The peaceful coastal settlement of Pākawau has become an unlikely battleground for the fight against coastal erosion.
For many years, the waves have been nibbling away at the beachfront settlement, occasionally taking big bites when high winds and king tides coincide. The recent storm took yet another chunk out of the coastline stealing the ground from residents' gardens and inching ever closer to their homes.
Last Saturday, Pākawau Community Residents Association (PCRA) president Hugh Gully and past president Laurie Jarrett walked the 300-metre stretch of Pākawau beach, from Tomatea Point to the start of the existing rock revetment.
Damage from the latest storm was clearly evident – several metres of coastline had been washed away, along with vegetation, leaving vertiginous drops of up to three metres at the end of beachfront properties, from which sets of wooden steps hung precariously.
One of the most severely affected is Noeline and Keith Hunter's home at 1134 Collingwood-
Pūponga Main Road, where the steep sand cliff is now only a few metres from the house. That's less than half of what it measured in March 2024 when the couple, along with two of their neighbours, submitted a resource consent application to construct a rock wall of the same design as that installed in June 2023 by the owners of properties at 1126, 1128 and 1130 Collingwood-Pūponga Main Road.
Standing at the end of the revetment Hugh said of the structure, “It just works.” He also pointed out that there was no sign of excessive scouring of the adjacent unprotected coastline – what coastal scientists call the “end effect”.
The construction of that seawall was completed over three days, following 11 years of campaigning by the PCRA that involved commissioning costly consultant reports, paying for a public hearing, and submitting resource consent applications. Consent was initially sought for a 345 metre-long rock wall but, after that was declined, a much more modest proposal was made by the owners of three of the worst affected properties, which was eventually approved.
The second consent application, submitted in March by the owners of the three next door properties including the Hunters, has not yet been granted. Meanwhile, council rules regarding sea defences built on reserve land have changed; property owners must now pay, not only for construction, but also post a bond to cover the full cost of removing structures should that become necessary.
For each of the Pākawau applicants this means writing a cheque for around $60,000 – double the construction cost. Laurie says a $30,000 bond is excessive. “The council are paranoid about risk. We gave information to an engineer who said there was a 5-10 per cent chance of something going wrong, so that should be only $3,000 per section.”
As the buffer zone between the sea and long-standing homes is gradually eroded, Laurie says TDC, rather than offer any mitigation options, is promoting retreat as the solution, but explains this would be very expensive for property owners. “To move a house back would cost around $150,000.”
Golden Bay Community Board held its regular six-weekly public meeting on Monday afternoon at Tasman District Council Service Centre in Tākaka.
After the opening karakia, board chair Abbie Langford welcomed everyone to the meeting which turned out to be a busy three-hour session.
Public forum
Helen Bracefield and husband Warwick Briggs expressed their concern, and that of local vet Inge Bolt, about the public health implications of Tasman District Council (TDC) cutting back its sanitation services. Helen began by praising TDC for “doing a great job” in keeping the streets and beaches clean before criticising the removal of rubbish bins, dog-poo bag dispensers, and the reduction of toilet cleaning and water quality testing.
Warwick read out Inge’s email which called for the “essential services” to remain and stressed the need for “sound financial management”.
Helen closed by urging the public to submit on TDC’s Annual Plan to ensure “these services remain as an operational cost in the budget”.
Kirstie Macleod informed the board that the Tākaka Village Green Acquisition Society, set up in 1997, was to be dissolved as a legal entity. “The society feels their work has been done and the Village Green is safe in TDC hands.” Kirstie added that, while the management of the green will be handed to TDC, Golden Bay Workcentre will manage the noticeboard.
The board agreed to ask for a report from TDC staff about the transition.
Youth member update
The agenda took a bit of a detour to allow a youth member update from Golden Bay High School student Aynsley Thorpe and Golden Bay Workcentre Trust youth worker Karen Howieson.
Karen gave a brief outline of upcoming...
From left, Laurie Jarrett and Hugh Gully on Pākawau beach in front of Noeline and Keith Hunter's threatened home. Photo: Jo Richards.
Continued from page 1
Hugh is concerned about cultural heritage, as well as homes, being lost to erosion. “It might uncover a Māori burial ground,” he says adding that Manawhenua ki Mohua are “very supportive” of the proposed rock wall.
As he walks back along the beach towards Tomatea Point reserve, Laurie contrasts the complex bureaucratic process with the simplicity of the solution. “It’s quick and easy to fix.”
Billy looks back - and forward
JO RICHARDS
A Golden Bay real estate agent is celebrating 15 years in business by signing up for another five-year stint.
Billy Kerrisk, owner-operator of Ray White Golden Bay, says that she began her real estate career on a mission to operate with integrity, and that commitment remains. “I want to give buyers and sellers enough accurate and honest information to make a confident decision. It means buyers can act.”
She recalls her first property sale in 2010 – the Barefoot Backpackers on Tākaka’s Commercial Street. The period villa was sold for just over $300,000. “I’ve never forgotten how it felt to sell that first home. And I have never lost sight of the huge emotional journey the buyer and seller are on at that time.” She’s now notched up sales of almost 500 properties in a market that averages around 100 transactions a year.
Billy admits to being keen on statistics, “I love graphs.” Consequently, she’s able to discuss market trends with plenty of facts and figures. One of the key metrics is property price which, apart from a few blips, has shown a long-term upward trend. Data from a market review document Billy compiled in 2010 shows the median sale price for that year was around $389,000. Fast forward to 2025, and that figure is now close to $900,000.
