Nelson Weekly - 7 June 2023

Dinosaurs roar into town

School bell rings once more

done in the search for the missing bell that she contacted Fair Go.

A new, old bell has been donated to Tāhunanui School after their century-old bell was stolen in August last year, meaning students can now resume ringing the bell each day.

Ruby Powell-Jones, who was a Tāhunanui School student at the time the bell was stolen, but has since moved on to intermediate, felt so strongly that more could be

Following the airing of the show in September, multiple people reached out to both Fair Go and principal Barbara Bowen, offering replacements.

“Who knew so many people had bells laying around in their shed,” Barbara says.

The first to contact Fair Go was Southward Car Museum in Paraparaumu.

Barbara happened to be heading up there for a holiday anyway so went to have a look at the bell.

“Mr Southward had passed away and they didn’t know why he had kept it or where it had come from, but he was a bit of a collector of everything, and they offered it to us.”

She says there were almost signs that the bell was meant for the school.

“When I went to look at it, it had

engraved on the side of it ‘Bowen founder 1848’, Bowen obviously being my last name.”

Knowing a little about New Zealand history, she knew it was too old to have been made here so thinks it must’ve been bought out by early settlers.

When Barbara arrived back at school, she measured to see if the bell would fit – it would.

“When I was up there it looked really, really big so I measured it

a lot of times.” The museum then sent the bell to the school.

“There was a bit of engineering to get it to fit perfectly and to ensure it stays safe, but it’s up now, we had an unveiling and now it gets rung every day.”

Ruby was able to come along to the ceremony, along with a parent who is a fireman, and was able to share the history of the original

SEE PAGE 2

Food made to Share. From classic Chinese to signature Thai family dishes, enjoy rich and diverse Asian fusion cuisine. Fully licensed, BYO wine.

The Amazing Dinosaur Discovery organiser Paul Johnson says he is looking forward to bringing the exhibit to Richmond.

Photo: Chris Symes/Shuttersport. See page 4.

SARA HOLLYMAN

The King’s service honours were announced on Monday. Who is someone you would like to recognise for all they do?

Sara Hollyman sara@topsouthmedia.co.nz

Kate Russell kate@nelsonweekly.co.nz

Jack Malcolm jack@topsouthmedia.co.nz Advertising Sales

Lauren Rameka-iti lauren@nelsonweekly.co.nz

Reuben Dudley reuben@nelsonweekly.co.nz

“Dr Lorraine Eade. She works hard with our team at to help and support whānau across Te Tauihu. She has also supported me through my journey. Lorr is a wāhine I look up to.”

“My sister-in-law, Rosemary. She’s always willing to help dog-sit our two greyhounds at the last minute and brings them presents. She’s the best.”

“Our camp mum. We’re part of the Getaways group where we all meet up at motor bike rallies around the South Island. Sandra gets us organised and looks after everyone.”

“Pravina Patel who started the ANZ Daffodil Day as a cancer fundraiser. We all know someone who has been affected by cancer. She has done so much for the community.”

School bell rings once more

FROM PAGE 1

bell with those in attendance.

“He told us how the yellow bell had come to be in the school in the first place and then the youngest and oldest child from the school and one of the staff members did the unveilling.

“The kids love it, they almost can’t walk past it without touching it.”

Barbara says it has encouraged more old traditions to be looked at including raising the flag up the mast each day.

And although the bell isn’t the original, it already holds a special place in the heart of those at the school.

“I think being on tv, the build-up, then the time delay all just added to it. Its really important that it’s going to mean something to the school,” Barbara says.

Jannelle Noa Pene

Joshua Duncan

Janice Reuben

Jay Tan

Above: Ruby Powell-Jones, Angelina JoJo, Jane Tambisari and Xavier Cederman at the unveiling of the new bell. Photo: Supplied. Right: Ruby Powell-Jones when the bell was stolen last year.

Photo: Tracy Allan.

Renwick Flats mooted for redevelopment

KATE RUSSELL

Kāinga Ora is proposing to redevelop the Renwick Flats on Examiner St.

The 10 bedsit flats are located at 4 Examiner St and were built in the early 1970s. The site was among 142 social housing units across nine sites in Nelson that Kāinga Ora took over ownership from Nelson City Council in March 2021.

Julia Campbell, regional director for Nelson, Marlborough, and West Coast, says they are still in the early stages of planning for the future of the site.

“We are considering redeveloping the Examiner St site to provide more warm, dry, and modern homes for people in need in Nelson,” she says.

“No decisions have been made about the number of new homes that could potentially be built there. There are also no confirmed timeframes for when any potential redevelopment work could begin.”

Another Kāinga Ora spokesperson says the flats have been empty since December 2022.

“We have supported all our customers who were previously living at 4 Examiner St to find alternative accommoda-

tion. This is our usual process when we are considering redeveloping a site.

“Some of the homes have since been used for short-term emergency accommodation at times.”

The Renwick Flats replaced six brick cottages, referred to as ‘almshouses’, which were built in 1883 as a ‘private housing venture for the poor’.

The cottages were renovated in 1955 but were demolished in 1973 and replaced with what stands there today.

Julia says once they have plans to share they will be in touch with the neighbours of the site again.

“We are planning to allow neighbours and other community members to see the plans, and to find out more about our redevelopment process and timeframes.”

She says they are looking at opportunities to increase their public housing stock in Nelson South, and have already announced plans to build 29 new homes on Waimea Rd. “We’re planning to hold dropin information sessions for the community in June about our proposed redevelopments in the area. We’re in the process of putting together all the information, ready to share with residents at these sessions.”

The Renwick Flats on Examiner St are currently untenanted but are on Kāinga Ora’s radar for redevelopment. Photo: Kate Russell.

Hundreds of people queued, some for hours, as Founders Book Fair opened its doors on Saturday.

The nine-day fair, where tens of thousands of books, magazines, board games, puzzles, DVDs and vinyl records are donated for sale, is a favourite on many local’s calendars. People started queuing hours before the 10am opening in the early morning cold on Saturday to be one of the first to stream through the gates and get the first pick of books on offer.

The book bonanza has been running since 1988, and this year will run through to Sunday, 11 June. The book fair is a fundraiser for projects at Founders Heritage Park and is organised by the Nelson City Council. With more donations coming in by the day, a $5 weekly pass can be bought, with a day pass $2. Entry is free for children under 12.

Jack Malcolm.

Dinosaurs roar into Richmond

SARA HOLLYMAN

Dinosaurs are getting set to invade Richmond, with more than 30 of the creatures on show over the next two weekends. The jurassic creatures will be on display at Richmond Park Showgrounds from this weekend as part of the Amazing Dinosaur Discovery – an interactive experience that gives the opportunity to see lifesize models, including a Brachiosaurus with a twelve-metre long neck, a Tyrannosaurus-Rex and robotic raptors. The walk-through, theme-park style display gives the opportunity to hear the roars of the Jurassic creatures.

Organiser Paul Johnson says each of the creatures has been modelled on original fossils that have been excavated from around the world, allow-

ing for an accurate representation of each species.

He says the experience offers something unique.

“The interest in dinosaurs is known by everyone, but what we recognised as a team is that kids have seen them on tv and read the books but have very limited opportunity to get up close and touchy-feely with these things,” Paul says.

He says it’s great having the show move around the country rather than in a stationary location like a museum.

“I could see that I could move these around and bring them to the people, so that’s what we do,” Paul says.

Last weekend the dinosaurs were in Motueka, for some sell-out shows.

“We had a fantastic weekend there for two reasons: the local community really came out to support it, even a lot

came from Golden Bay, and secondly, we missed the bad weather.”

The experience will be at Richmond Park Showgrounds on 10 and 11 June and the 17 and 18 June – it’s last South Island showing.

“This is the last chance for anyone to see it in the South Island before it heads back up north,” Paul says.

He says budding palaeontologists can try their hand at fossil panning and bone digging and the dino-mite playground will round off the entertainment.

Paul says while the favourites always seem to vary, the T-Rex is always very popular.

“He’s the biggest and most impressive.

“The great thing is that we get just as many smiley faces from grandparents and parents as we do from the kids,” Paul says.

The Amazing Dinosaur Discovery organiser Paul Johnson says he is looking forward to bringing the exhibit to Richmond.

Photo: Chris Symes/Shuttersport.

Photo:

Rates increase stays at 7.2 per cent

Nelson’s rates increase is set to stay at 7.2 per cent, even though community groups will receive greater funding than initially proposed.

An additional saving of $247,000 has been squeezed out of Nelson City Council’s budget to cover the cost of providing funding to community groups while keeping the rates increase in line with inflation. Organisations identified as supporting the city’s communities of greatest need will receive an inflation adjustment of 7.2 per cent, costing about $44,000, while other groups, facilities, and council-controlled organisations would see just a 3.5 per cent increase at a cost of $183,000. The funding increases only came about following community submissions on the council’s 2023/24 Annual Plan.

“I think we’ve landed in a really good place,” Mayor Nick Smith says. “The issue of cost of living is the single biggest issue for the community right now… Through our disciplined work of keeping rates down to inflation, we can collectively say as council – elected members and staff – that we’re

Councillor Mel Courtney says a 3.5 per cent increase for many community groups is lower than he would like but a full inflation adjustment of 7.2 per cent was not possible.

doing our bit to try and help our community and country manage inflation.”

Councillor Mel Courtney thanked residents for their submissions and says council has listened to the requests of community groups to receive a funding

increase.

“They all expected a full adjustment to their grants to cover inflation of 7.2, but that really wasn’t possible,” he says.

“I don’t believe that anyone around this table is happy with this [resolution to give many

community groups a 3.5 per cent increase], we’d like to have given them the full amount of 7.2, but these are exceptional times, these are difficult times, and we all have to cut our cloth accordingly.” But not everyone thought it was a good use of funds, with council-

lor Matthew Benge wanting more money allocated to the community groups identified as supporting those in greatest need, such as the homeless and hungry children.

“I don’t think we should be patting ourselves on the back because we’ve given them three and a half per cent more than we’ve given a whole lot of people. I think it’s a problem that needs to be fixed.”

Matthew highlights that those two vulnerable groups didn’t, and probably won’t ever, make submissions on the Annual Plan. Councillor Matty Anderson also commented on the relatively monocultural nature of the submission hearings and councillor Kahu Paki Paki mentioned the need for further Māori engagement.

Nick says those comments pose a challenge for council to ensure it engages with the most disadvantaged in the community in the future as it begins to work towards its long-term planning next year. “I do think we need to work harder.”

E-BOXER HYBRID

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MAX FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter

Photo: Max Frethey.

Lawyer brothers-in-arms set high bar in legal careers

TRACY NEAL Open Justice Reporter

Brothers Josh and Mitchell Friend have set a high bar for sibling rivalry.

Josh Friend was among a fresh crop of lawyers admitted to the bar in a ceremony at the Nelson Courthouse last week, at which he was presented by his older brother Mitchell, who was admitted in 2021.

Lawyers working in the High Court have to first be admitted, following further training beyond a law degree. The admission ceremony was held formally in a court. Josh joined Robert Brinkworth, Engela Venter and Kris Main as one of four new barristers and solicitors admitted to the bar at the ceremony.

Justice Andru Isac said they all appeared destined to begin the next stages of their career in provincial areas, which he believed was a solid proving ground for a career in law.

“Never let anyone make you think that working in the provinces is second-rate - the best practitioners learn their trade in our provincial communities.”

Mitchell Friend has recently

SH6 slip repairs complete

moved from Zindels law firm in Nelson, which had a focus on legal aid work, to Keam Law in Auckland.

The gap at Zindels has been filled by his brother Josh. Mitchell, 26, said the benefit of a provincial start was that he had been given a lot more responsibility at a younger age than his colleagues in larger centres might have had, possibly because of the huge workloads combined with a shortage of lawyers.

Slip repairs are complete on Spooners

Range SH6 between Tapawera and Belgrove. The highway opened to all traffic at around 10pm on Thursday. The road was closed last month after a slip came down blocking part of the road.

Waka Kotahi made the decision to close the road completely to allow works to be completed faster than if one lane had been kept open. The nature of the site and the road’s narrowness meant a full closure is necessary. “It is unsafe to have traffic in the slip zone near heavy machinery while the work is underway,” a Waka Kotahi spokesperson said at the time.. Waka Kotahi wants to thank affected res-

“You get thrust into the deep end because of that dichotomy.

“Doing legal aid, it’s sink or swim as there’s a lot of responsibility put on you.”

He said the advantage of moving to the larger firm was that he had more supervision, and some of the pressure had been removed from him to those above him.

“I’ve come into this new firm about five years younger than everyone else and perhaps at the same stage professionally.

idents and road users for their patience and cooperation while these works were carried out.

Removal of SBL building

In preparation for Nelson’s new fleet of electric buses this August, Nelson City Council are making some changes to the current SBL (Suburban Bus Line) parking. The first part of this project is the deconstruction of a small building on the site, followed by work on the bus parking area and an upgrade of the passenger area. This work will begin after King’s Birthday and take two weeks (weather dependent). Work will then move onto the next stage,

“I’ve also practised in family [law] whereas a lot my age have only done criminal law, but my colleagues are fantastic - so professional and I’m learning so much from them.”

The brothers aren’t from a family of lawyers, except for perhaps a distant relative of a grandparent.

“It’s very new to the Friend family - Mitchell is the first and I’m the second to be a barrister solicitor,” Josh says.

The 23-year-old says they each “stumbled” into law and had earned their degrees at Otago University. Each said they had amazing support from their parents, but they “still had massive student loans to sort out”.

“Mum and Dad were always there and always eager and interested in everything we were doing.”

“They always had our backs, which is such a luxury, and it makes everything so much easier,” Mitchell says. The brothers were close, with Mitchell saying he had wanted to bring Josh on the legal career journey from the start. He imagined one day he’d run his own trials, with Josh as his junior. Josh said he was lucky to follow

which will require a full closure of the City Centre bus interchange on Bridge St.

Toilet upgrade at The Brook

The Brook Valley Holiday Park toilets are getting an accessibility upgrade. A Nelson City Council spokesperson says the new pre-fab toilets and showers are a “considerable step up” for the campground and are fully accessible for people who use wheelchairs or have other issues with mobility. Contractors will initially prepare the site for demolition and lay foundations for the new block.

