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Newsline 267 is Now Available

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:29:50 +1300

Read articles from the January 27 edition of Newsline.

Download Newsline 267 - 27 January 2012

Flood Event Update 52

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:21:39 +1300

Water

Rabbit Island still has large areas of pond water, the water exceeds the recreational bathing water standards and is fenced to exclude the public.

After the original flood event, a shellfish gathering ban was put in place across much of Nelson Tasman region. The only restriction remaining in place on gathering shellfish is from Rangihaeata Head to Separation Pt (Golden Bay) and this expires on Tuesday 31 January.

Latest count of s124 Notices

Tasman District has seen 31 notices. Seven of these have been subsequently been removed.

Nelson has removed 50 s124 Notices; 52 out of an original approx 102 notices remain on affected properties (the approximation is due to the lack of original data during the flurry of activity immediately after the flood event).

EQC has made contact with all applicants as at the afternoon of Friday 27th.

Roads

Abel Tasman Drive Wainui Hill

Abel Tasman Drive at Wainui Hill is now open but drivers are requested to use with extreme caution and expect lengthy delays.

Kokorua Road

Kokorua Road is now open. Drivers are urged to use caution.

Nelson City road closures or limited access

Cable Bay Road - open to residents and essential services only, traffic lights in place
Iwa Road – open to one lane only for residents and essential services
Poynters Crescent – closed

Tasman region incl Golden Bay road closures or limited access

Aniseed Valley Road – open with speed restrictions and give way sections beyond the hill where the road is narrow and reduced to a single lane.
Totaranui Road – closed long term - Boat access only
Awaroa Road – closed long term - Boat access only
Abel Tasman Drive Wainui Hill - Open but expect lengthy delays
Pohara Valley Road – open for residents only
Haile Lane – Open to residents only
Matenga Road – Open to residents only
Falconer Road - Open to residents only
SH 60 open at Bird Hill – still single lane controlled by traffic lights, expect delays

Excerpt from statement by NTZA on status of Totaranui Road:

While Tasman District Council manages Totaranui Road, given its status as a special purpose road it is 100% funded by the NZTA. As such, the NZTA will be funding work to restore access to this area.

We're currently working closely with Tasman District Council to identify a solution for providing reliable public access, and this could involve restoring the existing route or other potential options.

We're looking at this as part of the overall recovery package for the Golden Bay area, which is being funded from the NZTA's Emergency Works fund. It's too early to say when decisions will be made as we're still in the process of weighing up the options.”

Works ongoing status

Scheduled for the week of 31 January:

Hodgson St - Footpath & road repairs
Eckington Tce - Various works
Teal Valley Rd -Slips and water table shaping
Todd Valley Rd - Culvert clearing
Aniseed Valley - Culverts clearing
South St - Pavement repairs
Whitby Rd - Footpath repair
Routine sign maintenance and pothole repairs continue

Nelson Tasman Recovery Group

The key priority is the delivery of the draft regional recovery group to the respective Councils early next week. The plan will set action items for each Council to include in the short term and in their respective Long Term Plans.

Major Milestone for Tasman’s Great Taste Cycle Trail

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:36:30 +1300

A significant step forward for Tasman’s Great Taste Trail has been achieved with the granting of resource consent for a substantial part of the Coastal section along the Waimea Estuary.

This part of the route includes an existing part of the trial, and takes into account spectacular coastal vistas along the Waimea Estuary via a land trail and series of coastal boardwalks.

Tasman Mayor Richard Kempthorne says the granting of consent will be welcomed by residents and visitors to the region alike.

“It’s fantastic that they’ve got the go-ahead. Residents will be able to use the trail every day, and the coastal section will enhance our region’s reputation as a fantastic cycling destination for visitors.”

Trust Project Manager, Stuart Hughes says that although the number of interests in the area always signalled a long consent process, the result was a better overall outcome for everyone.

