Category: Public Media

Source: Radio New Zealand

A resource consent for a service station to be built on some of New Zealand’s most fertile soils, beside the Hawke’s Bay Expressway, has been lodged with the Hastings District Council.

Hamachek Holdings’ plans for the site on the corner of State Highway 2 and Evenden Rd, Twyford, include a truck stop, service station, retail service area, cafe and fruit shop facilities.

A public notice of the project said about 29,570m3 of earthworks would be required to build the centre.

It would have four-lanes of pumps at a truck stop, eight lanes of pumps on a service station forecourt, underground petrol and diesel tanks, EV charging stations.

It would also require a two-way combined entry and exit access from Evenden Rd, road widening and changes to the SH2 and Evenden Rd roundabout.

The plans also include 62 carparks, 12 truck parks, loading spaces and pedestrian footpaths.

The land is classed as Plains Production land, a council zoning that recognises it as a place with nationally significant growing soils.

Hastings Mayor Wendy Schollum said everyone could now have their say before a decision was made.

“That openness is a strength of the system as it ensures people can be heard and decisions are made with a clear understanding of our community’s values,” Schollum said.

“This proposal is classed as a non-complying activity, which means it must meet a very high bar to be approved.

“The Heretaunga Plains are among the most fertile soils in the country, and our District Plan is designed to protect that while allowing fair consideration of any application under the law.”

The rear of the site was currently occupied by a residential dwelling, while the front was used for horticultural purposes.

Hamachek said in resource consent documents it had consulted with multiple organisations about its plans, including adjacent landowners Delegat’s Winery, which raised concerns about proximity, night-time activity, light spill, and visual impact on winery operations.

The documents also show community group Save the Plains acknowledged the value of a truck stop somewhere on the Expressway, but opposed the use of Plains Production Zone land at Hamachek’s preferred location.

Submissions to Hastings District Council on the resource consent application close at 5pm on December 3.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

The chance to shape the future of the Tōmoana Showgrounds in Hastings has arrived, and a man who wants it to include a park for giant pandas says he’ll be taking the opportunity to revive his vision.

The Hastings District Council, which purchased the showgrounds from the Hawke’s Bay A&P Society in 2023, is asking residents to help shape a 10-year master plan for its future.

For Max Patmoy, it’s another opportunity to get his ambitious plans for Pandaland across the line.

Patmoy, a retired Hawke’s Bay businessman, last November announced a bid to build a new tourism and conservation park in a $17.5 million facility which would house two giant panda bears on loan from China.

It would be a one-of-a-kind facility in New Zealand and Patmoy’s preferred location was Hastings, which has a sister city, Guilin, in China.

He said at the time “there are a lot of barriers, but none that are impenetrable”.

Patmoy said he met last year with the then Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst and Hastings District Council CEO Nigel Bickle to present his vision and request the use of a portion of the Tōmoana Showgrounds for $1 a year.

“I was shown the door,” Patmoy said.

“I’ve had more feasibility studies done since then, so I’m going to have another go at presenting my plan to a different mayor.”

He said he had also presented it to Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith and had a meeting with the new Napier City Council Mayor Richard McGrath later this month.

The Napier council is seeking expressions of interest for the future ownership, operation, or redevelopment of the National Aquarium of NZ, which Patmoy believes could also be another strong spot for Pandaland.

The future of the aquarium is being weighed up due to the cost to ratepayers and ageing facilities.

Hastings mayor Wendy Schollum said the plan for the showgrounds wasn’t about spending big.

“It’s about thinking smart and exploring ways the showrounds can serve our people’s aspirations while helping to pay its own way through events, recreation, and activities which will keep it vibrant and loved for generations to come.

“Ideas that would change the showgrounds’ character, such as housing or large-scale commercial development, aren’t on the table.

“We’re asking our community to help shape what the future looks like, but there are some clear boundaries.

