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Weather News – Severe Weather brings a suite of warnings for both Islands – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Wednesday 30th – Friday 2 May – Stormy conditions starting to impact New Zealand today will bring strong damaging winds, heavy rain and choppy seas over the next few days to various parts of the country. MetService has issued numerous Severe Weather Warnings and Watches.
 
North Island
 
Widespread rain is currently affecting many parts of the North Island, with some areas experiencing heavy downpours. These conditions are forecast to become more persistent and spread further across the island by this afternoon (Wednesday).
 
•  A Orange Heavy Rain Warning is in place east of Bay of Plenty, from 10am today valid until 3pm tomorrow.
•  Heavy Rain Watches have been issued for Bay of Plenty and Southern Wairarapa until Wednesday evening. Wellington is also on Watch from 6pm Wednesday until 3pm Friday.
•  Strong to gale-force winds are expected along the Wairarapa and Wellington coastlines, generating rough seas and wave heights of up to 7 metres on Thursday afternoon and a Heavy Swell Warning has been issued.
•  Strong Wind Watch for Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula, and north of Hamilton in Waikato, from 7am to noon Thursday.
 
Conditions in Wellington over the next day and a half will be something to keep a close eye on, as a combination of wet weather, very strong southerly winds, and large waves are expected.
 
The winds are of particular interest. While Wellingtonians are no strangers to blustery days, this event stands out due to the unusually strong southerlies, with gusts of 130 km/h possible. This means that trees and structures that may be accustomed to very strong winds from the north may be more vulnerable to strong winds from the south, making them more prone to damage. These winds will also be whipping up large waves, which may impact travel along coastal roads on Thursday.
 
South Island
 
•  An Orange Heavy Rain Warning for the Kaikōura Coast and ranges plus areas of Canterbury north of Timaru, easing from 6pm Thursday.
•  Orange Road Snowfall Warnings for Porters, Arthur’s, Lewis and Lindis Pass are in force into Thursday.
•  An Orange Heavy Snow Warning for Canterbury High Country, south of the Rangitata River, in place from 9pm tonight (Wednesday) through to 9am on Thursday.
•  Yellow Strong Wind Watches for Buller, Grey, Westland, Nelson Lakes Districts (from noon today), and the Marlborough Sounds (from 6pm today through Thursday afternoon).
 
The South Island is currently experiencing cloudy and wet conditions, with more rain forecast through to Thursday.  For the eastern South Island, this could be a significant weather event, with large amounts of rainfall expected between today and Friday. For regions under Orange Heavy Rain Warnings, possible impacts include areas of flooding, slips, and hazardous driving conditions.
 
MetService meteorologist Kgolofelo Dube says, With the hazardous weather conditions approaching, we strongly encourage all New Zealanders to stay informed by regularly checking the MetService app or website, as well as updates from local Civil Defence and council channels.”
 
Friday looks to be a better day, with rain easing in most areas across the country. However, eastern parts of the North Island and the north-eastern South Island may still experience heavy rain and strong winds.
 
The good news is that by Saturday, more settled conditions are expected to return to most regions, although some areas may still see isolated showers.

Please keep up to date with the most current information from MetService at http://bit.ly/metservicenz  

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Regional field advisors

Source:

Senitra Nathan-Marsh

senitra.nathan-marsh@herengaanuku.govt.nz

027 229 1285

Senitra considers herself a “fruitsalad” being a descendent of many iwi from Te-Ika-a-Māui and Rarotonga, however, she considers her ukaipō beneath her maunga Koro Ruapehu.

For the majority of her life, Senitra ventured between Tokoroa and Central Hawkes Bay, between her kui and koro. Throughout her upbringing, Senitra absorbed the Mātauranga of her koroua and embraced their old values and ways.

Senitra’s career has traversed many landscapes, starting from (the fun stuff) scaling her own maunga, Koro Ruapehu, tracking and catching manu on her whenua, and mahi the ngahere back home.

