The Guardian - 1 May 2024

GORDON PREECE

Nelson Obstacle Park in the Moutere Hills is climbing the walls and swinging into the growing world of competitive obstacle

course racing in Aotearoa.

Personal trainer Julia Kelly and her builder partner Kevin Ford, who both live in Nelson, have transformed 104 hectares of bushland into a purpose-built

Remembering Mr. de Castro

ELISE VOLLWEILER

More than a century after his death at Gallipoli, a Motueka man has been commemorated with a family gathering at Ngatimoti’s St James Church on Anzac Day.

Three generations of descendants of Alan Hirst de Castro – 28 people in total – gathered at the church last Thursday, hailing from as far away as Dunedin, Christchurch, Gisborne and Hawkes Bay.

Motueka’s Ed Stevens utilised his own

obstacle park with 50 arduous obstacles over four courses ranging between 2.5 and 10km.

The couple have also revitalised the annual Wairua Warrior event at their Moutere Highway venue

with the first under their ownership taking place in September last year, pulling up 540 international and domestic competitors. The event was previously owned by Greg and Donna Witika and

held at Cable Bay Adventure Park, before the pair moved up north.

Julia says it took three months

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Descendants of Alan Hirst de Castro gathered on the lawn of Ngatimoti’s St James Church last week to commemorate their ancestor and his sacrifice. From left are: Geordie Witters, Amelia Pascoe, Maggie Martin, Fi Martin, Henry Martin, Bella Martin, Frankie Martin, Alice Martin, Duncan Holden, Jack Martin, Walter Martin, Fred Martin, Edward de Castro, Debbie Wilson, Guy Martin, Tiffany de Castro, Stan Martin, Kate Martin, Simon Martin, Caroline Witters, David de Castro, Rob Wilson, Vanessa de Castro, Tim de Castro, Wendy Holden, Matt Holden, Emma Holden, and Amanda Martin. Photo: Supplied.

Commemoration for Motueka man after century wait

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research, as well as the comprehensive resources pulled together by fellow local historian Anne McFadgen, to gather information about de Castro’s lineage, life and ultimately, his death in Gallipoli at Chunuk Bair, on 6 August, 1915. This was shared with the visiting family via an ANZAC Day speech.

Speaking on behalf of the de Castro family, Aucklander Henry Martin says that the information was new to much of the family, and they were thrilled at how

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the day had gone. The dignified ANZAC service through to the haunting rendition of The Last Post on the church lawn made it “one for the memory books”.

“The excellent turnout and the beautiful speech that traced Alan de Castro’s journey—from his schooling at Nelson Boys through his time in the Motueka area to his ultimate sacrifice at Gallipoli – provided a great insight into his life,” says Henry, whose mother was Alan’s niece. “It was wonderful to see Alan’s sacrifice so beautifully remembered and made us all proud to be a de Castro.”

Alan de Castro, born in Blenheim on 14 June, 1889, was the second of four children. His parents were William Waring

Knox de Castro, who for 20 years held a deputy registrar position with the Supreme Court in Nelson, and Helen “Nellie” Radcliffe Dixon, whose parents had been pioneers of settlement in the Tākaka Valley. The family lived in Stoke, and Alan attended Stoke Public School and Nelson College. They had many friends in the Motueka and Motueka Valley areas – the Strachans, the Salisburys and the Guys among them – and so they visited often. When his family moved south, following a promotion for his father, Alan instead chose to follow his friendships to Motueka, where he worked for orchardist William Briggs. Like his father, Alan trained in mounted militia, serv-

ing in the 10th (Nelson) Mounted Rifles, and in August 1914, he enlisted in as a trooper with the 10th (Nelson) Squadron of the Canterbury Mounted Rifles.

Anne’s notes remark that “although fit, he must have just scraped through his medical, being exactly the minimum height for recruits at 5ft 4 in.”.

Aboard his troopship Athenic were Ngatimoti acquaintances Hector Guy, Private William Ham and Major Cyprian Brereton. He arrived in Gallipoli that in May 1915, a month before his 26th birthday, and died in battle three months later. Squadron leader John Gordon McCallum, also from Motueka, wrote a letter to his wife, recounting the loss.

“It cost us several men, including little Alan De Castro, well known to many in Motueka and Riwaka,” he wrote. “He was the happiest and best of comrades and the keenest of soldiers, and his loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him”.

Another local, Private Ivan Stafford, wrote to his mother that “Alan De Castro was the pet of the whole regiment, the boys are very cut-up over his death”. Alan’s final resting place is unknown. He is commemorated at the Chunuk Bair Memorial at Gallipoli, his faded name just visible on the list of Canterbury mounted rifle troopers. The Ngatimoti War Memorial also bears his name.

Moutere’s upper and lower strength facility

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of “hard slog” and “sleepless nights” in May last year to construct the “only permanent [obstacle] park in New Zealand” with assistance from local donors and sponsors.

“It has got over 50 obstacles, we’ve got something called a Valkyrie, it’s a great big scaffolding arch with hoops hanging off it and you go up and over with your hands,” she says.

“We’ve got a warrior ladder, which is two ladders, huge wooden ones against each other, and the competitor has to use their hands to go up the inside across the top and come back down again.”

Julia says to go from a bush to a dedicated obstacle course and a platform for a bustling local sports event was “absolutely amazing” for her and Kevin, who is also a globetrotting obstacle course competitor.

“To see all that finally come to fruition was quite overwhelm-

ing, it was breathtaking, it was beautiful, and to be able to provide a service like that was incredible,” she says.

Julia says she and Kevin are also members of the New Zealand Obstacle Sport Association which arranges obstacle course

athletes’ entries in major events like the OCR World Championships and the Olympics.

She says six Nelsonians are currently training for the world champs in Costa Rica in August which includes her partner, Cody Scott, Roydon Hawks, Gareth

Moore and Nathan Edwards, and the park is a game-changer for them.

“A lot of these guys will be the ones that will be applying for the Olympics,” she says.

“There’s a point system, each race gives you points, there are only four events annually in New Zealand, and we’ve got three of the points.

“The more points you get, the more likely you are to represent New Zealand and at some point the Olympics.”

Julia says the next Wairua Warrior event at the park will be held between May 25 and 26, and open days are held at the park at the end of each month for anyone to unleash their inner warrior as well as private bookings for individuals and groups throughout the year.

Visit www.nelsonobstaclepark. co.nz for more information and to register for the Wairua Warrior and individual and group use.

Julia Kelly and Kevin Ford have unleashed their inner warrior by constructing a leading New Zealand obstacle course in the Moutere Hills. Photo: Gordon Preece.

Elation tinged with concern after sighting of great spotted kiwi in Golden Bay

SAMANTHA GEE RNZ

A conservation worker reviewing camera footage for feral pigs in Golden Bay did a “triple take” when a great spotted kiwi appeared on his screen.

“I was a little bit shocked whenafter passing through a few hundreds of images of pigs and stoats and rats - a kiwi popped out.”

Bert Harris said the the discovery of the distinctive bird, clearly visible in footage taken near Pūponga in Golden Bay, blew his mind given the closest known population of kiwi were some distance away in the Kahurangi National Park.

