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It’s time for Nelson and Tasman to talk about amalgamation again.
That was the message that Ali Boswijk, chief executive of the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce, had for the attendees of its Aspire conference on Friday.
“Financial sustainability is becoming a critical issue for all councils and reinforces the importance of taking measures to maximize efficiency and effectiveness,” she said.
“With the increased pressure on rates, the region can’t afford the ongoing cost of the status quo.”
Amalgamating Nelson and Tasman into a single council was last voted on by residents in 2012.
The proposition was rejected by 74 per cent of Tasman voters despite 57 per cent of Nelson voters supporting the proposal.
Ali said this was because amalgamation was framed as a “Nelson takeover”.
A future conversation on unifying must address the concerns that amalgamation would result in weaker governance and greater dysfunction, and weaken rural representation, which
Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce chief executive Ali Boswijk said amalgamating could bring new opportunities.
Photo: Max Frethey.
caused it to fail in 2012, she said. Amalgamation would remove the “us versus them” debate, she said, and bring about advantages in having one voice for the region and greater scale. In terms of total population, a unified Nelson Tasman district would be the country’s seventh-most populous, coming in just ahead of Lower Hutt and behind Dunedin.
Currently, Nelson comes in 24th while Tasman is 20th.
A combined Nelson-Richmond city would also be the country’s
ninth-most populous urban area, coming in behind Palmerston North.
“That’s quite a different proposition,” Ali said.
She added that shared services were often raised as an alternative to amalgamation and acknowledged there were areas where the Nelson and Tasman councils worked together positively.
Currently, the councils cooperate in transportation, public transport, landfill, sewerage, emergency management, iwi
engagement, the Saxton Field sportsground, pest management, and are both 50 per cent shareholders in Nelson’s port and airport.
Economic development and tourism marketing also treat the region as unified, while past resource management reform would have required alignment between the councils and the future consolidation of local water infrastructure remains a possibility. However, Ali said that shared services required an “enduring commitment” and finite financial resources from both councils, both of which can become strained when councillors prioritise their own communities in difficult times.
But with the two councils allocating a total of $22 million to review their two resource management plans in the coming decade, she highlighted that further efficiencies could be found.
“Change can be challenging, unsettling, and hard, but at the same time, change brings opportunity, and we need, as a region, to decide whether that’s something we want to at least consider.”
Tasman’s deputy mayor Stuart Bryant has previously said that the region should reconsider the possibility of amalgamation.
New underslip on Tākaka Hill
A stretch of the Tākaka Hill has been reduced to one lane after a large amount of hillside slipped from under the road during last week’s wet weather.
Waka Kotahi says a large amount of earth slipped away on the Riwaka side of SH60 Tākaka Hill roughly one kilometre uphill from the Riwaka Valley Rd intersection. It is not a site that has needed fixing in the past, it says.
System manager Top of the South, Rob Service, says temporary traffic management is in place to move vehicles away from the underslip.
“The affected road section is down to a single lane, under stop/go traffic lights 24/7 and a 30 kmh temporary speed limit. Bollards have also been installed to keep traffic clear of the underslip.”
Drivers can expect delays of up to 10 minutes when travelling over the hill.
Rob says an initial geotechnical assessment was carried out late last week.
“A more detailed geotechnical inspection will be completed as soon as possible to identify the appropriate solution for this site.”
“It’s important to acknowledge work to repair slips on State Highway 60 Tākaka
Hill following Cyclone Gita is holding up well. This section of highway is not one that has required attention in the past,” he says.
NZTA/Waka Kotahi appreciates the delays caused by the controls in place at the slip site will be frustrating for drivers.
The public’s patience and cooperation are appreciated while work at this site is ongoing.
GP managers being put in ‘impossible
situation’
Nelson Bays Primary Health (NBPH) is consulting general practices in the Nelson Tasman region about the government’s current funding offer for primary healthcare.
On 20 June, a 20-day consultation opened for primary health organisations (PHOs) to make submissions after PHO membership body General Practice NZ (GPNZ) rejected a funding proposal from Health New Zealand/Te Whatu Ora (HNZ). HNZ has an obligation to provide reasonable increases through the PHO Services Agreement Amendment Protocol (PSAAP).
Late last week, NBPH chief executive Sara Shaughnessy invited GP practices in the region to give their feedback on the proposal. Sara says that it is critical that practices are aware of, and understand, the potential implications of the proposed funding increase of just 4 per cent. She says ongoing chronic underfunding of primary health puts GP practice managers in an impossible situation; without adequate funding to maintain their level of services and staffing, practices will be forced to increase patient fees.
“The doctors, nurses, practice managers and other frontline healthcare workers I have heard from in the past few days are really worried about the implications for their patients, and their staff,” says Sara.
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Emotionally charged farewell for Whakarewa Children’s Home
ELISE VOLLWEILER
The Whakarewa Children’s Home was farewelled in a heartfelt and emotional ceremony last month.
The expansive stucco property, set back from the road at the end of College St at the beginning of the Motueka Valley, is currently being demolished. The Whakarewa trustees made this decision because the building had become a health and safety risk and was no longer usable. The trustees say that they are looking forward to potential future opportunities for this site.
