Nelson Tasman Civil Defence news and blog

Flood event update #52 – 27 January 2012

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:16:21 +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.

Flood Event Update 51: Cable Bay and Wainui Roads may be open but patience is required

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:05:33 +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 recognise 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 sometime 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.

Flood event update #50 - 25 January 2012

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:49:07 +1300

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.”

•   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.

Flood event update #49 – 20 January 2012

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:14:25 +1300

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 ongoing status 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

Update to Cable Bay Drive access

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:19:01 +1300

Cable Bay Drive 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. Thanks for your patience.

Flood event update 48 - 17 January 2012

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:30:30 +1300

EQC

EQC visits to properties are nearly complete: 632 properties have been inspected with 129 in Nelson and 33 in Tasman still to inspect. EQC expects all claims will initially be responded to by the end of January with the associated geotech visits completed in Feb/March.

EQC are sharing their geotechnical information with both Councils to enable them to take appropriate action regarding s124 Notices. In some instances, the result of inspections mean Councils are able to remove the s124 Notices.

As soon as the EQC staff inform each Council about inspection results, Councils are acting as quickly as possible to remove the s124 Notices to enable families to return to their homes. Although EQC staff are visiting many properties each day, Councils are not always immediately given the inspection results, so we ask residents to please be patient. Councils will act as quickly as they can once the information is received.

If you are expecting a visit and have not received one please call EQC on 0800 326 243.

Latest count of s124 Notices

Nelson: 91 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).

Tasman: 22 out of an original 29 notices remain on affected properties.

Community meetings

Members of the Nelson Tasman Recovery Office visited Pohara and Wainui Bay residents last Thursday (12 January). Recovery Manager Michael Schruer and Emergency Management Manager Roger Ball toured the area with a group of residents and other recovery staff. The meetings were well attended and the atmosphere was constructive and positive.

Two further meetings are scheduled for Golden Bay: this evening at 5pm in Pohara and in Wainui Bay on 26 January at 5pm.

A community meeting is being planned for Nelson and Richmond area residents for next week.

The Acting Recovery Manager Peter Thomson will meet with Tiakina Te Taiao (Iwi) on 19 January to update them on the flood event that started 14 December and the current activities of the Nelson Tasman Recovery Office.

Water

Four dwellings are still without water in the Pohara Valley area. Pohara Valley residents are still on a non-potable and potentially intermittent supply due to quality of supply in the catchment. The water is on but is variable quality due to the water quality at the intake. Temporary water solutions for private dwellings, such as water tanks, are already setup in the region and at the Pohara camp.

The shellfish collection ban is still in place in Pohara.

Mayoral Relief Fund

The Mayoral Relief Fund has received donations to date totalling nearly $8,000.

Roads

Rocklands Road, Bird Road and Rameka Creek Road are now fully open, but care is required.

Aniseed Valley Road

Aniseed Valley Road is forecast to open some time on Wednesday 18 January. The road will be down to one lane in two sections, both of which will be signed with priority give way control and speed restrictions. The road has been closed to all except residents between Haycock Road and the top of the hill. Material has continued to fall from the top of the hill, with larger, unstable blocks currently being removed. An alternative access via Lee Valley and Mead Rd (private forestry road) is open only to residents currently.

Cable Bay Drive

Cable Bay Drive beyond Maori Pa Road is now open 24 hours/7 days with traffic lights in place to manage traffic. The road is one lane only at some points, and construction work is ongoing which may cause delays to drivers.

Abel Tasman Drive Wainui Hill

Access beyond Tata Beach remains restricted on a passport basis for local residents during daylight hours only. Today Tasman District Council started a geotech review of the slips on the hill to determine what needs to be undertaken to be able to open the road to general access. McShane Road (beyond the Wainui Hill) has reopened to residents.

Nelson City road closures or limited access

Cable Bay Road (open to residents only, traffic lights in place)
Iwa Road
Kokorua Road
Poynters Crescent

Waimea road closures or limited access

Aniseed Valley Road – Closed but alternative access via Lee Valley and Mead Rd (private forestry road) is open.

