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Marcus Shenker thought he would spend his birthday fishing – instead, he spent it moving valuables into his roof attic in preparation for his already-damaged Westport home to flood again.
A state of emergency in the Buller District was declared on Wednesday, and MetService has issued heavy … View moreMarcus Shenker thought he would spend his birthday fishing – instead, he spent it moving valuables into his roof attic in preparation for his already-damaged Westport home to flood again.
A state of emergency in the Buller District was declared on Wednesday, and MetService has issued heavy rain warnings for Buller and Westland which last until Friday.
The red warning is the highest of MetService’s alerts, reserved for the most extreme storms. Forecasters have warned this rain could be worse than the storm that caused a devastating flood in Westport last July.
Shenker, a retired geofield assistant, had planned to spend his 66th birthday fishing, taking a walk on the beach, and a roast dinner.
Instead, he was storing valuables in the roof of his home, which is still damaged from last year's flood.
Carpet is missing, as are proper internal walls, while the bathtub is outside. He is still dealing with insurers from the previous flood.
Wednesday’s rainfall was not as bad as last year’s, he said.
After the July flood, Shenker lived in temporary accommodation for two months after water about waist-deep went through his home.
His home was also flooded in 2018, during Cyclone Fehi.
“These are all like once-in-a-100-year floods that are happening now like every six months.”
As of 7pm on Wednesday, 99mm of rain had fallen in Westport, while 48.6mm fell in Hokitika.
Westport’s O’Conor Memorial Rest Home, near the Buller River, evacuated 68 residents as a precaution.
Buller Health's Foote Ward also closed, while Buller Medical was preparing to provide care from an alternative location.
St John set up a temporary health centre at Carters Beach, near Westport, in the evening.
Four New Zealand Defence Force trucks and one support vehicle with 10 army personnel arrived in Greymouth on Wednesday evening. An NH90 helicopter would also fly south to help, a spokesperson said.
Buller mayor Jamie Cleine urged people to prepare getaway bags ahead of potential evacuations on Thursday.
Many spent Wednesday preparing sandbags. Volunteers filled them in the car park of Westport’s recreation centre.
Richard Sanders, 45, a chef, said helping fill sandbags was a distraction from thinking about his own house, which was still not fully repaired from the July floods,
Jan Woodcock, 67, a community health support worker, said the weather event left her with a feeling of "here we go again".
"We didn't get flooded last time, but the water is now lapping the footpath [outside my home]," she said.
Further south, power went out at Franz Josef and Fox Glacier at 11am on Wednesday when a tree hit lines at Lake Mapourika. Westpower said power was restored at 3.25pm.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency said all West Coasts highways were still open on Wednesday evening, except SH6 between Fox Glacier and Makaroa, which was closed due to surface flooding.
NZTA West Coast maintenance contract manager Moira Whinham said overall there had only been minor slips, which were cleared easily.
“Our teams will continue to monitor key rivers and bridge approaches, with night patrols as needed," she said.
MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris said residents should prepare for a possible “long-running” event, which could extend into the weekend.
There were parallels with last year's flooding and residents should again prepare for similar impacts, he said.
“There's going to be flooding, there's going to be slips, disruptions to roading networks, possibly even power and telecommunications.”
A RED Heavy Rain Warning has been issued for Buller District with rain forecast through Friday evening.
This rain is expected to cause dangerous river conditions and significant flooding. Slips and floodwaters are likely to disrupt travel, making some roads impassable and possibly isolating … View moreA RED Heavy Rain Warning has been issued for Buller District with rain forecast through Friday evening.
This rain is expected to cause dangerous river conditions and significant flooding. Slips and floodwaters are likely to disrupt travel, making some roads impassable and possibly isolating communities.
With the Buller river continuing to rise, some residents have been instructed to evacuate their homes either staying with friends/family outside the affected areas or go to one of the seven welfare centres set up around the town.
The households asked to evacuate are those on the fringes of Carters Beach, Snodgrass, and the following areas in Westport: Gladstone St and Russell St intersection and nearby areas. Colvin St and Rintoul St, Menzies St, Roebuck St, Bentham St, Disraeli St and Westport Domain Area.
Here's what you need to know:
- The Buller river is rapidly rising leading to flooding and possibly isolating areas.
- Non-essential travel should be avoided.
- Evacuees are asked to leave their homes with their medicines, food, water, radio, torch, warm clothes and blankets.
- Call 111 if you feel that your life, health or property is in danger.
You can keep up to date through the Buller District Council website
Hi everyone,
Hokitika has been named the most welcoming town in NZ in Booking.com's 10th annual Traveller Review Awards.
Would be keen to hear from those who live there or who have visited whether they think the town really is exceptionally friendly. What makes it a welcoming place, or … View moreHi everyone,
Hokitika has been named the most welcoming town in NZ in Booking.com's 10th annual Traveller Review Awards.
Would be keen to hear from those who live there or who have visited whether they think the town really is exceptionally friendly. What makes it a welcoming place, or otherwise? Were there any cafes, restaurants, shops or other places you received a particularly warm welcome?
Lake Tekapo and Oamaru came in second and third place respectively, followed by Cambridge, Picton, Invercargill, Martinborough, Kerikeri and Palmerston North. Would also love to hear from you if you have thoughts on these places. Please include 'NFP' (not for publication) in your comment if you don't want it to appear in a travel article.
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts?