Bert is a field officer for Pest Free Onetahua, a pest eradication project that covers Farewell Spit (Onetahua) and the land south to Whanganui Inlet, including the Kaihoka Scenic Reserve and Pakawau Forest.

He had set up a network of cameras around the base of Farewell Spit to gauge the size of the feral pig population, ahead of a planned hunt to finally eradicate them from the spit itself.

The footage mainly captured pest species and the odd blackbird or thrush.

Weka were sometimes seen moving through the area, and a lone fernbird (mātātā) had been detected, along with some little penguins (kororā) burrows, but this was the first time a kiwi had been spotted.

A stoat was detected by the same camera three minutes after the kiwi was seen, sniffing around where it had been.

“There might be a local resident population of kiwi; that’s probably the most optimistic take on it,” he says.

“God knows where it came from but if it has spread out from a lo-

A

conservation worker was shocked to see the kiwi as the nearest population is some distance away.

cal population then it’s vulnerable, probably young and it is not just stoats out there, wild cats show up quite regularly on those cameras, and dogs, as it is a popular pig hunting area.”

Great spotted kiwi (roroa) are the largest of the kiwi species and are only found in the top half of the South Island, mainly in mountainous habitats.

Despite their size, roroa chicks are still vulnerable to stoats and dogs.

Department of Conservation Golden Bay operations manager

Ross Trotter said great spotted kiwi were found in various parts of the Kahurangi National Park, with some in the north-west Nelson Forest Park.

It is the only kiwi species found in Golden Bay.

The nearest known population was in the Mt Stevens area of

the national park - around 40km away from where this bird was sighted.

A great spotted kiwi had also been sighted in the Kaituna Track area, around 25km away.

Ross says the sighting was significant and it would be working with Pest Free Onetahua to establish if there were other kiwi in the area.

“Acoustic recorders will be put out to record bird calls, including any kiwi calls, to help find this one, and others in the wider area.”

He said the efforts of local conservation groups Pest Free Onetahua and Health Post Nature Trust were helping to protect native species and increase their numbers.

Project lead Brian Alder said the remarkable discovery was a “game changer” given there weren’t many significant land-

based bird species in the area, as it was mostly a habitat for seabirds.

“To have a great spotted kiwi pretty much at sea level, which is unheard of almost... is huge.”

He said it would change their approach to conservation in the area.

“It really solidifies the importance of removing all the pests.

“Now we’ve got lots more questions; like are there more kiwi here, how did it get here, and what lies undiscovered in this unique region?”

Manawhenua ki Mohua (an iwi trust representing Ngati Tama, Ngati Rārua and Te Ātiawa) chair Margie Little said news of the kiwi discovery was

promising.

“It’s just awesome to find a vulnerable tāonga living in this wāhi tapu, it’s going to propel us forward on our shared pest free journey.”

Health Post Nature Trust’s Project team have been undertaking pest control in the region since 2017. This has included 700 traps in the area aimed at protecting the remnant shearwater colonies along the northern coast of Farewell Spit. The Wharariki Ecosanctuary was established at Cape Farewell in 2020, after a pest-proof fence was built to better protect local wildlife.

Photo: Supplied / Pest Free Onetahua.

Man cut down billboard for Reality Check Radio, punched man who put it back up

TRACY NEAL Open Justice Reporter

A man drinking at the Riwaka hotel was so offended by a billboard advertising fringe radio station Reality Check Radio that he cut it down with a battery-operated saw.

When it was put back up Thomas Mark Collet returned with a bucket of paint and when the man who’d put it back up confronted him a verbal exchange ended in a fist-fight - and later court charges.

Collet, of Marahau, admitted charges of wilful damage and common assault in the Nelson District Court on Monday.

Judge Richard Russell told him, while remanding him to appear in court again next month to explore the possibility of Restorative Justice, that while he might

have had a view about the billboard, other people are entitled to their views which must be respected, and within the law.

“By damaging the sign and assaulting a person you have broken the law,” Judge Russell said.

At about midday on Monday, February 5 this year Collet, 58, was at the Riwaka Hotel on Kaiteriteri Road.

Police said he took exception to the billboard in a nearby paddock so walked over to where it was placed and cut it down.

The victim in the matter noticed the sign had been cut down and picked it back up.

Just after 3pm on the same day, Collet returned to the site, saw the sign was back up, so went back into the paddock, this time carrying a 10-litre paint container, and poured paint over the bill-

board.

The victim saw Collet return to the site and confronted him as he returned to his vehicle, and then

tried to prevent him from leaving by blocking the driver’s door.

The verbal exchange that started soon became heated and Collet

More dogs, more infringements for

SARA HOLLYMAN

Dog registrations in the Tasman District have increased, with 105 more dogs registered compared with last year.

But it may not mean more four-legged friends, with the increase paired with a sharp rise in the number of infringements issued, mainly for failing to register a dog.

There are now 12,527 registered dogs in the district, compared with 12,422 the previous year.

But Tasman District Council dished out 139 infringement notices during the six months

from 1 October 2023 and 31 March 2024 compared with just 35 during the same time last year.

Of these, 102 were for failing to register a dog, 23 for failing to keep a dog controlled or contained, three for failing to comply with a classification and two for failure or refusal to comply with a bylaw.

No infringements were issued for failing to microchip, compared with four the previous year. TDC say targeted enforcement has kept the numbers of unregistered dogs low.

The number of dangerous and menacing dogs has also

slightly increased. There are now 36 dogs classed as ‘dangerous’ and 91 classed as ‘menacing’.

A report presented to TDC’s Environment and Regulatory Committee last week said that the increase may be a combination of the increase in the number of dogs to the region and those dogs potentially being closer together in urban environments.

More than 200 barking complaints were received during the six month period but a “significant portion” of those came from a relatively small number of complainants, the report said.

punched the man in the face with a closed fist, cutting him under the eye.

Members of the public who saw what happened stopped and then intervened while Collet got into his vehicle and left.

He later told the police he had damaged the sign and that he had punched the victim because “he had asked him to”.

Judge Russell said Restorative Justice would be explored to see if it might help “clear the air” between Collet and the victim.

“You’ve been out of trouble for a long time now so hopefully this was a ‘one-off’,” he said.

Tasman

Tasman’s Fergus is just one of more than 12,000 dogs registered in the district.

Photo: Supplied.

A billboard for Reality Check Radio, similar to that cut down in Riwaka. Photo: Supplied.

World premiere of ‘The Great White Whale’ at the Gecko

FIONA NELSON

Sixty years on, the film of the 1964 expedition to Heard Island to climb the ‘Great White Whale’, Big Ben, will have its world premiere at the Gecko Theatre in Motueka this month.

Local Ngatimoti song-storyman, John Crick, was there as the youngest crew member, and his “creations” feature in the film.

Australian-born John was 17-years-old when he attended the Outward Bound school in New South Wales. It was there he formed a lasting friendship with Warrick Deacock, the founder and director of the school. Five years later, Warrick invited John to join his next expedition to climb Big Ben.

