Nelson Magazine - November 2024

Passion for performance

Fashion: Blush Crush Coffee Culture Nelson’s Revitalisation

What’s inside

41

47

68 -69 What’s On 70 - 74 Social pages

Timeless Fashion

Unique

Stockists of Magnolia Pearl, Meg by Design & Beacon Hill’s Closet

Indoor/outdoor living

Coastal View Lifestyle Village in the Tāhunanui Hills has a variety of sunny and spacious designs with private outdoor areas and generous spaces between neighbours.

The facilities at Coastal View also include a single level resthome/hospital care centre and separate specialised dementia centre – with large care suites, all with personal outside decking, leading out to beautiful gardens.

We have no shortage of ideas for improving our city, but turning those ideas into reality seems to be where we face more of a challenge.

Over the previous decade or so, we’ve seen some ambitious projects touted, which are often followed with outcry at the cost. This invariably means that not much happens. There are some exceptions to this, but by in large the major projects that have been floated have quickly been pushed aside.

But earlier this year a summit was held with the goal of revitalising our city. With that step taken I hope it leads to something that we can be proud of – there are opportunities everywhere. Just last month Nelson City Council announced that it had bought the Custom House Hotel, giving it all of the properties from Port Nelson to the waterfront, imagine the possibility of an engaging, user-friendly link from our city to the waterfront? It would be a great addition to our region, and it is just one of many ideas that could make Nelson a better place to live and spend time. I hope this opportunity is one that we will look back on, not with thoughts of ‘what if’ but with pride of ‘look at that’.

Enjoy this month’s edition.

SarahEDITOR

Sarah Board | editor@nelsonmag.co.nz

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Pages 18 – 21

Tessa Claus

Tessa Claus | tess@topsouthmedia.co.nz

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Patrick Connor, Kylie Owens, Toni Woolf

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Judene Edgar, Charles Anderson, Justin Eade, Adrienne Matthews, Amy Russ, Matt Lawrey, Kate Dyer, Chey Habib, Exposure Media

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The impact of Richard Carruthers and the Nelson Youth Theatre in igniting a lifelong passion for performance.

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What is your coffee order?

I get an Americano flat white for its rich and bold flavour, I also like its smooth texture.

A caramel almond latte, cold or hot. This is my favourite because I’m dairy free which means I get a coffee hit with great flavour.

Xaiver Bastian

A mocha from Ambrosia Café. It’s a nice spot to sit outside in the sun and watch people go by.

Sarah Davies

A large double shot flat white from Tahuna Breakfast Club or Zink. Big shout out to Zink for their ongoing service in the face of change too.

Jonathan Foucher Miyazu Japanese Gardens

Congratulations to Jonathan Foucher who won a pack of Muesli & Co. pre-mixes

Win a mixed 24-pack of Kombucha Bros cans featuring new irresistible flavour explosion - Dragon Fruit, Pineapple, Coconut & Lime kombucha! Made in Nelson with love. kombuchabros.co.nz

Oceano captures the very essence of Nelson, serving up the freshest local ingredients expertly prepared by our skilled chefs

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Let’s talk bathroom renovations with Refresh

The average cost of a bathroom renovation varies depending on several factors, such as the size of the bathroom, the extent of the renovations, the quality of materials used, and the complexity of the project. So, what can you expect?

Simple $20,000 - $30,000

Simple doesn’t mean boring. The main thing to remember for a basic bathroom makeover is that all your fixtures will stay where they are because moving them will involve extra, costly replumbing and rewiring. So the location of the shower, vanity, and toilet will remain the same, but you’ll get new sanitaryware, insulated walls, flooring, and a professional paint finish. Time from 2-3 weeks.

Mid-Range $30,000 - $50,000

With some planning and the right choice of products, expect to create a stylish space that’s value for money. With this budget a new layout is possible, along with lighting adjustments, storage additions, floor tiling including walk-in showers, and custom fittings and vanities. Time from 3-6 weeks.

Premium $50,000 plus

Expect a luxury bathroom that brings together top-end products and combines them with sophisticated style and design. Think about freestanding baths and spas, LED custom lighting, bespoke vanities, touchless taps, built-in entertainment systems, tiled walls, underfloor heating and much more. This is the “no limits” range where anything you want becomes possible. Time from 6-8 weeks.

When we talk about cost, remember that everything is included. From design to finish, we include sanitaryware, builders, tilers, plumbers, electricians, plasterers, tiling, painters, managing your project, and everything in between. Get in touch to find out how we can help you set a realistic budget for your project.

Initial consultation Concept and feasibility Build stage Your finished project Working drawings and costing

What made news in our region...