Demolition of the old toilets will take place once the new toilets are installed.

someone who had carved out the position for themself.

“It’s a really cool dynamic which I personally think is quite rare.”

Justice Isac welcomed each lawyer individually, describing them as “humble and articulate”, and noted that Brinkworth and Venter each hailed from South Africa, and had now made New Zealand home.

Brinkworth stopped short of taking up Justice Isac’s suggestion that he was now welcome to back the All Blacks, as he was a Springbok supporter throughand-through.

Venter had brought with her a wealth of experience working in not-for-profit organisations and Main was described by Justice Isac has having a “hard-wired sense of justice and a desire to stand up for those who cannot”. “Like Mr Friend, you will be serving your community where it most counts – ensuring those who do not have a lot have access to justice.”

The project starts this week and should take around five weeks to complete.

Waimea Dam fills

Despite only having been closed for filling one and a half weeks ago, the Waimea Community Dam reservoir is already about 15 per cent full. Currently, around 1.9 billion litres (about 765 Olympic-sized swimming pools worth) of water are in the reservoir which can hold up to 13 billion litres. Construction of the dam is still ongoing and water levels in the reservoir will be kept down until everything is completed.

Brothers Mitchell (left) and Josh Friend during the admission ceremony at the Nelson Courthouse. Photo: Tracy Neal.

Cameras not a goer at notorious lights

Elderly residents crossing the road at Richmond’s notorious Queen St lights say red-light running is getting worse, but authorities all say it is not their responsibility.

Arvida Oakwoods’ Village Residents’ committee secretary Alec Waugh has been emailing the Tasman District Council about problems at the lights, including the increasing red-light running. He says it is an intersection that would benefit from red-light cameras but has learnt there are no red-light cameras operating anywhere in the South Island.

“There’s no red-light camera anywhere in the South Island. They’re all in the North Island.

“This intersection would be a good one for a red-light camera.”

Police told Waimea Weekly that cameras are owned by the council or Waka Kotahi, while the council says Waka Kotahi is the agency that operates the cameras.

Waka Kotahi, however, says it is the police who are responsible for them. A Waka Kotahi spokesperson says the responsibility for road safety cameras is going to be transferred from the police to Waka Kotahi, but the formal handover has not happened yet.

In the year to the end of March,

police statistics show there were 10 incidences at the lights due to people failing to comply with yellow or red lights.

A police spokesperson says people who take the risk to run a red light put themselves and the lives of innocent members of the community at risk.

They also say police regularly carry out operations targeting red light runners because of the danger that behaviour poses.

But while police are in charge of infringements, cameras were the responsibility of Waka Kotahi or the council, depending on whether it was a State Highway or not. Council’s transportation manager Jamie McPherson says that even on council-owned roads, cameras are a considerable expense and may not be the best use of limited road safety funding and would only be considered if a problem emerged that put people

at high risk.

Meanwhile, an elderly retirement village resident, Julie Ivory, says more and more drivers are running red lights at the intersection and she has had “a lot of near misses” when negotiating her mobility scooter across the road.

“It’s worse as hell.”

She knows another resident who was pushing a wheelchair across the road and had to stop suddenly as a car came through on a red

light, and she says it is frightening.

Yet she does not blame drivers entirely but rather the intersection.

“I have a lot of empathy for the drivers, especially truck drivers. It’s not a drivers and pedestrian issue – it’s a management issue.”

Alec says traffic continues to increase and put more pressure on the intersection while more and more elderly people from retirement villages down Lower Queen St are trying to get across the road on mobility scooters or on foot, alongside bikes and pedestrians. “It’s a combination of the lights, traffic and senior aged people, sometimes with mobility and health issues, which are ingredients for problems.”

Added to the issue of lights, Alec says there is little space for the mix of footpath users to cross the road. “We’ve got this increasing density and increasing use of scooters and walking frames and the age and frailty of so many of the people crossing. At the same time there’s the increasing impatience of drivers because of the amount of traffic and they don’t want to miss an opportunity and have to wait three to four minutes for the lights to change again.”

Looking to the future…

At

Through

Julie Ivory on her mobility scooter has to watch out for red-light runners.

Photo: Anne Hardie.

8 Champion Road, Richmond jennian.co.nz

Change of direction for Nelson sporting legend

After dominating the international sport of adventure racing for almost a quarter of a century, Nelson’s Nathan Fa’avae is heading in a new direction. This week Nathan joins host Matt Lawrey on The Nelson Pod to share some of the incredible stories of his career and to talk about what’s next for him and his family.

He also tells us what he thinks of being described as the sport’s GOAT - Greatest of All Time.

Nathan, who was at Government House in Wellington last week to receive his New Zealand Order of Merit, announced he was stepping away from adventure racing just prior to winning February’s Godzone race with his world champion Avaya teammates Sophie Hart, Stu Lynch and Chris Forne.

He talks about what led to that decision, the impact of hitting his fifties, and some of the hairier things that have happened during his career that saw him racing in 28 countries.

One of the things that the pod makes clear is that Nathan’s expertise extends beyond sports.

The father-of-three is a professional outdoor consultant specialising in team-building adventures, sporting events,

and adventure racing. Nathan and his wife Jodie founded the renowned Spring Challenge women’s adventure race and he excels in leadership, logistics, and ensuring participant safety. While he has dedicated a significant portion of his life to sports, his primary career revolves around outdoor education and event production.

Nathan and Matt are also joined on the pod by Nathan and Jodie’s son Zefa who, following in his father’s footsteps, is off to the Junior World Orienteering Championships in Romania.

To support Zefa’s fundraising efforts, Nathan is giving a talk entitled Unbeaten on Tuesday June 13 at The Rutherford

Hotel.

Tickets available at lilregie.com Watch or listen on: thenelsonpod.co.nz

NELSON’S MOST AWARDED BUILDER

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Nathan and Zefa Fa’avae join Matt Lawrey on this week’s episode of The Nelson Pod. Credit: Be Seen More.

New manager starts at the Tāhunanui Hub

KATE RUSSELL

The Tāhunanui Community Hub has a new manager, and she can’t wait to get stuck in.

Ventura Fitzgerald started in March, taking over from Mark French.

It’s the perfect fit for the mum of two, having a four-year-old at Tāhunanui Kindergarten and a seven-year-old at Tāhunanui School.

But the job wasn’t one she initially thought about applying for.

“I didn’t look for this job, it sort of found me,” she says.

“Two of my friends told me I should apply for it, and initially I said I wasn’t interested. Then a sneaky third person said I should apply.”

It was during a camping trip earlier this year at Momorangi Bay at 4am when Ventura decided to send in her application.

It wasn’t long before she was offered the job and she brings a wealth of experience to the

role.

Before coming to the hub, Ventura was working as a project manager to deliver government websites.

Before that, she worked for BP as their sponsorship and community engagement manager. She has also worked for Unilever in London.

Ventura has been living in Nelson for seven years, hailing from Wellington originally, although she spent many holidays here growing up.

She has a vision to offer more services to the Tāhunanui community, and to “invigorate” the Muritai St hub.

“I want to make things happen here. Tāhunanui shouldn’t miss out, the community deserves it,” she says.

“I’d like to see more of an identity built here and give people a reason to play in their own backyard. Good speakers, good events, and activities for kids. I want people to enjoy their community.”

The hub went through a hard

time in late 2018 when it was closed due to financial troubles.

But the community rallied to get it back on its feet.

Ventura says Mark was instrumental in turning things around for the centre and keeping things going through the difficulty of Covid-19 lockdowns.

“I want to thank Mark for all his hard work,” she says. “The timing is right for some new energy, now we are postCovid. I want to make Tāhunanui an even better place to hang out.

“This community is terrific and full of real people. I think Tāhunanui is the melting pot of Nelson Tasman - born and bred locals, and many newcomers.”

Ventura is looking for people to help out at the hub. If anyone has a skill or an interest they want to share with the community, get in touch by calling (03) 548 6036 or emailing operations@tch.org.nz

Ventura Fitzgerald is the new manager at the Tāhunanui Community Hub. Photo: Kate Russell.

Chris Longman, Denise Jackett and Colleen Kempton

Helen and Bill Guiney

John Williscroft, Ron Sabin and Ron Inglis

Pat Charlton and John Greaney

Russ and Kerry Downie

Kristine Greaney, Dianne Potts and Katie Scott

Rae Inglis, Justine Cowman and Glenys Currie

Ben Allinson, James King and Olivia Price

Renee Williamson and David Walters

Richard Carver, Brad Beazleey and Raphaella Carver

Bowls Nelson prizegiving at Club Waimea

Nelson/Marlborough Architecture Awards at The Suter Art Gallery

Rainbow has a new jewel in its crown

ANNE HARDIE

A new groomer and upgraded snowmaking system are game-changers for the Rainbow Ski Area this year with plans to open the season on July 1.

The field’s new mountain manager, Andrew Malcolm, says the winch groomer will create better quality snow on the trails for locals heading up the mountain this winter.

“It’s definitely the crown jewel of Rainbow at the moment. It’s been a long time coming and we’re really excited to be able to offer it to the Top of the South this year. It’s a game-changer for us.”

The expanded snow-making system is designed to get a good base established on the trails and enables the field to be more resilient, especially at the beginning and end of the season. The system needs cold temperatures to make snow on the groomed trails and that is already happening, he says.

Florida-born Andrew has been guiding glacier walks on the West Coast before taking up the role at Rainbow and his goal is to emphasise the community aspect so that it feels like a club field.

“We do a good job of running a professional operation, but I want to run it more like a club – a place where people know everybody. An old-style New Zealand that is a bit more relaxed is something I really valued coming to New Zealand.”

Part of the that goal is running mid-week sessions when there are fewer people on the slopes and it can be more social.

“People coming together for a common cause, which is skiing and meeting great people as well.

“People in Nelson are really lucky to have skiing so close and the vast amount of people coming to Rainbow are local.”

He says Rainbow has managed the past few years well, despite Covid-19 disruptions, and he attributes that to the local buy-in. Community involvement has also been a “massive” help, such as working parties through summer to keep the area in good shape.

“At the end of the day we’re a ski field, but having the community behind us and supporting us in a variety of ways allows us to keep running and running well.”

This winter’s calendar includes the classic events such as club championships and school racing, with the season winding up on October 1 if cold temperatures allow.

LANGDON Mortgage Services

Rainbow’s new mountain manager Andrew Malcolm has a new groomer to make better snow conditions. Photo: Supplied.

Nelson Matters

Rates rises contribute to inflation

In Nelson Mayor Nick Smith’s article (Weekly May 31), he fails to note that council rate rises are the main contributor to inflation. Mayors and councillors must stop using inflation as an excuse to spend. and stop buckling to demands from self interest groups. Nelson ratepayers now have huge potential liabilities on their homes and businesses with over $150,000,000 in council debt and as the bank of last resort should anything go wrong with loans incurred by the port and airport.

Dan McGuire

Reply from Hon Dr Nick Smith: Rates are not the main contributor to inflation. Stats NZ reports that rates make up 3.1 per cent of the Consumer Price Index, which measures inflation. Housing costs make up 20 per cent, food 18 per cent and transport 14 per cent. The main cause of the surge in inflation was the Government, through the Reserve Bank, printing billions in response to Covid but leaving the painful aftermath of high inflation. Councils do need to do their bit to help households and businesses cope by keeping rates increases as low as possible. This year’s Nelson rate rise of 7.2 per cent matches inflation whereas, over the past decade, rates went up by more than double the rate of inflation. This 7.2 per cent is less than the national average of 10 per cent and less than our neighbours of Tasman and Marlborough. Keeping the increase to inflation was particularly hard for Nelson when we have also had tens of millions in flood repair costs. We do need to be cautious of debt but Nelson ratepayers should not be overly concerned by the state of Council’s finances. We have assets of $2380 million, more than 10 times the debt of $203 million. These both include our 50 per cent share of the assets and debt of Port Nelson Ltd and Nelson Airport Ltd.

Hon Dr Nick Smith Mayor of Nelson

Nelson Dancing for a cause

What a discredit! “People’s choice” winners Kat Campbell and her dance partner Joel were not mentioned nor a photo in the last edition of Nelson Weekly. The “People’s Choice award” went to the couple who raised the most money “on the night” voted by the audience who attended the fundraising event. Well done Kat and Joel, from the people.

Glen James

through some solutions not just complaining We need to preserve the ambiance of Stoke , consider other options . They have been through enough being small operators these last few years with shut downs .. and do not need this hanging over them, more disruptions and orange red cones lining the footpath . I also look forward to seeing a FULL bus travelling up Waimea Rd.

Jennifer Sauer

Maybe the bus passengers would potentially bring more business to these shops?? If passengers arrive early for their bus, or have just come off a bus and need to grab something to eat, etc, then these businesses are well placed for these customers, in my opinion.

Sarah Whittle

NCC did a real sneaky and moved a bus stop to outside my house several years ago. No letter, no warning. Nothing.

Jess Szentpeteri

If they put the buses between Songer and Putaitai it’s only a matter of time before someone gets hit. Too much going on in too smaller area.

Ruth McLaren

The removal of the garden and the trees have alot more to do with other factors including safety for the gardeners and the high cost and complexity of new traffic management rules which cost tax payers alot of money. If people knew how much this garden cost to look after you would want it removed. I am a gardener, I do love plants but in better locations than on an increasingly busy road corners.

Alexie Gilmour

The trees are fantastic -replacing them with monolithic buses clogging up the access to shops and removing car parks make zero sense -plus an even bigger nightmare for cyclists also. Outside the hall is a FAR more sensible option -wider road , clearer visibility and no impact on the local businesses.

Carey Gary

on the busiest part of the road - and right in front of the shops - is not the best option. I’m not sure how the residents near the Memorial Hall would feel about the alternative location, given that their peace & security have already been negatively impacted by the addition of the skate park & youth services.

Victoria Thomas Ashcroft

Lots of these shops have rear access to a large car park, let’s not pretend all the customers come from three car parks on the main road….Think of the patronage of customers who grab a coffee while they wait for the bus, or the increased accessibility to the community for the elderly and disabled by having a bus so close to a hub of shops. Hope those complaining get equally as worked up over some of the bigger issues going on in the world.

Phoebe Grace

Community Rally after health tragedy

Really sad that a complaint actually has to be made before anything will be investigated. Surely after hearing what has happened the health authorities should be asking questions of themselves? An appalling response.

