Fresh custodians for GB Organics

Golden Bay welcomes Patricia and Gerard Smith –the new custodians of Golden Bay Organics.

The couple moved to live in the Bay in 2022 after frequent visits. “We were drawn to the Bay because of the nature and the people, especially the atmosphere and energy of the township,” says Patricia. “The catalyst for the move [was because] our kids have grown up and have all now left home.”

The husband-and-wife team are thrilled to “have had the baton handed over" to them.

“GB Organics was originally a co-operative and we are the third custodians,” says Gerard. “From our perspective, it [taking over the business] was also part of integrating into the community and being able to continue to offer a meaningful service in the Bay, while giving ourselves a purpose.”

“GB Organics is a central part of the community and is an essential shop for many,” adds Patricia.

The couple bring an eclectic yet relevant background to the business. Patricia is a qualified nutritionist, kinesiologist, and yoga teacher, and “enjoys connecting with people and finding [health] solutions”. Gerard is a qualified goldsmith, has created and sold a children’s entertainment business, and more recently ran his own beekeeping business. Together they are tackling the “steep learning curve of running a retail shop – but we are excited to be taking on something new”, says Patricia. The couple feel well supported by locals and fortunate to have retained the current friendly and knowledgeable GB Organics team.

The vision for GB Organics is to “introduce more products over the coming weeks and months to an already well-stocked organic shop”, says Patricia. “We invite our customers to take their time exploring what we have on offer and to pop in from time to time to find out what’s new.”

Patricia tells The GB Weekly , “We have a local base of regular much-loved customers. But there is a proportion of the Bay that is not aware of all that we have on offer. We have bulk foods such as spices, herbs, pulses, and flours at excellent prices; fresh bread; dairy

Daniel Bruning - Diggs 027 307 8774 diggslimited@gmail.com products; and produce, to name just a few. The shop range is such that it allows an ‘all round’ or complete shop to satisfy all pantry and household needs.”

There is a large emphasis on quality, as the range is predominantly organic and considers the environment – with customers bringing their refillable containers.

Patricia adds, “We are also keen to hear from our customers: what they like, and what else they’d like to see in the shop… We are also interested in making new connections with suppliers for any suitable products made or grown locally.”

The couple believe that they are the right combination to run the business, with Patricia being “the face of the business” with an outgoing personality and deep health knowledge, and Gerard supporting from behind the scenes as the “practical, hands-on guy”.

Daniel Bruning - Diggs 027 307 8774 diggslimited@gmail.com Specialising ning - Diggs 307 8774 diggslimited@gmail.com

Daniel Bruning - Diggs 307 8774 diggslimited@gmail.com

Daniel Bruning - Diggs 027 307 8774 diggslimited@gmail.com

Coronation

Continued from page 1 ...which has been partly shaped by the “From the Mountains to the Sea” early engagement, saying the rules were currently being developed, but noting that the Tasman Environment Plan had been “put on hold”. The council’s freshwater plan, she explained, would involve a review of existing allocations, the introduction of water quality standards, and new land use controls for each freshwater management unit. Referring to a project timeline, Erin showed that the first stage – “visions and values” – would conclude at the end of June and urged farmers to have their say via the “Shape Tasman” pages on the TDC website.

Leif and senior compliance and investigations officer Jane Stuart tackled the practical aspects of consenting. In the light of the “crazy pace of change” and challenges with staffing, Leif advised that anyone requiring a consent should approach council. “Come and talk to us first, before spending money on consultants.”

Jane highlighted several activities affected by new regulations, including intensive winter grazing, synthetic fertiliser use/reporting, and stock exclusion, and warned of the need for compliance.

Species, ecosystems, and landscapes were discussed by TDC ecologist Matt Moss, who described the Natural Habitats Tasman (NHT) programme and explained the rules around the protection and enhancement of fish passage, and for working in or around natural wetlands.

MPI has established On Farm Support – a new, free service to assist the primary sector to access support and advice, with particular focus on helping farmers and growers adopt an integrated approach. Richard Clarkson, one of a team of five advisors covering the Top of the South and West Coast, was present at the meeting along with colleague Tamara Orr. Richard spoke about the regulation of GHG emissions, which he said was also subject to uncertainty. “We don’t know what is happening.” But he did identify steps that farmers could take now. “Know your farm’s GHG number, where it comes from, and what you can do [to mitigate emissions].”

Concluding the formal part of the meeting, Richard summarised the key messages: aim for good management practice; raise questions at an early stage with TDC; and contribute to the land and freshwater planning framework. “Council need rural input into the policy process, so they get a balanced plan.”

Speaking immediately after the presentation session, president of GB Federated Farmers Cherrie Chubb had a message, and some advice, for her industry colleagues. “If you’re farming well and using good practice then it [new regulatory regime] is not a major overhaul. TDC are there to be helpful so reach out and ask the questions.”