“This trail traverses some sensitive coastal areas as well as private landholdings, and required very extensive stakeholder input. Feedback and input from the various parties has been invaluable to shaping the trail and setting appropriate consent conditions,” Mr Hughes says.

“This has been a real exercise in collaboration forming solid working relationships with the Trust, Council and key parties. We would like to acknowledge the time and effort that the various environmental organisations and landowners have contributed”.

Tasman District Council is a key partner in the success of the trail, and Mr Hughes says that Tasman’s Great Taste Trail concept would never have got off the ground without their support.

The Council will ultimately own the trail, which will become a valuable asset for the whole community.

Construction of the track will take place in stages once a detailed schedule has been finalised.

For more information about Tasman’s Great Taste Cycle Trail, visit:

Flood Event Update 51: Cable Bay and Wainui Roads Open But Patience Required

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:21:17 +1300

As the holiday weekend approaches drivers are asked to exercise caution and be patient on the recently opened section of Abel Tasman Drive to Wainui and the road to Cable Bay.

These roads are still not fully restored and have traffic controls and/or heavy machinery on them leading to inevitable delays for drivers.

“We recognize that both of these are attractive destinations over the upcoming holiday weekends and ask people to recognise these roads were heavily affected by December’s rain event,” said Recovery Manager Michael Schruer.

"The Cable Bay Road still has traffic light controls due the single lane in many places. The area of road managed by the lights is long therefore the lights will not change for some time and people need to be patient.

"There have been a number of reports where people have thought the lights are not working because the length of time between changes and have driven against the lights causing dangerous situations and further congestion."

The road to Wainui is open, however as heavy machinery is in use, road users can expect significant delays. Please drive with extreme care.

Find the latest information on the Nelson Tasman Civil Defence website.

Tourism Rate to be Spread Across the District

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:28:52 +1300

The Tasman District Council is proposing to change the way it collects the current Targeted Tourism Rate.

Introduced two years ago, the targeted rate was paid by those in Tasman who benefited directly through tourism to the Region with the monies collected being provided to Nelson Tasman Tourism to fund destination marketing.

The proposed change to be included in the upcoming draft Long Term Plan consultation is that the tourism rate be reduced significantly and spread across all rateable properties in the District.

“Over the last two years the Targeted Rate has been managed by the Council, there has been considerable discussion about the annual return and the number of properties that have not been identified leading to accusations of inequity as well as the time the Council has had to invest in the management of the rate for the level of return. For these reasons the Council is proposing a district-wide charge,” said Mayor Richard Kempthorne.

The proposed rate is $20 plus GST per rateable property.

The Draft Long Term Plan will be released for public consultation on 23 February, closing 30 March.

Flood event update #50

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:16:25 +1300

Latest information from Nelson Tasman Civil Defence.

Community Meetings

A community meeting is scheduled for Wainui Bay on 26 January at 5pm at Wainui Falls car park.

Water

Rabbit Island still has large areas of pond water, the water exceeds the recreational bathing water standards and is fenced to exclude the public.

Latest Count of s124 Notices

A new s124 Notice was issued for a home in the Tasman District, bringing the total issued for the event to 31. Seven of these have been subsequently been removed.

Nelson has removed 45 s124 Notices; 57 out of an original approx 102 notices remain on affected properties (the approximation is due to the lack of original data during the flurry of activity immediately after the flood event).

Roads

Abel Tasman Drive Wainui Hill - extreme care required

Update: Thursday 26 January: The road is open, however as heavy machinery is in use, road users can expect significant delays. Please drive with extreme care.

Abel Tasman Drive at Wainui Hill underwent extensive investigation last week. Contractors are forecasting that it may be possible to open the road late this week.
Note: Heavy machinery is in use - road users can expect significant delays.

Kokorua Road

Kokorua Road is now open. Drivers are urged to use caution.

