With Emma Pearson, Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono, Tessa Quayle, Annie Crummer, Deva Mahal, Betty-Anne, Naomi Ferguson and Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
Tickets from eventfinda.co.nz
Coastal View Lifestyle Village is continually refreshing and contributing new designs, as the Village moves towards completion. The latest architecturally designed home - the Brighton sets a new standard for modern living. Premium features include thoughtfully placed skylights channeling natural sunlight into the living, dining and kitchen areas.
These houses are part of a piazza leading to the Yacht Club, which is opening in May. With broad sweeping views over Tasman Bay, the Yacht Club will be the central hub of Coastal View and will include luxurious, resort-style facilities.
A subsidiary of Book a tour
The new year is a time where many people make a New Year’s resolution or set a challenge.
This year Ed Shuttleworth will run 210kms, dance in front of thousands of people having never danced before and raise as much money as he can for Nelson Tasman Hospice, all while working as the CEO for Sport Tasman and finding time to spend with his family. And these goals weren’t even his New Year resolutions!
As I write this in mid-December, it feels a bit early to be setting New Year’s resolutions, but reading Ed’s story in this month’s edition makes me want to be better and strive for more.
While 2024 was challenging for many, 2025 holds the promise of better days. Sarah McGuiness writes about the power of reflection and the importance of challenges in personal growth, and we profile a number of local businesses dedicated to self-care and helping you to become the best version of yourself. Take a look at this on pages 40 – 46.
Over the summer, I plan to take on Sarah’s advice and spend some time to reflect and come up with my own goals for the new year.
Wishing you the best start to 2025.
On the cover
The Flea by Chris Chisnall. Acrylic on canvas.
EDITOR
Sarah Board | editor@nelsonmag.co.nz
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Tessa Claus | tess@topsouthmedia.co.nz
DESIGN
Patrick Connor, Kylie Owens, Toni Woolf
CONTRIBUTORS
Alistair Hughes, Justin Eade, Britt Coker, Adrienne Matthews, Amy Russ, Matt Lawrey, Kate Dyer, Chey Habib.
ADVERTISING
Shana Johnston | shana@topsouthmedia.co.nz
Claire Reichert | claire@topsouthmedia.co.nz
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Following the huge success of the inaugural festival last March, the Tasman Bay Blues Club is excited to present the second Blues On The Point Festival on Saturday, 1 February 2025, 1–9 pm. Headlined by NZ Blues legends The Flaming Mudcats and featuring 16-year-old rising guitar sensation Lachlan Platt, the event boasts a stellar line-up. Held in the scenic gardens of The Honest Lawyer Country Pub & Hotel, it’s a familyfriendly celebration of Blues music.
This summer, Sprig + Fern introduces its award-winning selection of craft beer, cider, soda, and non-alcoholic drinks to the growing Marsden Valley community. Located at 2 Homestead Avenue, the newly opened Sprig + Fern Marsden is the tenth venue in the Nelson-Tasman region. Set against the backdrop of the Barnicoat Range, the tavern features 19 taps, a mix of open spaces and cosy indoor corners, and a spacious, sunlit outdoor area – perfect for relaxing afternoons filled with conversation and connection.
Prepare for a riotous reimagining of The Magic Flute in the Fairfield House courtyard from 9 - 18 January. Piece of Work Productions (The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), The Servant of Two Masters) presents a hilarious play, where Prince Tamino, feisty Pamina, and the hapless Papageno face trials, temptations, and the formidable Queen of the Night. With slapstick comedy, lively tunes, and audience antics, this commedia dell’arte-inspired show guarantees unforgettable fun for everyone!
Nelson City Council has been recognised in a report by the Office of the Auditor General as one of four councils making early progress on climate change. Commended for its collaborative climate risk assessment with Tasman District Council and engagement with groups like Nelson Tasman Climate Forum, the Council is planning extensive community consultation in 2025 for its draft Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, which will include community emission reduction targets.
Fluoride has been added to Nelson’s water supply, with the goal being to bring healthier smiles citywide. The $909,000 project, fully funded by the Ministry of Health, has been carefully planned, with rigorous testing to ensure safe levels. Council voted 10–3 in favour during a December meeting, following discussions. Fluoride is tasteless and odourless, with water quality monitored by independent testing. Compliance with the 2022 directive wrapped up just in time for the new year.
Becoming a mum, and teaching my girls to be independent, strong women and have a glass half full attitude and always look for a positive in an obstacle.
My biggest achievement of my life is my great grandchildren. I love family and they’re the most important thing to me.
Having children. They remind me of what’s important. This goes alongside self-discovery. Once you discover yourself and accept who you are, then you can fulfil your true potential and be happy.
Getting my black belt in karate. There were 40 two-minute rounds and grading went for five hours. But I got there in the end.
Congratulations to Gordon Stringer who won a double pass to Freestyle Kings.
Known for its boutique range of clothing and jewellery, Shine, located at 253 Hardy St, Nelson, is a leading stockist of the iconic Danish brand Dyrberg/Kern. Their jewellery is celebrated for its blend of bold and timeless designs, making it the perfect accessory for any style. To win a pair of Dyrberg/Kern Louise earrings, available in several on-trend colourways, email your best photo to editor@nelsonmag.co.nz
Mike O’Malley is a drama teacher at Waimea College by day, but by night you’ll find him crooning on stage, directing shows, writing reviews, at rehearsals, or in a play. And somewhere in between he’s spending time with his family and playing with his pets.
After work, you’ll find me…
Picking up my four-year-old daughter Norah from daycare, sitting in traffic, often reflecting on the day’s progress in my drama class at Waimea College. By the time we’re home, I’m half-asleep on the couch while my daughter watches cartoons. Despite the exhaustion, my mind often drifts to staging ideas, rehearsals, and ways to bring even more energy to our performances.
My real-life superpower is…
Remembering useless trivia, lines, and song lyrics. While it might seem like a quirky skill, in the world of theatre, it’s invaluable. From recalling obscure references to using past knowledge to flesh out a role, write a review, or a production detail, this superpower often feels more like a hidden toolset for creativity and collaboration.
Something I learnt way later than I should have… Always have confidence in yourself and your decisions, even if you’re not sure. Fake it till you make it. In life, in the classroom and in the theatre, this mindset can turn hesitation into momentum. Whether it’s stepping into an audition, taking creative risks, or tackling a new role, believing in your ability – even when doubts creep in – is the first step toward success. The biggest risk I’ve ever taken…
Leaving my job to study for a year and earn my teacher’s certification. It felt like stepping into the unknown, but it allowed me to pursue my passion for teaching and theatre. Now, I can help students discover their own voices and bring new energy to their performances, which is a reward far greater than the initial fear.
I am most passionate about… Theatre – its ability to inspire, challenge, and bring people together. Through my solo work and shows with Piece of Work Productions, I’ve seen how live performances can spark joy, provoke thought, and create lasting memories. Whether I’m onstage, behind the scenes or writing a review, every part of the process fills me with purpose.
I wish more people knew…
The joys of experiencing live theatre. Whether it’s in a theatre, the courtyard at Fairfield House, or up the Centre of New Zealand, watching a performance offers a chance to connect with stories in a visceral, immediate way. There’s nothing quite like the shared energy of a live audience, where every laugh, gasp, and silent moment feels collective. It’s a truly unique art form that enriches everyone involved.
Take the leap into a brighter future this summer and unlock your potential at NMIT.
Whether you’re exploring your options after school, looking to advance in your career or simply keen to learn something new, we are here to help you make it happen.
Every journey begins with a step, and we’ll be with you for each one you take.
NMIT is more than a place to study – it’s a place to grow. Think flexible study options, real-world learning and a holistic support environment, all designed to empower you to believe in your potential and to equip you with everything you need to reach your goals.
From business to winemaking, NMIT have over 100 programmes available, from certificate to master’s level.
Unsure where to begin? Book a study navigation chat with our friendly and helpful team! They’re here to help you plan your future and set you up to succeed.
With 2025 applications and scholarships now open, there’s no better time to take that first step towards realising your own dreams.
Let this be the year you say yes to embracing challenges, taking the leap and turning aspirations into reality.
Begin your study journey at NMIT this February - Believe it, become it.
New Zealand’s oldest state secondary school, Nelson College has a new Principal/Tumuaki. Nelson Magazine talks to Richard Washington about boys’ education in a rapidly changing world.
Why are you passionate about boys’ education?
Boys’ education is close to my heart because it lets us focus on what boys require to succeed. The single-sex environment helps us tailor everything –teaching, support, and opportunities. Nelson College has been perfecting its craft since 1856, and our staff understand the complexities of boyhood. They know how to engage young men through purpose-driven learning, preparing them for an increasingly competitive world.
How has your time overseas shaped your perspective on education?
Living and working in South Korea highlighted how different education systems can be. Their focus on academic intensity made me value the balanced approach we take here. I want our boys to achieve academically, but I also want them to be happy, stimulated and engaged. We take a bigpicture approach, combining academic rigour with opportunities for personal growth.
Nelson College is steeped in tradition. Does this affect the school’s ability to deliver a modern education?
Not at all. Our traditions give the school its unique identity, but we’re always looking ahead. We embrace new traditions, blending Western cultures with those of Te Ao Māori and beyond to reflect our demographics and the modern world.
We understand the power of role models. We create leadership opportunities, promote peer tutoring, and have a thriving academic committee and student council. Our student leaders embody the school values
of care, integrity and success, providing a positive example for all students.
We make learning relevant, bringing it to life and engaging boys by applying real-world scenarios in the classroom.
Because a sense of belonging is crucial to boys’ wellbeing and capacity for learning, we’ve created an environment for everyone to enjoy. At lunchtimes, you’ll find boys painting Warhammer figures, rock bands jamming, lads having a kickabout, hitting the gym, or hanging out.
Why is Nelson College an attractive option for boarding?
We strive to get it right. Live-in supervisors (often our teachers) create a supportive family environment where boys build independence. Structured routines balance study, activities, and downtime, and boarders get to enjoy the college facilities. Our boarding is competitively priced, and Nelson offers endless opportunities for outdoor pursuits and urban adventures. The campus itself is stunning. I’m sure that when the boys say it’s like living in an oil painting, they’re being complimentary!
Nelson College has had an impressive year. How will you build on your success?
We’ve gained national attention for outstanding achievements in sport and music this year, placing us alongside the best schools in New Zealand. I believe that every boy can overcome barriers to success. Moving forward, we’ll continue to focus on valuesbased education, and present opportunities that allow our young men to make their mark.
Ed Shuttleworth is about to become a man on the run. The CEO of Sport Tasman has dedicated himself to an incredible challenge: in February, he will run 210km non-stop from Farewell Spit to Nelson Tasman Hospice in Stoke to raise money for their cause. Running for an estimated 45 hours through the midsummer heat is inconceivable to most people, but a conversation with Ed somehow makes it sound not only wellreasoned and admirable but possibly even inevitable for this remarkable individual.
Born in London, Ed originally worked in investment banking before moving into a field which he felt even more passionate about: sports administration.
“My motivation was ensuring that no child misses out on the benefits of sport and physical activity,” he says. “And it’s not just about a sport, but physical and mental health and community cohesion through it.”
Ed and his family moved to Nelson 13 years ago, where his involvement with cricket administration climbed from a regional, to national and eventually international level. He began his current role with Sport Tasman in 2023, further determined to address and remove barriers to young people’s participation in sport.
In recent years he has taken up long distance running, although this does beg the question of how a busy CEO and family man manages to fit this demanding activity into his life.
“My general philosophy is, if you want something enough, you'll find time,” explains Ed. “However busy I feel, I still have some discretionary time, and it's about how I use it. I find if I'm tired, exercise helps. It doesn't compound. On the flip side of that, I'm also aware that I want to be present as a husband, a father, and as a CEO. There's a balance required.”
He recalls that the first two years of his running rarely took place without a head torch, as he ran at night after his young children were in bed.
This kind of dedication possibly makes Ed’s determination to pound across Golden Bay and Tasman at the beginning of February slightly easier to understand.
He first conceived the idea shortly after he was nominated for something he finds even more daunting: competing in May’s NBS Dancing for a Cause.
“Before I said ‘yes’, I went along to the hospice and just listened to them. I sat in absolute awe at their staff, their dedication and their kaupapa,” recalls Ed. He was particularly struck by two things: the amount of money this essential free service requires to remain open each year, and the enormous number of people they help across our region. From Farewell Spit to Murchison to Rai Valley, Nelson Tasman Hospice care for 210 patients each month, and that got Ed thinking.
“As I sat in that room, it became very apparent to me that I really wanted to support them with my energy and time. I'm terrified to dance, but that's the least of anyone's problems. I want to raise as much money as I can for Nelson Tasman Hospice. So I set about planning how I could do something else to honour and tell their story in our community.”
