A small crowd squeezed into the kitchen of the Collingwood Memorial Hall last week for discussions on emergency preparedness and Civil Defence (CD).
Kathy King, emergency management advisor, began by explaining that CD is not a "magic army turning up in an emergency". It is about setting up support for communities to help themselves in an emergency, with trained council staff overseeing the management. CD's regional team of five and a half permanent full-time staff, which covers 120,000 people in Nelson-Tasman, can increase to 80 in an emergency. Kathy said that CD wants to "build the welfare team in Golden Bay, particularly on the western side of Bird's Hill".
A vital part of emergency management is being prepared and Kathy would like every person, and more communities, to have an "Emergency Preparedness Plan". Preparedness, she explained, starts with individuals and families, and Kathy encourages everybody to have conversations at home – to talk about evacuation plans, to ensure tinned food and water is set aside for emergencies, to keep fuel in the car, know the emergency meeting place, and have a grab bag ready to
go. She also advises people to consider their needs, such as food, including food for pets, a list of any medications required and list of contact numbers, a small gas camping stove, first-aid kit, torches, batteries and a batteryoperated radio. Kathy suggested people consider how they will manage with power and communications outages – maybe sit in the car and listen to updates on the radio. Alternatively, CD has emergency radios at Bainham, Pākawau and fire stations, enabling information to be gathered and shared.
Kathy said the next step is to meet with neighbours and close community and fill in a Community Emergency Preparedness Plan, "gather enthusiasm", and identify skills and resources within the group, such as generators or homes with off-grid power, as well as motorbikes or diggers. She urged groups to identify local hazards including floods, tidal waves and earthquakes and spoke about the potential damage that an Alpine Fault magnitude 8 quake would cause. Such an event, she said, could destroy bridges leaving communities "living on islands" with reduced access. She reiterated the importance of preparedness for these impacts and any ways communities could mitigate them.
Once the community plan has been drafted, contact should be made with CJ Webster, the Tasman District Council community liaison person in Golden Bay, who will co-ordinate community plans and ensure no one is left in a "gap" between communities.
After Kathy's presentation Wayne Ricketts, from the Ministry for Primary Industries' animal welfare team, spoke about caring for animals and pets during an emergency. He recommended having a pet grab bag with food, any medications, name tags, contact numbers and cages ready to go. And he echoed Kathy's message that the important thing is to think and plan, plan, and plan.
While the model of a community-led emergency centre is widely used, there may be times when there is the need to set up an official Civil Defence Centre staffed by trained volunteers. CD is looking at running a fullday training course in September and asking people to reach out to CJ or Kathy and become part of the "magic army" of volunteers.
For more information and advice Go to: www.nelsontasmancivildefence.co.nz. Contact Kathy King on 027 538 3463/kathy. king@govt.nz or CJ Webster on 027 426 8050/ claire.webster@tasman.govt.nz
Representation review
The way that Tasman communities are represented at local government level is up for discussion – and the public is being encouraged to have its say.
Tasman District Council (TDC)'s Initial Draft Proposal document, which opens for consultation on 29 July, represents a major milestone in the representation review process, which began at the end of last year when TDC sought “early ideas” on the shape of its council and community boards.
The review is not unique to TDC; it’s something that all local authorities are legally required to carry out at least every six years. The scope of the exercise encompasses several aspects of local governance: amongst the considerations are whether there should be wards, if so, how many, where their boundaries are, and how they should be named. Also on the table for discussion is the number of councillors – in total and for each ward – and how they are elected, plus the role of the Council’s two community boards (Motueka and Golden Bay) and whether any boards should be established or disestablished.
Tasman District is currently represented by 13 councillors spread across five General Wards, as follows: Richmond (4); LakesMurchison (1); Moutere-Waimea (3); Motueka (3); and Golden Bay (2).
There is also a new Māori Ward, created by TDC in September last year, which would increase the total number of councillors to 14. This, however, is currently clouded by uncertainty over the Government’s proposed legislation requiring councils which created such wards without a referendum, as in TDC’s case, to disestablish them or hold a poll at the time of the 2025 local election.
Based on data from Statistics NZ, the population of Tasman’s General Wards ranges from 3990 in Lakes-Murchison, to 19,350 in Richmond (see table next page). Golden Bay’s head-count is 5,590, meaning it has by far the lowest ratio of population to councillors – a statistic that has not gone unnoticed: at previous representation reviews, and during the long and complex process to decide whether a Local Board should be established for Golden Bay, it was pointed out that, on a strictly per capita basis, the Bay was entitled to only one local councillor. However, the community successfully argued that its geographical isolation justified the retention of the “extra” representative, an arrangement that is now being questioned again.
JOYCE WYLLIE
Wayne Ricketts from Ministry for Primary Industries talks about how to manage animals during an emergency.
Photo: Charlotte Richards.
Ward Population Councillors Ratio
Golden Bay 5590 2 2795
Lakes-Murchison 3990 1 3990
Moutere-Waimea 15350 3 5117
Motueka 12500 3 4167
Richmond 19350
Continued from page 1
At last week’s full council meeting, two Richmond councillors – Kit Maling and Mark Greenwood – along with Mark Kininmonth from Moutere-Waimea, proposed reducing the number of Golden Bay Ward councillors from two to one, arguing that developments in communications technology meant the rural community was no longer truly isolated.
Several other councillors, including Golden Bay representatives Chris Hill and Celia Butler, advocated strongly for the status quo. Chris explained that a single councillor would be unable to fulfil all the responsibilities required and the Bay would consequently be left under-represented.
