the wisteria vine, which had grown so long that it covered their entire cottage, creating a fragrant and flowery wonderland. Its purple and white blooms hung like delicate curtains, and the scent was so divine that it seemed to call to the animals of the region.

One fine spring, something extraordinary happened. The scent of their wisteria was so enchanting that it attracted a variety of animals. First, it was the guinea pigs from a nearby farm. They would sneak into the garden, nibbling on fallen wisteria petals and rolling around in the soft flower-covered grass. With their soft, furry bodies and twitching noses, the guinea pigs looked like little balls of fluff enjoying the garden's beauty.

Then, the ducks from the village pond heard about the garden's magic. They waddled in, quacking happily as they splashed in the little pond that Ian and Penny had built for them. The ducks seemed to be having a grand time, and their feathers glistened in the sunlight, reflecting the wisteria's purple and white blossoms.

But the most remarkable visitors were the kererū, the majestic wood pigeons of New Zealand. They flew in from the nearby forest, their iridescent green and white feathers shimmering as they perched on the wisteria vines. With a gentle coo, they pecked at the sweet nectar of the wisteria flowers and watched over the garden like guardian spirits.

Word of this enchanting garden spread like wildfire, and soon children from all over New Zealand and the world would come to visit each spring. They marveled at the guinea pigs, ducks, and kererū that had made Ian and Penny's garden their home during the wisteria's bloom. The children laughed as they watched the guinea pigs frolic, fed the ducks bits of bread, and gazed in awe at the kererū perched high in the wisteria.

It became a tradition for families to visit Moutere every spring to experience the wonder of Ian and Penny's garden. They would bring picnic baskets, spread blankets on the soft grass, and enjoy the beauty and the company of the animals. The children would run around, chasing butterflies and making new friends in the form of guinea pigs, ducks, and kererū.

As the years went by, Ian and Penny's garden remained a beloved place of joy and wonder, where the scent of wisteria not only attracted beautiful creatures but also brought people together. It was a magical garden, where the fragrance of wisteria filled the air, and the laughter of children and the presence of furry, feathery, and elegant friends made it a place of enchantment and cherished memories.

Thanks to Ian and Penny for their lovely photos.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

"Richmond's Spring Gardens" - After a stroll around the gardens

 

 Queen Street, Richmond, 4 October 2023.

 "Richmond's Spring Gardens: A Blossoming Wonderland in White"

Richmond, the vibrant heart of the Tasman District, has come alive this spring with a stunning display of white blossoms that have transformed the town into a breathtaking wonderland. Despite budget constraints, the Tasman District Council, Team Leader Reserves Operations, Richard Hilton, has orchestrated a symphony of white blooms in the main Richmond gardens, perfectly complementing the ethereal white blossom trees lining Queen Street.

White poppies in Washbourn Gardens, Richmond.

As the main centre of the Tasman District, Richmond has always been known for its beautiful gardens. This year, the town's floral display is nothing short of a masterpiece. The Washbourn Gardens, Sundial Square, and War Memorial Park have all embraced a central white flower theme in their flower beds, creating a harmonious atmosphere that enchants residents and visitors alike.

White tulips in the War Memorial Park gardens, Richmond.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Richard Hilton about this year's bedding displays. He explained, "The bedding displays are planned six months in advance of planting. Plant choice depends on site conditions, and we like to alternate plant varieties where possible to prevent pest or disease build-up. Colour choice can be limited for the winter to spring transition, but this year, we decided to be a bit daring with white as the dominant display. It's all in the eye of the beholder."

White poppies in Sundial Square, Richmond.

While the white blossoms have taken centre stage in Queen Street, Richmond's gardens also feature a delightful mix of white and a mixture of colours. In the Washbourn Gardens, the main garden is adorned with white poppies, while other gardens showcase a combination of white and other hues, such as the tulip garden. Sundial Square boasts beds of white poppies, and the War Memorial Park's main garden is a canvas of elegance with white tulips and white pansies.

White tulip in the tulip garden The Washbourn Gardens, Richmond.

The tulip garden The Washbourn Gardens, Richmond.

As spring unfolds in Richmond, the harmonious white theme in the town's main gardens stands as a testament to the dedication of the Tasman District Council in creating an enchanting and serene environment for all to enjoy. In a world filled with hustle and bustle, Richmond's gardens provide a much-needed respite, inviting residents and visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.

The entrance to The Washbourn Gardens, Richmond.

However, amidst this stunning display, there is a question that has arisen, as I'm a novice gardener, regarding the maintenance of hedges in Queen Street. While the garden hedges outside the Council Chambers are impeccably maintained, the rest of the hedges in Queen Street, except for Sundial Square, appear untidy. I asked Richard if this was due to budget constraints, to which he responded, "There are a number of factors that affect the maintenance of the Queen Street shrubs. The hedges in front of the council building and Sundial Square don't get damaged to the same extent as the hedges in Queen Street. Leaving the shrubbery in a more informal state does allow for healthier shrubs, and any damage is not as noticeable. Also, the Queen Street gardens are generally smaller with poor growing conditions, so constant cutting/pruning does promote disease and die back, which we try to prevent."

The well cut hedge outside Tasman District Council, Richmond.

I’m sure Richmond residents extend their gratitude to Richard Hilton, Team Leader Reserves Operations, and the garden maintenance teams for their dedication to creating and maintaining these splendid gardens that enrich our lives and enchant visitors. Richmond's gardens are a testament to the natural beauty that surrounds us here in Tasman, and they serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving and cherishing our green spaces.

Queen Street, Richmond, 4 Oct 2023.

Thank you for your time and effort in making Richmond a truly beautiful place to call home. Myself and I’m sure others, look forward to witnessing the continued growth and blossoming of these magnificent gardens, and new gardens as the area grows year after year.

In a stream close to Richmond another reminder that it is spring.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.