“The showgrounds will stay in public ownership, continue to host iconic events and activities like the Farmers’ Market, and remain a place people can freely enjoy,” Schollum said.

When the A&P Society held its first show at the site in 1925, it was called the Tōmoana Showground.

The name slipped from common usage and was eventually referred to as the Hawke’s Bay Showgrounds.

In 2017, the official name was reinstated and welcomed by the Tōmoana whānau, whose ancestor Henare Tōmoana once owned 20,000 acres of the Heretaunga land.

Tamatea Pōkai Whenua said the showgrounds was a landscape rich in memory, connection, and enduring community spirit.

Chairperson Pōhatu Paku acknowledged the Tōmoana whānau.

“They, alongside other prominent whānau, have long been leaders, hosts, and unwavering supporters of this community.

“We recognise the importance of honouring the past while embracing the opportunities that lie ahead,” Paku said.

“The showgrounds stand as a reminder of what can be achieved when whānau, hapū, and community come together in unity and purpose – a legacy that Tamatea Pōkai Whenua is very proud of.”

The plan is being prepared on behalf of Hastings District Council and the Tōmoana Showgrounds Charitable Trust, which was established to manage the showgrounds following its purchase.

It will guide how the 40ha site is used, balancing heritage, culture, events, recreation, and sustainability.

Former Hastings mayor and Trust chairwoman Sandra Hazlehurst said consultation with the community and stakeholders, including mana whenua, leaseholders, and event coordinators, would ensure the plan reflected the way people use and value the showgrounds.

“The showgrounds has long been a place where our rural and urban lives come together, from the A&P Show and Horse of the Year, to the farmers’ market, concerts and events. We want residents to tell us what they love about the space, what could be improved, and what they’d like to see in the future,” she said.

It will also help determine the types of reserve status applied to ensure it remains a publicly owned green space for generations to come.

Schollum said for her, the annual A&P Show was the closest thing Hastings had to Disneyland.

“The showgrounds had the rides, the animals, and that sense of wonder,” she said.

“I still remember the thrill of the spinning top rides, learning about our agricultural sector, and the joy of holding baby chicks for the first time.”

The decision to buy the land received strong public support, with more than 90 percent of submitters backing the move to secure it for the community.

Residents can provide their feedback online on the Hastings District Council’s website or fill in a written submission at one of the Hastings libraries, or at Council’s customer service centre in Lyndon Rd, by midnight on 16 November.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

One of Auckland’s popular walking tracks has suffered significant damage from a fire on Sunday, which has forced its closure ‒ just over a year after it re-opened to the public.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand were called to a vegetation fire at Fairy Falls Track in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park about 8am on Sunday.

The fire, which firefighters had to walk 25 minutes into the track to put out, was about 150m by 75m big ‒ larger than a soccer field, or three Olympic-sized swimming pools laid end-to-end.

FENZ said the damage was significant.

Auckland Council western principal ranger Dave Markham said the fire destroyed a large platform near a popular swimming hole, as well as about 80m of stairs.

It also damaged a bridge that crossed the waterfall.

“All of these structures were recently installed to enable visitors to return in September 2024,” Markham said.

Fairy Falls Track re-opened in September 2024 after being closed for six years to prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease through the ranges.

The council spent $1.6 million to renew it before its grand opening last year.

Markham said they were grateful to FENZ for their hard work in containing the fire at a busy time of the year.

The track was now closed, and while the cost of damages was yet to be assessed, he said they would get to it as soon as the initial clean-up was completed.

“We’re extremely disappointed that, so close to summer, we’ve been forced to close this much-loved track.

“Fires in our regional parks are always devastating, but this one is particularly heartbreaking after all the work that went into renewing this track so we could reopen it last summer.”

Markham urged visitors not to light fires at regional parks.

“Our regional parks are precious taonga that we all have a responsibility to look after and protect for future generations.

“They are all smoke-free and fires are banned. I strongly urge visitors to think about whether their actions may impact on how we care for these beautiful areas – please don’t ever light fires.”

