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A long-serving Wairarapa lawyer known as the "Rumpole" of Masterton court has been ushered into reti…
Toxic algae is quickly intensifying throughout the region, with all monitored rivers reaching health alert levels and Wairarapa’s Waipoua River remaining hazardous for swimmers.
Greater Wellington’s Otaki, Waikanae, Hutt, Ruamahanga and Waingawa river monitoring sites have exceeded the 20 per … View moreToxic algae is quickly intensifying throughout the region, with all monitored rivers reaching health alert levels and Wairarapa’s Waipoua River remaining hazardous for swimmers.
Greater Wellington’s Otaki, Waikanae, Hutt, Ruamahanga and Waingawa river monitoring sites have exceeded the 20 per cent alert threshold, and the Waipoua River is above the 50 per cent “no swimming” line. Detached mats, which are particularly hazardous for dogs, have been seen in all rivers.
It is highly likely the same conditions apply to many non-monitored rivers in other parts of the region, so it would be useful for people visiting rivers to know what toxic algae looks like so that it can be avoided.
“Our message is clear. People should stay out of the Waipoua River and remain vigilant in other rivers,” says Greater Wellington Senior Environmental Scientist Dr Mark Heath.
“Levels are expected to increase, with hot dry conditions forecast for much of the region throughout next week.
Specific site warnings are:
• Waingawa River, warning for south road site
• Ruamahanga River, warning for Morrisons bush site
• Waipoua River, warning extends from Paierau Road to confluence with the Ruamahanga
Toxic algae grows on submerged river stones, presenting with a shiny brown/dark green to violet coating. It can also become unstable and detach, floating to the surface forming small brown/black mats at the water’s edge.
Given conditions quickly change, people should be remain vigilant around rivers and streams throughout the region. This is the prime season for toxic algae, so look out for algae covering rocks and for detached mats in the water and lining riverbanks. If in doubt, stay out of the water and keep a close eye on children and dogs,
Before you swim, stay safe by finding out about toxic algae at www.gw.govt.nz....
For more information on where it is safe to swim, go to: www.lawa.org.nz...
Morning neighbours,
Wednesday's funding announcement brings certainty and timeframes for land and home owners in the likely corridor for the Ōtaki to north of Levin expressway.
The improved highway south is expected to add to the town's desirability as a place to live, but will it mean… View moreMorning neighbours,
Wednesday's funding announcement brings certainty and timeframes for land and home owners in the likely corridor for the Ōtaki to north of Levin expressway.
The improved highway south is expected to add to the town's desirability as a place to live, but will it mean for businesses that will miss out on the through-traffic? Do you think many shops and trades depend on commuters and travellers who currently pass through the Levin? Or do think the CBD essentially serves local residents?
An ongoing issue at the Martinborough Wastewater Treatment Plant has again resulted in a discharge of partially treated wastewater into the Ruamahanga River. This occurred on Monday 27 January between 9.20am and 11.30am.
Wellington Water is sorry that this has happened again and for the delay in … View moreAn ongoing issue at the Martinborough Wastewater Treatment Plant has again resulted in a discharge of partially treated wastewater into the Ruamahanga River. This occurred on Monday 27 January between 9.20am and 11.30am.
Wellington Water is sorry that this has happened again and for the delay in reporting the issue to the Council. Action is now under way to get in front of this issue and to improve protocols in communicating to both Council and customers.
Although discharging treated wastewater to the river is a consented activity under the right conditions, when the river is low these types of discharges are invariably a breach of resource consent.
The Martinborough Wastewater Treatment Plant will have a review in order for potential points of operational failure to be identified ahead of time; this work has been prioritised for the next few days.
This discharge event and the previous one involved issues with the irrigator, which meant that discharge to adjacent land didn’t happen. With the storage ponds being full and no discharge to land possible, the designed contingency is discharge to the river, which we know is unacceptable.
Authorities at Regional Public Health and Greater Wellington Regional Council as well as iwi and community liaison group representatives have been notified.
The first incident occurred between 9.45pm on Tuesday 14 January and 10am Wednesday 15 January 2020, this resulted in 90,000 litres of partially treated wastewater discharged to the Ruamahanga River.
This latest incident resulted in 100,000 litres of partially treated wastewater discharged to the river, as well as 300,000 litres of fully treated wastewater.
Due to the dilution factor in the river, it’s understood that public health and recreational water user risk from all discharges was negligible.
However, Wellington Water is committed to doing better with how wastewater discharges enter the environment and are working on options for this. A full incident response and investigation of the outcomes of this work will be released when completed.
Thanks to the producers of the Parish Newsletter for most of this message, and to Msgr Brian Walsh for celebrating Mass for us and engaging with Parishioners. Members may recall the earlier suggestion to go to events you would not normally attend, well, here are some
opportunities.
If you dont go… View moreThanks to the producers of the Parish Newsletter for most of this message, and to Msgr Brian Walsh for celebrating Mass for us and engaging with Parishioners. Members may recall the earlier suggestion to go to events you would not normally attend, well, here are some
opportunities.
If you dont go to Mass often in the week, here are good reasons for a new habit :
St. Josephs School will be attending the 9am Mass on 5th February and there will be a Welcome Powhiri at the School at 9am on Friday 14th
February.
Sunday 16th February is a Parish/School Welcome Mass for Term 1.
On Sunday 9th February there will be a Tongan welcome at 9am for
Fr. Vince Onesi, our new Parish Priest for the Tararua Parishes. This is arranged by the local Tongan community.
This will be a great opportunity to engage with new people and reinforce a welcome to the Parish.
Masterton gardeners are likely to have a brief respite from the total garden watering ban, after un…
Join us for coffee at Cafe Esplanade next Tuesday around 1.30pm, in pleasant surroundings with air/con if it's hot. We look forward to meeting you.
A large freezer in working order. Is large enough to hold cattle beast and two lambs from butcher. Not pretty to look at but does the job. Will need trailer a two strong people to move it.
Hi neighbours,
A two-sentence note to customers set off a firestorm of online emotion and negative reviews for a Palmerston North cafe. Are people too quick to be offended these days or are they justifiably riled?
Check out this weeks Property Weekly
A great place to find Palmerston Norths and surrounds best properties
Hi Neighbours,
Victim Support are currently recruiting new volunteers in the Manawatu Taranaki region, who can be there to help people coping with the impacts of crime and trauma.
If you’re a sensitive, resilient and good listener, with good written communication skills, computer literate … View moreHi Neighbours,
Victim Support are currently recruiting new volunteers in the Manawatu Taranaki region, who can be there to help people coping with the impacts of crime and trauma.
If you’re a sensitive, resilient and good listener, with good written communication skills, computer literate and able to commit some time each week, we’d like to hear from you!
Volunteers receive comprehensive training and support from our professional team, and no qualifications or experience are required. Our next Initial Programme Training (ITP) in the Central region is planned for 4/5 and 18/19 April.
Contact us to find out more – call 0800 VOLUNTEER or go to our website.
We would love to hear from you!
Sheryl and the Victim Support Central team
Only a few years old, one is younger. Not neutered. Recently shaved, hooved and drenched. Message me and make an offer
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