The Guardian - 10 April 2024

New life for old church

Wednesday 10 April 2024

Defibrillator stolen from Motueka Valley

SARA HOLLYMAN

Lives are at risk after a defibrillator was stolen from the Motueka Valley at the start of Easter Weekend.

Chairperson of the Motueka Valley Defibrillator Group, Gloria Anderson, says that the charity has worked hard to raise funds to install defibrillators at different locations in the valley, including

Waka fleet draws crowd of hundreds

ELISE VOLLWEILER

The largest double-hulled waka fleet to visit the area in centuries has landed at Kaiteriteri Beach.

The four waka hourua were welcomed to the Top of the South at dawn on Saturday as part of the Te Hau Kōmaru National Waka Hourua Festival.

The event, established in 2021, aims to raise awareness about the cultural significance of this type of double-hulled craft which was used by the first Polynesian settlers 800 years ago.

It is the first time that the festival, which runs until Sunday, 14 April, has been held in Te Waipounamu/ the South Island.

one at Four Foot Lodge on the West Bank Road.

But early in the hours of Good Friday morning, the defibrillator was stolen from its box, along with some nearby solar lights.

“For a small community that tries to put our pennies together and maintain them for the good of the public as well as the community, it’s extremely disappointing. The defibrillator was installed

in November after a successful grant from Network Tasman.

“We have several community members who are very generous

The waka fleet pulled up at Kaiteriteri Beach on Saturday. Photo: Oliver Weber.

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Defibrillator stolen from Motueka Valley

and will put funds in every year to maintain them,” Gloria says.

This maintenance included replacing pads and batteries as well as getting the devices serviced.

“We find it absolutely absurd that anyone could steal a medical emergency device. I am lost for words. It has really angered the community.”

She says they know it was stolen and not just taken for use because of the solar lights that were also missing.

“We think it was just an opportunist. It was one or two in the morning.

Because it’s a kennel the dogs went ballistic so they knew something was wrong.”

But it wasn’t until later in the afternoon they realised the defibrillator was missing.

Gloria says it is “absolutely useless” for anything other than its purpose, so can’t understand why it was taken.

“It’s not like you can just shock someone with it.

“It’s mindboggling really,” she says.

“My appeal to someone is if they want to leave it somewhere obvious, let me know it’s there, I don’t care, we just don’t want it back.

“This could save somebody’s life.”

Gloria Anderson just wants the missing defibrillator returned. Photo: Supplied.

New life proposed for old church

ANNE HARDIE

Māpua’s old church is about to get a spruce up, with plans to turn it into a community hub.

Elena Meredith is part of the Māpua Community Wellbeing Trust’s working group that wants to turn the church into a community space with multiple uses, including youth activities that can be a bit boisterous within the Māpua Hall. The group is working on a lease agreement with the Hills Community Church across the road to use the old church as the base for the Māpua Community Hub. Then it can seek funding and volunteers to give the building a bit of a makeover as well as employing a coordinator to actively promotes activities.

“The trick will be having some regular groups that have the time and willingness in their commitment to it.”

Only a few groups use the old church and Elena says it is an underused building with good space outside that can be used by the community.

“It’s a great big building where

Kidz and Koffee meet once a week and a couple of other groups. We’re rapt with the groups that are already using it, but we want the whole building being used all the time.

“It’s one of those buildings that will evolve to meet the needs of people. It needs to be used and loved.”

She says the proposed Māpua Community Hub will not du-

plicate activities that take place in the Māpua Hall but will offer more community space for the growing community.

“This is a growing community and we want to make sure there

is a range of activities. We love our community hall and totally support what it is doing and aren’t interested in competing with it at all.”

The old church has a few rooms around the main interior of the church, plus a kitchen, and Elena says groups will have the ability to store gear so they can go and use it every day. It is also an old building that she says can take a few knocks if balls hit the walls and ceilings.

“It doesn’t matter so much if there’s a bit of wear and tear, so some of the youth activities that aren’t suitable in the hall can be done here.”

Once the old church is spruced up, she says it will be a useful facility for Māpua School which does not have a hall and the school has already expressed an interest in using the space. The group had been lobbying for a district health clinic and though the old church does not have adequate facilities for the clinic, Elena says it led to a clinic now going ahead in Hills Community Church.

Vicky Stocker, left, and Elena Meredith are on the working group that wants to turn the old church into the Māpua Community Hub. Photo: Anne Hardie.

Golden dragon found after a week in the cold

ELISE VOLLWEILER

After a week, you might think that hope was fading, but Asil Kealey never doubted that she would be reunited with her missing golden bearded dragon.

