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0 Cook strait ferry disruptions as at 13 March 2026
Today, Friday, March 13, 2026, there are significant disruptions to Cook Strait ferry services, primarily affecting Interislander passengers. Interislander Cancellations The Kaiārahi is currently out of service due to an intermittent technical fault. Status: All Kaiārahi sailings are cancelled through Friday. Next Steps: Engineers have identified the fault, and a replacement part is arriving today. Interislander expects the vessel to return to service by the end of the weekend (Sunday or Monday). Impact: Approximately 1,300 private vehicles are affected. Interislander is offering full refunds or free rebooking. Operating Vessels: The Kaitaki is still operating, but vehicle space is extremely limited as it prioritizes urgent freight. Bluebridge Status Status: Operational. Bluebridge sailings on the Connemara resumed in the early hours of this morning (Friday) after some cancellations on Thursday afternoon. Availability: Demand is extremely high due to the Interislander cancellations. Most vehicle spaces for today are likely sold out, though some foot passenger spots may remain. Summary Table for Today (March 13) Operator Vessel Status Notes Interislander Kaiārahi CANCELLED Technical fault; out until at least Saturday/Sunday. Interislander Kaitaki OPERATING Very full; prioritizing freight and displaced passengers. Bluebridge Connemara OPERATING Resumed service this morning; limited availability. Bluebridge Livia OPERATING Running to schedule; limited availability. Note: If you have a booking today, check your phone and email for direct alerts from the operator. You can also view live arrival/departure boards on the Interislander and Bluebridge websites.
0 Summary of roads closures or delays greater than 20mins
As of 9:38 AM on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, here are the crash and significant road disruption reports meeting your criteria (posted/updated within the last 120 minutes, involving closures or delays exceeding 20 minutes). NZTA / Waka Kotahi & Official Alerts SH43 Tokorima (Between Mangaparo Rd and Mangatarata Rd) Status: CLOSED Details: The road entered a scheduled full closure at 9:00 AM for major road rebuild works. It is expected to remain closed until 12:00 PM today. Impact: No detour is available during this window; motorists must wait for the road to reopen. Source: NZTA Journey Planner - Traffic Table SH3 Woodville (Between Ross St and Fergusson St) Status: Significant Delays / Road Works Details: Resurfacing works began at 6:00 AM today. Current reports indicate high morning volumes are struggling with the Stop/Go management. Impact: Delays are currently estimated at 20–30 minutes during peak flow. Temporary speed limits (30km/h) are in place. Source: NZTA Journey Planner SH2 Pukehina (Near Station Road) Status: Congestion / Road Works Details: Major resurfacing and lane diversions are active this morning. Impact: Regional commuters report "crawling" traffic with delays exceeding 20 minutes for those traveling through the site. Source: NZTA Journey Planner Summary of Major Disruptions Location Issue Status Expected Delay SH43 Tokorima Road Rebuild CLOSED 3 Hours (No Detour) SH1 Bombay Truck/Car Crash Lane Blocked 25+ Minutes SH1 Taihape Serious Crash/Spill Diversion 20+ Minutes SH3 Woodville Resurfacing Stop/Go 20-30 Minutes
We kick off this week's recalls with three vehicles that have various issues. TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T100, SCRAMBLER, SPEED TWIN, BONNEVILLE T120, STREET SCRAMBLER, STREET TWIN Model years 2022-2024 VOLVO FL Model year 2022 KIA EV3, EV4, EV6 Model year 2025 For more details - CLICK HERE =========================== FOOD RECALLS Steinlager Ultra Low Carb beer recalled because the product was incorrectly labelled as alcohol free. Details - CLICK HERE =========================== Two toys have been recalled because of a choking risk Ambulance Toy - sold at Panda Mart Police Van Toy - sold at Panda Mart Bridgestone Duravis Tyre R660 Eco 215/65R16C 109/107T May break down and cause an accident For the above product recalls - CLICK HERE If you're not a Lert subscriber and want to get alerts for recalls or any of our 30plus other categories sent to you as Txt or email, click here .