Yvonne Watson

Similar to what happened to my mother in Nelson in 96/97

Jemima Daly

So heartbreaking and appalling Healthcare for this poor women who was badly let down! This so needs to be investigated so this doesn’t happen again. Much love to her family and friends

Bronwyn Webby

Same thing happened to my beloved sister 12 years ago in Christchurch, many visit’s to her doctor to no avail of diagnosis 3 months down the track. Finally was given a scan - bloody cancer - she passed three days later.

Jacqueline Waimotu

Hon Dr Nick Smith

WAIMEA DAM HUGE ACHIEVEMENT

The completion of the construction of the Waimea Dam has enabled filling to begin. It’s the biggest dam built in NZ in 30 years and three times the size of the Maitai Dam built in 1987. Our region does not have a shortage of water, we just need to have the good sense to store the huge winter flows to use in summer.

The greatest benefit will be in supporting horticulture, Nelson’s biggest export earner. We have rich, fertile soils and warm sunshine but we need secure water to produce the apples, kiwifruit, berries, hops and vegetables that earn over $300 million per year for our region.

The second big gain from the Waimea Dam is improving the health of the Lee and Waimea rivers. We currently have no minimum flows and during most summers there is so little water that we get ugly, polluting algal blooms. The dam enables the introduction of a minimum flow of 1100 litres per second in the Waimea. It fixes the worst river water quality issue in the region. The third benefit is domestic water for the growing urban populations of Richmond, Brightwater and Māpua. These infrastructure investments are needed to help overcome our long-term housing problems.

It is disappointing but not surprising this project has cost $200 million, double the estimate. Every major infrastructure project in recent years such as Transmission Gully in Wellington, Central Rail Link in Auckland and the Christchurch stadium has similarly gone over budget. These cost overruns should not detract from us building more infrastructure but we need to learn to do it better.

Some argue home stormwater tanks are a better alternative. Water storage requires scale. These tanks cost over $500/cubic metre whereas the Waimea Dam is costing $16/cubic metre.

My role in this project was getting legislation through Parliament as Nelson’s MP to enable its construction and helping secure $43 million in Government support as Environment Minister. Nelson City Council also contributed $5 million. The greatest credit goes to Tasman District Council for having the fortitude to see this project to fruition and those who built it. Nelson-Tasman is now better placed to manage water than any other region in the country.

Nick Smith MAYOR OF NELSON

Fishers call for East Coast forestry report recommendations to apply nationwide

MAX

FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter

Independent fishers are calling for the recommendations of the ministerial inquiry into forestry slash to be implemented nationwide. Ministers commissioned the report – titled Outrage into Optimism – into woody debris and sediment in the Gisborne and Wairoa Districts after Cyclone Gabrielle devastated those regions and others along the North Island’s east coast.

But Doug Saunders-Loder, president of the Federation of Commercial Fishermen, says the effects of poor land use are detrimental to the fishing industry nationwide.

“This is something that’s happened throughout our country, in a number of different places, for a long time.”

According to Doug, himself a fisherman based in the Nelson Tasman region, other local fishers often encounter the effects of improper land use.

“It’s not uncommon for fishermen in Tasman Bay or Golden Bay to catch trees. That’s outfall from rivers and clearly a safety hazard that they experience regularly,”

he says.

“If you catch a tree or shrubbery or something in your net, it’s got the capabilities of ripping it and impacting upon the safety of the boat.

It’s a cost implication of course, in terms of repairing their gear, and it’s a health and safety issue.”

Doug stresses that the issue doesn’t only lie with forestry and slash, and that regular land development and river catchment works can send large amounts of sedimentation downstream.

“Our local area has seen the demise of the scallop and oyster fishery as a result of

sedimentation throughout Tasman and Golden Bay.”

He highlighted the work being done by volunteer, iwi, and council groups in river catchments and estuaries across the country but thinks the work is less effective when it’s localised rather than across entire river catchments.

“I don’t think there’s any advantage in filling up our estuaries with native plantings and things of that nature if we haven’t stopped the outfall above it.”

Not keen to point blame, Doug wants to see a coordinated and collaborative ap-

proach adopted by both central and local government and industries.

“I just want to see improvements.”

And while it’s not the nationwide change that Doug is hoping for, the beginning of change is occurring in Nelson Tasman.

In February, Nelson City Council created a forestry taskforce to consider the future of the organisation’s plantation forestry with some potential options including adopting mixed-cropping practices to end clearcutting, or permanently re-establishing native forests.

Coin Trail for Mental Health

Saturday, 10 June, 1-4pm, Trafalgar Park

Nelson Rugby Football Club would love help and support in collecting coins for mental health NZ. Come and place your coins – we are trying to get a coin trail around Trafalgar Park.

The Amazing Dinosaur Discovery

Saturday 10 & 17 June, 11-1.30pm & Sunday 11 & 18 June, 1.30-3pm., Richmond Park Showgrounds

The amazing dinosaur discovery is a 90 minute interactive dinosaur walk through that brings prehistoric times alive again! Tickets from: https://amazingdinosaurdiscovery. co.nz/

Nelson Giants vs Canterbury Rams

Sunday, 11 June, 7pm, Trafalgar Centre, Nelson Come support the NBS Nelson Giants as they take on the Canterbury Rams. Tickets from: https://giants.flicket.co.nz

Nelson at your fingertips

NBS Volunteer Expo 2023

After three successful Volunteer Expo’s, we’re back, bigger and better. The NBS Volunteer Expo 2023 is a collaboration between Volunteer Nelson and Age Concern, sponsored by NBS and supported by Tasman District Council. It continues to provide a unique platform for community organisations to recruit volunteers and network with the community. It gives our exhibitors a chance to engage in dialogue, interact and connect with visitors and prospective volunteers. This Expo also enables these organisations to strengthen, establish or raise their profiles with new and existing volunteers. One may wonder why we still hold these kinds of events in our online world of video communication, emails, and text messages but one simply can’t get the same experience online and interacting with one another face to face will always remain relevant and meaningful.

This event gives our special Nelson / Tasman community a chance to visit over 40 organisations that support many different causes. We

are lucky to have a broad selection to choose from with everything from personal health, support for the aged, heritage protection, environmental and social responsibility programs to community sporting associations. If recent events have taught us anything, it’s that we all need to stay connected to one another! Being a volunteer keeps us active and engaged in our community and stretches us to expand our horizons and learn things about ourselves.

Connecting and strengthening our social ties with others promotes a healthy mental wellbeing.

Getting involved doesn’t have to be complicated and it doesn’t necessarily require hours of our precious time. Come and see how you can benefit!

We will have a kids play area to keep our little people busy and entertained, as well as a pop up Wellby Talking Café for people who would like to connect over a cuppa.

Visit us at Annesbrook Community Church on Saturday the 24th June from 10am until 2pm. Business Update. Adv.

Nelson Tasman fisherman Doug Saunders-Loder says without a coordinated approach, poor land use continues to threaten the fishing industry. Photo: Supplied.

Woodworker recognised for putting Nelson on the map

When Cable Bay woodworker David Haig found out that he had been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit as part of the King’s Birthday honours, it was a complete shock.

“My first thought was ‘why me?’ I know plenty of other people who have done more and are better,” David says.

David has dedicated much of his life to the art of woodworking and has been instrumental in putting New Zealand on the map for fine furniture.

Having grown up and attended school in England, David was at boarding school when he got a letter from his father informing him that his parents were emigrating to New Zealand.

“I went out for six months between school and university and I just fell in love with New Zealand,” he recalls.

Having met his wife Clare at Oxford University, the couple got on the first flight back as soon as the final results came in.

“I had a very middle-class, English, private school education. I went to boarding school as a boy then got a place at Oxford University and studied history. So basically, I wanted to reinvent myself.”

He jokes that he has never used his history qualification but did work in a bank for six months to pay off a little debt after getting married.

“That was the only time I’ve been

employed in a regular job. It gave me some clue about money which I otherwise had no clue about.”

David says while working for a conservation group a “kind of hippy carpenter” took him under his wing, teaching him what he knew about woodwork.

“I loved it. I found it was something I enjoyed doing, I was a pretty uptight, ex-boarding school person so in lots of ways it was a kinetic release,” David says.

“In no time at all we had three little boys, so we took them back to England to see their granny, Clare’s mum.”

During that time, David worked as an antique restorer in a busy store, which he describes as a ‘crash course’, giving him a huge amount of experience in a short amount of time.

In 1980, the couple purchased a run-down cottage in Cable Bay.

“It had four rooms, a semi-outside bathroom, three power points, and no insulation,” David remembers fondly.

The family has slowly done it up, adding workshops and sleepouts as the family and David’s trade grew.

“It’s a magical place, we’ve grown with it. It was very primitive when we first came but we’ve gradually done it up. Two of the boys were born there – we all have very fond memories. It’s a family centre.”

By 1987 David had become very interested in furniture making – realising he enjoyed making it rather than restoring it – so borrowed

DIGITAL PIANOS

$20,000 to build a workshop.

“I had got together with a group of young guys starting out and we formed a collective and put on an alternative furniture show in Christchurch, Dunedin, and Wellington every year, which we did for 10 years.

“It got me going and to my utter amazement, people were willing to part with their hard-earned money for things I had made.”

He remembers the first piece he sold at the first show in Christchurch was a rocking chair to the MP of Fendalton.

“She said ‘how much is that,’ and I said ‘$750’, and she pulled out her chequebook.

“I thought ‘dammit, I’ve peaked early’, I couldn’t believe it, that was a lot of money.”

He recalls the first 20 years of his career being tough.

“They were hard - money was constantly a worry and an issue. But I had the manic energy of a 20/30-year-old. The problem was getting me out of the workshop, not in it.”

Even now, David averages five or six hours a day in his workshop.

His signature rocking chair has been sold in more than 15 countries around the world.

In 2006 David helped establish the Centre for Fine Woodworking in Nelson – a centre that is now internationally recognised for its quality. In terms of his King’s Birthday honour, he says he has no idea who put forward the nomination.

Faithfully reproduced lush piano sound with state-of-the-art technology

Representing more than 100 years of quality and innovation, the distinct Yamaha piano sound can be heard in concert halls, studios and homes all across the world. Their digital piano’s are no exception boasting everything you would expect from the brand with quality sound, touch and look but without the bulk of a traditional piano. are currently running a special on the hugely popular, P-45 and P-125 products and store owner Tim Babbage says they are a great product for a fantastic price. “Yamaha, for all its range of products that they make from motorbikes to musical instruments, keyboards are where they started. They are the origin of the worlds musical products and are the worlds largest musical instrument manufacturer. They have been making pianos for over 125 years and really know their stuff. Yamaha are one of the few manufacturers that make traditional pianos as well as digital. The P-45 and P-125 feel really nice to play and sound phenomenal. They are great for anyone from beginner to experienced players and anyone in between!”

The P-45 is a digital stage piano and, just like the

hammers inside an acoustic piano, its hammerweighted keys are heavier to touch in the lower end and lighter in the high end. Slim and stylish the P-45 has a depth of less than 30cm and requires very little space. Weighing in at only 11kgs its compact and lightweight design means it can be easily moved around. The Yamaha P-125 digital piano is so compact that its authentic, dynamic piano sound must be experienced to be believed. Delivering beautiful sounds and a satisfying acoustic piano playing experience, the slim, refined design makes the P-125 a perfect addition to any room in the house. Its weighted keys can be played with the expressiveness of an acoustic piano, delivering an enriched tone attuned to how softly or intensely you play. Usually retailing at $400 - $500 above the Beggs Musicworks sale price, both P series digital pianos come with strong wooden stands and an authentic touch to their 88 keys. They are equipped with everything you need to practice and perform in your own way, from app compatibility to a headphone jack, preset rhythms, and more.

Sandra Babbage with the Yamaha P-125.

88-Key Digital Stage Piano

The Yamaha P-125a digital piano

SARA HOLLYMAN

Woodworker David Haig has been made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Photo: Supplied.

Passion for Nelson earns King’s Birthday honour

KATE RUSSELL

At 70 years young, Derek Shaw is proving you can always add another notch to your belt.

Derek has been named a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours for his services to the environment, local government, and athletics.

Derek says the honour is “humbling” and a recognition of the key organisations he’s been instrumental in creating - such as the Nelson Environment Centre, and the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary.

“As part of those big teams, I can’t claim all the glory. It’s recognition of what the organisations have achieved as much as anything.” The father of three also spent many years as a Nelson City councillor and has been heavily involved with athletics in Nelson. Derek says most of his childhood was spent in Golden Bay, and he moved to Nelson as a teenager, just in time to be one of the firstday students at the brand-new Nayland College.

“I had grandparents who lived in Pakawau, and I spent time hunting with my father and going tramping. We also spent quite a bit of time at a family bach at St Arnaud.”

He “drifted off” to Dunedin and went to university for five years, then moved back to Nelson and landed a job for Nelson Forest Action Council.

It was during that time he came up with the idea for the Nelson Environment Centre.

“I had the initial idea in 1976 so I mentioned it to a few others, and they sounded quite keen. I was reading a copy of the Canterbury Environment Journal, which was the first environment centre to ever get going in New Zealand, and I thought ‘that would be a good idea for Nelson’.”

In 1978 they found a room on what is now Alma St. He was the chairperson until 2016 and now serves as a board member.

Derek got his first term as a Nelson City councillor in 1984 through a by-election and was also on the Nelson Catchment and Regional Water Board. He says one of his biggest achievements as a councillor was helping to establish the Nelson Biodiversity Forum.

“It was the first time that anyone in Nelson had put together a diverse group of people with a

shared interest and come up with a strategy of how we could enhance the biodiversity of the Nelson City area.”

Derek continued to serve as a councillor until 2013.

He also helped to initiate the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary in 2001 before it was set up as a trust in 2004. He was involved with the sanctuary until 2019 and was made a life supporter in 2020.

“It’s a huge thing for the Nelson community and all the volunteers who put so much effort into it.”

Derek’s son was the one who got him involved in athletics, and it continues to be a big part of his life.

“When my youngest son got interested in it, I ended up picking up some of the officiating roles,” he says. “I officiated here and at the Colgate Games, but also got involved with the South Island Masters Games when it came to Nelson a few times.”

He has been the chair of the Top of the South Athletics charitable trust and on the NZ Masters Athletics Board since 2014.