The residential home for orphans and children from adverse circumstances was home to many hundreds of children during its many decades of operation, before closing its doors in 1974.
Among those at the farewell ceremony on Wednesday, 12 June were former residents who shared vivid and overwhelmingly positive memories of the time they spent there. One woman called the home her “safe haven”, saying that not a week goes by when she isn’t grateful for her time there.
“I believe that this was the most stable place I had as a child, and I was here for six years.”
The focus of the speeches swung
Important pre-school business happens over a milky fluffy. Oasis Early Learning Centre’s Mahi Tahi class decided that Monday’s brisk winter sunshine was the perfect excuse for a walk to the nearby Little Red Coffee Cart in Motueka’s Decks Reserve. Here, , Nieva Vollweiler-Kelly, 4, Anmari Bistrovic, 4, and James Lunn 4, discuss the merits of pink marshmallows vs white. Photo: Elise Vollweiler.
from gratitude that the orphanage had offered a place for disadvantaged children, to grief at the way the land had been withheld from its historical owners, even after it sat in disuse.
The building and land belong to the hapū entity of Motueka, Whakarewa Trust | Ngāti Rārua Atiawa Iwi Trust, who are tangata whenua to and original landowners in Motueka. The ownership
has a contentious history.
One speaker said that the property had a stigma because of “how the land got taken from our old people”.
“It would be remiss of me not to think about the tupuna [ancestors] who were around at that time,” another said.
Records from the Nelson Race Collective state that in 1853, Ngāti Rārua elders were eventually
persuaded by Governor George Grey to provide land to the Anglican Church for a school, “on [Bishop} Selwyn’s word that it would be returned, should the school cease to operate”. Grey appropriated further land to support the running of the school, which closed its doors for good in 1881.
The land was not returned at this time, despite a petition to parlia-
ment, and later, a Royal Commission. In 1888, the orphanage was established. Originally, it was for boys only, and in later years, girls too were permitted to seek refuge there, until the establishment closed in 1974.
For several years afterwards, the property was used as a home for intellectually disabled children by the Nelson Hospital Board. It has been largely disused since the late 1980s. It was not until 1993 that National MP Sir Doug Kidd sponsored a Private Members Bill that resulted in the return of the Whakarewa estate to the local iwi’s descendants.
Tumu Whakarae/chief executive
Joanie Wilson says that the Whakarewa Trust is yet to make a final decision on what the future holds for this site.
“Whatever it will be, it will be to benefit the descendants of the original owners who whakapapa to Whakarewa, for today and beyond.”
The Guardian will be presenting the stories of some of the orphanage’s former residents in the coming weeks, to share their experiences as children who spent some of their formative years in Motueka’s Whakarewa Children’s Home.
Archdeacon Harvey Ruru talks to the gathered crowd at the Whakarewa Children’s Home farewell last month. Photo: Elise Vollweiler.
36k fees for managing estate a ‘farce’
When Steve Page’s mother died last year, the family sold her house and he says it should have been a simple process, yet Public Trust still charged $41,000 for managing her estate.
Steve says Public Trust’s fee is a “farce”.
He says it charged $10,000 for “clipping the ticket” for the sale of the house, even when the family had done most of the work to sell it. When one of the grandkids sent several texts to Public Trust about money that their grandmother had intended for the grandkids, their enquiry added $2,000 to the costs.
“It’s a croc, a scam. You aren’t after anything for free – you just want a reasonable deal.”
He was the executor of his mother’s will and says he has been told by one local lawyer that his mother’s estate would have cost between $10,000 and $12,000 in total if it was dealt with through a lawyer.
Steve’s experience with Public Trust got off to a bad start when it emailed him about the death of his wife, rather than mother, and it went downhill as charges mounted.
He says the public need to know about the cost of getting Public Trust to administer their estate when they die.
“They’ve taken their money out by the time the estate hands out dividends to the family.”
Public Trust’s final charge for the family was $36,000 as it has a maximum charge of 5 per cent of the estate, but he says that is still excessive and if his mother’s
estate had more value, it would have charged the full $41,000.
Steve says Public Trust wanted a $2,200 health and safety paper for the sale of the house and attempted to enlist an Australian company to value the house at a cost of about $2,000, when it had already been valued by a local agent.
When he complained about costs getting out of control and wanted to see the breakdown of those costs, he was told it was a “modular cost system” which he says is probably used to hide overcharging.
He says many of the people using Public Trust are elderly and he suspects they believe it is Government-run and so therefore trust it to administer their estate when they die and may even think it is free.
Public Trust was a government department for 125 years but became an autonomous and self-funding Crown entity in 2002. It is now one of the country’s largest charitable trust ad-
ministrators and advisors.
In a statement, a Public Trust spokesperson said estate administration involves legal, property, financial and tax matters, as well as family dynamics, so it can get complicated.
Each estate is unique, and the cost depends on the services people need and the time it takes.
“We are sorry Mr Page is unhappy about how elements of his late mother’s estate were handled.
“In this case, there were complexities to work through, involving not just Mr Page but others provided for in the will. We consider the fees charged were fair and reasonable.
“Public Trust has engaged constructively, answering Mr Page’s questions and providing a detailed breakdown of all fees and charges.