Since her “good old ranger days,” she has worked for local regulatory bodies such as district councils, DOCs, and post-settlement governance entities. Her “niche” is navigating governmental and regulatory processes, as she likes to ” geek out ” about legislation.

Senitra created her business, Uehā Environmental, to continue to be of service to our communities whilst also completing her Masters in Māori and Indigenous Leadership, focusing rangatiratanga (self-determination and leadership) when receiving taonga from Tangaroa (whale strandings)

She currently fulfils a role of passion as a kaimanaaki (helper) alongside mana moana (people of the sea), mana whenua (people of the land), DOC and Massey University for when taonga strand, and considers her happy place alongside Ikanui (whales and dolphins), activating and supporting kaitiakitanga and rangatiratanga.

You will often see Senitra with her four-legged buddy Tex (included in the picture), exploring along rivers and in outdoor recreational areas.

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Pocket Maps

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Pocket Maps is a mobile mapping app for the outdoors. Find out what publicly accessible areas are local to you and explore somewhere new.

Download now

Download Pocket Maps via the Apple App Store for iOS or Google Play Store for Android.

What is Pocket Maps? 

Pocket Maps allows you to view public access areas and conservation land all across Aotearoa – right from your device, anytime and anywhere. Maps can be viewed online with a Wi-Fi connection or downloaded to be viewed offline.

How does it work?

Pocket Maps lets you search your exact location by region and through the map layers, understand what type of access land you are currently on or looking to walk, hunt, fish or mountain bike across. 

The maps are split into regions and available to be downloaded to use offline.  

App features include:

  • Publicly accessible areas in Aotearoa, shown by type
  • Range of map layers for outdoor recreation
  • Ability to generate elevation profiles
  • Get coordinates and share
  • Selection of high quality basemaps
  • Offline topographic maps for each region
  • Find your location
  • Draw and measure routes

Pocket Maps was developed by Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa | Outdoor Access Commission, in partnership with our GIS technology partner, Eagle Technology.

Pocket Maps Topographic

Learn about the new topographic default basemap: Pocket Maps Topographic.

Now available for online and offline use. 

Get help

Pocket Maps help guide

Disclaimer

This app is not a substitute for a GPS unit and should be used in conjunction with one if going outdoors. 

Please read our data disclaimer before using the app. 

Privacy policy

Read the latest version of the Pocket Maps privacy policy.

Changelog

See a full summary of the latest changes to Pocket Maps in our changelog.

Feedback

If you have questions or want to provide feedback, get in touch with the Pocket Maps team at: 

GIS@herengaanuku.govt.nz

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Home

Source:

Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, the Outdoor Access Commission works with communities to develop a  comprehensive and safe network of tracks, trails and public access across New Zealand.

We have information and advice on the types of access you might find on private and public land, rivers, lakes, walkways, unformed legal road, easements and Māori land. 

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Contact Us

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We welcome your questions and suggestions.

General queries

Email: info@herengaanuku.govt.nz
Phone: 04 815 8502
Facebook: Messenger

Postal Address: Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, PO Box 11181, Manners Street, Wellington 6142, New Zealand

Physical Address: Level 12, Majestic Centre, 100 Willis St, Wellington, New Zealand

Public access or tracks and trails in your area

Contact your Regional Field Advisor

Digital maps and spatial data

Contact our GIS team

Media, website and accessibility queries

Contact our communications team

Official Information Act requests

Contact our corporate team

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Update: Further appeal in relation to missing man Jarrod Kingi

Source:

The search for missing 44-year-old Jarrod Kingi continues today, with Police searching areas surrounding the Whangamatā Harbour.

Sergeant Will Hamilton says a search around the area was conducted yesterday with the assistance from surf lifeguards from Whangamatā Surf Life Saving Club.

“Today, Police will be using a vessel to continue to search for Jarrod in the Whangamatā Harbour area.

Jarrod was last seen on Friday 25 April, about 11.15pm, where he left an address on Tobie Place in Whangamatā.

“We continue to be in contact with Jarrod’s family, and support is being provided to them at what is an understandably difficult time.”