Celia also raised the issues of under-representation and noted the “familiar theme” of rural issues being “minimised” by an urban majority. Picking up on a statement mayor Tim King had made earlier about water-related issues disproportionately impacting rural communities, Celia pointed out that Golden Bay was facing a raft of legislative changes in that area, plus the possibility of a gold mine.
Celia argued that this was relevant to the representation debate because Tasman is a unitary authority with regional (environment-based through the RMA) as well as district (population-based) responsibilities. In Golden Bay the proportion of regional council work to district council work is significantly greater than in urban wards and consequently, using a crude population-based calculation to determine the number of ward councillors is deemed inappropriate.
As far as ward structure is concerned, a number of boundary adjustments have been mooted, along with a more drastic option to merge the five wards into three – Richmond, Golden Bay-Motueka, and Moutere-WaimeaLakes-Murchison. However, any reorganisation must comply with the Local Electoral Act and ensure “fair representation” that recognises “communities of interest”– not an easy task in a district where 59,320 people are distributed unevenly over an area of 9,786 square kilometres.
In the end, Kit Maling’s resolution to amend the proposal document to specify a reduction in the number of Golden Bay ward councillors was voted down. Shortly afterwards, the resolution to approve the Initial Draft Proposal, as recommended, was carried by seven votes to four.
The consultation document is due to be released today with the feedback period running from 29 July to 29 August. Hearings will follow before a final proposal is notified, with subsequent public appeals and objections concluded by December. The final determination by Local Government Commission is scheduled to be completed by April 2025, in time for the next local government election.
For more information, see Tasman District Council notice (right).
Initial proposal for representation arrangements for the 2025 local elections
On 17 July 2024 Tasman District Council reviewed its representation arrangements, and resolved that the following proposal apply for the Council and its community boards for the elections to be held on 11 October 2025:
Council representation
Tasman District Council will comprise a mayor, elected at large, and 14 councillors elected from five general wards and one Māori ward. The wards reflect the following identified communities of interest:
Communities of interest
Ward
Golden Bay General Ward Collingwood, Tākaka
Lakes-Murchison General Ward Murchison, Tapawera, St Arnaud
Moutere-Waimea General Ward
Motueka General Ward
Richmond General Ward Richmond, Hope
Te Tai o Aorere
The population (based on Statistics NZ estimates as of 30 June 2023) that each member will represent is as follows:
In accordance with section 19V(2), Local Electoral Act 2001 the population that each member represents must be within the range of 4,368 +/- 10% (3,931 to 4,805), unless particular community of interest considerations justify otherwise.
The representation of the Golden Bay, Moutere-Waimea and Richmond General Wards falls outside the stipulated range.
The Council proposes that the Golden Bay General Ward be treated as an isolated community and be exempt from complying with S19V(2) on the grounds provided under S19V(3)(a) that non-compliance is required for effective representation of isolated communities of interest within this ward. The Council proposes that the Moutere-Waimea and Richmond General Wards be exempt from complying with s19V(2) on the grounds provided under S19V(3)(a) that compliance would limit effective representation by dividing communities of interest between wards.
Following resolution CN23-09-6 Council has established a Māori ward and proposes that it be named ‘Te Tai o Aorere Māori Ward’. Community Board Representation
It is proposed that there will be two communities which will be represented by community boards, as follows:
The Golden Bay and Motueka Community Boards will each elect four members. They will not be subdivided for electoral purposes. Elected ward members will be appointed to the Boards as follows:
Further information
Copies of the Council’s resolution and maps setting out the areas of the proposed wards and communities are available at Tasman District Council Service Centres and Libraries and on the council website www.tasman.govt.nz and the Shape Tasman website shape.tasman.govt.nz/representation-review
Submissions
Anyone with an interest in the proposed representation arrangements is invited to make written submissions on the Council’s representation proposal. Submissions can be made on the Shape Tasman website shape.tasman.govt.nz/representation-review
Or in writing to:
Tasman District Council, 189 Queen Street, Private Bag 4, Richmond 7050
• Email haveyoursay@tasman.govt.nz
Submissions close 29 August 2024.
Leonie Rae
Chief Executive Officer
24 July 2024
03 543 8400 info@tasman.govt.nz tasman.govt.nz
Tākaka store up for national award
JO RICHARDS
Like a lot of small communities, Golden Bay runs on sponsorship – the ongoing support from local businesses that oils the wheels of local sports, arts and other activities, as well as raising money for good causes.
The many clubs and organisations that benefit from such generosity are quick to acknowledge the support, but some of the larger sponsor companies are keen to give their local operations more formal recognition of their efforts.
ITM is such a company. One of the prizes handed out at its annual conference is the self-explanatory Community Sponsorship Award.
For the previous two years, ITM Tākaka – one the co-operative’s 90 independent stores across New Zealand – was selected as one of a handful of finalists. But this year, still reeling from the effects of the devastating January 11 fire, it was not an easy decision. “We thought twice about entering,” says the store’s marketing manager Sarah Brown.
But enter they did, and, in early June, received the news that they had made the finals and would proceed to the next stage –an onsite video shoot.
Last Tuesday, ITM brand experience manager Lauren Finsden and a film crew came to Tākaka to interview Sarah, her husband and store manager Luke Brown, plus several members of the community. The resulting video will be shown at the awards ceremony in Christchurch next month.
Shot outside in the timber yard, the first filming session featured five young children who had rallied around to support the ITM family in the wake of the fire. Lauren posed the question: “What did you guys do for them when they had the fire?”
Hailie Maree Oliver was first to respond. “I baked them a cake…”
“We made lots of pizzas,” said Blair Cameron.
“Mini pizzas,” said Atlas Lawrence.
Sarah explained that Blair had come running up to her on the
day of the fire and asked, “Is Tim Timber okay?”