A FENZ spokesperson said its investigations into the cause of the blaze was still ongoing.

Six crews responded to the Sunday call, and the fire was fully extinguished about 12.45pm.

Meanwhile, multiple regional park paths in Auckland has been restored and reopened in the past six months, in time for summer.

All 54 tracks within northern regional parks are open, and only two of 25 tracks in the southern region parks network remain closed.

Of the 11 western regional park tracks that are closed, only three need further investigation and funding to determine the next steps.

Fairy Falls Track, Fletcher Track, Parau, Panto and Farley tracks and Whatitiri Track remain closed to the public.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

A South Auckland community has won its battle against a new liquor store opening in its neighbourhood.

The Auckland District Licensing Committee (DLC) has declined an application from SSB 2024 to revive an off-licence bottle shop at 70 Russell Rd, Manurewa.

The site, which is the old Black Bull Liquor Manurewa, is situated close to 16 early childhood centres and three schools – the closest, Manurewa Intermediate, is directly next door.

There are also five alcohol outlets within a 1km radius in the decile 10 area – one of the most deprived areas in New Zealand.

The application had received 49 objections from residents, police, and the medical officer of health and inspector.

Resident Aimalefoa Patelesio Ioane said when the previous store closed, they noticed a huge improvement on their streets.

“When the (old) liquor store was open, I would never let my kids go to the dairy alone,” she said. “Last month I let my 4-year-old walk there with his older siblings, something I never would have allowed previously.”

She said the streets were now quieter and peaceful, and they had seen a decline of public drinking and alcohol-fuelled violence in the area.

In its decision released on Tuesday, the committee noted the applicant wasn’t suitable to operate an off-licence in the area.

Company director Satinderjit Singh Batth had not consulted with the community, and had not felt the need to when pressed on it during a hearing in September.

Batth maintained he had a long-standing connection to South Auckland, having lived in the area for many years. He also cited his experience at Liquor Centre Hall Ave in Māngere, which was owned by his father and which he managed for over a decade as evidence of his familiarity with the industry and local community.

Committee chairperson Gavin Campbell ruled that while Batth was not obliged to consult the community, he appeared unaware of its concerns. The application drew numerous public objections, including a demonstration outside the shop in August.

According to the Auckland Council’s Local Alcohol Policy (LAP), the site for the proposed shop was in a Neighbourhood Centre Zone, which has added protection against new off-licences.

Campbell said the DLC had no doubt Batth was an experienced manager and was well qualified, however he did not meet the extended suitability test, given the vulnerability of the area.

“We do not see that reliance on experience and being raised in South Auckland alone is a sufficient argument to rebut the provisions of the LAP.”

Documents from September’s hearing highlighted concerns from residents, who spoke about the deprivation level of the area and exposure of tamariki and rangatahi to alcohol.

Christina Morunga drew from personal experience, outlining matters like drinking on the streets, litter and persistent begging.

Ezekiel Robson’s primary concern was the proposed location.

“There are plenty of other places to buy alcohol in Manurewa. I believe that alcohol from existing outlets already has a negative effect on the area.”

Approached by Local Democracy Reporting, Batth said he had not seen the decision and was not able to comment.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

A spokesperson for insurer IAG described the region as having been ‘hit hard’, with claims in all four districts mostly relating to wind damage.

A total of 200 claims were made, with Masterton having the highest number at 60 – mostly from the weather event on 21 October. South Wairarapa was next highest at 56 claims, most from high winds on 23 October. Carterton property owners made 44 claims, and Tararua 40.

Damage to fences, gutters and sheds were most commonly reported.

A spokesperson for Carterton council confirmed a claim had been made for damage to the Wairarapa Event Centre’s roof in Carterton. The damage meant a change of venue for a dance performance had been necessary.

Spokespeople for South Wairarapa and Masterton councils said they did not intend to make claims, with council property sustaining only minimal damage.