Vessels in the Whangamatā Harbour area are encouraged to keep watch for any items of interest in the search for Jarrod.

Owners of vessels in the area are also urged to check both inside their vessels, and any snag points surrounding their vessels.

“We continue to appeal for information from the public, especially those who frequent the beaches or live close to the water,” says Sergeant Hamilton.

Anyone with information regarding Jarrod’s whereabouts is urged to contacted Police.

Please contact us at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or by calling 105. Please use the reference number 250428/6425.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Two to appear in court following a building fire, Frankton

Source:

Attributable to Detective Sergeant Matt Lee:

Hamilton Police have arrested and charged two people following a fire at a workshop in Frankton last month.

Police were called to the fire on Ellis Street at around 11.20am on Monday 10 March 2025.

After an investigation into the fire, Police this morning arrested a 46-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman.

The pair are due to appear in the Hamilton District Court on Tuesday 6 May 2025, charged with arson.

We would like to acknowledge and thank the members of the public who provided information that assisted in our investigation.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Deputy Prime Minister to visit New Caledonia

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to New Caledonia later this week.

“This visit comes at an important moment in New Caledonia’s history and reinforces New Zealand’s commitment to being a constructive partner in the region for both New Caledonia and France,” Mr Peters says. 

 

Mr Peters will meet the French Minister for Overseas Territories, Manuel Valls, and the President of the Government of New Caledonia, Alcide Ponga. 

 

“We are looking forward to meeting the new leadership of the Government of New Caledonia and continuing New Zealand’s warm and long-standing relationship with France.

 

“New Zealand wants to listen, learn and support New Caledonia’s pathway forward as a neighbour and fellow member of the Pacific Islands Forum.” 

 

Mr Peters will also visit the Pacific Community (SPC), a leading science and technical agency in the Pacific, and meet with Director-General Dr Stuart Minchin. 

 

This will be Mr Peters’ third visit to New Caledonia, following previous visits in 2018 and 2024. 

 

Mr Peters departs New Zealand on Thursday 1 May and returns on Friday 2 May. 

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Construction to start on new average speed safety cameras in Auckland

Source: Argument for Lifting NZ Super Age

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) will begin construction of a new pair of average speed safety cameras to improve safety on Pine Valley Road, in Dairy Flat Auckland, from next week.

NZTA Auckland and Northland Director of Regional Relationships, Steve Mutton, says the safety cameras aim to significantly reduce the number of people traveling over the speed limit on this road and lessen the likelihood of a serious or fatal crash.

“The types of crashes that happen and are likely to happen on this stretch of road, the volume of traffic, and driver behaviour all tell us that there is a serious risk of people being killed or seriously injured in crashes on Pine Valley Road. We also know that risk can be significantly reduced if more people drive to the speed limit. By installing safety cameras here we can encourage just that.

“In June 2024 we ran a speed survey on this stretch of road that showed around 74 percent of drivers were speeding. Despite the 80 km/h speed limit, the average speed vehicles were travelling was almost 90 km/h. 

“There were three crashes between 2018 and 2023 that resulted in people receiving serious, and potentially life changing, injuries.”

One camera will be installed near the Kahikatea Flat Road intersection and the other near the Pine Valley Road roundabout. 

When installed, the two cameras will work together, measuring the average speed drivers travel between them. Drivers will only be ticketed if their average travel speed over the entire distance between the two cameras is over the limit – they aren’t ‘pinged’ by a single camera or at a single point where they are over the speed limit.

“We know that average speed safety cameras are more effective at reducing deaths and serious injuries than the traditional speed cameras we’ve had in New Zealand. We expect they will reduce deaths and serious injuries by around 48 percent,” says Mr Mutton.

“Safety cameras will reduce speeding, ensuring that if crashes do happen, the people involved are far more likely to walk away unharmed.” 

Initial construction works will include installing an underground power supply, completing foundation works and installing a metal barrier that will protect maintenance workers and any vehicle that leaves the road in a crash.  