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 ongoing status 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
Arrow Street – slip clearing
Atawhai Dr/Brooklands – slip clearing
Moncrief Avenue – slip clearing
St Lawrence Street – slip clearing
Murphy Street – slip clearing
Orsman Street – slip clearing
Sunny Bank Rise – slip 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 for review by both Councils within the next several weeks. The plan will set action items for each Council to include in the short term and in their respective Long Term Plans.

Aniseed Valley Road Remains Closed to the General Public

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:47:26 +1300

Aniseed Valley Road remains closed to the general public with residents having access to their homes through Mead Road.

“Mead Road is a private road and the owners have been very accommodating in allowing access until essential engineering works are completed on Aniseed Valley Road,” said Tasman District Council’s Transportation Manager Gary Clark.

While the Aniseed Valley is known for some of the best river swimming and parks in the Tasman District, the only people that should be using Mead Road are residents and the trucks from the company who owns the road.

The current alternative access to houses up the valley is not ideal for general traffic and should not be viewed as a general access route and ideally kept clear.

“It is hoped this situation is short term and that people will have access to the river and the adjoining parks very shortly.”

“Until the Valley Road is restored people are asked to refrain from using the road unless they are residents or are representatives of the owners of the road itself,”concluded Mr Clark.

Severe Weather Warning

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:01:18 +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.

Flood Update 47 1710hrs 11 January 2012

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:10:56 +1300

EQC and Section 124 Update

As the recovery from the December rain events continues the EQC have been working through the 750 claims they have received.

Recovery Manager Michael Schruer said the EQC’s geotechnical engineers have started inspecting affected properties.

“While there is still a fair amount of work to do throughout the region there is certainly light at the end of the tunnel for many individual homeowners.”

The EQC’s geotechnical engineers will be releasing their reports to the respective Councils of the inspections they have carried out on private properties with the wording “the geotechnical risk is no worse than before the flood event of 14 December”. This wording will allow the Councils to consider removal of S124 notices if they were issued solely for geotechnical reasons.

“This is a very important point we have to stress to property owners. A number of S124 notices have been issued for building safety and insanitary conditions that have been caused by land movement these will have to be rechecked by the Councils’ building inspectors before the building’s status is finalised.”

“If, however, there are no additional reasons for the S124 notice other than land movement in the vicinity a simple phone call could be the all it takes to gain entry to the property on a permanent basis”, said Mr Schruer

Only the Tasman District and Nelson City Councils’ building consent units can approve the removal of the S124 notice once the property has been considered no longer dangerous or insanitary. This means in most cases property owners covered by EQC will not require an additional geotechnical report for the Councils to remove the S124 notice.

In some cases of S124s being issued for reasons other than geotechnical, each Councils’ building units have the option to issue a notice to fix with reasonably tight timeframes for remediation allowing the S124 to be removed.

The removal of a S124 notice does negate the need for the property owner and /or their insurance company to retain the services of a geotechnical engineers to design or undertake any remedial work.

In the first instance property owners who have received a geotechnical report from EQC should ring their respective Councils.

Flood Update 46 1500hrs 4 January 2012

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:55:52 +1300

The sun may be shining and people flocking to the beaches, but work is continuing on the recovery of Nelson Tasman following the flood event which damaged the region only weeks ago.

Recovery Manager Michael Schruer says the Nelson City Council is now open to the public and appointments can be made for controlled urgent access to those homes which had previously had a red or yellow sticker.

Prior to the New Year around 120 homes in Nelson had their stickers replaced with a Building Notice Number 124, which means the property cannot be occupied due to safety concerns. The notices also include specific information on what is required to restore the safety of the property.

As from today those homeowners can make an appointment by phoning Nelson City Council on 546 0200 to access their homes for emergency/urgent matters ONLY from 8am to 5pm. If homeowners are seeking clothing, they can access a grant from WINZ.

Home owners are also reminded that a Geotechnical engineer must be engaged to oversee the remediation of the property and an application must be made to Council before any work is done.

The application, which needs Council approval, must include the scope of the work to be done, by whom and other details to ensure appropriate personnel are involved.