While there was damage to council property in Tararua, the estimated repair costs were below the council’s insurance excess, and a claim was unlikely.

While Wairarapa had a large number of claims, a statement from IAG said the South Island had sustained the most significant damage.

AMI, State and NZI executive general manager for claims, Stephannie Ferris said the insurers had received more than 3,300 claims for weather and fire events in October. Claims were across home, contents, motor and commercial policies.

“From the significant, gale-force winds alone that mainly affected the Southland, Otago, Canterbury and Wellington regions, we have received 2209 claims,” she said.

For all claims, including non-wind related storm damage, Canterbury policy holders made 481 claims, Southland 1,129, Otago 615, and Wellington 570. Across the rest of New Zealand 566 claims were lodged.

“Most of the damage we have seen has been caused by wind damage,” she said.

“We’ve accepted claims for things like smashed windows and flying roofs.”

She said insurers were able to help with things like emergency temporary accommodation, payment support for customers staying with family or friends, and help with lodging claims.

For land damaged in the weather event, the insurers could also lodge a claim with the natural hazards commission as part of an insurance claim.

Ferris said general advice for people whose property is damaged during a storm or by flooding is to first ensure they and their whānau are safe.

After that, people need to make a claim as soon as they are able to. This is especially the case where homes become uninhabitable or temporary accommodation is needed.

People should not return to their homes or businesses until it’s safe to do so, she said.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

A West Coast community group has joined forces with the Department of Conservation (DOC) to reopen a historic tramway and restore one of the region’s best-loved day walks, connecting Hector and Seddonville.

The southern half of the popular Charming Creek Walkway, about 45km north of Westport, has been closed by multiple slips since 2019.

DOC’s regional director Owen Kilgour told the West Coast (Tai Poutini) Conservation Board this month that the route could never reopen.

It was a tough call to make, but there were now 19 slips on the track, and it could not be made safe, he said.

“It’s a damn shame — but the community has picked the ball up.

“They’ve got volunteers keen to open up the old tramway route that runs through to Hector and we are working with that group on a community agreement.”

Community Action Northern Buller (CANB) co-ordinator Jo Douglas, told Local Democracy Reporting that local people mourning their favourite walk had been hunting around for an alternative route for some time.

“Some of them had been tramping around looking for options since 2019 when the track first closed.

“DOC did try to reopen it, but a digger got buried in a slip — it’s still there.

“It’s really dangerous, some people still walk there even though it’s closed, and it looks benign but it’s not.

“Even 50 metres from the entrance there are trees hanging over the track, and a massive slump just waiting to come down.”

About 40 years ago, when she was a possum hunter, Ms Douglas heard about another old track up to the old Watsons mill site, that came down onto the northern half of the track, just after the swing bridge.

“It’s a tramway, used to haul timber – at least a hundred years old. A few people knew about, but all the access points were on private land, and previous owners didn’t want people tracking over their property.”

But new owners Heather and Lewis Holland had supported the idea of restoring the old tramway, and an online survey by CANB had drawn an enthusiastic response, not just from locals but people in Christchurch and Nelson who were keen to help and had joined up as members.

DOC had agreed it was feasible to reopen the tramway but was concerned to protect some parts of it, Ms Douglas said.

“Quite a lot of it is still intact.

“Bridges and tunnels have fallen but we can divert around them. The biggest problem will be that it goes through an ecological zone country with rare trees like yellow pine, that has a really high form of protection.”

For that reason and to preserve heritage, the new southern half of the track would have to be for trampers only, not cyclists, she said.

The access route was steep in places, and the tramway had a steady incline, climbing to 200 metres above sea level, staying above the risk of landslides.

The group had begun cutting the new track through the private land access and had invited search and rescue workers to inspect it, Ms Douglas said.

“We’re mostly retired people, so there’s plenty of opportunity for us to cark it one way or other or come to grief so we needed to know if we can be rescued,” she joked.