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The Golden Bay market is, however, far from homogeneous; the old adage “location, location, location” is manifested in widely different prices for similar properties around the Bay. At one extreme, in the prime spot of Tata Beach, a three-bedroom bach recently attracted dozens of prospective purchasers, and was sold by Billy for “well over $2 million” to a cash buyer. It’s one of many properties across the Bay that have been that bought by non-locals over the years – a trend that Billy responded to in 2017 when she expanded into property management for long-term lets. “A lot of the buyers were from outside Golden Bay,” says Billy. “With the growing number of absentee owners I saw the opportunity to offer long-term housing options for those working here in the Bay, whilst protecting the owners assets.”
Her community-minded approach extends to a wide range of local causes including coordinating all the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s Pink Ribbon events across the Bay
and supporting everything from sports teams to the rescue helicopter, and plenty in between. But she acknowledges that it’s not all been one-way traffic. “I’m a member of Bainham Rural Women – they welcomed me and continue to support me.” Billy says she is enjoying her role in the property market more than ever. “I just love it; the way I have the business set up now.” And she is looking forward to continuing. “Over the next five years, I want to continue to learn and grow my knowledge to support as many people as possible in all things property and help them achieve what they want to achieve.”
Billy Kerrisk with her recent Premier award. Photo: Jo Richards.
Coastal erosion threatens homes at Pākawau. Photo: Supplied.
GB Community Board - May
Continued from page 1
...activities which included anti-bullying Pink Shirt Day on Friday, Youth Week which runs next week, and an event around mental health which, she said, will happen “later in the year”.
Councillor Celia Butler asked youth councillor Aynsley for her opinion on whether a bike park/skate park would appeal to the youth of the Bay. Aynsley responded saying, “I think a lot of young people would like that.”
PRESENTATIONS
Marine Farming Association
General manager of the Marine Farming Association (MFA) Ned Wells spoke about marine farming and plastic waste impacts.
After outlining the role and responsibilities of the MFA, Ned focussed on the organisation’s environmental initiatives including its certification programme, organised beach cleaning, response to complaints, and the development of innovative, sustainable technology.
Ned explained that more than 400 hours had been spent on beach cleans in Golden Bay last year and noted, “generally things are getting better”. The improvement, he said, was helped by new float technology designed specifically for high energy environments and now widely deployed in Golden Bay. “We have seen a reduction in the number of float losses.“
Used floats are recycled by Future Posts into fence posts that have an expected lifespan of 50 years, explained Ned who continued with news of biodegradable aquaculture ties that were currently undergoing trials.
The discussion then widened to include social aspects of the Bay’s aquaculture industry, including the allocation of water space to the GB Community Trust – something that is anticipated to generate annual income of around $500,000 to the community – and the donations of profits from two commercial operators to Golden Bay High School.
During the subsequent Q&A session Ned stated that accommodation for workers in Golden Bay was “a real issue” for employers. In light of the industry’s imminent expansion, he was asked whether commercial operators should be contributing to an upgrade of the road around Port Tarakohe, to which he replied. “It’s a challenge to put the infrastructure cost on one user industry.”
Golden Bay Cycle & Walkways Society
That exchange led neatly into Richard Struthers’ presentation regarding vulnerable road users on the Abel Tasman Drive between Pōhara Valley and Port Tarakohe.
Acknowledging that he was “beating the same drum” Richard stressed that there was a risk to all road users which would only increase as the port became busier. He criticised the planning and consenting process for failing to consider the cumulative effects of the expansion despite the legislative limitations. “Beyond the RMA there is a moral obligation... to create a safe route for all users.”
Richard proposed a “collaborative approach” under which incremental improvements could be financed out of maintenance rather than capital budgets, but which did not preclude a properly budgeted long-term plan.
He concluded with a request for the board to lobby TDC for “immediate mitigation measures”.
Dog Control
TDC team leader – regulatory support, Shannon Green, provided an overview of the council’s dog control policies. Shannon summarised what the council can and can’t do under existing policy and legislation, noting that TDC works closely with partners such as DOC and the police on issues beyond its remit.
Following the updating of its bylaw, TDC is introducing new signage to guide dog-owners. Shannon explained that the signs are designed to be highly visible, and use a traffic light model similar to other councils which will provide a consistent approach across different districts. They also display a QR code which links to the Dog Control section of the TDC website. The
new system also has other features, explained Shannon. “We have developed a new map to display the Dog Control Bylaw zones easily and can use your current GPS location, this can be found in the Exercising your Dog page on our website.”
REPORTS
Discretionary fund application
Abbie noted that five applications, each for $500 have been received for the May 2025 round of GBCB discretionary funding. First up was Mohua Timebank, represented at the meeting by Dmitriy Ageyevor and Abha Dod who had compiled a detailed budget for the initiative. In order to get the project off the ground they require an initial total funding of around $94,000.
Dmitriy and Abha provided information about the project before answering numerous questions from board members. Later in the meeting, following a board discussion, it was decided to decline the application until the group had been awarded more substantial funding from other parties. It was agreed that a letter would be sent to Mohua Timebank explaining the outcome.
Collingwood Tennis Club was awarded $500 to help fund an entrance gate and an extension of the corrugated iron fence.
Golden Bay Animal Welfare Society (GBAWS) had applied for $500 to purchase cat food and litter for a large number of kittens. The board agreed to provide the funds but on the proviso it was to promote cat de-sexing – a condition that would be discussed with GBAWS’s Lis Pedersen.
