Beach FM 106.3

18/08/2024

SUNDAY - As the southerly arrives and the 2 day long cold snap begins, we thought you'd like to see what it's like in Oxford, Canterbury this evening.

Photo courtesy of Rob's cousin.

18/08/2024

Update 6pm - SH56 at Opiki across the Manawatu River is now closed due to flooding.

SUNDAY 5PM - Horizons Regional Council has staff on standby in case the Moutoa floodgates require operation after recent rainfall.

Horizons incident controller Sarah Carswell says current river levels show the Manawatū River could reach operating range for the gates on Monday morning.

“The amount of rainfall in the Manawatū River catchment since Saturday night, as well as rain forecast to come during Sunday night, indicates a gate operation may be necessary,” says Mrs Carswell.

“However, this may change as we get updated information about actual and forecast rainfall. The operation will require traffic management on the road above the gates, so anyone travelling through the area should keep this in mind.''

South-western areas of the Tararua District have received the bulk of the rainfall. This has resulted in road closures and properties being impacted by surface flooding in and around Pahiatua, says Mrs Carswell.

17/08/2024

SUNDAY - MetService has issued a Road Snowfall Warning for Remutaka Hill Road (SH2)

Remutaka Hill Road (SH2)
Valid: 5 hours from 1:00am Mon 19 Aug to 6:00am Mon 19 Aug
Forecast: Rain may briefly turn to snow about the summit of the road before dawn tomorrow morning, where 1 cm or less may accumulate.

Camera view here > https://www.metservice.com/traffic-camera/remutaka-pass
More warnings here > https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home

17/08/2024

Sunday - Thunderstorms possible this afternoon.

17/08/2024

While we wait for the predicted heavy rain, a southerly cold snap is coming to Kapiti & Horowhenua. Just so you know, after tonight and tomorrow's rain, the temperatures will plummet from 12° overnight tonight (Saturday) to 4° tomorrow night.

3° Monday night.
2° Tuesday night.
4° Wednesday night.
4° Thursday night.

But spring officially begins in 2 weeks...

16/08/2024

Kāpiti Coast District Council said today they will begin resurfacing or completely rebuilding sections of Raumati Rd next month.

Work is scheduled for September and October and will see around 65 percent of the road repaired. Some initial work will begin during August.

Council said “A detailed work programme will be available soon, but we wanted to give the community early notice that this work is coming and will bring with it some inevitable disruption.''

More here > https://www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/RaumatiRoad

15/08/2024

Great news. Police are pleased to report that the 23-year-old man previously reported missing in the Paraparaumu area has been located safe and well.

Police would like to thank LandSAR volunteers for their assistance, as well as acknowledging the search efforts of family.

15/08/2024

Friday - Severe Weather Warning for the weekend issued. There is now a Heavy Rain Warning in place at Orange level. Heavy rain expected for Kapiti & Horowhenua with strong northwesterly winds.

Area: Tararua Range

Period: 24 hours from 9:00pm Sat 17 Aug to 9:00pm Sun 18 Aug

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Expect 100 to 150 mm of rain. Peak intensities of 10 to 15 mm/h.

Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.

Action: Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.

More here > https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home -north

14/08/2024

The Electra Business & Innovation Awards finalists have been announced.

At Beach FM 106.3 we congratulate those businesses that entered this years awards, but we also acknowledge those local businesses that didn't and are staying in business in an incredibly difficult economy.

The awards night is on Thursday 10th October.

The 2024 Electra & Business Innovation Award Finalists:
Consumer Services
Caci Clinic Levin
CardioLabs
Resonate Health NZ Ltd

Hospitality, Entertainment and Tourism
Kaewa Tours Ltd
Levin TOP 10 Holiday Park
Ngā Manu Nature Reserve
Waterfront Kitchen & Bar

Construction and Trades
Able Whiteware Services Limited
Peter Jackson Plumbing
Stonewood Homes Horowhenua
Stripped Electrical Limited

Not for Profit, Community and Public Services
Foxton Windmill Trust
Kāpiti Art Studio
Kapiti Rotary
Waikanae Montessori Preschool

Retail
Harrisons Kapiti Horowhenua (Flooring)
Oxford Fresh

Manufacturing, Production and Processing
South African Pantry
Tironui Sourdough Ltd