Asil had only arrived in Golden Bay the previous day from the North Island, when she headed to the Collingwood Rugby Grounds with Mad Café owner Nganga to beautify the grandstand. She painted the clubroom poles with images of spiritual guardians, while Krishna basked in the sunshine on Nganga’s windscreen. At some point, she turned to check on her lizard companion, and Krishna was gone. Asil searched high and low that day, and for many days after, supported by about 20 members of the Collingwood community, but her beloved Krishna was nowhere to be found.

With the colder weather coming, Asil was terribly worried for Krishna, but

she was confident that they would be reunited.

“I kept my faith all the time,” she says simply.

A spiritual person, she intuited that Krishna would reappear on the ninth day.

She also felt that her daughter Ash would be the one to discover her.

Ash and her nine-year-old daughter Willow flew down to help after Krishna had been missing for a week. That night, Ash had a dream that she found the dragon immediately, and that she was hiding in plain sight near where she had gone missing.

The next morning, the family headed to the rugby grounds.

Ash used the guidance of her pendulum to search the area, and whenever she moved from the spot that Krishna had gone missing, the pendulum called her back.

“Then I looked up, and she’s eye to eye in a bush, staring at me,” Ash laughs.

She grabbed the reptile and

Investing in our future

put her straight onto her chest for warmth, calling to the others that Krishna had been found.

The dragon had dulled in colour during her outing, and Ash says that that made her harder to spot – the search parties had been looking for a brightly glowing creature.

Krishna came to Asil when the golden dragon was four months old, and the pair have been inseparable companions for two years.

“She sleeps in the van on a hot water bottle. She swims with me in the river and the ocean,” Asil says.

“Krishna’s loved by so many wherever we go. She glows so brightly.”

When The Guardian talked to Asil about Krishna’s adventures, the lizard would certainly have been easy to find.

The pair were cruising around the Warehouse in Motueka, with Krishna the bearded dragon enjoying the vantage spot from atop Asil’s head.

· TASMAN’S 10-YEAR PLAN 2024 – 2034

WHAT’S YOUR PRIORITY, TASMAN?

We have heard a great deal about areas for improvement in our transportation programme. What should our priority be? Is it greater safety, more buses, or improved roads?

Make a submission on Tasman’s 10-Year Plan now – it’s really important we know what the whole community is thinking. Come along to one of the opportunities listed below, or visit shape.tasman.govt.nz/10YP to find out more and have your say.

UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES:

• Thursday 11 April, 7.00 pm, Ngātīmoti Fire Station Community Room, 1425 Motueka Valley Highway

• Monday 15 April, 7.00 pm, Wakefield Village Hall, 10 Whitby Way

• Tuesday 16 April, 7.00 pm, Tapawera Community Centre, 95 Main Road

• Tuesday 16 April, 7.00 pm, Redwood Valley Hall, 484 Moutere Highway shape.tasman.govt.nz/10YP

Asil Kealey with her beloved Krihsna - a bearded dragon who got lost in Collingwood. Photo: Supplied.

The Highwaymen are hitting the road

The NZ Highwaymen, a quartet of country music legends, is embarking on their 2024 tour in eight weeks, with the final of their 24 performances booked for little old Motueka. The group is made up of Brendan Dugan, Eddie Low, Gray Bartlett, and Dennis Marsh, and their country music event sold more than 10,000 tickets during last year’s tour.

Tasman local Aly Cook, who is the group’s tour promoter and publicist, reports that a third of the tickets have sold already for the Motueka show in July.

Aly says that ticket sales have “gone nuts” after an appearance on Seven Sharp last

week, with her prediction that the tour will sell out well in advance.

The Highwaymen have recorded more than 100 albums between them, many of which went gold and platinum.

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to see four of [New Zealand’s] most loved country artists performing together live on the same stage.”

Aly says that the winter tour will include a mix of old favourites and new songs in what promises to be a humorous and entertaining show.

The tour begins in Hastings on Thursday, June 6, with The Highwaymen’s Motueka performance scheduled for Sunday, 7 July, at 2.30pm

Māpua to host evening of swing and song

When the harmonies of a local choir meet the swing of full jazz big band the people of Māpua will have their toes tapping and hearts singing. Māpua Community Choir has teamed up with the Nelson Jazz Club Big Band to host a special evening remembering great tunes and songs of the 20th century. Choir director, Mr John Botting, leads local singers each week learning to sing a range of songs from waiata, to popular sing-a-longs and four part harmony arrangements.

“It gives me real joy to encourage people to sing, perform and have fun doing it,” he told us. John brings together his commitment to community with his choral and teaching experience to turn the enthusiasm of locals into enjoyable performance. The choir regularly performs at local events with a range of harmony and unison songs from throughout the ages.” The concert will be held at the Māpua Community Hall on Friday, 12 April, at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from Jared’s Fruit and

Tasman-based promotor and publicist Aly Cook is delighted to have a home fixture for the final stop on the tour of country music quartet The Highwaymen. Photo: Supplied.