While he didn’t take up our offer for a meeting to discuss his concerns, we have suggested he talks to the financial services ombudsman for an independent view – that option remains
open to him.”
Steve says the estate was not complex though and many of his emails were ignored.
“There were no tricky legal or moral parts to the will.
The Public Trust is not telling the truth here. A single woman with modest bank savings and ownership of a family home was the sum of the estate.
“And contrary to Public Trusts comments, there were only two sibling beneficiaries.”
He scoffs at Public Trust’s suggestion of talking with the ombudsman and did not take up the offer of a meeting because he says it is slick at explaining its costs and has never been admonished by the ombudsman to date.
He says individuals cannot afford to fight Public Trust about costs and it would take a class action to make changes.
His mother had dementia at the end of her life and Steve says her death was not a surprise, whereas many people losing someone would not be in a good emotional space to stand up against Public Trust.
In its response, Public Trust says that at a time when many household budgets are stretched, it is committed to providing affordable and accessible services.
“We are upfront about the costs involved and promote price transparency by publishing our fees and charges online for anyone to see. It is important people choose the service provider that’s right for them.
“People want peace of mind that their wishes will be carried out efficiently and objectively.”
Tasman sits fourth in sunshine race
Rainfall in the Nelson region was “well above normal” in June, according to Niwa data. The region experienced over 149 per cent more rainfall than what is typical for the month of June, while temperatures were also well above average. New data released by Niwa says the region had the fourth hottest day in June since recordings began in 1862, when temperatures topped 19.2 degrees on the first of the month.
Despite the poor weather, the region still leads the race for the sunniest place in the country with 1401 hours to date, which puts Nelson in the lead ahead of Marlborough (1378), Bay of Plenty (1376) and Tasman (1355).
Housing market cools with the season
Nelson Tasman’s housing market has cooled with the season. Nelson’s average home value has shrunk by another 0.9% in the June quarter to reach $771,804. That figure is now 1% less than the same time last year, and 0.7% less than at the start of the 2024 calendar year. “Residential property values are relatively weak at the moment, reflecting a high interest rate environment, the increased cost of living, and a weak economy,” QV Nelson/Marlborough manager Craig Russell commented:
“Listing numbers remain high within Nelson, but buyers are very cautious and completing significant due diligence. We’re seeing numerous price reductions, with some properties even being withdrawn from the market entirely until conditions improve,” he added.
Steve Page says Public Trust’s fees, which were $36,000, to manage his mother’s estate are a ‘farce’ and wants others to be aware of the costs. Photo: Anne Hardie.
High school students set sights on Japan
ELISE VOLLWEILER
A group of Motueka High School students are aiming to say sayonara to Motueka and konnichiwa to Kiyosato next year, during a fortnight-long school trip to Japan.
The school has 17 students who have signed up for the trip, ranging from Year 9 to Year 12, and they are planning a rough itinerary for late September 2025. While the details are not yet finalised, the group plans to spend several days in Motueka’s sister city of Kiyosato, as well as exploring further afield during their stay.
Motueka has an active relationship with Kiyosato, with an annual contingent of the Japanese city’s high school students arriving in term three. Motueka High School student Brooke Perry is currently studying at Kiyosato High School, while fellow 16-year-old Yuina Takahashi is spending eight months at MHS as part of an exchange programme.
MHS has about 45 students studying Japanese, including the four senior students who are studying the language by correspondence.
Japanese language teacher for ju-
niors Yuki Yoda says that multicultural communication skills are a must for this generation. She says that the world is changing quickly and seamlessly, and new technologies like ChatGPT will not teach us how to understand our neighbours from the other side of the world.
“Language skills tend to be [the focus] in exchange programmes, but the most valuable learning for students is multicultural communication skills, tolerance and empathy,” she says. “Putting your feet into someone else’s shoes.”
With flights, rail passes, accommodation and meals, the trip will cost around $7,300 per person, and the group already working hard to raise as much money as they can.
The long lead-up to their trip will give them time to continue progressing their fundraising, which is already underway. So far, the students have done food sales, bake sales, firewood raffles and garage sales. A movie fundraiser – Deadpool & Wolverine – is screening at Motueka’s State Cinema on Wednesday, 24 July, at 6pm. Tickets are on sale from Whitwells Menswear, or the school office during term time, for $20 each.
Options for downsizing your Home
For many people it’s one of the bigger life decisions they’ll make, downsizing the home. But where do you start? What do you need to do? Who can offer advice? Find out at our upcoming Positive Ageing Forum on Tuesday 23 July at 11.00 am at the Motueka Over 50’s Social Club, 10 Pah Street, Motueka, where we will focus on downsizing your home. We will have a local real estate agent speaking about options in the housing market, where to start with selling your home, who to talk to and how to prepare your house for sale.
The Nelson Tasman Retirement Village Residents Association will speak about what is involved in living in a retirement or lifestyle village. We’ll also have Homeshare for Her which is a safe and welcoming platform for women to find and share homes, along with declutter adviser Tidy Tulip helping you declutter your belongings.
