9 March 2022

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Nelson Weekly Locally Owned and Operated

wednesday 9 March 2022

Marg’s search for saviour

Prices and Waimea merge

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Alleged bach arsonist ‘insane’ TRACY NEAL Open Justice Reporter The man accused of burning down a nationally significant heritage bach on Nelson’s Boulder Bank has been found not guilty, because he was insane at the time. The man, whose name and details

are suppressed, appeared via audio visual link in the Nelson District Court on Monday, from a custody cell pending his transfer to a hospital or secure facility. The man appeared on a list of other charges on a range of dates in August and September last year, including assault, assaulting

police, threatening to kill, wilful damage, and committing an indecent act. He was charged with intentional damage by fire following last November’s inferno on the Boulder Bank – a large naturally-formed spit in the Nelson Haven. The fire on November 3 last

year was seen by hundreds and prompted multiple calls to emergency services. The fire service was helped by the Nelson Coastguard, but the small wooden building – built in the 1880s making it possibly the oldest of the six baches which remained, was completely destroyed.

The baches were officially recognised for their special character, said to be exemplary of the traditional and increasingly rare New Zealand seaside bach. They have been the domain of seafaring families for decades, although

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Nelson team leads GODZone Annual endurance race GODZone is currently underway with Nelson Tasman based, world champion adventure racing team Avaya leading the pack. Nathan Fa’avae, Sophie Hart, Stu Lynch and Chris Forne, are returning champions. Heading into the final days, the team have had a 6-7 hour sleep break overnight Sunday. GODZone race director Warren Bates says the experienced team are looking very impressive, consolidating their lead position. “It would be hard to touch them now.” Avaya are expected to cross the finish line later today, or Thursday morning, failing anything untoward happening. GODZone sees teams trek, kayak and cycle 710km from Jackson Bay on the West Coast, to Brighton Beach in Dunedin. Photo: Sean Beale.

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