Ed studied a map when he got home and began to calculate a route. Having taken up running seriously in the last five years to ultramarathon level (longdistance, continuous events which can extend across days) he saw that if he ran across Golden Bay from
Farewell Spit, over Tākaka Hill, through Riwaka and Motueka (visiting medical centres along the way), and back to the Hospice, he could cover 210km, matching their monthly patient number.
“And so ‘210 Reasons to Run’, came into being. I will run through the region to showcase the width and scale of the geography that the hospice serves. It hasn't been done before and I will be running it solo, and then for the last 2.1 kilometres of the run, the community is invited to finish with me at the hospice.”
210 Reasons to Run has a dedicated website and Facebook page, which explain how to support Ed’s goal to raise $210,000. Donations can be any amount, and there is an option to sponsor a kilometre for $210, dedicated to a nominated loved one who was cared for by the hospice. Each sponsor taking this option will also feature in a book commemorating the run.
Ed is fully cognisant of the challenges he will face, particularly at the hottest part of the year.
“You really have to know why you're doing this. And there's no greater reason why for me than fundraising for our community. But there will be times where I'm exhausted, dehydrated and nauseous. I’ll probably experience foot problems, injuries, stomach issues, heat, sleep and motivation issues.”
Rather than being discouraged by this, Ed maintains that one of the things he loves most about running is the discipline of identifying potential complications and dealing with them effectively.
“If you leave an issue or don't address it correctly, just going on emotion, the outcome is likely to unravel. I really love that concept and find it very relatable to life.”
210 Reasons to Run will be 50km further than any distance Ed has covered before. He accepts that tasks like this can seem huge, but if a runner can stay present mentally, they are always capable of taking one more step.
In fact, it seems the psychological challenges of such a mammoth undertaking can be even more daunting than the rigours his body will endure. Fortunately, Ed has developed techniques to deal with this too.
“My general philosophy is, if you want something enough, you'll find time,”
“I will think: ‘Okay, I'm going to break this down into 10km segments’. As I get fatigued, it will drop to 5km segments, and then as I get more fatigued, it will get to 1km until eventually, it will be steps or breaths. Emotion and fear can stop achievement, so that's kind of a really big part for me – the discipline of mindfulness.”
This is apparently even harder to maintain when running throughout a long and lonely night with only a head torch to light a runner’s way. Ed admits he began hallucinating the last time he did this during an event.
“But I will have the benefit of long daylight hours in February, which really helps,” he says. “Although hydration in that heat will be essential, and so I'll really need to monitor that, especially with Tākaka Hill in the middle.”
All this surely puts any trepidation attached to his Dancing for a Cause participation a few months later into perspective?
“It’s not going to be pretty,” he laughs. “I am no dancer. My wife can't wait – she’s never seen me dance in her life. So that could be interesting.”
Ed has slight concerns that his physical recovery after the run might impact his dancing practice leading up to the event but has found, to his surprise, that he has thoroughly enjoyed his dance training sessions so far.
“I've actually absolutely loved it, learning a new skill. That's exactly what I want to be doing – things that challenge and develop me.”
Meeting what he has described as the most incredible group of dancers, fellow contestants, and the organising committee, who are all volunteers committed to raising money for the hospice, has further inspired him.
“For first time ever, it's going to take place over two evenings, in front of two and a half thousand people each night, and that’s scary. But I will finish the evening saying I am a dancer, and I will enjoy it, and I will do my absolute best for the hospice.”
210 Reasons to Run will take place on 1-2 February, 2025 210-reasons-to-run.raiselysite.com NBS Dancing for a Cause, 16 & 17 May, Trafalgar Centre
On the outskirts of Richmond one of New Zealand’s best community music venues has been quietly developing, providing thousands of Nelsonians with high quality acts, and touring musicians with an amazingly intimate performance space. The brainchild of Geoff and Sheree Sherlock, Room Twenty5 has attracted high-quality acts like Anika Moa, Greg Johnson and Julia Deans, and top New Zealand comedians, Andre King and Nick Rado. So how did this come about, what is the vision, and how have the nearly 60 house concerts so far been managed? Justin Eade meets the people beind it.
Geoff Sherlock is a man brimming with positivity and Kiwi can-do attitude, having started and managed numerous successful businesses, along with his wife Sheree. The two of them complement each other’s skills, both in business, and in giving back to the community they are so fond of.
Geoff moved to Nelson from Palmerston North when he was young and grew up in Nelson, attending Waimea College. After a stint away for university he returned, and just loves the interconnectivity of the community here. Sheree was born and raised in Bedford in the UK and moved to New Zealand 23 years ago for her OE, meeting Geoff through a mutual
friend. They live with their children Macy, 16, and Jake, 13, at their ever-expanding compound at 25 McShane Road.
Room Twenty5 is one of the Sherlocks’ many ‘outbuildings’ - a large shed, converted to a miniconcert area, complete with PA system, green room and beautifully designed and decorated stage area for performers. It started after Geoff went to a house concert in town years ago and thought ‘this is awesome, but we could do it even better’.
Geoff says their property lends itself to house concerts. “We’re isolated from neighbours, we don’t really have anyone to annoy.”
The type of concerts they do are not the loud, raucous kind anyway, and they’ve never once had a noise complaint.
The Sherlocks say initially their motivation was wanting to put some gigs on and play music themselves, but it’s become more to give back to the community, done for enjoyment. “I think the way to describe what we’ve generated is it’s like a place for music lovers and a place for musicians. It brings people together and it’s quite rewarding to see artists enjoying the space, and it’s also rewarding for us to see people coming and enjoying the space. It’s just creating that place where people feel they belong and are part of it,” Sheree says.
“It’s really humbling how much people appreciate it,” adds Geoff. “That’s where the truest magic sprinkle powder comes in, when the intent is really pure. It’s just to have nice times and do something interesting… it’s not coloured by any other motive.”
Greg Johnson, Anika Moa, Julia Deans, Jason Kerrison, Rikki Morris, Jan Hellriegel, and Mel Parsons, are just some of the performers to take the stage.
“Anika would probably be the most show-stopping one we’ve had here because she’s a standup comedian basically… she has no filter, and she just came out and laid into everybody from the first moment,”
Geoff says.
accommodate and feed them, so there’s little cost for them once they arrive. The artists ticket the gigs and the Sherlocks share the link, so they’re not handling any of the money. All of the ‘door’ goes to the artists, a fairly unique situation.
Geoff says feedback from performers has been great. “Mel Parsons used the word ‘care’, and I think that’s it. We’ve done it so often now, there’s never any holes, and we’ve always got every angle covered, which makes for a much more relaxing experience for the performers.”
“I think they find it relaxing and homely. They come in here, sit round the table, meet the kids, have a coffee, have breakfast, sometimes they’re jumping on the trampoline with the kids… they’re like part of the family while they’re here,” Sheree says.
“It brings people together and it’s quite rewarding to see artists enjoying the space, and it’s also rewarding for us to see people coming and enjoying the space. It’s just creating that place where people feel they belong and are part of it.”
Jason Kerrison has performed three shows and will be coming back again this year. Over summer Milan Borich of Pluto and Ben King of Goldenhorse visited, and Avalanche City will play on March 15.
They have been in touch with people like Don McGlashen, and Jon Toogood from Shihad, but Geoff says they consider themselves to be a venue for the working musician who’s still peddling their wares.
Playing at Room Twenty5 is not like being in a pub where there’s a lot of chat and distractions. “It’s a small, intimate venue for listening audiences and for performers who want that,” Geoff says.
“There’s word of mouth through the musicians and their networks, they’re all talking, and are like, ‘you should go and play there…’ it’s really lovely, the feedback we get,” Sheree adds.
Geoff and Sheree aim to shelter the artists from most costs usually associated with touring a small town so they can comfortably do a smaller gig in a more intimate environment. Geoff says he was really surprised early on how little musicians make and how hard it is for them to make a living. The couple will usually pick the artists up from the airport and
So who are some of the key collaborators helping the Sherlocks run Room Twenty5?
Bo Ade-Simpson has been key to the development, helping out with sound quality and running the desk. Robbie Sissons specced the PA system, he really knows his stuff and helps out enormously too.
“Both Robbie and Bo have been a big part of Room Twenty5”, says Geoff. “And Neville Claughton, aka ‘Mr Music’, helped us tremendously in the early days, lending us his gear. Local band Sun City Soul also helped raise money for equipment.”
Audio quality is really important and all of the artists comment on the fact the sound is superb. Sheree says timewise, Room Twenty5 isn’t all consuming. “We do a gig maybe once a month and it’s sort of game on for a day or so setting up, and then the clean-up… but apart from that it’s just the social media presence and sharing.”
Sheree will usually run the door, meeting everyone as they come in and doing house-rules, and Geoff runs the setup of the venue and introduces the acts. Geoff says though sometimes the thank-you’s are directed at him, the truth is that from very early on, Sheree’s done most of the promotion and hospitality, whereas he would liase with the artists, and start three days before the event with setting up the venue. Each gig has a story, so it’s important to get up and set the scene, introducing the acts.
In terms of satisfaction and community involvement, the venue plays a larger part in the Sherlocks’ lives. “I guess the true proof of that is we’ve done nearly 60 of these events now and we don’t take money from them, so we must enjoy it!” Geoff says.
“For
me, when we bought this place, it was just a paddock and house and a shed, and now seeing it fully transformed into a builtup area with lots of people there, the fire going and people are smiling and applauding, you think… yeah, this is good.”
However, they don’t want to do more than about five shows a year now and they want those to be ‘can’t say no’ acts. Geoff says it’s a bit sad as they get emails from groups and people wanting to perform, but if they’re not going to generate sufficient interest from the public, they have to draw the line somewhere.
Although it’s mainly music, the Sherlocks also have other types of gigs through the venue, including stand-up comedians. They met established comedian Andre King who lives in Nelson, and he pitched doing comedy nights there and they’ve filmed a few, including Nick Rado’s US comedy special. “We want to have different things here. We’ll totally entertain the idea of comedy, theatre or key-note speakers. We had Freddie Silver, an amazing international speaker. As long as we think it’s interesting…”
Opening their home to so many strangers has been a positive experience for Sheree and Geoff. “I like to do the door, because I like to see who’s coming in and I can always spot the newbies, and people are like ‘are we in the right place?’ The toilet’s inside the house. A lot of people will come who haven’t been before and go ‘wow, this is someone’s house’. It’s nice, they’re all so kind and positive about it,” Sheree says.
As well as some great new friendships, they have both always been passionate about music, with Geoff playing guitar and Sheree learning drums. To have it set up permanently means they can go in there and practice any time, and Geoff has fortunate to play guitar with Jason Kerrison and Greg Johnson.
When they first moved in, Sheree remembers sitting out on the deck, looking out and thinking, this place is for entertaining. At the time, they didn’t know what that would look like, but they felt the need to create some kind of space for gathering. That vision became Room Twenty5, and for Sheree, it’s heart-warming to watch everyone enjoying the space.
“It’s nice to be able to create an area where people can come and enjoy things and relax, it’s very rewarding seeing the musicians coming and playing, seeing it all up close and ‘back-stage’, as it were,” Sheree says.
“For me, when we bought this place, it was just a paddock and house and a shed, and now seeing it fully transformed into a built-up area with lots of people there, the fire going and people are smiling and applauding, you think… yeah, this is good,”
Geoff reflects.
Geoff says to pick the artists up from the airport and hear about the last show or hear the story about such and such a time… “that part of it is really cool.”
“A really cool intimate little venue built up with great care, which shelters artists.”
That seems like it might be a fitting tribute to Room Twenty5 and the awesome people who have built it into what it is – a real gem for the whole community, and a major blessing for performers from all around New Zealand.
Most people adopt a pared-back décor style when it comes to their home. Even those of us who are partial to covering the mantel with our most sentimental knickknacks still don’t put everything out, everywhere. This month, Britt Coker meets a man whose pastime is to find pieces of the past and give them presence.
Tessa Claus
“I’ve always been a collector, but it’s just got a bit carried away.”
Ross Alvey begins a tour of his house with a nod to an obsession. He has a collection of collections: genie bottles, record players, LED watches, Crown Lynn crockery, Smurfs, chalkware, sunburst clocks, Benson & Hedges cigarette memorabilia. He sums up what I see.
“There’s no real pattern; I kind of collect one thing for a while then move on to something else.”
Almost every space in every room displays something from the past to look at. His younger friends describe
it as a museum, though you’ll find no, ‘Please do not touch’ signs on these vintage pieces. Some are triggers of childhood, like handheld console games his friends played, or memories of his dad.
“The most recent stuff is probably the Benson & Hedges corner, because my father smoked them in the 1980s, and I started by stealing his cigarettes.”
Ross confesses to always having the collector gene in him – as a child it was stamps and Weet-Bix collector cards – but to get through a difficult break up about five years ago, and a subsequent dip into depression, he sought solace in Facebook Marketplace and Trade
ABOVE: What started as a way to fill a void in Ross Elvey’s life has grown into a passion for collecting unique treasures, turning his home into a space full of character.
