Pigeon Post News: 2024

Monday, May 6, 2024

Looming changes forecast for Tasman District Council's 10 Year Plan

Changes looming for Tasman District Council's 10 Year Plan

5 May, 2024

Tasman District Council’s Chief Financial Officer Mike Drummond has advised the Council of recent information that may have an impact on the decision-making within the Council's 2024-2034 Long Term Plan.

"We are advising ratepayers, and especially those who have made submissions on its Long-Term Plan/Tasman’s 10-Year Plan, that due to circumstances largely outside of its control the proposed rates revenue increase of 9.6% may increase by between 2 and 3 percent," Drummond said.

This will a create a new starting point for deliberations by Councillors later in the month.

"While still below the national average of proposed rate revenue increases, we considered it was important to inform residents as soon as we were made aware of the increased cost pressures and the possible impact on rates.

"We feel it is particularly important to make this information known before the submission hearings start on 8 May."

These cost pressures include:

Increased costs of funding water services maintenance.
Increased costs associated with the Waimea Community Dam.
Downturn in forecasted revenue from building consent activity.
Higher costs for water supply maintenance.
Increased insurance costs.
A materially higher 2023/24 year end deficit particularly in building control and transport spending, due to storm costs

While no decisions have been made by Council, these additional cost pressures may have an impact on the final rates revenue increase depending on the decisions the Council makes in its final deliberations following the hearings that begin on 8 May.

While the consultation period has closed, those who are already making their submissions at the hearings scheduled to start 8 May, may like to amend their submissions in light of the new information.

"This latest information provides a new starting point for the Councillors deliberations and should not be seen as the final resting point for the rates revenue increase", concluded Drummond.

Further information is available at: www.shape.tasman.govt.nz/tasmans-10-year-plan

Tasman District Council, Communications.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

Friday, May 3, 2024

Motueka Marine Farm exclusion zone

If you must enter the marked area, keep a good lookout and keep your speed to 5-knots. You can read more about our local marine farms here: https://www.tasman.govt.nz/marine-farms/

Tasman Harbourmaster implements direction for Marine Farm buoys exclusion zone off Motueka

2 May, 2024

Safety concerns have prompted Tasman Harbourmaster to issue a direction implementing an exclusion zone beyond a marine farm located in Tasman Bay, near the Motueka River.

This notice comes into effect from Thursday 2 May 2024 and will remain in place until further notice.

Mussels farmers at the site have identified an issue around sunken lines refloating intermittently.

A large number of lines have been found on the surface so far and we are working to assess the extent of this issue as well as re-weighting all sunken lines so they cannot refloat again.

Unfortunately, there have been several instances where vessels have collided with unmarked lines.

The Tasman Harbourmaster’s Office is now checking on the safety of these farms.

“When we say intermittently, a line could be on the surface for some time and then sink below the surface for a time. We have been closely monitoring the farm, but it has been very difficult to find intermittently floating lines,” Tasman Harbourmaster Pete Renshaw said.

“This means a boat may go through an area in the morning with no issues, and then coming home they get fouled on a line.

“We want to ensure the safety of everyone on the water or operating within our coastal boundaries – Marine farms are work sites that undergo daily changes and multiple hazards can exist.

“The task to remedy this situation may take some time, so we ask that extreme care is taken when in the waters around marine farms, and stay well clear if your presence is not necessary.”

“As soon as we understand the extent of the issue – the sooner we will be able to lift the notice.”

The marine farms are reserved areas and are marked with cardinal markers (buoys) which indicate safe water.

All vessels not involved with the commercial operation are to remain outside of the farm reserve area bounded by the cardinal marks and yellow special marks, as noted in the map above.

Tasman District Council, Communications.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

Also on Facebook.

Weekend Weather News

May begins on the cooler side with southwesterly winds

02/05/2024

Covering period of Thu 02 - Mon 06 May

We’re inching closer to winter and MetService is forecasting temperatures on the cooler side for the first two weeks of May due to winds generally approaching from the southwest. However, settled conditions are forecast for most of the country this weekend, so even if the morning is chilly, a lot of people will be in for a sunny afternoon.

