Latest news with #Tasman

RNZ News
6 hours ago
- RNZ News
Police seek help identifying man in relation to 'concerning behaviour' at Tasman school
If you know this man, police want to hear from you. Photo: NZ Police / SUPPLIED The public are being asked for their help identifying a man in relation to a police investigation regarding "concerning behaviour" at a Tasman school. Nelson police said it was believed the man might be able to help with their investigation into the behaviour which happened at a school on William St in Richmond on Tuesday, July 8 between 11.25am and 3.45pm. "If this is you, or you know who this man is, please update us online now or call 105," a police spokesperson said. Police would like to speak with anyone who was present at the school around that time who may have seen anything out of the ordinary. Nelson police want to speak with this man. Photo: NZ Police / SUPPLIED People could use the reference number 250710/0851 when contacting police. Information could also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

RNZ News
a day ago
- Climate
- RNZ News
Cleaning up flood damage in Tasman and Marlborough
An example of some of the widespread damage to roads and infrastructure in the Nelson Tasman areas. Photo: Supplied/ Nick Smith More help to deal with the damage caused by flooding in Tasman and Marlborough is about to arrive in the form of the so-called "Enhanced Task Force Green." The government has activated funds which means those on benefits in the area can volunteer to assist and become part of the group working to reverse some of the damage. The Ministry for Social Development's Regional Commissioner for the area, Craig Churchill, says Enhanced Taskforce Green is entirely voluntary, but it will help those hit by flood damage and build skills for those taking part.


Gulf Business
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Gulf Business
Kia eyeing broader EV, PBV expansion, says Ahmed Soudodi
Image: Supplied With the launch of the K4 compact sedan and Tasman pickup, Kia is positioning itself for deeper relevance in the Middle East's fast-shifting auto market — from design-led sedans challenging SUV dominance to rugged pickups blending utility with comfort. In an interview, Ahmed Soudodi, VP of Product & Marketing for You've launched the new K4 globally and in the US. Can we expect it in the region? Yes, absolutely. We're still finalisng the market rollout timeline, but our intention is to bring the K4 to the region. The K4 offers something refreshing in a world dominated by SUVs. Not every consumer wants an SUV. The K4 appeals to buyers who value sleek design, tech features, and practicality in a compact sedan format. We see strong potential for it among young professionals and families in the Middle East. What makes the K4 a compelling proposition for this region? It's bold and dynamic in design, loaded with advanced connectivity, and offers great value. The cabin experience and tech stack are really where it shines — large curved displays, OTA updates, and a refined layout. These are features Middle East customers now expect even in non-premium segments. The K4 answers that demand. What about the new Tasman pickup — will it come to the Middle East? Yes. We're very excited about the Tasman and can confirm it will be part of our offering in the region. The pickup segment in the Middle East is evolving, especially with more urban users seeking trucks for both work and leisure. The Tasman isn't just rugged, it's versatile. It combines the practicality of a utility truck with comfort and features for everyday driving. Image courtesy: Do you see off-road and desert culture influencing your strategy? Without question. Off-roading is embedded in the lifestyle here, and that's shaping how we approach product development and positioning. Whether it's SUVs or trucks, we're factoring in durability, terrain capability, and visual presence. But customers also want tech, safety, and refinement. That's the sweet spot we're targeting. How is Kia building its electric vehicle lineup in the region? Our EV strategy is rapidly evolving. We've already introduced the EV6 and EV9, and next up are the EV3 and EV5. These models will cater to broader price segments and market needs. The EV3, in particular, is a compact electric SUV with a lot of appeal for urban buyers. We're also focused on ecosystem partnerships, from charging infrastructure to service, so that adoption becomes seamless. Kia's also been talking about PBVs. What's the plan there? PBVs, or purpose-built vehicles, are central to our long-term mobility vision. The Middle East is very relevant for this because of smart city developments and logistics growth. Our PV5, the first dedicated PBV, will cater to fleet operators, ride-hailing, and delivery services. What makes it unique is its modular interior and flexibility — it's a tech-enabled workhorse. And because we're building it on a scalable architecture, we can quickly adapt based on market needs. Read:

RNZ News
2 days ago
- Climate
- RNZ News
Popular Kaiteriteri Beach water quality downgraded to poor
The water quality at Tasman's popular Kaiteriteri Beach has been downgraded to "poor". Photo: Supplied / Max Frethey via LDR The incredibly popular Kaiteriteri Beach has had its water quality downgraded to "poor" after exceeding faecal bacteria standards too many times during the last swimming season. The downgrade is unrelated to recent flooding in the area with the faecal indicator bacteria - enterococci - being traced to a stormwater pipe which drains onto the beach. Between November 2024 and February 2025, 22 water samples were taken from the sea about 60 metres south of the pipe. Of the 22 samples, 18 were within the guidelines set by the Ministries for the Environment and of Health. But two exceeded the 'Alert' level, and a further two exceeded the higher 'Alarm' level, with only one of those four exceedances occurring during wet weather. Councillor Trindi Walker was concerned by the downgrade when presented with the information on Thursday. The downgrade is unrelated to recent flooding which left the beach littered with woody debris. Photo: Supplied / Max Frethey via LDR She wondered about the impact it might have on the popular destination next summer, especially when a local campground was already recovering from flooding during the recent severe weather. "Bethany [Park] got nailed," Walker said. "They believe they'll get back up ready to run for Christmas. I'm just wondering where that leaves Kaiteri with the water quality for people to even want to come back and camp there." It was important the council found a solution, she added. Trevor James, a senior scientist for freshwater and estuary ecology at the council, reassured the council that the water quality at Kaiteriteri Beach was generally "very good" and it was primarily the area around the stormwater pipe which had poor water quality. The faecal indicator bacteria has been traced to a stormwater pipe that drains onto the beach. Photo: Supplied / Bradley Reichert "From our sampling in the past, the southern part of the beach has very, very high compliance with the water quality guidelines, so we do need to put that in context. It was only three [fine-weather] exceedances over 22 samples, so the vast majority of the time the Kaiteriteri is compliant." The council was planning to adopt an additional sampling site next summer further south of the existing sampling site where water quality was expected to be better. Of the 11 samples taken at the stormwater pipe over the swimming season, two were at the 'Alert' level and nine were at the higher 'Alarm' level. Council staff considered there was a "reasonable likelihood" the stormwater was being contaminated because of uncontrolled discharges into the network through open grates in the Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve campground. In December, the council received a report of a freedom camper emptying their blackwater into one or the roadside sumps that feed into the stormwater drain. Signs have previously been fixed to the pipe to tell kids not to plan in the stormwater which might be contaminated. Photo: Supplied / Bradley Reichert The council's group manager for environmental assurance, Kim Drummond, said that the report couldn't be substantiated, but the council had quickly responded to pump out the sump. Signage had already been erected around the campground earlier that year to dissuade people from dumping down the open grates. However, the council said that the grates are often hidden from view by campers and so there could easily be unnoticed dumping occurring. The council was continuing to investigate solutions, such as re-routing the outlet of the stormwater pipe so it didn't drain onto the beach, or installing solid covers over the grates. The organisation also continued to engage with the Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve, Health New Zealand, and other stakeholders about the issue. The water quality might be improving at the Stephens Bay Lagoon. Photo: Supplied / Bradley Reichert Declining water quality at Kaiteriteri last raised alarm bells at the council in September 2024 after it was revealed the beach had seen three exceedances during the 2023/24 season. Nearby Stephens Bay Lagoon has seen a decrease in the number of exceedances of the faecal bacteria guidelines compared to last season, indicating that its water quality at the site could be beginning to improve. Elsewhere around the district, Pōhara Beach has been upgraded to "good" quality after seeing three seasons without any exceedances of the guidelines. Beach water quality tends to be the highest on the incoming tide, and people are advised not to swim during nor within 48 hours of rain. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lions call up Scotland lock ahead of second Test as squad grows again
The British and Irish Lions have summoned Scotland lock Gregor Brown to join their touring party ahead of the second Test in Melbourne. The 24-year-old started Scotland's win over Samoa in Auckland on Friday night and will fly across the Tasman to bolster Andy Farrell's options ahead of the tour game against the First Nations & Pasifika XV at Marvel Stadium on Tuesday night. Compatriots Rory Sutherland and Ewan Ashman have made the same journey after the prop and hooker were called up as cover last week, while wing Darcy Graham has already joined up with the Lions. It comes with Farrell seemingly unwilling to risk many of those involved in the first Test victory over Australia in Brisbane on Saturday night. There is also an injury concern over Joe McCarthy, who was replaced while dealing with plantar fasciitis during the second half at Suncorp Stadium. Brown, the cousin of Lions full-back Blair Kinghorn, can also play on the blindside and made his Scotland debut against Canada last summer. He featured in all five games of their Six Nations campaign, starting the defeat to France in Paris on the final weekend. Another call up bloats the group in Australia to 45 players, with Brown's proximity surely a factor given the short turnaround to the Tuesday night meeting with the First Nations & Pasifika side. Farrell had suggested that his Test players may be involved in the game, and believes that whoever he selects will be ready to go as the Lions look to continue their unbeaten run since arriving in Australia. 'People won't be volunteering,' Farrell said after the first Test. 'They will do whatever it takes to make sure that this squad moves forward together. 'We care about the squad and nothing but the squad. That's how it's been the whole time. We've never separated once. We've been all in everything together. 'We'll enjoy this victory tonight together. Then everyone will roll in on Monday to make sure that team, in an extended captain's run like we've been doing over the past four of five weeks, is (given) as good a preparation as we've had all tour. It matters to us on Tuesday night as a group."