Me listings. The dopamine levels spiked as each parcel arrived, masking the heartbreak, easing the depression, and providing focus as he searched the house for the perfect spot to put the latest prized acquisition.
He admits that he sometimes looks around his house and laughs, seeing it as a bit over the top. Perhaps it is the accountant in him talking (his career for 28 years). The stereotypical restraint of a numbers guy, looking at numbers of things. Does it add up? Dressed in an eclectic, patterned ensemble, he’s certainly a refreshing challenge to preconceived ideas of a business sector that plays it safe. But while we all joke about the stereotypes of buttoned-up accountants, aren’t we, at least on a subconscious level, comforted to have an outwardly conservative bean counter when it comes to looking after our tax returns? Not Ross’s clients.
“There's no real pattern; I kind of collect one thing for a while then move on to something else.”
Perhaps an advantage with vintage collectibles, as opposed to antique pieces, is that there’s a more hands-on approach to the memorabilia, with regular forays into function, not form. Crown Lynn plates are for eating off, not just looking at, and his everyday cutlery is vintage too. He’s got a well-used collection of alcoholic liqueurs and spirits as well, though I’m guessing there will be readers who also have a similar assembly at home. For Ross, it’s an excuse for cocktail parties amongst the treasure trove. The drinks cabinet resides in his hallway, as there is no room in more typical places.
I wonder, too practically, about the dusting, but he doesn’t seem to mind. The house has not been staged for photos he assures me, this is how he lives. I can’t help noticing that there is an element of the accountant on display. There is the grouping by theme, methodical and neat, and he knows how many genie bottles he has without having to count them. So, still a numbers guy, albeit with plenty of ice breakers for first-time client meetings. Yes, since his collections have worked their way into every corner of the house, it’s only natural they should then flow out of the house and into the office.
“The couple of ladies that work for me get a bit, sort of, ‘Here’s another piece that’s arrived,’” he laughs. “It’s a smaller version of stuff that is in here [at home]. It’s got the carpet from the airport and the display on the walls [of chalkware], electronics, and genie bottles.”
The Nelson Airport carpet is infamous. Giant 1970s squares in brown, yellow and orange, it is perhaps the most ballsy welcome mat the region has ever put out, so to think of a large piece of it lying on the floor of an accountant’s office makes me happy.
1. An African bust on the wall sparked a growing collection, later expanding to include new treasures. The busts now hang above a custom video game machine made by a friend. 2. Ross’s impressive collection of genie bottles is displayed throughout the home, though he’s decided to stop collecting them to avoid getting caught up in bidding wars! 3. Unique vintage clocks hang above the fireplace, with Santa’s boots peeking out from the flames.
Amongst all this choice, is it possible to have a favourite?
He singles out a massive movie poster on the wall.
“Probably Clint [Eastwood], because that was an accident. I thought it was a normal-sized poster when I bought it, and sat it in the drawer for a couple of years. I took it to one of the framing places, and that’s the biggest size the glass comes in. It just fitted inside the biggest frame they could make.”
When you collect niche items, you will invariably get yourself into a bidding war if at least one other person also recognises the unique opportunity of purchasing something that may not appear for sale again. But he forces himself to stop when the price gets too high. Other keen collectors of red genie bottles appear unrestrained by the current economic climate.
“I’ve stopped collecting a lot of stuff, because the prices have gone way over what I’m willing to pay, like some of the genie bottles, the red ones, go for $1,200 to $1,500. The standard ones used to be under 100 bucks but they’re $200 to $300 now. So a lot of them I picked up for way less than that.”
He points to his lone red genie bottle.
“I got that from a fancy antique shop in Dunedin, it had really expensive stuff [in it]. And then that genie was sitting down the side of some sideboard… She said it was her mother’s, and I asked how much. She said $120, and I couldn’t get my card out quick enough.”
A house tour observation of Ross’s clothes rack confirms that today’s outfit is not a rarity. He says he’s always had an eye for creative attire but has grown more comfortable and confident with the look in recent years. Reinforced, no doubt, by the many women who acknowledge him for his dress sense, seeing it as a refreshing change from the socially acceptable but safe options that most others wear. For those men, “What the hell are you wearing?” is the oblivious catch cry.
With house space now at a premium, I ask if he has adopted a one-in, one-out policy yet.
“It’s been a real, sort of driven passion to get all this stuff collected over the last few years. At the moment, there’s really only a couple of things on my list I want – additions at a very reasonable price. They really helped me get through what I needed to get through, and now I’m on the other side… When a package arrives, I don’t get the excitement I used to get. I’ve moved on from that.”
It was a phase to get through a breakup and ease himself out of his depression, but now it’s less important. He’s also just started dating someone, so another reason for a change in priority. Did he invite her around without any preemption as to what she might find? No. He warned her that he was, ‘a bit of a hoarder’, but “she was quite happy that it wasn’t as bad as she thought it would be.” No red-flagged stacks of newspapers anywhere – his Smurf collection is as risky as it gets.
It turns out to be a sweet story about how his new girlfriend is a woman he has known for 30 years, and the anxiety and depression that he’s had off and on in his life gave way to a level of confidence that was strong enough that Ross finally asked her out.
“It’s been a real, sort of driven passion to get all this stuff collected over the last few years. At the moment, there’s really only a couple of things on my list I want...”
It’s interesting how all this flamboyance and bold aesthetics in personal fashion and décor certainly paints a picture of someone who is confident, colourful, and inclined to make brave choices. Maybe these days the answer to that is more ‘yes’ than ‘no’, but people are complex, and books are easy to judge by their covers. The good thing about aging is that years of positive experiences provide opportunities for us to see our worth and observe the perfectly imperfect in everybody else as well. Ross has always been open about his bouts of anxiety and depression, but it’s a lot easier now that society embraces it as part of the zeitgeist.
“When I got diagnosed a few years ago, I put up a post on Facebook… and that got an overwhelmingly positive response from everyone. I think mental health affects a lot of people. Just like getting older, you hear all this stuff about ‘youth is wasted on the young’ because you’re just so much more confident [as you age] in how you handle yourself and what you can do with your capability, but maybe the back’s not up to it.”
Accumulating vintage décor was a coping mechanism that worked for Ross. Although the collecting bug has since abated, his resulting collection still gives him, and his visitors, plenty of joy.
Andreas Gabriel, a health and safety consultant originally from Germany, has called Nelson home for over two decades. Since arriving 21 years ago, he hasn’t left New Zealand, fully embracing the outdoor lifestyle by spending his weekends conquering the region’s peaks and ridges. Justin Eade sits down with him to chat about his new life in Nelson.
I’m from a small town called Detmold, not far away from Hanover. It’s about the size of Nelson and Richmond together, that’s why I was drawn to Nelson, it’s just the right size.
In Germany, I worked in the music industry for many years. I owned a nightclub, hosted a local radio show, and wrote for music magazines. In the year after the September 11 attacks, my business went completely downhill… it changed the whole scene, and it just didn’t work out well for me. At the same time, I broke up with my partner, that kicked me into thinking that it’s better to leave the country, go somewhere else and make another start. My best friend Marcus had the same idea at the same time,
and one drunken night in the pub, we came up with the idea of going to New Zealand.
We built an expedition vehicle and spent two years travelling through the Middle East, India and Nepal, then by ship to Australia and finally to New Zealand. We travelled New Zealand for two months, just deciding where to settle. Nelson stood out, definitely. It had it all – it was just a big playground. Where I am from in Germany, it’s flat, and it’s 200km to the nearest beach.
It wasn’t really difficult for us when we arrived here. We learnt English in school in Germany, so there was no barrier there. We stayed at the Brook Valley camp for a couple of years, then looked for places to rent.
Lifestyle-wise, Nelson is not much different from back in Germany, and the weather was okay too. Back home, it can be minus 20 degrees in winter and 40 degrees in summer, so it’s a lot more moderate here.
I secured a job in one phone call. There was a huge demand for builders in Nelson at that time, and the first company we rang said, “Okay, tomorrow morning 7 o’clock, turn up on site.” It was great, we had a job straight away, because after two years, all of our money had run out. Marcus is now settled in Wellington and married, and I see him every now and then.
One thing I quickly realised was how poor health and safety was on worksites here compared to Germany. Even on the first day, I saw some guys taking big risks, not because it was necessary, but “because Kiwi blokes are cool and do that”. The company quickly realised I was interested in this, so I became their safety officer on large construction sites. We built the Harvey Norman Complex, a coal mining and processing plant in Stockton, and added another storey to the Nelson Courthouse.
During that time, I met my ex-partner, a Kiwi woman with two younger children. I regard my step-kids as my own. My son Kullum, 25, lives in Christchurch and is getting married, and my daughter Jessica is now 23, and has grown into an outstanding young woman.
Just after I met my partner, I was thinking I might have to change things up employment-wise. Because health and safety was of big interest for me, so I studied at SIT in Invercargill via distance learning, and after three years, I graduated and started my own consulting company. That went really well and I gained a lot of clients reasonably quickly. I’m now employed as the health and safety manager of a large Nelson-based manufacturing business, but I’ve still got clients on the side I consult with.
Photography was always a hobby and I’m now hooked on filmmaking too. During our trip out here, I had a travel blog with lots of my photos. I got into filmmaking five years ago when I was contracted to do health and safety on the set of the local short film Kōkako. A week after that project, I bought my first camera.
I haven’t been out of the country for the past 21 years, there was no need to, there’s so much to explore here. Back home, I was never into hiking or outdoor sports, but when I met my ex-partner, she was big into the outdoors so I started trail-running. Three years ago, when we separated and the kids had left home, I bought a house in Nelson which didn’t require a lot of maintenance, so all of a sudden, I had a lot of time. I started doing day hikes and found that I wanted to do more. I got a backpack and all the gear I needed. I’m drawn to places that you can only get to on foot. You can’t bike, motorbike or drive, you have to use your own legs to get there. It all fits very well together, my love of hiking, photography and filmmaking.
I love it here. There’s no reason for me to move anywhere else. Favourite places are up in the Ranges, especially the Cobb Valley area. You drive up to the Cobb Dam, then walk up to Fenella Hut and go on from there to Xenicus, Aorere Peak, or Kakapo Peak, there are so many options.
I love being out in Māpua on the weekend. Just sitting at the wharf, having a coffee and a piece of cake at Alberta’s – it feels a little like the Mediterranean there. And I love Rabbit Island, you can walk on the beach for at least ten kilometres.
Nelson is permanently home now. I don’t have a lot of thoughts about my former life in Germany. I haven’t been back to Germany since I left, and I have no intention to go back. This is home. This is where I belong, I feel that.
1. Andreas on the job as a health and safety manager. 2. With his New Zealand family enjoying the great outdoors.
3. Andreas combines his love for adventure with photography, and filmmaking.
For ceramicist Marama Hannah, the journey to her first solo exhibition has been a deeply personal and creative evolution. Launching on 13 January at The Refinery Artspace on Hardy Street, the exhibition marks the culmination of eight years of passion, experimentation, and a commitment to sustainability.
Marama’s love for creating has always been a constant. From her early days as a jeweller, she sought a connection with her materials, always curious about their origins. That curiosity eventually led her to ceramics, a medium she fell in love with during a night class at Nelson Community Potters. “I just knew from that very first class that this is what I wanted to do. I had found my artistic medium,” Marama says.
This newfound passion set her on a path to master the complexities of clay, a journey she describes as meditative and endlessly experimental. Sustainability and local sourcing have been guiding principles throughout Marama’s career. As a potter, she quickly realised that most clay is imported and began searching for alternatives closer to home. “I started experimenting with local clays, which is hard when you’re a beginner. It’s very important to me to pinpoint the material to a place,” she says.
Her dedication to working with local resources has led her to use rhyolite rock from Pikowai in the Bay of Plenty. Seeking permission from local iwi, Marama has incorporated the rock into her work, giving her pieces a sense of place and heritage.
Marama credits much of her creativity to her grandmother, a talented painter and seamstress who inspired her during her upbringing. Marama’s work often explores the endless possibilities of ceramics, from thrown forms to innovative glaze techniques.
“For me, it’s the process of making things, whether it’s a detailed ornate vessel or one hundred mugs. It’s a very meditative process.”
Recently, she has been diving deeper into glaze chemistry, using rocks ground into powder with traditional methods. “Pottery always pushes you to explore and try different techniques,” she says, adding that her upcoming exhibition showcases this spirit of experimentation.
Visitors to The Refinery Artspace can look forward to a stunning array of works inspired by art deco perfume bottles. The exhibition, running until 7 February, showcases Marama’s love for form and her meticulous attention to detail. A personal highlight in her career came in 2023 when she was selected for the prestigious Portage Ceramics Awards. The recognised piece, crafted using clay, rock, and ash from her father’s farm, exemplifies her commitment to blending artistry with meaningful materials.
