Latest news with #MarkPinner
Scoop
4 days ago
- Climate
- Scoop
First Big Taste Of Winter Prompts Warning To Motorists
Potentially heavy snowfalls in the South Island have the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) urging motorists to exercise caution, especially at higher elevations, and to avoid travel where possible in hazardous conditions. Metservice says heavy snow is possible in Canterbury from tomorrow above 300m, or possibly lower, through until Thursday, with potential for travel disruption and damage to trees and powerlines. Those planning to travel through SH73 Porters Pass to Otira (Arthurs Pass), SH7 Lewis Pass, or SH8 Burkes Pass to Twizel, are encouraged to check before setting off and plan for any potential disruption. With large parts of the state highway network across the central and lower South Island being at higher elevations, NZTA System Manager Mark Pinner says motorists need to be prepared and to follow good winter driving habits. 'It's not just snow on the ground that is a potential hazard, it's heavy frosts and ice where the danger may not be as visible. People need to remember to adjust their speed to suit the conditions, to increase their following distances and use their headlights to be seen.' 'If you can avoid or delay travel on roads while there is elevated risk, that's sensible. Stay up to date on the latest reports about the State Highway network by visiting our Journey Planner,' Mr Pinner says. 'We'll be getting the best advice from the Metservice on how the weather is likely to unfold, and we'll be doing our best to keep the highways open and safe for motorists through this cold snap. Being prepared with warm clothing, snacks and water and other supplies in case of delays is always a smart move.' Heavy rain is forecast to affect Fiordland, and Buller, Grey and Westland Districts between Karamea and Harihari tomorrow, and drivers in those areas are also urged to take care on the roads, plan ahead and be prepared.
Scoop
20-05-2025
- Climate
- Scoop
Winter 2025: Keep Your Inner Olympian In Check As Colder Weather Arrives
Press Release – NZTA Colder temperatures are already being felt across the South Island, increasing the chance of weather conditions impacting the state highway network, explains Mark Pinner, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) System Manager. While professional athletes are in training across the world ahead of the next Winter Olympics, to be held in Italy during early 2026, New Zealand drivers are being reminded not to race on the roads this winter. Colder temperatures are already being felt across the South Island, increasing the chance of weather conditions impacting the state highway network, explains Mark Pinner, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) System Manager. 'Large parts of the state highway network across the central and lower South Island are at high elevations, which means they're the first to get frosts, snow or ice. While our contractors are constantly monitoring weather forecasts and patrolling the network, it'ss crucial that everyone plays their part. We saw snow on the Lindis Pass a few weeks ago, and we had a light snowfall around Burke's Pass and Tekapo this week. 'Inland areas across the region will also experience frosts and icy roads when temperatures drop in the winter months. By reducing your speed and increasing your following distance you will significantly reduce the likelihood of a crash occurring. Use your headlights to be seen and avoid sudden braking or turning to reduce the risk of losing control.' NZTA, along with our maintenance contractors, works closely with MetService, who provide a specialised forecasting to predict and monitor road conditions. This includes a network of weather stations that provide critical data such as temperature, wind speed, rainfall, and road surface temperatures to inform both immediate responses and long-term planning. Where possible, contractors will proactively apply grit or Calcium Magnesium Acetate (a de-icer) to reduce the impact of snow and ice. However, it pays for drivers to take extra care in winter, as conditions can change rapidly. 'When following a grit truck it's important to remember that the road ahead won't be gritted, and may well be slippery. Drivers should also watch out for shaded areas – these take longer to warm up and dry out, so could still be slippery even hours after the rest of the road is fine. 'At times roads may need to be closed, to keep both road users and roadworkers safe. We may look to close the road as poor conditions are coming in, to ensure that people don't get caught out. If you're travelling over the winter months it pays to be prepared – packing warm clothes, snacks and water will ensure you have provisions should the weather turn.' Road users travelling across the country can find the latest information about the state highway network on the NZTA Journey Planner.