0 Cook Straight sailing schedules affected by rough seas
As of 9:42 AM NZDT on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, there are widespread disruptions to Cook Strait ferry services due to a southerly weather system bringing 4-meter swells and gale-force winds. Bluebridge Service Alerts Bluebridge has confirmed cancellations for several passenger sailings today, March 3. Status: Multiple sailings cancelled (passengers are being notified via text/email). Rescheduling: Availability is currently limited due to peak season demand; customers are being placed on standby for later sailings. Source: Bluebridge Service Alerts Interislander Service Alerts Interislander is currently attempting to maintain its schedule but is reporting significant delays and potential for further disruption. Current Status: No full cancellations were confirmed as of 8:00 AM, but sailings are running 2 to 3.5 hours behind schedule to allow for "additional steps to ensure vehicles are securely loaded." Specific Delays: Kaitaki (Wellington to Picton): 8:45 AM departure delayed (Estimated arrival 2:58 PM). Kaiarahi (Picton to Wellington): 9:30 AM departure delayed (Estimated arrival 3:00 PM). Source: Interislander Arrivals & Departures
0 Recalls for February 27th 2026
Rangoli Colour - Sold at DH Supermarket Flatbush and DH Supermarket Papatoetoe from 15 October to 12 December 2025. The Hazard! Farm Fresh is recalling this product because testing found unidentified mineral fibres that were consistent with asbestos. The latest health advice is: Exposure to asbestos does not cause any immediate health problems. The health conditions linked to asbestos develop over a long period – typically 15 to 40 years. The risk of developing asbestos-related health conditions, such as some types of cancer and lung disease, is linked to the nature and quantity of asbestos and the length of time a person was exposed to it. There is no safe level and therefore we try to avoid all exposure. For most people who have these products at home, the quantities involved will be small. That is very different to the greater risk for people who might be exposed during construction work or through the mining industry. ANKO 75 Piece Wobbly Blocks - sold at Kmart The Hazard! The product may not comply with the mandatory safety standard for toys for children up to and including 36 months of age. The tub may include small loose fragments of offcuts from the moulded block components. Risk of serious injury or death from choking if children swallow small loose fragments of the plastic offcut components. Product Recall Website.
0 Marlborough Crash a headache for Travellers
Based on the current ferry schedules and service alerts for Sunday, 22 February 2026 (5:45 PM NZDT), here is the status for travelers affected by the SH1 closure in Marlborough. Ferry Service Status & Departures While ferry operators are aware of the "Road Closed" status on SH1 south of Seddon, they generally do not hold scheduled departures for individual delayed vehicles due to the strict turnaround times required for subsequent sailings. Interislander Status Next Departure from Picton: The Kaitaki is scheduled to depart at 9:30 PM. Check-in Deadline: You must be checked in at least 60 minutes before departure (8:30 PM). Alert: Interislander has issued a travel alert acknowledging the SH1 crash at Redwood Pass. They advise travelers to use the inland detour (SH63/SH6) but warn that this route takes significantly longer. Advice: If you cannot make the 9:30 PM sailing, contact Interislander immediately at 0800 802 802 to discuss rebooking, though space is extremely limited this month. Bluebridge Status Next Departure from Picton: The Livia is scheduled to depart at 7:15 PM. Check-in Deadline: Standard check-in closes 60 minutes before departure (6:15 PM). Given the current time (5:45 PM) and the SH1 closure, anyone currently stuck south of the crash site will almost certainly miss this sailing. Availability: Bluebridge reports that most vehicle space is fully booked through February. If you are delayed, call 0800 844 844 as soon as possible. Travel Time Reality Check If you are coming from the south (e.g., Kaikōura or Christchurch) and heading to Picton: Direct Route (SH1): Still CLOSED. Inland Detour: Taking the Lewis Pass/Wairau Valley detour (SH7/SH63) will take approximately 5.5 to 6 hours from Christchurch to Picton. Estimation: If you leave the Waipara area now, you likely won't reach Picton until approximately 11:00 PM – 12:00 AM, missing the final evening sailings for both companies. Accommodation Warning Because many travelers will miss their ferries tonight, accommodation in Picton and Blenheim is expected to be at capacity. If you realize you cannot make your sailing, it is highly recommended to book a room in Kaikōura or Murchison now before they fill up.