With a home studio on Collingwood Street, open by appointment, Marama continues to push the boundaries of her craft.
maramahannahceramics.com
Treatments
Mum of three Emily Thomas shares her bold approach to fashion, from statement prints to classic Dr Martens. A lover of fun, quirky pieces, Emily talks favourite brands, wardrobe essentials, and how she’s happy leopard print is making a comeback.
What are you wearing today?
A leopard print jacket and skirt from Sportsgirl, Paris tee by Araminta James, Adidas Gazelle trainers and a Gorman bag.
What is your style?
I’ve always loved bold colours and prints! I love statement pieces that are fun and a little bit quirky. I like to toughen things up with a chunky black shoe or an oversized denim jacket.
What is most of your wardrobe made up of?
Prints! And lots of dresses. I’ve always been a dress person – so easy to throw on in the morning.
What are you loving at the moment?
I’m so glad leopard print has made a bit of a comeback! It’s one of those classic prints you can have in your wardrobe for years, and it never dates.
What are you dressed for today?
Just a day of running errands with my baby, Juniper.
Where do you buy most of your clothes from?
I have a few favourite brands that I always go to when I’m after something new: Gorman, Mister Zimi, Damson Madder, Variety Hour and The Lullaby club.
What is your approach to shopping?
I like to buy pieces that I LOVE. Spending money on pieces that fit well and will stay in my wardrobe for longer than a season.
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
It’s hard to narrow it down to just one! I have a few styles of Dr Martens that I rotate throughout the seasons, they last so well and are such a great classic shoe that go with everything.
What has been your worst clothing disaster?
Probably anything I wore in the early 2000’s…
What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?
A classic style of dress that you can dress up or down, something you can put on and instantly feel great.
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
There are no rules. Wear what makes you feel good!
If you could raid one person’s wardrobe, who would it be?
Megan Ellaby. Her wardrobe is full of prints/patterns. Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing…
Anything beige!
Tessa Claus
3 Alma Street, Nelson | 03 546 8474 info@southernskinaesthetics.co.nz southernskinaesthetics.co.nz
Keep fresh with treatments set to leave you looking and feeling your best this summer.
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Discover Lakehouse Salon, Richmond’s haven for sustainable beauty, providing holistic hair and skin treatments and headto-toe services with eco-conscious care.
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Anne Michelle Electrologist anne@amelectrolysis.co.nz www.amelectrolysis.co.nz
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Skin Institute Richmond 03 539 0175 skininstitute.co.nz
Taking care of our skin helps maintain its health and beauty. Our skin follows a daily circadian rhythm, which is why your skincare routine should transition to cater to our skin's different needs at different times of the day. Kate Dyer explains.
Daytime skincare routine
During the day, our skin is exposed to many environmental stressors, including UV radiation, pollution, and free radicals. A daytime skincare routine should focus on protecting the skin from these external aggressors while also providing hydration. Start your day with a gentle cleanser to remove any impurities like excess oil that has accumulated overnight. Follow up with a lightweight moisturiser and an SPF to shield your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. Incorporating antioxidants into your daytime routine is one of the best ways to combat free radicals and prevent premature aging. A Vitamin C serum is a great choice due to its scientifically validated ability to protect against free radicles.
Nighttime skincare routine
As the day comes to an end, it’s time to focus on repairing the skin. During the night, our skin goes into repair mode, releasing growth hormones. This makes it the ideal time to get the most out of antiaging ingredients. Start your nighttime routine by thoroughly cleansing your skin to remove makeup, sunscreen and excess oil. Choose a night cream that is richer and more emollient than your daytime moisturiser. Active ingredients like retinol, peptides, and ceramides can work wonders for reducing fine lines, preventing pigmentation and promoting
collagen production. Consider incorporating a double cleansing method at night to ensure your skin is thoroughly clean before applying your skincare products. Adding a weekly exfoliation treatment can help turnover dead skin cells and promote a smoother, brighter complexion.
Transitioning your skincare routine
Transitioning your skincare routine from day to night doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a few slight adjustments, you can focus on the specific needs of your skin at different times of the day. Pay attention to any concerns, such as dryness, redness, or breakouts, and adjust your routine accordingly. Experiment with different products to find what works best for you. Remember, consistency is key when it comes to skincare, so make sure to stick to your routine and give your skin time to adapt and improve. By adjusting to the differences between daytime and nighttime skincare needs, you can tailor your routine to address specific concerns and maximise the benefits of your products. Remember to cleanse, protect, and hydrate your skin during the day, and repair and nourish it at night. With the right products and techniques, you can create a skincare routine that supports your skin’s natural circadian rhythm.
Kate provides personalised skincare consultations through her blog at beautyandthebiome.com
“We’re here to support you with dignity & understanding”
— Your Funeral Directors Bevan & Bridget Hoult.
03 548 2770 • 41 Nile Street East, Nelson marsdenhouse.co.nz
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A New Zealand trained General, Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Surgeon, Dr Tom Burton brings his expertise and extensive knowledge to Tasman Day Surgery (TDS). This month Dr Burton talks about TDS’s newest investment, an electric dermatome which allows the opportunity for patients to get a skin graft procedure done much more quickly.
Q. How does this technology improve a patient’s experience?
A. The dermatome has been around for a long time, however access has been limited to the hospital. As we now have access to this at TDS it means we can offer patients privately funded, quick turnaround procedures which will reduce the wait for them compared with wait time through the hospital.
Q. What types of procedures or treatments is the dermatome machine primarily used for?
A. The dermatome is a surgical instrument that we use to harvest a thin layer of skin from the donor site. This is typically used for patients who need a skin graft for lesions (either benign or cancerous skin lesions) removed from the skin. It is typically powered and has a blade that can be adjusted to control the thickness of the skin removed. This instrument allows for precise and controlled harvesting of the skin.
Q. What are the key benefits compared to traditional methods?
A. Previously, split skin grafts were taken with a Humbee knife - a handheld knife - which was imprecise and often left worse cosmetic scar outcomes. The dermatome allows harvesting of a dedicated area of skin and a controlled depth of skin to ensure that the best possible graft is taken to allow healing for wounds
Q. What message would you like to share with patients considering treatments?
A. The key message that we are trying to push is that TDS is capable of providing high quality, up to date surgical services for removal/excision of all types of skin lesions (both cancerous and non-cancerous) with all available options including direct closure, flap reconstruction and skin grafts available. In addition to these skin lesions, we can offer patients excision of unsightly or large subcutaneous lesions (e.g. cysts or lipomas) which will not get through the public hospital system. These can be done either in clinic rooms or if larger done through Tasman Day Surgery. If you are worried about your health and feel like you aren’t getting any answers, reach out to Tasman Day Surgery. The team is flexible and accommodating, offering short wait times for consultations and endoscopies and surgical procedures. Tasman Day Surgery’s team of caring health professionals will support your health journey. As the region’s newest accredited purpose-built day surgery hospital, you can be assured that your safety and comfort are prioritised every step of the way.
tasmandaysurgery.co.nz
Sarah McGuinness is a wellbeing disruptor, burnout awareness advocate and Founder/CEO of Revolutionaries of Wellbeing. ROW helps wellbeing leaders to be change makers and to create better workplaces, together.
She draws on her honours degree in psychology and degree in communication, training in health behaviour, coaching, fitness and facilitation, plus a 15+ year career in the corporate sector specialising in leadership and organisational development in Australia and New Zealand. Sarah is passionate mental health and wellbeing champion and is one of Nelson’s own, growing up here and attending Nayland College before embarking on her career. She kindly wrote this piece for Nelson Magazine about the power of reflection.
Iwas recently sick in bed with a gnarly bout of sinusitis. And it gave me time to reflect on the year that’s been. 2024 was a strange year and, for the most part, it seemed to feel darker than years before. Amongst the gloomy recession, redundancies and restricted economy, wins were a few and far between. Of course, not everyone has been impacted the same way but if you’ve been feeling like it’s been an uphill battle – you’re far from alone. From my work in New Zealand, and around the globe, struggling has been an almost universal experience. While tough moments can feel heavy, they can also provide us with incredible insight. Difficult times and challenges play an important part in human development.
Ancient Roman philosopher and Stoic, Seneca, once said, “I judge you unfortunate because you have never lived through misfortune. You have passed through life without an opponent - no one can ever know what you are capable of, not even you.”
As life advice, his words hold a lot of truth. Researchers have found that reflecting on challenges helps us reframe them, uncover strengths, and build resilience. It’s not about reliving the hard stuff - it’s about stepping back, processing it, and finding lessons or opportunities we might’ve missed. Reflecting on tough times can also help us understand how those experiences have shaped us, building emotional intelligence and self-awareness - both essential for navigating life’s future ups and downs.
Reflection has also been linked to better decisionmaking, improved emotional regulation, and a stronger sense of purpose.
So with all of that in mind, I spent my time in bed reflecting on 2024 - navigating a divorce, an upended business, illness and the normal challenges of trying to be a good parent, partner, family member, and friend. It would’ve been easy, and probably understandable, to feel entirely overwhelmed. And I won’t lie – It was for parts.
But with the benefit of time, here are three lessons I’m taking away from the year:
1. You don’t have to keep being who you were:
I’ve spent way too long holding on to ideas and habits that haven't served me - as a founder, a mum, a worker - all of it. At 40 -something, I’m finally learning to trust myself, let go of old ideas and expectations, and start listening to what I actually need. Took a while, but we're getting there...
2️. Uncertainty and the fragility of stability:
Like so many people, I’ve had the brutal experience of seeing just how close we all are to the edge of financial instability and life-altering challenges. It’s reminded me of how fragile things can be - and how important it is to appreciate what we have, like food on the table. It’s been a big wake-up call.
At Thrive Therapies, owner Shanti Smith believes prevention is better than cure. Living on a half-acre permaculture paradise in Golden Bay, Shanti operates out of the Nelson Wellness Space on Thursdays and Fridays. She specialises in gut health and the microbiome, seeing it as the foundation for overall wellness.
“The gut is the engine room of the body; everything stems from there,” she says. A qualified naturopath and herbalist, Shanti uses natural remedies and functional testing to address nutritional gaps and guide clients toward thriving health. Her ethos focuses on living positively within our bodies, highlighting that food can be the best medicine or the worst poison. In addition to naturopathy, Shanti offers iridology and reflexology, helping clients harness the power of holistic healing. With a mission rooted in natural wellness, Shanti is passionate about helping people achieve optimal health and balance.
3. You never know who will show up when the chips are down:
I’ve been in awe of the incredible people who’ve shown up when I needed them most. It’s a humbling reminder that sometimes, the support you need comes from unexpected places. To all of those people, I would say thank you for the laughs, tears, wisdom, and patience you've shared with me this year. You've all been a good reminder that this world is going to be ok.
Who knows what 2025 will have in store for us all. There will no doubt be twists and turns ahead, but I’m also confident we’ll find brighter days. If you find yourself with a moment for reflection at the beginning of this year, here are some questions to help you reflect either on your own or with someone you trust:
What were your greatest challenges last year?
How did they shape your outlook or actions?
• What insights have you gained, or lessons learned?
• What helped to keep you going when things got tough?
We’ve got this! Wishing you a fabulous start to the new year.
Located in Montgomery Square, Bodywise Herbal Dispensary is your go-to for natural health and wellness. They offer personalised over-the-counter natural remedies for acute and chronic relief of many conditions, and their herbal remedies are formulated especially for you in their herbal dispensary. Explore a wide range of practitioner-standard nutritional supplements, organic skincare, makeup, and body care products alongside their range of general health products. Their team of qualified naturopaths and medical herbalists provide supportive and caring guidance for mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing.
With personalised mini consultations, Bodywise can help you find the best natural remedies or refer you to trusted practitioners in Nelson for further care.
thrivetherapies.co.nz
Led by Liz van Beek, Holistic health practitioner, Nature’s Effusion supports women through menopause and perimenopause, and men through andropause/male menopause. Liz offers years of international experience blending lifestyle adjustments, nutrition, and trauma care to help women manage symptoms and rediscover balance. Focusing on nutrition for brain health, she offers tools to reduce anxiety and enhance mental wellbeing. Through services like lymphatic drainage and acupressure, Liz helps clients alleviate symptoms such as stress, hormone imbalances and insomnia.
Monthly chat groups in the Nelson area provide a safe space for education and shared experiences. Grounding techniques and nutritional insights further empower women on their journey. To learn more about Nature’s Effusion, contact Liz at to explore natural, tailored solutions for this life stage.
021 644 402 | natureseffusion.com |
As a Brainspotting and EMDR practitioner, Zoe Lopes is passionate about supporting clients to heal themselves, saying, “Many Kiwis have heard of EMDR, a therapy that is effective in working with trauma, but few are aware of Brainspotting. This brain-body therapeutic technique offers a unique approach to healing, as well as personal and spiritual growth. While both therapies address trauma, Brainspotting can heighten selfawareness, enhance creativity, and unlock a deeper connection to one’s spiritual essence.”
