Nelson Weekly Locally Owned and Operated
tuesday 24 october 2017
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Safety fears after taxi law change Charles Anderson Editor
charles@nelsonweekly.co.nz
Rusty White knew something was wrong when her passenger refused to pay the final $6.
She had been a taxi driver in Nelson for 25 years and endured her fair share of grumpy punters. But three months ago, she had a sense that things were going to get violent. Rusty’s passenger, who she had
dropped off on Bridge St a few hours earlier, kept getting more aggressive. He refused to pay and then he shoved her up against the side of the taxi door and put his arm to her throat. “He lifted me up and just smashed
me. I usually look after myself but I knew I needed help.” Rusty was only just able to reach the panic button down below the steering wheel “For me at the time, I was just hoping it was working.”
The button goes direct to police and allows officers to hear everything going on in the cab. “They were pretty worried.” The button also put out an ur-
SEE PAGE 2
In bloom for summer Charles Anderson There was little doubt where Michelle Bain would be taking her son and niece yesterday. Michelle grew up near Isel Park and always enjoys a day out there. “My husband and I even got married here.” So, while the hubby was out fishing for the long weekend, Michelle took her niece Tayla and son Lachy for a picnic at Bloom. Formerly Isel in Bloom, the festival celebrates the coming of summer and gave locals a chance to explore the four hectares of gardens and woodland at Isel House. Hundreds turned out for its floral displays and stalls, garden tours and workshops and live entertainment. Nelson City Council community services committee chair, Gaile Noonan, says Bloom was a great event that allowed the public to enjoy the start of the warmer seasons. “It’s the perfect time to enjoy our beautiful historic house and the stunning gardens and flowers, as the park emerges from winter hibernation.” Tayla just enjoyed the space. “It’s great for doing cartwheels.”
Cousins Tayla Woodward, 10 and Lachy Bain, 4 both got their faces painted to enjoy the Bloom festival in Isel Park yesterday. Photo: Charles Anderson.
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