Nelson City road closures or limited access

Cable Bay Road - open to residents and essential services only, traffic lights in place
Iwa Road – open to one lane only for residents and essential services
Poynters Crescent – closed

Tasman region including Golden Bay road closures or limited access

Aniseed Valley Road – open with speed restrictions and give way sections beyond the hill where the road is narrow and reduced to a single lane.
Totaranui Road – closed long term - Boat access only

Excerpt from statement by NTZA on status of Totaranui Road:

"While Tasman District Council manages Totaranui Road, given its status as a special purpose road it is 100% funded by the NZTA. As such, the NZTA will be funding work to restore access to this area.

Awaroa Road – closed long term - Boat access only.
Abel Tasman Drive Wainui Hill - Open 1 lane only to residents and emergency services (Access permit required and closed from 9pm to 6am due to slip risk).
Pohara Valley Road – open for residents only.
Haile Lane – Open to residents only.
Matenga Road – Open to residents only.
Falconer Road - Open to residents only.
SH 60 open at Bird Hill – still single lane controlled by traffic lights, expect delays

Works Ongoing Status for Nelson City

Scheduled for the week of 23 January

Maori Pa Road – slip clearing and culvert clearing
Kokorua Road – tree removal
Teal Valley Road – slips and water table shaping
Todd Valley Road – culvert clearing
Routine sign maintenance and pothole repairs continue

Nelson Tasman Recovery Group

The key priority for the regional recovery group is to write the regional recovery action plan. The plan will set action items for each Council to include in the short term and in their respective Long Term Plans.

New Tasman District Council CEO Announced

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:00:35 +1300

The Tasman District Council is delighted to announce the appointment of Lindsay McKenzie to the role of Chief Executive. Mr McKenzie is currently Chief Executive of Gisborne District Council.

Tasman Mayor Richard Kempthorne says: “Throughout the process Councillors were united in the need to find someone who bought proven leadership with a focus on delivering sound community outcomes.”

“Add to that an awareness and familiarity with the obligations and objectives of a unitary authority and I believe the Council has made a sound choice.”

“Lindsay comes to Tasman with a proven track record and is a highly-experienced Chief Executive Officer who has delivered in a District not dissimilar to Tasman.

“He is well aware of the current challenges facing the district and his experience will prove invaluable as we continue to deliver affordable and sustainable development and face the challenges of recovering from the recent natural disaster.”

“The appointment ensures the Council’s ability to maintain its focus on key issues for the Tasman District.”

Mr McKenzie is looking forward to the role.

“I am ready for the challenges ahead. While I will miss my friends and workmates in Gisborne, I am really looking forward to returning to the south and contributing to the communities within Tasman District.”

Dennis Bush-King, Council’s Environment and Planning Manager, has been Acting Chief Executive for Tasman since the departure of Paul Wylie to the Buller District Council in September last year.

“Dennis has admirably filled the role of Acting Chief Executive and we are very grateful for his considerable effort and energy. He is a highly valued member of our senior team.” says Mayor Kempthorne.

Mr McKenzie has a three-month notice to complete his work with Gisborne, and there will be arrangements between both Councils to ensure a smooth transition to his new role.

Latest Civil Defence Information

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:56:05 +1300

Please visit http://nelsontasmancivildefence.co.nz for the latest information or recovery following the December flood event.

Roading update: Aniseed Valley Road Open

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:56:34 +1300

Aniseed Valley Road Open

Aniseed Valley Road is now open. There are speed restrictions and give way sections beyond the hill where the road is narrow and reduced to a single lane. Residents are urged to drive with caution.

Golden Bay road closures or limited access

Totaranui Road – closed long term - Boat access only
Awaroa Road – closed long term - Boat access only.
Abel Tasman Drive Wainui Hill - Open 1 lane only to residents and emergency services (Access permit required and closed from 9pm to 6am due to slip risk).
Pohara Valley Road – open for residents only.
Haile Lane – Open to residents only.
Matenga Road – Open to residents only.
Falconer Road - Open to residents only.
SH 60 open at Bird Hill – still single lane and expect delays

For the latest roading information following the December floods, visit the Nelson Tasman Civil Defence website.

Flood event update #49

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:19:23 +1300

Flood event updates are issued by Nelson Tasman Civil Defence.