The Japanese language classes of Motueka High School are aiming to see the hometown of Yuina Takahashi (centre) for themselves next year, with a two-week trip to Japan. The 17 potential exchange students come from all different backgrounds but they want it known that as Kiwi kids, they are excited to be working towards the late 2025 cultural exchange. Photo: Elise Vollweiler.
Council abuse still on the rise
MAX FRETHEY
Local Democracy Reporter
Mayors and councillors are facing an “increasing level of intimidation and abuse” with 53 per cent saying it was worse than a year ago. The recent poll data from Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) can be reflected in Nelson Tasman, where former Nelson Mayor Rachel Reese arrived home to find an “enraged stranger” in her house.
Open Justice reported over the Matariki weekend about how a man brought a nail gun to Reese’s property on 27 February and appeared to be speaking the anti-Government “agenda” of Sovereign Citizens. (The full story can be read on Nelson App).
LGNZ chief executive Susan Freeman-Greene described the event as “horrific”.
“Sadly, it won’t come as a huge surprise to those in local government,” she said.
65 per cent of polled elected members also said they had faced abuse online, 39 per cent had faced it at community events, and 33 per cent faced it doing everyday activities, like shopping or collecting children from school.
“This is a rising trend that affects everyone elected in our democracy.”
It’s not just elected members that are subjected to rising levels of abuse.
Tasman District Council staff have noticed an increase in unacceptable behaviour towards both elected members and staff since 2020.
“The number continues to grow, not quite as fast as last year but still climbing,” a council spokesperson said.
Based on reports, there appear to be incidents every week and can occur over phone calls and social media, in letters and emails, or in person.
The spokesperson said the council has provided training aimed at de-escalating situations, managing stress, and introducing several processes to ensure staff feel secure.
Death threats and letters sent to their former houses have been sent to council staff in the past, while roadworkers and traffic management have also been seeing increased levels of abuse.
The council spokesperson said that kind of be-
haviour is not acceptable.
“We understand people face any number of pressures, but it is neither constructive or appropriate to take out those pressures on someone who has no influence in their cause or solution.”
Currently, there are only a relatively small number of people who “continue to cross the line into unacceptable behaviour”, however new individuals do appear, potentially “emboldened” by others, the spokesperson said.
The police are informed where staff
are perceived to be at risk.
Tasman Mayor Tim King has recently raised safety concerns for elected members and council staff at an LGNZ forum.
He said there was a rise in behaviour from people labelled as Sovereign Citizens that used to be annoying and time-consuming but now raises increasing concerns about safety.
‘Sovereign Citizen’ is a broad term that refer to several different movements that believe that one can opt out of New Zealand’s laws.
Tapawera’s Matariki hāngī celebration
ELOISE MARTYN
The Tapawera community has revived Matariki traditions with a free hāngī, a traditional Māori cooking method using heated rocks in a pit oven.
The celebration, and the Māori New Year, mark the appearance of Matariki, a cluster of stars in the winter sky just before dawn, symbolizing a time for coming
together for reflection, celebration, and planning.
“Matariki is a time to give and come together. Sharing kai brings everyone together, the elderly, young, rich, and poor,” says hāngī organiser Raewyn Cruttenden.
She and her husband Daryl have been organising and preparing hāngī’s free of charge throughout the Tapawera community for the past 20 years.
“Last year I thought it would be nice to have a local Matariki hāngī here, so we did our first one, it was nice and it’s great to be able to do the same this Matariki,” Raewyn says.
Hāngī and kai are a central and vital component in the maintenance of tikanga (Māori cultural customs and practices) and Raewyn says that the free hāngī is only possible due to the commu-
nity’s support.
“The community is magnificent; everything is kindly donated even the Mānuka- which is the only wood my husband will useand the hāngī crew who volunteer,” Raewyn explains.
Shane Green was one of the hāngī crew volunteers. He learned the hāngī process with his Grandad and really enjoys being involved in community hāngīs.
“Together we dug the hole the night beforehand, then on the day we were there at 4am to light the hāngī fire and get it going,” Shane explains.
“How a hāngī turns out depends on the weather, the foods, and the type of wood and iron you’re using. Ours turned out perfectly and it was a great day.”
Over 325 hāngī meals were served.
The Tapawera community celebrates Matariki with a community hāngī.
Photo: Supplied.
Stepping into the second half of the century
The Estuarians may need to periodically shorten their walking routes, but even those who can now amble only from their mobility scooters to their table at the Coastal Café are welcome in the group.
The 50-plus walking group has four subsets of walkers, who divide themselves by age, fitness and stamina. There are 165 members in total, 59 of whom are over 80.
The oldest set of these is the Estuarians, a group of about 16 members who boast five nonagenarians in their ranks. This group is open to people who can manage a 30-minute stroll
around the estuary, but also to those who now have no walking ability at all but have retained a strong desire to meet for a weekly coffee and a chat. Some of them have been members of the group for more than 40 years, and while the other subsets might be tackling Mount Arthur or the Cobb, the Estuarians stay a little closer to home.
“We do what our bodies allow us to do,” one member summarised.
The group meets every fine Thursday at York Park at 10am, and arrives at the Coastal Café about half an hour later.
For further information about the Motueka 50 Plus Walking Group, visit www.motueka50pluswalkers.org.nz.