Most parts of Aotearoa will feel the cold southwest winds today (Thursday). Although the winds ease on Friday this is when waves are expected to peak around coastal areas. A large southerly swell is forecast for Wellington from Friday afternoon into Saturday. Gradually the coastal conditions will ease over the weekend as winds tend to be on the lighter side.

The southern end of the South Island is most likely to see showers on Friday but come Saturday the risk of rain decreases and most of the country will be in for a dry day. However, the clear skies and light winds mean chilly starts to the day. Parts of Central Otago will likely drop below freezing but it’ll be southern parts of the North Island which are in for the biggest departure from norm. Paraparaumu starts Saturday off around 4°C which is about five degrees below average for this time in May.

MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris states, “for most of the country, Sunday will look much the same as Saturday but people north of Waikato will need to keep an eye on the forecast as there is a band of moisture hanging around which could mean a soggy day for some. This rain isn’t associated with a well-developed weather system so it’s very likely the forecast details will change as we get closer to the time.”

The new working week kicks off with another burst of southwesterly winds moving up the country so expect showers and cool temperatures to make another appearance.

Bottom Line from our May Outlook: A dry and cold opening fortnight for most of the country, despite a notable burst of rain on May 1st. Westerly fronts return with regularity over the second half of the month and rainfall distributions look more like normal for late Autumn. Recall May is typically a wet month in NZ, so even with a drier than normal outlook overall we will still see a number of wet days, especially from mid-month.

MetService.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

Friday, April 26, 2024

Tasman Dry Weather Task Force update

Tasman Dry Weather Task Force Update.

April 24, 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 29 April 2024 for consent holders in these Water Management Zones:

Changes to previous week:

Motupiko – move to Stage 1 (a 20% cut on authorised weekly use)
Moutere Western – move back to Stage 1

Continued directions:

Moutere Eastern Groundwater – stage 4 (a 65% cut) remains

This week’s review of our river flows and aquifer data indicates most areas are above restriction trigger levels.

The river flow at Motupiko and groundwater levels in the Deep Moutere Aquifer – Eastern zone – remain the exceptions, although levels are slowly recovering in both these aquifers.

The Motupiko river flows situation reflects the catchment geology and the large soil deficits over many weeks.

Tasman DWTF Convenor Kim Drummond said the cooler weather conditions and reduced water requirements provided a useful starting point to enable the recovery of the Moutere Deep Groundwater Zone aquifer.

However, with a minimal amount of rain forecast over the next 10 days, the DWTF would be taking a measured approach in lifting the remaining restrictions.

“Lifting the Western Zone rationing to Stage 1 is extremely encouraging after a difficult few months - there are indications that the Eastern Zone could rise to a Stage 3 buffer level in the near future, however the recovery here has been slower than in the Western Zone and any change will be carefully managed.”

Regarding decisions that come from the Dry Weather Task Force, it is important that Consent holders take heed of the directions and remain familiar with Resource Consent conditions.

Stock drinking water is not affected by these water restrictions.

The position will be reviewed by the Dry Weather Taskforce next week. This will be the final scheduled meeting of the 2023/24 season.

For more information, go to https://www.tasman.govt.nz/my-property/water/water-supply/current-water-restrictions/

TASMAN DISTRICT COUNCIL.

PIGEON POST NEWS, RICHMOND

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

TASMAN RUGBY UNION - NEWS

STEVE MITCHELL APPOINTED AS CEO OF TASMAN RUGBY UNION

Tasman Rugby Union is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Mitchell as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 10th June. Steve arrives with a decade of experience in provincial rugby and an intimate knowledge of the wider rugby scene, having served as CEO of Southland Rugby since April 2020.

The appointment marks a homecoming for Steve, as the former Nelson College student and life member of Rangers Rugby Club has played a pivotal role in Tasman Rugby Union’s short history, serving as Operations Manager from April 2014 to February 2020, before heading south.