0 RECALLED - SKODA KODIAQ Model years 2025-2026
Recalled:19 Feb 2026 Statement:For Škoda Kodiaq SKODA KODIAQ Model years 2025-2026 vehicles from a specific production period, there is a risk that the edge of the inner frame of the front seats may compromise the integrity of the side airbag when activated. This may reduce its effectiveness. Instructions:Contact your nearest authorised Škoda dealer. https://www.vehiclerecallsafety.nzta.govt.nz/
0 Severe Thunderstorm Outlook for Friday Feb 20th 2026
Severe Thunderstorms could cause a couple of issues in coastal and slightly inland parts of Canterbury Valid from midnight Thu, 19 Feb to noon Fri, 20 Feb A trough and active front move northwards over the South Island during Friday morning, bringing rain and/or showers to many areas. There is broadly a low risk of thunderstorms through central and southern parts, as indicated on the chart, and showers in these areas may generate small hail. However, before dawn the risk is considered moderate for southern Westland, Fiordland and Stewart Island. These thunderstorms will enhance local rainfall rates (up to 25 mm per hour) and bring hail up to 10 mm diameter. In the east, there is a moderate risk of thunderstorms for the Canterbury Plains from late morning onwards. Thunderstorms here will generate localised heavy rain up to 20 mm per hour, small hail and strong wind gusts up to 100 km/h. There is minimal risk of thunderstorms or significant convection elsewhere during the first half of Friday. Valid from noon Fri, 20 Feb to midnight Fri, 20 Feb A low risk of thunderstorms embedded in showers persists through southern and eastern parts of the South Island during the afternoon, as indicated on the chart. Showers may bring small hail. However, for the Canterbury Plains the risk is moderate during the afternoon. Thunderstorms here will generate localised heavy rain up to 20 mm per hour, small hail and strong wind gusts (up to 100 km/h). There is minimal risk of thunderstorms or significant convection elsewhere during the second half of Friday. Source Metservice
0 Rivers likely to breach banks
As of 1:00 PM NZDT, Monday, February 16, 2026, several river systems across the North Island and upper South Island are at critical levels. Monitoring agencies and local councils have issued urgent reports in the last 3 hours regarding rivers that are currently breaching or are highly likely to breach their banks. Critical River & Stream Alerts (Last 3 Hours) 1. Lower North Island (Manawatū & Rangitīkei) Pohangina River: Emergency services have been evacuating residents in Ashhurst (Saddle and River roads) as the river is threatening to breach. Water levels at the Saddle Road Bridge reached a point where local evacuation plans were triggered earlier this morning. Manawatū River: Currently under intense monitoring. As of 10:30 AM, levels at Weber Road and Upper Gorge continue to rise. If the river hits 5.2m at the Teachers College gauge, the Moutoa floodgates will likely be opened to divert water. Turakina River: Levels at O’Neills Bridge are forecast to reach a staggering 13.6m by this afternoon. Flooding downstream of Turakina is considered highly likely as the river exceeds the 7.5m "danger" threshold. Oroua River: Rising steadily at Almadale Slackline; expected to cause significant surface flooding in surrounding paddocks by early afternoon. 2. Wellington & Wairarapa Waiwhetū Stream (Lower Hutt): Residents in Waiwhetū, Moera, Gracefield, and Seaview have been advised to evacuate or prepare for immediate departure. The stream is rising rapidly and is at high risk of overtopping within the hour. Ruamahanga River: In South Wairarapa, the Waihenga and Lower Valley Bridges are being monitored for closure. The river is expected to breach bank capacity in low-lying floodplains near Martinborough by mid-afternoon. Hutt River: While currently contained within the stopbanks, "rapidly rising" alerts have been issued for the Birchville and Kelson sectors. 3. South Island (Kaikōura & Canterbury) Kaikōura District Tributaries: Environment Canterbury (ECan) updated its warning at 9:10 AM, stating that all rivers and streams in the district are likely to be impacted. Foothill tributaries of the Waiau and Hurunui catchments are seeing increased flows and are at risk of localized breaches.