He Matapuna Ora Charitable Trust (Family Start) was seeking funding to contribute towards travel costs, which the the board agreed to grant.
The application from Golden Bay Community Arts Council was deemed insufficiently detailed and the board decided to ask for more information before granting funds.
BOARD REPORT
Special projects
TDC’s Lynn Hall updated the board on progress with its Special Projects, starting with the proposed playground on a council reserve at Pākawau. Lynn explained that one neighbouring resident has expressed strong opposition to the initiative and the board would need to consider the next step.
After some debate, the board asked Lynn to prepare a resource consent application and carry out some consultation with immediate neighbours.
Rototai shed
The board agreed that a shed, part of a now disused radio tower facility at Rototai, and owned by GBCB, is to be removed.
Waitapu toilet
Following a stay of execution, the toilet facility is to be removed as there is no longer any budget to service it.
Te Whare Mahana community representation
It was noted that GBCB will no longer have a representative on the board of Te Whare Mahana but will continue to be kept fully informed about the organisation.
Financial report
There was no financial report available due to staff absence, so the meeting closed just before 4pm.
The next meeting of GBCB is at Collingwood Fire Station on Monday 23 June at 1pm.
John Bertrand Collectables Are Buying in the Takaka and the Nelson Region Next Week
Once again, the gold and collectables buyers from Wellington company John Bertrand Collectables are visiting the Takaka and the Nelson Region next week. Mr Tony Grant from the company says, “If you are downsizing or wanting to dispose of things because they no longer serve any purpose to you or your family bring them in”.
“Next week will be a great opportunity to have any items you want to sell assessed by our buyers” said Mr Grant. Particularly wanted are Gold and Silver (in any of its forms) and Collectables such as Coins, Banknotes, War Medals, Old Wind-up Watches and other interesting Small Collectables.
“We are keen buyers, especially of the items in the list below” said Mr Grant.
“Nothing is too small for our consideration. We are just as happy buying 1 item as we are buying 1,000 items” he said. The buyers will be in Takaka and the Nelson Region next week. (see details below). As Tony Grant points out “If you are in doubt about any items you may wish to sell, bring them along for an instant appraisal.”
Gold & Silver At Near Record Prices
During these uncertain times we have seen a sharp increase in the price of precious metals. The gold price in New Zealand is at near record levels so gather up all your unwanted items and take them along to the buyers. Tony Grant says “We can buy old gold items in all forms, including Jewellery (Rings, Chains, Brooches etc), Coins (Sovereigns and the like), Alluvial (River Gold), virtually anything, even Gold Teeth! We also need all Sterling Silver including Cups, Tea Services, Cutlery and Old Coins” he said.
Interesting Small Collectables Wanted
The buyers from John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd, visiting the Takaka and the Nelson Region next week are happy to look at any interesting items, for example vintage pocket and wristwatches such as Rolex, Men’s Omega, Breitling and gold watches etc. Also wanted, pre 1950’s picture postcards, Maori and Pacific artefacts, old fountain pens and other small antique or historical items.
“If you have something unusual which you would like to sell, please bring it into one of our venues, we would like the chance to at least have a look at it” said Tony Grant, buyer for the Company. “We will consider anything which may be of interest to a collector” he said.
Some Big Dollars in Early Banknotes
Early New Zealand Banknotes dated before 1932 are currently fetching big money! This is according to Mr Tony Grant, author of the John Bertrand New Zealand Coin & Banknote Catalogue. Mr Grant is in the Takaka and the Nelson Region next week on a buying trip for John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd and would be very keen to see any of these issues. “We will pay at least $300 for any undamaged Ten Shilling or One Pound
banknote from a New Zealand trading bank dated 1932 or before.
Denominations of five pounds and higher would be worth from $700. “Any banknote dated prior to 1900 would be worth at least $1000” said Mr Grant. Also purchased are any Reserve Bank of New Zealand pre-decimal issues, especially 50 Pound notes. All overseas banknotes are also wanted, especially early Pacific Island issues.
Collectors Need War Medals
Currently, throughout NZ and the world there is a big demand by collectors for war medals. These cover all wars right through from the New Zealand Land Wars and the Boer War, to the First and Second World Wars and the later Korea and Vietnam conflicts. New Zealand Servicemen and Women first served overseas in the Boer War in South Africa around 1900 and the war medals awarded for this service are needed by the buyers, as are any other Medals from early New Zealand and the New Zealand Wars. General service medals from both the First and Second World Wars will also be purchased, but as can be imagined these were awarded in fairly large numbers. “If a group of medals has any special award for bravery such as the Military Medal, Military or Flying Cross or other medals for Distinguished Conduct or Meritorious Service, these can add great value to a group” stated Mr Tony Grant, buyer for John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd. “Many families have old medals, some dating back to early Imperial days, that they are not sure what to do with. These are better off in the hands of collectors who will look after them. We will be happy to look at any war medals whatsoever, just bring them in to venues” he said.
Old Coins Can Toss Up a Rarity
D o you have a bunch of old coins sitting around in your drawers and cupboards? You just never know what rarities may be lurking there. The advice from Tony Grant from John Bertrand (Collectables) Limited is to “bring them in and let us have a look”. “No need to sort anything out just bring them in ‘as is’ and please don’t clean them! We can go through coin accumulations and collections fairly quickly” he said. The buyers are particularly keen to buy pre 1946 New Zealand Silver Coins for at least 20 times their face value (more for quantity). “In any event we will buy All Coins,” said Mr Grant.