Tapawera bus service gets underway

ANNE HARDIE

The Nelson Tasman Community Transport Trust (NTCTT) will have a Tapawera bus service up and running this week and has plans for a Hira service down the track, but it also needs a new chairperson to oversee the expanding service.

Elena Meredith chairs the charitable trust that was established in 2018 by volunteers wanting to create accessible and sustainable transport services for the community.

each way. The bus is limited to five seats each trip and leaves at 9.30am each day, returning to Tapawera by 3pm.

The Motueka bus service operates a nine-seater bus and Elena says it often picks up passengers from home who would otherwise struggle to use the eBus service.

“A lot of the people using the bus from Motueka are not mobile and that group of people have become a little community of their own,” Elena says.

“We’re there to complement the eBus service and we’re not in competition with the eBus. We’re never going to be a commercial venture and we have no interest in making money.”

The trust also operates Māpua’s Willing Wheels where volunteer drivers use their own vehicles to take people where they need to go.

“We’re like one of those kaleidoscopes and we have to keep up with what is happening.

“The trust has started to have quite a presence, to have a con-

But 18 months ago she was involved in a serious car accident with her partner and no longer feels she is doing the role justice. She says she is happy to be a trust member for the service that had been running a community bus to Wakefield and still runs a service between Motueka and Richmond with volunteer drivers. The bus that was used for the Wakefield run will be used for the Tapawera service, while the trust is also planning to create a service between Hira and Atawhai to connect with the eBus service.

nection to the eBus service. We’re just about to launch a bus service from Tapawera and we really need a chairperson who is able to be on top of everything. We need somebody with time who is gen-

uinely interested in community services.”

The Tapawera to Richmond bus will run on Tuesdays and the Tapawera to Motueka bus on Wednesdays, at a cost of $6

While the chair of the trust is a voluntary role, the trust does employ two coordinators to oversee the buses and services, with funding from TDC, the community and local businesses.

Weather good for roadworks

While dry conditions and fire risk temporarily put a halt to some routine maintenance activities such as grading and mowing across the Tasman District in March, conditions were perfect for the end of the resealing season, and the programme is now complete with an area roughly the equivalent of 35 rugby fields resurfaced. Drier weather has also seen a reduction in potholes in sealed pavements, allowing crews to get more lasting repairs done.

Mowing gets the cut

Tasman’s road maintenance costs are exceeding the annual plan budget. In a TDC operations committee meeting on Thursday, transportation manager Jamie McPherson told councillors that staff are working to minimise costs. “We are very carefully managing maintenance costs. One area we’ve identified as being controllable is roadside mowing, but it can be quite noticeable for people if we’re reducing our mowing quantities.” He said they were focussing on areas of concern that impact safety, such as intersections, but leaving the mows that are done purely for ammenity. “There will be some roads with less traffic that won’t get a mow until the new financial year [July].”

Cobb Dam Rd maintenance continues

TDC’s transportation team are supporting Department of Conservation with managing their maintenance programme for the Cobb Dam Rd. This program focuses on completing the backlog of maintenance work required and focusing on areas where lowcost safety improvements can be undertaken. Good progress has been made on completing the asphalt concrete levelling program on the road and repairing damaged/missing sight rails.

Tapawera now has a bus service and Hira is next on the list. Photo: Supplied.

Beloved support worker retires after 25 years

ELISE VOLLWEILER

The seemingly simple things like teaching people how to ride pushbikes and safely mow lawns stick in Rob Owens’ mind as some of the meaningful achievements during his time as a support worker at IDEA Services.

After almost 25 years in the role, late March marked Rob’s retirement from the organisation, which gives support to people with intellectual disabilities.

The 66-year-old is a familiar face to many people in Motueka. Every Wednesday he has helped “the guys” deliver The Guardian to the businesses along High St. Rob, who has lived in Motueka for 50 years and is a horticulturalist by trade, calls this the “most rewarding job I’ve ever had”, and says that his former workmates are all stars. He has loved the variety of work that the job entailed and says that it has taught him so much about himself.

“I’ve grown so much since I’ve been there,” he says. “I’ve found my niche.”

Rob appreciates how much training and personal development was available through the organisation.

“There were heaps of opportunities for training, not just about people with disabilities, but about how people tick.”

IDEA’s core values are empowerment, inclusion, responsiveness and support, with unique plans for each client to help them live to their potential. The Motueka branch hosts more than 20 clients, and the support workers engage them in projects, coordinate outings, and teach them life skills to increase their independence.

Rob says that although he was going to miss being at the IDEA base, he was looking forward to spending more time with his partner and family.

At his farewell barbeque in late March, Rob exchanged emotional hugs and goodbyes with “the guys”(as the staff fondly refer to their clients) and promised them he knew what time smoko so that he could pop back to catch up with them over a cuppa.