As of Monday morning, February 16, 2026, a major storm system is actively battering the lower North Island and upper South Island. Several districts remain under a State of Emergency, and reports from the last few hours (roughly 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM NZDT) highlight significant infrastructure damage and widespread disruption. Current Damage & Impact Reports 1. Infrastructure & Utilities Power Outages: Over 17,800 customers are currently without power across the PowerCo network, primarily in the Manawatū-Whanganui and Wairarapa regions. Wellington Wind Damage: An "extremely unusual" gust of 193 km/h was recorded in Wellington overnight. The City Council has received over 50 calls regarding fallen trees blocking major roads (notably Glenmore Street and Middleton Road). Sewage Discharge: Due to heavy rain, untreated sewage has been discharged via the Moa Point outfall. Residents are warned to stay off South Coast beaches. 2. Transport Disruptions Aviation: Air New Zealand has paused all flights in and out of Wellington, Napier, and Palmerston North as of 8:00 AM. Rail: Metlink has cancelled all Wellington train services until at least 10:00 AM to inspect tracks for debris and damage to overhead power lines. Roads: Multiple sections of State Highway 1 are closed. In the Waikato and Waipā regions, significant flooding and slips have made several local roads impassable. Ferries: All Cook Strait ferry crossings (Interislander and Bluebridge) remain cancelled for the day due to swells forecast to reach 7–8 meters. 3. Regional States of Emergency Local States of Emergency are currently active for the following districts: Manawatū Rangitīkei Tararua Waipā Ōtorohanga Safety Warnings for the Next 4 Hours Red Heavy Rain Warning: Remains in place for Manawatū, Rangitīkei, and Ruapehu (north of Feilding/east of SH1) until 3:00 PM today. Coastal Inundation: High tide (approx. 4:30 AM – 5:30 AM) has passed, but large waves (6m+) continue to pose a risk of coastal flooding and debris on roads along the Wellington South Coast and Wairarapa. Falling Debris: The public is urged to avoid forested areas, such as Wellington’s Town Belt, due to the high risk of falling branches and trees. Note: The storm's death toll was confirmed at one earlier this morning following a tragedy in the Waikato region involving a vehicle submerged in floodwaters. Source - Gemini Query (AI)
0 Product and food recalls February 14th 2026
Various sunscreens sold only at Daikoku Daikoku are recalling various sunscreens because the products were labelled in Japanese, without any English translation, which does not meet the mandatory labelling requirements for the New Zealand market. Many of the sunscreen products were not labelled with the permitted Sun Protection Factor (SPF).As a result of these labelling defects, consumers may not be able to properly identify the product's SPF or understand the usage instructions, leading to an increased risk of sunburn or inadequate sun protection. This poses a significant health risk, particularly for individuals with sensitive skin or those who rely on the product's stated SPF and water resistance. Multi-Color/Multi-Size Ultra-Fine Quartz Sand 80-120 Mesh, Special Sand For Texture Painting, Vase F - Sold by SHEIN The Hazard! Tremolite asbestos has been detected in some samples after laboratory testing. The latest health advice is: Exposure to asbestos does not cause any immediate health problems. The health conditions linked to asbestos develop over a long period – typically 15 to 40 years. The risk of developing asbestos-related health conditions, such as some types of cancer and lung disease, is linked to the nature and quantity of asbestos and the length of time a person was exposed to it. There is no safe level and therefore we try to avoid all exposure. For most people who have these products at home, the quantities involved will be small. That is very different to the greater risk for people who might be exposed during construction work or through the mining industry. Tiny Sugar – White Fake Sugar decorative crystals, sold on Etsy The Hazard! A potential asbestos contamination concern has been raised about this decorative non-edible product following a customer report. While the product is sold strictly as decorative fake sugar and not intended for consumption, it may present a health risk if handled or ingested. The recall is being conducted as a precaution while the safety of the material is being reviewed with the supplier Harvest Right Freeze Dryer HRFDSBKP-PP sold at