New wheels for Tata Beach boat ramp

Pōhara cycleway meeting

Pōhara’s controversial shared pathway is set to be discussed at a public meeting next Monday.

The issue was aired at Golden Bay Community Board in April (GBW, 6/4) by owner of the Pōhara On the Spot store Dave Hix who is highly critical of the plan, which includes the loss of parking spaces immediately in front of his shop. Dave claims there has been little meaningful engagement with Tasman District Council. “They’re not talking to the people, and listening to what people are saying.”

Under the current proposal, the cycle/walkway will occupy the shoulder of Abel Tasman Drive from Totally Roasted, run alongside the outside of the campground fence and the Pōhara store before continuing to Pōhara Valley Road.

The owner of the adjacent campground Gene Cooper, along with other members of the Pōhara community, have also expressed disappointment about the lack of council consultation and are particularly concerned over the loss of parking spaces along Abel Tasman Drive. An online petition, started by Dave to prevent the pathway being routed directly in front of his store, had attracted 118 signatures by Tuesday this week.

Not everyone is unhappy about the new pathway, however; the Golden Bay Cycle and Walkway Society described the latest extension to the Bay’s network as “absolutely essential” at April’s GBCB meeting while highlighting a number of possible alternative routes.

Monday’s meeting is at Molly B’s, Pōhara at 4pm. Everyone welcome.

Pink Ribbon Breakfast at GBHS

Seven weeks after NBS bank launched its latest “Win a Car” promotion, the prize vehicle landed at Tata Beach boat ramp where it was delivered to the winners.

Last Thursday morning, NBS Tākaka branch manager Dean Lund handed over the keys of a Brighton Blue MG ZS EV to long-time coordinator of the Tata Beach Boat Ramp Committee, Jan Sawers.

“It’s absolutely unbelievable,” said Jan, who has acted as chief fundraiser since the Tata community took on the responsibility 34 years ago. She believes the good fortune could be seen as a reward for those who have helped to maintain the ramp over the past three decades. “For the people who contributed along the way to keep it going, it’s a huge thank you to them.” Keeping it going requires regular work. Over the last 10 years, around $15,500 (donated by Tata Beach homeowners) has been spent on repairing major storm damage and carrying out routine maintenance of the ramp surface.

The importance of the ramp to the community goes beyond recreational use; the facility also ensures emergency and Civil Defence access to Tata Beach, Wainui Bay, and Ligar Bay, in the event of road closures.

Given the cost of repairs and maintenance, the committee have decided to sell the car and bank the proceeds – around $40,000 – along with the regular income from their recently installed dayusers donation box, and the sale of seasonal and annual passes. While Jan explains she is now “taking a rest from fundraising”, her daughter Teri says she and other committee members are happy to fill her shoes. “Mum did a wonderful job for all those years; now it’s our turn.”

SUBMITTED

On Thursday 25 May, Hilary Weaver and Hinewai Lewis from Golden Bay High School held a Pink Ribbon Breakfast to help raise money for breast cancer education, research, and patient support.

There were 29 guests on the day, raising around $600 for the Breast Cancer Foundation. People from the community and school came together to enjoy a delicious meal prepared by Hilary and her team. Everything was gifted by local businesses, including FreshChoice Tākaka, Anatoki Salmon, The Wholemeal Café, Anneliese from the Flower Shed, and espresso coffees by Dominic Hammond.

"This was an opportunity for us to do something within the community, while also helping Level 1 hospitality students to demonstrate their food service skills for an assessment, and Level 2 students to carry out a hot and cold beverages assessment," says Hinewai.

"It was an amazing outcome, raising money for an important foundation supporting those with breast cancer, which affects 3,300 women and 20 men in New Zealand every year."