“But I can get up there with sticks, on my bad knees – so it’s no problem for younger fit people.”

LandSAR confirmed the track was wide enough for a wheelie stretcher, but they would have to rope and belay a patient in some places, Ms Douglas said.

DOC had no money for new tracks and had costed the new 4 kilometre route at $40,000.

The volunteers would be saving DOC that cost but would still need to raise about half that amount for predator control and Good Nature traps, as part of their agreement with DOC, Ms Douglas said.

Since May the volunteers had put in nearly 900 hours of work and if all went as planned, the route from Hector to Seddonville should be open again by the end of next year, she said.

“We do want to celebrate the history of the place, the early pioneers, the Watsons, but also want to write about our experience of doing it because it is a journey in itself and will also be history in another 20 years.”

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Kaikōura’s Wakatu Quay will open again in time for summer.

The site has been closed this year while work has been completed on the first building as part of the redevelopment of the historic wharf.

With the building due to be completed this week, Kaikōura District Council chief executive Will Doughty said the site will be opened up for community use next month.

”There is still ongoing landscaping work, and we will probably wait until the spring (next year) for some of the planting.

”But it’s exciting to see the first building coming together.”

Mr Doughty said the council is discussions with a number of potential tenants, with the hope of opening the building up for a restaurant or hospitality type business.

”We are in no hurry,” Mayor Craig Mackle said.

”We’ve always had the view of ‘build and they will come’, so we are under no pressure.”

The council hopes this will be the first of several new buildings on the site.

The project is being funded by a $10.18m grant from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, with the council taking the lead on the project and loan funding any shortfall.

The grant was received from the Government in 2019 to redevelop the area after it suffered damage in the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2016.

Local company LMC Building and Construction Ltd was granted the tender for the first building in September.

Company manager Luke Chambers said the build is due to be completed this week, with the site handover set for 31 October.

Mr Chambers grew up in Kaikōura and spent many hours fishing off the Wakatu Quay wharf.

”It’s always been a popular place to be and on a nice day it’s pretty hard to beat.

”It’s been a fantastic project to be involved with and to be able to give a new lease on a pretty magic location is pretty special.”

Mr Chambers said project has provided employment to locals and he has brought in local contractors whenever possible.

”There was a large emphasis on that from the council to use locals, so it has been good to able to deliver on that.

”It has been an interesting project with a unique design and location, surrounded by ocean.

”It’s not everyday you come across something like that.”

He said the completed project will have ”a pedestrian feel to it”, with vehicle access to be restricted, and prominent street lighting installed.

The lighting complies with the council’s new dark sky lighting rules and was tested recently.

”It will be a nice place to come to at night. It’s very low key, but it creates a nice atmosphere.”

The building has been designed to reflect whatever light is available, so it blends in well in with sun rises, sunsets and on cloudy days, he said.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Tunnelling is underway in Māngere East for a $64 million wastewater upgrade that will reduce overflows, protect local waterways and prepare the network for thousands of new homes.

A boring machine, nicknamed Moana by local children, began work this morning and is currently underground, carving out a passage.

Watercare’s Archboyd Wastewater Upgrades will include a new storage tunnel, pump station and 1.2-kilometre wastewater pipeline designed to reduce overflows and prepare the network for thousands of new homes.

Councillor Alf Filipaina for the Manukau ward welcomes the work, saying it will support housing growth and protect the environment, but also reinforces that South Auckland is again hosting infrastructure to serve the wider city.

“Having this is really for our community. But the project is not for Māngere solely and wholly. We have the wastewater treatment plant here, and it’s about supporting future growth in the area and protecting the environment.”

Filipaina says Māngere often carries the city’s wastewater load, with overflows sometimes affecting local streams and the Manukau Harbour.

Watercare project manager Jason Salmon says the work should help prevent poor ecological outcomes.