If they have not already done so, homeowners are urged to contact their Insurance Company before employing a Geotechnical engineer.

Currently the Slip database, which records details of slips and retaining wall damage throughout Nelson city is being updated and reviewed.

Council staff are also prioritising work to be completed on the city’s infrastructure.

[RAD 1216082]

Flood Event Update 45 1415hrs Saturday 31 December 2011

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 14:11:36 +1300

Updated 1650 hrs Saturday 31 December 2011

Moana Avenue is now open.

Rocks Rd

Following a geotechnical assessment and clearing of debris, Civil Defence expect Rocks Road (SH6) in Nelson to reopen on both lanes by 1800hrs (6pm) tonight. The closure due to a slip was between Richardson St and Bisley Avenue.

Cyclists

For their own safety cyclists are urged to use an alternate route until further notice due to ongoing traffic congestion.

Other Nelson Roads

Iwa Road – closed until further notice

Cable Bay – single lane available for residents only under escort by contractors, 8am, 10am, 2pm and 5:30pm.

Kokorua Road – closed until further notice

Aniseed Valley – still closed to vehicle, pedestrian and cycle access until inspected by experts after which it may be opened to pedestrians and cyclist only but will remain closed to vehicles until further notice.

Further information

Given the improving situation, the operational and media lead for flooding has been handed back to the Nelson Tasman Recovery Manager, Michael Schruer.

Flood Event Update 44 1145hrs Saturday 31 December 2011

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 11:22:56 +1300

With the easing of rain and lowering of rivers overnight, the Nelson Tasman Civil Defence Emergency Operations Centre in Richmond will close at midday today. Civil Defence Controller Jim Frater says overnight there had been a small number of self-evacuations from Quinney’s Bush campground following a rapid rise in the Motupiko River. The campers are all safe.　

There has been further surface flooding in many parts of Golden Bay and drivers are urged to use caution. See further details below.

Rocks Road

Rocks Road (SH6) in Nelson remains closed due to slips. The closure is between Richardson St and Bisley Avenue. The rock face is being assessed this morning by geotechnical specialists including abseilers. This work and clearance of the slip will take some hours but it is hoped to have the road open later this afternoon, subject to the geotech assessment.

Other Nelson Roads

Iwa Road – closed until further notice

Cable Bay – single lane available for residents only under escort by contractors, 8am, 10am, 2pm and 5:30pm.

Kokorua Road – closed until further notice

Moana Ave – open

Golden Bay Roads

Visitors are advised to exercise caution if driving on the unsealed roads at the West Coast of Golden Bay.

Further information

The following roads have surface flooding but they should clear during the day:　

Puponga to Farewell Spit
Puponga to Wharariki Beach
Pakawau to Anatori River

Sandbags

Golden Bay Civil Defence has established six Sandbag Filling Stations at Selwyn St Reserve, Kohikiko Place, Kowahtu Grove, Haile Lane, Pohara Valley Raod and Ligar Bay Reserve. These are for residents to self-fill to protect their properties.

Pohara Beach Closed

Pohara Beach in Golden Bay is closed to swimming and shellfish collection until further notice as a result of a sewerage overflow. 　　

Further information

Given the improving situation, the operational and media lead for flooding has been handed back to the Nelson Tasman Recovery Manager, Michael Schruer.

Flood Event Update 43 1740hrs 30 December 2011

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 17:38:03 +1300

Civil Defence Controller for Nelson Tasman, Jim Frater, advises that Rocks Road (SH6) in Nelson has been closed. The closure is between Richardson St and Bisley Avenue as the result of a slip. Rocks Road will remain closed overnight to allow the clearing of the slip and for a geotechical assessment to be completed once heavy rain ends.

Drivers are advised to be prepared for delays in travelling through Nelson City. “We don’t think congestion will be as bad as the pre-Christmas flood, however Civil Defence asks drivers to avoid unnecessary travel tonight and tomorrow morning. If driving in the city, patience will be required,” said Mr Frater.

This information will be updated on this site by 1000hrs tomorrow (Saturday) morning.

