MetService issues Severe Weather Warnings, Red Warning for Buller and Westland
UPDATE
July 15 4:44pm
A rare Red Weather warning has been issued for Buller and Westland from 9pm tonight until early Saturday.
The current warning in place forecasts between 300mm and 400mm of rain to fall in the region, almost twice its monthly rainfall. Peak rates of 20-30mm per hour is set to fall on Friday afternoon.
MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris said that there would be significant impact on West Coast communities and transport links to other regions, with the possibility of roads becoming impassable and possibly isolating communities.
"We are asking people to act now to keep themselves and their whānau safe and to heed the advice of authorities," adds Ferris. "Anyone with travel plans in Westland and Buller on Friday and Saturday are urged to keep up to date with road information from Waka Kotahi NZTA. This is especially relevant due to the school holidays bringing more families to the West Coast."
______________________________________________________________
MetService has issued several severe weather warnings for regions in the South Island and central New Zealand.
An active front is moving slowly across southern and central New Zealand today, bringing with it heavy rain in western areas and northerly, gale force winds for central regions.
In a statement, MetService said rain across Westland to northwest of Nelson is set to be significant, with the potential for flooding and disruptions for commuters.
Severe northerly gales are forecast in Wellington, with the agency informing residents to expect power outages and damage to insecure structures.
The Orange Weather Warnings affect the following areas:
Orange Rain Warning:
- Nelson west of Motueka from 6am Friday. Valid from 6am Friday
- Buller. Valid from 1pm Thursday
- Western ranges of Marlborough including the Richmond and Bryant ranges. Valid from 4pm Friday
- The headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers from the Rakaia river northwards. From 11pm Thursday
- Westland north of Fox Glacier. Valid from 6pm Thursday
- The headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers between Mount Cook and the Rakaia river. Valid from 4am Friday.
- Westland south of Fox Glacier. Valid from 9pm Thursday
Orange Wind Warning:
- Taranaki Region: gusts up to 120kmh in exposed places. Valid from 8pm Friday
- Marlborough Region: gusts of 120kmh. Valid from 1pm Friday
- Wellington, and Wairarapa south of Featherston: north to northwest severe gales gusting 140 kmh in exposed areas. Valid from 3pm Friday
For more information and to keep up to date with any developments, visit the MetService's warning page.
Neighbourly will update this message as further information is released from the MetService wire.
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Georgina's Rhubarb Crumble
Craving a dessert that makes the most of spring's fresh produce? Look no further than Georgina's signature Rhubarb Crumble.
This delicious treat has become a favourite at Ryman’s Bert Sutcliffe Village, where the sweet and tangy aroma often wafts through the air, tempting neighbours in for a taste. It’s also a hit with Georgina's 13-year-old granddaughter, Brooklyn, who loves serving it warm with gooey custard or a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream.
Click read more for the recipe.
New Amberley cricket ground gets green light
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Amberley is set to get a new cricket ground, despite some community opposition.
The Hurunui District Council approved plans to allow the development of the Amberley Village Green (formerly Eastern Reserve), to the east of the town centre, which will include a cricket ground, at a council meeting on Tuesday, November 26.
Around 120 submissions favoured the development of recreation in the reserve over a cricket ground, during the council’s recent reserve management plan consultation.
At Tuesday’s meeting, councillors approved a plan to install an irrigation system, with water sourced from a submersible bore pump.
Staff have been authorised to tender for the development of a playing surface, excluding the wicket block which will be developed by the Amberley Cricket Club.
A pathway around the perimeter of the reserve and public toilets will also be developed.
A cricket ground was first mooted for the reserve a decade ago when the land was set aside by the developer.
A budget of about $900,000 has been set aside, with 90% from development contributions.
An updated concept plan tabled at the meeting makes provision for other sports and activities such as basketball, a scooter track, a playground and car parking.
Several councillors expressed reservations about the proposed size of the cricket ground.
Councillor Garry Jackson said proposed the cricket ground was close to international standard and could be reduced by 20 percent and still be ‘‘appropriate as a village green club cricket ground’’.
While she acknowledged Jackson’s concerns, councillor Pauline While said the council needed to move forward, and councillor Fiona Harris said the cricket club had been ‘‘patient for long enough’’.
Councillor Robbie Bruerton said ‘‘it is being talked about as if it is only going to be used for cricket, but it can by used for any sport’’.
Councillor Vanessa McPherson voted against the proposal as she said the process had been ‘‘undemocratic’’ in the beginning.
‘‘I am concerned there is not enough funds for a decent children’s playground. I am angry and frustrated by this. It is so unfair.’’
Earlier in the meeting Amberley ratepayer John Weyers urged councillors to vote against establishing another cricket ground.
He said cricket is already being played at the Amberley Domain and ‘‘there is no reason why cricket and football cannot co-exist’’.
While there had been a dispute between the cricket and football clubs, he believed it has now been resolved.
‘‘Amberley is growing and we have an ageing population and a growing number of young families, but we are lacking spaces for recreation.’’
Councillors noted there has been confusion about the name of the new reserve, between the Village Green and the Eastern Reserve.
Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said ‘‘Village Green’’ was the name put forward by the council’s south ward committee.
Dobbie said the council’s reserve management plan will be presented to councillors at a future meeting for adoption.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Loading…