ELISE VOLLWEILER
The Estuarians step out in their weekly wander around the estuary, stopping for a cup of coffee along the way. From left are: Freda Gerslov, Jane Cumming, Barbara Loveridge, Miriam Crutchley and Judy Simpson. Photo: Elise Vollweiler.
Coby Springer and Rose Cantrick
Sam Smolenski and Tyler Marsh
Luca Inch and Tuts Wanoa-Sundgren
Daniel Thomas, Tyler Cederman, Caden and Justin Hobbs
Paul O’Regan, Mike Bensemann and Simon Hunt
Biddy Thomas and Ella Marsters
Lucy Vivian, Beau Vivian and Dion Taka
Marley, Vicky, Sky and Joe Sharp
Zoe Nuttall and Phoebe Elsom
Local History
Education at Golden Bay’s Long Plain School
ROBYN PARKES
Scott, Langford, McCallum, Dodson, Symes, Staples, and Hume are a few of the surnames of those who settled Golden Bay’s Long Plain. The presence of settlers meant that there were children who required education so, in 1865, the Long Plain School was opened with Mrs McDonald acting as School Mistress. Eighteen months after the opening, the Inspector visited and reported that it was progressing nicely, and the school was commended in meeting the requirements of the community.
By 1869, there were 29 children attending under the tutorage of a new Master, Mr A Longton, but there were some concerns with the level of reading, writing, and arithmetic. An issue that plagued the school was the inconsistency of attendance, sometimes due to impassable creeks and streams
when weather was bad, Schools in the Nelson Tasman district were subject to annual examinations for each child to determine their progress and, in 1873, Long Plain School received a good report. The results satisfied the Inspector which he found surprising as wet weather during the year had prevented many from attending regularly.
Laura Dixon was appointed school mistress in 1874 with a salary of £60 per annum.
A tragic event occurred in April of 1876 with the death of one of the teachers, Jemima Burt. Jemima had not arrived at school one morning and after a search party found her horse with a wet saddle it was feared that she may have fallen into the river as she tried to cross a ford. This was confirmed when they found her body about a mile below the ford.
By February 1879, it was noted that the school had fallen into a
state of disrepair and neglect with a leaky roof, lockless doors and having insufficient and ill-contrived desks so repairs were quickly arranged. Mrs Symes was the mistress at this time but left in the same year, replaced by Miss Haldane.
The inconsistency of the children’s progress continued. In
1880, the children were said to be backward for their age regarding education but the following year there were great improvements.
Four years later the parents were berated for the habitual neglect of the education of their children.
Schoolmistress Clissold was complimented for her tutorage skills.
Head teachers came and went.
In September 1888, a new school building was approved to be built of rimu with the tender from Messrs Webley Bros of £283,10sh being accepted. Head teacher Miss Scott left the district in June 1897 and the same year a damning report was received from the chief inspector regarding the attendance of pupils along with statistics of 10 out of 23 pupils passing their annual examinations. Also of concern was that the school was said to be only open for 41 half days from December to April. Eight weeks were allowed for hop-picking holidays and prior to this there was a twoweek period of no school due to flooding. A quick response came from Thomas Hume, chairman to correct the figures.
Around 1919, the school’s name was changed to Kotinga School, the roll grew and reports were more consistent until 1958 when the school was closed.
Long Plain School 1889. Photo: Nelson Provincial Museum, Tyree Studio Collection.
Opinion
Diversity at Motueka High School
It’s great to see Motueka High School’s firm stance on bigotry in our community after the silly attack on their Pride flag. Our message to our rangatahi: your community stand with you. We accept, love and support you all.
Ron Kjestrup
Half a century of pottery craftmanship
Congratulations Motueka Pottery Workshop Inc.
Rachel Evans
Heaviest hunting tally weighed in Wow that is bloody awesome. Well done to everyone involved.
Sounds like “sour grapes “ someone who thinks they’re important and hasn’t been able to get their own way. Well, I sincerely hope he doesn’t, just wasting time ratepayers’ money.
Eileen Prowse
Why is the person who complained never gets mentioned same old maybe their jealous why would you even waste your time.
Warrick Sadler
If you need a resource consent. Get one. Don’t expect the rate payers to pay for it. Nelson Speedway got no relief for theirs.
Tony Currie
Warm feet from clever hands with kind hearts
Fantastic work Faith and friends. This is absolutely amazing!! Wonderful. Heather Kelling
Another big tick in a long swim
A covered and heated aquatic centre for Motueka took a big step forward when Tasman District Council signed off the 2024-34 Long Term Plan. Top of the community facilities is the Motueka Swimming Pool with $20m allocated. This follows a feasibility study completed in 2022 that showed this size complex is needed to service the growing Motueka and district community.
The new aquatic centre will include a lane pool, learn to swim/leisure pool, hydrotherapy pool, spa pool and toddler pool. These pools will make it a wonderful place for the whole community to exercise, rehabilitate, learn to swim, be sporty or just social. It will be a great place for kids any time of year. The signing off on the LTP builds on the support of TDC Councillors who purchased land in King Edward St in 2023 for the pools and future recreational needs of Motueka. It also comes hot on the heels of news in May 2024 that the project received an injection of $400,000 from the Ngawatu Pool Users group who have seen that the Motueka
STREET TALK
Matt Galvin (Licensed Sales Person REAA 2008) M 027 768 6288 E matt.galvin@bayleys.co.nz
Bayleys Motueka 208 High Street, Motueka www.rwmotueka.co.nz
Keith Dowling
“I don’t think I have any, everything’s amazing.”