Community Meetings

Nelson and Richmond area residents who were affected by the December flood event are invited to a community meeting on Wednesday 25 January at 7.30pm at Saxton Cricket/Athletics Pavilion. Members of the Nelson Tasman Recovery Office and an EQC representative will be there to provide an update on the recovery effort and to talk with residents about their questions and concerns.

A community meeting is scheduled for Wainui Bay on 26 January at 5pm.

Latest Count of s124 Notices

A new s124 Notice was issued for a dwelling in Golden Bay, bringing the total issued for the event to 30 for the Tasman district, seven of which have been subsequently been removed.

Nelson has removed 29 s124 Notices; 73 out of an original approx 102 notices remain on affected properties (the approximation is due to the lack of original data during the flurry of activity immediately after the flood event).

Water

Roads

Aniseed Valley Road

Aniseed Valley Road is now open. There are speed restrictions and give way sections beyond the hill where the road is narrow and reduced to a single lane. Residents are urged to drive with caution.

Cable Bay Road

Cable Bay Road beyond Maori Pa Road is now open 24 hours/7 days to residents and essential services only. The road is one lane only at some points, and construction work is ongoing which may cause delays to drivers. Drivers may see workers and 'road closed' signage, but when workers see vehicles waiting, they will try to flag them through as quickly as possible.

Iwa Road

Iwa Road now has one lane open.

Nelson City Road Closures or Limited Access

Cable bay Road - open to residents and essential services only, traffic lights in place
Iwa Road – open to one lane only for residents and essential services
Kokorua Road - closed
Poynters Crescent – closed

Golden Bay Road Closures or Limited Access

Totaranui Road – closed long term - Boat access only
Awaroa Road – closed long term - Boat access only.
Abel Tasman Drive Wainui Hill - Open 1 lane only to residents and emergency services (Access permit required and closed from 9pm to 6am due to slip risk).
Pohara Valley Road – open for residents only.
Haile Lane – Open to residents only.
Matenga Road – Open to residents only.
Falconer Road - Open to residents only.
SH 60 open at Bird Hill – still single lane and expect delays

Works for Nelson City

Scheduled for the week of 16 January

Iwa Road – installation of permanent concrete barriers
Maori Pa Road – slip clearing and culvert clearing
Kokoroa Road – flood damage repair
Cable Bay Road – water table shaping
Routine sign maintenance and pothole repairs continue

Nelson Tasman Recovery Group

Severe Weather Warning

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:00:19 +1300

Northwest gales and a burst of heavy rain for the northwest of the South Island

In the 24 hours from midnight Thursday to midnight Friday 100mm of rain is expected, particularly west of Motueka. The bulk of the rain should fall in a northwest flow, and occur from the northwest ranges southwards, with maximum intensities of 15mm per hour or so Friday evening.

However, in Golden Bay, there may be a burst of 30-40mm Thursday evening, with intensities briefly up to 15-20mm per hour.

A depression is expected to deepen rapidly in the eastern Tasman Sea later today, then cross the South Island during Friday. A period of severe gale northerlies is expected to affect the areas of Tasman and Nelson overnight Thursday to Friday. These winds have the potential to cause damage to trees and powerlines, and make driving very hazardous.

The Nelson Tasman Civil Defence Emergency Management office will be staffed and monitoring the situation throughout this period.

www.nelsontasmancivildefence.co.nz

Newsline 266 is Now Available

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:50:35 +1300

Read articles from the December 16 edition of Newsline.

Download Newsline: Newsline 266 - 16 December 2011

Mayors Urge Residents to Take Care

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:40:32 +1300

Look after each other, stay home, conserve water is the key message from Nelson Mayor Aldo Miccio.

“The region is currently experiencing a very severe weather storm. The level of rainfall over the last two days has broken a number of records triggering a state of emergency something the region has not seen for over 20 years,” he says.