Luke, Sarah, Lauren and the film crew then moved inside to the Joinery building where Lauren asked the couple to recount what happened on January 11. Luke began by describing events, from the alarm going off in the early hours, to arriving at the store which was, by then, engulfed in flames.
Sarah gave an emotional account of the same timeline, at times struggling to hold back the tears.
What followed was a heartfelt tribute from Sarah and Luke to the community that stepped up to support the store and its staff though a very traumatic time, and helped it get back on its feet. “We couldn’t have created the store in five days without that help, said Luke.
“It was overwhelming,” added Sarah.
The couple expressed their gratitude to their suppliers, who Luke said were “amazing” and to the tradies: “I can’t thank our customers enough.”
He also acknowledged the wider support. “The biggest thank you is to our community,” said Luke. “We don’t do what we do to get it all to come back to us. We couldn’t have done it without you.”
Sarah added some words of encouragement for other businesses. “The main message is do stuff for your community. Don’t just hand out hoodies, but get out there, go to events and be part of it.”
After the first take, Lauren was clearly happy with the material. “I’ve got enough for an incredible video.”
The footage shot during the four-hour visit will be edited down to a one-minute video to be screened at the gala dinner and awards ceremony – the highlight of the Christchurch conference.
“We won’t see it until we’re in front of 500 people,” said Sarah. “They’ll play the video and I’ll probably cry again.”
But there may also be tears of happiness, should they win on the night. “We’ve made the finals three years in a row, hopefully it’s third time lucky.”
ITM managers Sarah and Luke Brown with, from left, Hailie Maree Oliver, Blair Cameron, Dylan Lawrence, Bailey Batten, Atlas Lawrence.
Photo: Jo Richards
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Cyber insecurity
LETTERS
The recent blunder by cyber security [ha!] firm Crowdstrike which disabled many people and businesses around the world, is unlikely to be the last event of this nature.
The harms caused by floods, earthquakes and other cyber failures could be mitigated by ensuring that we keep the ability to use cash. Those pushing for a cashless society need to acknowledge the danger of being dependent on digital gear that simply does not work. We need cash for many reasons, including being able to buy food and other essentials when the digital system fails or becomes unavailable for whatever reason.
There is a very high price to pay for some of our digital dependencies.
Victoria Davis
Golden opportunity
We are going to need a gold mine to eventually pay for the Waimea Dam.
John Mason
Minor parties calling the shots
We can now see more clearly how this coalition government runs, and we should not be surprised by the power of the minor partners in pushing their unpopular agendas. For example the “chewing tobacco” tax reduction from NZ First plays to their big tobacco lobby or perhaps their nod to Siren Gold at Sam’s Creek, through the Fast-track legislation and the Australian mining lobby. Similarly for the ACT party in putting large numbers of well-qualified people out of work. That will drive this country further into recession. Watch the next quarter GDP figures, and particularly the GDP per person. We are surely headed for a financial crisis many have never seen.
Democracy is at stake here as minor parties take executive action. This is ironic given the massive play ACT and NZ First on co-governance which would have granted no executive power to iwi Māori. The Government has shown its response to the very valuable party donations and the lobby effect. The groups to benefit are the highly subsidised road transport sector, landlords, oil and gas, tobacco and vapes. There are others of course like farming and horse racing. New Zealand is heavily affected by the overseas hedge-funds and retirement funds which invest in New Zealand forestry and carbon-farming forestry, who are also major political donors.
Morris Te Whiti Love
Respecting spiritual beliefs
In response to Larry Petterson's letter (GBW, 19/7).
Celebrating Matariki, is not unlike celebrating Christmas and Easter. There are no facts provided at Christmas and Easter as to Jesus's birth or resurrection, it's based on spiritual belief. It's hypocritical to have expectations that Matariki should
be based on fact alone and dismiss Māori spirituality, simply because it doesn't align with differing spiritual beliefs. If people went about their beliefs and religion wholeheartedly without judgement of others doing the very same, the world would be a much better place.
Togo Wilson
Mainstream media v manipulated Meta Meta AI (and similar large language models) can be fabulous tools for finding info and creating texts. But there is a catch, a big one: They cannot be trusted. Anything they write may be pure nonsense. Such programs do not have the capability to know when they are hallucinating. Whereas it is sensible to adopt a fair degree of skepticism when reading mainstream media, the level of skepticism should be infinitely higher when using Meta AI. Be also aware that Meta AI is programmed to be a sycophant – it will agree with, and flatter whoever it interacts with. If you ask it a question indicating that you want it to say that the research by John Cook et al is faulty, it will tell you it was faulty. Hence, Bruce Collings, referring to Meta AI as proof that mainstream media cannot be trusted (GBW, 19/7), is not a solid argument. If you want something more trustworthy, go directly to the original source: Environmental Research Letters, Volume 8, Number 2. It says that “Among self-rated papers expressing a position on AGW (anthropogenic global warning), 97.2% endorsed the consensus.” Seems like, in this case, mainstream media is still more trustworthy than a manipulated Meta AI.
Bjarne
Vandeskog
CORRECTION
In our report on the public meeting held to discuss Sam’s Creek gold mine (GBW, 19/7) we stated: “The surface foam, containing most of the gold, arsenic, and lead, will then be dried to form a ‘filter cake’, which Siren has indicated will be exported through Port Tarakohe…”. It is in fact not yet known how the surface foam will be processed prior to it being transported to Port Tarakohe, but is likely to be in the form of a slurry concentrate, not a filter cake.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
The GB Weekly welcomes letters to the editor. Please email your letter to us at admin@gbweekly.co.nz by 12pm Tuesday. Include the writer’s full name, home address and daytime phone number. Letters will be printed over the name of the writer; names are withheld only when compelling reasons can be established. Letters must not exceed 250 words. Letters that are too long will not be considered. All correspondence is at the discretion of the manager, who reserves the right to decline, edit, or abridge letters without explanation or further discussion. Links to third party websites will not be published. The views expressed are those of the correspondents and are not necessarily endorsed or shared by The GB Weekly.