Scoop
20-05-2025
- Climate
- Scoop
Winter 2025: Keep Your Inner Olympian In Check As Colder Weather Arrives
While professional athletes are in training across the world ahead of the next Winter Olympics, to be held in Italy during early 2026, New Zealand drivers are being reminded not to race on the roads this winter. Colder temperatures are already being felt across the South Island, increasing the chance of weather conditions impacting the state highway network, explains Mark Pinner, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) System Manager. 'Large parts of the state highway network across the central and lower South Island are at high elevations, which means they're the first to get frosts, snow or ice. While our contractors are constantly monitoring weather forecasts and patrolling the network, it'ss crucial that everyone plays their part. We saw snow on the Lindis Pass a few weeks ago, and we had a light snowfall around Burke's Pass and Tekapo this week. 'Inland areas across the region will also experience frosts and icy roads when temperatures drop in the winter months. By reducing your speed and increasing your following distance you will significantly reduce the likelihood of a crash occurring. Use your headlights to be seen and avoid sudden braking or turning to reduce the risk of losing control.' Read more winter driving tips here. NZTA, along with our maintenance contractors, works closely with MetService, who provide a specialised forecasting to predict and monitor road conditions. This includes a network of weather stations that provide critical data such as temperature, wind speed, rainfall, and road surface temperatures to inform both immediate responses and long-term planning. Where possible, contractors will proactively apply grit or Calcium Magnesium Acetate (a de-icer) to reduce the impact of snow and ice. However, it pays for drivers to take extra care in winter, as conditions can change rapidly. 'When following a grit truck it's important to remember that the road ahead won't be gritted, and may well be slippery. Drivers should also watch out for shaded areas – these take longer to warm up and dry out, so could still be slippery even hours after the rest of the road is fine. 'At times roads may need to be closed, to keep both road users and roadworkers safe. We may look to close the road as poor conditions are coming in, to ensure that people don't get caught out. If you're travelling over the winter months it pays to be prepared – packing warm clothes, snacks and water will ensure you have provisions should the weather turn.' Road users travelling across the country can find the latest information about the state highway network on the NZTA Journey Planner.
Scoop
01-05-2025
- Climate
- Scoop
Canterbury Storm Update 4 Pm - Akaroa Highway Closed Overnight, Waikirikiri/Selwyn River Plateauing
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) says the Akaroa highway, SH75, will remain closed overnight and at least until Lake Forsyth/Te Roto o Wairewa can be safely opened to the sea. Checkpoints are in place overnight. SH75, the Akaroa highway, next to Lake Forsyth around 2 pm this afternoon: The Waikirikiri/ Selwyn River bridge on SH1, south of Christchurch, has plateaued, making it less likely to close overnight. 'With darkness approaching, drivers are encouraged to take extreme care and slow down on all Canterbury highways given crews will continue to repair large potholes all over the network as a result of the heavy rain,' says Mark Pinner, System Manager for NZTA in the Central South Island. 'Going into the weekend crews will be on the lookout for ice in shaded places around Mid and South Canterbury so people need to take extra care for a few days yet.' Potholes continue to make for a slower journey on much of the network north and south of Christchurch and around Banks Peninsula. Crews are making good progress but people need to slow down and anticipate much slower trips this evening. Expect to see temporary speed limits around sites of deep potholes. Christchurch City flooding updates: Selwyn District updates: Environment Canterbury river flow data: SH1 Kaikōura Crews are on standby for the high tide around 8 pm tonight at places like Ōhau Point but so far the network is holding up well. SH75 Akaroa highway Closed Birdlings Flat to Little River alongside Lake Forsyth/Te Roto o Wairewa. Updates: SH1 South of Christchurch Waikirikiri/Selwyn River has levelled off, making an overnight closure unlikely. Selwyn River flow graph at SH1: Lake Tekapo, Burkes Pass, SH80 Aoraki/ Mt Cook highway All highways around South Canterbury remain open with snow on the ground in Tekapo. Crews with snow ploughs and grit are ready if needed. Burkes Pass, SH8, and the highway to Aoraki/ Mt Cook, SH80, are both clear currently. The Tekapo flyover at Irishman's Creek earlier today: Arthur's Pass, SH73, and the Lewis Pass, SH7 Snow is forecast to affect the road near the Arthur's Pass summit later, where 1 to 2 cm of snow may settle. Smaller amounts are likely lower down but unlikely to settle. SH7 could also catch small amounts of snow but both routes are open currently with no restrictions. What should drivers do? Please slow down, avoid sudden breaking and turning, increase following distances and drive with lights on, is NZTA's advice. Wherever possible, people should plan to avoid driving in the worst conditions and keep an eye on weather forecasts and the NZTA Journey Planner to stay up to date with the latest highway restrictions.