Nelson Hospital’s ED expansion to enhance care

The government has committed $10.6 million to expand Nelson Hospital’s emergency department (ED), with work starting last month and expected to last until early 2026. Health Minister Dr Shane Reti highlighted this project as a significant step toward enhancing local healthcare services. The expansion will create a more functional and comfortable environment for both patients and staff, adding six new patient spaces, including isolation rooms and mental health consultation areas. The aim is to reduce wait times and provide timely access to quality care for the community.

An adventurous triumph

Motueka High School’s adventure racing team triumphed in the five-day Hillary Challenge at Tongariro, winning by 17 minutes and breaking the course record. The eight-member team excelled in challenges and expeditions, with Nika Rayward and Tide Fa’avae receiving the top navigators award. After last year’s setback due to a teammate’s illness, Grace Werner’s return helped secure their third win in six years. Now, the team plans to host the Tasman Adventure Race at Kaiteriteri on 30 November, featuring events held over four, eight and 12 hours.

Nelson’s waterfront revamp gets a boost

Nelson City Council has purchased the Customhouse building for $1.3 million, completing ownership of 10 key parcels of land along Haven Road. This acquisition enables the council’s waterfront redevelopment taskforce, formed in May, to advance plans for revitalising the area, with the goal being to enhance public access to the waterfront and improve cycling and walking routes. Mayor Nick Smith highlighted the importance of strengthening the city’s connection to the sea, while the council welcomes input from residents and businesses on redevelopment ideas.

A mowtivated ride

Last month’s Mowsworth Rampage was held as a fundraiser for Nelson Tasman Hospice and Cancer Society, and a group of childhood friends from Wakefield – Ben Palmer, Hayden Bashford, Kurt McDonald, and Mark Dephoff – were all in for the 86km ride on their trusty mowers. The journey had its share of challenges; Hayden snapped his tensioner spring, Kurt’s drive belt slipped, and Ben’s pink skirt, part of their team uniform, got caught in the diff and ripped off. Despite the hiccups, they powered through, using about 120 litres of fuel and without a single flat tyre. Their team raised an impressive $9,000, with over $50,000 raised in total.

Raising a glass to local wineries

The recent 2024 New World Wine Awards Top 50 showcased the best Gold medal wines under $25. Out of over 1,200 submitted wines that underwent blind tasting, Nelsonbased, Māori-owned Tohu Winery had two entries in the Top 50: their Whenua Matua Albariño 2021, which took home the Champion Aromatics award, and their 2024 Rosé. Another success story from Nelson is Heaphy, whose Chardonnay won a Gold medal. Overall, 35 of the 50 winners hailed from Aotearoa, including the iconic Hawke’s Bay winery Church Road.

Navigating financial uncertainty

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Getting to know... Hester Phillips

Hester Phillips, director of Conscious Dance Aotearoa Festival, is passionate about the power of community. With nearly 20 years of teaching experience, she brings people together through dance, creating a space where connection and belonging flourish.

I will never shut up about... The power of community. I think we all seek to feel part of something greater than ourselves and to experience a place where we belong. Teaching conscious dance classes for almost 20 years and running the Conscious Dance Aotearoa Festival has shown me the positive way community can function. One person often has what another person needs, whether that’s a friendly smile, an understanding ear, or a lift home! Coming together as a community can bring out the best in people. In a world where there is division and where it is easy to feel despondent, I source my inspiration from our local conscious dance community. At a party you’ll find me... Playing music. When I was 12 years old, my best friend and I began putting together mix tapes for one another. Little did we know we would both one day be employed for this skill. My friend went on to become a world-class DJ. I can be found playing tunes on the conscious dance floor and at the odd party in Nelson.

I get my coffee fix from... Either Marnie at Dylan’s Bike Shop or Brad at Blink Coffee Bar (between Montgomery car park and Trafalgar St). Both make unbelievably good coffee, and Brad is an everyday Buddha. His take on life is beautifully humble and wise. My most useless skill is... I can wriggle my little toe without moving any of my other toes. It looks freaky. Not many people know that about me. Does that count as a skill? I am not sure in what circumstances it would ever be useful? A boring party?

My real-life superpower is... Group facilitation – sensing what’s going on in a group and what might be needed next. I have some natural ability in the area, but mostly it’s a hard-won skill I’ve acquired over time. There have been moments in the past when I’ve stumbled while facilitating a group and I’ve wanted the ground to swallow me whole! What I’ve learned, though, is that it’s okay to make mistakes in front of a group, and owning up to when we feel vulnerable makes us relatable and human. My love of bringing people together and working with groups was partly why I instigated the Conscious Dance Aotearoa Festival five years ago. The group vibe when people are dancing at the festival is incredible.