Professional and Business Services or Technology
BidABLE NZ
Kathie Irwin and Associates
Landlink Ltd

Innovation
Funk with Food
Isaac King Consultant Limited
Mostly Music

2024 Customer Experience Finalists - Horowhenua:
Able Whiteware Services Ltd
Fox's Cottage Quilting and Wool
Homegrown
Oxford Fresh

2024 Customer Experience Finalists - Kapiti:
Heritage Barbers
Kaewa Tours Ltd
Party Perfect Catering
Relish Cafe and Catering

More here >

The Electra Kāpiti & Horowhenua Business Awards recognise business excellence in the Kāpiti, Horowhenua, Levin, Foxton, Paraparaumu and Waikanae regions.

14/08/2024

Just so you know... the weekend ahead looks to be a bit moist in Kapiti & Horowhenua but the chilly night time temperatures will take a break.

Showers on Friday but an overnight minimum of 12° is very welcome. The same again on Saturday.

There's rain out there in the Tasman (see video) which means possibly heavy rain on Sunday which will be accompanied by strong winds from the northwest, but overall the temps are slowly creeping up as we get closer to spring.

14/08/2024

Wednesday - A 42-year-old Otaki man is in custody following burglaries along the Kapiti Coast, and after recovering a trove of stolen items, Police are now trying to find their rightful owners.

Detective Nathan Dickey said the man was arrested by Police following 10 burglaries of private residences in the Kapiti and Otaki areas, spanning the past four months.

The man faces 10 counts of burglary and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm and will reappear in the Porirua District Court at a later date.

He also faces two charges of receiving stolen property, relating to burglaries that occurred in January.

Police conducted a search of the 42-year-old’s address in Otaki, where they located a number of items believed to have been stolen during the multiple burglaries.

Wellington District Police said "we would like to return these items to their rightful owners and would like to hear from anyone who may be missing any of their items.

If any of these items of jewellery look familiar to you, please get in touch with Police though 105, and quote file number 240421/0068.

Please ensure you have proof of ownership."

13/08/2024

Update - Rob will be talking to the Utilities Disputes head about the situation, live on-air on Monday.

How high was your last power bill? It's been revealed to Beach FM 106.3 that many electricity smart meters in our area have not been functioning correctly over at least the last 4 months. As a result estimated reads have been used in those months power bills.

But the issue with the meters has now been resolved, resulting in a higher than expected bill for last month to catch up on actual usage.

We have reached out to the regulatory authority for comment.

12/08/2024

Monday - It was short but certainly made an impact.. and then gave us sunshine and a rainbow.

12/08/2024

Monday - A Levin woman has been arrested after Police were on her scent following a theft in Otaki where a substantial amount of perfume was stolen.

A 38-year-old woman has been arrested and charged with burglary, following the ex*****on of several search warrants in Levin on Friday 9 August.

The arrest relates to the burglary of a commercial premises in Ōtaki early in the morning of 9 August, where a large quantity of perfume was stolen.

The search warrants in Levin resulted in a substantial quantity of the stolen perfume being recovered.

Police also located the stolen vehicle believed to have been used in the burglary.

The investigation into this burglary is ongoing and Police expect to make further arrests.

ENDS

11/08/2024

Two divers have been rescued near Kapiti Island Sunday evening after becoming separated from their vessel.

Two divers have been rescued near Kapiti Island this evening after becoming separated from their vessel.

Shortly after 5pm, Coastguard was notified by Police of two missing divers near Tokomapuna Island/Aeroplane Island, off the eastern coast of Kapiti Island.

Coastguard Kapiti Coast volunteers onboard Freemason Rescue and K2 Rescue, alongside Police and Westpac Rescue Helicopter, initiated the search under challenging conditions. Volunteers first coordinated with the two remaining individuals on the divers' vessel to pinpoint the exact location where the divers were last seen, considering the area's strong currents, winds, and tides.

Soon after the search had commenced, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter spotted the divers on Motungārara Island/Fishermans Island, where they had built a fire using matches. Coastguard Kapiti arrived shortly thereafter, retrieved the divers, and safely returned them to their vessel. Volunteers then guided the vessel back to shore safely.

