Strong wind warning issued
A strong wind warning has been issued for Wairarapa and Wellington for this afternoon and evening, with north-westerly gales and severe gusts up to 120kmh expected. New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi [NZTA] is warning motorists that the strong winds pose a risk to those travelling on exposed routes, especially with larger volumes of traffic anticipated due to the Waitangi weekend. An NZTA spokesperson said the winds will coincide with peak afternoon travel times. “Urban commuters and people heading away for the Waitangi Day holiday should drive accordingly – be ready for wind-blown debris and tree falls, increase your following distances, and use your headlights if visibility is poor,” the spokesperson said. The strong wind warning is in place from 1pm to 9pm today.
Police calls
Police responded to reports of a crash involving a vehicle and a cyclist on Cornwall St in Masterton at 7.49am on Wednesday. The eastbound lane was partially blocked for a short period of time and no injuries were reported. An unrelated disagreement between a cyclist and a car prompted a police response at 4.15pm when the cyclist made a “threatening gesture” at a driver after they tooted their horn. Later, at 10.20pm, police responded to an incident in which a car had collided with a fence and driven away on Millard Ave in Kuripuni. And at 10.42pm, police received a report of a person who was whistling from behind a bush on Upper Plain Rd.
Recycling
clarified
On Wednesday the Times-Age said that standardised recycling was delayed due to some councils nationwide not being ready with appropriate infrastructure [“standardised recycling” means consistency across New Zealand regarding what items can and can’t be recycled]. However, this initiative is only delayed for four councils, which include Clutha, Hurunui, Westland, and Gore District Councils. For all other councils – including Wairarapa – standardised recycling has kicked in as of yesterday. In Wairarapa, crates will continue to be used for glass bottles and jars. Plastic items numbered one, two and five can be recycled. For information on specific items that are included in this, visit the Ministry for the Environment’s website or that of your local council.