He’s worked hard to boost the profile of athletics in the region.

“We have raised money for an equipment shed and a hammer cage,” he says. “Last year we raised funds and imported polevault gear and next season we

are aiming to get a pole-vaulting workshop in Nelson.”

Derek has also organised teams to go to the NZ Road Relay Champs.

“I’m looking forward to trying to win the 70s category this year,” he says.

“It’s a fun time away, it’s quite sociable.”

Derek’s other keen interest is his publishing company, Nikau Press, which has released around 40 publications since its inception in the mid-1980s.

His Northwest Nelson Tramping Guide helped contribute to getting the Kahurangi National Park created in 1996.

“In the 1990s I set myself the target of doing most of the tracks and better-known routes,” he says. “It gave me an excuse to go into the hills for the better part of six summers.”

Derek is still a keen runner and is currently training for the Wellington Marathon.

“I consider myself very fortunate I am still active. I enjoy fitness and going out for runs, it used to be good therapy after council meetings, you could clear your head,” he says.

“I also like getting out in the fresh air and the hills - and I have to confess, I have a bit of a competitive streak too.”

Giving support where it is needed

King’s Birthday and Coronation Honours this week.

Miraka Norgate has known since the beginning of the year that she was likely to receive a Queen’s Service Medal for her services to the community, but only told her husband a couple of weeks ago.

Helping her community has been simply part of the fabric of life for Miraka who received the award as part of the

The 69-year-old of Ngā Puhi Nui Tonu descent says it has been immensely rewarding to help others improve their tinana (physical), wairua (spiritual), hinengaro (mental) and whānau (family) well-being over the years.

“It was just a part of life really that I enjoyed. I was brought up with it on

Update from Rachel Boyack MP

The rebuild of Nelson Hospital will be the biggest infrastructure project in a generation and is a priority for the Government.

our marae and I saw my parents and grandparents helping people and that became part of me.”

Today, she still works for Te Whata Ora-Health New Zealand as a health promoter for Māori and has frequently been the support person over the years for Māori wahine (women) giving birth, having a smear test and medical procedures.

As well as promoting being smoke-

As the local MP I am proud to have secured the first piece of funding for the hospital rebuild in Budget 2022. Te Whatu Ora Nelson Marlborough are making excellent progress on the final stages of the detailed business case for the project, with final funding decisions expected to be made by Ministers in the next couple of months.

Project managers for the hospital rebuild are in place and detailed design work is being completed.

It is vitally important that we don’t rush this project and don’t cut corners. With a growing and aging population, it is important that the planning and design of the new Nelson hospital is done properly.

I am proud of our Government’s invest in health infrastructure. After years of neglect and underfunding we can now give certainty to this important project for Nelson.

free, she has been actively promoting breast cancer screening, cervical cancer smear testing, obstetrics and paediatric women’s and children’s health alongside other health initiatives.

“I’m Māori so I can reach out to Māori on any health issue. I’m there to support and walk alongside them when they have procedures.

“I’m very honoured to the mums who have given me their trust,” she says.

Miraka Norgate

Derek Shaw has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Photo: File.

ANNE HARDIE

Nurturing excellence in Ngā Toi Māori

NICOLA COBURN

The art of whakairo (carving) has long been held close at Te Āwhina Marae, in Motueka.

Tohunga Whakairo (Master Carver), kaumātua John Mutu, has been based at the marae since 1987, making the carving house the longest continuously occupied marae-based wharewhakairo (carving house) in Aotearoa. Last month, the fourth in a series of learning wānanga was held as part of a wider strategy to nurture the next generation of carvers and stamp Te Āwhina’s mark as the leading centre for Toi Māori (traditional Māori arts) in Te Tauihu. Tutor for the course, artist Kahu Paki Paki (Te Ātiawa, Taranaki Iwi, Ngāti Ruahine, Ngā Rauru, Ngāi Tahu) says the Hei Taonga (Worn Treasures) wānanga series, funded by Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency for the South Island, Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu, was focused on rangatahi (youth) but brought whānau and generations together.

“We are using the Tuakana-Teina model which is focused on the relationship and partnership between rangatahi and pākeke (adults). Each participant attends

with a learning partner, that might be their mum or koro, so that they can go away from here and carry on.

“One of the critical things is that everyone who has completed the programme gets a set of basic tools they can take away, so they have what they need to get started at this level independently.”

The Hei Taonga course covered different aspects of Ngā Toi Māori, including history, mythology, whakapapa, material preparation, design and practical sessions. By the end of the four-day programme, students had made

IMG Winter Comfort

their own bone taonga.

Kahu says moving the wharewhakairo into its own freestanding building at the marae had been a game changer and was integral to a wider revitalisation strategy to secure the future of Ngā Toi Māori.

“Previously, we could only have four people carving at one time. We were fortunate to secure funding from Ministry for Culture and Heritage and Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu as well as support from ITM Motueka and Nelson Builders to be able to renovate an old building that was

past its used-by date and make that shift.

“Now, we have a purpose-built facility that we can welcome whānau into, and better share our mātauranga (knowledge) around whakairo.”

Part of the initial funding also meant the marae was able to employ a project lead. Long-time understudy to John Mutu (Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāti Tama) and a natural fit was Roni Petley (Ngāti Pāoa), a now established carver who learned under John at the marae.

Roni says being able to be at the

wharewhakairo fulltime meant he was able to also spend more time with the first official residential carving apprentice, rangatahi Hoani Broughton-Hippolyte.

“’I teach you; you teach many’ is part of the tikanga of learning and carving,” Roni says. “John taught me that and he was taught the same. I have always worked with rangatahi and feel a deep sense of duty to pass on the skills I have learned, but as a full-time artist, training was hard to balance with the need to make a living. This way, I get to put my full attention into teaching Hoani.” He says he was inspired by the marae redevelopment in progress.

“This kaupapa, and the wider redevelopment plans for the marae, mean we can keep traditions alive. The biggest thing today with Māori art being more accessible through technology is it can get scary, and there is a fear that traditional knowledge can get lost to a degree. There are artists and there are traditional artists. “Here, we are rooted in the whenua, in the stories of this place and the marae, and this facility is keeping whakairo alive and keeping it to the standard that it should be.”

*Free side table not pictured, please view at Lynfords Furniture

Artist Kahu Paki Paki shares his knowledge with the latest Hei Taonga wānanga intake. Master Carver John Mutu, sitting to the right, was also on-hand to share his knowledge.

Photo: Te Āwhina Marae/ Melissa Banks.

Award-winning Motueka Library remains popular

MAX FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter

Te Noninga Kumu – Motueka

Public Library has won an architectural award that celebrates the town’s newest public building’s physical and social achievements. Judges from the New Zealand Institute of Architects highlighted the building’s community connection, agricultural roots, net-zero electricity use, and toi Māori.

Jerram Tocker Barron Architects director Marc Barron says the award is “fantastic”.

“We’re very proud and very pleased. Designing such an important building for the town is something we’re very proud of.” He thinks the building captures a lot of the community consultation they had and reflects the values of Motueka and local iwi while providing a “public living room” for the community.

“We had a very thorough understanding of community concerns, desires, what sort of building they wanted to have,” he says. “It’s made a bit more of a focal point for the town, a place people will recognise.”

Budgetary constraints provided a challenge for the architects who

were designing a building 1,100 square metres in size, however Marc thinks they’ve managed to deliver a long-lasting and popular facility.

Now located on Wallace Street, the library opened in March 2022, replacing the older and smaller building on Pah Street.

Since opening, it’s had just over 135,000 visitors and issued 204,000 items and experienced a surge of 1,169 new memberships.

“Having more user engagement with an information building has to be a good thing,” Marc says. Motueka branch librarian Janine Gillions agrees that the new facility is “an absolute asset” for the community.

“Every day we receive positive comments,” she says.

The building’s large community room has also been booked around 150 times since the building opened. Marc says that “in

Find your career path

terms of value to the community, it’s exceptional”. Residents were invited to share why they love the library as part of its anniversary celebrations. One respondent said the library was a “real treasure” while another thought that “lots more people should come”.

The role of libraries has also shifted over the years and are now no longer simply just places to borrow books.

“Programmes and events have become one of the cornerstones of our library services,” Janine says. “We host a wide variety of events including book launches and talks, musical performances, art exhibitions, a magician, and employment expos.”

The Motueka Public Library has won an architecture award which reflects the continued popularity of the facility amongst locals. Photo: Jason Mann/JTB Architects.

OUR NELSON TŌ TĀTOU WHAKATŪ

Issue

171 • 7 June 2023

Keep up to date with the latest news from Nelson City Council

Founders book bonanza returns

Founders Annual Book Fair is back for 2023, and a bounty of books awaits.

The popular fair, expected to draw over 10,000 people, is on now and runs through to Friday 9 June - with daily opening hours of 10am-4:30pm.

The fair is a fundraiser for projects at Founders Heritage Park, such as new displays and venue improvements.

Book Fair Coordinator Susan Johnson says record lovers are in for a treat this year; a silent auction featuring 35 rare and collectable LPs will be held.

A team of volunteers has worked for the past six weeks to organise thousands of donated books, puzzles, games, vinyl, DVDs, CDs and cassette tapes.

“We sort donations into over 100 categories, which helps make the Book Fair more enjoyable, and somewhat unique from many other large book fairs.

“It's an awesome event for the community, and an important fundraiser for Founders.

What you’ll find:

Returning by popular demand is a section of books about birds. These sold out quickly last year, and there are plenty more on offer this year.

For pottery fans there's a large number of pottery books ready to inspire.

If your thoughts have turned to travel, there are numerous travel guides.

And plenty of children’s books, jigsaws, games, and foreign language books.

Don’t forget...

We will have bags available, but recycling and sustainability are a big part of this event so please remember to bring your reusable bags.

Entry costs $2 per person, children under 12 are free.

Before the road, they’re on the water

Our fleet of 17 new electric buses are on their way to New Zealand.

Due to arrive in Aotearoa in the next month, they are now in the ocean between New Zealand and Australia.

Once they arrive at Port Auckland, they will travel via truck to Nelson.

“Council staff have been working hard to bring new routes, timetables and fare structures to life.

Changes that will make the service accessible to as many people in the region as possible”, says Group Infrastructure Manager Alec Louverdis.

Once the buses arrive they will need to be certified for use on NZ roads, retrofitted with smart equipment and wrapped in the new eBus livery.

GREAT HOME WITH HIDDEN NATIVE PARADISE

Nestled on a huge 1320m2 (approx) section in quiet, private, Lorimer Lane in the heart of Richmond, this solid brick, builders own home has so much on offer! 3 Spacious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a separate laundry and a bright and sunny open plan kitchen/living area, while the neutral décor and new carpets throughout make it the perfect canvas for you to make it your own.

Outside, you have your own private paradise to relax in, complete with established fruit trees and a lovely nature walk, home to a variety of native birdlife and filled with their delightful song.

Address: 3 Lorimer Lane, Richmond

Two double garages, one with internal access, provide ample space for a workshop or perhaps even a home office or teen retreat, while the size of the section also provides ample space for parking a boat or caravan.

All of this within close proximity to schools, the Aquatic Centre and Richmond township, with the Richmond Mall, Queen Street shopping and a great selection of restaurants and bars all within an easy walk. Viewing is highly recommended to appreciate all that is on offer, call Tracy now to make your appointment.

Viewing: Sunday 11 June at 11am - 11.30am or Call Tracy Beer for private viewing

Price: Offers over $899,000

Website: tracy-beer.mikepero.com

Agent: Tracy Beer | Mob 027 674 8102 tracy.beer@mikepero.com

For further information about 3 Lorimer Lane, Richmond, contact: Tracy Beer. Phone 027 674 8102 (Licensed under the REAA 2008).

The property market in Nelson has experienced a noticeable downturn in recent times, as indicated by the latest Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) reports from April and May. However, despite these challenging conditions, there are still positive aspects to be found. By analyzing the current house prices in Nelson compared to last year, as well as the average days to sell a house, and considering the market trends in relation to the rest of the country, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

Looking at the latest REINZ data, it is evident that Nelson has seen a decline in property values. The average house prices have fallen by approximately 10% compared to last year. This downward trend might initially seem disheartening, but it’s important to remember that market corrections are a natural part of the real estate cycle. Moreover, this decline presents opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Prospective buyers, particularly first-time homeowners, can take advantage of more affordable property prices, while sellers have the chance to attract a larger pool of potential buyers.

In terms of the average days to sell a house in Nelson, the latest statistics indicate an increase compared to the previous year. This extended timeframe for selling can be attributed to reduced demand and an increased inventory of houses on the market. However, sellers who adopt a patient and strategic approach can still achieve successful transactions. By accurately pricing their homes and highlighting their unique selling points, sellers can stand out in a competitive market.

When comparing the Nelson property market to the rest of the country, it’s important to note that

the downturn being experienced in Nelson is not isolated. Similar challenges are being faced in many other regions of New Zealand. This suggests that the current market conditions are not unique to Nelson but are part of a broader nationwide correction. By recognizing this wider context, it becomes evident that the downturn is a temporary phase in the overall market cycle.

Despite the downturn, Nelson continues to offer a range of positive attributes that make it an attractive place to live and invest. The region’s natural beauty, favourable climate, and vibrant community contribute to a high quality of life. Additionally,

Nelson’s strong tourism industry and diverse economy provide a solid foundation for future growth and stability.

According to the latest REINZ reports, the property market in Nelson has experienced these challenges during the months of April and May. However, it’s essential to maintain a long-term perspective and understand that markets go through cycles. Downturns are often followed by periods of growth, and this correction presents opportunities for both buyers and sellers.

While the property market in Nelson/ Tasman is currently experiencing a downturn, the latest REINZ reports from April and May confirm the decline in house prices and the increase in the average days to sell a house. However, by considering the broader context and understanding the cyclical nature of the market, we can find reasons to remain optimistic. Nelson’s affordability, attractive attributes and resilient economy position it well for future growth. By leveraging these advantages, buyers and sellers can navigate the market effectively and make the most of the opportunities available.

The Wood

7 Persico Way

Perfect on Persico!