Mr Anthony (Tony) W. Grant
Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd
GOLDEN BAY'S NEWS IN BRIEF
Live Poets: Raffills and Strange
SUBMITTED
The soulful voice and late-night piano of Leigh Strange meet the star-spangled poems of Mark Raffills to create moments of sadness and joy; of despair and redemption in this Mussel Inn performance titled "Ash, Poem and Song".
The one-hour show, originally crafted for the Nelson Fringe Festival 2025, is a collaboration that came about after an open mic session at the Mussel Inn a couple of years ago; Leigh was singing Janis Joplin and Mark was performing his poems and they thought their voices might work well together.
"It took some time to get organised," says Leigh.
The resultant show of mostly original songs and poems has a relaxed and intimate feel about it. Its lounge-room setting allows the audience to sit back and soak up the words and music created by Leigh and Mark.
Leigh Strange and Mark Rafills perform Ash, Poem and Song on Thursday 29 May, 7.30pm at the Mussel Inn. Entry $5 at the door.
SAVE THE DATE
Zatori's rescue heli fundraiser
SUBMITTED
On Saturday 3 May, Zatori in Collingwood held its second Fine Dining Charity Dinner. Over the course of the evening the 40 diners enjoyed four plates and helped to raise an a total of $11,766.20 for the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Trust (NMRHT).
Guests were treated to New Zealand King Salmon, Pearl Veal, and other local delicacies donated by FreshChoice Tākaka and prepared by the chef of the evening Craig Beattie, who came in from Awaroa to donate his time for the cause. Craig was joined by Alan McDermott from Pearl Veal and a group of locals who had a blast in the kitchen and front of house.
One of the auction highlights was a dinner for six people at top Nelson restaurant Hopgood’s in their private dining room, with wines hand selected from Neil Hodgson’s own cellar.
Paula Muddle, NMRHT general manager said, “the crew affectionately refer to the trip over the Hill as the ‘milk run’, as on average we are in Golden Bay three times a week. The locals really know how critical the rescue helicopter service is to their community, and they always show up and are super generous at these events. We wish to thank you all the generous local businesses who contributed to the success of the evening.”
Bowls club's 75th Anniversary
SUBMITTED
Rockville Indoor Bowling Club (RIBC) is celebrating its 75th year of playing bowls.
During this season the club plans to do fun things each club night and hold a "grande finale" on the closing night. There are spot prizes, gifts for new members, gifts for those who just come along to have a go, ex-player night, monthly money mat (15 chances to win up to $75 and double that on the final night), and challenges against the top players will get a prize if they win.
If businesses wish to compete (like in outdoor bowls), the club is happy to set up some nights for them, and welcomes any interested parties to get in touch.
Join RIBC every Wednesday evening at the Collingwood Memorial Hall at 7pm, supper to follow. Contact either Donald 021 032 5312 or Dot 027 915 2791.
Small Things Like These
“Magdalene laundry” is not an expression familiar to many in twenty-first century New Zealand, but star and producer of Small Things Like These, Cillian Murphy decided this shameful aspect of recent Irish history needed to be brought out into the light.
Also known as “Magdalene asylums” these harsh work institutions, usually run by Roman Catholic orders, were first created in the mid-eighteenth century to provide shelter for “fallen women," (which could mean anything from sex workers to single mothers), in return for indentured servitude. Not only was the exploitation and abuse of these women so extreme that the Irish government eventually offered an apology and reparations to survivors, but the last Magdalene laundries continued to operate until the shockingly recent date of 1996.
While working on Oppenheimer (2023), Cillian Murphy knew that fellow cast member Matt Damon was beginning his own production company and pitched an adaptation of Claire Keegan’s novella, (which this film takes its name from), about a fictional incident involving one of these institutions.
Set around Christmas-time in 1985, Murphy plays Bill Furlong: a quiet and hardworking coal merchant. Bill is troubled by flashbacks to his own childhood, when he and his single mother were saved from destitution by a kind elderly landowner, who provided employment and shelter. But the shame of being born out of wedlock seems to have informed Bill’s life.
Now with a family of his own, he makes regular deliveries to the local convent, (which “shelters” young women), but is shocked to discover Sarah, a teenage girl locked in the freezing coal cellar while supposedly under the care of the sisters. The terrifying mother superior, (played with quiet menace by Emily Watson), attempts to smooth over the incident, coercing Sarah to lie, and bribing and threatening Bill.
Although neither articulate or especially courageous, Bill’s conscience is torn by this event, and he is not helped by a friend’s urging not to speak out against the nuns. Very aware of being rescued by a stranger’s kindness when he was a child, Bill must face taking a stand against a corrupt but enormously powerful and entrenched institution to try and do the right thing.
Cillian Murphy can always be relied upon to deliver a memorable performance, and here he brings authenticity and depth to an otherwise simple character. His depiction of Bill is so minimalist that in the hands of a lesser actor the audience could be left with nothing to latch onto. But when Murphy does it we hang on every rare murmured word and soulful gaze. Bill is a decent and honest man, but not one to naturally go against the flow. This is well balanced by his gregarious family of five girls and loving wife, demonstrating the truth in opposites attracting.
The mid-1980s setting is established by occasional snatches of contemporary hits at the local pub, but otherwise the small town of New Ross looks as if it has lain unchanged since the close of the second world war, which seems very much the point. The icy winter creates a palette almost entirely blue and grey, with the glow of Christmas tree lights and crackling hearths warming the interior scenes.