By locating and gently focusing on specific eye positions that correspond to an experience, Brainspotting can feel like a gentler approach, as the therapist follows the needs and pace of the client. Clients often find clarity, resilience, a deeper connection to self, and a sense of purpose moving forward.
If you’re ready to embark on a transformative journey of healing and growth, get in touch with Zoe today.
17 Collingwood St, Nelson | mindshifter.nz
With over 20 years of experience, Kathy of Radiance Coaching combines her passion for helping others with her expertise as a newly qualified sexual wellbeing and life coach. Kathy offers a trusted space for clients to explore challenges and embrace individuality. This role feels like a natural progression for Kathy, whose calm, empathetic demeanour helps clients feel comfortable discussing life’s most vulnerable topics. “Many people fear being judged or think their feelings don’t matter,” she says. “But the transformation of a client’s journey can be incredible.” Kathy offers face-to-face, online, and phone sessions, tailoring her guidance to individual needs. A complimentary ten-minute session allows potential clients to connect and outline goals. Kathy’s holistic approach is invaluable for fostering clarity and confidence. Specialising in life transitions, intimacy challenges, menopause coaching, and gender identity support, Kathy empowers clients to turn obstacles into opportunities for growth. Contact Kathy to uncover inner radiance and embark on a journey of self-discovery.
027 215 3775 | radiancecoaching.co.nz
Revive Fitness is a boutique Reformer Pilates studio in the heart of Nelson’s CBD, owned by Serena Hobson, a fitness enthusiast with over 25 years of industry experience. The studio provides a welcoming space where people of all abilities can thrive. Serena’s background in gym management, personal training, and sports event management ensures a professional and tailored experience for every client.
At Revive, each class is designed to support the needs of the clients. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or looking to boost your strength and fitness, Revive’s expert instructors guide you with genuine care, creating a safe, happy environment to work on your mental and physical health. Clients often share stories of reduced pain, improved balance, enhanced mobility and increased strength. Offering group classes, private sessions and a strong sense of community, Revive is a place where positive transformation begins. You’ll soon wonder why you didn’t start years ago!
22 Achilles Ave, Wakatu Square, Nelson | revivefitness.co.nz
“It is almost forty years ago that my parents established Kimi Ora Eco Resort as a very special place for people to relax, unwind and eat well,” says Angelika Mant. Only minutes from Kaiteriteri Beach and close to Motueka and Nelson, Kimi Ora feels like a world away with its bush-clad twelve hectares and abundant native bird life.
“It offers a chance for our guests to relax and recharge from the stresses of life. We offer an indoor heated pool, an outdoor pool, spas, sauna, steam room and an infrared sauna. Our Wellness and Beauty Spa on site offers exquisite pampering with a range of body spa treatments.”
The Views Restaurant has fresh and delicious vegetarian meals which include vegan and gluten free options.
Seeking relief from stress, tension, or aches and pains? Tina Fox Gonzalez specialises in treatments designed to relax and restore. With her expertise in Japanese acupressure, integrative massage, and fascia therapy, Tina helps clients reset their nervous systems, alleviate discomfort, and reconnect with their bodies.
Louise, 49, shares, “One word... amazing! Tina not only eased my neck and shoulder pain but also provided exercises for recovery. Her intuitive care helped me navigate emotional challenges. Highly recommended.”
Tina also offers Holistic Pulsing, Angelic Reiki, and Yoga, ensuring a holistic approach to wellness. Treatments start at $60, making self-care accessible. Contact Tina to embark on your journey to renewed wellbeing.
Mabin House is a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation, offering an exceptional range of treatments designed to pamper and restore. From luxurious soapy baths paired with a glass of bubbles to tailored skincare journeys, Mabin House caters to every need with a personalised touch.
Their bespoke packages ensure each experience is uniquely yours, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in self-care. After your treatment, retreat to the tranquil chill-out lounge – a soothing space to savour the benefits of your visit before stepping back into the world.
Their recently launched membership packages elevate the spa experience further. Begin with a complimentary consultation, collaborate with a dedicated beauty therapist, and receive regular check-ins to track your progress. Enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your wellness journey.
At Mabin House, every detail is designed to leave you feeling refreshed, revitalised, and cared for.
Nestled in the heart of Nelson, just a few steps from Trafalgar Square, lies Bodyhaven Spa – a sanctuary of tranquillity housed in a beautiful historic building. Their luxurious spa features four serene treatment rooms and a divine relaxation lounge that opens onto a lush garden setting, perfect for special occasions. The Bodyhaven Spa team offer a range of services, from rejuvenating facials to soothing massages and body treatments, all designed to restore balance and vitality.
In today’s fast-paced world, self-care is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity. Take time to nurture your wellbeing and experience the profound benefits of relaxation and renewal. Visit Bodyhaven Spa Nelson, where your journey to bliss begins.
Hannah Barnes is a woman of many layers. A former nurse with 12 years of experience, a mother of four, and a passionate advocate for self-care and holistic health, Hannah has transmuted personal trials into a thriving business dedicated to wellness. Alongside her signature product Goddess Greens, Hannah has created a brand that resonates with women seeking vitality and balance in their lives. After years of navigating health issues, Hannah sought ways to heal herself from within. This led to her exploring modalities outside of conventional medicine. While caring for her mum, who was diagnosed with cancer, Hannah began making a mix using the finest organic NZ barley grass, Ceylon cinnamon, and matcha green tea, and Goddess Greens was born.
“I wanted to create a daily drink for mum, that was simple yet deeply nourishing,” Hannah explains. Crafted with care, Goddess Greens supports digestion, energy, gut health, and hormonal balance.
Leaving nursing to become a holistic health coach, Hannah says, “I’ve always been fascinated by human vitality – what makes people truly thrive. So many of us are conditioned to give and give, often at the expense of our own well-being. My role is to help women reconnect with themselves, to rediscover their worth and their joy.” Hannah’s warmth and openness make her sought-after as she supports clients
to overcome low self-worth, navigate parenting challenges, and build healthier relationships.
“My role is super fulfilling and has given me passion and purpose in life. To help people that are struggling or are at rock bottom is a privilege. I don’t preach perfection; my coaching is about creating a safe space for women to be real and to grow.”
Hannah and travel broker Sarah McDonald host wellness retreats that are designed to rejuvenate and inspire. The fully immersive experiences offer a complete physical, emotional and mental reset. “The retreats are a chance to pause, reflect, and rejuvenate,” she says. “I’ve grown a lot as a person over the last six years, and I want to show other women that it’s never too late to create a life you love. Our retreats allow people to fully switch off from daily life and be completely looked after. You can feel the energy shift from day one, it’s truly amazing, I can’t put it into words. The emotional and mental weight just falls away.”
The follow-on benefits are fantastic too, says Hannah, as people go home with more direction and greater mental and emotional strength. “Our retreats have a ripple effect. By choosing yourself in this bold and beautiful way, you positively impact your relationships, too.”
Running A Nourishing Notion involves the online retail of a range of products, transformational coaching, and wellness retreats, but Hannah is bringing her journey full circle, by scaling things back in 2025. “I thrive on variety, but as a mum, I have figured out that less is more. This year, I will be wholly focused on the retreats and coaching, while still offering my Goddess Greens product through a New Zealand supplier. I am ‘walking the talk’ and look forward to living a simpler life.”
anourishingnotion.co.nz
“I wake up with extraordinary energy, ease, a joyful spirit, and unshakable resilience,” says Omana Eve, founder of Connected Breath. “This is my new way of being. Decades living with autoimmunity robbed my vitality; leaving me in chronic pain, anxious, depressed and disconnected from my potential. At my lowest point, I committed to a practice of breathwork. Within weeks pain diminished, energy levels optimised, I found my joy, and inspiration. I’ve combined my skill as a naturopath, transformational hypnotherapist and coach alongside breathwork to create a unique system to unwind anxiety, pain and fatigue and uplift mood. You too can reclaim your health and wellbeing unlocking your potential. In these challenging times we need strength, energy and resilience to navigate daily pressures. We need joy to motivate us to grow and support those we love. Take a radical action of self-care, and join me on this path of renewal and reconnection.”
Daisy Doppenberg, founder of Nourished by Nature, is transforming the way we approach health and wellbeing. Specialising in health testing, in particular gut, hormone, allergy and heavy metal testing, Daisy takes a unique approach to uncovering the root causes of health concerns. “Our testing approach is very different from anyone else in the field, ensuring a thorough investigation into where the issues truly lie,” she says.
By combining proper diagnostics with nutrition and naturopathy, Daisy provides personalised, targeted treatment protocols tailored to each individual’s needs. Whether addressing gut imbalances, hormonal disruptions, allergies or chronic health conditions, Nourished by Nature offers a comprehensive roadmap to better health through a client focused approach. All laboratory testing, including blood tests, are available to the public.
Ready to break free and create the life you deserve? Whether it’s losing weight, overcoming anxiety, building stronger relationships, finding love, or growing your business, I’m here to help with coaching tailored just for you.
I’m Caron, your Personal Development Advisor and Mindset Coach. Since 2011, I’ve faced challenges like PTSD, a marriage breakup, losing my parents, and menopause. But I’ve learned to rise stronger, and I’ll show you how.
True change starts with you—and my proven strategies will guide you there. Like seeing a hairdresser or dentist, professional guidance makes all the difference.
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What choice today will move you closer to your best self?
Receive $50 off your first session or package. Contact me now and start living the life you deserve!
Escape to Maruia River Retreat for the ultimate romantic getaway this summer. Just two hours from Nelson, this serene sanctuary is the perfect haven for couples to unwind, reconnect, and rejuvenate.
Indulge in the Lover’s Luxury Getaway, crafted to offer a harmonious blend of intimacy, relaxation, and indulgence for you and your loved one. For a limited time, save $300 on all bookings for stay dates from now until March 31, 2025, with this exclusive offer. Use code SUMMERHOLIDAY at checkout. Promo ends January 20, 2025.
Treat yourselves to the magic of summer at Maruia River Retreat and create cherished memories that last a lifetime. Book now to experience the ultimate in self-care and romance.
In the heart of Nelson, life and business partners
Kate Burton and Dave Agnew have built a wellness hub that’s deeply rooted in their backgrounds. As co-owners of Pilates Nelson for the past 12 years, and more recently, Beacon PBM Light Therapy, Kate and Dave bring a wealth of experience and passion to their work. Their personal journeys – Kate’s with 25 years of dance teaching and community performance, and Dave’s in karate and 30 years running the Nelson Training Centre – fuel their shared passion for helping others reach their potential. They are committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment, contributing to the empathetic, well-rounded approach they bring to their clients.
Kate’s background laid the foundation for her love of movement and body awareness. With this, she understands the power of mindful movement and uses this knowledge to help clients build strength, mobility, and grace. “Our classes help our clients to meet their unique needs, encouraging stability, confidence, and enjoyment of movement.” Daves background and inspiring, light-hearted approach enhances his teaching, guiding clients in improving their core strength, posture, and balance in a way that’s both effective and supportive. “At Pilates Nelson, the classes focus on functional movement to help with life’s challenges, to maintain enjoyment in sports, activities, and foster independence as we age. Pilates, with its gentle, low-impact exercises, is adaptable and ideal for everyone.”
Kate and Dave ensure every class is safe, supportive, and meets each individual’s fitness level. Their approach is warm and inclusive, making everyone feel
at ease, whether they’re new to Pilates or seasoned practitioners. Beyond physical benefits, Pilates Nelson also fosters a strong sense of community. “We understand that wellness isn’t just about physical fitness but also about mental well-being and connection. Our studio is a place where friendships form, laughter is shared, and clients will find a supportive environment to grow in the practice.”
The couple’s second venture, Beacon PBM Light Therapy, is where Kate and Dave’s vision of holistic wellness truly shines. PBM, or Photobiomodulation, is a therapy that uses red and near-infrared wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular energy, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. “This therapy is especially valuable for people managing chronic pain and arthritis, or supporting mental wellbeing, and helpful for recovery from illness or surgery. PBM therapy’s non-invasive, drug-free approach boosts the body’s natural healing processes at the cellular level, making it a powerful complement to the physical benefits of Pilates.”
Together, Kate and Dave have created a space that reflects their own journey – a place where movement, healing, and empowerment come together, proving that thriving at any age is within reach, and encouraging Nelsonians to live with vitality, resilience, and joy.
Pilates Nelson 114A Hardy Street, Nelson pilatesnelson.co.nz beaconlight.nz
Receive exceptional care at Manuka Street Hospital, the only accredited private surgical hospital in the top of the South Island.
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Your wedding day is undoubtedly one of the most significant and memorable moments of your life. As the joy of your engagement sinks in and the excitement grows, it’s time to dive into the wedding planning journey. Nelson Magazine has teamed up with some of the top names in the wedding industry to bring you inspiration and ideas. Explore local vendors who are ready to support you in creating a truly unforgettable celebration.