Pest watch Golden Bay – brought to you by Tasman District Council
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be outlining some of the key weeds and pests that we’re trying to keep tabs on in Golden Bay as well as highlighting landowner responsibilities regarding them under the Tasman-Nelson Regional Pest Management Plan.
Magpies
Australian Magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen) were first introduced to the region in 1865 from Victoria Australia to control pastoral insect pests.
The magpie’s most distinctive characteristic are its black and white colour and its distinctive call (quardle, oodle, ardle, wardle, doodle) - best heard soon after daybreak or in the evening.
Like many other introduced species, the lack of natural predators has resulted in a rapid increase in their numbers.
Their territorial, aggressive nature during the breeding season may lead to swooping attacks on people and anything that may pose a threat to their patch. Research shows that the main threat is they harass and inhibit our native birds, particularly tūī and kererū. This strong territorial defence behaviour has made magpies relatively easy to control, as they can’t resist approaching other magpies in their territory and are easily trapped.
In the Tasman-Nelson Regional Pest Management Plan, magpies are listed as an eradication pest species in the Golden Bay.
We encourage landowners to report magpies on their land, as recently we have had sighting of this pest bird in the Upper Tākaka area.
If you have seen Magpies in Golden Bay, please contact the Biosecurity team at Biosecurity@tasman.govt.nz or contact your local service centre.
NATURE DIARY
We see them on our beaches. Those chunky black shorebirds with pink legs and long bright red bills, variable oystercatchers. With a mean population of 5.07 birds per kilometre the Tasman coastline is identified as the most important wintering site for this species in the world. As well, the sandy beaches and estuaries of Golden Bay and Tasman Bay provide internationally important breeding habitat that supports the largest total number of birds and the highest densities of breeding birds anywhere in New Zealand and the world. Despite these healthy numbers, our local population is highly vulnerable to a range of threats including disturbance by people, vehicles and dogs. Variable oystercatchers breed along almost the entire length of the Tasman coastline. The disturbance that results from human recreational use of the coast makes nesting and raising their young the most challenging task they face. Their nest is a simple scrape in the sand. Two to three eggs are laid with both the male and female sharing incubation. This allows time for each of them to forage on the low tide. Constant disturbance can force the incubating bird to leave the nest with the risk that eggs cook in the hot sun and will not hatch. Within 24 hours of eggs hatching chicks accompany their parents out onto the beach to feed. Unable to fly until they are six to seven weeks of age their lives hang in the balance. The breeding success of variable oystercatchers on our coastline is low. It takes a caring and aware community to raise a chick.
SUBMITTED BY CYNTHIA McCONVILLE
A variable oystercatcher adult offers cockle to a chick at Parapara Inlet. Photo: Supplied.
Growing our own vegetable, herb, and flower seedlings can be somewhat daunting for the uninitiated, but after one season you’ll likely be hooked. To begin, look at the various seed suppliers. The abundance of varieties available allows you to select the most desirable traits, suitability, and number of seed needed – your excitement will soon be piqued.
Sourcing seed raising mix is the next step. Most seed raising mixes consist of a coarse filler for drainage like vermiculite, peat moss for moisture retention, and compost for food. A simple local homemade recipe is one-third Wainui sand, one-third rotted seagrass or leaf mould and one-third well broken-down compost. Use a small punnet or tray, fill it almost to the top, and firm down. Sprinkle seeds evenly across the surface, or in lines in bigger trays. Cover with a thin layer of mix and firm again. Water. Cover with paper and plastic/glass and place in a warm position. For warm-loving crops like tomatoes, peppers, and
watermelons, it's best to use a heat mat, or sprout the seeds in a hot water cupboard in moist tissue first. Once germinated, put seedlings in light and keep moist, but don’t over water. Once the true leaf emerges prick out the biggest, healthiest seedlings into larger pots filled with potting mix. Gently hold the leaf while making a hole with a knife or similar, and pop seedling roots down deep. Cover with extra mix, firm in, and water. Avoid burying the crown or growing point. Potting mix contains coarse material, compost, and additional nutrient rich materials like seaweed meal, worm castings, or blood and bone.
If you use a hothouse make sure it is well cleaned to aid sunlight and warmth, essential for good seedling growth. Once seedlings are large enough (varies between crops), put out on a bench in the sun to harden off for a few days before planting.
Growing your own seedlings is so rewarding and you’ll often have plenty to share around. Enjoy!
GARDEN JOBS FOR AUGUST
The month of August concludes winter with quite a lot to complete before spring arrives.
Preparing the vegetable garden may involve chopping down green crops or forking out weeds, then adding compost and mulching ready for September plantings. Brassicas and early potatoes can go in, now that the days are getting longer. Winter crops like garlic, and autumn sown onions, benefit from weekly spraying with seaweed or other nitrogen-rich brews. It's also a good time to plant asparagus corms into well fertilised beds. Existing asparagus can be fed with compost and mulched with straw. Keep weeding to minimise slug and snail infestations and keep an eye out for shield beetles that are still hibernating but will soon emerge to mate. The hothouse can be supplying winter crops of salad and greens. Add compost to spare beds ready for early plantings of tomatoes etc.