An understated tale of heroism in the most unlikely places, Small Things Like These will have you wondering what it takes to make a person finally choose to not look away from injustice, despite the personal cost. It screens tomorrow at 2pm.
Also tomorrow is the dream cast of Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs in The Salt Path. Playing a homeless couple with nowhere left to go, they walk the longest path in England, encompassing the spectacular South West Peninsula.
Screening Schedule - 16 May to 6 June
Fri 16 4:00 A MineCraft Movie (PG) Encore 7:30 Thunderbolts* (M)
Sat 17 2:00 Small Things Like These (M) Final 7:30 The Salt Path (M)
Sun 18 2:00 Royal Opera: Turandot
7:30 FireBrand (M) Final
Wed 21 5:30 The Seed of the Sacred Fig (M) (subtitles)
Thu 22 7:30 The Salt Path (M)
Fri 23 4:00 Ocean with David Attenborough (PG) 7:30 Thunderbolts* (M) Final
Sat 24 2:00 The Salt Path (M) Final
7:30 Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning (M)
Sun 25 4:00 Cabaret (1972) (M) Classic Cinema 7:30 Bob Trevino Likes it (M)
French Film Festival: 28th May to 8th June
Wed 28 2:00 Saint-Ex (M) (subtitles)
CLASSIC CINEMA:
Sunday 25 May 4pm
We have our 2nd Classic film Cabaret (1972) with the amazing Liza Minnelli. Next Classic film will be after the French Festival.
5:30 Monsieur Aznavour (M) (subtitles)
Thu 29 4:00 When Fall is Coming (M) (subtitles)
7:30 Three Friends (PG) (subtitles)
Fri 30 4:00 All Stirred Up! (M) (subtitles)
7:30 The French Job (M) (subtitles)
Sat 31 4:00 Riviera Revenge (M) (subtitles)
7:30 Jane Austen Wrecked My Life (M) (subtitles)
Sun 1 4:00 The Count of Monte Cristo (M) (subtitles)
7:30 My Brother's Band (M) (subtitles)
Wed 4 2:00 The Divine Sarah Bernhardt (M) (subtitles)
5:30 How to Make a Killing (R16) (subtitles)
Thu 5 4:00 This Life of Mine (M) (subtitles)
7:30 The Thread (M) (subtitles)
Fri 6 4:00 Bolero (PG) (subtitles)
7:30 The Stolen Painting (M) (subtitles)
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THIS PROGRAMME:
FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL: 28 May-8 June:
Screening in 24 towns & cities around NZ, we are extremely lucky to secure this wonderful collection of French cinema to our very own theatre in Tākaka. There is a total of 19 films screening once only (except for The Count of Monte Cristo). See website for descriptions or collect a brochure & programme from the theatre lobby. Please note: there will be no members tickets available for this festival & also no movie vouchers can be used. Book online or at the theatre.
Films that are screening before this festival will be screening again after the festival (unless they are the Final).
Movie Descriptions
BOB TREVINO LIKES IT (M) Comedy/Drama 1hr40m
Barbie Ferreira stars alongside the great John Leguizamo in this award winner about a peoplepleasing young woman who is involuntarily estranged from her narcissistic father. She accidentally befriends a stranger online with the same name as her self-centred father. The encouragement & support from this new Bob Trevino could change her life for the better. Inspired by a true story.
Voilà - The Intrepid French Film Festival Aotearoa 2025 programme has been revealed with 19 amazing films on offer, including epic blockbusters like The Count of Monte Cristo to a vibrant mix of comedies, dramas & romances. Captivating storytelling, powerful characters & thought-provoking scenarios are all on show. Tickets are now on sale online or at the theatre. See website for descriptions of all the films or in the theatre. Vive le cinéma!
OCEAN with David Attenborough (PG) Documentary 1hr45m
David Attenborough explores the planet's undersea habitats, revealing the greatest age of ocean discovery and emphasising the ocean's vital importance while exposing its problems and highlighting opportunities for marine life recovery. Sir David Attenborough is launching what he says is one of the most important films of his career as he enters his hundredth year. He believes his new, cinema-length film Ocean could play a decisive role in saving biodiversity and protecting the planet from climate change.
Set in 1931 Berlin, Liza Minnelli’s performance as Sally Bowles is one of the great performances of musical cinema, she is the star turn at the Kit Kat Klub. Added to the brew is Brian (Michael York) a student from Cambridge University, Maximilian, a wealthy playboy and the sinister MC (Joel Grey, Oscar winner). Based on the stage show and the stories about pre-war Berlin by Christopher Isherwood. It won Oscars for Best Directing, Best Actress and Best Actor in a Supporting Role, and the BAFTA for best film.
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - THE FINAL RECKONING (M) Action/Adventure/ Mystery 2hr50m
Our lives are the sum of our choices. Tom Cruise is Ethan Hunt. Picking up where Dead Reckoning Part One (2023) left off, IMF agent Ethan Hunt continues his mission to stop Gabriel from obtaining the AI program known as "the Entity", a rogue artificial intelligence that can destroy mankind. Armed with the means to shut the Entity down for good Ethan Hunt and the IMF team race against time to prevent the world as we know it from changing forever.
