The Lawrey Story

Journalist and former Nelson City councillor Matt Lawrey loves unearthing the wonderful things Nelson has to offer. In between penning cartoons, managing Bike Hub Nelson and exploring the region with his whanau, Matt writes a monthly column for Nelson Magazine, where the topic is simply - Nelson.

There’s nothing like finding a cat crapping in your garden to make you ponder the strange freedom society grants our feline friends.

That was my experience this morning when I found a tabby squeezing one out on some freshly laid bark. My howls of protests were met with a look that said “fool” and it wasn’t until I actually threw something that the moggie took off.

I get why people love cats. They’re cute, they feel good in your lap, and they have some entertaining quirks. I also get that, in a tolerant society, you have to accept that your neighbours’ pets will occasionally do things you don’t like.

What I don’t get, however, is why we are so reluctant to do anything about the damage that cats do, particularly when you consider the amount of rules we have for dogs.

Forest and Bird estimates the nation’s pet cats alone kill at least 1.12 million native birds a year. In 2021, a cat in Alexandra made headlines when it regurgitated 28 dead native lizards that scientists said it would have caught and eaten in just several hours.

Our political paralysis when it comes to cats seems particularly absurd in a place like Nelson-Whakatū where nature is a big part of our identity and where we’re spending millions on bringing back our native birds and lizards through the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary

Believe it or not, Nelson City Council has no rules about how many cats a person can own. Nelsonians need permission for more than two dogs but, even if you live right next to the Sanctuary, you can have as many cats as you like.

This year, however, our elected representatives should have an opportunity to take a significant step that won’t just be good for birds and lizards, it’ll be good for cats as well.

Last term council voted to look into options for making the microchipping and desexing of cats mandatory and, in the months ahead, our elected reps should get the opportunity to make a decision. The SPCA says ‘snipping and chipping’ is one of the key things we can do to make a real difference for animal welfare and reduce the large number of unwanted litters and lost animals we see.

That’s because desexing helps pets have happier and healthier lives and ensures the cycle of unwanted litters is broken. Should a pet ever become lost or stolen, microchipping gives their owner the best chance of being reunited with them.

Not surprisingly, Forest and Bird and the Sanctuary are supportive of the concept as well. When the time comes, I’m hoping our elected representatives do the right thing by our cats, birds and lizards. It’s a pretty small step in the greater scheme of things but, over time, it would make a meaningful difference.

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Vintage clothing and streetwear have always been a passion for Josiah Henare, so much so that not only does this style inspire his everyday fits, but also led him and wife Kavell to open their own vintage clothing store, Rack Diggers in Nelson.

What are you wearing today?

Today I am wearing a vintage streetwear style fit consisting of a Suns Records cap, a 90s Janet Jackson Naughty by Nature Tee, an arctic camo jacket, a pair of early 000s Daicock Evisu denims, and on the feet are a pair of off-white Nike Dunks. Mainly all from vintage flea markets or vintage clothing dealers.

What is your style?

My style is a good mix, but if I was to put a name to it it would be vintage streetwear, I grew up skating and listening to rap and hip hop so designer and streetwear has always been a love, mixing streetwear with vintage tees and sneakers.

What are you loving at the moment?

Loving the resurgence of early 2000s fashion, it’s very nostalgic to me.

What are you dressed for today?

I’m dressed for work today, I’m very blessed I can wear whatever I like working in a vintage clothing store.

Where do you buy most of your clothes from?

I buy a lot of my clothes from op shops, flea markets, vintage clothing dealers and vintage clothing stores.

What is most of your wardrobe made up of?

Lots of colour and easy-to-pair pieces that are versatile between the seasons. Mostly op-shop finds with some conscious New Zealand-made buys in the mix!

What is your approach to shopping?

I don’t have a particular approach, but if I like it, I like it, or I know when I see it.

What is your all-time favourite purchase?

A 90s Bone Thugs N Harmony art of war t-shirt.

What has been your worst clothing disaster?

Dry rot! I purchased an expensive vintage Mosquito Head tee that started to rip the first time I wore it due to dry rot, which is a chemical reaction mainly from black dye or bleach and storing in a dry area.

What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?

A good swanny for those cold winter days.

Do you have a style rule you always obey?

There’s not really a rule I have, but I believe you should wear what you want and love.

If you could raid one person’s wardrobe, who would it be?

Yotsapong, who is a vintage clothing dealer from the states. He has great taste in vintage clothing and designer streetwear.

Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing…

Modern reprint t-shirts.