Flood Update 42, 1600hrs, Friday 30 December 2011

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:38:45 +1300

Update: 1630hrs friday 30 december

A slip on Rocks Rd has reduced the carriageway to one lane. Traffic is backed up, so expect delays. Roading engineers are assessing the damage to see if the road needs to be closed. Please note Moana Ave is closed currently.

Heavy rains overnight in the Nelson/Tasman area are now easing and rivers receding, Civil Defence reports.

The Civil Defence Emergency Operations Centre covering Nelson Tasman was activated early this morning to coordinate the response to the forecast severe weather event, but was expected to close this evening.

“We’ve been monitoring rivers, roads and existing slips throughout the past 24 hours and we’re confident that we’re now past the worst of it,” Nelson Tasman Civil Defence Controller Jim Frater says.

Roading updates:

Golden Bay

Continued surface flooding in many areas including Pohara, Motupipi and Ligar Bay.
Abel Tasman Drive north of Wainui Bridge is closed until further notice
Wainui Hill is closed from 8pm Friday 30 December to 7am Saturday 31 December, no access through Wainui Bay.
No issues for SH60 at Birds Hill – remains open, one lane
Totaranui Road – closed long term 3 months + - Boat access only
Awaroa Road – closed 3 months + - Boat access only

Nelson

Kokorua Rd now closed due to flooding
Moana Ave (closed from Stansell Ave to Moncrief Ave), will be reviewed on Saturday morning
The Maitai River is dropping and still access to camping ground, no closures, and the water supply pipeline is stable
Iwa Rd remains closed (there is pedestrian access). The closure will be reviewed on Saturday morning.
Cable Bay Rd from Maori Pa Rd turnoff is closed and will be reassessed on Saturday morning.
Existing slips in Airlie St, Clairmont Heights and Halifax St East are being monitored in Nelson – no significant movement to date.
Rocks Rd is open to vehicles. Cyclists are asked to find an alternative route because of limited space on carriageway.

Richmond

There is no longer a requirement to boil water in Richmond.

Waimea

Aniseed Valley Rd is closed from Haycock Rd to Twin Bridges Reserve, but will be reassessed for pedestrian and cyclist access tomorrow morning (Saturday 31 December)

Weather/Rivers

MetService forecast:

“Further rain with some heavy falls expected this morning and early afternoon. In the 9 hours from 9am to 6pm today, another 40 to 70mm is possible on top of what has already fallen, mostly in the hills and ranges. Heaviest falls later this morning and early afternoon reaching 10-20mm/hr, with rain then easing late afternoon and clearing most places tonight.”

Civil Defence will continue to provide updates on road closures via the media and on the website: www.nelsontasmancivildefence.co.nz

Welfare assistance

Work and Income offices will be closed for the holiday weekend and will reopen during normal office hours on Wednesday 4 January. Information on Civil Defence payments is available from their offices.

Flood Update 41, 1135hrs Friday 30 December 2011

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 11:37:14 +1300

Heavy rains in the Nelson/Tasman area have caused few new problems overnight but rivers and existing slips are continuing to be monitored.

The Civil Defence Emergency Operations Centre covering Nelson Tasman was activated early this morning to coordinate the response to this event. Civil Defence staff and emergency services have also been active overnight in Golden Bay.

Four Pohara Valley residents self-evacuated to the marae overnight, but police have reported this morning that their homes are fine and they will be able to return today.

Golden Bay

Extensive surface flooding in many areas especially around Pohara and Motupipi
Abel Tasman Drive north of Wainui Bridge is now closed until further notice
No issues for SH60 at Birds Hill – remains open, one lane
(all other road info on website as is)

Rivers in Golden Bay came up overnight, including to annual flood level on the Aorere River, however rivers are not presenting major issues at this time

Nelson

Maitai River and surrounds including camping ground and pipeline being monitored, surface water across road expected during the day.
Existing slips in Airlie St, Clairmont Heights and Halifax St East are being monitored in Nelson – no significant movement to date.
Minor surface flooding on State Highway 6 at Wakapuaka is being monitored and dealt with by the appropriate roading authority.
Rocks Rd okay, will continue to be monitored.
Cable Bay Rd from Maori Pa Rd turnoff, closed and will be reassessed at 4pm today (Friday 30 December).
Iwa Rd (closed, pedestrian access only)
Moana Ave (closed from Stansell Ave to Moncrief Ave), will be reassessed at 4pm today (Friday 30 December).