SEED OF THE
FIG (M) Drama 2hr50m (subtitles)
The 10th film of Mohammad Rasoulof is a Cannes award-winning drama centred around an investigating judge in the Revolutionary Court in Tehran, dealing with mistrust and increasing paranoia as nationwide political protests intensify and his gun mysteriously disappears. Suspecting the involvement of his wife and daughters, the judge imposes drastic measures at home, causing tensions to rise.
ALISTAIR HUGHES
Recorded Live Performance
THE
SACRED
FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL (subtitles) 28th May to 8th June
CABARET (M) 1972 Classic Cinema 2hrs
THE BIRD FLIES
The fat sparrow at the Mussel Inn
Perches on the rim of an unfinished beer
And drinks its fill
The bird man left it there, the beer, He knew the importance of sparrows
He knew them by name
He won’t be back anytime soon
He has left the nest of contentment
And the friends he knew
There is no hitchhiker on the corner
Squinting down the long road of tomorrow
Looking for a lift back home
In his wise ways, he always asked For direction home and for the names that he could touch
In the shadows that surrounded him
He knew the fall of sunlight
Through the dark places
And he knew that to fly was to be lifted
By the silent wind
Of the birds’ wings
The fat sparrow at the Mussel Inn
Perches on the rim of an unfinished beer
And drinks its fill
Chris Petyt: Birdman of Golden Bay
RONNIE SHORT
Prominent hitchhiker, Chris Petyt, departed this mortal coil on 25 March 2025. He suffered a stroke while about to imbibe his favourite beer at the Mussel Inn with local comrades.
Born 5 May 1944 in Batley, eight miles southeast of Bradford, West Yorkshire, to parents Phylis and Ernest, he was named John Christopher. Chris, as he became known, had an older brother Malcolm and younger sibling, Anthony. His father was a pharmacist and the family lived in a typical terraced house. The brothers ran to school, played football in the street, and took a bus to the nearby moors to go walking. Chris loved walking, tramping and travelling, in part due to his Aunty Margaret, who took him on walking trips as a youngster, boasting 2500 nights in backpackers herself.
Bradford was a manufacturing town with around 40 wool processing mills burning tons of coal, which polluted the air and diluted the sun. Chris recounted being sent to clinics for ultraviolet light treatments where he and his peers sat giggling as they waited, wearing nothing but underpants and goggles.
For a few years the Petyt family moved to an acre in the countryside where they had a vegetable garden, fruit trees and chickens. Acquiring a car in 1953 meant the family could explore further afield. One such trip, to Ailsa Craig in the Firth of Clyde, stood out in Chris’s memory as it was home to more than 35,000 pairs of northern gannets. Perhaps that’s where Chris’s passion for bird-watching began, further nurtured by visiting the bird observatory at Portland Bill, an island on the southernmost tip of Dorset.
His father died when Chris was 15 and the family had to move back to Bradford where he attended grammar school. He spent weekends and holidays hitching, tramping and birdwatching with avid birdwatching buddy, Derek Scott (who later became a professional ornithologist).
Finishing school, Chris attended university at Magdalen College in Oxford, and during the holidays he hitched his way to Spain, Morocco, Sweden, Switzerland and the Scottish Highlands. Most of these destinations were about visiting or volunteering at bird observatories.
Graduating with a BA Honours in Zoology in 1966, Chris travelled through Europe, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, South East Asia, then Australia, where he met Robyn in Sydney in 1968. After some more travelling, they married in Buckinghamshire in 1971. Two years later their son, Joshua, was born in Bradford. By the end of 1974 the young family travelled to New Zealand to stay with friends in Golden Bay: Liz and Dai Thomas, whom they had met three years prior at a party in London. Having similar interests, they became lifelong friends and their children surrogate siblings. Chris and Robyn’s daughter, Selena, was born in Golden Bay in 1975 before the family relocated to Ngakawau, West Coast, where they set up Pear Tree Farm with friends.
In 1979 Robyn moved to Wellington with the children. Chris worked in Tasman and Wellington, where he worked for the Wildlife Service and tagged birds all over the South Island. He then undertook training at Porirua Police College to become a Fisheries observer. Chris continued to travel whenever possible, including visits back to Yorkshire with Joshua and Selena.
Returning to Golden Bay and living in his bus, Chris spent periods away at sea as an observer, while saving hard to purchase his Tukurua property in 1989. He then set about building an adobe brick house, helped by Joshua. Whenever possible he took trips overseas to remote places to pursue his birdwatching passion.
In 2019 Chris was awarded a Meritorious Service Award for his contributions to birding NZ. Known as the “go-to” person, he was reportedly Golden Bay’s leading ornithologist. Also
Petyt celebrated his 80th birthday on 5 May 2024, at his
he
The Yorkshire Anthem, ie Ilkley Moor bar t'at
a published author, Chris wrote about the Heaphy Track, Collingwood’s historical cemetery and Farewell Spit’s birdlife. Despite deteriorating eyesight due to glaucoma, Chris continued trapping with “Friends of Cobb” as long as possible, enjoyed outings with the “Wednesday Walkers”, his own long walks along the beach, and hitching rides to wherever he wanted to go.
Thanks to Selena, who lives and works in the travel industry in Australia, Chris managed to adventure overseas during the last two winters. He travelled to Bali in 2023 crossing chaotically busy roads by waving his white cane in front of him. “The traffic just went around me,” he said.
In 2024 he again convinced Selena to book him a trip, which took him overland to North Queensland, all the way up to Cooktown, where he had been in the late 1970s. When Selena warned him to watch out for crocodiles he replied, “If a crocodile gets close enough for me to see, it's too late”.