“While the rivers have been coping relatively well the rain has caused severe surface flooding and has saturated land to the point of movement. This is not a short term event - its effects are going to be felt for some time.”

Tasman Mayor Richard Kempthorne says this is a time where your best move is to you look after yourselves, your family and friends.

“There are a large number of people throughout the region who have been affected directly and for who access to services has become paramount,” he says.

“The Civil Defence teams, emergency services, related agencies and contractors are all working extremely hard to provide assistance and to respond to the emergency.”

Residents are advised:

Stay off the roads – only travel if absolutely necessary. Please keep roads clear for emergency vehicles and contractors.
Conserve water wherever possible.
Be conservative with flushing toilets, showering etc.

If you or your family are in immediate danger please contact emergency services on 111.

If you need assistance, such as accommodation, please contact your respective Council call centre:

Tasman District Council 03 543 8400
Nelson City Council 03 546 0200

Navigation Safety Warning - Rivers and Lakes

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:51:05 +1300

Slips and flooding through most catchments in Tasman District have resulted in significant quantities of debris heading downstream, potentially including animal carcasses, structures, vehicles and large logs that would not normally be in the river flow.

Structures such as bridges and fences may be submerged or adrift, and if so will present a very real risk of entrapment or entanglement.

All users are advised to avoid swimming and non-essential navigation in any type of vessel on all rivers and streams in Tasman District until the waters have receded and clarified to the point that new hazards can be readily seen and avoided. Care should be taken on lakes to travel at a safe speed to enable avoidance of floating and semi-submerged debris.

Report Hazards

Significant hazards to navigation in rivers and lakes should be reported to the Harbourmaster by calling 03 543 8400 or emailing harbourmaster@tasman.govt.nz to allow for assessment and action if required.

Avoid Swimming

All users are advised to avoid swimming in all inland waterways of Tasman District until three days after the water levels and clarity have returned to normal.

Coastal Navigation Warning Issued

A coastal navigation warning was also issued today by the TDC Harbourmaster, advising small craft to avoid high-speed travel after dark, and all mariners to keep a sharp watch for floating debris in all Tasman District coastal waters, until 30 December 2011.

Navigation Safety Warning - Coastal Waters

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:30:24 +1300

Slips and flooding through most catchments in Tasman District have resulted in significant quantities of debris heading downstream, including some large logs and potentially animal carcasses and structures such as fences, that would not normally be in the river flow.

Please be aware that some of this debris will continue to enter Tasman Bay and Golden Bay, and the west coast, over the next few days. Additionally, recent high tides have mobilised pilot whale carcasses from Farewell Spit. These could be encountered floating anywhere in the waters of the district, with one already having drifted into Mapua.

With tides heading toward a minor neap it is expected that much of this material will wash ashore during the week ahead, but is likely to re-mobilise with tides rising towards springs again around Christmas. Any whale carcasses that wash ashore should be reported to the Dept of Conservation on 0800 362468 (0800 DOCHOT).

Users of high-speed small craft in particular are cautioned against navigating at night, and it is recommended that a particularly sharp watch for semi-submerged logs, animal carcasses and other flotsam be kept on all vessels in the area over the next two weeks.

Owners of coastal structures such as jetties and moorings, particularly those subject to fluctuating water levels due to rainfall, are advised to check for accumulating debris and adequacy and security of ground tackle and warps. Loose equipment and vessels in low-lying foreshore areas should be secured to prevent wash-away.

Nelson Tasman Civil Defence Heavy Rain Update 2 10:15am

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:29:04 +1300

Latest Information

Please visit Nelson Tasman Civil Defence for the latest information.

Regional Emergency Operations Centre Established

Nelson Tasman Civil Defence Emergency Management has established a regional emergency operations centre at Tasman District Council in response to the continuing heavy rain.

Heavy Rain Expected to Continue

The heavy rain throughout the Nelson Tasman region is expected to continue with the MetService increasing their initial prediction of rainfall.

