NELSON AIRPORT - Strong post-Covid Travel Recovery

Nelson Airport

 

Nelson Airport announces Strong Annual Result

Nelson Airport has released its Annual Report for the 2023 financial year (FY23), reporting EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation) of $9.6 million and payment of a $1.2 million dividend to the region’s two councils for the benefit of the wider region and community.

The key results for the year were:

• 915,000 passengers, up from 619,000 in FY22
• Total revenue of $16.6 million, up $4.9 million on FY22
• EBITDA of $9.6 million, 40% above budget
• Ordinary dividend of $1.2 million paid to shareholders, the Nelson City and Tasman District Councils, up 9% on the prior year

Nelson Airport Ltd chair Quinton Hall said the financial year had beaten all expectations, largely due to the strength of pent-up domestic travel demand.

“We knew the lifting of Covid restrictions would see travel increase, but the desire people have shown over the past year to reconnect with the people and places they love has outstripped all expectations. Nelsonians and New Zealanders generally have embraced the opportunity to travel with confidence to see those they’ve been separated from and experience a wider world again.”

Quinton said a successful airport was good for the whole region. “We exist to contribute to the sustainability and prosperity of Nelson-Tasman. That’s why we’re here and it’s great to be able to share some of what we’ve been doing to achieve that with both our shareholders and the wider community through the Annual Report.”

Quinton said other achievements during the year included achieving an “Excellent” customer satisfaction rating in the airport’s annual survey, the introduction into service of the new airport Rescue Fire Service fire appliance “Flick”, the completion of the new Rental Car Kiosk in front of the terminal and start of construction on a new base of operations for GO Rentals. The lodging of the airport’s Project 2-Zero planning application was also a significant milestone in the airport’s journey towards achieving its vision of being a world-class airport where zero-emissions aircraft operate.

“Along with all the mahi we have also had the great pleasure of inviting the community to join in with us at fun events and activities such as the Walk the Runway fundraiser, Nelson Anniversary Day Ice-Cream Social and the Nelson Airport Plane Spotting Photography Competition.”

The outlook for the 2024 financial year was looking tougher, but the airport was still predicting modest growth in passenger numbers, Quinton said.

“We’re expecting growth to slow in an environment of high interest rates and low economic growth, but not to retract. Our objective remains the same, to deliver prosperity and sustainability to the region every day through the provision of sustainable airport infrastructure that connects us to the world, by facilitating business opportunities and by supporting excellent experiences that add to visitor satisfaction.”

The full Annual Report 2023 is available at: nelsonairport.co.nz/reportsandpolicies

Nelson Airport.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

Public Warning about Toxic Shellfish – Marlborough Sounds

Map of the affected area:

Map showing the area covered by the shellfish biotoxin alert from Okiwa Bay (The Grove) up to a line from Dieffenbach Point across to West Head in the Marlborough Sounds.

Public health warning: shellfish biotoxin alert for Marlborough Sounds

New Zealand Food Safety is advising the public not to collect or consume shellfish gathered from part of Queen Charlotte Sound due to the possible presence of toxins.

"Routine tests on mussel samples taken from Okiwa Bay (The Grove) have shown levels of diarrhetic shellfish toxins more than 3.5 times the safe limit,” says New Zealand Food Safety specialist adviser Piers Harrison.

"The warning extends from The Grove up to a line from Dieffenbach Point across to West Head in the Marlborough Sounds.

"Please do not gather and eat shellfish from this area because anyone doing so is potentially at risk of getting sick.

"Cooking the shellfish does not remove the toxin, so mussels, oysters, tuatua, pipi, toheroa, cockles, scallops, catseyes, kina (sea urchin) and all other bivalve shellfish from this area should not be eaten.”

Pāua, crab, and crayfish may still be eaten if the gut has been completely removed prior to cooking, as toxins accumulate in the gut. If the gut is not removed, its contents could contaminate the meat during the cooking process.

Symptoms of diarrhetic shellfish toxin poisoning typically appear within half an hour of ingestion and last for about 24 hours. Symptoms may include diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal cramps.

New Zealand Food Safety has had no notifications of associated illness.