Rob Owens with his past and present workmates, who came together at Motueka’s IDEA services late last month to celebrate his years of service.

Photo: Elise Vollweiler.

Fundraising opportunity for marshals at upcoming trail run

ELISE VOLLWEILER

The organisers of the Kaiteriteri Gold Trail Event are seeking collaboration with a local sports group or organisation to act as marshals in the upcoming race. The event, which is to be held on the morning of Sunday, 2 June, takes place almost entirely within the Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park.

Committee member Graeme West says that they are looking for marshals to give directions at “pinch points” and offer camara-

derie to the competitors.

The organisers are offering a donation of $200 for a group of five people, and $400 for 10, to help on the day. Helpers must be at least 16 years or older.

The Kaiteriteri Gold falls under

the umbrella of Nelson Tasman Community Sport Events Incorporated, which operates as active4good. Graeme says that the organisation is run by volunteers, with any raised funds given back to Nelson Tasman to worthwhile ventures that enhance physical activities. Their two annual funding rounds offer $5000 each, and Graeme says that this will no doubt grow over time.

For more information about supporting this event, contact info@ active4good.org

Competitors from last year’s Kaiteriteri Gold trail race meander their way through the mountainbike park.

Photo: Supplied.

Nelson • Richmond • Motueka

New & Used Sales | Finance | Parts | Service Free call 0800 269 283

A big hello from the team at your local Bowater Toyota. We pride ourselves on going the extra mile and getting stuck in when it comes to making sure that the whole community is taken care of with all of their mobility needs. Our team here at our Motueka store on High Street can take care of everything, from sales through to serving all makes and models. We even have a brake disc machining tool in-house to keep everything just as it needs to be. Our workshop has state of the art diagnostic tools to make sure your vehicle is kept in the best condition, and our experienced technicians can get the job done efficiently.

Give our locally based Craig Allott a call on 021 987 265 the next time you need to upgrade your vehicle. New or used, he’s your man, and can source you the perfect vehicle for your needs.

Local History

Riwaka’s playground at Cooks Reserve

ROBYN PARKES

Seen as an epoch in the history or Riwaka, the official opening of the H. N. Cook Recreation Reserve, took place on the 30 September 1933 attracting a record attendance of around 1000 settlers and the general public.

Appreciation was given to Henry Nason Cook who had gifted the land, providing the district with a recreation reserve that would provide a place for sports and other events.

Chairman, T Chittenden, expressed how there had been two great needs in the district. One was a more up-to-date library building and the other a recreation ground.

The need of a playing ground in Riwaka suitable for athletic sports was a long felt want in the district.

The generosity of various res-

idents made certain grounds available from time to time, but the progress of sport was handicapped by there being no area which could be devoted to sport and for the gathering of the residents on particular occasions.

About April 1932, Henry saw in the situation an opportunity to help the people of Riwaka and donated land sufficient in extent to meet its needs for many years.

In carrying out this intention he asked three gentlemen, Messrs D. L. A. Drummond, W. A. A. Ryder, and N. J. Lewis, to act as Trustees of the grounds and carry out the provisions he desired made for its use.

A lease of about four acres for a term of 999 years was granted.

Having control over the area, the first step for the Trustees was to call the public of the district and representatives of sports bodies, to discuss the development of

the grounds. In May and June of 1932, the first work was undertaken. The area was levelled, fenced, and the erection of a substantial stop-bank along the river frontage began and grass was sown. Labour and materials were donated, as was over 400 days of voluntary work.

Further meetings saw the appointment of an Executive Committee drawn from all parts of the district who were to manage and further develop the area. The grounds were turned from what

was merely a paddock into a place of beauty, available to everybody.

Plans for planting trees and shrubs, laying out gardens, formation of tennis courts, and preparation of picnic facilities were still to occur.

The terms of the gift were brief.

Henry Cook was to be paid £5 per annum for as long as he was alive, after which a peppercorn rental of 6d per annum had been agreed upon.

The land was to be used for athletic games in general, and hockey,

cricket and tennis in particular, with full powers to the Trustees to control the area in their discretion.

There was a provision that the Atua Ladies Hockey Club had a first preference for use of the ground in winter.

The grounds were named the “H N Cook Recreation Reserve” in recognition of the public spirit and generosity of the benefactor. After the ceremony, Henry planted two native trees.

In this connection he pointed out that in the days of the old Roman Empire it was considered that a man who planted a tree or built a house was fit to be accounted a worthy son of the Empire.

Miss Mary Cook, sister of the donor, cut the ribbon, declaring it open. Substantial gates were erected at the entrance of the reserve and had commemorative tablets placed on them.