“Warrick was a man of action… he told mighty tales of adventure,” says John. “Warrick had been on major expeditions to Nepal and Alaska, and on Heard Island in 1963 with two scientists, they were caught in a mighty storm. Dealing with that took everything they had.” Heard Island is approximately 1650 km north of Antarctica, and most of it is the ice-covered, active volcano Big Ben.

“I was blessed and mighty grateful Warrick took me on at 22 years, as the apprentice,” says John. “Warrick and some old hands would say, ‘you need to sail beyond half-way to South Africa, then turn and head south. When the butter freezes, you’re there’.”

Most of the crew were not sailors, but they learned. For John, it was rough at the start. He looked upon Patanela as mother ship, looking after herself and covering crew errors too. At night he sang to her.

“The galley was great for yarns and songs. Oh, and Warrick (Greasy Deke); his tucker was mighty. We were like a family,” John says. After two months of sailing, they reached the island, only to have the laden landing-boat capsize in the surf.

“Some of us were pinned. Scary, but we survived.”

It took two weeks to climb to the summit.

“Ever-present crevasses, hugely heavy packs and rapidly changing conditions,” John says. “She was a long, heavy tread.”

The other four crew members would laugh that John fell down the same crevasse twice, but John would say the main thing is, you get out of the same crevasse twice.

“The climb was great. Back to the shore, magical. The area had been hammered for many years by seal-hunters seeking the oil and skins. We were blessed to see mother nature in her

loving recovery and regeneration.”

John is “hugely excited” that the film has come to pass. In 2014, at their 50 year reunion in Oamaru, film maker Michael Dillon AM, had come over from Australia to record the seven surviving crew members and their yarns.

“We received copies, and thought that was it, just to have a record.” Now 10 years later, they are ready to rock the world premiere documentary. ‘The Great White Whale’ opens at Gecko Theatre, Motueka on 16 May, at 6.30pm.

John Crick holds the book of the expedition written by fellow crew member Philip Temple, ‘The Sea and the Snow’, with his wife Margo. Photo: Fiona Nelson.

Not so daft craft

GORDON PREECE

Around $3000 was raised at Sunday’s Māpua Hall Makers Market which will help keep the hall in operation.

The event, which drew in 31 crafty stallholders from Nelson Tasman to sell their handmade wares, was to raise funds for the upkeep of the community hall on the town’s main street, and to pay the salary for the hall’s coordinator.

Māpua Hall committee secretary

Hilary Clifton says the vibe was “gorgeous” and “vibrant”.

“It’s just magical, and of course all the makers bring that extra vibe, they’re all lovely, community-minded people who enjoy being able to market their product,” she says.

“We have to spend huge amounts of money to keep it running, the insurance alone last year was some-

where near $23,000, and we’ve now got bits that need redoing.

“It was refurbished in 2013 and it’s starting to age a little bit… the back deck needs replacing, and it will cost $70,000 to be replaced, we’ve got a ceiling problem in one of the side rooms, and the Bill Marris room needs urgent work,” she says.

Hilary says it costs approximately $85,000 per annum to keep the hall operating.

“Roughly 50 per cent of that amount comes from venue and equipment hire, the balance is raised by fundraising which includes the Māpua Hall Makers Market held three times each year,” she says.

“We aim to raise between $2000 and $3000 at each market event, needless to say, we are incredibly grateful to our makers and our wonderful community as well as our hall committee.”

Collective well-being, one stitch at a time

“A big, beautiful garden of embroidery” is slowly emerging in the fortnightly Stitch Bloom sessions, coordinated by contemporary fibre artist Fleur Woods and librarian Kim Lawrence at the Motueka District Library-Te Noninga Kumu.

Last week’s session was a little quieter, as happens in school holidays. Fleur says there are usually about 10 people working on the project, with people coming and going as the weeks pass. They sit in a small circle around the blanket, their hands reaching together and holding the fabric lightly as they each work on a pocket of the collective artwork. The project is a slow-andsteady one, which began in a different form back in 2018 as a “chain letter of fabric”, which was sent from person to per-

son to add a little bit of their own detailing. It was going beautifully until the project was lost in the post, never to be seen again, and it took Fleur a while to regroup and make a new plan.

The clarity came during lockdown, when she realised that although people couldn’t come together to do their crafts, they were still doing them simultaneously. Through her extensive Instagram reach, where she has about 35,000 followers on her page fleurwoodsart, she put the call out for people to stitch individual blooms to send to her, which could then be used in a collaborative piece of work. A fabric bouquet bloomed in her Upper Moutere letterbox as many dozens of handcrafted flowers arrived from around the country and the world. “Obviously it’s quite niche, because we all love thread and flowers.”

These flowers are now affixed to a blanket, and the current Motueka Stitch Bloom sessions involve filling the gaps and covering the edges. It will take many months to complete the project, and the goal is “to have a finished artwork created by many hands that is hopefully a beautiful eclectic garden.”

She has partnered with the United Nations Women’s Council of Aotearoa, and she hopes that the project is completed in time for next year’s International Women’s Day in March. The artwork might be sold as a fundraiser for the organisation, and Fleur is pondering creating a calendar and cards that showcase the work and raise further funds. “The idea is that as women, we can support each other, and there’s a collective sense of goodness and wellbeing that can come.”

ELISE VOLLWEILER

The session’s stitchers last week were Sue Jones, Wendy Cotter, Brenda Jenkins, Fleur Woods, Lesley Trembath, Kim Lawrence and Scilla Young. Photo: Elise Vollweiler.

Māpua Hall committee deputy chair, Jan Heijs, left, and secretary, Hilary Clifton Photo: Gordon Preece.

Nosey Parkers embark on Kiwifruit journey

SUPPLIED CONTENT

A “fascinating exploration” into the intricate process of preparing Kiwifruit for the market, both domestically and internationally, awaited Motueka Nosey Parkers Group on their latest trip.

In April, seven members of the group embarked on an eye-opening journey to the Dehra Doon Packhouse of Thomas Bros.

Led by Paul Thomas, a member of the Thomas family, the group was ushered through each stage of the operation.

From the initial cleaning process to the final packing, automation was the name of the game. A group spokesperson says they were astounded by the efficiency and precision of the machinery in action.

At the heart of the operation was a “remarkable” assembly line where Kiwi fruit underwent meticulous scrutiny. A machine, equipped with 54 cameras, captured images from every conceivable angle as the fruit passed through. These images were then analysed by a computer, swiftly sorting the fruit into first and second-grade categories. The marvel of technology didn’t stop there; machines meticulously assembled packing boxes lined them with plastic and even aided in the packing process itself. Despite the prevalence of automation, the human touch remained integral. While machines handled the bulk of the work, around 90 workers manned the packing floor. Their tasks ranged from quality control to those intricate jobs still beyond the capabilities of machines.

“What struck us most was the palpable sense of satisfaction and camaraderie among the staff. Their smiles and friendly waves spoke volumes about their contentment with their work,” the spokesperson says.

