Tourists crammed into a small space for safety as the tide rose around them. Photo / Eastern District Police
Police say a rescue of a group of tourists trapped by the tide on the Cape Kidnappers walk is a timely reminder of its dangers.
Shortly before 11am on Thursday, a group of overseas tourists became trapped between the tide and steep cliffs while walking the foreshore to the Gannet Colony, near the end of Cape Kidnappers.
Police, alongside Surf Lifesaving, and Coastguard kicked into action with a swift response.
Thankfully, as the group realised they were trapped, they stopped at one of the few places along the coastline where they managed to keep away from the rising tide.
“Surf Lifesaving’s Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) was able to get in close enough to the group to extract them from the shore, passing them on to Coastguard who were able to complete the rescue and take the group back to safety,” police said in a statement.
Police, Surf Lifesaving and Coastguard have conducted past exercises in this area for this scenario, which has led to this successful response and recovery.
“Thankfully, nobody was injured, however, if the circumstances were different, the outcome could have been tragic.
“There are warning signs at the beach around Clifton and at the beginning of the walk, advising walkers to check tide times, walking times and fitness levels required before attempting to walk the Gannet Colony.
“This is a timely reminder for people to do their research before heading out for any shoreline or wilderness walks, and to take into account all warning signs along the way.
“We would also like to again commend the response by Surf Lifesaving and Coastguard volunteers, with a professional response leading to a successful recovery.”
Daytime detours will be in place next week on State Highway 51 near Awatoto as work continues on implementing improved safety measures.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said a signposted detour would be in place for northbound traffic on a stretch of State Highway 51 during a week of daytime closures.
The northbound lane of SH51 between Awatoto Rd and Ellison St in Napier will be closed daily between 8am and 4pm from Monday, January 22, to allow for road construction activity. The work is scheduled to finish the following Monday, January 29.
“We know the closure is inconvenient, but we want to save further disruption to road users at a later date,” NZTA project manager Jacob Laird said.
During the closure, northbound traffic will be detoured along Te Awa Ave. The southbound lane of SH51 will remain open during the work, but there will be a speed restriction in place. Access will remain at all times for emergency services.
“The current work on the state highway, including lane widening and construction of the roundabout, is exciting, and it will provide for safer, more reliable journeys through this stretch of road,” Laird said.
The Hawke’s Bay Dragon Boat Club is encouraging locals to give the sport a go at their upcoming open day and have-a-go sessions.
The event on Saturday, January 20 is open to anyone over 12 years, and lifejackets and paddles will be provided. It will be at 808 Meeanee Quay in Napier from 9am-noon.
The day also provides an opportunity for those who have suffered breast cancer to connect with “Bay Bosom Buddies” team members.
Snacks will also be available for a small cash donation, but people should bring water and sun protection.
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council says sharks could be attracted to Ahuriri Beach if people don’t stop throwing their fish waste into the water.
The council wrote on Facebook that the beach was a very popular summer swimming spot, especially for those with young children who play and paddle in the shallows.
“We’ve had concerns raised to us, along with local police and fishery officers, about some people coming back from fishing trips, filleting, and cleaning fish then throwing the frames and guts into the water near this beach.
“When you throw in carcasses, there is a real possibility of attracting stingrays and sharks into this area and close to the community enjoying the water.
“Please hold on to your fish carcasses and dispose of them responsibly when you get to shore.”
A 59-year-old man critically injured in a crash near the rural settlement of Patangata is now in a stable condition in Auckland.
Emergency services were called to a two-vehicle crash at the Elsthorpe and Middle Rd intersection at 1.34pm on Saturday.
One witness told Hawke’s Bay Today a car and motorbike had collided.
A critically injured 59-year-old man was transported to Hawke’s Bay Hospital before being transferred to Auckland by Sunday morning.
A Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand Auckland spokeswoman said the man was now in a stable condition in Auckland Hospital as of Monday morning.
Over 100 competitors – most of them from out of town – will descend on Napier’s Bay Skate to buttercup, back flip and throw down in the 2024 FRS NZ Scooter Nationals.
The country’s biggest scooter event will be held on Friday and Saturday at Bay Skate on Marine Parade in Napier.
The official practice day for competitors is this Thursday January 18 with riders from all over the country already arriving to squeeze in as much time on the course as possible.
“This is massive for us, and for Napier, because it shows us off to the scooter world, riders, supporters and fans and it holds our reputation in action sports circles,” Bay Skate manager Kyle Hamilton said.
Tickets are $25 for a two-day pass or $15 for a day pass available through the Bay Skate website bayskate.nz. Door sales are $20 per day.
Work begins today on a range of safety improvements on State Highway 5, the Napier — Taupō Road, between Eskdale and Waipunga.
The improvements will see the road shoulder and centreline widened at a number of sites; improving the safety of the slow vehicle bay at Tarawera; new roadside safety barriers at high-risk curves in the road and new road marking.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi project manager Chris Mahoney says the work is an important part of making this stretch of road safer, as work has continued post-cyclone to rebuild and strengthen the state highway.
Between 2015 and 2022 there were 60 serious crashes and 13 fatalities on this stretch of road. The safety improvement work is expected to be completed late April/early May.