Over the next 27 hours, from 9.00am Wednesday morning, 300 to 400mm of rain is expected to fall in the ranges west of about Motueka and 150 to 250mm in the remainder of Nelson with peak intensities of 20 to 35mm/hr, easing Thursday morning.

Rivers throughout the region are being monitored are expected to continue rising throughout the day and people are asked to take extreme care when driving.

A number of roads are already closed within Nelson City as a result of surface flooding due to the level of the Maitai River including the Maitai River Road, the Manuka Street Ford, Avon Terrace, Hanby Place and Nile St near the river.
The Maitai Walkway is also closed to pedestrians and cyclists as river levels rise.
The Nelson City Council is beginning to place precautionary sandbags in areas that could be affected if the Maitai River continues to rise.

Contact Numbers

The public are reminded that in the event of an emergency they should call 111. If they require non-emergency assistance from either Council they should call the relevant call centres.

Nelson City Council Customer Centre 03 546 0200
Tasman District Council Call Centre 03 543 8400

Further Information

Updated information from Civil Defence will be posted to www.nelsontasmancivildefence.co.nz.
The following website pages give the latest reading of river flow and rainfall for this area:
- River Flow Report
- Rainfall Report
For the latest weather and forecast charts, please go to http://metservice.com.

Nelson Tasman Civil Defence Emergency Management Heavy Rain Warning

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:30:11 +1300

Latest Information

Updated information from Civil Defence will be posted to www.nelsontasmancivildefence.co.nz.
The following website pages give the latest reading of river flow and rainfall for this area:
- River Flow Report
- Rainfall Report
For the latest weather and forecast charts, please go to http://metservice.com.

Heavy Rain Expected

An active front over the Tasman Sea should move slowly eastwards across New Zealand during Wednesday and Thursday bringing with it very heavy falls of rain for much of the country, with the heaviest falls in the west and north of both islands.

Metservice has forecast the rain to arrive late Tuesday evening and continue until early Thursday for Westland and Buller and for the northwest ranges of Nelson where as much as 280mm of rain may fall.

While the rain in all these areas should gradually ease during Thursday morning people are advised rivers and streams may rise rapidly, surface flooding and slips are possible.

The forecasted intensities of 20 to 30mm per hour are expected to be delivered from late Wednesday morning through to Wednesday evening in the hills west of Motueka.

Throughout the rest of the Nelson Tasman region rain should become persistent and heavy overnight from midnight Tuesday. In the 30 hours from midnight Tuesday to 6am Thursday 150 to 200mm of rain is expected to fall. Peak intensities of 15 to 25mm per hour during this time are expected from Wednesday evening and until Thursday morning.

Potential for flooding

Civil Defence advises that because the heavy rain warning covers a wide area and extends well into Thursday there is potential for some flooding.

People close to rivers and streams should prepare for a rapid rise in water levels.
Farmers should move stock to high ground where necessary.
Drivers should exercise caution as high winds are expected as part of this severe weather band.

For further information contact Roger Ball, Nelson Tasman Emergency Management Office, phone 027 246 8857.

Proposed Joint Waste Management and Minimisation Plan Released

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:32:00 +1300

The release of the proposed Joint Waste Management and Minimisation Plan is a call for real behavioural change in the communities of Nelson and Tasman.

Driven by the Nelson and Tasman Councils, the plan focuses on creating a community responsibility for minimising and managing waste in the region.

It is a challenge that will need to be taken up by residents and businesses as well as the Councils, says working party chair Tasman District Councillor Judene Edgar.

“In the past the Councils have delivered waste management in terms of providing transfer stations and recycling initiatives focused on managing what is produced and disposed of,” she says.

“The time has come for the community as a whole to look seriously at what we can do to minimise our waste before disposal. Not creating waste in the first place is more sustainable.”

“Over the past few years we have seen what we can do with recycled glass for infrastructure in roading and as a base for the Trafalgar Park playing surface. However, ingenious and well-intentioned as it is it is still driven by the question of ‘what are we going to do with this pile of material?’ We need to continue thinking and investing in waste minimisation.