“Our visit left an indelible impression on each of us. We departed with a newfound appreciation for the labour behind every piece of Kiwi fruit we consume. No longer will we simply see them as a tasty treat; rather, we’ll recognise the dedication and innovation that go into bringing them from orchard to table.”

The Dehra Doon Packhouse stands as a testament to the fusion of technology and tradition, showcasing how modernisation can enhance, rather than detract from, the essence of an ageold industry.

“As members of the Nosey Parkers Group, we are proud to have witnessed firsthand the ingenuity driving our agricultural sector forward.

“A sincere vote of thanks goes to Paul from the group for showing us around, explaining everything to us and answering our many questions. So thank you, Paul.”

Members of the Motueka Nosey Parkers group on a tour of the Dehra Doon Packhouse of Thomas Bros. Photo: Supplied.

Local History

Destructive fire at Collingwood – Part 1

ROBYN PARKES

The 7th of November 1904 bought destruction and enormous losses on the small village of Collingwood as fire sweep through the main street. The morning after the fire the town was left a mass of blackened and smouldering ruins with chimneys remaining, around which were piled sheets of twisted iron. The main street was scorched by the intense heat, and scattered were piles of furniture and goods salvaged from the houses and stores, but which, due to the rapid speed of the fire, was not able to be removed to somewhere safe and was burnt. As the town looked to the cause of the fire and the level of destruction, the sequence of events became clearer.

Francis Stallard, the night before was in his bakehouse with assistant Albert Whitehouse from 10 o’clock to 12.45 making bread. They then went to have some sup-

per and at about 12.55 on returning to the store saw that flames were breaking through the gable end of the store from above the oven, in between the chimneys.

Stallard tried to get into the storeroom but could not as the door leading to it was chained with a padlock. He gave the alarm and woke up the neighbours.

Mr Rait broke open the door of the room with a bar of iron,

but the room was full of smoke, and they could not make out the source of the fire.

Very soon after, men, women, and children poured out into the cold blustery night, most in their night clothes, while the children were hurried from their beds, wrapped in bedclothes, and taken away to places of safety.

A very strong westerly wind was blowing the flames onto

Rait’s general store immediately in front, which soon became ignited, and in a few minutes, it was apparent that the town was doomed. The two adjoining houses, the large dwelling of Mr G. Allan, and Stallard’s boarding house, were soon ablaze. The fire spread, first igniting the Post Office, Cottier’s boot shop, and then Pinkerton’s hotel. By 2am. the sight was heartbreaking. The

high winds whipped the flames up and the fire and smoke was carried seaward, lighting up the countryside for long distances around. Numbers of men, women and children attempted to rescue what they could from the fire.

Explosives stocked in the stores exploded frequently and piles of kerosene cases spewed out liquid fire. Loose corrugated iron and other loosened material, and other sorts of missiles, were blown in all directions. The almost superhuman efforts of a large number of volunteers saved several buildings on the beach from the flames and sparks that were being carried by the wind. Just before 3 o’clock heavy rain and blinding squalls began making the catastrophe even worse. Much of the rescued furniture, stock, and other items, although saved from the flames, were then destroyed by the rain. The total amount of insurance was said to be over £10,000, but with total losses estimated to total nearly £25,000.

Noise complaints decrease

There have been less noise complaints during the past six months, but the drop is not “significant enough to pat ourselves on the back just yet”, according to Tasman District Council regulatory manager, Shane Bruyns. During the six months from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2024 there were 515 noise complaints made compared to 537 for the same time the year prior. Of these, 434 were for music or parties, with another 49 for machinery noise. The ongoing issues with gunfire noise in Golden Downs continue to take up council time and resource, Shane said in a report to council last week. This is despite both clubs putting in “significant effort” to reduce noise levels from shooting. The main issue to resolve is around scheduling and reducing the frequency of shooting, which is still up to five days per week.

Cameras deter illegal dumping

TDC regulatory manager,

Shane Bruyns says council has had no increase in illegal dumping during the past six months. Shane said, in a report to council last week, that the use of covert cameras at several locations seems to have deterred many would-be dumpers. Over the period, only four infringement notices were issued to people who dumped waste on public land, the same as in the 2023 period. The cameras are still being used and are moved to new and potential hotspots.

Freedom campers make return

Freedom camping numbers are steadily increasing across Tasman and moving towards pre-Covid numbers, council’s Environment and Regulatory Committee was told last week. In the six months to 31 March 2024, 75 freedom camping complaints were made and 35 infringements were issued. The Government has introduced new legislation which amended the Freedom Camping Act. Fines have increased and the range of offences broadened,

Collingwood prior to the fire, 1904. Photo: Waimea South collection, Tasman Heritage.

Maths course free for Guardian readers

Top South Media has teamed up with Boost Your Learning, a fast growing Nelson-based business specialising in one-to-one tuition for students from Primary to NCEA.

The reader offer is designed to provide some essential online support for Year 10 and 11 students taking their Numeracy CAA at NCEA Level 1 at the end of May.

The online course normally costs $100 but is being offered free to student readers of The Guardian.

Andrew Board, publisher of The Guardian, welcomed the initiative.

“We are pleased to be able to offer our readers this opportunity to help students for whom this year’s NCEA Level 1 Maths exam is fast approaching. While their interactive course is available elsewhere in New Zealand for $100, it is good to be working with a local business that is clearly an innovator in developing one-to-one tutorials and keen to give free online support to encourage,

complement and reinforce this region’s mainstream educational sector.”

Boost your Learning’s founder and managing director, Amy Johnson added, “Although we only started the business less than three years ago, we have seen outstanding and transformational results from our one-to-one tuition, which is provided by an expanding team of highly experienced and committed teachers. Therefore, creating an online course to cover all the content and skills required to gain basic numeracy skills to pass the CAA was a natural and logical step. We wanted to extend our support to local families through this offer equipping students with the numeracy skills they need to thrive in their exam, while nurturing an enjoyment of mathematics”.

With numeracy failure rates at more than 40 per cent nationally, this interactive online opportunity is now freely available to all local families with stu-

dents preparing for this important exam.

There are four modules in the course: Number, Geometry, Measurement and Statistics. Students taking the course will learn key content and skills in areas such as percentages, ratios, calculator technique, angles, volume and statistical interpretation. Each module is split into a series of five minute lessons with an experienced teacher. Along with an interactive quiz, instant feedback, follow-up work and handy downloadables the total package is cleverly designed to build NCEA Numeracy skills. The tutorials are fully interactive, easy to understand and will help students feel more confident and supported as they prepare for the NCEA exam.

To take advantage of the reader offer, visit www. boostyourlearning.co.nz/ courses before May 10 and use the promo code ‘TOP BOOST’

Create a space that celebrates the beauty and warmth of Autumn.

John Beatson and Heidi Mayer

Ed Stevens

Trevor Knowles and Trindi Walker

Kyle Abbott, Brent Gallagher, Peter Jackson and Bernie Reihana

Nika Rayward and William Dimery-Knight

Chenae Wales, Abby Sim, and Ripeka Hoerara

Gareth Moore and Nathan Edwards

James Crowther-Beale, and Roydon Hawks

Jess Wolter and Kelly Wells

Jessie Black and Sam Crowther-Beale

WHAT’S HAPPENING atourlibrary

Te Noninga Kumu - 32 Wallace St - 03 528 1047

Cultural Conversations Podcast Exhibition – 8 April – 4 May

An Art Exhibition of Portraits highlighting our migrant communities. A beautiful Exhibition well worth visiting.

