Birthday bash for library Better Off Funding lost

The recent revamp of the Government’s Three Waters Reform programme may have diluted some of the concerns expressed by local councils and the public, but it comes with a bitter aftertaste.

Under the newly branded Affordable Water Reform, the $22.55 million Better Off Funding, promised to councils in recognition of the transfer of responsibility for three waters services, has been slashed.

As a result, Tasman District Council will be $17 million worse off than anticipated and funding for three significant community projects – none of which are in Golden Bay – will have to be found from elsewhere if they are to go ahead.

There is better news for other projects on TDC’s list. The $5.64 million already received from the Department of Internal Affairs is very unlikely to be recalled as the projects had already been approved.

For Golden Bay, this first tranche of funding, targeted towards initiatives that benefit the wider community and improve iwi outcomes, is allocated to four projects: a contribution to the upgrade of Onetahua Marae ($50,000); a feasibility study and detailed design for the Tākaka Youth Bike and Skate Park ($50,000); the detailed design (including consultation) and construction of the new Pōhara shared path ($160,000); and the construction of a new concrete footpath extension on Motupipi Street ($200,000).

Loving their library: Tākaka Memorial Library staff. Back row, from left, assistant librarian Nerissa Cottle, library assistant Susanne Toder, former staff member Nancy Ward, former branch librarian Tish Potter, library assistant Sarah Worlock, branch librarian Carolyn Roberts. Front row, from left, library assistant Linda-Jane Keegan, outreach storytime presenter Ronnie Short, library assistant Diane Langford.

Last Friday, staff at Tākaka Memorial Library spontaneously celebrated 15 years since the opening of the new building, on 12 May 2008.

Branch librarian, Carolyn Roberts, together with assistant librarian, Nerissa Cottle, threw together an open invitation morning tea from 10.30-11.30am.

People who popped into the library enjoyed the refreshments on offer, whilst contemplating what comment they might leave on the pinboard. There were pin-it notes for library users to “tell us why you love the library”. The board was headed with giant imitation Scrabble letters spelling out – LOVE YOUR LIBRARY.

Many of the messages expressed gratitude for the “friendly, helpful and lovely staff”. One listed four main likes, including “the wide variety of books, fantastically helpful librarians, great environment, and interesting talks”.

Daily library visitor, Sue Seddon, stated, “I love this place. It’s so friendly and helpful – and a sunny place.”

Two giant books of photographs, news items, and articles were available for perusal, courtesy of the impeccable archival skills of library assistant Diane Langford.

Thanks to the ingenuity of library assistant Sarah Worlock, children could help themselves to free bookmarks with stickers. Comments from the children included: “FREE WIFI lol”, “The best place in Golden Bay”, “…the funnest place”, “I love the graphic novels”.

Tish Potter, who was branch librarian during the transition from old library to new, said she couldn’t believe it was already 15 years. “I just oversaw the changeover… I still think we have one of the best little libraries in New Zealand –and so many positive comments from people who come in.”

According to Tish, back in 2008 there was a very limited budget, which had no allocation for new shelving or furniture. The new library had to make do with old shelving and scant furniture. “I had to push and push for it,” said Tish.

She succeeded, and chose all the interior furnishings, including the chunky wooden coffee tables made by local craftsman Chris Astill. The interior colour scheme was decided upon by the project team. “We [also] got a children’s area – and there wasn’t a children’s librarian back in the day,” said Tish.

Nerissa now specialises in the children and youth sector, taking up the role after former staff member Doris Symmons resigned.

Diane remains the longest-serving library assistant, of nearly 40 years. She recalled her wish list for the new premises: “I wanted a desk that goes up and down, and windows I can reach. I got one of the two.”

Carolyn, who has been branch librarian for almost four years, enjoys the ambiance of all the furnishings and décor within the library, “I love the colours, that’s what makes it,” she said.

Amidst cuppas and chatter, the camaraderie of library staff – past and present – was evident, as reconnections, memories, and stories were shared.

With a general election looming, the uncertainty surrounding the Government's water reforms, including any compensatory funding schemes, is likely to remain.

NT economy growing

JO RICHARDS

Growth in The Nelson-Tasman economy was among the strongest of any region in the March 2023 quarter, according to a report issued earlier this week.

Infometric’s Quarterly Economic Monitor for March showed economic activity increased by 4.1 per cent compared to a 2.9 per cent national increase.

Nelson Regional Development Agency chief executive Fiona Wilson welcomed the encouraging news while acknowledging the ongoing economic headwinds. “While it is important to remember that these quarterly figures are subject to fluctuation, and we are in a very challenging regional context, including low productivity, low wages and high housing costs, it is always cause for celebration when the region is heading in a positive direction.”

Ray

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