Debbie Knight
“Dogs running loose, because they attack people and it’s a sign of people not looking after dogs properly.”
Patrick Kelly
“That the council is not looking into putting three lanes each way on the Stoke Bypass.”
Lydia Green
“People with body odour, it’s irritating to sit next to someone with it.”
Have
project was the best way to meet the needs of the community they had served.
The TDC commitment comes with the requirement that $4.4m of the $20m is raised by the community. The Motueka Community Swimming Pool Committee has carefully looked after all the money raised over the last years and along with money earmarked from Lions, Lionesses and Rotary this gives a good start. A fundraising effort is being planned along with approaches to major external funders. This is the largest project ever undertaken by TDC in Motueka. A joint Project Advisory Group is being established with TDC to oversee the planning and execution of this complex project that will serve our needs for years to come. Sue Clark
Treasurer Pool Fundraising Group
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Te Noninga Kumu - 32 Wallace St - 03 528 1047
School Holiday Programme for school aged children Theme - Discover Te Rangi, the sky
Get Crafty – Wednesday 10 July, 10am-11am and 17 July, 2pm-3pm Come and create special Art projects around the theme of Te Rangi, the sky.
Lego Fun – Sky theme in the Winter Chill Zone – Thursday 11 July and 18 July, 10am-11am
Scavenger Hunt – Find the answers to the clues of this Te Rangi – Sky Scavenger Hunt.
Paper Artsy – Thursday, 11 July, 1.30pm-3.30pm
Join a friendly group to make cards, bookmarks, journals with decorative papers. All materials supplied.
Mahjong – Fridays – 1pm
Meet up with a friendly group to learn and play Mahjong.
Stitch Bloom Embroidery group – Monday 15 July, 1.30-3pm
Heart Checks with Averil West from The Heart Foundation Wednesday 17 July, 11am-1pm, All welcome
Dear diary, here’s to the 7-day weekend
Love the choice.
Retirement can be blissfully laid back, or it can be wonderfully unretiring and active.
At Summerset, it’s your choice. From day to day, you have the freedom to pursue all your passions and hobbies, or just find a place to relax. All set within a secure, warm and friendly community.
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Love the life you choose.
Open Days
Every Friday in July, 10am - 2pm
Summerset Richmond Ranges 1 Hill Street North, Richmond 03 744 3432 | summerset.co.nz/richmond richmond.sales@summerset.co.nz
A leap of faith towards women’s empowerment
SUPPLIED CONTENT
Dangling off the side of a cliff is a leap towards confidence and empowerment, as discovered by the participants of a recent adventure therapy workshop.
The Elevate abseiling workshop was offered in collaboration with Women’s Support Motueka and Canyoning Aotearoa. It was run by Women’s Support counsellor and case manager Camille Paris, along with her husband Adrien, a canyoning instructor with a Level 2 New Zealand Outdoor Instructors Association qualification. Together the pair own Canyoning Aotearoa. The programme was trialled in 2023, with positive results.
The most recent session, held in April, was attended by six women who are individually healing from their own experiences and history of trauma.
Camille says the group met in the morning and made their way to the top of the Tākaka Hill.
“We arrived at a place called The Quarry and opened with a karakia before beginning to put on the harnesses and helmets. The day began cloudy and cold with
a little wind, which was a parallel to the feelings of nervousness felt within the group. Two of the clients knew each other, however, the rest were strangers.”
She says they began the day by learning about equipment and abseiling techniques before progressing to different heights, finishing with a guided rappel from the very top of the cliff. “It blew me away, I have no idea how I managed it,” one woman expressed in her feedback.
Camille says that the workshop focused on pushing boundaries, creating trust, building confidence, practising mindfulness and offering a connection to nature and the outdoors.
“As the day progressed the women began to form connections, cheered when they completed something, gave encouragement and understanding when it was difficult and shared jokes, tears and laughter with one another.”
She says that by the end of the day, there was a real sense of connection and bonding over past experiences between the women. “A lot of them expressed how much they overcame, the safety that the group created, both
emotionally and physically. They expressed how empowering it was, to be present in the moment, in the beautiful outdoors, doing something courageous, while overcoming their fears, in a safe, controlled and supportive environment.
“One participant commented that staying present was a skill that she could take into everyday life. “We’re always going to have things going on, but it really doesn’t matter. It’s important to stay mindful, gentle and kind to myself in the moment.”
Another was amazed at herself for achieving the highest abseiling challenge, which in turn meant she had to trust other people and the process.
“It’s a reminder that I have the ability to step out of my comfort zone and to try new things. My drive and willpower are enough.”
Camille offers thanks to the participants for being courageous, taking time to try something new for themselves, stepping out of their comfort zones and trusting in themselves.
“With the hope of approved funding, we plan on running more of these workshops...”
