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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...
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.
Masterton gardeners are likely to have a brief respite from the total garden watering ban, after un…
To honour Waitangi Day Pūkaha are running a series of free, fun workshops (wānanga) where you can learn how to harvest and weave harakeke (flax).
Workshops run Mon 3 Feb - 7 Feb (including Waitangi Day).
Morning wānanga: 10.30am -12.30pm Afternoon wānanga 1.00pm - 3.00pm
The first hour … View moreTo honour Waitangi Day Pūkaha are running a series of free, fun workshops (wānanga) where you can learn how to harvest and weave harakeke (flax).
Workshops run Mon 3 Feb - 7 Feb (including Waitangi Day).
Morning wānanga: 10.30am -12.30pm Afternoon wānanga 1.00pm - 3.00pm
The first hour includes a hikoi to Pūkaha's wetlands to learn about harakeke tikanga and sustainable harvesting, followed by hands-on learning to weave your own harkakeke tuna (fish) to take home. Give them a call to book first in first served! 06 375 8004.
Get your family and friends together, pack a picnic and head to the Tauherenikau races. With live music, free kids entertainment and exciting racing action its a recipe for a great day out. Food trucks on site too.
Gates are open from 10am.
Dennis Lind and the friendly, knowledgeable team at The Curtain Store provide a combination of good old fashioned service and expert advice.
Their crafted curtains, drapes, blinds and nets (terylenes) can be found in homes of happy customers all around the Hutt Valley, Wairarapa and Wellington … View moreDennis Lind and the friendly, knowledgeable team at The Curtain Store provide a combination of good old fashioned service and expert advice.
Their crafted curtains, drapes, blinds and nets (terylenes) can be found in homes of happy customers all around the Hutt Valley, Wairarapa and Wellington region, including all the newest housing developments and Summerset Retirement Village.
With over 50 years combined experience, they ensure our customers get exactly the right product for their needs. They get to know customers’ design style and what they want, then use their knowledge to apply what works technically. “This definitely comes up with a superior result,” owner Dennis says. “Knowledge combined with understanding makes a huge difference. “There is nothing better than a customer loving what we have done – that is what all our staff live for - we don’t just want to make a sale – we work hard to make customers happy,” he says.
The Curtain Store has one of New Zealand’s largest' libraries of cut length display samples and one of the largest ranges of fabric rolls in store, which gives plenty of choice and design scope when decision making.
While The Curtain Store specialises in made to order drapes, blinds and other window treatments, plus everything needed for those keen to make their own. They are locally owned and offers a free, no-obligation, measure and quote.
The Curtain Store, 8 Queen Street, Upper Hutt. Phone 0508 4 DRAPES
ANDY IRVINE is one of the great Irish singers. Performing for more than 50 years and hailed as “a tradition in himself”, he has toured the world and is a world music pioneer and an icon for traditional music and musicians.
BOB COOPER-GRUNDY and KATE MARSHALL (Bob and Kate) also perform with … View moreANDY IRVINE is one of the great Irish singers. Performing for more than 50 years and hailed as “a tradition in himself”, he has toured the world and is a world music pioneer and an icon for traditional music and musicians.
BOB COOPER-GRUNDY and KATE MARSHALL (Bob and Kate) also perform with finger-picking Blues and Americana folk songs. Get your ticket from us at either the Masterton or Martinborough i-SITEs today (there are door sales but they're plus $5 so buy now!)
With 2020 headliners Herbs Acoustic supported by Maisey Rika and other local acts, who wouldn't want to relax, unwind and enjoy Waifest at Queen Elizabeth Park. This year marking the 180th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty.
Fantastic day out for all the family to enjoy. Live … View moreWith 2020 headliners Herbs Acoustic supported by Maisey Rika and other local acts, who wouldn't want to relax, unwind and enjoy Waifest at Queen Elizabeth Park. This year marking the 180th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty.
Fantastic day out for all the family to enjoy. Live entertainment, art, food stalls, storytelling and history.
Free admission. Starting at 10am on Thursday, 6 February 2020.
An opportunity for people of all cultures to explore what Waitangi Day means and celebrate our Tangata Whenau, the people and our beautiful region.
Dracaena Marginata plant 1.9m high, pot not included. Great for purifying the air, removes up to 87% of VOC's $50
Pickup in Greytown
Dracaena Marginata plant 1.9m high, pot not included. Great for purifying the air, removes up to 87% of VOC's $50
Pickup in Greytown
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