It doesn’t get much better than this. A quality home well maintained and immaculately presented, within easy walking distance to your favourite watering hole, Chippie and the Milton Street shop! The brick clad home is double glazed, has solar power, heat pump and every ray of sunshine to keep you toasty this winter. The kitchen and dining flow through to the lounge room and all open out to the landscaped courtyard. The primary bedroom has a walk-in robe a stylish new wet room bathroom (CCC). Persico way is a popular inner-city enclave close to Bobbie & Franks and recreation areas.

400m² 3 2 1 2

Price by Negotiation over $1,025,000 View harcourts.co.nz/NN25965

Caroline Fletcher

M 027 453 5885 P 03 548 3034 caroline.fletcher@harcourts.co.nz

Richmond 122 Hill Street

816m² 2 1 2

The Exception, Not the Norm… $1,095,000 View harcourts.co.nz/RC6574

This unique and architecturally designed property, gives you a sense of something special as soon as you enter the driveway. When you set foot inside the property you are greeted with high-stud ceilings and a superb layout within this ageless brick constructed home. All four bedrooms are generous doubles, and the open plan kitchen/dining/living area is an entertainer’s dream. Another room located off the dining area (currently being used as a media room) could also be used as a 5th bedroom or an office.

Atawhai

22 Tresillian Avenue

What’s Behind the Fence?

Matt Goodman

M 027 456 7788 P 03 544 4441 matt.goodman@harcourts.co.nz

657m² 4 2 1 2

Price by Negotiation View harcourts.co.nz/NN25955

Looking for a beautiful refurbished home right next to Clifton Terrace Primary school? Well here it is. Tucked away on a secure and safe section, complete with an oversize kitchen, dining and lounge area, entertaining will be fun with either a small or a larger group. We have a lovely covered patio to enjoy a BBQ and intimate views. There is an ensuite and separate laundry, plus heatpumps in the hallway and living area. The vendors are off, so make the time to view!

Struan Bennet

M 027 446 1631 P 03 548 3034 struan.bennett@harcourts.co.nz

Britannia 105 Family Perched of the property buyers features contemporary with Downstairs for working Redwood 99 Redwood Discover

As you and windows. a large been recent exceptional space, fencing,

Britannia Heights

105 Princes Drive

Family Home, Room to Roam!

Perched upon a large section within walking distance of the beach and Nelson CBD, this potential packed property will appeal to everyone from first home buyers to families. This well-maintained property features good sized bedrooms, a renovated bathroom, contemporary kitchen and sliding doors onto the deck with urban views over Nelson, and out to the ranges. Downstairs you’ll find a large rumpus and office, perfect for working from home. Photos Digitally Staged.

Bishopdale

Price by Negotiation over $690,000 View harcourts.co.nz/RC6452

65 Bishopdale Avenue

Let Me Entertain You!

There is so much on offer here, you are going to love having your friends around to socialise and enjoy fun times. The outdoor firepit is the centre of attraction and has created hours of pleasure and memories for the owners. Adjacent in the garden is a flat lawn area perfect for the family dog or you could set it up as a children play area. Be cosy all winter long with a woodbuner pumping out heat, and a DVS heat transfer system redistributing the warmth throughout.

Price by Negotiation over $795,000 View harcourts.co.nz/NN25963

Redwood Valley

99 Redwood Park Road

Discover Your Dream Lifestyle

20.4030Ha

As you enter this home, you’ll be greeted by a warm and inviting ambiance, high ceilings and large windows. Spacious living areas flow seamlessly onto a large outdoor entertainment area. The land has been extremely well developed and improved over recent years, with some rolling to steeper grazing land, exceptional farm sheds, huge workshop and storage space, as well as great cattle yards and crush, good fencing, and water via the Redwood Valley Scheme.

Wakapuaka

53A Hillwood Drive

Price by Negotiation over $1,795,000 Plus GST (if any) View harcourts.co.nz/RC6489

Toby Randall M 027 233 9170 P 03 544 4441 toby.randall@harcourts.co.nz

Be self-sufficient on Hillwood

Located just North of Nelson on the hill overlooking the Tasman Bay is this beautiful lifestyle block. A good mixture of native bush and grazing, and plenty of fruit trees including avocados and bananas. Perfectly set up for those who want to be self-sufficient. There is a 3 bay shed and a house truck/tiny home included in the sale, being perfect to live in while building your dream home. Viewing by appointment only.

Price by Negotiation View harcourts.co.nz/NN25887

M 021 377 930 P 03 548 3034 sharyn.miller@harcourts.co.nz

Michael Mokhtar M 027 443 2703 P 03 544 4441 michael.mokhtar@harcourts.co.nz

789m² 3 1 2 1

584m² 4 2 1 2

5.2777Ha

Sharyn Miller

Amazing value for modern home on village edge

We recognise that it can be a challenge moving into town from the country but there are times in life that require it. At 9A Angus the transition doesn’t need to be painful! The generous 1168m2 section backs onto 2 lifestyle properties with a long view to the hills, so you won’t feel hemmed in here! The brick home is double glazed, and faces north so gets all day sun. The well thought out floor plan comprises 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 living areas (an open plan living dining plus a separate lounge that can be closed off if required) a separate laundry and a double garage with internal access, so it meets the requirements of most!

Close To Village Amenities & Great Work From Home

Located in the heart of Wakefield, this delightful home offers three bedrooms (main bedroom with walk-through-robe and ensuite bathroom) plus a fourth bedroom if needed, but also lends itself to a home office or hobby room. Log burner with heat transfer systems, and a heat pump, plus the home is oriented for all day sun ensures warmth alongside double glazing and air conditioning guarantees your year-round comfort. Outside, the sheltered courtyard with louvered pergola provides the perfect north facing spot to relax and unwind.The 15,000 water tank collects rain from the roof, but rest assured, the home is connected to town supply water and other services. The garage is a double, with internal access. Peaceful and private yet incredibly convenient, this well-maintained home is guaranteed to attract a lot of attention.

Enquiries Over $1,200,000

Modern country home for wider family or AirBnB

98 Totara View Road, Wakefield 8450 sqm

4 2 2

The current owners of #98 have developed inside and out, making the best of this sheltered, north-facing spot to capture all day sun and that restful rural outlook. To complement the refurbished four bedroom, office, two bathroom home, there is a double glazed and insulated sleepout with its own heatpump for family or possibly AirBnB income. Improvements include double glazing, LED lighting, new carpets and vinyls, and a ducted heatpump keeps the home warm over winter. The living area opens out to a generous kwila deck where you can relax and enjoy the Nelson sun, and it has access to a lower deck, still so sunny and private. The current owners are wanting to move on to explore another part of South Island, so come along to the open homes to see the magic here!

Wendy

Sarah Robb 027 882 1994 sarah@welcomerealestate.co.nz

Quality home with panoramic views

46

This spacious 240m2 home comprises four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a sunroom/ study, and airy living spaces. The open plan dining and kitchen will please the most enthusiastic of chefs. The large lounge room has a log burner on wetback to complement the heatpump for those cooler months. The master bedroom has a good sized ensuite and wardrobe, and doors to the garden and spa area. Under floor heating in the bathrooms, excellent storage space, solar hot water and double garage plus generous workshop space add to the features. Ample offroad parking provides for the campervan or caravan. Set in a sheltered and private position on a landscaped 7983m2 section complete with established fruit trees and access tracks, the property enjoys the benefit of a rural water supply and rainwater.

Wendy Pearson 021 567 722 wendy@welcomerealestate.co.nz

Sarah

9A Angus Place, Wakefield 1168 sqm

Asking Price $889,000

2 McCrae Street, Wakefield

Wendy Pearson 021 567 722 wendy@welcomerealestate.co.nz

Sarah Robb 027 882 1994 sarah@welcomerealestate.co.nz

Enquiries Over $859,000

Wendy Pearson 021 567 722 wendy@welcomerealestate.co.nz

Sarah Robb 027 882 1994 sarah@welcomerealestate.co.nz

Enquiries Over $1,195,000

Kilkenny Place, Wakefield

Robb 027 882 1994 sarah@welcomerealestate.co.nz

7983 sqm 5 2 3

Pearson 021 567 722 wendy@welcomerealestate.co.nz

Bus patronage up as new service rounds the corner

March 2023 saw record patronage on Nelson Tasman’s bus network, with 49,211 bus journeys taken by people over the age of five, a 20% increase on pre-Covid levels.

“This is the highest number of people since we started collecting data and demonstrates rising demand for public transport in Nelson, at a time when we are making a considerable increase to capacity,” says Group Manager Infrastructure Alec Louverdis.

Nelson Tasman’s expanded bus service will launch on 1 August. It includes:

• Electric buses offering a smoother, quieter, more sustainable ride.

• A flat $2 fare for Bee Card users, making travel even better value (cheaper on a concession).

• Buses every half hour on a new set of urban routes (routes 1-4 between Nelson and Richmond), ending long wait times.

• Express services to Richmond, Nelson Hospital and Nelson from Wakefield and Motueka making buses an option for thousands more people.

• Rationalised routes mean less changing –for instance travelling from Atawhai to the hospital used to involve two buses, it’s now just one.

• Free wifi, so commuters can start work early and get home earlier or watch something on a device to relax.

An increase in those who live within a tenminute walk of a bus stop from 35,200 to 57,100.

Improved real-time tracking on phones and major bus stops.

“We currently carry around 480,000 passengers per year and anticipate the new service will lift that number to around 750,000,” says Louverdis.

“The last time our service was upgraded was

in 2012, when Routes 1 and 2 were brought into the contracted network. We saw a 40% increase in patronage over three years, and only a 5% increase in population. The upgrade we are launching on 1 August is of a similar if not larger scale.”

Patronage in April is 4% up on pre-Covid levels. However, April is always a low month due to the Easter holidays and there were also high levels of rainfall, where people are more likely to use their cars.

“It’s hard to pinpoint why we are seeing this increase, but we can make educated guesses,” says Louverdis. “We know petrol prices are high, and that many people in Nelson are affected by the cost-of-living crisis. Whatever the reason someone is choosing to take the bus, it’s important we provide them with the best service possible.”

In a survey prepared for Nelson City Council’s last Regional Public Transport Plan (202131), people were asked what changes would make public transport more convenient. The overwhelming request was for changed routes and timetables.

“I expect there’s a growing number of people who are mixing up the way they travel around,” says Louverdis. “Those people want to see more regular buses, that go to more places.

“Transport is all about choice and we are trying to make our bus service as convenient, sustainable, and cheap as possible so people feel they are able to choose it more often.”

“We want to dispel the view that travelling by bus is an inferior option and make it a normal part of everyday life. Providing people with a service that is good value, more regular, and closer to their doorstep is a big part of that. “

Crafts, groceries and a bargain: St Vincent Street businesses open!

For the next several months, the traffic plan in place on St Vincent Street will remain, including a full road closure at the Hastings Street intersection.

Crafters, cake makers or those who want new sheets can still access Spotlight through their Hastings Street entry via Washington Road, follow on-road signage for directions.

Access to and from The Warehouse and Countdown retail stores is restricted, but you can still access the store through St Vincent Street. Alternatively, they can both be accessed through Vanguard Street.

Work so far has involved installing and

moving existing power cables to allow the new stormwater pipes to be installed underneath.

This work will improve stormwater infrastructure so the area can better manage the impact of more frequent heavy rain and future housing development.

The bus stop on St Vincent Street between The Warehouse and Countdown is closed with a detour in place for Route 5 via Vanguard Street. The temporary stop will be opposite New World.

Full house for iwi education symposium in whakatū

Teachers, principals and educationalists from across the top of the South Island turned out in force for a ground-breaking education symposium hosted by the eight iwi of Te Tauihu.

Kia wetewetea, ko Māui ahau! attracted more than 1000 attendees from across the rohe (tribal area which includes Tasman, Nelson and Marlborough).

It is the first forum of its kind to be held in Aotearoa and the brainchild of Te Kāhui Mātauranga o Te Tauihu o te Waka-a[1]Māui, a collective of the eight tangata whenua iwi formed in 2019 to work alongside the education sector.

Te Kāhui Mātauranga o Te Tauihu chairperson Hayley Pemberton, who represents Ngāti Toa Rangatira in the grouping, said the symposium was aimed at inspiring excellence for Māori students and influencing change.

“We created this format, both for those working in education and also for our own whānau, to discuss some of the long-standing and often unseen barriers facing our tamariki at school.

“A lot of our work is about strengthening relationships with kura. But we are only eight peo-

Native Robin flourishing in Abel Tasman National Park

ple around a table – we physically cannot support all schools in the region one on one, but we can create spaces like this where we can have those honest discussions, share more about our tribal aspirations and pūrākau, and learn together.”

The symposium featured experts working in the education space, who themselves whakapapa to Te Tauihu:

Dr Peter Meihana (Ngāti Kuia, Rangitāne o Wairau, Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Ngāi Tahu), who spoke about local history and the new Aotearoa Histories in School curriculum; author and education expert Dr Melanie Riwai-Couch (Rangitāne o Wairau, Ngāti Kuia, Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō); and Dr Liana Macdonald (Ngāti Kuia, Rangitāne o Wairau, Ngāti Koata), a lecturer at the Faculty of Education, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, who specialises in research examining how racism, whiteness and settler colonisation manifest in national institutions.

On the day, each of the eight iwi also took to the stage to share new iwi resources that focus on their unique tribal histories.

A small forest bird, much loved by trampers for its habit of popping up in the bush to look for insects in their footprints, is making a comeback in the coastal areas of the Abel Tasman National Park. Project Janszoon and DOC’s work to restore and protect species like toutouwai/robin and kākā in the Abel Tasman National Park is showing a significant increase in the number and distribution of robins and other predator-sensitive forest birds recorded.

To assess the benefits of pest control in the park, Project Janszoon has used acoustic monitoring technology to track forest bird population distributions and call rates at over 120 sites since 2019. The results from 2022 demonstrate a remarkable recovery of robins in the park – robins are an indicator species that respond well to predator control - clearly demonstrating that a stringent approach to the control of predators like stoats and rats plays a critical role in restoring and protecting population recovery of forest birds. When Project Janszoon started, robin and other rat-sensitive birds were mostly only found in the uplands of the park, where numbers of predators are naturally lower and

Native toutouwai/robins are making a comeback in the Abel Tasman National Park.

small populations of native birds were able to persist.

The recent monitoring results from these areas showed significant increases in call rates from for these populations, suggesting robins have responded well to lower predator numbers following concerted control efforts.