Herbs and herbaceous flowering perennials that are getting overcrowded can be divided and planted elsewhere. The orchard or other areas of the vegetable garden will benefit from more diversity. Replace old strawberry plants with new runner plants. Feed and mulch with woody-based compost. Strawberries can also be integrated into the orchard.
Prune pip-fruit, shrubs and trees, especially shelter trees that might now be shading the garden or house. Chip branches to mulch select plants and/or gardens. Spray disease-susceptible plants with copper oxychloride or lime sulphur before bud burst or flowering. Sap-sucking insects like whitefly on citrus can be minimised by oil sprays. Plant fruits and other shrubs and trees into well prepared holes, adding compost and minerals to the soil surface around trees future drip line. Provide support if in a windy position. Finally, check over tools and equipment ready for spring.
PLANTING CALENDAR
Sow for transplanting: All seeds 5 & 18 August. Onions (red and brown) (best 8, 10–11 August). Spring onions and leafy greens (silver beet, spinach, lettuce, endive, spring cabbages) (also 14–15 & 31 August). Early tomatoes, eggplants and peppers (also 5–6 & 16 August). Flowers, eg carnation (also 2, 12 & 29 August).
Sow direct: All seeds 5 & 18 August. Mesclun salad and spring onions (also 14–15 & 31 August). Peas (net)(also 5–6 & 16 August). Carrots/beetroot, turnip and swede (also 5-6 August). Flowers eg, candytuft (also 2, 12 & 29 August).
SOL MORGAN
Brassica
punnets using Nature's Way seed raising mix at Fertile Ground's hothouse. Photo: Sol Morgan.
Hospital cat needs help to stay healthy
ANITA PETERS
Pippi is the grand old resident cat at Golden Bay Community Health (GBHC). She was estimated to be about 12 when she adopted the hospital as her new home, after crossing the main road from where her owners had recently moved to. Later, when her owners moved again, they agreed to let her stay put. By then, Pippi had familiarised herself with the entire complex, and had endeared herself to everyone; staff, residents, reception, and visitors alike. Having mastered the electronic doors, she continued to reign free over her domain. When not on a resident’s bed snoozing, or cruising the corridors, she is active inside and out, and still hunts every day. Once she was discovered by paramedics in the rescue helicopter ready for its flight to Nelson. Another time she spent a night in the Breast Screening Unit, and when it opened the following morning, she stretched, and calmly walked out. From the earliest time, she has assumed a regal air whilst “sharing her love around,” but always on her terms only.
“She’s got quite a feisty side to her, not everyone can pick her up,” said one staff member. “You can only get Pippi to do what she wants to do.”
Despite having favourite rooms and people, she visits everyone on her rounds, particularly drawn to those with sudden ailing health.
Now a fixture at GBCH for at least seven years, which makes her nearly 20 years old, Pippi is still relatively healthy. Lately though, she has been grumpy and clearly losing weight. A recent vet visit discovered a fractured tooth needing extraction, osteoarthritis in her elbows, suspected feline pancreatitis and early kidney problems. Consequently, she requires special medical attention and a low protein diet.
An urgent fundraising call is out to help pay for Pippi’s costs, targeted at $1500 for initial and ongoing treatments, and prescribed foods. There are high hopes for this beloved cat, surely one of the hospitals oldest and dearest residents
Load control saves you money
Load control is a mechanism that Network Tasman and many other lines companies use to manage the demand that heating water places on the electricity network during ‘peak’ demand periods.
who gives such delight to so many.
Donations are welcome either in an envelope addressed to Pippi or by direct payment to the Vet Clinic at: Rural Service Centre, 02– 0764–0014920–00 (Ref: GOLDE10, code "Pippi".)
Dramatic doggone dog rescue
A remarkable eight-hour canine rescue took place near the Tākaka Hill Walkway recently. Twelve-year-old Jack Russell, Nina, who is also partially blind, wandered out of sight of her owner Holly and fell into a tomo. After searching for three hours and calling with no response, Nelson Dog Search and Tracking was contacted. Their advice? Don't give up hope and keep searching. Always believing Nina was alive, family and friends continued searching daily and resolved to complete a six-day search.
That day will never be forgotten. After more hours of bushwhacking through dense terrain they stumbled across a tomo, from which they could hear Nina’s faint cries. When three members of the Cave Search and Rescue team arrived, they worked for five hours, moving dirt and drilling the "squeeze" through the hourglass shaped hole to enlarge it. The smallest team member, Bee Fradis, who made the descent with ropes and pulleys, said the rescue had been hard work since the squeeze was so small, that coming up was even more difficult than going down. Nina had fallen approximately eight metres. Weak, confused, and covered in mud, the dog leapt into her arms when Bee reached her. They finally emerged from the hole at 9.30pm. Being overweight had aided Nina's survival, she had lost 20 per cent of her body weight but when checked by a vet was declared otherwise fine.
“We are overjoyed and incredibly grateful for everyone’s support and assistance throughout this challenging time,” said Holly.
Cave Search and Rescue is a specialist voluntary group of the New Zealand Speleological Society working with Land Search and Rescue New Zealand. There are about a dozen other cavers in Golden Bay/Tākaka Hill who assist with search and rescue.
“Searching for, and rescuing lost pets is unofficial for us,” said Bee, organiser for Golden Bay. “But we love to assist the community and also relish the extra practice.”
Load control allows Network Tasman to remotely shut off electrical hot water cylinders for a short time during the periods of highest demand. As a result, Network Tasman can keep costs down and pass those savings on to our consumers. Cheaper prices for water heating are shown on your electricity bill as a line called ‘controlled’ or ‘economy’.
Controlling the load in this way doesn’t impact the way you use hot water e.g. to wash dishes, do laundry or have showers. Our aim is to ensure that you don’t even notice that load control is being used.