If anyone becomes ill after eating shellfish from an area where a public health warning has been issued, phone Healthline for advice on 0800 61 11 16, or seek medical attention immediately. You are also advised to contact your nearest public health unit and keep any leftover shellfish in case it can be tested.

"As is our usual practice, monitoring of toxin levels will continue and any changes will be communicated accordingly," says Mr Harrison.

Commercially harvested shellfish – sold in shops and supermarkets or exported – is subject to strict water and flesh monitoring programmes by New Zealand Food Safety to ensure they are safe to eat.

Ministry for Primary Industries.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

A recall alert from New Zealand Food Safety

 

A recall alert from New Zealand Food Safety

Wallaby brand Cookie Dough Bites (Chocolate Macadamia with Maple and Double Chocolate Hazelnut) 

22 September 2023: 

Crombie and Price Ltd is recalling:

1/ Wallaby brand Cookie Dough Bites Chocolate Macadamia with Maple and 

2/ Wallaby brand Cookie Dough Bites Double Chocolate Hazelnut 

due to the possible presence of an allergen (milk). People with a milk allergy or intolerance should not consume these products. If you have consumed any of these products and have any concerns about your health, seek medical advice.

Product identification.

Product type:     Snack product

Name of product (size):

Wallaby brand Cookie Dough Bites Chocolate Macadamia with Maple (130g)

Wallaby brand Cookie Dough Bites Double Chocolate Hazelnut (130g)

Date marking:    

All best before dates up to and including 21/09/24

Package size and description:

The products are sold in a 130g plastic package.

Distribution:

The products are imported from Australia.

The products are sold at retail outlets, supermarkets and online throughout New Zealand.

The products have not been re-exported.

Notes:

This recall does not affect any other Wallaby brand products.

Consumer advice:

Customers are asked to check the date mark on the product.

People with a milk allergy or intolerance should not consume these products. If you have consumed any of these products and have any concerns about your health, seek medical advice. If you are not allergic or intolerant to milk, this recall does not affect you.

Customers with a milk allergy or intolerance should return the products to their retailer for a full refund.

Who to contact:

If you have questions, contact Crombie and Price Ltd:

Phone: (03) 434 8311

Address: 5 Torridge Street, Oamaru

Pigeon Post News Richmond

Tasman Police Appeal for Information

 

Appeal for Information Regarding Nelson Crash

Attributed to Senior Constable Matthew Harris

Nelson, New Zealand – Authorities are calling upon the public for assistance in the aftermath of a collision that occurred in Nelson on September 12. The Tasman Police are actively seeking information related to the incident, and Senior Constable Matthew Harris has issued a plea for cooperation.

On the evening of September 12, at approximately 5:25 pm, police received notification of a collision that transpired on the footpath of Main Road Stoke in Nelson. The incident involved a cyclist and a pedestrian, both of whom have been identified.

However, the police are keen to speak with two individuals who provided assistance immediately following the collision. These witnesses played a vital role in aiding the affected parties, and their input is crucial to the ongoing investigation.

If you were one of the individuals who rendered assistance in the aftermath of this incident, please do not hesitate to contact the Tasman Police. You can reach out to the authorities on 105 and referencing file number 230912/4937.

Cooperation from the public in providing information about this incident is greatly appreciated by law enforcement as they work to piece together the details of the crash and ensure a comprehensive investigation. The Tasman Police urge anyone with pertinent information to come forward promptly, assisting in the pursuit of justice and resolution for all involved parties.

Tasman Police.

Pigeon Post News.

Richmond Transport Choices Project

 

Public Feedback has made Changes to first Richmond Transport Choices Project 

22 September 2023

Tasman District Council’s first Transport Choices project in Richmond is about to hit the streets, and final changes have been made to it following community feedback. 

Funding for this work comes from a share of the Government’s $350m distributed by Waka Kotahi to rapidly reallocate existing street space for walking, cycling and public transport. 

A series of safety improvements are going to be made on William Street and some nearby side streets, and the views residents were sought. 

One contentious issue from talking to people was the proposed trial of a no right turn out of William Street on to Salisbury Road. 

Many people expressed concerns about that idea, so ways were investigated of making changes while ensuring improved safety for walkers and bike riders at that intersection. The project team went back to the drawing board and redesigned the layout, and the right turn has been retained. 

