Following a magnitude 8.8 earthquake off the coast of Russia, NEMA has issued a tsunami activity advisory for all coastal areas of New Zealand, including Whāingaroa / Raglan.
Strong and unusual currents are expected along the coast and in harbours, estuaries, and rivers. These conditions may continue for several hours. The first waves may not be the largest but are expected around 1.15am.
If you’re in Raglan:
- Stay out of the water, including Manu Bay, Ocean Beach, and the harbour.
- Keep off beaches, rocks, and shorelines.
- If you’re on a boat or at the marina, move to land and stay put until further notice.
- Do not go sightseeing.
This is not a tsunami evacuation, but the threat is real. Please follow official updates from Civil Defence and Waikato District Council. More info: www.civildefence.govt.nz
In seabed mining news; a select committee unanimously found changes are needed to ensure seabed mining doesn’t prevent the development of offshore wind farms. The media says this could derail the controversial project planned for the South Taranaki Bight with Energy Minister Simon Watts seeking advice on whether he needs to ban seabed mining from areas where offshore wind farms may be built.
Labour and Green MPs are pushing for a ban, NZ First wants seabed mining and National wants wind energy to meet its renewable energy targets.With the fishing industry also opposed to seabed mining along with iwi and various community groups seabed mining is maintaining its high controversy levels. To add to this, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and the NZ Super Fund say seabed mining is the only activity incompatible with wind projects and have called for clearer protections.
Local Election Nominations Close 1 August
A reminder that nominations for the upcoming local elections close this Friday, 1 August at midday. Raglan needs at least six candidates to avoid triggering a costly by-election. If fewer than six nominations are received for the Community Board, the by-election must be held within 89 days – so “now’s the time to step forward if you’re thinking of standing” says the council. Local Councillors Tilly Turner and Lisa Thomson have joined Ross Wallis from the Community Board on the list of nominees this morning but we have yet to hear from the rest of the Board.
Karioi Project Seeks Support to Grow Young Kaitiaki
The Karioi project is fundraising for a new education van to help reach more students across Raglan and the Waikato. The van would help over 500 students a year to access remote sites as part of the Project’s mentoring program where they aim to help rangatahi build confidence, leadership and a connection to te taiao.
You can donate, sponsor a seat, or get involved, visit karioiproject.co.nz.
Raglan Wastewater Treatment Plant to Open Next Week
Raglan’s upgraded Wastewater Treatment Plant is officially opening next week, marking a major milestone for local infrastructure. The new facility, which will produce clear wastewater that is one step away from potable water, plays a key role in the town’s transition to cleaning up the harbour and surf breaks. Land-based discharge at Wainui Reserve is the next step in the project with a site already chosen and resource consent in the works .
This Saturday a Tradie Masterclass: is being held for builders, renovators, and designers wanting to learn more about building warmer, drier, and more energy-efficient homes.
Home performance expert and ex-builder Ian Mayes, will lead the session this Saturday with a chance to win a $250 Mitre 10 voucher and a lot to learn about things like the weak points in insulation, better heating and practical, or on-site fixes you can use straight away
Check out humanatix to book