Load control helps save consumers money because Network Tasman doesn’t have to invest as much money upgrading the capacity of its local network to cope with ever-increasing peaks during the network’s busy hours.
Network Tasman’s Regulatory and Commercial Manager, Daniel Vincent says “If we didn’t have load control, we would have needed to make a significant investment in the network to keep up with the ever-increasing demand some years ago, and consumers would already be paying for that investment in their power bill. Deferring investment keeps our network at a level that’s in line with what the community actually needs and, in turn, keeps electricity prices down”.
“Management of peak load through hot water load control by Network Tasman saves the company and its consumers a significant amount of money every year.”
Pippi, at nearly 20 years old, still queen of her domain is now in need of medical support. Photo: Anita Peters.
The heroic rescue team, from left, Matt Dunwoodie from Motueka, Tony Salmon from Tākaka Hill and Bee Fradis from Tākaka, with Nina the Jack Russell shortly after her rescue from the tomo near the Tākaka Hill Walkway. Photo: Supplied.
CLASSIFIEDS
AGM NOTICES
FRIENDS of Cobb warmly invite you to attend our AGM on Thursday 1 August, 10.30am at the Onekaka Hall. New members welcome.
GOLDEN Bay Cycle & Walkways Society AGM, 7.30pm, Thursday 1 August at the Community Rooms, 88 Commercial St, Tākaka (beside Mohua Social Services). All are welcome!
COLLECTIBLE Vehicle Club AGM, Sunday 4 August, 12 noon at Old School Café. All welcome, ph Mark 027 430 2454.
RECENT AGM / Hui ā tau - Nō nā tata nei
PAKAWAU Branch Rural Women NZ elected officers: Joyce Wyllie, president; Marilyn Ferguson, secretary; Chantelle Riordan, treasurer.
ORGANISATIONS may have their committee members’ names printed in this column for free, email to admin@gbweekly.co.nz
PERSONAL NOTICES / Pānui ake
NEALE, Ngaire Elizabeth Ann, on Wednesday 17 July 2024 at Nelson. Aged 81 years. Dearly loved partner of Don Newport, loved mother and mother in-law of Aileen and Trevor Allen (Richmond), Barry and Evelyn Holmwood (Blenheim), Tamara Neale and Sam Gray (Christchurch). Loved Nana of Sarah and Chris, Holly and Anna, Felix and Rowan. Messages may be sent to the Neale Family, c/- PO Box 110, Blenheim 7240. A private family farewell for Ngaire has been held in Nelson.
FOR SALE / Hei hokohoko
FIREWOOD, good selection. Ph Bay Firewood 027 769 6348. AUTOMOTIVE, marine and deep cycle batteries in stock now at Steve Prince Auto Electrical. Ph 027 616 5211.
BLINDS, blinds, blinds by Luxaflex, "Beauty is in the detail". Ph Tracey at Imagine designs 027 440 0071 for a free measure and quote. 96b Commercial St, Tākaka to view our blind stand and much more.
PROPERTY WANTED / Rawa hiahia
MATURE woman seeks preferably self-contained accommodation in central Tākaka, suitable for study. Experienced gardener. Ph 022 351 5376.
PUBLIC NOTICES
WENDY GILLIAM
YOUR COUNTDOWN IS OVER.....
Nikau Café and Bar would like to thank and wish Wendy all the best for your retirement... it’s Wendy’s last day on Sunday.Thanks heaps Wendy we all hope you enjoy your retirement. All the best from the team at NIKAU CAFÉ AND BAR
Church. Ph 0800 229 6757.
THE Collingwood Area School Nationals team would like to thank the following people for supporting them in their trip to Te Awamutu in the July holidays to take part in the National Area Schools Tournament. Special thanks to the individual player sponsors: the Haare Weston whānau, Hursties Horse Corner, Outback Spraying, and Millers Garage. Additional thanks to Pupu Hydro, Trash Palace, and Tasman Rural Women for their generous donations; Mike Win for his work with Basketball at CAS; Sam Iorns for organising the team and planning the trip; and the parents for all their support.
GB WEEKLY: Stitch ‘n Sew, Tākaka is our agent or you can email us: admin@gbweekly.co.nz (preferred). Office hours are Monday-Wednesday, 9am-5pm. Ph 027 525 8679.
/ Pānui a whānui
Abel Tasman Accounting Limited Xero Certified, Public Practice CA. Taxation services and general business support for clients of all shapes and sizes. Available evenings and weekends. Ph Bronwyn 027 268 4010, bronwyn@abeltasmanaccounting.co.nz
ACCOUNTANT and tax advisor. All Inland Revenue returns filed for big and small businesses and individuals. Self-employed and rental property reports prepared. Day and evening appointments available. Ph Susan Ayton Shaw 929 7507 or email taxayton@gmail.com
ACCOUNTANT. Long-standing market leader with unbeatable professional qualifications and experience. Warn & Associates, ph 525 9919.
ARBORIST, qualified, ph Jack Stevens 021 211 5580.
ARCHITECT services. Building and resource consents. Residential, commercial and industrial. Chris Pyemont Architects, ph 021 0278 4729.
BUILDER: GL Building Tākaka. Renovations, alterations, extensions, new builds, decks and all your repair and maintenance needs. Ph Grant 027 485 5987.
CARS wanted. Will pick up for free (some conditions apply). Motueka Auto Parts. Ph 03 528 9576.
CERTIFIED Passive House designer. New buildings/alterations/ EnerPhit. Ph 021 211 1339.
CHIMNEY cleaning, handyman. Ph Ry South 022 513 3947. CHIMNEY sweep and firebox maintenance. GB Chimney Cleaning ph 027 458 7679.