Commenting on Steve's appointment, Baz Henare, Chairman of the Tasman Rugby Union board, said, "We are thrilled to welcome Steve back to Tasman Rugby Union as our new CEO. His passion for the game, combined with his proven leadership abilities, make him the perfect fit to lead our organisation forward. We look forward to working closely with Steve to achieve our collective goals and continue to strengthen Tasman Rugby Union's position within the rugby community.

The Board would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to interim CEO Kahu Marfell, who has steadied the TRU ship through the transitional period. Kahu can now focus fully on his role as Community Rugby Manager, and we know Steve’s appointment will help us make strides in this priority space.

The Board were overwhelmed to have 24 quality applicants from across NZ, Australia and USA and would like to acknowledge members of the interview panel and the independent & thorough recruitment process run by local company Intepeople.”

Mitchell expressed his excitement about returning to Tasman Rugby Union and the opportunity to lead the organisation into its next chapter, “It was always the intention to head back to Tasman when the time was right. My wife and I are extremely pleased for the opportunity to return to our family roots, and I am thrilled for the opportunity to lead Tasman Rugby into a new era with a renewed focus on Community Rugby. The time in Southland has been extremely beneficial for my personal development and I look forward to bringing those learnings to the new role in Tasman. Tasman is my home and I have always been a proud and loyal supporter of Tasman Rugby.”

Steve's extensive experience and proven track record make him the ideal candidate to lead Tasman Rugby Union into the future. The TRU looks forward to leveraging his leadership and strategic insights as they embark on this new journey together.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand to put up fares from June

Air New Zealand announced, the airline will be increasing long-term domestic fares across all routes.

In a statement, Air NZ acting general manager for domestic Jeremy O'Brien said it had faced increasing costs over the past couple of years like many Kiwi businesses.

"As we've previously signalled, our cost base has risen more than 30 percent. To date, we've absorbed as much of this as we can.

"To reflect higher costs of providing air services, we need to continue to review our pricing.”

House of Travel chief operating officer Brent Thomas told Midday Report Air NZ had indicated prices were going to change and inflation had been "running hot" over the last few months.

Domestically, there was not a lot of competition so travellers would have to take what was available to them - and Thomas said people would have to wait to see the detail of those increases.

People who were able to book well in advance would still be able to get good fares but those booking last minute - whether for a family emergency or corporate travel "are paying the price".

Thomas said airfares were "significantly cheap" before Covid-19, but costs had gone up.

"I think we all know that when we go fill up our car, the price of petrol's gone up. Facing the same thing - a significant part of running an airline of course is the jet fuel and that has gone up."

Thomas said it was fair that the airline passed that cost on to consumers.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

Weather News Release - New Zealand

MetService

Fine weather across the country, turning wet and windy on ANZAC Day

22/04/2024

Covering period of Monday 22 - Thursday 25 April

The final week of the school holidays starts out with plenty of dry and fine weather across Aotearoa New Zealand. However, wet and windy conditions are expected for ANZAC Day.

A cool southwest flow covers Aotearoa New Zealand today, spreading a few showers over Auckland, but there’s still plenty of sunshine to be had elsewhere. This afternoon, a burst of stronger southerly winds and showers spread northwards over Marlborough, Wellington and the eastern North Island.

Winds are forecast to ease overnight after the showers clear Tairāwhiti Gisborne, causing temperatures to drop as a ridge of high pressure settles in. MetService meteorologist Ngaire Wotherspoon comments, “Overnight temperatures are forecast to be lower than average for this time of year, and some of the South Island could be waking up to frost.”

Clear skies dominate through Tuesday and Wednesday, although a strengthening northwesterly flow in the south will drive cloud and showers up the west coast of the South Island. Showers turn to heavy rain over Fiordland on Wednesday night as a front closes in from the west, spreading northwards up the West Coast during the morning of ANZAC Day.

“The weather looks dry for Dawn Services in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland on ANZAC Day, but strengthening northwesterlies across the middle of the country mean it will be a windy one for the capital.” says Wotherspoon, “it’ll be worth taking a raincoat for the early morning services on the West Coast.”

MetService.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.