The most exciting gains have been recorded in the lower elevations where predators, especially rats, tend to reach higher numbers.

The 2022 monitoring detected robins at double the number of sites compared to 2019, which

suggests they are establishing new populations in areas towards the coast where they had been previously unable to survive due to predation. This equates to an additional 1500ha of habitat within the Park where robins can now be found now compared to just three years ago.

The data is backed up by anecdotal observations of birds by park visitors, volunteers, contractors, and DOC staff doing work in these areas.

Project Director Bruce Vander Lee says that the monitoring results show great progress towards the vision of robust populations of key indicator species like robins.

“We are at the stage now where we have the data to show our approach to pest control is working. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners at the Department of Conservation and the Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust to maintain predator control and protect those gains for the future.”

Project Janszoon will continue to monitor forest bird populations throughout the Abel Tasman, and use that information to ensure that its pest control programme is doing all it can to ensure these vulnerable new populations can thrive.

PEDAL TO EMPOWER: A group of cyclists got together on Sunday for the ‘Pedal to Empower’ community ride in Nelson. Organiser Bernie Whitaker says although it was a small turnout, it was a great ride. The owner of The Gentle Cycle Company organised the community cycle ride as part of World Bicycle Relief’s annual ‘Pedal to Empower’ event from 2 - 5 June, which invites riders around the globe to help mobilise women and girls in rural regions with bicycles. You can still donate to help reach the $3,000 goal, go to www.pedaltoempower.com and search ‘Nelson’. Pictured from left are Bernie Whitaker, Rachel Boyack MP, Dorothy and Graham, Chris Whitaker, Anita and John Gardner (Nelson Cycle Hire), Frank Witowski (Hybrid Bikes Nelson), Lily Whitaker (9) and Cleah Fuller (9). Photo:

Photo: Project Janszoon.

Supplied.

The new Firearms Registry is coming

Register your firearms and help make New Zealand safer.

New Zealand will have a firearms registry from 24 June 2023. If you’re a firearms licence holder, you’ll be required to provide information about your firearms or arms items from this date.

The Registry will help us make New Zealand safer. It will give licence holders more confidence when buying or selling firearms, as the Registry will let you know if you’re

dealing with a current licence holder and if the firearm has been reported stolen.

The Registry is one of the ways we’re strengthening how we manage firearms in New Zealand. With responsible firearms licence holders doing the right thing and filling in the Registry, it will help keep track of legally owned firearms and help prevent their transfer to those who use them for criminal purposes.

You have 5 years until 24 June 2028 to register your firearms. However there are some circumstances where you are required to provide information for the Registry in a shorter time frame. These are referred to in the Arms Amendment Regulations as ‘activating circumstances’. It’s up to you to keep your information up to date. You can find information on these timeframes at: firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz/registry

Examples of activating circumstances

Selling, hiring, purchasing or receiving a firearm

What needs to be registered

Non-prohibited firearms including Specially Dangerous Airguns (PCPs)

Restricted weapons

Pistols

Major parts

Prohibited firearms and magazines

Pistol carbine conversion kits

Registry goes live on 24 June 2023

You can register your firearms or arms items on our website at any time. Just click on MyFirearms, the private and secure portal that houses the Registry. Otherwise our Registry and Services team will be available by phone to help during business hours.

Scan QRcode for more information

Importing, exporting or manufacturing a firearm or ammunition

If you’re subject to any compliance or enforcement action under the Arms Act

There will be no charge for registering your firearms.

Details needed to register your firearms

• Type (rifle, shotgun etc)

• Make

• Model

• Action

• Calibre/gauge

• If it has a non-detachable magazine (and, if so, its capacity)

• Identifying marking (serial number)

• A photograph of the firearm (if requested)

Once-in-a-lifetime snorkel experience for students

KATE RUSSELL

Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR) - Te Kura Moana ran their 22nd annual Poor Knights competition trip last month and two students from the Nelson Tasman region were lucky enough to attend.

Nine-year-old Flynn Brydon from Hira School and 11-yearold Hugh Robinson from Brooklyn School were two of 32 students nationwide chosen to attend the trip on 12 May.

Flynn describes seeing “an eagle ray, a stingray, and a black triangle fish in the seaweed”.

“Travelling out and back on the boat was fun, especially getting splashed at the back. I also liked making new friends.”

Flynn’s father David Brydon says it was an amazing experience for both of them.

“It was a joy to see my boy’s face when we were completely surrounded by a school of fish. Looking for the micro molluscs was also a real highlight as well - very relaxing and meditative.”

Hugh says the experience felt like a “dream”.

“Because it was so good you couldn’t make it up. I love the blue maomao in the arch because you could go right next to them, and they wouldn’t even move away.”

The Poor Knights Islands are a group of islands off the east coast of the Northland Region and lie 50 kilometres to the

northeast of Whangarei. Students came from as far north as Kaitaia and as far south as Dunedin to experience one of Aoearoa’s oldest marine reserves.

Students are selected for the trip based on action projects they have undertaken and the enthusiasm they show when studying and experiencing the marine environment.

The national delivery of EMR is thanks to a network of provider organisations across the country, including Tasman Bay Guardians in the Nelson Tasman region.

For this year’s trip, there were students from 26 schools from seven regions of Aotearoa in attendance.

Local artist wins Changing Threads award

SARA HOLLYMAN

A local artist testing out a new technique has paid off, netting him a prestigious arts award.

Giles Panting was accepted as an exhibiting artist in this year’s Changing Threads National Contemporary Textile Fibre Art Awards and took out one of the top awards.

Changing Threads is a national contemporary art award and exhibition held at the Refinery Artspace in Nelson that showcases fibre and textile art.

Held annually, the awards encourage fibre and textile artists to push the boundaries of contemporary practise. Giles’ submitted work was a three-metre-long, almost one-metre-wide textile piece using reverse appliqué with machine stitching, cutting and hand-stitching.

Māpua artist Giles Panting with his three-metre-high textile piece on display at the Refinery ArtSpace. Photo: Supplied.

“It’s pretty scary to have your work on display,” he says. “It’s natural that you then compare your work to

others.”

But his piece won him the Bernina Award for the most creative use of a sewing machine and the $2000 associated cash prize. Giles says when he found out he had won, he couldn’t quite believe it. “Just being selected was honour enough. It’s nice to feel that someone else values the work you’re producing.”

Selectors said competition for inclusion was particularly high this year as was the quality of work entered. There were 110 entries that were whittled down to 31 finalists with a total of 37 pieces being selected for inclusion. Working in Wellington, Giles had not yet seen the exhibition we he was announced as one of the winners, which was accepted on his behalf by his wife.

“Strongly encouraged” to enter by his family, Giles says they are thrilled he won the award. “Obviously they’re thrilled for me, very excited by the award and

of course it was them that made me submit it this time.

“It really is NZs most important award for textile arts and promoting textile.”

He says the piece was a reaction to a lot of media coverage at the time around the growing awareness that some historical figures who were once considered great and historic icons, are being re-examined and re-evaluated on grounds of how their wealth was amassed.

“When we look at these men and women and their source of wealth and power, it’s not something we would be necessarily be proud of and maybe we need to reconsider their place in history,” Giles says.

He said the work uses a traditional sewing machine but in a more contemporary way.

“You’re using the machine as a drawing tool so it’s a much more free-flowing way of using the machine.”

It took several months for Giles to complete, but he

was not yet sure what he was making it for.

“I guess I was making it with a view to be exhibited at some point but not knowing where that would be.”

Changing Threads creative director Ronnie Martin has an unwavering passion for the exhibition.

“This is the 14th exhibition for Changing Threads, and I still get incredibly energised with every new suite of works. It’s a thrill to see the innovation and skill in the finalist works, especially those that investigate the endless possibilities of contemporary textile practise.

“I’m very proud that Changing Threads remains one of Arts Council Nelson’s most popular exhibitions.”

Giles says he has already started planning his next piece. “The next work will lead on from this piece, but I’ll be looking to develop the concepts and techniques.”

Changing Threads is on at the Refinery ArtSpace until 10 June.

David and Flynn Brydon from Nelson attended the Poor Knights trip run by EMR last month. Photo: Supplied.

A new medal and no retirement for Eileen

ANNE HARDIE

At 84, Eileen Harvey-Thawley has a new medal to put on her uniform when she joins the ranks of the Mapua Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Last week she headed to Government House where the Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro placed the Queen’s Service Medal for Services to Fire and Emergency on her uniform.

“I’ve been anxious for months,

but I didn’t need to worry. I met some lovely people who had some amazing stories of service.”

Eileen joined the brigade in the mid-1990s, the New Zealand Fire Service in 2004 and has no plans to retire yet. Every week she is with the team at practice and continues to be the brigade’s treasurer and welfare officer.

Her service to the community goes beyond the fire brigade and she has supported a range of projects over the years including the

ON SAXTON

restoration of Cobb House in the Moutere Hills and numerous other historical assets in her community, and assisting ANZAC Day commemorations.

Twice she has been awarded the Tasman District Council’s Community Award. Alongside her husband Graeme she donated a large family farm alongside the estuary leading into Māpua to the QE11 Trust to ensure the preservation of the local ecology and for the community.

Come down and discover a new treasure at Op Shop on Saxton!

Nelson Tasman Hospice is opening its fifth charity shop this Saturday the 10th of June, located in what was previously the IHC Op Shop in the Wakatu Industrial Estate. With a completely new look, “Op Shop on Saxton” aims to create a slightly different op shop experience with its “treasure trove” layout. The multiple rooms invite keen op shoppers to browse at leisure – even on a Sunday!

As with the other Nelson Tasman Hospice Op Shops, items for sale will be updated daily and so if you are into sustainable shopping, second-hand clothing, vintage, and objects to recycle, reuse, repurpose and rehome, you will want to visit often!

Future developments include opening additional spaces for shopping and a possible community collaboration focusing on upcycling.

Proudly carrying the “Sustainable Shopping” tagline, Op Shop on Saxton recognises that everything we buy has health, en-

vironmental and social impacts. Sustainable shopping is an ecofriendly and socially responsible way of consuming that considers the entire life cycle of a product – from its manufacture to its disposal.

Sustainable not only refers to the type of shopping we know cus-

tomers love, but also to the fact that Nelson Tasman Hospice operates these shops as one way to try and ensure the future of Hospice Services in the region. As with Hospices around Aotearoa, New Zealand, Nelson Tasman Hospice has very significant and escalating costs of clinical care,

you

at

enjoy the challenge of raising funds for Nelson Tasman Hospice, and successfully raise almost half of the $3.5M funding shortfall each year. The Hospice Shops really are living by their tagline ‘turning second-hand goods into first-class care’. Nelson Tasman Hospice provides free specialist palliative care services for people of all ages with life-limiting illnesses, supporting them and their whānau, through illness, death, and bereavement. Our care is available throughout the Nelson Tasman region and is provided for around 240 people each month.

necessitating the ongoing review of models of care and service delivery for the future.

The hospice shops operating throughout the Nelson Tasman region are staffed by managers who are supported by a dedicated volunteer team. Those that work with Hospice Shops thoroughly

Come on down to 3 Elms Street in the Wakatu Estate, accessible from the driveway behind Animates, from 10am this Saturday to check out Op Shop on Saxton and find yourself a treasure. There is plenty of parking, Mediaworks will be hosting a free sausage sizzle and there will be spot prizes for shoppers! We look forward to seeing you there.

When

shop

“Op Shop on Saxton”, you will be greeted by a friendly group of volunteers.

Eileen Harvey-Thawley received her Queen’s Service Award from Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro. Photo: Supplied.

It’s all on the app. Are you?

The Nelson App has been the go-to place for the latest news and sport since 2017.

Every day tens of thousands of Nelsonians open the app to stay informed about what's happening in our region. But it isn't just news on the app, it features up-coming events, funeral notices, the latest property for sale, flight information, places to eat and drink, local businesses, weather and tide reports, a TV guide and much more. So, next time you open the around, you might be surprised what you find.

• NEWS

• PROPERTY

• SPORTS

• RURAL

• LIFESTYLE

• FLIGHTS

• DINING

• TIDES

• WEATHER

• GEONET

• TO DO

• FUNERALS

• JOBS

• OUTAGES

MURITAI SERVICE CENTRE

Independent Kerb & Concrete has been in business for over 30 years with the current owners Mike & Carolyn running it for the last 19 years. We are a Nelson business based at Tahunanui with a display area and yard at 75 Parkers Road. The company provides general construction services specialising in slip-formed kerb and channel, and general concrete works, associated with roading and subdivision work, and also residential driveway, paths and patio work. Our work area covers worksites from Golden Bay to Marlborough, and over the years we have developed successful working relationships with our key customers and suppliers. Independent Kerb & Concrete also produce a range of smaller concrete products, including air vents, gas slabs, gully risers and gully lids, and a variety of exposed and natural pavers.

The experience that our field and management staff have gained over the last 19 years ensures that we can provide the services you require on your next project, be it a small or large project.

Please make contact with us to start a discussion regarding work for you: Manager, Mike Goodyear, Ph: 021 249 9391

Contract Manager, John Garguilo, Ph: 028 8500 3576

Located in Tahuna, Nelson Brake Services Ltd has been locally owned and operated by Quentin Harwood and Craig Hughes since 1999. There are two parts to the business – Nelson Brake Services and Muritai Service Centre. The company offers general garage services such as warrants, lubes, tyres, repairs, etc. The Nelson Brake Services team are all qualified, experienced mechanics who are also brake specialists. They offer a variety of services including hose manufacturing, flywheel machining, disc machining, drum machining, rebonding, relining, servo and cycliner overhauling, honing and polishing, resleeving, cable making and brake pipe manufacturing. Nelson Brake Services also does vehicle testing, modifications and tune-ups. The Muritai Service centre offers a full workshop service and team is experienced in car repairs, maintenance and WOFs for cars, light commercials, motorcycles and trailers. The company also sells batteries, tyres, brake parts and are the Nelson agents for Exedy clutches. This summer, why not book your car in for a check-up at Nelson Brake Services? If it needs some repair work done, they can provide quality parts and workmanship. To making a booking, phone 546 4749.