Kahurangi

Leeon Johnston and Mangisi Kaho

Kelly Atkin and Kara Simkin

Jayden Harris, Brodie Maru and Kayden Richards

Chris McIntosh and Hunter Cavill

Quintin Fowler and Tayne Lockwood

Te Hau Kōmaru National Waka

Hourua Festival at Kaiteriteri

Dom Markham, Sarah Thomas, Olive Markham, 12 and Ruby Markham, 14 ET Viliamu and Julius Su’a

Gary and Phillipa Adams

Koreta Amiatu, Vaiese Amiatu and Lafo

Salafai Mataafā

Mark Wilson and Maluz Moreno, with Oscar Wilson, 11, Charlie Kerry, 9, Lucas

Wilson, 9, and Raphy Kerry, 6.

NZSO String Quartet Performance

We are delighted to announce that a string quartet from the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra will perform at Summerset Richmond Ranges on Saturday 13 April at 1pm followed by a Q&A session.

We invite you to join us and our village residents to listen to a very special musical performance.

Spaces are limited so you’ll need to RSVP by Friday 12 April to Linda on 03 744 3432.

We look forward to seeing you there!

NZSO String Quartet Performance

Saturday 13 April, 1pm - 2pm

RSVP to Linda by Friday 12 April Summerset Richmond Ranges

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

South Island’s only junior dragster off to winning start

Super awesome Bentley... You are awesome mate.

Tamika Pope-Bell

Way to go Bentley, such a great achievement.

Trudy Fraser

Great work Bentley. Best of luck for your bright future.

Russell Thomas

You little champion Bentley, keep safe and go for it.

George Heather Terry

So cool Bentley.

Ria McGlashen

Well done, Bentley.

Tarm Palmer

That’s so cool Bentley.

Jo Dalton

Well done young man, your future is set.

Nina Petterson

Did April Fools’ fool

Tasman?

How many people went to look is

what I’d like to know.

Tama Kraal

Love it.

Ruth Thomson

I’m still laughing! Lol.

Polly Murray

All the fundraising was worth it.

Reuben Swafford

Good April 1st Joke: But SeriouslyThere should have been a swimming pool built instead of a new Library in Motueka. Many Motueka residents have to drive to Richmond Aquatic Centre for swimming and Hydrotherapy.

Laurence Pask

Blazing milestone: 25 years as volunteer

Congratulations, Sam. Miss that smile of yours.

Michelle Marnane

Congratulations, Sam! Pegeen O’Rourke Harris

Well done, Sam. Julie Nicholas-Boddington

One of the good guys.

Sue Wilson

What’s On

Takaka Memorial Library –National Scrabble Day

Saturday, 13 April, 10am – 12pm

Takaka Memorial Library

Informal Scrabble fun day for youth aged 7 and up. Suitable for all levels. Parents welcome. Facilitated by Murray Rogers.

Bonnie Wilson Motueka

Nelson Giants vs Auckland

Tuatara

Friday, 12 April, 6.30pm Rapid League, 7.30pm Sals NBL

Trafalgar Stadium

Strap yourself in, there’s even more Kiwi basketball coming your way next year. Tickets from: https://giants.flicket.co.nz/

WHAT’S HAPPENING atourlibrary

Te Noninga Kumu - 32 Wallace St - 03 528 1047

Cultural Conversations Podcast Exhibition – 8 April – 4 May

An Art Exhibition of Portraits and listen to Podcasts highlighting our migrant communities. The podcasts of these true stories of migrants can be downloaded using the QR code in your own time and location.A partnership between Cultural Conversations and Motueka Library.

Make and Colour ANZAC Poppies –Wednesday 10 April, 3pm-4pm

Drop-in session for all ages. Make a paper poppy to add to our poppy wall, Colour a poppy to add to our outside field of poppies display.

BookCafe – Monday 15 April, 10.30am12pm

Topic: The value of travel, how it increases self-awareness.

Write your Life Story, Memoir or History with Charlotte Squire

Monday 15 April, 3pm-4.30pm

Do you think daylight savings should remain all year round?

Tessa Hogge Motueka

“I prefer it to be dark in the morning and light at night so we can walk our dogs.” Bayleys Motueka 208 High Street, Motueka www.rwmotueka.co.nz

“I think it should be consistent all year round because it’s weird to be changing the clocks back and forth.”

“Keep it as it is. I think daylight savings is a good idea over summer, but over winter- no.”

Maureen Joblin Wakefield

“Yes, I do, it’s less disruptive if we just have the one setting.”

A 90 minute free workshop with Takaka writer Charlotte Squire. Learn how to publish your story and photos.

Sailing Yarns with Robbie Williams and Tom Rowling

Wednesday 17 April, 2pm-3pm

Join us to hear Sailing Stories about the old Nelson scows and ships, Enjoy humour, heritage and high seas for TUKU 24.

