False alarm
The National Emergency Management Agency [Nema] apologised after accidentally issuing a tsunami warning for Castlepoint. Nema issued the warning yesterday afternoon, tweeting that the tsunami warning followed an earthquake. However, the tweet was quickly deleted. “Nema has deleted a tsunami warning message that was issued in error,” it said. “This was part of a training exercise in which a live environment was mistakenly used. We apologise for any alarm this may have caused.”
Hill closures
Waka Kotahi NZTA has issued dates for Remutaka Hill closures next year. Planned night closures are scheduled for January 18, February 26, April 16, May 14, May 21, and June 11. All closures are from 9pm-4am. NZTA said that while the dates were fixed, bad weather could cause scheduled work to be cancelled. Crossings cannot be offered during the closures unless a traveller has special circumstances and has booked.
GCB byelection
A byelection will be held in Greytown after two nominations were received to fill a remaining vacancy on the Greytown Community Board. Janette Gedge and Neil Morison have both been nominated. Greytown ward voters can expect their voting papers to be mailed to them by January 26, and the three-week voting period will close at noon on February 17.
EcoReef
The EcoReef project at Turner’s Bay near Cape Palliser is underway. Construction work is expected to be completed in February. The structure will be six metres high, providing protection to Cape Palliser Rd while regaining the original two lanes of traffic and additional road verge. The South Wairarapa District Council said the project followed a successful installation further along the coast and will help reduce road closures.
Vineyard theft
Police have arrested a 43-year-old man after a burglary at a Martinborough vineyard. Police responded to a theft report at 12.40pm on Thursday on Vineyard Lane. The man is alleged to have taken an item from the property. He is expected to appear in Masterton District Court in January on charges relating to the attempted theft.