The Children’s Garden is a unique nature and Pikler-inspired, early learning and care environment. Licenced for 30 infants, toddlers and preschoolers, their emphasis on high quality teacher:child ratios, along with celebrating and recognizing the importance of ‘Wellbeing’, has become a significant and integral focus for this early learning team. ‘‘We have been consistently recognized for our unique key features – specifically our commitment to sustainability, creating a calm, peaceful and respectful environment for young children and also our passion for nurturing high quality learning’,’ says principal Natasha Kibble. The Children’s Garden is ‘spacious, natural, open and homely. The curriculum is driven by the children's own fascinations and curiosity; we focus on the children’s natural urges and desires to play, imagine and be curious of the world around them’. We believe the possibilities for children to thrive are endless when child-led play is valued as meaningful for growing their love of learning and being with others. We believe childhood is a magical time that deserves to be wondrous in every possible way, as it lays important foundations for future learning and success. Enquire now about our openings for infants, toddler and young children (0-6yrs).

For more than 35 years, Star Moving and Distribution has provided a professional home and furniture removal service founded on reliability, security, and friendliness. Located at 178 Tahunanui Dr, with branches nationwide, Star Moving take the stress out of moving by going that extra mile every time. The longstanding, locally owned company provide trained packers who carefully wrap precious belongings in the most secure way possible. Their team specialise in Safe and Heavy Item moving, ensuring all furniture and stored belongings are carefully itemised and containerised for protection and security. If relocating, Star Moving will blanket-wrap all home furniture and effects which will be securely stowed for travelling in the most safe and secure manner possible. Star Moving also offer an unpacking service and the company provide export-approved, fire and burglar-protected storage warehouses across the country. With a fleet of modern trucks and regular service-runs throughout NZ, Star Moving and Distribution fully cater to daily and weekly freight services throughout the country. Contact Star Moving on 03 548 6667 to discuss your requirements or book a home visit and written quote. Email nelson@starmoving.co.nz for more information.

Helping clients maintain an active and mobile lifestyle

Providing full Reformer Pilates classes from a boutique studio in central Nelson, the owner of LaForme Pilates Studio, Nicole Cadman, provides the crème de la crème of Reformer machines to get her clients moving. Located upstairs at 105 Rutherford Street, LaForme Pilates Studio works on strengthening and lengthening while giving a full body workout utilising the Reformer machines spring tension and client's body weight to create a balanced, strong, and flexible body. It is important for older people to keep up their mobility, strength, and stay active, says Nicole. “As we age, our muscle mass declines. It is very important for us to maintain that muscle mass for our bone health and continued mobility. Keeping strong is part of that. Our classes focus on getting people strong. Building strength and maintaining strength benefits everybody. When we get older it is important that we keep active. Our group classes work well if our clients are already living an active lifestyle, even if it as simple as walking.” “The machines are extremely easy to use and offer so much more than a traditional pilates workout. The combination of passionate instructors and high-quality equipment will help to achieve a trans-

formed body and mind. Reformer Pilates is the ideal solution to help you achieve core stability and good postural alignment. It is a great workout, combining strength and fitness, and is fun and carried out in a supportive and calming environment,” says Nicole. New to the team is full-time instructor Laura Hamilton. “Laura was a client and absolutely loves her new role. She started our group classes for her own benefit, fell in love with it, completed her instructor training and started on board with me in March. Laura is young, very motivated and very good at what she does.”

The LaForme Studio team are providing a special introductory offer to all new clients. “We know that sometimes it can be a bit daunting trying something new. That’s why we’re providing an introductory special of four classes for $40. A great way to get your loved ones moving is by purchasing a gift voucher through LaForme Studio. “People often buy gift vouchers for their family, and friends. They can purchase them at whatever value they wish and the vouchers are to be used within two weeks of purchase. A lot of people will buy one as an intro offer for their family and friends to give our classes a try.

• Wednesday 14th - Enduring Power of Attorney talk, with Community Law (Nelson office)

• Thursday 22nd - Staying Safe Driving Workshop, Hinemoa Croquet Club, Nelson

• Saturday 24th June - Volunteer Expo, Annesbrook Community Church, Stoke

• Tuesday 11th July - Older and Bolder with Dr Angela Robertson, inspirational speaker and author

• Wednesday 12th July - Reframing Retirement, Nelson Suburbs clubrooms, Saxton

For more information: 03 544 7624

Email: admin@ageconcernnt.org.nz

A wonderful client Yvonne, who is 81 years old. Yvonne attends two classes a week and continues to increase her fitness, strength and flexibility.

Nelson College tests their depth in big win

JACK MALCOLM

Quinton Tuhakaraina says he would have never believed anyone if they told him he’d be stripping up for Nelson College’s first XV this season.

The 15-year-old, still in Year 11, played a full 70 minutes on the wing, having been called up from the second XV after playing age grade rugby last year.

An injury to Fanua Faavae and sickness in the squad saw Quinton earn his call up and he didn’t let the opportunity slip as he bravely contested the high ball.

“It was good, and it was a bit of a learning process,” he says.

“After this game, I have to do some work behind the scenes … There’s some little things I can fix.”

He says the team has welcomed his inclusion with open arms, having sat on the bench in their game the previous weekend before earning his debut in their midweek win over Marlborough Boys College.

The impressive 31-7 win kept the team’s unbeaten streak alive as the local side were in such dominant form on their home front field that they almost emptied the bench at half time.

The Nelson College forward pack was far superior, led from the front by captain and flanker Dane Leppin, who took a break in the

second half to give their younger players a chance to make an impact and impress the coaches.

Their first try, a nearly 50m mauling effort that marched the ball down the field and over the line was only a sign of things to come as the forwards turned up to play.

The size advantage was obvious, and at scrum time they were more a victim of their own success and the school-boy rule of not being able to push further than 1.5 metres.

It wasn’t just the forwards who turned up with the goods, with

the backline also having moments of brilliance, like when winger Calllum Robertson glided through a massive gap that opened in front of his eyes on a fantastic inside line.

The final 25 minutes of play did see a momentum change, with Marlborough able to build some attack and force the penalties which saw reserve Oliver Kirk the unlucky recipient of a yellow card for his team’s repeated infractions. That reduction to 14-men for Nelson College saw Marlborough finally able to mount the at-

tack which would get them their first points as the offence grinded down the defensive line and broke through for a self-converted try by first five-eighth Hugh Robinson.

Nelson College coach Jono Philips says it was a great value to have the subs get a good run, which was set by a strong foundation by the starters in the first half.

“We’ve had some tough recent fixtures, and these guys haven’t seen much game time. All seven (guys) got good time on the field.”

He says their mistakes were easy fixes, with their discipline around the ruck letting them down.

“We went off our feet a lot and the offsides, but they’re so easy to fix.

“We’ll analyse our phase attack and how they work and our twoman tackles weren’t as dominant as we wanted.”

Nelson College’s schedule sees them face a daunting task ahead, with two games in four days as they play at home against Timaru Boys High School on Wednesday, before facing Selwyn Combined on Saturday.

Quinton Tuhakaraina says that now he’s got a taste of first XV rugby, he’ll be working hard to get back in the picture after making his debut last week, at 15-years-old.

Photo: Evan Barnes/Shuttersport.

Rugby: Michelle Miller-Leef and the Samoan women’s rugby team have won the 2023 Oceania Rugby Women’s Champions with a 19-18 win over Fiji, earning qualification for WXV 2, the second tier of a new annual global women’s international 15s competition.

Rowing: Nelson Rowing Club has picked up a swag of medals from the South Island Masters 2023 in Picton over the weekend. The club picked up gold through Sylvia Walsh, Jayne Brinsley, Trish Strickland and Denise Martin in the women’s Womens E-K coxless quad sculls while Sylvia also took out the single sculls. The club also earned four silver medals and five bronzes.

Rugby: An injury to Crusaders halfback Mitch Drummond while warming up has seen Mako Louie Chapman make his Super Rugby debut over the weekend, playing 70 minutes as a starter in their 27-26 loss to the Hurricanes.

Karting: Over 100 drivers from across the country were in Nelson and Marlborough as the two local karting clubs hosted the 37th Central Sunbelt Championships. Nelson’s Kevin Barker took out the top podium in the Rotax Max Heavy class, while the other 125cc classes were dominated by Christchurch drivers.

Football: Nelson Suburb’s men’s team kept up their march in the Chatham Cup with a 9-0 win over Motueka under the Friday night lights, while on Sunday the women’s team kept themselves in the hunt for the Kate Sheppard Cup with a 6-0 win over Halswell United.

Rugby: Macca Springer was crucial in New Zealand U20’s 19-18 win over Australia U20s, scoring a try. He was joined in the team by fellow-Mako, half back Noah Hotham as they prepare for the World Rugby Under 20 Championship starting later this month in South Africa.

Football: The previously undefeated FC Nelson first XI has been knocked out in the first round of the 2023 Prices Charity Cup knockout competition with a 5-2 away loss to Rangers.

Bowls: Colleen Earl has been recognised with a life membership to the Bowls Nelson Centre for her contributions to the game on and off the green at their annual prize-giving. Among other notable awards from the evening was the Caldwell trophy for the Bowls Nelson Player of the Year, which went to Val Smith from the Nelson club. The Yeatman/Griffiths trophy for development player of the year went to Christine Richardson from the Tahunanui club.

The Stoke club men’s team and the Nelson Club women’s team were the respective winners of the Bowls Nelson Centre Interclub 7’s championships, with both teams then going on to be runners-up in the national finals.

Marlborough to host GODZONE

The world’s largest expedition race will be hosted in Marlborough for the very first time in 2024.

Marlborough District Council has successfully bid for hosting rights to Chapter 12 of One NZ GODZONE – New Zealand’s most iconic adventure race. Event director Warren Bates says Marlborough is a thrilling new South Island location for competitors.

“Marlborough offers more than just incredible sunshine hours with all the ingredients for a visually-stunning GODZONE chapter. We are eager to visit this region of New Zealand for the first time and expect teams to be similarly pumped.”

“There are big mountains, wild rivers, endless forests and a stunning coastline that could take a lifetime to explore. Marlborough’s dynamic terrain offers a breathtakingly beautiful adventure experience while delivering the ultimate team challenge.”

The gruelling non-stop multiday One NZ GODZONE pitches teams of four against each other as they navigate their own route across an unrelenting course that includes disciplines such as mountainbiking, trekking, packrafting, ropes and coasteering.

“We won’t leave any adventure options unexplored as Marlborough is a gilt-edged

opportunity to experience big country and get lost in remote locations,” Warren says. “The course will be large with supersized mountainbiking and paddling sections compared to the last chapter held in Fiordland. The distance will be north of 600km, and we anticipate the fastest team will take four - five days, with all competitors given eight and a half days to complete the full course.”

“While we can’t give too much away, we can say that the paddling is more technical than Chapter 11, there will be some interesting strategic decisions to make.” The adventure race is set to start on 29 February and run until 8 March 2024.

NBL BASKETBALL TIPPING

Frisbee: The ultimate sporting experience

victorious.

The local Ultimate Frisbee scene has gone from strength to strength in recent years.

A strong core of experienced players have kept the sport humming along, with the positive culture of the game welcoming new players into the fold with open arms which has seen it grow into an eight team league in the winter.

Organiser Bronwyn Tuck says the indoor game is the best place to learn the sport, with all the teams having a beginner player included in the mix.

“Every team has a good player, a couple of medium-skilled players and a beginner. It’s been really really even.

“The diversity is outrageous. What other sport has the young and the old, the new and the good, the men and the women.”

Ultimate frisbee has one of the best ways to incorporate women into a mixed sport, she says.

The receiving team after each point chooses how many women they want to run in their line-up, with four players on the court for each team, and the opposing team must match them.

“If you’ve got the best women in a team, they’ll usually win.

“Spirit is also very important. The big thing about ultimate is there’s no ref. It’s a self-reffing game and you’ve got to be a good sport.”

The game is played with an almost perfect balance of competitive and social aspects, with teams not as serious as regularly organised sport but still eager to come out

“We’re not uptight. If you can’t make it every week it’s not the end of the world,” says Bronwyn. Indoor ultimate is played on a basketball court, with the ‘key’ being the endzone to score points.

Each team has a handler, who is considered their top player, to deliver good passes into the red zone, with their teammates running routes that look to shake off their defender.

Play is quick, with rolling subs at the end of each point and a fast restart back into action.

With indoor predominantly played in the winter, the local league runs in school terms two and three, with a break through the school holidays.

While there are still pick-up games at the beach every Sunday, outdoor is more of a summer game which runs three evenings a week through the warmer months.

With registration for the indoor league costing $40 a term, Bronwyn says it’s the perfect opportunity to give the sport a try.

With the league wrapping up their first term of indoor, teams will be shaken up for the next term and the club is keen to get even more new players involved.

“We just really encourage new people to give it a go and we look after them. Don’t not turn up because you can’t throw a frisbee. Beginners learn really fast because they’re brought along with the good players.”

Details on how to sign up can be found on their website, whakatuultimate.nz.

JACK MALCOLM

Jim Risner floats the disc past Ari Stern during their game of indoor ultimate frisbee, a growing sport locally. Photo: Jack Malcollm.

Phil & Savannah Smith

Proving his place with passion and drive

JACK MALCOLM

Nelson Giants import Avery Woodson says he wants to be a role model for people like him. Having grown up “short and stubby”, he wasn’t part of a traditionally sporty family and wants to show people just how far hard work can take you.

“It’s for people like us. Not the 6’8 superstars but normal people who are 6’2 but are athletic and made it.”

“Nobody in my family even watches basketball unless I play. But they supported anything I wanted to do as long as I had good grades.

“I got obsessed to see how good

I can get.”

He says his goals were to play at the highest level, seeing stars like Ray Allen be able to do so much with their lives.

“I could be like that one day.

“So many people have made it overseas, but in the NBA, 450 people make it.”

That philosophy has seen Avery

travel the world playing the game he loves, but it hasn’t been smooth sailing the whole way. Having broken his foot while with his previous team in Belgium, the promised contract extension was rescinded and he was out on his own.

“I was playing on my broken foot for two weeks for them, playing thirty-five-minute games with a broken foot. That’s what hurt the most when the coach came to me, the contract was up, but they’d told me they’d extend and he said, ‘we feel like you gave up’.” He says the eight weeks he spent off his feet healing up gave him time to reflect on his outlook on life.

“The whole time I sat there depressed with how I was treated. More consumed with the way someone treated me that way.

“I was in a really low space and when I got here (Nelson), it was like a breath of fresh air. I felt like myself again.