The poles and cameras will not be installed until later this year. Before the cameras begin operating ‘Average speed camera area’ signs will be installed, giving drivers a reminder to check their speed and slow down if needed.

NZTA is expecting to begin operating its first average speed safety cameras at Matakana Road, Warkworth, later this year, and will progressively bring other average speed safety cameras online in the following months. 

Find out more about NZTA’s safety camera work.

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CCO Reform reaches first major milestone

Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines

Update 30 April 2025 | Staff consultation presents new opportunity 

Auckland Council’s Chief Executive Phil Wilson has today opened an additional staff consultation to explore a consolidated approach to the council’s acquisition, leasing and disposal of property. 

The subsequent proposal includes options to create a property function within Auckland Council through a new property department, reporting to a new general manager role. This is a direct result of staff feedback on the 20 March CCO Reform change proposal (detailed in the story below).  

Mr Wilson says the additional consultation is a tangible example of why staff feedback through a consultation process is important. 

“We received 340 submissions across the group, 65 of which were team submissions, during our initial consultation period.   

“This is a very real example that our staff are committed to finding the best way to meet the evolving needs of Aucklanders, as well as the big challenges of the future,” he said.   

Property is recognised by the council as a critical enabler in providing council services. The Auckland Council Group has a significant and diverse portfolio which includes nearly $70 billion of property. 

Staff at Auckland Council and Eke Panuku Development Auckland have been asked to provide their feedback on this additional proposal, which follows decisions made by the council’s Governing Body on 12 December 2024 on the Mayor’s proposed CCO reform. 

*********************

The following story was published on 20 March 2025

Auckland Council’s Chief Executive Phil Wilson has today opened consultation with staff on a proposal to integrate the functions of Eke Panuku Development Auckland and the economic development functions within Tātaki Auckland Unlimited into the organisation and consideration of events delivery. 

Staff at all three organisations will have two weeks to provide their feedback on the proposal, which follows decisions made by the council’s Governing Body on 12 December 2024 on the Mayor’s proposed CCO reform. 

Mr Wilson says the aim of the proposal is to strengthen the Auckland Council Group by determining how services are best delivered for Aucklanders.  

“This is not about changing service levels. The proposed changes reflect the council’s commitment to delivering on the aspirations of Aucklanders and the commitments it made through the Long-term Plan.” 
The proposal includes:  

Creation of an Auckland Development Office within Auckland Council – responsible for driving integrated implementation and delivery of quality urban development in the council group’s identified growth priority areas and large-scale projects. It will be commercially focused and would provide the council with commercial development expertise.

The proposed Auckland Development Office would include urban regeneration, commercial property management, council place leadership on agreed large-scale projects and property optimisation support for local boards

Creation of an Innovation and Investment department within Auckland Council – focused on economic development for the council group and responsible for business attraction, economic transformation and industry/sector development coordination and local economic development with a vision of inclusive, innovative resilient economic growth for a prosperous Auckland. 

Improvement to the programming and delivery of events, placemaking and activations across the group – a unified group approach with clearer areas of responsibility for teams.

The proposal clarifies that Tātaki Auckland Unlimited would lead a shared regional events calendar for all council events, with a single Auckland Council brand for delivery of council events.

Grouping enabling functions – grouping most core support services into council functional teams or Group Shared Services in alignment with the organisational design principles of the council.

Mr Wilson says the changes being proposed are not about diminishing the great work done in areas like urban regeneration, economic development, property management and events.  

“Rather, by focusing our collective efforts in these important areas, we will have greater impact and show Aucklanders what we’re capable of achieving when we are set up for success,” he says. 

“There has been a great deal of collaboration across the council group to feed into the ideas supporting the change proposal and we thank those staff for participating in the workshops.  A key principle is to retain talent and maintain our focus on delivering for Aucklanders while we work through the next phases, including post decision-making implementation. The opening of staff consultation on the proposed changes marks a significant milestone in the process.” 

The proposal will be open for consultation with staff for a two-week period. Final decisions are likely to be made in early May, with the new structure due to be in place by 30 June 2025.