“This is a significant upgrade to the Māngere East wastewater network that will support new housing and protect the environment by reducing wastewater overflows,” he says.

“Once complete, the system will be able to hold more than half a million litres before releasing it to the new pump station on Archboyd Avenue. The upgrades will remove two existing overflow points and improve the network’s resilience.”

The Archboyd upgrades form part of Watercare’s $13.8 billion ten-year capital programme, which funds about $3.8 million of work every day across Auckland. Major projects are also underway in central and north-west Auckland, including the Midtown Wastewater Diversion and the Red Hills and Whenuapai schemes.

“We have about 120 projects on the go right now,” Salmon says. “This one is particularly important because it enables growth in Māngere East, Wickman Way and Favona, while protecting the Manukau Harbour from overflows.”

The programme will also pave the way for about 3000 new homes, including Kāinga Ora developments. Work on the Māngere East project is scheduled for completion in 2027, with trenchless tunnelling used to minimise noise and road disruption.

“Where possible, our aim is to use trenchless methods to reduce noise and road closures. We thank the community for their patience,” Salmon says.

The $64 million investment is partly funded by the Government’s Shovel Ready fund, making it Watercare’s final project under that national recovery programme. The company says its infrastructure is financed through borrowings and service charges, not Auckland Council rates, with prices fixed until July 2026.

Moana on the move

Earlier this month, children from Kidz & Crayonz Early Childhood Centre helped launch the tunnel-boring machine, leaving colourful handprints on Moana before she began tunnelling six metres underground.

Leanne Van Niekerk, the centre manager, says the event helped make the massive project tangible for the community’s youngest residents.

“The kids chose the name ‘Moana’ after the Disney character because of her spirit of exploration, which fits nicely as the TBM’s about to start her journey underground,” she says.

Moana began tunnelling this morning and is expected to complete her 170-metre journey within three weeks. Once tunnelling is finished, the machine will be lifted out for maintenance before being redeployed on another project.

Watercare says it plans to invest more than $660 million in six major Ōtara infrastructure projects between 2028 and 2040 to reduce overflows and improve water quality.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Manawatū-Whanganu residents and visitors are being urged to prepare for potentially serious weather around Labour Weekend, with heavy rain and winds forecast.

Manawatū-Whanganui Civil Defence is bringing in extra staff to its Emergency Coordination Centre in response to the forecast.

Tararua District is under a heavy wind warning from 10am today until 3am tomorrow, with severe gale winds gusting to 120 kilometres per hour.

Horowhenua District is under a heavy wind warning from 9am until 7pm today, with severe gale winds gusting to 120 kilometres per hour.

The Tararua Range is under a heavy rain warning from 10am until 8pm today. Expect 80 to 100 mm of rain, with peak rates of 15 to 25 mm per hour.

There is also a heavy rain watch for Tongariro National Park from 3pm until 11pm today. There is a moderate chance this will be upgraded to a warning.

Emergency Management Group controller Craig Grant said parts of the region had already been hit by severe weather in the past two weeks.

He said staff have been monitoring the situation throughout the week, but more staff were being brought in to support the region’s response.

“With many watches and warnings across the region, and the worst of the weather forecast to come through this afternoon and evening, we are ensuring we are prepared for any situation. Staff are rostered throughout the weekend, including into the evening.

“We are in contact with district and city council emergency management teams, as well as partner agencies such as emergency services and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, to ensure everyone has what they need to respond to local issues.”

Grant said people should take the time to prepare.

“While Horowhenua, Tararua and Ruapehu are under watches and warnings, the weather will also impact other parts of the region – such as Manawatū and Palmerston North.

“There are simple things you can do like ensuring you have supplies ready in case you need to stay at home for a prolonged period, as well as preparing a grab bag of essential items for if you need to evacuate in a hurry.”

Tararua District was still recovering from Tuesday’s weather, which caused multiple power outages, ripped roofing iron from houses, and brought heavy rain to some areas.