During that visit Selena and Chris worked through an end-of-life care plan, with Chris agreeing to be an organ donor. Joshua later followed up, filling out a long-winded questionnaire, to be finally informed the only thing wanted were Chris’s eyes! Joshua thought his father would have some giggles at that.
Chris is survived by his two children and five grandchildren. At Chris’s memorial at the Mussel Inn Mark Raffills read a poem that he had written for Chris. It is printed at the top of this page.
Photo: Ronnie Short.
AGM NOTICES
GOLDEN Bay Animal Welfare Society AGM, 1pm at the Church of Christ (Formerly God Unlimited) at 93 Commercial St Tākaka. Come hear what we’ve been up to.
GOLDEN Bay High School Home and School AGM will be held in the school library at 7pm on Wednesday 21 May. All members of the school community are welcome.
GOLDEN Bay Genealogy AGM, Sunday 25 May, St John Room, Rec Park at 11am. All welcome.
THE cost to advertise your AGM in this column is 60 cents per word. After your AGM we are happy to publish the committee members' names in the Recent AGM column, no charge.
RECENT AGM / Hui ā tau - Nō nā tata nei
ORGANISATIONS may have their committee members’ names printed in this column for free if emailed to admin@ gbweekly.co.nz
PERSONAL NOTICES / Pānui ake
BILL Fishley's passing: To all the wonderful people who sent cards and came to our gathering at the RSA a very big thank you. From all the family.
PUBLIC NOTICES / Pānui a whānui
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.
ON behalf of the Collingwood Memorial Library I would like to thank Lois Benjamin and the Aorere Flower Show society for funding the new library signage. Thanks also to TDC for the painting of the Collingwood Memorial Hall. This upgrading
CLASSIFIEDS
PUBLIC NOTICES /
has greatly enhanced the street frontage and made it a lighter brighter more appealing area in the main street. Kate Heal, Chair. GB Animal Welfare Society Inc (ex-SPCA). Ph Carol Wells 525 9494, 8am-5pm weekdays.
NARCOTICS Anonymous Golden Bay meeting, Mondays 6pm, 42 Commercial Street, hall behind church. All welcome.
ALCOHOLICS Anonymous, open meeting, all welcome. Thursdays 7pm, 94 Commercial Street. Hall behind the Catholic Church. Ph 0800 229 6757.
FRESH FM needs your help. Are you willing to host a fundraising event to support local radio? Or help run one? Check out our website freshfm.net. We’re a Charitable Trust – a $30 donation (that can be made on our website) is tax deductible.
RESULTS
GOLF
GB Promotion Association would like to advise the community that the GB Visitor Centre will be closing from 9 June 2025
anyone aged 16-24 yrs who
6 May. Barnett R2 (Net): B Miller 76. Closest to pin: B Miller 9/12 x2.
7 May. Stableford: M Shannon 35, J Solly 35, W Rothwell 33. Closest to pin: 3/12 M Shannon, 4/13 W Collie, 8/17 W Collie, 9/18 D Jerram. Twos: J Solly, M Shannon. Best gross: C Hadler 86.
10 May. Stableford: M Dixon 36, P Solly, 34, J Thomason 32. Closest to pin: 3/12 P Solly, 4/13 W Rothwell, 8/17 J Thomason, 9/18 W Collie. Happy wanderer: D Jerram. Best gross: Mike Dixon. Club Champs: R Ancell bt R Dyce, W Collie bt J Riordan, G Rowe bt W Rothwell, M Shannon bt R Miller.
BRIDGE
ROUND 24 RESULTS
Golden Bay Community Health Cardiac Defibrillators for PRIME Emergency Vehicle and Urgent Care
Golden Bay Swimming Inc
First Aid Certificate Renewal for Coaches Golden Bay Museum Society Post Office Heritage Building Golden Bay Housing Trust Solar Panels for Housing Trust Rentals
Sponsor ‘They Shall Not Grow Old’ Movie Screening
GB Riding For The Disabled Horse Feed Supplement
GB Kindergarten Shade Tree for Monkey Bars
Wilderness Canoe Trust Primary Kids Canoe Journey Day Trips
Collingwood Area School Trees, Shrubs and Grasses
Golden Bay Toy Library “Little Tikes’ Cars
GB Community Arts Council ‘Bay Art’ Sponsorship
Congratulations to all our successful applicants. Round 25 opens September 2025 $8000 Community Grant
7 May. Wednesday Champ Pairs Session 3: N/S: P Nelson/J Edmondson 55.83%; P Panzeri/J Pemberton 52.92%; J Harper/H Curtis 52.08%. E/W: A Bradnock/J Hannan 57.50%; C Jackson/B Burdett 57.50%; R McDonald/C Webster 52.08%. H/cap: N/S: P Nelson/J Edmondson 54.48%; P Panzeri/J Pemberton 51.35%; L Field/A Gray 49.33%. E/W: A Bradnock/J Hannan 63.02%; C Jackson/B Burdett 54.69%; J Cooper/G Hope 53.25%.
9 May. Autumn Winds Session 1: L Field/C Mead 58%; D Sarll/A Foreman 54%; E Bradshaw/A Telford 54%. H/cap: L Field/C Mead 59.84%;G Hope/P Jayne 51.13%; D Sarll/A Foreman 50.28%.
HEALTH & WELLBEING / Hauora
MASSAGE. Ph Willem 022 134 1726.