BRIDGESTONE
The participants of an adventure therapy workshop left with a renewed sense of their own willpower and courage after abseiling down some steep rock faces on the Tākaka Hill. Photo: Supplied.
Kahurangi to host club rugby final
FROM PAGE 1
JACK MALCOLM
Kahurangi will have the wind in their sails as they look forward to this weekend’s final against Central for local premier rugby supremacy.
With Central having stumbled through the season’s midpoint, they are a different team than the same powerhouse side that has won two Tasman Trophy titles on the trot.
Having fallen just short in last
season’s final, Kahurangi captain
Joshua Te Hira says they had hoped it would be a rematch after their win over Waimea Old Boys in the semi-final.
“We remember that final last year.”
With the added bonus of playing this year’s edition on their home ground, Joshua says they’re hungry to come away with the win for their community.
“Everybody gets behind us.
“That’s just part of having a great culture.
“Being from a small place like
Results this week
Motueka Bowling Club tournament
1st: Jamie Hoult, John Parson, Mike Carter 49 points 17 ends 2nd: Des Lloyd, Jan, Jeanette O’Neil 46 points 21 ends 3rd: Ross of Conneche, Brian and Lynn Emsor 48 points 20 ends
Rugby
Premier men semi-finals: Kahurangi 38 - Waimea Old Boys 20; Central 38 - Stoke 10. Premier women semi-final: Kahurangi 19 - Moutere 47. Second division: Riwaka 22 - Murchison 22; Marist 40Takaka 39; Wanderers 22 - Huia 5; Tapawera/Valley Stags 28-Waimea Old Boys 29; Collingwood WBD - Nelson LBD; Stoke bye.
First XV: Nelson College 40 - St Thomas of Canterbury 14; Waimea Combined Barbarians 48 - Cashmere Combined 12.
Football
Nelson Pine Premier Men: FC Nelson Karenni 1 - Sprig & Fern Tahuna 0; Nelson Suburbs Reserves 1 - FC Nelson 0 ; Rangers 11 - Motueka 2; Smith & Sons Richmond 2 - Golden Bay Mountain Goats 1.
Nelson Pine Premier Women: Sprig & Fern Tahuna Breakers 3 - Get Cars FC Nelson Diamonds 0; Hothouse Creative Richmond Foxes 4 - Nelson Suburbs Swans 1; Mapua Cougars 5 - Motueka Angels 1.
Motueka, our community really gets behind us. We’re not just a team on the field.”
With the two finals teams having traded wins through the regular season, it’s anyone’s guess who will come out trumps in the big dance.
Kahurangi kicked off their season against Central, falling short and losing the John Goodman Cup in a 20-23 loss after having a bye in the first week of competition. Six weeks later, the tables turned
cured their spot as regular season leaders.
But both teams will have their Super Rugby stars in the mix, with Central’s Timoci Tavatavanawai already making an impact with a try over the weekend in their 3810 win over Stoke.
Kahurangi’s star power comes from Willie Havili, who was monumental in their win over Waimea Old Boys last weekend.
Whether from massive 50-22 kicks from inside his own 22 that
half, it was a display of kicking brilliance to get his team over the line.
Louie Chapman, who scored in their semi-final win, is also back in the mix after another season in the Crusaders camp.
The action kicks off at an earlier time of 2:30pm at Sports Park Motueka, with both teams possessing the firepower to come out the other side as champions. Time is the only one who can tell, as it all comes down to who will rise to the moment and who will
regular season. The team has another date with Wanderers in the semi-finals after falling victim to the men from Brightwater in a 22-5 loss at Cooks Reserve on Saturday. Photo: Chris Symes/Shuttersport.
Huia will be out for redemption this weekend as they play a rematch of the game they just played to round out the
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
MMOCKINGBIRDS 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.
NEW '500' CARD GAMES, Tues, 1-3pm, the over 50s Hub, Pah street, Motueka. Fun, friendship, CARDS & cuppa. Everyone welcome. Info Ph: Keith 0274516422.
HOPE TENNIS CLUB SOCIAL TENNIS, Every Tues, 9.30am, Hope Tennis Courts, Hope Domain. All abilities most welcome. Queries Ph: 0211729257.
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.
YOGA. If you have or have had cancer, we offer restorative yoga classes. Tues, 12.30pm. To Reg, Ph: 5287669.
WEDNESDAY
WELLBY TALKING CAFÉ, Wed, 17 Jul, 10– 11.30am, Motueka Library. Wellby Talking Cafés are about social connection and finding out about groups, activities and services. www.wellby.org.nz. 035467681.
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, 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. All welcome.
WALK 4 HEALTH, Wed, 9am, Motueka Community Garden. 30-50 min walk at your own pace, for any age, any fitness and size. Ph:0273015598.
MOTUEKA ARTS COUNCIL invites all folk interested in community arts in Motueka, to their monthly meetings. 2nd Wed of month, 7pm, community house.
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.
MOTUEKA SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLUB, Wed, 7.30pm, Lower Moutere Hall. Keep fit while having fun. All ages, no partner needed. First time free. Enq Ph: Fay 0210393559.
THURSDAY
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. Info: Ph: Louise 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 Thurs. More info Ph:
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50 WORDS OR LESS BY EMAIL ONLY SEND TO: office@topsouthmedia.co.nz
0212640403 e: secretary50pluswalkers@gmail.com, or www.motueka50pluswalkers.org.nz.