Light winds made for good sailing for the annual Grossi Point club regatta. Photo: Supplied.

Grossi Point Yacht Club annual regatta

SUPPLIED CONTENT

In contrast to last year’s strong sou’wester, the first race on Sunday started in a very light puffy easterly. An unexpected head current saw the fleet struggle to cross the start line, and then make very slow progress up the western side of Grossi point to the first mark set off Kite Park. However, as the leaders reached the buoy on March 10, the sea breeze began to fill in from the nor east, and the fleet was off, with the wind steadily increasing to about 10 knots by the end of the racing. The course had been shortened to two triangles, and close racing was evident right through the monohull fleets.

The Catamarans were left well behind, as their later start saw them still becalmed off Grossi Point while the monohulls enjoyed the freshening wind. The end of race one was a nail-

biter, as the current flowing through the finish line coupled with the wind shadow from the large trees growing at Grossi Point made planning your approach to the finish line a major strategy.

Mike Shirer finally held off Harold Gratton from Picton by eight seconds to take fastest time, with Susan and Dave Shaw in the 420 Anaka third. In the cruising fleet, Jim Vause in his Splash dinghy had 30 seconds on Peter Walker at the finish. John Leydon led home the Catamaran fleet with Chris Cowell second and Mike and Clare Kininmonth third.

Race two saw Mike Shirer win by nearly a leg, with Harold Gratton second, only a few seconds ahead of Jim Vause, the first Cruising division boat.

Glenn Stevens was third, just ahead of Alison Howitt sailing her Topaz for the first time in

5 years. Handicaps, based on the results from race one, were applied to the second race. The fleet was quite small this season, but 11 boats, all of different designs, enjoyed a good day’s sailing. Alan Clinton in his Navigator Whio represented the Gaff riggers, while Peter Walker with his 60-yearold Idle Along had the oldest boat. Several sailors were having their first regatta at Grossi Point and we hope to see them again next year.

Many thanks to our race committee, Katrina Ballantyne, Jill Reade and Kathy Hobbs. They ran the regatta, including taking the entries, starting the races, and recording finishing times. Thanks also to our crash boat crew, Malcolm and Connor Brennan in the Tamaha Sea Scout patrol boat. They also laid and retrieved the marks.

Many thanks to our sponsor, the Māpua Four Square.

Penny’s wake-up call

Penny Wilson is lying face down on the pavement.

She has a searing pain in her cheek, her face is covered in blood and she’s struggling to see out of her left eye. The then 71-year-old was out walking her dog Pixie, when she had a tumble from uneven ground.

“My face took the full force of the impact, above the eyebrow and on the cheek bone. I was in a huge amount of pain. There was a lot of blood.”

X-rays confirmed a hairline fracture in her cheekbone.

“It was a horrifying experience and one I’ll never forget,” she says.

My balance wasn’t good enough

Penny says her recovery took around four-to-six weeks.

“It was a massive wake-up call. I knew my balance wasn’t good enough and I had to do something about it.”

Penny had heard about the balance training app Nymbl so she decided to give it a go.

Nymbl improves balance using dual tasking - combining simple body movements with quizzes, to challenge both the brain and body.

ACC launched the app as part of its older adults’ programme, Live

Stronger for Longer, which is focused on preventing falls and fractures.

Improving the balance of older New Zealanders

Penny says Nymbl has given her the confidence to lead the life she wants to live.

She has recommended Nymbl to many of her friends.

“I keep saying you need to work on your balance every day,” she says.

“You see people my age have a horrible fall and that’s the end of their independence.”

The impact of fall injuries

According to Angela Baker, falls prevention coordinator at Nelson Bays Primary Health, one in three people over 65 injure themselves in a fall every year, rising to one in two once they reach 80.

“Falls have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, especially if it results in a fracture, so we want to prevent them from happening in the first place,” says Angela.

“Nymbl is a great way to reduce that risk, as is attending an ACC-approved strength and balance class.”

For more info contact Angela: angela.baker@nbph.org.nz or 021 790 415.

Keep living the life you love.

You can do something to help reduce your risk of falls, improve your confidence, and keep fit and well.

Want to exercise with others?

For Live Stronger for Longer community-based strength and balance classes visit https://www.livestronger.org.nz/

Want to exercise at home?

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From zero to 100 for Kahurangi

JACK MALCOLM

While the ground might still be as hard as bricks, there was a sense of finals football in the air as Kahurangi kicked off their season.

Whether it was the fact that the John Goodman Trophy was on the line, or the intense rivalry, the two Tasman Trophy titans went down to the wire in a tough loss 20-2 for Kahurangi.

After dominating the 40 minutes, a late yellow card saw Central claw their way back into the game on the stroke of halftime.

Lock Henry Powell crossed the line in the corner after catching the defence off guard after Central passed the ball out wide from a quick tap, going against the early run of play.

