Latest news with #Riwaka
RNZ News
21-07-2025
- Science
- RNZ News
Can households really assess their own climate risk?
A flood damaged house just outside Riwaka. Photo: SAMUEL RILLSTONE / RNZ An expert panel has called for consistent, quality information on flood risk to enable people to decide whether to buy, rent or renovate properties. But critical research into how storms are changing with hotter temperatures has been defunded, with one scientist saying New Zealand has retreated from the research right when it's needed the most. Last year, an internationally sought-after team of scientists who specialised in understanding how global climate models applied to New Zealand were made redundant by Earth Sciences NZ, then called NIWA. Then, the $10 million Whakahura programme for studying how extreme events are changing was turned down for further government funding after its initial five year run. One of the scientists behind the project, Canterbury University Professor Dave Frame, says there's still a lot we don't know. He says climate scientists are confident that atmospheric rivers of the type that devastated Auckland, Tai Rāwhiti and the Nelson area are getting 10-20 percent wetter because of climate change. Hotter air carries more moisture, which gets dumped on unlucky victims by storms hitting from the north, straight from the tropics. But when it comes to other storms, for example those hitting Southland or Wellington from the south, Frame says it's more complex, with westerlies and other factors also coming into play. "Our community tend to be a little more cautious about those extreme rain events from the south," he says. "But the funding for extreme event research has dried up almost entirely," he says. "Really we've ground to a halt on a lot of climate modelling and extreme event research, right when there is a clear and present need for this. "We're getting hammered by extreme events, they are the sharp end of climate change, and we are actually retreating from our ability to answer these kinds of questions." The expert panel report says households urgently need better information, showing the expected frequency and severity of floods, and including local terrain and features such as stop banks. Its chair, Matt Whineray, says this is the single most important step in preparing for what the panel says should be an end to property buyouts at market value after floods. He says better data won't just inform potential purchasers or renters, but will also help owners lower their risk by raising floor levels and electrical wiring, changing floor coverings and the like. "That's the most fundamental bit, before everybody leaps to how are you going to transition to a different approach of sharing costs after the event, the most fundament bit is that people understand and there's an agreement on how you update that, how people get hold of that information." The report was criticised for recommending moving towards a system where people did not expect to to be compensated for the value of their property if it became uninhabitable - though Whineray clarified this week that they weren't saying people should get no financial assistance helping them recover or relocate. Foxhill resident Graeme Burbidge diverts water to protect his property as heavy rain hits the Tasman district, 11 July 2025. Photo: RNZ/Samuel Rillstone Sarah-Jayne McCurrach, head of risk reduction at the Natural Hazards Commission, says an existing natural hazards platform lets people search for past claims for earthquake and flood damage on a property. "You can go in, there is a map and it will give you a little green dot if a property has had a claim on it." The commission is also running a pilot with the Bay of Plenty region to include information from council natural hazard maps on the platform. But McCurrach says councils vary hugely in their resources and many need help modelling flood risk. "We've got a national flood model in the making, we've got lots of data, and in some areas it's been proven to be accurate. We've had flood modeling done, we've seen Cyclone Gabrielle occur, and it's flooded where we thought it would flood. So in some places it is very well modelled and in others it's not." Frame says for many places it will be difficult to model climate impacts down to the post code level - though in other areas the flood risk is pretty well-known. The chair of a previous report to the government, Victoria University's Jonathan Boston, says it's unrealistic to expect people to manage their own risks, when they are uncertain, and growing. "We can't tell somebody today, that your house will be safe for the next 100 years, regardless of where it is," he says. Better information - when it arrives - is expected to impact property prices, though previous studies suggest that buyers have short memories - and that values aren't strongly affected by hazard maps. Boston says irrational market behaviour and herd mentality mean there may be an abrupt correction at some point, with potentially severe consequences for whoever holds the title at that time. Environment officials are working on how make better data available, and working up options on how and whether to offer payments to those who can't sell as a result.
