News in brief
Grounding of the NV Anatoki
Two separate investigations are under way into last week’s grounding of the coastal freighter NV Anatoki.
The 50-metre long freighter was coming to Port Tarakohe from Port Nelson to load dolomite for Bluff when it ran aground on mud flats off Rangihaeata Head at about 5am last Thursday.
Maritime New Zealand and the Transport Accident Investigation Commission are investigating the incident and no new information was available as The GB Weekly went to print. A spokesperson for Maritime New Zealand suggested that their investigation could take weeks.
The NV Anatoki went aground on a falling tide and, by low tide, was hard and fast with about 1.5 metres of water around it.
Harbour manager Allan Kilgour said that it was fortunate that the fishing vessel Hemnestral was laying over in the port at the time.
“It was all set up for towing from its previous job, so it was very useful,” said Allan. “With the help of the Anatoki’s motors and the towing of the Hemnestral, the vessel was re-floated at high tide. It proceeded in to port 12 hours later than scheduled and its hull was checked by divers.
Friday was taken up with investigations into the incident but the Anatoki was allowed to take on its cargo of dolomite and it sailed for Bluff at 4.30pm on Saturday.
Mr Kilgour said that a response team had been on stand-by in case the vessel had leaked diesel but that it had proved not to be necessary.
“In the end there was no damage to the vessel or the environment and that’s a very good thing,” said Mr Kilgour.
Neil Wilson
Winter mountain-biking on Abel Tasman’s Gibbs Hill Track
Abel Tasman National Park’s Gibb’s Hill Track will open for mountain-biking for five months from this Saturday, 1 May. It is the second year of a two-year winter-season mountain-biking trial on the 10km track between Totaranui and Wainui Bay.
The Department of Conservation is monitoring the trial and it will be evaluated after the two-year period to determine whether or not mountain-biking should continue on the track.
DOC Golden Bay area manager John Mason said there appeared to be moderate numbers of mountain-bikers riding the track during last year’s winter trial period, though exact numbers weren’t counted.
“A number of mountain-bikers gave us feedback saying they had enjoyed riding Gibbs Hill Track and they appreciated the opportunity to do so.
“Additionally, new mountain-biking opportunities have proved popular on Canaan Downs Scenic Reserve adjoining Abel Tasman National Park at the top of Takaka Hill. The Golden Bay Mountain Biking Club and DOC have together been developing a 14km loop track on the reserve.”
The department is reminding mountain bikers that cycling is currently not allowed on any tracks in the Tasman region’s two other national parks, Nelson Lakes and Kahurangi, including the Heaphy Track.
For further information, contact the Department of Conservation. Public feedback on the trial can be sent to <mbtrialsnm@doc.govt.nz>.
Submitted
Primary schools’ Rippa Rugby Tournament
The annual Rippa Rugby tournament was held at Takaka Primary School on Wednesday 5 May.
Rippa Rugby is becoming a very popular version of the traditional game as it allows children to develop their teamwork and strategy skills in a non-contact environment. Games were played in mixed teams of year 5 and 6 students from each of the primary schools in Golden Bay.
Ten teams entered the competition: Four from Takaka Primary and two each from Motupipi, Central Takaka and Collingwood Area schools. The morning saw each team play off against the four other teams in their pool, and the afternoon saw fierce competition through to the finals.
The final of the day was played between Takaka 1 and Collingwood 1. Takaka fought hard to defend their title from 2009 but were overcome by the Collingwood team. A number of well-timed intercepts by Taine Robinson from Collingwood, combined with his speed down the wing, saw the game go to Collingwood 6-2.
The Collingwood students will go on to represent Golden Bay in the Nelson region tournament in June.