Kahurangi was in control early, with the Central lineout in strife and struggling at scrum time. And they were rewarded with two

tries, the first a thunderous run through a gap and then the secondary defenders by lock Hunter Leppien. The second, a fortunate bounce of the ball at ruck time, saw a linebreak before passes into space for halfback Hayden Crapper to score.

But, with Mako centurion hooker Quentin MacDonald amongst the Central halftime changes, the tide started to turn as they went into the second 40 minutes down 10-7.

Strong field position and prolonged possession saw lock Henry Powell score to take the lead before captain Mitchell Smith dotted over a penalty to extend their lead to 10-18.

However, the home side bounced back with a penalty of their own before centre Jake Cresswell showed his class with a linebreak and a pressuring kick into space to give his team the field position

to capitalise.

The Kahurangi kick return saw hard-running number 8 East Timor Viliamu put into space and given the momentum to run through several would-be tacklers and run the ball around to give his kicker a better angle and the lead.

In a game that came down to the final play, Kahurangi missed a chance to extend their advantage to five points with a penalty that hit the uprights.

But in the back-to-back championship-winning mentality, Central turned the tide in the final minutes with innumerable phases of attack that finally wilted the defiant Kahurangi defence as Mausia Papani took the ball from the back of the ruck and muscled it over the line.

After losing the John

Goodman Trophy to Kahurangi three years ago, it will return over the Whangamoas with Central after a tough game of early season rugby.

Kahurangi captain Josh Te Hira

couldn’t emphasise how proud he was of his team in what was their opening game of the year after no preseason matches.

“It’s hard to put it into words. There was a lack of connection in our first game in closing it out. Just those little moments.

“There’s a lot of good things to pull from the game. We look really strong.”

Josh says they knew it would be

a battle against Central, saying there’s a lot of history.

“It was always going to come down to the wire.”

Central’s captain agreed, with Mitchell saying they had struggled early after a big trip over.

“A win’s a win. It always seems to be a good contest with Kahurangi.

“The experience of Quinn of the bench, it really settled the nerves.”

He was also impressed with centre Jake Cresswell for his cool head under pressure.

“And young number seven, Jack Kelly. . . he was tackling that big number 8 (East Timor) all day.”

First-five eighth Stewart Cruden looks to put his man in space. Photo: Jack Malcolm.

ITM Motueka wishes all local club teams in every grade level a successful season

Mainta in ing the di stri ct’s eld s o f g lo r y for a nother se a so n

Community Notices

MONDAY

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

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

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

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

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

TUESDAY / WEDNESDAY

THE HEART SUPPORT GROUP MOTUEKA meeting, Wed, 17 Apr, 10:30am, Motueka Library Community Room. For more info: Ph: Janet Kelly 0272296260.

WELLBY TALKING CAFÉ: Wed, 17 Apr, 10- 11.30am, Motueka Library. Wellby Talking Cafés are about social connection and finding out about groups, activities and services. www.wellby.org.nz

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

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

MOTUEKA ARTS COUNCIL office at Community House,

Decks reserve. Wed, 11-3pm. Inquiries about art activities; funding for Art; Art ideas for Motueka. Ph: 0210589388.

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

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

WALK 4 HEALTH, Wed, 8.30m, Motueka Community Garden. 30-50 min walk at your own pace, for any age, any fitness and size. Ph:0273015598 or wellontrack@ gmail.com

MOTUEKA ARTS COUNCIL invites all folk interested in community arts in Motueka, to their monthly meetings. 2nd Wed of month, 7pm, community house. Next meeting Wed, 20 Mar. Bring your inspiration & ideas for projects, activities, or events.

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

THURSDAY / FRIDAY

WAITAKI OLD GIRL'S SOCIAL GROUP NELSON. Fri, 5 Apr, 10am, Lydia’s Café, 265 Queen Street. Pop in for a coffee and chat. Queries Ph: 027 673 1145.

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

MEDITATION, Weekly meditation sessions open to all. Thurs, 12.15-12.45pm, Te Noninga Kumu - Motueka Library. During term time. No registration needed. Just come along. More info: Ph: Louise Petzold 0278789240.

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

MOTUEKA 50+ WALKING GROUP every Thurs. More info Ph: 0212640403 e: secretary50pluswalkers@gmail.

DEADLINE: 10AM FRIDAY

com, or www.motueka50pluswalkers.org.nz.

MOTUEKA LIGHTHOUSE Spiritual Group. Meet, last Thurs of month, 7-9pm, Motueka Community House, Opposite the ISite. Next Meeting, Thurs, 28 Mar, Animal Healing & Communication. Everyone welcome. Donation Appreciated. e: angel3000.h@gmail.com or www.facebook.com/ lighthousemotueka.