CLEANER. AJ's Cleaning Services. Visit ajscleaning.co.nz for more information.
COURIERS. TG Couriers delivering between Golden Bay and Nelson five days a week. Ph 027 717 7188.
CURTAIN making, fabrics including velvets, linens, cottons, sheers, liners including sunteen, blockout and triplewoven, curtain tapes, buchram. Tracks in 10 colours, single or double. View the vast range window dressing products including blinds at Imagine designs next to Laser Electrical, 96b Commercial St, Tākaka.
ELEMENTAL Design and Build: New builds, renos, refits, alterations. Environmentally-conscious builders specialising in natural builds. www.elementalbuild.nz, ph 022 087 6396, hello@elementalbuild.nz
FASHION designer. Come for a consultation with Jenny Lyn Walker for a custom designed garment or outfit for special occasions, weddings or events, such as ball season coming up. To ensure your garment is ready in time, book your consultation now. ESSENCE of AROHA AHORA, 90 Commercial St, Tākaka. Ph 027 231 7447, 03 525 6111.
FLORIST, local florist for flowers for all occasions, call now and place your order 027 758 1138 or online www.goldenbayflowers. co.nz. Teresa Brough Designer Florist. FREEVIEW TV, radio, HiFi, WiFi, electronics. Ph 027 246 2432. FRUIT pruning, sustainable property advice and management, edible landscaping, soil testing, garden mentoring. Sol Morgan, GroWise Consultancy, ph 027 514 9112.
GOLDEN BAY DIGGER HIRE 1.7 tonne. Ph 027 713 0684.
GOLDEN Bay Storage, Tā kaka. Dry, safe, secure, alarmed, insurance approved. Furniture trailer available. Ph Marg 027 222 5499, goldenbaystorage@gmail.com
HANDYMAN, maintenance, small building, carpentry, landscaping, chainsawing. Other jobs to be discussed. References provided. Ph Shaun 027 880 3535. HEAT pump installation, sales and servicing. Ph Dave McKay 027 404 4740, 525 8538.
HELPING HANDS ph 525 6226. Te Whare Mahana Supported Employment. Lawnmowing, line trimming, garden maintenance, riparian planting, scrub-cutting, gutter cleaning, recycling, pothole repair, waterblasting, window cleaning, house moves. How can we help? KRW Contracting. Tiling, Ardex licensed waterproofing
goldenbaycarpetcleaners@gmail.com
Ashleigh James Carpets Cars Motorhomes Upholstery
applicator, blocklaying and bricklaying. Ph Ken 021 307 019. No job too big, no job too small.
MOHUA Glass and Glazing. Ph 027 410 9105, mohuaglass@ gmail.com
PAINTER available, call Borrelli Painting for a free quote. All interior/exterior jobs. Ph Luca 022 086 1842.
PAINTING and interior, exterior plastering. Licensed qualified local tradesman. Ph CM Coatings 027 222 0507.
PENINSULA Plasterers for all your interior plastering needs. No job too small. Quality assured. 20+ years’ experience. For a free quote ph Craig 027 472 4376.
SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED. Ph Shane 027 647 4913.
SEWING SERVICE, NEEDLES, THREADS, WOOL, BEADS. Stitch ‘n Sew ph 525 8177.
STUMP grinding specialist. Tree care and property maintenance. Ph Carl 027 263 5353.
TĀKAKA Garden Services, for all your lawn and garden needs. Ph 027 525 8006 or 525 8806.
TILER. Professional wall and floor tiling and design. Wayne Robinson Tiling. Ph 027 576 1620.
MILKER: A part-time fixed-term position is available from mid-August to the end of October 2024 on our dairy farm near Collingwood. Role requires milking 250 cows through a 40-bale rotary with ACR’s. Cups on time 6.30am. Approximately three hours per day. Rostered days, remuneration and duties negotiable. No accommodation available. Contact Sue, ph 027 829 5146 or email naldersferntown@gmail.com
QUALIFIED BUILDER
QUALIFIED BUILDER
We
We
If
contact Dan 0275 525 642
CRANIOSACRAL = realign. Heals nervous system, trauma, chronic pain, insomnia, physical injuries, immunity, anxiety, busy life. For overall body wellness. Ph Alvina for appointments 027 531 6426.
HEALING Room. Life path guidance readings with Aroha Sage. Healing Room also for hire. For sale: books, crystals, essential oils, oracle cards and healthy vegan café food. ESSENCE of AROHA AHORA, 90 Commercial St, Tākaka. Ph 027 231 7447, 03 525 6111.
INTRINSIC Intelligence Massage. Remedial, therapeutic, deep tissue, myofascial release. Ph/txt Sam Specht 022 044 3323. MASSAGE. Ph Willem 022 134 1726.
MASSAGE AND REIKI. Emma Sutherland (Ameliorate). First one-hour treatment - $45 for GB locals. www.ameliorate.nz. Ph 027 487 2639. Tākaka and Collingwood.
GOLDEN BAY MASSAGE
Deep Tissue • Sports • Relaxation Therapeutic • Trigger Point Therapy for Chronic Muscular Pain/Dysfunction Lymphatic Drainage for Lymphoedema & Post Surgery Contact Care for Impact Injury
• Sports & Accident injuries
Provider
• Complex musculoskeletal conditions
• Clinical reviews / Second opinions
• Orthopaedic / Post-operative rehabilitation
• Postural / Biomechanical correction programmes
• Clinical Massage Therapy No GP referral required
Ask us about our no-cost initial Physio assessment Call 0800 749 739 for info or an appointment today
goldenbayhypnotherapy.com
EATING OUT / Kai wahi kē
ANATOKI SALMON fishing and café. Catch your own lunch or order from the menu. Open every day from 10am-4pm. www. anatokisalmon.co.nz
COLLINGWOOD TAVERN. Open 7 days, 11am till late. Catering and large group bookings available. Ph 524 8160.
