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0 Cook Strait Ferry Situation update
Status at 1:30pm Tuesday 31st March for Cook Strait Ferries As of Tuesday afternoon, March 31, 2026, the Cook Strait remains under significant pressure due to a combination of mechanical failures, a maritime emergency, and deteriorating weather. Bluebridge The Connemara remains out of action. It has now been detained by Maritime NZ following a safety inspection in Wellington. Cancellations: All scheduled crossings for the Connemara are currently cancelled, including the 2:00 PM Picton to Wellington sailing today. Outlook: Bluebridge hopes to resume services late this evening (Tuesday), but this is strictly dependent on the vessel being cleared by authorities. Advice: If you were booked on the Connemara, check your email for a cancellation notice. Re-booking options are currently extremely limited. Interislander A major search and rescue operation earlier today has caused flow-on delays across the network. Overboard Incident: A person went overboard from the Kaiārahi around 2:20 AM this morning. The vessel remained on-site to assist in the search for several hours. Fleet Status: While the Kaiārahi has since returned to service, the schedule is lagging. Most morning sailings were delayed, and some may be consolidated to manage the backlog. Aratere & Kaitaki: These vessels are currently operating but are under high demand as they absorb passengers and freight from the cancelled Bluebridge sailings. Current Marine Forecast Conditions are becoming more challenging this afternoon: Wind: A Gale Warning is in place for the Cook Rock area. A southerly change has brought winds of 30 knots. Sea State: The sea is expected to be rough for a time this afternoon with a moderate southerly swell developing. Visibility: Poor visibility is expected during passing showers. Summary Table Operator Vessel Status Bluebridge Connemara CANCELLED (Detained by Maritime NZ) Bluebridge Livia Operating - High Demand Interislander Kaiārahi Delayed / Recovering Schedule Interislander Aratere / Kaitaki Operating
0 What is the ideal power bank to get through emergencies?
For a three day power outage, a 20,000 mAh power bank is generally the "sweet spot." This capacity provides enough energy to recharge a modern smartphone approximately 4 to 5 times, which covers a heavy user for three days or two people for a weekend. Here is the breakdown of why this size works and how to choose the right one for your specific needs. 1. The Math: Why 20,000 mAh? Modern smartphones (like the iPhone 17 or Galaxy S26) have an average battery capacity of about 5,000 to 5,300 mAh. While it seems like a 15,000 mAh bank would provide three full charges , power banks lose about 20–30% of their energy during the voltage conversion process and as heat. Total Capacity Real Usable Energy Est. Full Charges (5,000 mAh phone) Best For... 10,000 mAh ~7,000 mAh 1.4 charges Emergency backup / 1 day 20,000 mAh ~14,000 mAh 2.8 - 3.2 charges 3-day trips / Moderate use 27,000 mAh* ~19,000 mAh 3.8 - 4.2 charges Power users / 2+ devices *27,000 mAh (100Wh) is the legal limit for most airline carry-ons. 2. Factors to Consider Charging Speed: Look for USB-C Power Delivery (PD). A power bank with at least 20W–30W output will charge your phone as fast as a wall outlet. Environment: If you are camping in the cold (below 5°C / 40°F), battery efficiency drops significantly. In these cases, lean toward a 25,000+ mAh unit to compensate for the "cold drain." Weight vs. Portability: A 20,000 mAh bank usually weighs about 350g–450g (roughly the weight of two smartphones). If you are backpacking and every gram counts, a high-efficiency 10,000 mAh bank (like the Nitecore NB10000) might suffice if you keep your phone in "Low Power Mode."
0 Northland Storm Update 6:30pm Thursday March 26th
AI Gemini Search As of 6:30 PM NZDT, Thursday, March 26, 2026, the following flooding and severe weather reports have been issued or updated in the last three hours: 1. Northland State Highway Network - Major Closures NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Reported: 5:03 PM (approx. 1.5 hours ago) NZTA has issued a critical update confirming multiple state highway closures due to flooding. SH1: Closed at Whakapara (detour available), Rangiahua (no detour), and Mangamuka (no detour). SH10: Closed at Kaeo with no detour available. SH12: Closed at Waimamaku. SH15: Closed north of Kaikohe. Warning: Motorists are encountering river-related flooding on SH15 between Titoki and Pakotai. Travel in the region should be delayed. 2. Whangārei District - Localized Flooding & Road Hazards Whangārei District Council Updated: Ongoing/Last 3 Hours The council's emergency hub reports active flooding and slips on several key local roads: Whangaruru North Road: Impacted by an underslip and active flooding. Kaiikanui Road: Currently closed due to flooding. Access Restrictions: Cotton Road, Pataua North Road, and Whananaki North Road are currently limited to 4X4 access only. Contamination Warning: Sewage system failures have occurred; all floodwater should be treated as contaminated. 3. National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Status Update Source: Civil Defence (NEMA) Updated: 3:22 PM (approx. 3 hours ago) NEMA has officially cataloged the State of Local Emergency for the Whangārei and Far North districts. This activation grants emergency services additional powers for the next seven days to handle the rising flood risk. They emphasize that while high tide has passed (approx. 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM), river levels remain dangerously high. 4. Western Bay of Plenty - Red Warning Risk Source: Western Bay of Plenty District Council Updated: Afternoon Monitoring. While the Orange Heavy Rain Warning is in place, the council updated its hub this afternoon noting a high chance of an upgrade to a Red Warning by early Friday morning. They are reporting that "dangerous river conditions and flooding" are now imminent for the region west of Whakatāne.