“We must continue to make incremental changes. The Councils, while maintaining and developing waste management, are doing so in a world where costs of disposal will only continue to rise, financially and environmentally.”

“Good waste management is about managing the inputs, not just the outputs, through recycling and refuse stations - Councils cannot do it alone,” Councillor Edgar concluded.

Read the Plan and Have Your Say

The proposed Joint Waste Management and Minimisation Plan is out for consultation with submissions accepted up to 31 January 2012.

Copies of the Plan can be found on the Nelson City and Tasman District Councils’ websites and at offices and libraries.

Tips for waste minimisation:

The question is often asked ‘what can we do?’:

Ask the simple question: ‘do I really need this?’;
Choose products that have the least packaging;
Read sustainable living tips.

Newsline 265 is Now Available

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:07:31 +1300

Read articles from the December 2 edition of Newsline.

Download Newsline: Newsline 265 - 2 December 2011

Tasman CEO Appointment On Track for January

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:07:51 +1300

The appointment of the new Chief Executive Officer for Tasman District Council has moved a step closer with an initial list of five candidates selected from the 48 applications received for the recently advertised role.

“We were presented with applications from people from both sides of the Tasman with experience in central and local government and a good number from the private sector,” said Mayor Richard Kempthorne.

The Subcommittee delegated with the task of short listing the applicants, Mayor Kempthorne and Councillors Edgar, Ensor and King assisted by Mike Stenhouse of Sheffield Ltd, will now interview the five ‘long listed’ applicants before Christmas.

“From these interviews we will select two candidates to present to a full Council process from which a final appointment could very well be made.”

“I am confident that with the calibre of candidates we have been presented, the Council will be able to make an appointment by the end of January 2012”, concluded Mayor Kempthorne.

Effective Engagement Drives Tasman Māori Ward Decision

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:21:34 +1300

Tasman District Councillors have decided after much consideration not to initiate a Māori ward before the Local Government elections set down for 2013.

“The discussion on this decision covered many areas not least being the way the Council currently interacts with iwi throughout the District,” said Mayor Richard Kempthorne.

“We are developing a number of good working relationships with groups throughout the District consulting and working together on issues that affect Māori, both district-wide and locally. This is going to have greater importance as the Treaty settlement process continues.”

“The timing of this decision posed a number of challenges. For example, a decision made before the amalgamation debate is resolved is likely to incur extra cost and uncertainty. However, a Council decision on Māori representation is necessary within the Council’s representation review which must be completed by November next year.”

“While the Council has decided not to create a Māori ward it reaffirmed at the meeting its commitment to working with iwi and Māori to enhance effective engagement within our region,” concluded Mayor Kempthorne.

Flood Waters Return to Lower Motueka River this Evening

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:01:33 +1300

In a repeat of Monday’s heavy rain event river levels are rising in the lower Motueka River and will continue to do so for the next few hours.

Flood levels are expected to peak at the Motueka River Bridge at approximately 11pm this evening and then recede rapidly.

The Motueka River has risen relatively rapidly as a result of widespread rain in the catchment and the resulting higher levels in the both the Baton and Wangapeka Rivers. It is expected that there will not be any threat to the banks as the contributing flood waters are concentrated from only two of the Motueka River tributaries. While this weather event is forecasted to be short lived, Civil Defence and Council staff are monitoring the situation closely.

As the levels continue to rise people are advised to stay well away from the riverbanks especially between the SH 60 bridge over the Motueka River and the river mouth until further notice.

Farmers should be aware of where their livestock are in areas of rising waters. Motorists are also urged to take care as there will be surface water on many roads this afternoon and evening.

Contact

Roger Ball, Mob: 0272468857
Manager, Nelson Tasman Civil Defence Emergency Management

Residents View Takaka River Flood Hazard Model

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:53:05 +1300

Takaka residents got to see first-hand the results of flood hazard modelling for the Takaka River at a public meeting on Friday 18 November.

Policy Planner Lisa McGlinchy said between 80 and 100 residents came to the open day.