Coastguard Kapiti Coast skipper Mark Davidson: "This is a fantastic story of survival. These two divers were well-prepared and equipped - a timely reminder for all divers, as well as the support crews staying on deck."

"We’re delighted that our volunteers, both on the water and on shore, could help bring them home safely after their ordeal. It was a real team effort involving Police, Westpac, and Coastguard volunteers and staff to respond quickly and ensure a positive outcome."

11/08/2024

We're only 3 weeks away from the start of Spring, but there are a few chilly nights ahead for Kapiti & Horowhenua this coming week.

A Southerly arrives tomorrow with 6° Monday night.
Tuesday night is the coldest one with 2° expected.

Heavy rain is expected at weekend.

10/08/2024

Just so you know... The Otaki River Bridge cycle clip-on foundations install starts on Monday.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Wellington said they will have stop/go traffic management at the bridge over the coming months. The work on the foundations is expected to continue through until early December.

The actual shared path clip-on won't be finished until next year.

08/08/2024

Thursday - It's been a while between thunderstorms but there might be some for us in Kapiti & Horowhenua in the wee small hours tonight. Might.... we'll see.

Metservice is predicting this - Showers, possibly heavy with possible thunderstorms before dawn, becoming more frequent in the afternoon. Southerlies developing in the morning.

More here > https://www.metservice.com/rural/regions/kapiti-horowhenua -horowhenua-regional-forecast

06/08/2024

Tuesday - Possible lead contamination in Tokomaru's water.

Horowhenua District Council said this evening ''This afternoon test results have indicated non-compliant lead levels in both the reticulation network and the reservoir at the Tokomaru Water Treatment Plant.''

In a press release Council said they are ''wanting to be transparent and up front with our community.''

Chief Executive - Monique Davidson says, “We understand this will be concerning to Tokomaru residents, please be reassured that we are working with urgency to understand the source of the potential contamination and give the reassurance to our community we know they will be seeking. Test results due on Wednesday 7 August 2024 will determine our next steps.”

06/08/2024

Tuesday - Paraparaumu has the 7th best potato topped pie in the country according to the 2024 New Zealand Supreme Pie Awards.

Amongst the many awards this year Rays Pies and Fries made it into the top 10 in the Potato Top category.

That's lunch sorted for tomorrow...

Source - https://pieawards.nz/winners/pie-awards/2024

06/08/2024

TUESDAY - New Kāpiti Coast Māori ward re-affirmed. Statement from council follows.

At an extraordinary Council meeting today, Kāpiti Coast District Council re-affirmed their decision to establish a Māori ward.

Kāpiti Coast District Mayor Janet Holborow says re-affirming the decision to establish a Māori ward today supports the position of Council’s mana whenua partners, and will ensure Māori have greater access to decision-making at a local level.

“It also supports the position of Local Government New Zealand who have stated that reversing councils’ ability to decide on Māori wards without polls is an overreach by central government and unfairly singles out Māori voters,” says Mayor Holborow.

Due to an amendment in 2021 to the Local Electoral Act (2001), Council was able to make the decision to establish a Māori ward without a poll in November last year.

Following that decision, Council began a representation review to determine how the new Māori ward would be incorporated into the Council structure for the 2025 local government elections.

The review also provides an opportunity to assess the number of councillors, community board members, and types of wards and their boundaries.

The process began with early engagement between 4 March and 2 April 2024 to ask the community their thoughts on how they’d like to be represented.

Council received 285 submissions, with the majority indicating the current arrangements work well and support to include the new Māori ward with minimal changes to the current Council structure.

On 4 April 2024, local government minister Simeon Brown announced the Local Government (Electoral Legislation and Māori Wards and Constituencies) Amendment Bill which became legislation last Tuesday, 30 July 2024.

The Bill reinstates a requirement for councils like Kāpiti Coast to hold a poll at the 2025 local government elections for any Māori wards established without a poll.

While the Māori ward will be in place for 2025, the poll will determine its future for the 2028 and 2031 local government elections.

“We’re disappointed in the government’s position, and don't believe a poll gives Māori voters an opportunity to decide on their own representation,” says Mayor Holborow

“It’s about ensuring communities of interest have an opportunity to vote for who will represent them best, remembering that all councillors swear to execute and perform their duties in the best interest of the entire Kāpiti Coast District.”

