Food, fun at Harvest Festival

Census reminder

There is still plenty of time to participate in the 2023 census.

Although official census day (7 March) has passed, forms can be submitted up until early May. Furthermore, Stats NZ census collectors are out and about in Golden Bay until 4 May to support those who need help to complete their submissions – whether online or in hard copy.

Linda Sanders, senior advisor communications – 2023 Census, says it’s important to encourage everyone to fill in their forms, “…especially those who may have thought it is too late, or that it doesn’t matter… we don’t want to leave anyone behind.”

Linda explains that everyone is required to take part because the census is an important source of data. “The information gathered ensures better decisions are made on things like providing hospitals, schools, public transport and infrastructure like roads.”

Consequently, there is extensive support available from census staff, who will follow up with those who have yet to complete their paperwork and provide them with any help required, including additional forms, more accessible formats, and language support.

In addition, there is help and information available online and/or via the census helpline.

Helpline: 0800 CENSUS (0800 236 787)

Online: https://www.census.govt.nz/

Golden Bay Sustainable Living Centre’s (SLC) annual Harvest Festival went off without a hitch, after being postponed to Sunday 26 March when rain was forecast for Saturday.

The day was beautiful as it turned out, and the festival attracted a couple hundred people throughout the day and into the night.

A long list of local performers offered up their talent to a very appreciative crowd from midday to 10pm. SLC community engagement coordinator Martine Baanvinger said, “Special mention to the youth musicians, you were amazing!” Three of the Bay’s music teachers – Levity, Hera, and Diana – must have been proud of their students’ performances, as were their watching families and friends. DramaLAB came with an improvised performance that led the audience on a journey through the gardens. A dancing crowd enjoyed the band The Forge, before ending with Dan Antell’s pumping DJ set.

Throughout the day, the SLC team provided a sumptuous array of yummy healthy food made largely from produce grown on the property. Lunch included soups, salad, and fresh baked bread. Drinks and snacks were sold all day, including fresh apple and grape juice, which was very popular. Dinner was a feast of vegetable curry, roast pumpkin, pakoras, cucumber salad, and bread, followed by a delicious peach and apple crumble.

To spice things up, the “Hot Chilli Sauce Competition” gathered a good number of enthusiasts, who tasted the six entries with crackers, and yoghurt to calm the palette. Our judge, local chef Mike Rimu, enjoyed the range of sauces on offer. “There were some really interesting flavours and heat effects, which made the choice difficult. Andrew Pope’s fruity chilli sauces (raspberry/pears and mango) were superb, with no sugar and all organic ingredients. But my winning choice was Miriam Sherratt’s ‘Ahi Chilli Sauce’, was nicely balanced with herbs and passionfruit flavours and a late heat.” Miriam used “gringo killer” chillies Capsicum pubescens, salt, and white vinegar. The “People’s Choice” vote went to Stef Jongkind’s “Haberdoedas” hot chilli sauce, which incorporated another variety of Capsicum pubescens, rice vinegar, olive oil, cumin, coriander, garlic, and sugar.

Visitor May Walker from Tasmania found the event “bright, abundant, naturally beautiful and people gently friendly”. Local Rob Hewison enjoyed the day, “just relaxing, listening to some nice tunes in the sunshine”.

The event raised $3,681.60 (gross), which will go towards running the centre and paying staff wages. “What a great result. What a generous community. I was so impressed with the event overall, the performances, the food, the awesome team of volunteers who worked so well together, led by our legendary Martine,” said trustee Rita Scholten.

A big thank you to all the contributors, volunteers (especially the kitchen crew of Adriana Foreman, Jayashrii McFadgen and Giuliana Morani), Purple (stage manager), Dan Antell, Mike Rimu, NBS, Ray White, Golden Bay Athletics Club, Enfys Bellamy, Sage Forest, Ngarie Jones, Dr Firewood, Dennis Sage, and Beatrice Bourhis (Tool Box). Special mention to the community initiative The People’s Pantry, who preserved loads of fruit on the Wednesday, some of which was used in the event, and some donated to the local food bank.

Rates hike on horizon

Tasman District Council is seeking feedback on its Annual Plan 2023-2024 which includes a significant rates hike.

During the public consultation period, which began on Wednesday, the community is being asked for its views on the tough choices made necessary by current economic conditions.

Mayor Tim King explained the background to rates rise. “The Council is proposing a 9.06 per cent rates increase, which is being driven by a range of issues, including inflation, insurance, interest rates, and supply chain disruptions. These increases that are affecting individuals, families and businesses are also impacting on Council’s costs.”

Tim said the Council had to weigh up costs and benefits in formulating the Plan. “We are trying to balance cost pressures without cutting the services and functions that our communities value the most, and...

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Billy Kerrisk Licenced Agent & Business Owner 0276085606