Kerry Sunderland’s “Belonging in the Baton Valley Book talk

Tuesday 30 April, 6pm-7pm for TUKU 24 Bookings required through www.kerrysunderlandwriter.com/tuku-24-baton-valley-talk

Storytime – Thursday 2 May, 10am10.30am

Babbling Books – 2 May, Thursday, 1pm2pm

Paper Artsy – Thursday, 2 May, 1.30pm3.30pm

History Buffs – Monday 6 May, 10.30am12pm

Book Lover’s Book Club – Monday 6 May, 3pm-4pm Come and share your favourite books over a cuppa.

Stitch Bloom Embroidery group – Monday 6 May, 1.30pm-3pm

Library services on the chopping block

We love our new library.

Susan Pickett

Game, Set, Maestro for club’s new coach

Welcome to Motueka Tennis Club Inc Rita. The club email is Motuekatennisclubinc@gmail.com

Kath O’Regan

Great spotted kiwi found in Golden Bay

Upcoming Events

Nelson Tasman Motorcycle Festival

May 3–4, 8am - 5pm

Kohatu Motorcycle Centre is working to host an event for both Adventure Bikes and Road bikes that both showcases our region to visitors, and allows local adventure riders to enjoy access to a variety of off-road trails that would not normally be available. Road bikers will be catered for with two days of scenic roads throughout Nelson and Tasman while tak-

There are a lot more kiwi’s in the wild than what they think. I’ve seen one many years ago in Fiordland.

David Thomas Healy

Growing

for the future

Trespasses composted, love your style Bill.

Nelson Feds

Back from the brink and gliding into future

Wow, well done, all concerned.

Jane Hender

ing part in Poker runs and mini events individually or in teams of four. Contact dave@kohatumc. co.nz

Fear Club

Riverside Community Cultural Centre, Saturday, 4 May 10am12.30pm

Fear Club is not about healing your fear, making it disappear, or trying to calm it down. It is a safe learning environment that allows you to reconnect to the adult and Archetypal power and intelligence of Fear. szczepaniak.ewa@gmail.com

STREET TALK

STREET TALK

208 High Street, Motueka

www.rwmotueka.co.nz

208 High Street, Motueka www.rwmotueka.co.nz

“The best part of my school holidays has been spending time with my sister.”

“Hanging out with my older sister, she’s awesome.”

What’s been the best part of your School Holidays?

“Having fun with my friends and jumping off the swings.”

“Spending time with my friends riding our bikes.”

Ryder Franklin Motueka

Emby Herewini Motueka

Saint Herewini Motueka

Nikko Thomas Motueka

Relaxed retirement living right in the heart of Richmond

Summerset Richmond Ranges is a modern, established retirement village offering a relaxing and low-maintenance lifestyle. All safe and secure within our fully gated community.

There are a range of brand-new two and three-bedroom villas available now. Plus, with our Moving Made Easy Offer# there’s never been a better time. Including $2,000 towards your legal fees, a complimentary moving package provided by Smart Express, and a six-month weekly fee waiver. Simply sign a sales contract for a selected home between 20 March 2024 and 30 June 2024, settle by 30 September 2024,* and you could be living the Summerset life sooner than you think. Pop along to one of our upcoming Open Days and see for yourself why our residents love the Summerset life.

Love the life you choose.

Open Days

Every Tuesday in May, 10am - 2pm

Summerset Richmond Ranges 1 Hill Street North, Richmond 03 744 3432 | summerset.co.nz/richmond richmond.sales@summerset.co.nz

Ngatimoti Voluntary Rural

Empowering menopausal women in our community

ELOISE MARTYN

Richmond-based Liz van Beek is about to launch an in-person series to empower women to be proactive and self-supporting through the many stages of menopause.

Around the age of 40, Liz started to experience a lot of physical pain and discomfort.

She put it down to her intrepid past of 20 years in adventure tourism, carrying heavy packs and jumping rivers.

However, when she returned home to New Zealand, she realised her symptoms were related to menopause.

So, she took control and embarked on a journey of healing which she is now keen to share with other women through sessions titled ‘Too Hot to Handle’.

“It was a horrible time - mentally challenging and debilitating for around three years.

I had stopped running, it was that painful,” Liz explains.

Liz began to study and trained under Wendy Sweet, a woman with a swag of experience in nursing, physical education, and fitness training and a menopause expert who has guided women world-

Liz van Beek is getting ready to share her menopausal journey with other local women to enable them to support themselves though the many stages of ‘the change’. Photo: Supplied.

wide through ‘the change’.

“I found that small changes brought huge results - things like helping your body by eating less processed food, clean foods, getting back to basics and combining small changes with holistic health modalities that you can do on yourself,” Liz says.

Inspired by the simplicity and vast improvements, Liz has dedicated herself to working professionally in the holistic health field for the

past 12 years.

It is this work that she says has given her experience and knowledge that she is keen to share with other women to enable them to support themselves through the many stages of what’s been labelled as ‘the change’.

“It’s so easy to do these things for yourself once you know how and what to do.”

Starting this month, Liz is welcoming women to weekly ‘Too Hot to Handle’ sessions rotating between Motueka Library and the Nelson Women’s Centre, to come together and work as a community to support women to examine what’s happening for them mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, to enable them to be proactive and self-supporting.

“Sure, we will have information to hand out, but the sessions will be mainly conversation-based and focused on sharing experiences,” Liz says.

Koha (donation) at sessions towards venue hire cost is appreciated.

Anyone interested in connecting can email Liz at info@ natureseffusion.com

Stoke bowl way to victory

Although the green was damp after a few days of rain prior, skies were leaden and there was coolness to the air for the BLAC Design and Build Tournament at the Māpua Bowling Club last month.

The green was heavy, so a lot of jack deliveries meant short ends were the norm. Stepping up to deliver their bowls, quite a few players still ended up short in the first couple games.

Despite the weather there were some great bowls, with Stoke Bowling Club’s team taking first place on the day.

Stoke players John Hanton and Joe Trenker, under the guidance of Steve Delaney, won all four of their games, the only team to do so.

Organisers say a question was

asked during the day by a spectator: “In what other sport can world champions, people in their 90s, people in their teens, both able and disabled, play each other?”

Once again the camaraderie of people enjoying themselves, playing a great sport, meant that bowls won the day.

First Place: Stoke Bowling Club – Steve Delaney, John Hanton and Joe Trenker

Second Place: Richmond Bowling Club – David Walker, Gavin Spark and Gus Cuthbertson

Third Place: Tahunanui Bowling Club – Allan Griffiths, Christine Richardson and Heather Quirk

Hunters gear up for game bird hunting season

SUPPLIED CONTENT

Hunters around the country have their fingers and toes crossed for some foul weather this weekend with the game bird season getting underway.