“We went through the model and the hazards, and some of the options for mitigation,” she said.

“The open day is the start of the process. It was a good chance to have landowners and Council staff in the same place discussing the issues.”

“For example, people often assume that gravel extraction will solve flooding problems. Our modelling shows that for the cost of removing the gravel the impact on mitigating the flooding hazard is relatively low.”

There was interest in the various options for minimising flood damage – such as stopbanks - but no decisions have been made.

“There was a lot of information for people to take in. The information displays will be housed at the Council service centre after this weekend’s national election until Christmas,” she said.

People seeking more information on the computer modelling, the flooding hazards and options for mitigation can visit the Council website:
http://www.tasman.govt.nz/link/takaka-flood-modelling

Comments can be made until December 23.

All comments will be presented to Council in the new year, and then after preliminary decisions by Council, more consultation will take place.

Building Work Under Way

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:38:35 +1300

Work to extend and strengthen the Tasman District Council Offices on Queen Street in Richmond has started.

Kaumatua Andy Joseph blessed the waharoa outside the building, and the building works this morning, before work got under way.

A fence has been put up around the main entrance to the building and car park, and contractors are now on site.

Tasman District Council Property Manager Jim Frater says the first change the public will notice is the access to the building for the public and the car park.

“We’ve provided pedestrian access via the eastern side of the car park and have asked staff to park elsewhere for the duration of the build to ease congestion,” he said.

The car park is shared with Rob Roy’s Steak House and Goldpine Industries.

The building work is expected to be completed in December 2012.

Access to the building

The main entrance has been blocked off to allow work to progress.
A blue line around the perimeter of the fence guides pedestrians to the entrance to the offices.

Car parking

Car parks are still available for members of the public.

Entrance to the car park is via the old exit
Allocated wheelchair accessible parking spaces are provided

About the building work

The works will include strengthening and renovation of the 1962 building which has been identified as requiring major earthquake strengthening. Further work will provide more office space and bring the staff currently spread about in different buildings into one.

The successful tenderers are all local suppliers: Redbox architects, RDT Pacific, project managers, and Gibbons Construction Ltd.

Flood Waters Expected in Lower Motueka River

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:10:37 +1300

River levels are expected to continue rising in the lower Motueka River for the next three to four hours. Flood levels are expected to peak at the Motueka River Bridge at approximately 5pm this evening.

The relatively rapid rise in the lower Motueka River is due to heavy rain in the Upper Wangapeka valley during the early hours of today (Monday 21 November).

Moderate floods are expected in both the Baton and Wangapeka Rivers, with Baton exceeding an annual flood, and Wangapeka likely to reach at least that level. Likewise the Motueka River at Woodstock could reach an annual flood level.

While the heavy rainfall experienced earlier today has eased in the Wangapeka catchment, the flow in both the Wangapeka and Baton rivers which drain this catchment will continue to increase the flow in the Motueka River for a number of hours yet.

As high tide is expected in Motueka at 7.00pm tonight people are advised to stay well away from the riverbanks especially between the SH 60 bridge over the Motueka River and the river mouth until further notice.

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Flood Event Update 52

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Abel Tasman Drive Wainui Hill

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Works ongoing status

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Tourism Rate to be Spread Across the District

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Scheduled for the week of 23 January

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New Tasman District Council CEO Announced

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Flood event update #49

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Aniseed Valley Road

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Scheduled for the week of 16 January

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Northwest gales and a burst of heavy rain for the northwest of the South Island

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Mayors Urge Residents to Take Care

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Heavy Rain Expected to Continue

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Nelson Tasman Civil Defence Emergency Management Heavy Rain Warning

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Heavy Rain Expected

Potential for flooding

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Tips for waste minimisation:

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Tasman CEO Appointment On Track for January

Effective Engagement Drives Tasman Māori Ward Decision

Flood Waters Return to Lower Motueka River this Evening

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About the building work

Flood Waters Expected in Lower Motueka River