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.
NVC PRACTICE GROUP (NONVIOLENT / COMPASSIONATE COMMUNICATION), Every 2nd Thurs, 7-8.30pm, Motueka. In school term. For info e: margaret@margaretmccallum.com.
PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP meet 1st Thurs of 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. 2nd Thurs of month, 2pm. Hear all about a different country in our Countries & Cultures Interest Group. Join SeniorNet. Ph: Allan 0279711100 or www. seniornetmotueka.org.nz.
FRIDAY
SENIORNET MOTUEKA, The Genealogy Interest Group meets 2nd Fri, 2pm. Ph: Allan 0279711100.
SATURDAY / SUNDAY
WAIMEA HARRIERS, Sat, 13 Jul, 1.20pm, briefing 2pm, meet at Thorp Bush Res, Woodlands Ave entrance, Motueka. Reg from 1.20, briefing 2pm. Welcome all runners and walkers to join us for the first Sprig + Fern 10k race. waimeaharriers.nz for info.
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE Sat, 10-12pm, Motueka Library. Free services, including copy certification and witnessing signatures are available.
NELSON BRANCH OF ROYAL NZ AIRFORCE ASSOCIATION
Meet 2nd Sat each month, 12pm, Club Waimea, Richmond, Phil’s Restaurant. Interesting speakers, raffles and members interested in Aviation Ph: Trever Squires 039706644 or John Bethwaite 035476634. Cost of meal $25
GENERAL GROUPS
MOTUEKA MENZSHED, Tues, Wed or Thurs 9-12pm, MenzShed, Marchwood Park, College Rd. Give the missus some space, come to the menzshed. Just turn up or e: secretarymotmenzShed@gmail.com.
MOTUEKA TRAMPING CLUB, A diversity of weekend day walks and multi-day trips suitable for a range of fitness levels. Visit www.motuekatrampingclub.org to learn more about your local Club, or e: membership.motuekatc@gmail. com for info on joining.
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 GROUP, if you have or have had cancer, or supported someone else, come and connect. Ph: Maureen 5287669.
MULTICULTURAL MOTUEKA welcomes migrants and refugees every Tues, 8.30-1pm, Fri, 8.30 -2pm, 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? 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). 24 hrs’ notice req. To book Ph: 0226822373. mapuawheels@gmail.com.
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. 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.
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.
MOTUEKA RIDING FOR THE DISABLED We need more volunteers to help with therapeutic riding sessions. Tues, Wed, Thurs, 8.30-1pm. Ph: 0211151720 or e: info@motuekarda.nz.
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Weekly Puzzles and Sudoku
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TRADES + SERVICES
Zefa’s double podium world championship
NBS Motueka Golf Club Results
Mens Veterans
Wednesday, 3rd July
1st Nick McIntyre 36
2nd Brian Miller 35
3rd Daryl Pedersen 34
Pah St Cafe closest to the pin
Barrry Riordan
Saturday, 7 July
Ladies Irish Stableford
1st Jocelyn Thomson 80
2nd Shona Johnson 72
3rd Evelyn Hay 70
Mens Nett Round
1st Chris McGeown 66
2nd Wayne Lloyd 71
3rd Ian Shirley 72
Lower Moutere Store closest to the pin
Men Kevin Nell
Ladies Diane Strong
JACK MALCOLM
Zefa Fa’avae has made his mark on the Junior World Orienteering Championships, stepping onto the podium not once but twice over the weeklong festival.
After 11.5km of hard racing with more than 500 metres of elevation gain against the best young racers in the world in the long-distance event, Zefa finished less than a minute behind first place to snatch the country’s only medal.
Having led at the halfway mark, a small mistake coupled with strong finishes from the chasers saw him slip into second place to earn a silver medal. It’s the country’s best-ever result in the long-distance event at Junior World Orienteering Championships and the highest placing in any event since 2012.
Having decided to navigate away from the steep off-trail climbs, Zefa’s strategy of using maintained tracks paid dividends on an expertly designed course with multiple options to traverse.
Zefa then followed it up with a
sixth place in the middle-distance event, which was characterised by steep and tricky terrain shaped by mining. The result also earned a place on the podium as one of the top half-dozen finishers from the event. Zefa wasn’t the only local in the mix breaking records, with his sister Tide teaming up with her compatriots to cross the finish line eighth in the re-
lay. The result was the best finish for a women’s relay team in the country’s history, breaking a record which had stood since 2011.
Over a week of racing, the New Zealand team, which had local Riley Croxford in the mix, also competed in the sprint distance events, including a sprint relay.
Zefa came 19th in the sprint
relay and 12th in the relay, while Riley was in New Zealand’s second team, which finished 26th in the sprint relay and did not place in the relay. Tide finished 39th in the long distance and mispunched for no result in the middle distance.
Riley came 98th in the long distance and slid to 122nd for the middle distance.
Zefa Fa’avae’s silver medal and sixth-place finish saw him step onto the podium twice in the Junior World Orienteering Championships, breaking records that have stood for over a decade. Photo: JWOC/Petr Háp.