0 Cook Strait Ferries - Ongoing Disruption
AI Search on Picton Ferry disruptions Both major ferry operators are experiencing disruptions today, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, primarily due to ongoing technical issues with specific vessels. Bluebridge Cancellations (Vessel: Connemara) https://www.bluebridge.co.nz/service-alerts/ Bluebridge has confirmed that the Connemara is out of service today and tomorrow while awaiting regulatory clearance following a technical fault found over the weekend. Picton to Wellington: 2:00 PM (Cancelled) Wellington to Picton: 8:30 PM (Cancelled) Note: Further cancellations are scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, March 25 (2:30 AM and 8:15 AM). Interislander Status (Vessel: Kaiārahi) Service alerts - https://www.interislander.co.nz/plan/service-alerts The Kaiārahi has been plagued by intermittent technical faults recently. While some services have resumed, there is continued volatility in the schedule. Wellington to Picton: 3:30 PM (Flagged as cancelled/disrupted in real-time tracking) Picton to Wellington: 9:30 PM (Flagged as cancelled/disrupted in real-time tracking) The Kaitaki: Currently appears to be operating as scheduled to help clear the backlog. Important Information for Travelers Standby Lists: Both companies are operating standby lists at the terminals for affected passengers. Foot Passengers: Space is generally still available for foot passengers on other sailings, but vehicle space is extremely limited through the end of March. Communication: Check your mobile and email; both operators are sending automated updates to ticket holders. Would you like me to check the specific sailing status for the first Interislander departures tomorrow morning?
0 Monday March 23rd National fuel update
Gemini search - FUEL - What fuel stations have reported low or no diesel levels in the last 180min only? Gemini said For the current period of Monday, March 23, 2026 (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM), there is no real-time public "master list" of every empty diesel pump. However, the situation is extremely fluid due to a localized logistics crisis. As of 4:00 PM, here is the status of diesel availability based on current shortage reports: 1. High-Risk Areas (Outages Reported within 180min) Stations in these regions are currently experiencing the highest rate of "pump bagging" (diesel unavailable) as they wait for afternoon/evening tanker refills: East & South Auckland: Manukau, Otara, and East Tamaki remain the "ground zero" for shortages. Z Manukau and several BP sites in these areas have reported intermittent diesel outages as they prioritize commercial trucking contracts over retail pumps. Levin & Kapiti Coast: Local reports indicate that New World and Z stations in Levin have been struggling to maintain diesel levels through the early afternoon. Wairoa & Eltham: These rural hubs have seen sporadic outages today due to high demand from livestock transporters. 2. Brands Most Affected Gull & Independent Stations: Because these brands often have lower prices, they are being targeted by "panic buyers" and are running dry significantly faster than the majors (Z, BP, Mobil). Many Tasman Fuels sites are currently rationing diesel or are empty. Waitomo: Reported "sporadic" shortages across their fuel stop network this afternoon as delivery schedules are reshuffled. 3. Verification Tools (Real-Time) Because a station can be refilled and then run dry again within a 2-hour window, the following are your most reliable sources right now: Gaspy App: Check the "Report Shortage" toggle. If a station icon is grayed out or has a "No Diesel" warning, it was likely updated by a user within the last hour. Z App / BPme App: These apps often show "Pump Unavailable" in real-time if a specific grade (like diesel) is sold out at a site. Google Maps "Latest": Look at the "Reviews" or "Updates" for a specific station; local drivers are currently very active in posting "No diesel here" warnings. Summary of the "Crisis" The Government (Finance Minister Nicola Willis) confirmed at 1:00 PM today that the country has 45.5 days of diesel in total. The "empty pumps" you see are a delivery issue, not a lack of fuel in the country. Trucks are simply unable to keep up with the 20% spike in panic buying. For Txt updates when diesel runs out plus also crashes and closed roads, goto www.road.lert.info
0 Scam Alert - Supposed Overdue speeding fine.
A scam has popped up and advised by another member. We have AI searched it and can confirm it. You said Is there a scam in new zealand using the address https://police.paynotice.top/govtnz asking people to pay a supposed late fine? Gemini said Yes, this is a scam. The address https://police.paynotice.top/govtnz is a phishing website designed to steal your credit card and personal information. The New Zealand Police, Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency), and other government departments have issued warnings about this specific type of "smishing" (SMS phishing) scam. How to Tell It’s a Scam The URL (Web Address): Legitimate New Zealand government websites always end in .govt.nz. Any site ending in .top, .link, .com, or .info is fake. Method of Contact: NZ Police and Waka Kotahi do not send text messages with links to pay fines. Speeding and traffic fines (infringements) are sent via physical mail to the address your vehicle is registered to. +1 Sense of Urgency: The messages often claim you have a "late fine" or an "overdue traffic violation" and must pay immediately to avoid court—this is a classic tactic to make you act without thinking. International Phone Numbers: These texts often come from random mobile numbers, frequently starting with international codes like +63 (Philippines), +212 (Morocco), or other non-NZ prefixes. What Should You Do? Do not click the link. If you have already clicked it, do not enter any personal or payment details. Report the text: Forward the scam message for free to 7726. This is a service run by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) to track and block scam numbers. +1 Delete the message: Once reported, delete the text from your phone. If you already entered your details: Credit Card: Contact your bank immediately to freeze your card and report the fraudulent transaction. Driver Licence: If you provided your licence details, contact Waka Kotahi to cancel your current card and order a replacement to prevent identity theft. For peace of mind, if you are genuinely worried you might have a fine, you can contact the Police Infringement Bureau or check the official NZ Police website directly by typing the address into your browser yourself.
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.
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