RNZ News
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- RNZ News
Tasman highway reopens after subsidence of road
Movement and subsidence of the road surface closed State Highway 60 on the Riwaka side of Takaka Hill. Photo: Supplied / NZTA Waka Kotahi State Highway 60 on the Riwaka side of Takaka Hill in the Tasman region has reopened after it was closed due to movement and subsidence of the road. The transport agency said the road was down to a single lane under stop-go traffic management and a 30-kilometre temporary speed limit at the Drummond Corner slump site. Motorists were advised to expect delays. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- RNZ News
Tasman highway closed overnight due to subsidence of road
Movement and subsidence of the road surface has closed State Highway 60 on the Riwaka side of Takaka Hill. Photo: Supplied / NZTA Waka Kotahi State Highway 60 on the Riwaka side of Takaka Hill in the Tasman region has been closed overnight due to movement and subsidence of the road. NZTA Waka Kotahi said the road surface had deformed at a pre-existing land slip site known as Drummond's Corner. It said contractors would begin work to open the road on Tuesday morning. Drivers were asked to avoid the area, but access through the route was being maintained for emergency services. The transport agency said drivers could expect to see the road reduced to a single lane when it was reopened. Motorists were advised to expect delays when access was restored. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
29-06-2025
- Climate
- RNZ News
Riwaka couple's house surrounded by water after Tasman, Nelson flooding
The couple said they were prepared for the weather that hit the top of the South Island last week, but the rain came thick and fast. Photo: Samantha Gee / RNZ From State Highway 60, Pouesi and Hillary Fitisemanu's Riwaka home was completely surrounded by water this weekend. The couple live next to the Motueka River and Pouesi Fitisemanu said they were prepared for the weather that hit the top of the South Island last week, but the rain came thick and fast. "First thing Friday morning, it was all hands on deck, [there was] more water than I wanted to see, Fitisemanu said. The Tasman District remains under a state of emergency, while officials work to determine the full scale of the damage, which has seen extensive flooding across valleys in Motueka, Tapawera, Tadmor and Wai-iti. The Fitisemanu's land, near the Motueka Bridge, is a park over property for New Zealand Motor Caravan Association members and the couple had five motorhomes staying on Thursday night, who awoke on Friday to find it lapping underneath their vehicles. "We had a couple of hours to move people off safely, and we'd already moved the animals the day before." He had moved his four sheep and two cows to higher ground on Thursday Photo: Samantha Gee / RNZ They were able to relocate all but one couple, whose bus had a flat battery and have since been staying with them. "We're sort of landlocked at the moment, vehicle-wise, we've got access up through the neighbours and we can walk out there." He had moved his four sheep and two cows to higher ground on Thursday, but the deluge meant there was no dry ground on their property until floodwaters receded. "There's no grass left for the animals, but we've moved them to as high a ground as possible and they've got feed and bits and we've had lots of people offer to take the animals and look after them while we get things sorted." The couple have lived next to the river for 14 years and this was the fifth flood they had experienced and it was the worst, Fitisemanu said. A few of their vehicles were flood damaged, but their house was unscathed. The couple's Riwaka home surrounded by floodwaters. Photo: Supplied / Pouesi and Hillary Fitisemanu "The house is built up high and I felt quite confident that we weren't going to get water inside it, that is probably one thing I can think the council for, they required us to build a certain level and it's paid off." He had used pallets to make a raft for his sheep to stand on so they were not in the water, and when the water levels dropped, would relocate them elsewhere to graze, as there would be a lack of feed. "We've got plenty of water and milk and supplies in the cupboard and [this is a] two-storey place, so we had a safety zone to go to if we needed to," he said. The scale of the clean up would not be known until the water subsided, but their paddocks would be covered in silt, with fences washed out and there would be a bit of a clean up to do, Fitisemanu said. "There's nothing you can do about it. It's just something you've got to deal with and keep a positive attitude." A few of their vehicles were flood damaged, but their house was unscathed. Photo: Supplied / Pouesi and Hillary Fitisemanu Nelson Tasman Civil Defence group controller Alec Louverdis said on Sunday that teams were working to assess houses in the worst affected areas and there were two yellow stickered properties, one in Nelson and one in Tasman. Assessments had been completed in Tapawera, Riwaka, the Motueka Valley and Brightwater, with assessments still to take place in Moutere, North Wakefield and Ngatimoti. "We're still anticipating that there will be some either yellow or red stickers." State Highway 6 remained closed between Kohatu and Kawatiri and Louverdis said there were 47 local road closures. Tasman Deputy Mayor Stuart Bryant said the rural community had been extensively affected by the flooding, with many in Motupiko and the Upper Motueka Valley dealing with a repeat of the floods in 2021/2022. "There will be a lot of heartache as they repair fences and flood damage." Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced that the Mayoral Relief Fund had been opened, with $100,000 in it to start, to help residents to access funds to deal with issues in the immediate term. Mitchell said the council had been proactive in declaring a state of emergency, early. "That is absolutely the right thing to do, we are a country that is going to continue to face weather events. What's happening with these weather events is that they can be more severe and they can change suddenly ... we'll continue to work together to identify what we need to do in the medium to long term with the recovery." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Chicago Tribune
06-06-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Breweries in St. Charles to launch collaboration beer to aid charity
A group of six St. Charles breweries called the STC Six is launching its fourth annual collaboration beer to support a local non-profit organization, with this year's effort benefitting Support Over Stigma. The STC Six is made up of 93 Octane Brewery, Alter Brewing + Kitchen, Broken Brix Fermentation Emporium, D&G Brewing, Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling and Riverlands Brewing, according to a press release. The breweries invite everyone to a celebration including the first opportunity to taste the new beer at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18, at Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling at 106 S. Riverside Ave. in St. Charles. Eric Bramwell, head brewer and co-founder of Riverlands Brewing, said in the release that this year's collaborative brew should be a hit with beer fans. 'The STC Six 2025 is a West Coast Pilsner – a true beer lover's beer that combines the hoppiness of a pale ale with the crisp drinkability of a pilsner,' said Bramwell. 'Brewed with lager yeast, and hopped with Simcoe, Krush, Riwaka and Rakau hops, one can expect notes of citrus, tropical fruit and a bit of pine.' The 2025 STC Six collaborative beer will be available at five breweries in St. Charles while supplies last – 93 Octane Brewery, Alter Brewing + Kitchen, Broken Brix Fermentation Emporium, Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling and Riverlands Brewing, according to the release. One dollar from every sale of the STC Six collaborative beer and the limited-edition glassware will go towards Support Over Stigma, a local non-profit that provides essential services for military personnel, veterans and first responders to help them overcome the mental health and service-related challenges they encounter, the release stated. For more information on the beer collaboration, go to Geneva's Natural Resources Committee will spotlight Illinois' prairie ecosystems during its next lecture series presentation at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 28, at the Geneva Public Library, 227 S. Seventh St. During the program, a Geneva Park District naturalist at Peck Farm Park will explore common characteristics of Illinois prairies. The presentation also will take a deep dive into the different plants and animals found in prairies, as well as the methods land managers use to preserve this valuable landscape, event organizers said. Registration is recommended for the free presentation. For more information, go to the Geneva Public Library District's website at The Batavia Public Library at 10 S. Batavia Ave. has partnered with Music and Potlucks, a non-profit organization, to present a concert to support The Interfaith Food Pantry and Clothes Closet in Batavia. The event is set for 2 p.m. Sunday, June 22, at the library and will feature folk singer and songwriter Mark Dvorak performing on guitar, five-string banjo and 12-string guitar, according to a press release about the event. The Interfaith Food Pantry and Clothes Closet is at 431 N. Raddant Road and has served families in Batavia Township since 1981, according to the release. Those attending the concert should bring one or more grocery bags of non-perishable food items, toiletries and in-season clothing items to donate to the pantry, organizers said. For more information, call the Batavia Public Library at 630-879-1393 or go to Art historian Jeff Mishur will discuss the work of artist Gustave Caillebotte and the story of Impressionism during a program at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 17, at the St. Charles Public Library, 1 S. Sixth Ave. in St. Charles. Mishur is vice president and co-owner of Art Excursions, and holds a master's degree in the history of art from Northern Illinois University, according to a press release about the June 17 event. To register for the free program, call 630-584-0076 or go to Anderson Humane is looking for teens and young adults to take part in its summer volunteer program. Open to anyone age 16 to 25, volunteers help care for, feed and socialize with animals and assist staff at animal adoption events, according to the nonprofit's website. Volunteers can choose to work with dogs, cats or wildlife at shelter locations at 1000 S. LaFox St., South Elgin; 412 W. Army Trail Road, Bloomingdale; and 45W061 Route 38, Elburn. The time commitment is 20 hours per week. A $35 registration fee includes the cost of a volunteer T-shirt. For more information, go to