The Tiger represents bravery and strength, so this Lunar New Year, we’d like to offer you the chance to WIN 1 of 3 $50 Prezzy Cards, to spend at your local café, takeaway or restaurant!
Our locals have been doing it tough but remaining resilient, brave and strong through the last year. … View moreThe Tiger represents bravery and strength, so this Lunar New Year, we’d like to offer you the chance to WIN 1 of 3 $50 Prezzy Cards, to spend at your local café, takeaway or restaurant!
Our locals have been doing it tough but remaining resilient, brave and strong through the last year. Let's go show them some love Neighbours!
Click 'read more' below to head over to the NZ Compare Facebook page and leave a comment on our Lunar Post telling us what awesome local you'd support if you won.
We hope this Chinese New Year will be filled with happiness, prosperity, and many precious moments with your loved ones.
Entries close midnight 8th February 2022.
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Neighbourly Premium enables you to grow a strong presence in your community, connecting you with thousands of … View moreWant to grow your business this year? Well now you can!
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Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for the country's best shed! Send in the photos and stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever storage spaces, cute chicken coops and potty potting sheds. The Resene Shed of the Year 2022 winners will receive prizes worth more than … View moreOnce again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for the country's best shed! Send in the photos and stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever storage spaces, cute chicken coops and potty potting sheds. The Resene Shed of the Year 2022 winners will receive prizes worth more than $2200. Just tell us in writing why your garden shed is New Zealand's best, and send up to five high-quality photos. Email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close Feb 27, 2022.
Hi Everyone
Does anyone have some Yellow ochre powder left over from some long ago paint mixing or staining job that is no longer needed by you?
I am after the natural rock that is ground up fine for use as pigment to mix your own stains or paint. I would consider any from light yellow ochre, red… View moreHi Everyone
Does anyone have some Yellow ochre powder left over from some long ago paint mixing or staining job that is no longer needed by you?
I am after the natural rock that is ground up fine for use as pigment to mix your own stains or paint. I would consider any from light yellow ochre, red ochre or red iron oxide, terra cotta colour to warm brown.
Please offer any little amount you may have, much appreciated.
Hi Neighbours,
Download your Property Climate Risk Report today and receive a 20% discount! Simply insert this code SUMMER22 at checkout and find out how climate resilient your property is today.
The peak property buying and selling season is here and after the record-breaking warmth of … View moreHi Neighbours,
Download your Property Climate Risk Report today and receive a 20% discount! Simply insert this code SUMMER22 at checkout and find out how climate resilient your property is today.
The peak property buying and selling season is here and after the record-breaking warmth of 2021, it is time to consider how our climate could impact your home.
Let's plan together to keep your home cooler, drier and more liveable.
Dear neighbours,
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for eggplant recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before January 30, 2022.
Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Homegrown … View moreDear neighbours,
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for eggplant recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before January 30, 2022.
Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Homegrown Recipes.
Electrification of the motoring industry is not only inevitable, it is happening at a far faster rate than most people were probably expecting.
Our new weekly newsletter Quick Charge makes it easy to be informed and entertained, bringing you all of the biggest EV news, as well as regular updates… View moreElectrification of the motoring industry is not only inevitable, it is happening at a far faster rate than most people were probably expecting.
Our new weekly newsletter Quick Charge makes it easy to be informed and entertained, bringing you all of the biggest EV news, as well as regular updates on our various long-term tests and other bits and pieces that have caught our eye.
Sign up (it's free!) here.
Wake up on Sunday morning to a treat in your inbox from the team at Sunday magazine.
As well as the weekly cover story, Sunday's free newsletter delivers the latest on food (including delicious recipes from our resident chef Sam Mannering), fashion, design, beauty and well-being direct to … View moreWake up on Sunday morning to a treat in your inbox from the team at Sunday magazine.
As well as the weekly cover story, Sunday's free newsletter delivers the latest on food (including delicious recipes from our resident chef Sam Mannering), fashion, design, beauty and well-being direct to your inbox.
Sign up here and we'll see you on Sunday!
Annual Art and Craft Exhibition on again in Tapawera. Opening tomorrow night at 7pm at Shedwood Hall, Main Rd, Tap.
Then open daily 10am to 5pm. Closes 5pm Monday 31st January 2022
Come and see what the talented people of Tapawera have created.
Gold Coin entry.
See you there
The 98-year-old painter who saved a village and a cat who hitched a ride to a charity shop in an old chair feature in today's Antidote - your much-needed dose of positivity to remind you that there's inspiration, kindness and quirkiness even in these unusual times. … View moreThe 98-year-old painter who saved a village and a cat who hitched a ride to a charity shop in an old chair feature in today's Antidote - your much-needed dose of positivity to remind you that there's inspiration, kindness and quirkiness even in these unusual times. Sign up here to get The Antidote delivered to your inbox (it's free!)
We live in unusual times. It all gets a bit much some days. So we're bringing you a much-needed dose of positivity to remind you that there's inspiration, kindness and quirkiness out there too.
Sign up here to get The Antidote delivered to your inbox each day.
Today: … View moreWe live in unusual times. It all gets a bit much some days. So we're bringing you a much-needed dose of positivity to remind you that there's inspiration, kindness and quirkiness out there too.
Sign up here to get The Antidote delivered to your inbox each day.
Today: The story of a husband for sale on Trade Me, a skipper with a digger, kiwi chicks in the skies and many, many beers for Betty White.
Hi neighbours!
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