COURTHOUSE CAFÉ, Collingwood. Open 7 days, 8am-3pm. Saturday evening is dine-in curry night, 5pm-8pm. Ph 524 8194.
COURTYARD CAFÉ, Tākaka. Open 7 days, 7am-5pm. Also, bookings for dinner. Ph 525 8681.
DANGEROUS KITCHEN. Closed for winter break from 28 July until 24 September. See you then!
DE-LISH DELICATESSEN . Sumptuous, delicious food. Lunches, catering, coffee, chocolate, cheeses and epicure items. Weekdays from 6.30am. Ph 525 7111.
ESSENCE of AROHA AHORA, 90 Commercial St, Tākaka. Fresh frequency food and divine delectable drinks. Vegan, vegetarian, GF, DF. Open everyday, 10am to 10pm. Ph 027 231 7447, 03 525 6111.
GOOD AS GOLD CAFÉ, Tākaka. Open Monday-Friday, 7am4pm. Ph 525 8193.
MOLLY B’S, Pōhara. Open 5 days from 9am, weekend brunch 9-11am. Monday and Tuesday open from 3pm. Ph 525 7678.
NIKAU BAR AND CAFÉ, Pōhara. Open 7 days, 8.30am to late. Bookings ph 03 970 3992.
O’SHA. Open Tuesday-Sunday, lunch 11.30am-2.30pm and dinner 5-8.30pm. Ph 525 6117.
THE MUSSEL INN. Open 7 days from 11am. THE WHOLEMEAL CAFÉ. Open 7.30am-3pm daily.
CHURCH SERVICES ON SUNDAYS
GOLDEN Bay Anglican Parish warmly invites you to join them on Sunday, 10am at Tākaka or 4.45pm at Collingwood (starting with a cuppa). Fellowship gatherings (fellowship, songs, prayer and bible study) held fortnightly, 14 and 28 July; traditional services (with a speaker) held on alternate fortnights.
SACRED Heart Catholic faith community winter timetable: Mass, 4pm, 1st and 3rd Sundays of month. Service of the Word, 9.30am, 2nd Sunday of month. All warmly welcome.
ST Andrews Presbyterian Church extends a warm welcome to join us at 10am for a time of worship and fellowship with Rev Craig Kilgour.
UPCOMING EVENTS / Mea pakiri haere
FRIDAY 26 JULY
BADMINTON, REC PARK CENTRE, 7.30-9.30pm. All welcome. Ph Kerry 027 525 7007.
SATURDAY 27 JULY
BOARD GAMING (WITH DUNGEONS & DRAGONS) at GB Community Hall. 12.30pm to 5pm. All ages welcome. See the Facebook group "Board Gaming in Golden Bay", or ph Karen 022 655 9725.
DJ PURPLE DANCE NIGHT. Come along for a boogie! Wear Purple if you can and bring friends, 7-10pm. Fresh frequency food and divine delectable drinks served throughout the evening. ESSENCE of AROHA AHORA, 90 Commercial St, Tākaka. Ph 027 231 7447, 03 525 6111.
TUESDAY 30 JULY
GB WEEKLY DEADLINE: noon on Tuesdays. Late fees apply until 4pm Tuesdays, if space is available. Stitch ‘n Sew is our agent in Tākaka. Or you can email us: admin@gbweekly.co.nz (preferred) or phone us 027 525 8679. Office days are MondayWednesday, closed Thursday and Friday.
WEDNESDAY 31 JULY
O NEKAKA PLAYGROUP, all welcome, Wednesdays 10am12.30pm, Onekaka Hall.
“MASTERING YOUR PASSWORDS”. Come and watch a webinar on learning to create long, strong and unique passwords. 12-1pm, Tākaka Library.
THURSDAY 1 AUGUST
DAYTIME BADMINTON, Rec Park Centre, 9-11am. All welcome. Ph Kerry 027 525 7007.
Upper Takaka Country Club Inc
Upper Takaka Country Club Inc
G B FRIENDSHIP CLUB
kaka Library
Friday: Southwesterlies, gradually tending westerly. Mainly fine and mild for a time.
Saturday: Northerlies freshening for a time, then tending lighter westerly. Brief rain then clearing.
Sunday: Northerlies developing. Scattered rain developing and becoming more persistent later.
Monday: Northerlies freshening. Rain, locally heavy most of the day. Rain may ease at night.
Tuesday: Southeasterlies developing. Rain with snow on the ranges, clearing to a fine day.
Do you want to see your property advertised for sale here? Well, you know who to call! We put you first!
care
McConnon 027 504 2872
ANNIE’S NIRVANA BACKP Centrally located iconic accommodation Decep spacious & licenced for 2 a fully self-contained sep owners’ accommodation approved Call me for al information and to view
Belinda J Barnes 021 236 2840
East Takaka Rd, EAST TAKAKA
LUSH LAND & RURAL LIVING
This 4 0469 ha of easy grazing land along with a tidy 1920's villa, is just 5mins from Town The land is well fenced, flat & features some lovely old Totara Trees in one corner Give me a call today, to arrange a viewing and for all the information
James Mackay 027 359 0892
OUTGROWN YOUR CURRENT HOME?
This substantial family home has been thoughtfully designed to take full effect of the sun and lovely rural views The separate garage provides plenty of storage for all the toys A central location close to Takaka and Pohara Call me today