TOAD Hall pride themselves on authentic service with a genuine commitment to helping you create lasting impressions for your guests, a great location for an event, and one of your best life long memories on your wedding day.
TOAD Hall seamlessly combines rustic charm with natural surroundings to create a relaxed and caring atmosphere. The venue has loads of outside space with established trees, a garden area with a unique green space, and a quirky playground. An expansive courtyard with spectacular lighting provides a magical space for outdoor dining and dancing, plus some great photo opportunities.
Their cosy, rustic, indoor dining space has the ability for the walls to be rolled up in the warmer months to give you that garden dining feel, whilst also having the luxury of ample heating and a log burner to keep everyone warm. Lighting and a sound system is on hand for both music and speeches, and a large stage area that has been used to host some great musicians is available for extra dining space and a dance floor. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, TOAD Hall offers the perfect setting to make your event truly unforgettable.
Street Food on Washington are dedicated to bringing you an exceptional culinary experience that marries the vibrant energy of street food with top-notch quality. They specialise in creating bespoke catering packages tailored to your unique vision. After a personal consultation with head chef and owner Ben, they will craft a menu that aligns perfectly with your taste and style.
As a family business, Street Food on Washington blend fun and passion to deliver great food and exceptional service, creating an awesome experience for everyone. They believe that great food brings people together, and with each dish they aim to create moments of joy and satisfaction.
Join Street Food on Washington on a flavourful journey that showcases the very best of street food culture.
When you contact Viva la Vaca, you can expect to receive a personal experience, as the team like to work with their clients every step of the way to ensure the menu you have at your event is exactly what you want. Viva la Vaca use premium products which are sourced locally, including freedom-farmed and grass-fed meat, and work with seasonal produce so you can enjoy the flavours at their best. Whether you’re after a banquet, a two or three course meal, or a tapas-style menu, Viva la Vaca will work with you, sharing their passion, creativity, and love of all things food by crafting flavoursome, bespoke meals for your wedding.
Set amidst seven acres of picturesque woodlands and gardens, Fairfield House is an exceptional historic venue, offering an enchanting setting for your wedding. It seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor spaces, catering to every part of your special day, from the ceremony and reception to photography and dancing.
Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by the beauty of nature, making a grand entrance via the woodland path into the open meadow framed by majestic old trees. The west courtyard, a charming outdoor haven, sets the stage for a romantic summer evening reception or dinner. Or dine in the stunning ballroom before dancing the night away in the gallery. Connecting all spaces are wraparound verandahs, perfect for sunset toasts and conversations.
Fairfield House invites you to create a day that reflects your unique tastes and desires. Discover the timeless magic of Fairfield House.
Nestled in Golden Bay, Rameka Retreat offers luxurious deluxe huts surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Each hut is thoughtfully designed, featuring comfortable queen beds, private decks shaded by tōtara trees, and fully equipped bathrooms. Guests can also enjoy a shared cookhouse with a dining area. The retreat is an ideal base for exploring nearby attractions like Tākaka township, Abel Tasman National Park, and Golden Bay's stunning beaches. The idyllic spot for a romantic getaway.
As one of the oldest family-owned wineries in Marlborough, Hunter’s Wines has been at the forefront of New Zealand’s wine industry for over four decades. Founded by the late Ernie Hunter and now led by his wife, Jane Hunter—an esteemed figure in the world of wine—the winery has earned a stellar reputation for its exceptional wines and stunning vineyard.
With Hunter’s Wines, you’re not just getting world-class wine – you’re embracing Marlborough’s rich winemaking heritage.
Hunter’s Wines also offers a delightful, serene setting that is ideal for a prewedding light lunch with loved ones. Surrounded by lush vineyards and picturesque gardens, the winery provides a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere where guests can enjoy a selection of award-winning wines. The welcoming ambience and beautiful surroundings make it the perfect spot to savour delicious food and fine wine with friends and family before your big day.
professional bar experiences. The Vino Van’s staff serve a wide range of beverages, including champagne, wine, beer, cocktails, and more, ensuring every guest’s taste is catered to. Since you supply the drinks, there are no corkage fees or inflated bar prices – and you get to keep anything that is left over. For a no-fuss, memorable bar service that keeps your guests smiling all day long, the Vino Van is the perfect addition to your special event.
Bringing a unique touch to any wedding or event, The Vino Van is a charming and sophisticated mobile bar that operates across Marlborough, Kaikōura, and Nelson. Perfect for keeping your guests happy, the Vino Van offers a comprehensive array of bar services, now with the option for cash bar services under its bar manager's license. A beautifully restored 1962 Roadmaster caravan, the Vino Van combines retro vibes with modern convenience. Fitted with a wine and beer fridge, drink display cabinets, and a pushout bar with two keg taps, it provides the ultimate bar experience. The van can also be styled and lit to match your event's theme, making it a picture-perfect backdrop for photos.
Owner/operator Mandy Matthews, along with her team, are passionate about creating fun and
weddings catering events
Contact us for enquiries at: hola@vivalavaca.co.nz or 021 155 6948
www.vivalavaca.co.nz vivalavaca.nz
The Summer House is an exclusive venue set on 500 acres of private farmland. Although just 10 minutes from Nelson City, arriving at The Summer House feels like stepping into another world. Surrounded by mature native bush and offering panoramic views of Nelson City and Tasman Bay, this stunning location will simply take your breath away.
With a capacity of 150 guests, a helipad, and an amazing, passionate team, the possibilities for your event are endless. The Summe House specialise in weddings, corporate events, destination occasions, music events, and more.
WE BELIEVE THAT YOU SHOULD EXPERIENCE LOVE AT FIRST BITE WITH EVERY DISH AND THE EXPERIENCE SHOULD BE SOMETHING TO REMEMBER.
Viva la Vaca provides catering in the “top of the south”. We pride ourselves in providing a personal experience and like to work with our clients every step of the way to develop a bespoke menufull of the flavours you love.
Create new memories at Maruia River Retreat with our Lover’s Luxury Getaway package. Stay in a secluded honeymoon villa, indulge in gourmet dining, private wellness activities and guided nature walks for the ultimate honeymoon celebration amidst serene mountain, forest and river views.
maruia.co.nz
Let’s create a little magic Photographer for all humans in love. “Sophie Milson – Nelson Photographer”
Sophie Milson Photo 027 544 5494 sophiemilson.com
The perfect pair
Jens Hansen has been crafting unforgettable wedding and engagement rings since 1960. Book an in-person or online consultation and their jewellery specialists will help you create the rings of your dreams.
Jens Hansen
320 Trafalgar Square, Nelson jenshansen.co.nz
your special day one to remember
Sarah Kerby is a professional DJ with over 13 years of experience, bringing the vibe to weddings, birthdays, corporate events, and festivals. Sarah will work with you to create unforgettable moments and make your special day one to remember.
Sarah Kerby, DJ 027 921 1061 sarahkerby@hotmail.co.nz
Stay blissful
Blissful Rental specialise in event set-up and pack-down, making your special day stress-free. They offer a vast selection of products, ranging from modern to vintage, to accommodate any design aesthetic. They will help make your event truly unforgettable.
Blissful Rental Wedding and Party Hire. 96 High Street, Motueka hello@blissfulrental.co.nz, blissfulrental.co.nz
A picture perfect love story
Today’s special moments, tomorrow’s priceless treasures. Capture your day in a fun relaxed style.
Lisa Trusler Photography 027 539 4215 lisatruslerphotography.com
Elevate your special day with Em Events & Creation. Their team provide comprehensive wedding management, partial planning, and stunning styling. Their luxury picnic experience is a great option for bachelorette parties, with engaging activities and party planning, ensuring a fun and unforgettable celebration for the bride-to-be.
Em Events & Creation emevents.nz
Event hire for your perfect day
Nelson Tasman Event Hire is a boutique company, passionate about creating unforgettable events in the Nelson Tasman region. They provide a hire collection that covers all the essentials for a picture-perfect day.
Nelson Tasman Event Hire nelsontasmaneventhire.com
Keep your wedding cool
Whether you are getting married in town or a remote location, Nelson Portable Coolrooms can help keep your food and beverages cold. Hire a chiller trailer, which can be delivered –making it easy for you!
Nelson Portable Coolrooms Bec 020 4024 7003 or Shane 020 4186 0544 nelsonportablecoolrooms.co.nz
Tracey Walker loves being a wedding celebrant and being such a special part of people’s weddings. Tracey is naturally a joyful, warm person and loves to help make dreams come true. She welcomes same sex marriages and is flexible with marrying couples at the stunning Wharariki Beach or anywhere in the bush or mountain tops.
Tracey Walker, celebrant tracey@zatori.co.nz
With over 40 years’ experience in the UK and NZ fashion industry, Jill Alexander offers the best care in wedding dress remodelling and fitting alterations.
Jill Alexander - B.A. Hons. London, Cert. Ed
Madcat Design Founders Park, Nelson madcatdesign.co.nz/bridal-wear
Your vision, seamlessly planned
Planning can be overwhelming. If you don’t know where to start, or know exactly what you want but you’re missing the local vendor contacts you need to bring it to life, Erin Brady Events can help. No event is too small or too big. Erin will eliminate all the stress so you can enjoy your big day perfectly.
Erin Brady Events hello@ebevents.co.nz
Celebrate love at the Boathouse
Enjoy breath-taking Nelson Haven views, a fully equipped venue, and devoted staff to make your special day unforgettable.
The Boathouse Nelson theboathousenelson.co.nz
Individually hand poured with love
Made locally in magical Golden Bay. Add these stunning icicle candles to your ceremony or reception tables for a beautiful ambience on your special day.
Living Light Candles
219 Trafalgar St, Nelson Central Arcade livinglightcandles.co.nz
The storyteller of your special day
I’m Danielle, the newest name in Nelson’s wedding photography scene, here to capture your story!
Danielle Eagle
hello@daniellecreative.co.nz daniellecreative.co.nz @danielleeaglephoto / @danielle.creativee
Kerse Photography
For the free spirits, the sun chasers, the ones who believe in that everyday magic. Documenting all that words cannot. Multi-Award Winning Photographer.
emilykersephotography@gmail.com emilykersephotography.com
Cakes made with love
Linda’s promise to you is your cake will be freshly baked, handcrafted and iced with your selected fillings and finishings for your special occasion.
Cakes for All Occasions 027 497 9775 info@cakesforall.co.nz
Dream wedding on the water
Celebrate your dream wedding at the stunning Tasman Bay Cruising Club. With breathtaking waterfront views, versatile spaces, and a well-stocked bar, Tasman Bay Cruising Club provide the perfect backdrop for your special day. Choose from venue hire only or complete packages with styling and vendor management.
Tasman Bay Cruising Club tasmanbaycc.co.nz
Refresh Nelson Tasman | 16 Tahunanui Dr, Nelson 03 550 0556 | 0800 90 01 05 www.refreshrenovations.co.nz
Alex and Chris Chisnall have created a warm, vibrant home in Atawhai, blending eclectic style with mid-century charm and a love for colour. With Alex’s work as a travel broker and Chris’s artistic touch, their space reflects both their creativity and unique style.
Our home is in Atawhai, next to farmlands and overlooking the bay. With our sons, Quinn and Baxter, grown up and moved out, our boxer Billy and cat Soozle are our constant companions – wherever we are, they are too. We had been looking for a new home for a couple of years. We viewed this one but missed out on the sale, so went on an overseas trip instead. While cruising down the Danube, we unexpectedly had the opportunity to buy it again. It was all on, trying to set up the sale in the middle of the night, it was meant to be.
Decorating style
We like eclectic and retro with loads of colour to keep our souls dancing. Mid-century furniture is a favourite, and we enjoy mixing modern pieces and art with older classics to create a space that feels both timeless and fresh. I would describe our home as uplifting, cheerful, eclectic and welcoming.
Where we shop
Our go to’s are Eclectic, Mr Bigglesworthy and Tradme. We love sourcing old classics and bringing them to life in new surroundings. We’ve splurged when we’ve seen the perfect item – the couch and the Candy Clark painting were items we had to have.
No, the opposite really. We mostly agree and can easily convince ourselves that we need that new item.
We would never part with…
Chris’s painting of Quinn and Baxter up the Matai before we moved to Nelson, and our George Nelson lampshade that I carted all the way back from San Francisco – an absolute must-have piece.
Renovations
We haven’t been here a full year yet, so we’re still learning the seasons in the house. The garden was a complete mess when we moved in, so we started on that, and it is beginning to take shape. It’s a tad warmer in Atawhai with no frosts, so we opted for exotic plants and are looking forward to seeing it progress. It’s still a work in progress, but we love sitting in the spa and watching it grow!
Next on the list
We’ve been hunting high and low for two more occasional chairs but haven’t found the perfect fit yet. Chris is a graphic designer and has been busy for the last year working on a series of paintings for his exhibition at Lambretta’s. It would be great to have an art studio that he can create in.