The Bill also requires councils to re-affirm or reverse (rescind) their decision to establish Māori wards.

Re-affirming their decision today means Council will continue with the current representation review to determine representation arrangements, including establishing the new Māori ward, for the 2025 local government elections.

“In coming to this decision, we’ve listened to all of the feedback, and respected the views of everyone in the community, but particularly those most affected,” says Mayor Holborow.

Consultation on Kāpiti Coast District Council’s proposed structure for the 2025 elections will begin this Thursday, 8 August 2024.

06/08/2024

Tuesday - Update on the incident at Te Horo and Otaki this morning. A 35-year-old man has been taken into custody after an incident near Te Horo this morning.

About 7am, a vehicle of interest was seen in the Waikanae area and tracked to Te Horo. Cordons were set up while Police, led by the Armed Offenders Squad, worked to locate the vehicle.

About 8.45am, it was seen by officers at a checkpoint on Old State Highway 1 (Riverbank Road). The vehicle fled, reversing into a car driven by a member of the public, who thankfully was unharmed.

The vehicle crashed a short time later on Old State Highway 1 and a man was taken into custody. He is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Old State Highway 1 is currently open; however, Police anticipate traffic management will be put in place in the area later in the day to recover the vehicle.

05/08/2024

The road reopened at 9.30.

Tuesday 9am - SH1 OTAKI, NORTHBOUND – POLICE OPERATION

Due to a police operation, the northbound Otaki Gorge Rd off-ramp approaching Ōtaki on SH1 is now CLOSED. Old SH1 approaching Ōtaki is also currently CLOSED. Consider using an alternative route from the north for access to Otaki.

05/08/2024

Monday- a reseasonable shake this evening. The quake was centered just south of Wellington and certainly made enough noise.

05/08/2024

Monday - A car has ended up inside KiwiBank at Coastlands this evening.

Police said the incident was reported around 5:45pm. No injuries have been reported. Police also say they have no other information as to how this has occurred at this stage.

It is being treated as an accident.

The elderly driver is understood to be unharmed.

05/08/2024

Waikanae Boating Club has the go ahead for a new building. Waikanae Boating Club members have given a unanimous green light for the $2.1 million reconstruction of its 53-year-old clubhouse.

Preparatory work will start almost immediately with the groundworks necessary for the installation by Kāpiti Coast District Council of its new separate five-berth automated toilet block and construction of a separate new shed for the Coastguard Kapiti Coast rescue vessel.

Club Commodore Alex Laplanche said “On the Waikanae beach coastline our club provides the only boat launching ramp, tractor launching service, watchtower and radio service to keep boaties safe, and the Coastguard rescue service.”

03/08/2024

SUNDAY - While you stayed snuggled up in bed this morning here's the sunrise you missed, with the view from Kapiti Island.

https://gokmr.org.nz/kapiti-marine-reserve-webcams/

03/08/2024

8pm and it's already feeling like 2°. It's gonna be a cold one tonight. Local knowledge suggests it will be colder than -1° in the wee smalls.

03/08/2024

Saturday 6pm - Emergency services were at the scene of a train crash south of Levin, McLeavey Road, near State Highway 1, Ohau this evening.

A Fire and Emergency NZ spokesperson said it had sent two fire engines to the crash, involving a car and a train, just south of Levin about 5pm.

A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said two people were injured in the crash, one who is fighting for their life.

The second person received moderate injuries.

Police say no injuries were sustained by the train occupants.

The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

03/08/2024

Tuesday update from family -

"Hi everyone - I am writing this to inform you all that, my brother Prince, has now recently made contact and plans to return home, he was upset about his personal situations which is why he had decided to travel to Auckland without informing our family, I am grateful for your support during this time but pleased to inform it is no longer needed and that Prince is safe."

Previously.........

Saturday - Police have confirmed they are making enquiries to locate a 29-year-old man who has been reported missing from his Paraparaumu address since Friday 26th July.

New Zealand Police said the man was reported missing to Police on Wednesday.

His name is Prince and it is understood he has limited English language skills. He was reported to be wearing the clothes in this image.

If you have seen him please call Police on 105 with case number 240731/9665