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

THE DOCTORS MOTUEKA – Walking Group, Thurs, 9am, by the Janie Seddon Shipwreck carpark. Walking for 30 mins, suitable for all fitness levels. Make your daily walk more fun and meet new people. Ph: 035288358.

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

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

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

SATURDAY / SUNDAY

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

GENERAL GROUPS

SALTWATER BATHS Good swimming. High tides. Next clean out Mon, 15 Apr. Refilled mid pm.

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

INDOOR BOWLS, Mon & Wed, 1.15-3pm, Motueka

Over 50s Hub, 10 Pah St. All abilities welcome. Ph: Jude 0273244226

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

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

MOTUEKA MENZSHED Come and have a yarn, a cuppa or do a project. e: secretarymotmenzShed@gmail.com or just turn up at MenzShed, Marchwood Park, College Rd, Wed or Thurs 9-12pm.

MOTUEKA TRAMPING CLUB, would you like to go walking on the weekends but are not sure where to start? Start with your local club: www.motuekattrampingclub.org.

RED CROSS MOTUEKA BRANCH Fundraising shop, open Mon – Fri, 10-2pm. Community House, Decks Reserve. We sell clothing, household linen and books. Donations of sellable goods are appreciated.

SURVIVORS AND THRIVERS, if you have or have had cancer, supporting someone with cancer, come and meet others in this friendly atmosphere. Ph: 035391137 or info@cancernelson.co.nz for info or to reg.

MULTICULTURAL MOTUEKA welcomes migrants and refugees every Tues & Fri, 8.30 -1pm, Community House, Decks Reserve. We provide connection and practical assistance for newcomers to our region as well as support for all cultural activities happening in our community. Ph 027 5286744 or sez@multiculturalnt.co.nz.

MOTUEKA TENNIS CLUB. INC. Social Tennis, Tues & Thurs, 9.30am, Sun, 2pm. Courts behind the Memorial Hall Pah St. Racquets available to borrow for new Members. All welcome.

GATEWAY TO YOUR WELLBEING, Wellbeing is important

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RADIO CONTROL SAILING Wed and Sun, 1pm onwards, Best Island. Weather permitting. IOMs and Dragon Force etc. New members welcome. More info Ph: Peter 0275443923.

MOTUEKA DISTRICT TOY LIBRARY, Tues, and Thurs, 9-11am, and Sat, 10-12pm, 44 Pah St. Annual membership $30. Hundreds of toys for all ages.

Community notices are free to community groups, schools, churches, gold coin donation events and fundraising only. For classified ads and public notices please call 528 2088. Due to the popularity of this column, while every effort will be made, inclusion cannot be guaranteed for free ads.

Silver in the hair? Just goes with the medals

Joeline Jones is not submitting to her age –she’s conquering it.

The Motueka sprinter is fresh off the track at the Australian Masters Athletics Championships, and has brought home a fist-full of silver medals for her efforts and the accolade of being New Zealand’s fastest over-40-year-old woman.

Joeline participated in the 60m, 100m, 200m and 400m race in her 40-44-year-old age bracket, and took out second in each race. She also equalled her lifelong personal bests in the latter two races, clocking times of 26.80 and 61.90 seconds respectively.

“It’s very exciting to be as fast in my 40s as I was in my mid-teens,” she says. “Great way to finish off the season.”

It’s been a blinder of a year for the athlete –she has also won all four of these events at both a South Island and national level, and she holds the South Island age-group record in all four sprints.

This Easter marks the first time she had attended this meet, and she was one of about 20 Kiwis to head across to Hobart in Tasmania to compete against other 30-plus-year-olds in their various track and field disciplines, with about 2000 athletes competing overall. “It was an awesome experience with very strong competition,” she says. “I was very proud to represent our country and bring home four silver medals.”

Joeline is grateful to the Motueka Recreation Centre for sponsoring her gym membership, as well as the expertise of her coach, Tony Aikenhead.

“My starts were strong and powerful and gave me a great advantage out of the blocks.”

She also credits the physiotherapists at The Sports Clinic Nelson for her ability to compete injury-free for the first time in years.

She expressed gratitude to her husband and two teenage daughters for putting up with her endless hours of training every week, and to her work, Motueka Kindergarten, for allowing her the time to race, “as well as the Motueka community who get behind me and send messages of encouragement”.

Joeline is stepping back from the track over the winter, but she is an athlete through and through, so that doesn’t mean Ugg boots and chocolate. She will instead be working towards the Spring Challenge, which is a multi-discipline endurance race.

She says that as a sprinter, endurance is not her forte, but she is keen to put her energy into something different while she takes a break.

Joeline Jones is as fast in her forties as she was in her mid-teens, taking home a clutch of medals from the Australian Masters Athletics Championships over Easter. Photo: Supplied.