MASSAGE. Ph Paul Frika 027 772 7334. 30 years of experience.
MASSAGE AND REIKI, Emma Sutherland (Ameliorate). Ph: 027 487 2639. www.ameliorate.nz.
NATURAL NAILCARE STUDIO: MAY SPECIAL $20 off all pedicure services (except express pedicure) during the month of May. High quality, non-toxic nailcare, using Dazzle Dry polish system. Specialising in pedicure services. Let me transform your feet! Ph, text or email Amy: Amy.naturalnailcare@gmail.com, 020 4079 0646.
SHAMANIC Healing. Earth-centred work to support and free you from limitations. Step into your power by confronting your truth. Using core techniques of shamanism (drumming, oracle, story, plant medicine) we will re-plot the course that your life is taking. Ph 022 527 1318.
with individuals, children and babies. Ph 027 338 9504 www.inbodyhealth.co.nz ꟾ info@inbodyhealth.co.nz
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, registered. Please phone Ben from Allinson Architecture, 020 471 2479.
ARCHITECT services. Building and resource consents. Residential, commercial and industrial. Chris Pyemont Architects, ph 021 0278 4729.
BOOKKEEPING and admin support. Friendly, reliable, confidential, local. Reclaim your time and peace of mind, that's FAB. www.itsfab.co.nz, hello@itsfab.co.nz
CARS wanted. Will pick up for free (some conditions apply). Motueka Auto Parts. Ph 03 528 9576.
CHIMNEY cleaning, handyman. Ph Ry South 022 513 3947.
LUXAFLEX, blinds, blinds, blinds, "Beauty is in the detail". Ph Tracey at Imagine designs 027 440 0071, showroom 96b Commercial St, Tākaka to view our Luxaflex blind stand.
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.
PICTURE framer. Ph Anna Quartly 027 543 4357.
ROOF spraying and waterblasting. 26 years' experience. Ph Darren Webb Painters Ltd 027 265 0349.
SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED. Ph Shane 027 647 4913.
SEWING SERVICE, NEEDLES, THREADS, WOOL, BEADS. Stitch ‘n Sew ph 525 8177.
SHEERS, curtains, liners, roman blind supplies, duette and roman blind repairs, quality strong curtain tracks. View our vast range fabrics at Imagine designs, 96b commercial St, Tākaka. Curtains and sheers made locally.
STARLINK supply, installation, and WiFi extension. Ph 020 4084 9238.
STUMP grinding specialist. Tree care and property maintenance. Ph Carl 027 263 5353.
SURVEYING: GPS and drone surveys. Topo, building setout, boundary location. Mohua Uenuku Surveying, ph Alexis 021 023 91 364.
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.
TRUSTWORTHY, friendly, reliable and cheap. Tree pruning, gardening, painting, water blasting, sleepout building. All jobs considered. Phone for a chat 022 527 1318.
DISC GOLF: 4.30pm to 6-ish, Park Ave. All levels welcome, disc hire $2.
GB WEEKLY DEADLINE: noon on Tuesdays.
WEDNESDAY 21 MAY
CUPPA AND A CHAT at The Wholemeal Café, 60 Commercial Street, Tākaka, 1.30pm to 3pm, third Wednesday every month. An opportunity to meet others and chat about activities in the Bay. Ph Karen 022 655 9725 for more info.
O NEKAKA PLAYGROUP, all welcome, Wednesdays 10am12.30pm, Onekaka Hall.
THURSDAY 22 MAY
DAYTIME BADMINTON, Rec Park Centre, 9-11am. All welcome. Ph Kerry 027 525 7007.
LATER EVENTS
SIKA - SOUND JOURNEY, Saturday 24 May, Pōhara Hall, 7.309.30pm. Tickets $40, www.sikamusic.com. Door sales $50 (if there's enough space).
KUNG FU EXPERIENCE
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Perfect for couples, a playground for families and a paradise for hikers!
1000 acres of private West Coast to explore 7 unique beaches along 3km of coastline
info@tehapu.co.nz 03 524 8711 www.tehapu.co.nz
from Friday 16 until Tuesday 20 May
Friday: Westerlies freshening for a time. Showers over Kahurangi with a few spreading elsewhere at times.
Saturday: Northerlies becoming strong in exposed areas by afternoon. Rain over Kahurangi, spreading elsewhere during the morning.
Sunday: Strong northerlies with rain, locally heavy at first. Winds easing late morning and southwesterlies developing during the afternoon with a few showers and fine breaks.
Monday: Southerlies developing. Some showers during the morning then fine and cloudy intervals.
Tuesday: Gusty southwesterlies west of Parapara and down some valleys but lighter winds elsewhere. Mainly fine and briefly mild.
The Mussel Inn Coming Up...
Sat 17th SASSAFRAS - bluegrass from the Blueridge Mountains of North Carolina. $20 door. Mon 19th LAST SINGALONG ‘round the piano with CRAIG DENHAM,7pm. All welcome. Thu 22nd QUIZ NIGHT, 7.30pm. All welcome. Sat 24th THE EARLY BOBS - Celebrating Bob Dylan’s 84th birthday. $15 door.
JUNE
Sun 1st JORDAN LUCK BAND. Tickets online, $60 door. Thu 5th QUIZ NIGHT - 7.30pm. All welcome. Sun 15th BEER TASTING COMPETITION (note change of date). $30 entry - email to secure your spot now! for more details see www.musselinn.co.nz