Fish & Game New Zealand chief executive Corina Jordan says a good breeding season means Opening Weekend looks promising for hunters.

Corina will be joining scores of other hunters this season, gathering wild, free-range game birds during the long hunting season New Zealand has.

“New Zealand has plenty of options for game bird hunters; it’s more than just Opening Weekend; Kiwi hunters can hunt game birds throughout the winter.

“The dry summer had game bird hunters worried, but a good rain would bring smiles to the faces of the approximately 60,000 people who get out in the wild on Opening Weekend,” she said.

Nelson Marlborough: Fish & Game Officer Jacob Lucas says the dry spring/summer period has benefited upland game bird

populations but not so much mallard duck numbers.

“Recent mallard monitoring results show an overall decline in bird numbers which is more pronounced in eastern areas,” he says. “Paradise duck numbers are steady across the region,

with an increase seen in Golden Bay, which also held steady mallard numbers.

“In our travels, staff have noticed decent numbers of mallards within river environments, and this is a good option for those looking for a last-minute

hunting spot – especially if your pond has gone dry.”

He says upland game hunters should have a good season, and encourages hunters to make use of facilitated upland game hunting options at Rabbit Island/ Moturoa and within OneFor-

tyOne (OFO) forests – hit up local staff for details.

“Regardless of what conditions we get over Opening Weekend, we know hunters will have a good time – they love getting out with their dogs and spending time with friends and family,” Corina says.

“Hunting is also a great way to get kids off devices, out in fresh air and teach important skills, instill a desire to protect the environment and help them learn independence.

“Women are also increasingly getting out and having a go, and my experience is that it’s liberating. It’s time to share with your hunting buddies, but it also means you can bring back something delicious and healthy for dinner.

“It’s also a great time to celebrate the massive conservation effort put in by hunters – if it wasn’t for Fish & Game and hunters, there wouldn’t be a lot of these wetlands left. The work done to protect these threatened habitats benefits not just waterfowl that we hunt but provides refuge to native species too.”

Stoke’s Steve Delaney, John Hanton and Joe Trenker. Photo: Supplied.

David Towgood’s Game Bird Habitat Trust stamp winning photo. Supplied.

PROUD SUPPORTERS OF LOCAL SPORT

Despite Kahurangi second five-eighth Chloe Dixon scoring the game’s first try (pictured) in their season opener, it was against the run of play in a tough 50-15 loss to Marist. The rematch of last year’s Women’s Tasman Trophy saw Kahurangi show their heartland passion in an ultimately unsuccessful attempt to fight back against the size and speed of Marist. Photo: Evan Barnes/Shuttersport.

Riwaka fullback Joseph

looks for support after a line break against Takaka at Cooks Reserve on Saturday. With nine tries in the game, the second division side faced stiff competition from the visitors, falling short in a 15-47 loss despite going into halftime separated by just one conversion, 10-12.

You couldn’t wipe the smiles of the faces of the Kahurangi U15 boy’s team after they came from behind to win their opening game of the season against Stoke in the dying minutes.

Symes/Shuttersport.

Photo: Chris

Niuiti

Photo: Chris Symes/Shuttersport.

NBS Motueka

Golf Club

Ladies 9 Holes Tuesday 23 April

1st Meredith Raynor and Carolyn Bollard 48

2nd Pam York and Helen Dryden 33

3rd Colleen Irwin and Christine Horridge 3

Mens Veterans Wednesday 17th April

1st Danny Cuisel 67

2nd Bob Valle 68

3rd Jon Gammon 68

Pah St Cafe Closest to the pin Jon Gammon

Anzac Tournament 25th April in support of the RSA Poppy appeal

Men

1st Archie Huston 39

2nd Peter Fox 38

3rd Peter Johnson 38

Ladies

1st Janis Webster 39

2nd Grace Latimer 38 3rd Jan Dobbie 37

Saturday 27th April

Men Irish Stableford

1st Brian Miller 81

2nd Lloyd Goodall 78

3rd Bryan Mckay 76

Ladies Stableford

1st Sandra Ilton 41

2nd Jocelyn Thomson 37 3rd Donna Mitchell 36

Lower Moutere Store closest to the pin

Men Stu Dixon

Ladies Penny Kim

Sports Results

Rugby:

Tasman Trophy men: Waimea Old Boys 33 - Stoke 19; Kahurangi 43 - Moutere 19; Central - Nelson postponed; Marist bye.

Tasman Trophy women: Marist 50 - Kahurangi 15; Moutere 38 - Waimea Old Boys 22.

No slowing down ability

JACK MALCOLM

While there’s time to celebrate the region sending the biggest team in history to the Halberg Games this year, the work isn’t over for those behind the scenes. With ambitions to continue growing the space, offering more and more locals a chance to play, compete and create memories with their peers, it hasn’t come without a monumental effort to get them there. After Neisha Kindley travelled to the games with her son Joel and family in 2023 alongside two other local families, she decided to become the driving force behind Able Tasman Kids, which has seen exponential growth.

With 15 attendees and their families from the region at the games this year, the afterglow of the event hasn’t quite worn off, she says. “No one knows what the event is like until you’re there. You can’t quite fathom how much it means to have people cheering for their kid with a disability all weekend.”

The Halberg Games are a three-day national sports festival hosted in Auckland that’s open to young people

Second division: Huia 55 - Nelson 33; Waimea Old Boys 17 - Marist 37; Wanderers 24 - Stoke 26; Riwaka 15 - Takaka 47; Tapawera 36 - Collingwood 11; Murchison bye.

Football:

Southern League: Nelson Suburbs 1 -

aged 8-21 with a physical or visual impairment.Neisha says this year’s team is only the start of what she hopes will continue to grow into something even bigger in the years to come.

She says the event is loved almost universally by attendees, and it shouldn’t be contained to their small group.

“I think we’ve found the start of a community, it means that together we can take action to improve inclusion and accessibility. We know it’s a gap. “There are more families and kids that should be part of this.”

While the Halberg Games are still in the rearview mirror, Neisha and the dedicated group of volunteers and organizers are not slowing down.

A South Island edition of the games is held in Christchurch in October, with ambitions to bring an even bigger team with reduced barriers to entry, like travel. There are also plans to reintroduce wheelchair basketball as a league, with a trailer to transport the equipment needed to get it rolling. Neisha says none of what they achieved would have been possible without the

community members who supported their vision.

From the crowd at the Nelson Giants giving the team a standing ovation during quarter-time entertainment to the local businesses and people who donated, the support did not go unnoticed.

While there are too many to thank in print, with plans for a surprise ‘thank you’ on Nelson Airport’s signage, Neisha wanted to give special mention to the Lions Foundation, who were one of the first on board and brought in about half of everything raised to make it a reality.

Cashmere Technical 5.

Women’s South Island Qualifying League: Nelson Suburbs 4 - Universities of Canterbury 2.

Chatham Cup round 1: Mapua 0 - Richmond 2; FC Nelson 9 - Motueka 0.

