BREAKING NEWS

Good afternoon, RICHMOND — A volatile overnight weather system put on a spectacular but disruptive display across the Top of the South, sending over 1,100 lightning strikes splitting through the skies.

The Tasman region was all talk about thunder and lightning following a Thursday night of heavy thunder and lightning that concentrated directly over the Richmond Ranges. Warm northerly winds and unusually high sea surface temperatures fuelled the active front, which briefly knocked out power to properties on Thursday night before network crews restored lines. The tropical air mass even shattered long-standing temperature records, with Nelson registering its highest-ever June minimum temperature of 15.4°C.

MetService Update: Severe Weather Watch Active

While the spectacular lightning has moved away, MetService advises that local wilderness areas are not entirely clear of risk just yet. A Heavy Rain Watch remains active for the Tasman Ranges and Buller through to 8:00 PM this evening (Friday 5 June). Forecasters warn that periods of heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms could approach warning criteria during the afternoon, with a moderate chance of the watch being upgraded to a full warning. Fortunately, the system is moving quickly. Clear skies are on the horizon, with MetService predicting a fine, stable winter pattern to establish itself over Richmond by Saturday morning, bringing a mostly clear weekend with light winds.

👀Local News Catch-up: Overflows, Crashes, and Project Deferrals

Beyond the stormy skies, several key local stories are developing across the district this Friday afternoon:

Wastewater Systems Overwhelmed: Saturated soil and torrential inflows have heavily stressed regional infrastructure. The Tasman District Council is currently managing numerous localised sewage overflows. Concurrently, Nelson Mayor Nick Smith has addressed a separate major breach on Paru Paru Road, which has been leaking untreated wastewater into Saltwater Creek and the Maitai River mouth at an estimated 100 to 200 litres per second.
Ruby Bay Road Disruptions: Motorists continue to face delays along Aporo Road today. Emergency services closed the arterial route between Marriages Road and Stafford Road following a serious single-vehicle crash late yesterday, and local diversions remain active while investigations continue.
Motueka Pool Project Paused: The Tasman District Council has formally agreed to defer long-awaited plans for the Motueka swimming pool development on King Edward Street. The project faces an indefinite hold following annual plan deliberations that revealed an unexpected $3 million spike in servicing costs. I’m sure ratepayers will be pleased with the sensible decision.
Urban Growth Plan Meetings: Public drop-in sessions regarding Plan Change 81 and Change 1 are still set to proceed. The initiatives seek to introduce faster residential consenting and medium-density zoning across Richmond, Brightwater, Wakefield, and Tākaka. The next public consultation meeting is scheduled at the Wakefield Village Hall on Monday 8 June.

Enjoy the fine winter weather clearing up over the weekend, stay warm out there in Richmond, and I will see you next time a local story breaks. Have a wonderful weekend!

— Pigeon Post News (FRIDAY 5 JUNE)