Costco The Hazard! The product does not have electrical safety EESS compliance completed. Nestlé Milo Dipped Snack Bars recalled as they may contain foreign matter (rubber) Where the product was sold The product is sold at supermarkets and retailers nationwide. What to do if you bought the product Customers are asked to check the date mark (Best Before) and batch details on the box. Affected product should not be consumed. There have been no reports of associated injury. However, if you have consumed this product and have any concerns about your health, seek medical advice. Customers should return the product to their retailer for a full refund. If you're not already a Lert Info subscriber and wish to get these types of alerts as well as emergency alerts, goto www.lert.info
0 SH1 RANGIPŌ TO WAIOURU (DESERT RD) – ROAD REBUILD
Night Road Closure Due to road rebuilding works on SH1 between Rangipo and Waiouru, 15th Feb to 09 March - Sunday to Thursday nights, 7pm-6am. and speed restrictions will be in place during the day. Expect delays Detour via SH41, SH47, SH4, SH49 and back to SH1 ads about 40 mins
0 Product Recalls February 4th 2026
Sensory Game Controller - sold at Kmart This product has been recalled by Kmart because it may not comply with the mandatory standard for toys for children up to and including 36 months of age. Small parts may separate from the toy and become a choking hazard. There is a risk of serious injury or death by choking if small parts separate from the toy and a child places them in their mouth. Incidents have occurred. STIHL MotoMix Pre-Mixed Fuel (5L) STIHL has identified that a limited batch of 5L MotoMix cans have been potentially leaking due to a manufacturing defect affecting the can (the MotoMix product itself is not affected). It is typically detected by the oily residue on the can or on surfaces on which the can was sitting, or a solvent aroma.There is a risk of injury including skin or eye irritation, drowsiness or dizziness or risk of harm if the fuel is handled or swallowed.The defect may also pose a fire hazard if the fuel leaks near an ignition source. Rangoli Powder - Pack of 6 and Pack of 10, sold at Big Bazaar The product is being recalled by Big Bazaar because testing found unidentified mineral fibres that were consistent with tremolite asbestos. The latest health advice is: Exposure to asbestos does not cause any immediate health problems. The health conditions linked to asbestos develop over a long period – typically 15 to 40 years. The risk of developing asbestos-related health conditions, such as some types of cancer and lung disease, is linked to the nature and quantity of asbestos and the length of time a person was exposed to it. There is no safe level and therefore we try to avoid all exposure. For most people who have these products at home, the quantities involved will be small. That is very different to the greater risk for people who might be exposed during construction work or through the mining industry. Link for all products - https://Lert.nz/s?=1F To get Product recalls or any of our more than 30 other alert categories go to www.lert.info. NZ's most comprehensive alert service!
Polce are aware of another text scam, and are asking the community not to click any links They’re aware of a text scam that includes a link to pay a fine, claiming to be from Police. If you get a text asking you to pay a traffic fine, or similar, please do not click on the link. Police do not issue speeding fines via text, this text is not from police, please don’t click the link. You can report your scam texts to the Department of Internal Affairs by forwarding the scam message from your phone to 7726 (free of charge). If you're not already a Lertinfo subscriber, you can register at www.lert.info to get real time alerts
0 Open Fire Season for Canterbury.
Open Fire Season From 8am Tuesday 27 January, the entire Canterbury District is lifting restrictions and moving back to Open Fire Season. We’ve received significant rain in the last few weeks, which means the fire danger has reduced. As we saw in Canterbury late last year, dry weather and high winds can still cause fires to spread quickly regardless of the fire season. We expect anyone lighting a fire to do so responsibly. Always check the weather and conditions at checkitsalright.nz Fully extinguish any burn piles you light Don't light if high winds are forecast Thanks to everyone for doing their part during the restrictions and helping keep Canterbury safe. www.lert.info
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