2nd Update
Training Pigeons were liberated at Te Kuiti on the return journey at 11:50 a.m.

Update:
The pigeons (Auckland only) were liberated at 9:45 a.m. into excellent weather at the race point. The weather is good for the first 100 km or so, but there are still showers crossing in front of them from the south west, which they may meet when they reach the Hamilton area. As noted before, the showers are diminishing, and hopefully they will be only light showers when the pigeons reach that point. The flock cleared very quickly on liberation, and when last seen were heading slightly east of north. There was very little wind at the racepoint, but the overall situation is a south west wind, currently at 28 km/h in Auckland.

Original Post:
The weather is gradually improving and the showers across the racetrack are becoming fewer, but the conditions at 8:15 a.m. are not considered good enough to start the race. We are going to wait for a while and expect conditions to further improve over the next 60-90 minutes.

As usual, updates will be posted here as soon as possible.
This post at 8:20 a.m.

Jim Cater
Liberation Coordinator
A.R.P.F.

Update at 8:35 a.m. All went to plan and the pigeons all cleared quickly up the coast.

The plan is to liberate as follows:
8:00 a.m. Auckland and Whangarei (Manaia Long Distance Club) Pigeons
8:15 a.m. Taumarunui Pigeons
8:30 a.m. Hamilton and Putaruru pigeons

At 7:15 a.m. the conditions at the liberation point are very good, with visibility good enough for a clear view of the South Island, a light southerly wind and clear skies to the north.

The weather on the track north will be likely to have more west in the slightly stronger winds, but no significant rain at the time the pigeons will travel through.

Any variation to the plan will be published asap.

Jim Cater
Liberation Coordinator
A.R.P.F.

Update:
Pigeons were liberated at Turangi at 12:15 p.m. The weather was fine with a light southerly wind. This post at 1:08 p.m.

Training Pigeons were liberated at Putaruru at 8:10 a.m. This post at 11:44 a.m.
There will also be a liberation at Turangi. The exact time will be posted here when it comes to hand.
Weather on the trip south has been fine.
Jim Cater
Liberation Coordinator
A.R.P.F.

Update: Training pigeons were released at Te Kuiti at 11:15 a.m.

The weather at Raetihi and all the way home is exceptional. Clear blue skies with very light variable breezes, mostly tending to be from the south, southeast to southwest.
Hamilton/Waikato pigeons were released at 8:00 a.m.
Auckland pigeons were released at 8:30 a.m.
Both flocks cleared well in the absolutely perfect conditions.
This post at 8:48 a.m.
Jim Cater
Liberation Coordinator
A.R.P.F.

Waikato Pigeons liberated at 10:00 a.m.
The weather is still good at the liberation point and Hamilton/Waikato pigeons were liberated at 10:00 a.m.
Pigeons heading for lofts in Taumarunui were liberated 10 minutes later at 10:10 a.m.
Good luck everyone!
This post at 10:25 a.m.

Auckland Pigeons liberated at 9:30 a.m.
The skies cleared, as expected, and with blue skies to the north, Auckland pigeons were liberated at 9:30 a.m. and were last seen travelling north toward home. A reminder about our function this evening: dinner will be served from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. only, so please be there by then to avoid missing out. Due to our liberation being 90 minutes later than planned, it is perfectly ok to arrive later than the scheduled 6:00 p.m. stated deadline, if you are waiting for pigeons to get home.
This update at 9:55 a.m.

Whangarei pigeons liberated
Whangarei pigeons were released at 8:30 a.m. just before the rain showers arrived, after consultation with the Whangarei controller, who noted the time pressure to give the pigeons a chance of making it before dark. Auckland and Hamilton pigeons are being held for better liberation conditions. There are showers at the liberation point at present, as expected.
This update at 9:07 a.m.

Rain approaching Liberation point
There is a band of rain approaching the liberation point from the southwest that will last 30-60 minutes.
This update at 8:19 a.m.

No liberation at 8:00 a.m.
Conditions at Levin at 8:00 a.m. are heavily overcast, and although there is no rain, the light is not good enough yet for a liberation. The situation is under constant review, and we will get the pigeons on the way as soon as conditions are good enough. The forecast is for gradually improving conditions all the way home, with a strong westerly wind turning more southwest. Updates will be posted here as things develop.
This post at 8:09 a.m.
Jim Cater
Liberation Coordinator
A.R.P.F.