Transportation Manager Jamie McPherson says this is why we seek constructive feedback for projects like this, so we can make considered decisions. 

“In this case, we are able make changes to the project while being able to maintain the key objectives of improving safety in the neighbourhood.”     

Jamie McPherson says that we have found that William Street plays a vital role in creating an inclusive, safe, vibrant, and sustainable area to live in. 

“By improving safety, particularly around schools, we’re ensuring everyone including our rangatahi (young people) can move around safely by walking, scooting, biking or whichever way they choose.” 

Isaac Construction was awarded the contract to do the work expected to start in early October and finish by February 2024. 

Residents who may be affected by construction work will be contacted directly, otherwise you can keep up to date on Tasman District Council’s Shape Tasman website, shape.tasman.govt.nz/transport-choices-2023/william-street-project. 

Contact 

Jamie McPherson 

Transportation Manager 

Community Infrastructure  

03 543 7256

Tasman District Council Communications.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

MetService — UPDATED - Forecasting Disruptive Weather Ahead - WARNINGS NO LONGER IN FORCE

21/09/2023

Disruptive Weather Ahead

Warnings no longer in Force 

Forecast for whole of New Zealand

Covering period of Thursday 21 - Sunday 24 September

MetService forecasts heavy snow, strong winds, heavy rain, and thunderstorms for the end of the working week and into the first weekend of the school holidays. The active front moving northwards up the South Island continues to cause havoc, with fourteen Severe Weather Warnings and Watches are currently in place in the South Island.

With this weather coinciding with a time where many kiwis will be travelling, we urge everyone to stay up to date with MetService forecasts, Watches, and Warnings; along with road information from Waka Kotahi.

MetService Meteorologist Clare O’Connor offers more detail: “Overnight we’ve seen widespread disruption resulting from this strong, moist northwesterly flow. Rainfall totals in Fiordland have exceeded 100 mm in twelve hours; gusts of 150 km/h recorded in Canterbury High Country; and 2500 lightning strikes detected in the southwest of Te Waipounamu/the South Island.”

As the front moves northwards, a southerly change follows behind: Heavy Snow Warnings for inland Canterbury including the Mackenzie Country begin early Friday morning, with up to 40 centimetres of snow expected. While this will be unwelcome news for the rural community, ski fields in the region will no doubt appreciate the fresh spring snow ahead of the first week of the school holidays. A drop in temperatures alongside the wind change will be noticeable following days of above average temperatures.

As conditions settle in the south, impacts of the active front will begin to be felt in Te Ika-a-Māui/the North Island. Heavy Rain Watches have been issued for Taranaki Maunga/Mt Taranaki and the Tararua Range, beginning on Saturday. Metservice will issue additional Watches and Warnings closer to the time, as significant and widespread impacts are possible for Te Ika-a-Māui/the North Island.

“The rain band meets with air originating from the north of Aotearoa/New Zealand as it moves on to Te Ika-a-Māui/the North Island, adding even more moist air into the mix, with rain for all corners of the island. The heaviest rain is expected in the second half of Saturday and Sunday morning, likely disrupting travel on what will no doubt be a busy weekend on the roads. Keeping up to date with forecasts as well as road conditions will be imperative this weekend for any families heading away for the school holidays.” O’Connor continues.

By Sunday night, the front moves to the northeast of Te Ika-a-Māui/the North Island and becomes slow-moving – uncertainty remains as to the exact location of the front at this time and MetService forecasters are monitoring the situation closely and will issue updates throughout the weekend.

MetService Severe Weather Warning

Tasman Nelson - Warnings no longer in Force 

Heavy Rain Warning - NO LONGER IN FORCE

Heavy Rain Warning lifted for The Bryant and northern Richmond Ranges: Heavy rain is easing this morning. This rain warning is now lifted.

Heavy Rain Warning lifted for Tasman west of Motueka : Warning amounts of rain are no longer expected. This rain warning is now lifted.

Heavy Rain Warning lifted for Westland south of Otira: Warning amounts of rain are no longer expected. This rain warning is now lifted.

METSERVICE

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.