“That’s how I learn. I had to hurt.” That sense of it all being taken away isn’t unfamiliar to Avery, having been playing in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, on the cusp of the war starting with Russia.

“I had to tell my team I’ve got to leave.

“I got home, and nine days later, bombs were dropping.”

Through the adversity, he’s adopted a positive life outlook that reflects his passion to continue playing the game.

“For me, you can put goals on tangible things. So much hinges on that being possible.

“I put my goals on, ‘did I put my best foot forward and be the best person I can be’. Then I’ve won. “I don’t want to look back and say ‘I didn’t give it my all’.”

He says the Giants outfit has been the perfect place for him to get back into the swing of things after his injury.

The team ethos of trusting each other means he’s not boxed into a role-playing position like he was in other teams.

“It’s an opportunity I haven’t had before. Coach (Fitchett) gives me the opportunity to show everything I can do. He trusts me to play the game and not just a role.”

He says the programmes the team has, like their strength and conditioning through Fletcher Matthews, are also top-class and have given him the time to get his body right.

The open-mindedness has seen him soar in the New Zealand NBL, as the fifth-highest scorer in the league with 21.7ppg and the second-best 3-point percentage at 48.4.

He says, while he always play to come out on top and to be in that last game of the season to win it all, his focus is more single-minded. His concern isn’t with results down the road, it’s the next game where his attention lies.

“The season isn’t long, so I’m just looking forward to it.”

Avery Woodson has battled adversity and injury but has come out the other side a better player and a star for the Nelson Giants.

Photo: Barry Whitnall/Shuttersport.

Community Notices

MONDAY

FITNESS & FRESH AIR FREE supervised exercise sessions for seniors. Mon Saxton & Thurs Tāhunanui, 12pm. 30 mins walk & learn to use the outdoor exercise equipment safely. Ph: Ange 021790415

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.

MONDAY FOOTBALL Come and join our friendly social football (Soccer) group in Tāhunanui. Anyone welcome. Weekly from 6pm opposite Sprig & Fern. Just turn up.

OSTEOACTIVE, fitness and education for participants with osteoarthritis. Mon, 9.30am, Holy Trinity Hall, 27 Dorset St, Richmond. ACC approved community strength and balance class. Ph: Nicola 0210788609 or E: nicola.rae.11@gmail.com. Cost: koha.

TUESDAY

NELSON 50+ WALKING GROUP Tues, 13 June. Marina Meander. Meet at 9.45am, Trafalgar Park. BYO lunch. Ph: Ros 021645501.

WELLBY TALKING CAFÉ: Tues, 13 Jun, 10-11.30am.

Tapawera Community Centre. Wellby Talking Cafés are about social connection and finding out about groups, activities, and services. www.wellby.org.nz Ph: 035467681.

WELLBY TALKING CAFÉ: Tues, 13 Jun, 1.30-3pm. Richmond Library. Wellby Talking Cafés are about social connection and finding out about groups, activities, and services. www.wellby.org.nz 035467681.

U3A -Tues, 27 Jun, 10am, Elim Church, Main Rd

Stoke. U3A is sociable, fun, and enlightening. Guest speakers and Study Groups keep us actively involved, challenged, and stimulated. Guest speaker: Author, journalist, photographer; Gerard Hindmarsh. www. u3anelson.org.nz. All welcome.

WEDNESDAY

CENTRAL GARDEN CLUB - Meet 2nd Wed of the month, 1.30pm. Methodist Church Hall, Neale Ave, Stoke. Guest Speakers and Afternoon tea. New members welcome. Ph: Bob or Lynn 035418468.

CAKE DECORATORS - Wed, 21 Jun, 6.30pm. We are learning a new skill, painting with cocoa butter on a plaque. New members welcome. Ph: Desiree 0276302359.

INDOOR BOWLS - Come and join us for social indoor bowls and a cuppa every Wed and Fri afternoon, 1.15 -4pm. Beginners welcome. Trafalgar St Hall. Ph: 035476066 or 0274979330.

SING YOURSELF WELL – Wed, 10 -11am. Age Concern Nelson Tasman Nelson Office. 18 Bridge St, Nelson. A fun and relaxed singing group where the focus is on wellbeing. You don’t need to be a great singer to join. Ph: Marnie 035447624 ext 5. $3 per session.

NELSON RSA members and visitors please feel welcome to join our weekly social every Wed, 4-6pm. Greenmeadows Centre, Cnr Songer St and Main Rd Stoke.

CONVERSATIONS with Councillor Tim Skinner. Wed, 12pm. ZUMO, 42 Rutherford St, Nelson. Ask a question, have a general chat, or just listen in. Everyone welcome. Ph: 02102423496.

THURSDAY

NELSON CITY PROBUS CLUB welcome both men and women. Meet 2nd Thurs of the month (Feb thru

DEADLINE: 10AM FRIDAY 50 WORDS OR LESS BY EMAIL ONLY SEND TO: myevent@nelsonweekly.co.nz

to Nov), 10am. Nelson Golf Club, 38 Bolt Rd, Tāhunanui. Programme varies monthly. E: nelsoncitygroupgmail.com.

NEW NELSON TAI CHI CLASS with Gretchen. Thurs mornings. ACC approved falls prevention, strength, and balance instructor. E: kitesfun@gmail.com or Ph: 03548 8707 for info.

KEEP ACTIVE, STRENGTH, BALANCE, and general fitness. Thurs, 9.15am. Holy Trinity Hall, 27 Dorset St. All ages welcome. Standing and seated options, resistance bands, circuits. Ph: Nicola 0210788609 nicola.rae.11@gmail.com.

FITNESS & FRESH AIR IN THE CITY. FREE supervised exercise sessions for seniors. Thurs, 12pm. Maitai river walkway 30 mins walk & learn to use the outdoor exercise equipment safely. Ph: Ange 021790415.

ARE YOU WONDERING what the Bible really has to say? New Weekly Bible Study Night. Thurs, 7-8pm. Victory Community Centre. All Welcome! Ph: Pastor Janine 02102664608.

COULD YOU VOLUNTEER on a Thursday? 2.30-4pm to assist elderly people on and off our van? And take them to our day activity programme in Annesbrook Dr. Please Ph: Maaike 032655224 or E: maaikef@ psusi.org.nz

FRIDAY

SUPER SENIORS: Fri, 16 Jun, 10.30-12.30pm, 30 Vanguard St, (All Saints church foyer). Seniors meet for Morning Tea, Speaker, and light Lunch. Some of our guests will enlighten us with interesting anecdotes from their life. We’re calling this segment 'Small Snippets.' Over 65's welcome. Ph: 035482601 (Gillian or Lisette). Suggested koha $10.

SONGBIRDS LADIES CHOIR, Fri morning Rehears-

als in Stoke. New female singers welcome. If you enjoy singing and can hold a tune, please give me a call. Ph: Mary 035448232 or 0211334805.

DROP IN AND OP SHOP Fri, 9am-1pm. St Stephens Community Church, 61 Tāhunanui Dr. Join us for delicious food, browse through our preloved clothing collection and stay for a chat.

COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE every Fri, 9-11.30am. Victory Community Centre. Designed to make treatment affordable and accessible for all. Dress comfortably in loose fitting clothing so you can roll up your pants and sleeves. Cost: Sliding Scale - $5 - $40

SENIOR 3D FLOW FITNESS WITH COACH D Every Fri, 1pm. Come join in and improve your health and fitness, including strength, coordination, balance, mobility, and agility. Tāhunanui Community Hub. Ph: 021411700. $5 per session.

CULTURAL SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Fri, 10-11am. Come along and share morning tea & a cuppa with Victory’s friendly multicultural roopu. Volunteer opportunities for all people to participate.

SATURDAY / SUNDAY

VARIETY ENTERTAINMENT CLUB of Nelson Concert. Sat, 10 Jun, 2pm, Whakatu Presbyterian Hall, Songer St. All Welcome Ph: Ken 035474301 or Robyn 035473231. Admission $5.

NELSON PHILATELIC SOCIETY MEEETING Sun, 11

June. Doors Open 1.30pm, Stoke Baptist Church. display from Len - Military Mail Mitchener Cup –Letter “B” Ph: Robin 0275442518.

HAVE TYPE 2 DIABETES & want to improve your health? Sat, 24 June, 5 Aug, 16 Sept, 28 Oct, 09 Dec. 9-1pm, Nelson Bays Primary Health. Free lifestyle & medical information group session on type 2 diabetes. Includes a free lunch/light dinner. Ph:

Celeste Keesing 021790894. E: celeste.keesing@ nbph.org.nz.

SINGLES-DOING-STUFF – Every Sun 1-3pm, The Honest Lawyer, Stoke. For You, single, who would like to get out into the social area of Our community and be comfortable within a supportive group. Let’s chat & plan our next outing. Ph: Anne 0274393503 or just turn up. Free.

GENERAL GROUPS

SUTER ART SOCIETY McKee gallery. Until 18 June. New working artists exhibition, “Contrasts “. Seven new artists showcase their works. All welcome. ART EXHIBITION - SILENT AUCTION. Until 30 Jun, in the cafe at Nelson Golf Club,38 Bolt Rd, Tāhunanui. A very varied display of second hand art works is on show. Open to public daily.

FREE FUNCTION ROOM HIRE to all community groups. Avail 7 days. Wakatu Hotel 83 Collingwood St. Ph: Craig 035484299.

EVER THOUGHT OF BECOMING A VOLUNTEER? Are you a community organisation looking for volunteers, training, info, or advice? Check out our website www.volunteernelson.org.nz Ph: 035467681.

BLOOD CANCER SUPPORT GROUP meet monthly for more information Ph: Heather 0274444708. NELSON TASMAN HOSPICE Need volunteers to help in Nelson, Richmond, Motueka and Takaka Hospice Shops. Volunteering is a great chance to meet new people, gain new skills and help your Hospice. Morning or afternoon availability appreciated. Ph: 035463912 or E: Krisca.gould@nelsonhospice.org.nz

FOOD, IS IT A PROBLEM FOR YOU? Are you suffering from anorexia, bulimia, obesity and/or compulsive eating? Overeaters Anonymous works. Ph: 0226730237. All welcome.

Community notices are free to community groups, schools, churches, gold coin donation events and fundraising only. For classified ads and public notices please call 548 5900 Due to the popularity of this column, while every effort will be made, inclusion cannot be guaranteed for free ads.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

NELSON

Support Worker - Information Evening on 19 June 2023.

5.30pm to 7.30pm

We have permanent, full-time, part-time, flexi, casual, sleepovers (attached to afternoon shifts) and awake roles available for you to apply for.

We also have team leader and group leader roles. Apply now, it’s easy. Please complete our online application form.

By applying to this vacancy, you will receive an invitation to our Information and Assessment Centre.

Ref: N23-322.

Closing date on Wednesday, 14 June.

Online application, CV and cover letter are required before your application can be processed. Enquiries can be made to Human Resources Nelson telephone: (03) 539 5746 or email vacancies@nmdhb.govt.nz

Register for job alerts and view full details of vacancies www.nmdhb.govt.nz/careers

PUBLIC NOTICE

COLONEL NOEL PERCY ADAMS TRUST (MELROSE) SOCIETY NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The 48th Annual General Meeting of the Colonel Noel Percy Adams Trust (Melrose) Society is to be held at Melrose House, 26 Brougham Street, Nelson on Tuesday, 20 June, 2023 commencing at 5.30pm.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Out Of Zone Enrolment Applications

The Clifton Terrace School Board of Trustees invites applications from parents who wish to enrol their sons and daughters for 2023/24 who live outside the enrolment zone. Enrolment at the school is governed by an enrolment scheme, details of which are available on the school website www.cliftontce.school.nz.

Families who wish to apply should do so in writing addressed to Rob Wemyss stating the child’s full name, date of birth and current address.

The deadline for receipt of applications for out-of-zone places is Fri 23 June.

Parents of students who live within the home zone should also apply by this date to assist the school to plan appropriately for next year.

The board has determined that 20 places are likely to be available for out-of- zone students during the next year. Preference will be given to those in the Year 1 - 2 age group (those born 2018 – 2019). The exact number of places will depend on the number of applications received from students who live within the school’s home zone. Please note that other age groups will be considered as well. If the number of out-of-zone applications exceeds the number of places available, students will be selected by ballot. If a ballot is required it will be held on Mon 26 June.

Parents will be informed of the outcome of the ballot within three school days of the ballot being held.

Rob Wemyss - Principal Clifton Terrace School

The Trustees warmly invite all interested people to come along and hear what the Melrose Society has achieved over the past year.

Drinks and finger food will be available from 5.00pm before the formal part of the evening. Please RSVP to melrosehousenz@gmail.com by Tuesday, 13 June, 2023 for catering purposes.

Alan Winwood Chairperson, Melrose Society

PSYCHIC PSYCHIC CLAIRVOYANT

GARAGE SALE

Saturday 10th June

15 Burrough Place, Enner Glynn 9am - 1pm

Huge range of homeware, books, furniture and more. Plus a sausage sizzle and car wash. On rain or shine.

ANNIVERSARY

Diamond Wedding Anniversary

Congratulations to Errol and Christina (Nee Riley) McKenzie

On your 60th Wedding Anniversary. Married at Collingwood 8th June 1963.

From all your family with love.

DEATH

WHELAN

Diane Elizabeth

Aged 75, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on 3rd June 2023. Beloved wife to James Whelan, Mother and mother-in-law to Caroline, Clare, Kate, Chris, James, and Lisa. Grandmother to Laura, Keira, Jack, Lilly, and Jasper. Loved sister to Lynne. Funeral to be held at St Peter Paul Catholic Church, Waimea West, on Wednesday, 7th June 11am. A special thanks to all the medical staff and Dr Delaney who have supported Mum throughout her journey. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall upon the fields, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.

MEMORIAM

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BIRTH

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FUNERAL SERVICES

Burials are now $2,288 includes gst

Call Owen today 541 0820 / 021 120 1314 office@sdfunerals.nz www.sdfunerals.nz

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SITUATIONS VACANT DELIVERERS WANTED

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We are looking for individuals or groups to deliver our award winning newspapers. Our runs can be done individually or shared amongst a group , as the famous saying goes. “Many hands make light work”

For further details please email: deliveries@thedeliveryguy.co.nz

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