Snowfed - Methven and Foothill's Community Paper

Snowfed - Methven and Foothill's Community Paper We're all over, online!

Our paper copy circulates from Rakaia Gorge to Mayfield, along the Hakatere River to the edge of Ashburton, up the western side of State Highway One to the edge of Rakaia and all of the area in between.

11/07/2025

Check out our feature article on Bale, your new local dining spot (pg 6 & 7). Ready for a fun car rally? Sunday 20th July, pg 10 - 11 for more details. Have a great weekend!

04/07/2025

Great photos of the hive of activity last weekend at the Methven Domain and the Methven Ploughing Match (pg 4 & 5).

27/06/2025

Methven Ploughing Competition will be this Sunday from 10:30 - 2pm at Bill Burrowes property on Rakaia Barrhill Methven Road. Last chance to grab a bargain at the Methven Hammer Hardware clearance. Happy holidays school students / staff!

16/06/2025

Black ice, fog risk prompts warning to motorists

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is urging motorists to slow down and take extreme care as icy conditions are expected to persist this week on state highways in the South Island’s Mackenzie Basin.

A combination of freezing temperatures, fog, hoar frosts and black ice means challenging conditions for travel on State Highways 8 and 80 over the next few days, with the biggest concern being drivers not adapting to the conditions.

“On SH8 in particular, there are many sheltered areas where build-up of ice is a major concern,” says NZTA system manager Mark Pinner.

“Bridge surfaces can cool quickly, and re-freezing can even occur in the late morning.”

“We‘ve already had reports of people driving too fast for the conditions and truck and trailer units fishtailing. We also know it’s going to get busier later in the week as we get closer to the long holiday weekend for Matariki. Reducing speed is the biggest thing drivers can do to keep themselves safe and to help keep the highways open.”

“One of the measures we are employing to slow traffic down are Temporary Speed Limits which can be employed on parts of the highway network that are most at risk.”

The Temporary Speed Limit of 50km/h has been put into effect on State Highway 8 at sites such as either side of Lake Tekapo township, and near the Tekapo Military Camp, the Tekapo Flyover (over the Tekapo Canal) and Simons Pass.

“This is not our usual approach, but the nature of the conditions forecast for this week means we need to use every tool we can to keep people safe on the roads,” Mr Pinner says.

“Our typical de-icing agents are at the extreme range of where they aren’t as effective, and whilst we are gritting the roads, driving to conditions is a key part of keeping road access safe also.”

“If the conditions warrant it, we will close the highway, most likely overnight and through the high-risk early morning period. People need to plan ahead if they are travelling in the area – keep an eye on our Journey Planner site.”

For more winter driving advice, visit here.
Plan for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:
Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic
Facebook Canterbury & West Coast: facebook.com/nztacwc/
X NZTA: x.com/nztamain
X Canterbury & West Coast: x.com/nztacwc
Instagram: instagram.com/nztransportagency
TikTok: tiktok.com/
Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz
Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)

13/06/2025

From playing volleyball in South Korea, the Little Fantail Shop in the Forest to having your say on Council's Climate and Sustainability Strategy - so much in this week's issue!

03/06/2025

First big taste of winter prompts warning to motorists

Potentially heavy snowfalls in the South Island have the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) urging motorists to exercise caution, especially at higher elevations, and to avoid travel where possible in hazardous conditions.

Metservice says heavy snow is possible in Canterbury from tomorrow above 300m, or possibly lower, through until Thursday, with potential for travel disruption and damage to trees and powerlines. Those planning to travel through SH73 Porters Pass to Otira (Arthurs Pass), SH7 Lewis Pass, or SH8 Burkes Pass to Twizel, are encouraged to check before setting off and plan for any potential disruption.

With large parts of the state highway network across the central and lower South Island being at higher elevations, NZTA System Manager Mark Pinner says motorists need to be prepared and to follow good winter driving habits.

“It’s not just snow on the ground that is a potential hazard, it’s heavy frosts and ice where the danger may not be as visible. People need to remember to adjust their speed to suit the conditions, to increase their following distances and use their headlights to be seen.”

Find out more about those good winter driving habits here.

“If you can avoid or delay travel on roads while there is elevated risk, that’s sensible. Stay up to date on the latest reports about the State Highway network by visiting our Journey Planner,” Mr Pinner says.

“We’ll be getting the best advice from the Metservice on how the weather is likely to unfold, and we’ll be doing our best to keep the highways open and safe for motorists through this cold snap. Being prepared with warm clothing, snacks and water and other supplies in case of delays is always a smart move.”

Heavy rain is forecast to affect Fiordland, and Buller, Grey and Westland Districts between Karamea and Harihari tomorrow, and drivers in those areas are also urged to take care on the roads, plan ahead and be prepared.

Plan for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:
Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic
Facebook Canterbury & West Coast: facebook.com/nztacwc/
X NZTA: x.com/nztamain
X Canterbury & West Coast: x.com/nztacwc
Instagram: instagram.com/nztransportagency
TikTok: tiktok.com/
Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz
Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)

30/05/2025

Tailoring, tanning and final touches with our very own local businesses for the upcoming Mt Hutt College Senior Ball. Check out page 2 of the Snowfed for contact details. Wishing everyone a safe and happy Kings Birthday weekend!

15/05/2025

This week’s Issue includes your local groups and clubs contacts page which is ready to cut out and pop on your fridge. This Sunday the Methven Medical Centre are celebrating 40 years, check out page 3 for more details. Also pop in your calendar the Methven Volunteer Fire Brigade’s 100th anniversary (pg 6).

08/05/2025

Today - Bids, Beers, BBQ and Banter at the Methven Lions Machinery Auction. Head down to the Methven A & P showgrounds where everything is set up. The Carrfields Wellness Van will be available for health checks as well as a coffee cart to help stay warm.

08/05/2025

We've just been down and had a sneak peak at the massive Methven Lions Machinery Auction. It is going to be amazing.
See you there tomorrow, Methven A & P Showgrounds at 11am !

04/05/2025

It is the time of year that we print our local list of community groups and clubs contact page in the Snowfed. If you would like your club/group contacts included, please email me at [email protected]

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