Favourite nooks
The lounge, the kitchen, our bedroom, and the deck. They all have stunning views of the bay, which is so uplifting all day, every day.
Best budget tip
Buy the things you love.
Our neighbourhood
It’s so quiet and peaceful – close to the city, yet we wake up to birdsong and cows and sheep grazing in the paddocks behind us.
Every home should have…
Special pieces that bring you joy.
Cold composting is a slower, more passive method of composting that allows organic materials, like kitchen and garden waste, to break down naturally over time with the help of worms and other organisms. Each month, Tim helps Nelson and Tasman residents to understand how they can divert waste from landfill and make great compost at home. Here are some of their FAQs.
1. How often should I be turning it?
When adding materials to your compost bin, it’s important to incorporate them gently. Unlike hot composting, which relies on frequent turning to speed up the decomposition process, cold composting doesn’t need as much intervention. Simply layer your green waste in with other materials like brown leaves, straw, or shredded paper. Turning the top half or quarter of the compost bin monthly can help aerate it.
2️. Where should I put my compost?
Once your compost has matured (which could take six months or more and will be black in colour), it can be used to enrich both new and established plants. For new plants, it provides a nutrient-rich base that helps improve soil structure and encourage healthy root development. For established plants, compost acts as a natural fertiliser and improves soil fertility. A trowel’s worth per plant is plenty – and be sure to water it in.
3. Should I dilute my worm tea or castings?
Worm excretions are rich in beneficial microorganisms, and a small amount can go a long way to improving soil and plant health. You can dilute this at a ratio of 50:1 if you’re not sure how strong it is, as little and often is better than too strong. Apply it to your plants monthly – it’s especially useful in summer to help retain soil moisture and support heavy-feeding plants.
4. What should I put in my compost bin, and how long does it take?
A 50/50 ratio of green and brown material. Typically, people put in too much green material, which can smell and create problems. Green materials like grass and vegetable scraps create wet compost, adding brown material such as cardboard, dried leaves, chopped branches, paper and sawdust creates a more balanced compost. Avoid foods that could attract rodents, such as cheese, fish, bread, and eggshells, as they will find a way in.
5. Where is the best place for my compost bin?
As it is a cold compost system and Nelson sun is unforgiving, somewhere out of full sun is best. Ideally, place it near a garage or shed where you can store dry brown materials. The goal of home composting is to improve your garden’s soil health while reducing the amount of waste taken away from the home and garden. We find this simple method of home composting creates rich, organic matter that enhances the soil’s texture and structure. Over time, the compost will help build the soil, improving drainage and water retention while providing a slow, steady release of nutrients for your plants.
There is a $20 subsidy coupon available to spend on home compost equipment with participating stores in the Nelson and Tasman region.
Nelson City Council’s Rethink Waste Programme has been supporting Tim’s Garden in engaging local residents to try home composting – visit timsgarden.co.nz to book your free ticket.
Andy Malcolm lives in a house full of paintings, photographs and sculptures, but one artwork really stands out for him. It’s a painting of clouds that he connects with on a very personal level. He talks to Matt Lawrey about the painting and why it means so much.
Get too close to Andy Malcolm’s favourite artwork and you may well end up wearing some of it.
The urologist’s number one piece of creativity in his Nelson home is a painting of clouds titled Somewhere a Man is Repairing the Night One Word at a Time by Reuben Paterson, created with oil paint and lots of glitter.
Andy says the now New York-based Māori artist became interested in glitter while studying at Elam School of Fine Arts.
“I think a lot of it came from the romantic view of light, showing purity and saintly light. He got interested in how glitter reflects light and magnifies it,” Andy says.
The contemporary painting came into Andy’s life five years ago, a couple of days after the death of his mother, Mariel.
He was walking down a street in Wellington when he came across a gallery hosting an exhibition of Paterson’s work.
“I looked at the painting and I thought, ‘My mother was really into clouds,’ and so, for me, it’s kind of a celestial representation of her dying and going into light.”
Andy says he had “coveted” Paterson’s work for a long time.
“It was wickedly expensive, but I just thought, ‘Actually, I want that to remember her by,’ and so for me it has an enormous amount of meaning.”
Andy is a prolific collector of art.
“I’ve always been fascinated by art. I was like the little nerdy Leonardo de Vinci book-reading person at 10, and then in my teens became an Impressionist fanatic with an encyclopaedic knowledge of Cézanne.”
The art around Andy’s Nelson home includes works by, amongst others, Otis Frizzell, JS Parker, Matthew Leniston, Tim Wraight, Rosa Coutts and Maico Camilo. There’s also a Colin McCahon print, a striking close-up photo of one of Andy’s eyes, and 50 painted love hearts in a frame by his daughter, which she gave to him for his 50th birthday.
Andy grew up in Wellington and did a degree in Biochemistry and Physiology at Victoria University. He then studied Medicine at the University of Otago, followed by more study at Christchurch Clinical School of Medicine, and a couple of years working as a house surgeon.
He and his former wife, Sarah, then travelled for two years through South and Central America and then Asia. This was followed by more training and a year in London before they came to Nelson in 1999, when Andy started a job at Nelson Hospital.
“I just like the ethereal nature of clouds and how they come and they go. The joy of it is the way that during the day it changes enormously with the glitter...”
Andy says his mother had more classical taste in art and would probably have wondered what he saw in the painting. For him, though, it’s a winner.
“I just like the ethereal nature of clouds and how they come and they go. The joy of it is the way that during the day it changes enormously with the glitter. It’s almost at its best in the night, where light will shine out of it and it just shimmers in front of your eyes.”
Experience has taught Andy that it’s also a painting that can literally leave its mark on you.
“Every time you move it, you lose a bit of glitter and can end up with glitter on you. When you interact with it, you become part of it,” he laughs.
“We came here not ever having lived here, either of us, and we didn’t have much connection to the place. We just found it was a community that we really enjoyed.”
That enjoyment has continued to this day.
“I think the really interesting thing about this community is that you can’t be a spectator. You have to be involved and enmeshed in it to get the most out of it. I don’t think you can just sit on the periphery and just watch the world, it’s just too small.”
Outside of his work and family, the father of three has also thrown himself into life in Nelson through his love of rugby. Andy spent 15 years as a referee, which included games at the senior level, and he spent much of that time as the Tasman Mako match-day doctor.
“I’ve just retired from that to give the young people a chance. New leaves can’t come until the old fall,” he says.
The Suter Art Gallery
208 Bridge St, Nelson
Open 7 days, 9.30am – 4.30pm 03 548 4699
thesuter.org.nz
Nelson City Framers & The Gallery
“Yes, we can frame that for you.” SAVE 10% on your framing, just mention Nelson Magazine
42A Halifax St, Nelson nelsoncityframers.nz
Project 100
Project 100 is pleased to present MAKE FURNITURE this January. Please see website for opening hours.
project100.co.nz
Nelson Suter Art Society
Nelson Suter Art Society - Summer Exhibition, On now - 26 Jan 25. Opening 5:30pm, Wed 18 Dec, at McKee Gallery located in The Suter.
nsas.net.nz
Our region’s best creative talent
Arty Nelson Gallery
126 Trafalgar St
Open Mon – Sat, 10am - 4pm Sun, 11am – 2pm
021 022 90996
IOStudio
Mixed-media art in wood, glass, metal and acrylics for the home and garden. Open by appointment throughout January. Call Abbie on 021 190 1104 to make a time to visit.
IOStudio.co.nz
The Coolstore Gallery
Showcasing New Zealand art and design at Māpua Wharf Open 7 days, 10am – 5pm
thecoolstoregallery.co.nz
Kōhatu Kohara
A Māori owned and operated carving studio based in Whakatū Nelson. Artist Joe Collins works with a range of ethically sourced NZ stone to create beautiful taonga to be treasured for a lifetime. kohatukohara.com
Protean Art Gallery
First floor, 181 Bridge St, Nelson Visit website for opening hours. 027 548 5003
proteanart.co.nz
Nelson Classic Car Museum
Museum Store
1 Cadillac Way, Annesbrook Open 7 Days, 10am – 4pm 03 547 4570
nelsonclassiccarmuseum.nz
Christine Hafermalz-Wheeler
The Artist Goldsmith
Visit Christine’s Richmond studio by appointment and try on this magnificent cuff and further spectacular one-off jewellery creations! Call David on 021817209. theartistgoldsmith.com
Refinery Artspace
Kāinga: What feeds us | curated by Lani Kalapu. The Trophy Room | Toy Murchie. ARTificial Intelligence Paintings | Tom Brooker On now - 11th January acn.org.nz/the-refinery-artspace
The Protean Art Gallery, owned by Erin and Sue Roughton, is located in the centre of Nelson’s art precinct and is a must-visit. On the second floor of one of Nelson’s heritage buildings at 181 Bridge Street, it stands at the corner of Harley Street, opposite Albion Square.
“It’s wonderful to be in a heritage building,” says Sue. “Buildings like this have their own atmosphere, character, and stories to tell.”
The name of the gallery is derived from the Greek god Proteus, who was known as a god of the Sea while also having the ability to transform forms and shapes, much like an artist does using a range of different materials.
The Protean Gallery serves as a platform for both the couple’s own work and a diverse collection of exciting New Zealand-made art.
ancestry to create elements that add depth, meaning and interest to her works.
Erin’s work is also on display. A talented photographer, his work celebrates wildlife and the natural environment, exploring interesting perspectives to create unique images available as prints.
Sue has a love of visiting art galleries and has been actively involved in other art forms, such as theatre. “I came to a point where I wanted to further develop my art practice, and that has extended to opening the gallery,” she says.
Her motivation was sparked by the discovery of Middle Eastern heritage in her DNA, along with the Irish, English and Scottish blend she already knew about. “Growing up, I always thought there was something a bit different about me, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. I realised I wanted to use art to explore the difference and celebrate my mixed heritage.”
Sue’s paintings are a rich exploration of colour and texture. She incorporates different mediums, including collage, along with symbols and iconography from the different cultures in her
The couple’s shared passion for creativity is evident in the work of other artisans whose works are showcase in the gallery. "Supporting other artists is vital," Sue says. "It’s about fostering connections and promoting the talented creatives in our community."
The gallery features ceramicist Angela Tier’s quirky, detailed animal figures and Elena Renker’s woodfired tea bowls in rich, earthy hues with traditional sumptuous Japanese Shino glazes.
Clare Wilcox’s acrylic and resin canvases create multiple depths of meaning and glow with layers of colour, while Patterson Parkin’s minimalist work captures unique aspects of the New Zealand environment. Emma Panting contributes wonderfully imagined and ethereal portraits. With a range of paintings, ceramics, and photography on display, there is something for every taste. The Protean Gallery is particularly enjoyable to visit because the building’s style enables the artwork to be appreciated in a home-like setting.
Art
181 Bridge St, Nelson proteanart.co.nz
The stylish and stackable Alfresco Villa dining chairs and barstools are perfect indoors or out. Gun metal grey or white. Chair: $169, Special $135. Barstool: $189, Special $151. lynfords.co.nz
Soar to the heavens with our luscious vanilla, gently embraced by soft and sensual orchid, awakening grace and beauty. Living Light Candles Nelson, 219 Trafalgar St, Nelson
Handmade in Golden Bay by Daniel Jessep. Buff carved angled curve, 230ml coffee cup. A clean alternative to the disposable takeaway paper coffee cup. $26, lid not included. danieljessep.co.nz
PSB Alpha IQ streaming speakers. Comprising two wireless bookshelf speakers with built-in amplifiers, an all-in-one audio system for the streaming age. $2,499 beggsmusic.co.nz
New Zealand native cushion cover, $59 vickiesoriginalsnelson.com
The Nelson Suter Art Society (NSAS) has been a cornerstone of the Nelson art scene since 1889, when Bishop Suter who had a keen interest in art, established the Bishopdale Sketching Club with 14 other enthusiasts. They would meet monthly to discuss art and share their drawings. Following his death, the name of the group was changed to honour his contribution to the arts in Nelson. His wife Amelia fulfilled his wish to establish an art gallery in the town, and gifted land, money and his art collection to start work building the Bishop Suter Art Gallery.
The McKee Room in the gallery was constructed in 1973, and the NSAS was granted the right to use it indefinitely for exhibitions.
Today, the society has over 200 members, many of whom are practising artists who have met the selection criteria required to exhibit in the 15–16 shows held annually.
The annual Summer Exhibition, on until 26 January, is very popular. The ‘Cash and Carry’ exhibition, offers smaller, affordable works, not exceeding a 50cm width, that can be purchased and taken home immediately. Each artist exhibiting has additional works to replace sold pieces, ensuring the exhibition is constantly refreshed.
This show is a wonderful opportunity to see a diverse body of high-quality work from members of the society, created in a wide range of styles and genres.