Premier men: Golden Bay Mountain Goats 1 - FC Nelson Karreni 3.

Premier women: Golden Bay Maidens

3 - FC Nelson Swans 3; Motueka Angels 0 - Nelson Suburbs SPL Reserves 11; Sprig & Fern Tahuna Breakers 4 - Mapua Cougars 0.

Basketball:

NBS Nelson Giants 97 - Taranaki Mountain Airs 116

Smiles on faces is what the Halberg Games is all about, and there were a lot from locals after the region sent its biggest ever team to the event. Photo: Supplied.

Community Notices

MONDAY

SENIORNET MOTUEKA, Mon, 6 May, 10.30am, 42 Pah St. Join us to hear David Ogilvie speak at SeniorNet's meeting. Open to all, visitors welcome.

MOTUEKA ELYSIUM Mon, 9.30am, Muses Café. For Widows and Widowers. Join us for coffee and chat, friendship, and support. Ph: Carol 035285027.

WOULD YOU LIKE A BIKE? Bike Hub Nelson accepts donations of good used bikes, fixes them up and gives them away for a small koha. 142 Saxton Rd. Mon, 5.30-7pm. For other opening times and a map e: bikehubnelson@gmail.com.

MOTUEKA BETTER BREATHERS, Mon, 11.30am, Motueka Recreation Gym ‘Functional Fitness Room’, Old Wharf Rd. A 60-minute series of guided exercises done seated or standing, specifically designed to help those with breathing difficulties. Ph: Jess 0275467675.

MOTUEKA HIGHLAND PIPE BAND, Mon, 7pm. Band is located beside Motueka Recreation Centre. Promoting Scottish tradition and culture. We look forward to your participation. More info: Ph: 027284 8361.

MAPUA FRIENDSHIP CLUB Indoor bowls, 1st & 3rd Mon. Mapua Bowling Club rooms. 2pm, Bring a plate of afternoon tea. Lots of laughs. Ph: Val 035403685.

TUESDAY

/ WEDNESDAY

MOCKINGBIRDS MUSIC GROUP, Tues, 2-3.30pm, Senior Net, Pah St. If you enjoy some fun singing/playing music, come along with your instrument, we’d love you to join us. Beginners very welcome. Ph: Sue 02102416155.

HOPE TENNIS CLUB SOCIAL TENNIS, Every Tues, 9.30am, Hope Tennis Courts, Hope Domain. All abilities most welcome. Queries Ph: 0211729257.

MOTUEKA BRASS, Tues Evenings. Discover your musical talent with us! Join our lively brass band for an unforgettable experience To join Ph: 021728168 or come along.

MOTUEKA ARTS COUNCIL office at Community House, Decks reserve. Wed, 11-3pm. Inquiries about art activities; funding for Art; Art ideas for Motueka. Ph: 0210589388.

YOGA. If you have or have had cancer, we offer restorative yoga classes. Tues, 12.30pm. Ph: 5287669 or e: maureen.urwin@cancernelson.org.nz to reg.

AGE CONCERN TEA & TALK Every Wed, 10.30am, The Shed, 24a Tudor St. More info Ph: 0279214074.

KNIT & NATTER Wed, 10-12pm, Motueka Over 50s Social Hub, 10 Pah St. Friendly group for all ages. Includes refreshments. Ph: Roz 027415636. All welcome.

WALK 4 HEALTH, Wed, 8.30m, Motueka Community Garden. 3050 min walk at your own pace, for any age, any fitness and size. Ph:0273015598 or wellontrack@gmail.com

MOTUEKA ARTS COUNCIL invites all folk interested in community arts in Motueka, to their monthly meetings. 2nd Wed of month, 7pm, community house.

TOASTMASTERS MOTUEKA meet 1st & 3rd Wed of month, 6.45pm start, St John’s rooms, Jack Inglis Hosp, Courtney St. Gain speaking confidently, friendly environment. More Info Ph: Peter 0277468311.

THURSDAY / FRIDAY

WAITAKI OLD GIRLS' SOCIAL GROUP. Fri, 3 May, 10am, Lily’s Café, 19 Buxton Sq. Pop in for a coffee and chat. Queries 0276731145.

NELSON BAYS HARMONY CHORUS, (women’s choir), is seeking new members to join our happy group. Thurs evenings, Club Waimea, Richmond. Ph: Carole 0274360910.

MOTUEKA 50+ WALKING GROUP every Thurs. More info Ph: 0212640403 e: secretary50pluswalkers@gmail.com, or www.motueka50pluswalkers.org.nz.

MOTUEKA LIGHTHOUSE Spiritual Group. Meet, last Thurs of month, 7-9pm, Motueka Community House, Opposite the ISite. Everyone welcome. Donation Appreciated. e: angel3000.h@gmail. com or www.facebook.com/lighthousemotueka.

MEDITATION, Weekly meditation sessions open to all. Thurs, 12.1512.45pm, Te Noninga Kumu - Motueka Library. During term time. No registration needed. Just come along. More info: Ph: Louise Petzold 0278789240.

THE DOCTORS MOTUEKA – Walking Group, Thurs, 9am, by the Janie Seddon Shipwreck carpark. Walking for 30 mins, suitable

DEADLINE: 10AM FRIDAY

50 WORDS OR LESS BY EMAIL ONLY SEND TO: office@topsouthmedia.co.nz

for all fitness levels. Make your daily walk more fun and meet new people. Ph: 035288358.

RUMMIKUB Thurs, 1-4pm, Motueka Over 50s Social Club, 10 Pah St. Friendly group, includes refreshments. All welcome. Ph: Keith 0274516422.

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP meet 1st Thurs of the month, 1.30-3.30pm, Broadgreen House, 276 Nayland Rd. Ph: Bill 035448635 or 035391137.

MOTUEKA G.R.G 2nd & 4th Thurs, 1-3pm, St Andrews lounge, 64 High St. Support group welcomes grandparents/kin raising/ supporting grandchildren. Join us for a confidential relaxed and supportive time with others. Ph: 0211337299.

SENIORNET MOTUEKA, The Genealogy Interest Group meets 2nd Fri, 2pm. Ph: Allan 0279711100 or visit www.seniornetmotueka. org.nz

SATURDAY / SUNDAY

AMPUTEE SOCIETY TOP OF THE SOUTH, Morning Tea, Sat, 4 May, 10am onwards, Toad Hall. For amputees and carers.

WAIMEA HARRIERS, Welcome all abilities for running and walking to join us for the 3rd Wallace Shield event. Sat, 4 May, 1.45pm registration, The Old Domain, Rabbit Island. See website for info. waimeaharriers.nz

HIGGINS HERITAGE PARK Sun, 5 May, 10-3pm, Pigeon Valley Rd, Wakefield.Last Traction Engine steam up before the winter maintenance shut down, jigger & honey barrell rides, model trains, sheds open. Something for everyone young & older. Ph 027 6316786.

CELTIC PIPE BAND CEILIDH DANCE, Sat, 25 May, 7-9pm, Nayland College Hall. Immerse yourself in an evening of vibrant Traditional Scottish Dancing and Music. Indulge in the spirit of the Highlands with our Licensed Bar featuring Whiskey, while relishing a delightful Haggis & light Supper. Don your Kilt, Highland dress, Tartan Accessories. Tickets from Richmond Mall Info Desk.