“People in Tararua District should take precautionary measures ahead of the strong winds, such as either tying down or moving inside objects such as garden furniture, pot plants and trampolines.

“Further damage to trees, powerlines and unsecured structures is possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles such as campervans and lighter vehicles such as motorcycles.”

Residents should drive to the conditions and, if possible, avoid any unessential travel, Grant said.

“Thunderstorms are possible this afternoon, so we may see hazards across our roading network. Please stay home if you can and keep up to date with the weather conditions.”

He also urged those planning to camp or travel over the long weekend to be well prepared.

“People travelling to the area for camping or recreation during the long weekend should ensure they are prepared for the weather. Take plenty of supplies, and be sure to have a radio with a list of key frequencies,” he said.

Catchments across the region are already saturated, and waterways could rise quickly if there is further heavy rain.

“People camping near waterways should keep this in mind. Keep an eye on the forecast and waterways, and be prepared to move.

“It is always better to move earlier rather than later. If in doubt, delay or postpone your trips.”

While it was too early to predict Monday’s conditions with certainty, early forecasts showed more rain was possible.

“We will learn more as we get closer to Monday, but currently it appears there will be another front similar to what we have experienced recently moving north through the region,” Grant said.

“We’ll be keeping a close eye on the situation throughout the long weekend, with staffing organised.”

He said people could keep up to date with key information on this weather event on the Manawatū-Whanganui Civil Defence Facebook page.

“If at any time you, your family and/or your property are at risk, immediately contact emergency services on 111.”

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

What is Local Democracy Reporting? 

The Local Democracy Reporting (LDR) programme is a free public-interest news service dedicated to strengthening coverage of local authorities, rūnanga and other similar organisations. 

LDR now has 16 reporters, delivering over 1.1 million page views each month.  

The reporters are employed by, and report to, their host newsrooms but receive extra mentoring, training and support from RNZ. All stories are shared with a wide range of media partners, including RNZ. 

The programme is managed and funded by RNZ with the support of NZ On Air. It was designed to fill gaps in reporting, mostly in regional New Zealand, brought about by decreases in reporting numbers in traditional media. 

What are the LDRs able to cover?  

The LDRs focus exclusively on stories about publicly appointed or elected officials or bodies. This includes but isn’t limited to local councils, council committees, community boards, council-owned commercial enterprises, health entities, local trusts, iwi organisations, and port or airport authorities. 

The brief is to report on the decision-making process: what decisions are made in the public’s name and how are they arrived at; what evidence is presented to the councils, etc. 

It also means going out and talking to the people affected and sharing their stories and perspectives. 

Hear from Local Democracy Reporters about why they think the programme is effective:

Who runs the LDR programme?

The LDR programme is administered by LDR Manager David Reid, who is based in Wellington, and LDR Editor Marika Hill, who is based in Christchurch.  

The local democracy reporters report to their host newsrooms. Any story tips, suggestions or other feedback, including complaints, should be directed to the relevant newsroom in the first instance.   

The programme is modelled on a similar one run by the BBC in the UK. 

How can New Zealand media companies access the content? 

All of the content made possible by the LDR programme is freely available to all New Zealand media organisations that apply to access it and meet these criteria:  

You are a genuine media organisation providing a reputable public news service to an established audience within New Zealand.  

You accept the jurisdiction and adhere to the principles of the NZ Media Council and/or Broadcasting Standards Authority.  

You have a robust system for handling complaints.  

You must also agree to the terms and conditions for the use of the content, including attribution requirements, which will be provided to you upon receipt of your application.   

You will then be given access to the LDR content system, which includes all of the local democracy reporters’ stories, photos and video/audio. You will be able to publish or broadcast the stories on your own platforms.  

Media wishing to publish or broadcast the stories on their own platforms can sign up any time.  

Applications will be assessed by RNZ and approval will be at RNZ’s discretion.  

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