Richmond

The boil water notice for Richmond is now lifted – there is no longer a requirement to boil water.

Waimea

Aniseed Valley Rd is closed from Haycock Rd to Twin Bridges Reserve, but will be reassessed for pedestrian and cyclist access at 4pm today (Friday 30 December).

Weather/Rivers

MetService advise that further heavy rain is due to come through today as follows:

Residents and visitors are reminded to stay away from rivers and seek updates on road closures for the remainder of today, Nelson Tasman Civil Defence Controller Jim Frater says.

“In the Tasman District, there are numerous riverside reserves and we suggest freedom campers in particular avoid these for the next couple of days,” he says.

Cyclists are reminded to stay off Rocks Rd as there is a limited carriageway.

Update #40, 1545hrs, Thursday 29 December 2011

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 15:57:42 +1300

Civil Defence is this afternoon closing a number of roads in Nelson/Tasman in response to the MetService severe weather warning for Nelson and Tasman over the next two days.

Nelson

Cable Bay Rd from Maori Pa Rd turnoff, to close at 4pm today
Iwa Rd (already closed, pedestrian access only)
Moana Ave (closed from Stansell Ave to Moncrief Ave), to close at 4pm today

Note: Maitai Valley Rd is not being closed at 4pm today.

Waimea

Aniseed Valley Rd (already closed), from Haycock Rd to Twin Bridges Reserve.

These roads will be reassessed at 4pm tomorrow (Friday 30 December).

Golden Bay

It is not proposed to close affected Golden Bay roads as yet but they will be kept under review. Their current status is:

Abel Tasman Drive Tata to Wainui Bay – open 1 lane only to residents and emergency services
Wainui Hill – restricted access (residents only) during the day. Closed at night from 8 pm until 7 am.
SH60 at Bird Hill Rd - one lane open, will be closed if required.

Awaroa and Totaranui Rds are closed for around three months due to slips prior to Christmas.

Residents and visitors are reminded to stay away from rivers and seek information on road closures as the weather sets in.

The rain is likely to have an effect on existing slips and could create new slips, Nelson Tasman Civil Defence Controller Jim Frater says.

“We know the forecast rain will cause new problems for people. Remember that in an emergency, dial 111 straight away,” he says.

“In the Tasman District, there are numerous riverside reserves and we suggest freedom campers in particular avoid these for the next couple of days,” he says.

Cyclists are asked to stay off Rocks Rd as there is a limited carriageway.

Flood Update 39 1410hrs Thursday 29 December

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:10:00 +1300

Update 1515hrs, Thursday 29 December 2011:

Aniseed Valley Rd in Waimea is closed to vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists from Haycock Rd to Twin Bridges Reserve.

Nelson roads to close from 4pm today (Thursday 29 December):

Cable Bay Rd from Maori Pa Rd turnoff
Moana Ave from Stansell Ave to Moncrief Ave

Residents and visitors need to stay away from rivers and seek information on road closures as forecast heavy weather sets in over the next couple of days.

The MetService has issued a severe weather warning for heavy rain from Thursday 29 December to Saturday 31 December in the Nelson area.

“In the 34 hours from 2pm Thursday until midnight Friday, expect 150 to 200mm of rain in the coastal hills and ranges, especially about Golden Bay, with 100 to 150mm in some lower lying areas. Intensities are likely to reach 10 to 20mm per hour at times and possibly 20 to 30mm per hour about the coastal hills and ranges of Golden Bay,” MetService website.

The rain is likely to have an effect on existing slips and could create new slips, Nelson Tasman Civil Defence Controller Jim Frater says.

“We know the forecast rain will cause new problems for people. Remember that in an emergency, dial 111 straight away,” he says.