The NSAS holds exhibitions in the McKee Gallery throughout the year, including solo and group shows.
Members include those who are painters, sculptors, jewellers, and ceramicists, making for a rich variety. Exhibitions are available to be visited during the Suter Gallery’s open hours.
Becoming a member of the society is the first step for artists who wish to exhibit. Once they are accepted as a member, they can submit works for any of the exhibitions throughout the year. A special emphasis is placed on maintaining high standards, and the NSAS provides an invaluable platform for both new and established artists to showcase their talents in a gallery setting.
The NSAS is built on a volunteer-based model, which means that the exhibitions, workshops, and events are run by passionate members who are dedicated to promoting the arts in the region. This includes providing the opportunity for new members to participate in their first year’s exhibitions, ensuring that the community aspect remains strong and emerging artists are encouraged. People who enjoy the arts can become non-working members if they wish, allowing them to be kept up to date with the society’s activities and invitations to exhibition openings.
The NSAS remains loyal to its founder’s wishes and is an important contributor to the Nelson art scene.
Nelson Suter Art Society
2️08 Bridge St, at the McKee Gallery within Suter Art Gallery nsas.net.nz
Come inside and experience the warm and friendly café full of delicious smells of baking, or sit outside and soak up the sun with something tasty.
Gluten-free options, specialty breads every day of the week, over 35 different pies, sandwiches, pastries, and sweets - all baked on site. Top it off with some Atomic coffee.
Located on the second floor of Rutherford Hotel Nelson, Oceano Restaurant offers panoramic views for an unforgettable dining experience that compounds familiar flavours and contemporary cooking techniques. Savor an exceptional evening out with our extensive wine list, delicious food and fantastic service.
68 Aranui Rd, Māpua 03 540 3656 mapuavillagebakery.co.nz
Enjoy the perfect sunny afternoon in our spacious garden bar. Sip a locally brewed craft beer made on-site, while indulging in our delicious menu that features pizzas, seasonal dishes, and more. Whether you’re planning a special event or simply looking for a laid-back spot to enjoy great food and drinks, McCashin’s has you covered.
Open Tuesday to Saturday - 11am to late
660 Main Road, Stoke 03 547 0329
mccashins.co.nz
Level Two, Rutherford Hotel Nelson 27 Nile St West 03 548 2299 rutherfordhotel.nz
A bright, airy café established in an iconic Art Deco building a short walk from Tahuna Beach.
Pastries and treats are baked in-house, and their small menu features seasonal produce from local suppliers. A great spot for breakfast, lunch, or coffee.
Open Tue – Sun, 7am – 2pm
37 Tahunanui Drive, Nelson |
Victus Coffee & Eatery
Step into Victus Coffee and Eatery for freshly brewed Ozone coffee, delicious food, and friendly smiles. Local ingredients, compostable packaging, and giving back to the community are important to Victus, who blend sustainability and mouth-watering flavors into a cozy, welcoming space you’ll love!
Nestled in a beautiful country garden, The Grape Escape Café is the perfect place to relax and enjoy great food and superb coffee.
Whether you would like brunch, lunch or afternoon tea, enjoy the ambience of our cosy café. Relax on the deck, outdoors under a sun umbrella, or in the shade of a tree enjoying the garden.
Top quality food is best served with amazing ocean views! Blessed with a fantastic spot on the water, you will feel welcomed and won’t want to leave.
Specialising in local seafood and steaks, there are also delectable choices for non-meat eaters, people with special dietary needs and kids.
111 Bridge St, Nelson victus.nz
Famous for classic Chinese and signature Thai family dishes, Miracle Restaurant offers rich and diverse Asian fusion cuisine with Yum Cha available all day. Come and meet Mira - Miracle’s friendly robot who will deliver dishes to your table and even sing happy birthday. Popular set menus are available for individual diners, and all menu items can be ordered online for takeaway. Fully licensed and open 7 days for lunch and dinner.
200 Hardy St, Nelson 03 545 8163 miracleasian.co.nz
143 McShane Road, Appleby 03 544 4341 thegrapeescapecafe.co.nz |
For all your fresh fish and seafood favourites for summer BBQs, vibrant paellas, and refreshing fish salads, keep it local with Solander. Enjoy the finest seafood from Nelson and across NZ, available online and delivered straight to your door.
Choose from Solander’s premium selection of seafood and gourmet products to make your summer dining experiences healthy, delicious, and unforgettable.
0800 555 548 seafood@solander.com gourmetseafood.co.nz |
62 Vickerman St, Port Nelson 03 546 6614 anchorrestaurant.co.nz
Bring your family, friends, and your appetite for a fantastic Friday night out in the beautiful setting of Founders Park Cafe. We’ve got something for everyone, so join us from 4pm until 9pm for a night of great food, amazing tunes, and good times.
87 Atawhai Drive, The Wood, Nelson 03 548 4638 founderscafe.co.nz |
Who doesn’t love a cold ice cream on a hot day? Nelson boasts some of the most delectable varieties made anywhere. We share some of our favourites, along with some ice cream facts that are too sweet not to know.
Take a country drive and savour real fruit ice cream in the sun with scenic rural views. Grab the best strawberries, Moutere Fruits Jams, and enjoy time with the dogs. Open Wed–Sun, 10am–5pm, weather permitting.
Moutere Strawberries | 20 Neudorf Road, Upper Moutere mouterestrawberries.co.nz |
The average cow produces enough milk in its lifetime to make 7.5 thousand gallons of ice cream.
Vanilla is the most popular ice cream flavour worldwide.
The tallest ice cream cone ever measured was over 9 feet tall.
The most popular ice cream flavour in Japan is green tea.
Inspired by the places we call home
It’s not just ice cream. It’s summers at the bach, walks on the beach, a treat after a day in the bush; Motueka is the perfect place to inspire Motueka Creamery’s carefully crafted premium ice cream for you to enjoy. Available in all leading supermarkets.
Motueka Creamery | motuekacreamery.co.nz |
Real fruit ice creams that give back
Treat yourself in paradise. Our refreshing real fruit ice creams are lovingly crafted at Kaiteriteri Beach, with every dollar reinvested into preserving the Reserve. Relax on golden sands, soak up the views, and savour the taste of summer!
Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve | 5 Kaiteriteri Sandy Bay Road
Appleby Farms award-winning ice cream has been generating smiles since the first scoop was sold back in 2017. Available at supermarkets nationwide and locally at cafes and eateries, you are never too far from a scoop or three.
applebyfarms.co.nz |
We all scream for ice cream!
One of the original real fruit ice cream shops in the region, we know what we’re doing. Come to enjoy our real fruit ice creams and choice of gelatos this summer.
Toad Hall | 502 High St, Motueka |
Takaka’s ice cream bar
Craving a fresh and fruity scoop? You’ll be licking your lips with a world famous, mouthwatering, real fruit ice cream or frozen yoghurt from the Wholemeal Cafe. Heaps of flavours and toppings to choose from to satisfy your real fruit fix this summer.
The Wholemeal Café | 60 Commercial St, Takaka |
Berries… natures lollies! Raspberries, strawberries, boysenberries, cherries and more. As well as plenty of locally made gifts, and of course the NZ favourite… real fruit ice creams! Plenty of delicious flavours to choose from to keep you cool all summer long! Open seven days a week from 9am.
Fairfield Berries | 292 Wakefield Kohatu Hwy, Tasman |
Artisan gelato and sorbet - made in Nelson
Gelato Roma uses local whole milk for the gelatos and local berries for their sorbets. Scooping at our Gelato Roma cart at local events, our Tāhunanui Beach Truck, Kaiteriteri Store, Māpua Smokehouse, Junction Cheeseshop, Cable Bay Café, Fat Tui Nelson City.
Gelato Roma | gelatoroma.co.nz |
Appleby Highway’s newest gem
YUMMY., is redefining Grab&Go experience! Delicious homemade chef’s meals, barista-made Sublime coffee, real-fruit ice cream with creative toppings and irresistible Appleby Farms scoops - all in one spot! Welcome to perfect blend of comfort and convenience with a drive-through feel. YUMMY! YUMMY. | 442 Appleby Highway |
Discover the best local food and beverage products and their makers.
Nelsons premium artisanal hot sauces. Smoky rich Chipotle and Caribbean Double Hot. techili.co.nz |
Kickstart your summer adventure with Real Meals Bircher Muesli – a zesty, tangy freshness that transforms breakfast into pure decadence. realmeals.co.nz |
Discover our new coffee capsules and enjoy uncompromising quality in every cup! Crafted using our locally roasted, premium specialty coffee beans. Our delicious Seasonal Blend and Decaf capsules are available both online and at our Māpua Wharf Roastery. rabbitislandcoffee.co.nz |
A cheesy chip, but not as you know it! Our dairy-free CheezaPeño features smoky paprika and jalapeño for a sneaky spicy kick. Visit our website for recipe ideas. propercrisps.com |
Beat the heat with Pete’s Natural Sodas – 100% pure NZ fruit flavour, perfectly refreshing for summer sippin’! petesnatural.co.nz |
Taste the difference local love makes with farm to table freshness. Our dozen free-range eggs come from hens raised with care on our family-owned farm, ensuring flavour and superior quality. Farm Shop, 83 Main Road, Hope quailvalleyfreerange |
A NZ Life and Leisure silver awarded product, this delicious Parfait is velvety, rich, and a delight on the taste-buds. Craft Pâté is available at the Nelson Farmer’s Market every Saturday, also found in select supermarkets and deli’s nationwide. craftpate.co.nz |
For updated information check out the Nelson App
On now – end Feb
Join us for live music, local beer, food carts and craft stalls every Friday 4-8pm this summer. We’re bringing the community together to enjoy some good food, music and vibes.
18 January
Get up close to the animals, cheer on the horse riders, wood choppers and shearers. Browse the stunning displays of baking, flowers, handcrafts, photography, art and craft. $15 preshow tickets from NBS, $20 gate sales, Under 15 free.
Golden Bay Recreation Park
2 February
The City of Nelson Highland Pipe Band presents an exciting lineup featuring bagpipes, drums, soloists, Jacquie Walters, and the Kahurangi Irish Dancers, and of course the famous haggis and shortbread will be for sale! Tickets at the gate: $20 per adult, kids free. 5.30pm.
Fairfield House Meadow
January
Mamma Mia! We have a massive stack of ABBA records ready to spin, and heaps of other fun-loving music to get you on the D floor. So come on super troopers! Be a dancing queen with us! Free entry, dinner/ doors from 6pm, music from 8pm.
The Playhouse
January
The Teapot Valley Choral Camp 2025 Choir presents Haydn’s Creation with eminent Danish choral conductor, Ebbe Munk, the New Zealand String Quartet, vocal soloists Moses Mackay, Theo Molenaar and Rebecca Ryan. 2pm
Nelson Centre of Musical Arts
Enjoy the taste of summer with fresh produce and artisan food from the Nelson Farmers Market. Why not pop on down and see what’s fresh this week. 8am to 1pm Every Wednesday.
23
18 and 19 January
Get along to the 33rd Nelson Kite Festival. Come and see the amazing kites flown by local and New Zealand kite fliers. This event is run by the Nelson Kite Club and is funded by your generous donations. 12-5pm both days.
Neale Park, Nelson
15 February
A stellar evening featuring top New Zealand opera and contemporary talent performing alongside the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, the event promises an unforgettable night of music under the stars at Trafalgar Park. 5.30pm. summerevents.nz Trafalgar Park
11 January
Nelson’s favourite soul band brings you magic classics by the likes of James Brown, Aretha Franklin, and Otis Redding. Get ready for a soul-infused evening on the dancefloor!
Early bird ticket $20 ($25). Dinner from 6pm, showtime from 8pm. The Playhouse
31 January –
3 February 2025 LUNASA
World music and inspirational workshops immersed in a beautiful natural environment. Balkan, Celtic, African, Latin, jazz, folk, Balfolk Ball and Ceilidh. Spacious camping, family friendly. luminatefestival.co.nz/lunasa
Canaan Downs, Golden Bay
4. Lynley Matthews and Ellie Hoddinott
5 Devin Ng and Denise Ward
6. Michelle Diez and Sam Day
7. Elmarie Pretorius and Shingie Mukandi
8.
4.
5 Sue Smart and Chris Woodwiss
6. Betty Newman and Vicki Jolly
7. Maggie O’Hara and Jorja Milligan
8. Rochelle Kramner, Annie Bell and Ruth Malcolm
9. Kyleene Maraki, Patience Davis, Angela Mcdonnell and Diane Lamont
Capturing the Nelson City lifestyle with its timeless appeal, sought-after dress circle position, privacy and tranquillity. This multi-level trophy family residence is set within (James Wheatley) landscaped gardens, overlooking a large, heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Just footsteps across the street from historic Melrose House and Cafe, t his home is designed and future proofed for all ages and stages, with a state-of-theart elevator and extensive upgrades.