Storm Prompts Further Warning for Labour Weekend
Media Release
Following the damaging storm that lashed the country on Thursday, NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC) is urging outdoor adventurers to take a cautious approach for Labour Weekend.
“With the disruption and damage caused by this week’s severe weather – and with more forecast in some regions over the weekend – hikers, trampers and hunters should think very carefully before heading out this weekend,” says MSC Chief Executive Mike Daisley.
Labour Weekend traditionally marks the start of the summer tramping season, and many people will have been planning their trips for months.
Even if the weather has cleared in your region, we’re stressing the need for outdoor enthusiasts to take a cautious approach and seriously consider if their plans are still achievable given the recent storms and upcoming weather,– says Mike
Heavy rain and damaging gale-force winds will have caused flooding, slips, and fallen trees on many tracks, and river levels will remain high through the weekend.
“There will be areas where track damage is yet to be reported. If you are the first to come across damaged tracks or infrastructure like bridges, report any concerns to DOC and leave a track review in Plan My Walk to inform others,” says Mike.
MSC’s Key Safety Tips for Labour Weekend
1/ Think about the recent weather and what’s still to come
- Consider how the recent storms may have affected the area you planned to visit.
- Understand the forecast and how it will impact your trip.
- Postpone or change your plans if the forecast looks unfavorable.
2/ Check Plan My Walk for alerts
- Check the latest alerts before you go. Plan My Walk, MSC’s free trip planning app and website, includes Department of Conservation (DOC) track updates, MetService forecasts and severe weather warnings and NZ Avalanche Advisory danger ratings.
- If you are the first to come across damage to tracks or infrastructure, report concerns to DOC and leave a track review in Plan My Walk to inform others.
3/ Be cautious around rivers
- Know the signs of an unsafe river.
- If you answer yes to any of these questions, don’t cross:
- Too fast? Moving faster than normal walking pace?
- Too murky? Is the water brown and dirty?
- Too messy? Logs, branches or other debris in the water?
- Too loud? Do you hear roaring water or rolling rocks?
- Remember: If in doubt, stay out. MSC has free river safety resources on its website to help people prepare effectively for their trips and make safer decisions around rivers.
4/ Pack for the unexpected
- Carry an extra day's worth of food, an emergency shelter, and an emergency comms device, like a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).
- A two-way comms device, like an inReach or eligible mobile with satellite text, is also useful for updating your emergency contact if your plans change.
5/ Be prepared to postpone or change plans
- Have a plan B in case conditions deteriorate.
- Remember, the best decision is the one that gets you home safely.
Find out more
- Trip planning | Use Plan My Walk, our free trip planning tool, to choose tracks, build a gear list, get alerts and share your trip plans.
- Weather skills | Be prepared for all weather on your next tramp or hike
- River safety skills | Learn essential river crossing skills
PHOTO CREDIT | Caleb Smith | Holdsworth area, Wairarapa