“Maitai Valley Rd is highly likely to be closed for a period tomorrow due to expected surface flooding on the road. We have been in contact with the Maitai Valley Camping Ground regarding this because campers in the Maitai campground may be isolated for some hours tomorrow. This is not an unusual occurrence for the Maitai Valley Rd, but campers need to plan ahead for this inconvenience.

“In the Tasman District, there are numerous riverside reserves and we suggest freedom campers in particular avoid these for the next couple of days,” he says.

For people who do have access to flood affected properties, they are advised to clear drains of debris and be prepared.

“People can fill sandbags with sand for free from the Nelmac Nursery in Atawhai Drive, Nelson. The nursery will be open between 9am and 4pm today (Thursday) and tomorrow (Friday).”

Road updates

Cyclists are asked to stay off Rocks Rd as there is a limited carriageway.

Several roads are being closed at 4pm today (Thursday 29 December) as a precautionary measure in anticipation of the heavy rains and they will be reassessed at 4pm tomorrow (Friday 30 December).

Roads being closed are:

Nelson

Cable Bay Rd from Maori Pa Rd turnoff
Iwa Rd (already closed, pedestrian access only)
Moana Ave from Stansell Ave to Moncrief Ave

Waimea

Aniseed Valley Rd (closed now to vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists) from Haycock Rd to Twin Bridges Reserve

Golden Bay

It is not proposed to close affected Golden Bay roads as yet but they will be kept under review. Their current status is:

Abel Tasman Drive Tata to Wainui Bay – open 1 lane only to residents and emergency services
Wainui Hill – restricted access (residents only) during the day. Closed at night from 8 pm until 7 am.
SH60 at Bird Hill Rd - one lane open, will be closed if required.

It is reminded that Awaroa and Totaranui Rds are closed for around three months due to slips prior to Christmas.

“We’re expecting a lot of rain over the next 48 hours and we know these roads are vulnerable to slips. As a matter of public safety, we’re closing the roads and the most intense rain is predicted to fall around midday on Friday. We will review their status tomorrow afternoon.”

There is limited access to most of these roads until 4pm today.

Richmond boil water notice

Richmond residents need to continue to boil water. This will be reviewed and updated on Friday.

Welfare

For welfare assistance residents can visit the Work and Income offices which are open today and tomorrow as follows:

Nelson: Work and Income office, Bridge St, 8.30am – 5.00pm

Golden Bay: Heartland office, Takaka, 10.00am – 2.00pm

Richmond and Motueka Work and Income offices, 8.30am – 5.00pm

Slip-affected properties

People whose homes received red or yellow stickers recently during the emergency response will now be receiving Building Act “Section 124 Notices”. These may prevent or limit use of whole or part of the building, restrict access to the building and may identify remedial works required.

The issuing of the Section 124 Notice allows Councils to continue monitoring the situation with properties threatened by rain/floods.

People are urged to heed the warnings in the notices and are asked not to remove the notices.

“These notices need to be taken seriously – it’s all about safety and personal responsibility,” Mr Frater says. “Use your common sense, if houses around you are red or yellow stickered and you’re worried about your own house, go stay elsewhere until after this next period of heavy rain.”

If a slip from the mid-December flood event is affecting anyone’s property, they should contact EQC on 0800 326 243 or their insurance company.

If another period of heavy rainfall creates a new slip, people should report this to their Council: Nelson City (03 546 0200) or Tasman District (03 543 8400).

Walkways/cycleways

All tracks in the Richmond Foothills, including Dellside Reserve, remain closed due to slips and the Two Rivers walkway at Brightwater remains closed because of flood damage.

General Inquiries

For any inquiries, residents should call their main Council phone number (Nelson City Council 546 0200 and Tasman District Council 543 8400) which will be answered 24 hours a day. In an emergency dial 111.

The Civil Defence Recovery Office is operating out of Nelson City Council in Civic House, Trafalgar Street Nelson phone 546 0200.

Flood Update 38 1055 hrs 28 December 2011

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 15:35:00 +1300

UPDATE 1650hrs: Note Recovery Assistance Centres now closed

For welfare assistance residents should visit the Work and Income offices which are open this week (Wednesday – Friday) as follows:

Nelson: Work and Income Office, Bridge St, 8.30am – 5.00pm

Golden Bay: Heartland Office, Takaka, 10.00am – 2.00pm

Richmond & Motueka: Open normal office hours.