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE Sat, 10-12pm, Motueka Library. Free services, including copy certification and witnessing signatures are available.

NELSON BRANCH OF ROYAL NZ AIRFORCE ASSOCIATION Meet 2nd Sat each month, 12pm, Club Waimea, Richmond, Phil’s Restaurant. Interesting speakers, raffles and members interested in Avia-

tion Ph: Trever Squires 039706644 or John Bethwaite 035476634. Cost of meal $25

GENERAL GROUPS

RUM MORRIS DANCERS. Musicians and dancers but mostly friends. Slightly random - mostly Tues evenings, sometimes Wed. Get yourself a second favourite form of aerobic exercise. Ph: Dorris 02040618088.

MOTUEKA RIDING FOR THE DISABLED We need more volunteers to help with therapeutic riding sessions. Tues, Wed, Thurs, 8.301pm. Ph: 0211151720 or e: info@motuekarda.nz.

COMMUNITY HARAKEKE WEAVING project by Motueka Art Council is on now at the Library daily till Christmas, everyone can contribute as we weave a tree of putiputi. Special sessions for beginners wanting to learn. Free event.

GREYPOWER MOTUEKA welcomes visitors at the Community House office, Decks Reserve on Wallace St. for ongoing service requests. Discount provider list available. Ph: 035289076 or e: greypowermot@gmail.com.

INDOOR BOWLS, Mon & Wed, 1.15-3pm, Motueka Over 50s Hub, 10 Pah St. All abilities welcome. Ph: Jude 0273244226

RIWAKA CROQUET CLUB, do you and a group of friends/family/ workmates want to spend a fun few hours learning to play croquet? You need a minimum of 8 players, $10 each, all equipment provided and someone from our club to help you learn the game. Full access to the clubhouse kitchen. For info Ph: 0276308910.

SENIORNET MOTUEKA Take advantage of the many interest groups offered. Join SeniorNet Motueka. To join, visit www.seniornetmotueka.org.nz, or Ph: Allan 0279711100.

MOTUEKA MENZSHED, Wed or Thurs 9-12pm, MenzShed, Marchwood Park, College Rd. We have a variety of projects on the go, come and see for yourself. e: secretarymotmenzShed@gmail.com or just turn up.

MOTUEKA TRAMPING CLUB, A diversity of weekend day walks and multi-day trips suitable for a range of fitness levels. Visit www. motuekatrampingclub.org to learn more about your local Club, or e: membership.motuekatc@gmail.com for info on joining.

RED CROSS MOTUEKA BRANCH Fundraising shop, open Mon – Fri, 10-2pm. Community House, Decks Reserve. We sell clothing, house -

hold linen and books. Donations of sellable goods are appreciated. SURVIVORS AND THRIVERS GROUP, if you have or have had cancer, or supported someone else, come and connect. Reg maureen. urwind@cancernelson.org.nz or 5287669.

MULTICULTURAL MOTUEKA welcomes migrants and refugees every Tues & Fri, 8.30 -1pm, Community House, Decks Reserve. We provide connection and practical assistance for newcomers to our region as well as support for all cultural activities happening in our community. Ph 027 5286744 or sez@multiculturalnt.co.nz. MOTUEKA TENNIS CLUB. INC. Social Tennis, Tues & Thurs, 9.30am, Sun, 2pm. Courts behind the Memorial Hall Pah St. Racquets available to borrow for new Members. All welcome.

GATEWAY TO YOUR WELLBEING, Wellbeing is important for all of us to thrive. The shed is a safe place to meet new people in a supportive and caring environment. We can connect you with other agencies for the right support needed. More info Ph: 0279214074, E: admin@ght.co.nz or pop in 24a Tudor St, Motueka.

MOTUEKA DISTRICT BRASS Do you want to be part of a fun, social and competitive band, who make players welcome? e: motueka. brass@gmail.com or Ph: 021728168

MOTUEKA NEWCOMERS New to Motueka? We’re a social group, mostly retired (50+) who meet regularly and welcome newcomers. More info Ph: Jana 035284355.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS. Is alcohol causing problems for your life? Want to stop drinking but can’t? Maybe we can help. Support meetings every day. Ph: 0800aaworks, 08002296757.

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP, If you have or have had breast cancer, come along to this friendly atmosphere. 102 Hardy St, Nelson. Reg: 035391137 or E: info@cancernelson.org.nz.

SUSTAINING TENANCIES Having trouble with your Tenancy? Need help working things through with your landlord or tenant? Gateway Housing Trust. Info E: housing@ght.co.nz or Ph: 035457100.

NEED A LIFT? Mapua Willing Wheels Volunteer Drivers Service, affordable transport around Mapua, Motueka, Richmond, Nelson (no airport runs). To book Ph: 0226822373 or mapuawheels@gmail. com. 24 hrs’ notice required.

NELSON HOSPICE The Motueka shop needs volunteers! If you would like to volunteer for us, please enquire at the shop or Ph: 035281178.

Community notices are free to community groups, schools, churches, gold coin donation events and fundraising only. For classified ads and public notices please call

528

2088. Due to the popularity of this column, while every effort will be made, inclusion cannot be guaranteed for free ads.

Puzzles and Sudoku

'Seaward' - your private, luxury estate

Atop the spectacular Ruby Bay Coast with sweeping sea views, this extensive home was architecturally designed for an exceptional experience - luxury, privacy, and expansive living situated in an exclusive vineyard estate. Rest assured that the scenic view will not be obstructed, as the vines blanketing the land behind are collectively owned by the residents of Admirals Way.

Embracing the natural beauty of its surroundings, yet a short drive from the charming village of Mapua, it provides the perfect blend of seclusion and convenience.

Contact Daniel Reed today to secure your private viewing. bayleys.co.nz/4005126

NEW LISTING

4 2 5

For Sale offers invited over $3,600,000

View by appointment

Daniel Reed 021 548 982 daniel.reed@bayleys.co.nz

VINING REALTY GROUP LTD, BAYLEYS,LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Panoramic views

Introducing this modern abode, nestled on 1.79 hectares of land, boasting breath-taking panoramic views of the Bay.

With two sizable living areas, each seamlessly connected to the deck via double doors, along with four bedrooms (or three doubles and an office), and a chic kitchen featuring a walk-in pantry, this property epitomizes comfort and style. A generous internal double garage and a separate laundry further enhance its appeal.

To view contact Martin Milner or Graham Fielding at Bayleys. bayleys.co.nz/4052030

4 2 2 2

For Sale offers invited over $1,275,000

View 12-12.45pm Sun 5 May or by appointment

Martin Milner 021 039 3316 martin.milner@bayleys.co.nz

Graham Fielding 022 021 1019 graham.fielding@bayleys.co.nz

VINING REALTY GROUP LTD, BAYLEYS,LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Ruby Bay 64 Admirals Way

Motueka 80 Stony Ridge Way