UPDATE 1530hrs: Road closure notifications & update to weather warning

Nelson

Princes Dr from 3pm to 9pm Wednesday 28 December and from 4pm on Thursday 29 December

Please note: All beaches are open for swimming, including Rabbit Island (Moturoa) and Monaco. However there is still a temporary ban on shellfish collection in Ligar Bay, Pohara Beach, Tata Beach, Rabbit Island beach and Tahunanui main and back beach. More public health information.

Residents in areas affected by recent rains should be aware that the MetService has issued a weather warning for heavy rain from Thursday 29 December to Saturday 31 December in the Nelson area.

Civil Defence asks people to clear drains of debris and be prepared.

Nelson Tasman Civil Defence Controller Jim Frater says even a short sharp rain event could have an effect on areas already vulnerable.

“People should clear their drains of any debris. If anyone has particular concerns about the rain, people will be able to fill sandbags with sand for free from the Nelmac Nursery in Atawhai Drive, Nelson. The nursery will be open between 9am and 4pm today (Wednesday) and tomorrow (Thursday).

“We will be keeping a close watch on the weather and will provide an update following any further news from MetService,” Mr Frater says.

Areas being monitored in particular will include Cable Bay, Iwa Rd and Rocks Rd in Nelson, Ligar Bay, Pohara Valley and Wainui hill.

Building inspectors from Nelson City would be out today and tomorrow delivering Notices for Dangerous Buildings to replace the emergency red and yellow placards.

Richmond boil water notice

Richmond residents need to continue to boil water for another two days. This will be reviewed and updated on Friday.

Welfare

For welfare assistance residents can contact the Government Helpline 0800 77 99 97 or come into the Work and Income offices which are open this week (Wednesday – Friday) as follows:

Nelson: Work and Income Office, Bridge St, 8.30am – 5.00pm

Golden Bay: Heartland Office, Takaka, 10.00am – 2.00pm

Richmond & Motueka: Open normal office hours.

Road updates

From 4pm tomorrow for a minimum of 24 hours, the following roads will be closed as a precaution:

Iwa Rd (walkway available only)
Aniseed Valley Rd closed to all vehicle, foot and cycle traffic
Cable Bay Rd beyond Maori Pa Rd is closed to all vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians

General Inquiries

For any inquiries, residents should call their main Council phone number (Nelson City Council 546 0200 and Tasman District Council 543 8400) which will be answered 24 hours a day.

The Civil Defence Recovery Office is operating out of Nelson City Council in Civic House, Trafalgar Street Nelson phone 546 0200.

Flood Update 37 1430 hrs 27 December 2011

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 14:19:53 +1300

The state of Civil Defence Emergency which has been in place in Nelson Tasman for two weeks has been lifted.

The declaration was put in place because of the severe flooding and slips affecting the region.

Civil Defence is still operating but is now in Recovery stage. A Recovery Centre is operating out of Nelson City Council in Civic House, Trafalgar Street Nelson phone 546 0200.

Nelson Tasman Civil Defence controller Jim Frater says although the immediate response stage has passed it is not going to be a short recovery.

“There are property owners in our region who are facing real challenges as we come out the other side of this event.”

“But the great thing about what we have all been through is the enduring community spirit. Everyone has helped each other.”

“I must also pay tribute to those Civil Defence, Emergency and multi agency staff who worked the long hours through the response stage. Their dedication to the task was noted by the Minister of Defence Chris Tremain who said the team delivered a first rate response.

Nelson Tasman is continuing to welcome visitors for its busy summer season in wake of the event.

Flood Update 36 1530 hrs Saturday 24 December 2011

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 15:26:19 +1300

Rabbit Island to open for Christmas

Rabbit Island, which was closed due to the recent flooding, will open tomorrow, Christmas Day. The island is immensely popular with families and visitors for Christmas Day barbecues and picnics.

The Beach at Rabbit Island is also open for swimming. 　