When I need advice I go to... My stepfather, John Lepper. He is a total rock and the wisest and most generous person I know. He has an incredible intellect and penetrating insight, which he delivers with a working-class English accent. John keeps it real.

The world would be a better place with more... Care for others. It strikes me that we teach our children how to share toys in the sandpit because it’s a moral imperative for our children to share with and have concern for their classmates. And yet as adults we routinely accept and normalise a concern for self at the expense of the health and wellbeing of others. I strongly believe when we act in service of others, we all benefit and often in ways we can not have imagined. It’s perhaps one of life’s secrets: that serving others feels good and comes back around!

DJing at DeVille. Juicy Lion Media

Karaena Vincent

Participants at the most recent Conscious Dance Aotearoa Festival in February, 2024.

Playing tunes for dancers at Conscious Dance Aotearoa Festival.

The beauty of a bright future

The sun shines bright in Te Tauihu, and your future does too with NMIT. With so many study options starting in 2025, now’s the time to take the dreams you believe in and make them a reality.

At NMIT, hands-on learning isn’t just a catchphrase—it’s how we do things. From day one, be immersed in the action with real-world experiences that build your skills for the industries you’re training for. It’s a practical approach that brings your studies to life, so when you graduate, you’re ready to hit the ground running.

Take Laura Price for example. She joined our Beauty Therapy programme, where she spent time working at NMIT’s on-campus beauty salon. With real clients and practical training, Laura didn’t just learn about beauty therapy – she lived it.

This hands-on approach is embedded throughout all our programmes. Whether it’s our student-run beauty salon, professional kitchens, business and nursing suites, laboratories, or maritime training facilities, you’ll be at the centre of the action.

Our student-run facilities and industrystandard training environments mean you’re not just learning – you’re doing.

It’s not just entry-level courses, either. We’ve got something for everyone - from Level 1 Foundation Pathways certificates to Master’s degrees. So, whether you’re starting fresh, upskilling, or shifting gears into a new career, NMIT has a pathway for you.

Unsure where to begin? Book a study navigation chat with our friendly and helpful team! They’re here to help you plan your future and set you up to succeed.

With 2025 applications now open, there’s no better time to take that first step towards turning your dreams into reality.

Begin your study journey at NMIT this February - Believe it, become it.

Laura Price NZ Certificate in Beauty Therapy

on the couch

Styling success with Anna Boswell from Styled at Home

Styled at Home is an interior design and home staging business that specialises in transforming properties for sale. Nelson Magazine talks to owner Anna Boswell about how she helps homeowners to present their spaces in the best possible light, ensuring a lasting impression on potential buyers.

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind Styled at Home?

Styled at Home was born from a gap I saw in the market and my passion for interior design. After buying and selling a few properties myself, I found the process of preparing homes for open houses to be exciting. One day, a real estate agent suggested I do something with my love for staging, which planted the seed. Though I come from a background in early childhood teaching, I kept hearing that you should turn what you love into your profession. I have an eye for detail and truly enjoy making homes look their absolute best, so launching Styled at Home felt like a natural next step for me.

What services does the Styled at Home team offer, and how do they cater to the needs of your clients?

Our main focus is property staging. About 90% of the properties we work on are vacant, which gives us a clean slate to work with. We also offer partial staging, where we help clients declutter and style their homes using some of their existing furniture. This service is especially helpful for downsizing clients or families managing a deceased estate.

What are some common challenges you face when staging a property?

One of the biggest challenges can be access—getting furniture in and out of certain properties can be tricky, and the weather can make this process even more difficult. It’s not ideal to be moving furniture in the rain! Partial stages can also be more timeconsuming because we need to carefully blend the existing furniture with the new pieces we bring in, while being tactful about clients’ personal tastes. Selling a home can be an emotional journey, so we work hard to help clients shift their mindset to one where they see their property changing hands.

What continues to drive your passion for your role?

I’m always motivated by seeing how a full-stage setup can transform a property. We recommend a fiveweek staging package, as it gives plenty of time for photography and showcasing the property in its best light. During quieter months, we offer six or sevenweek packages, and extensions are available if needed, depending on demand. Since starting Styled at Home two years ago, the business has grown exponentially and organically. I now have a fantastic team of people helping me. We currently have enough furniture and decor to stage 12 homes—and we’re still growing! It’s really rewarding to see the business evolve, and I’m excited for what’s to come as we continue to help people present their homes at their best.

styledathome.co.nz

Passion for performance

25 years, 85 musicals and 250 shows. Nelson Youth Theatre continues to leave its mark on the region’s youth, helping to bring joy to children and audiences alike while creating pathways to creative careers. Four of Youth Theatre’s alumni tell their stories to Judene Edgar about how Richard Carruthers and Nelson Youth Theatre helped launch their passion for performance.

Lights, camera, action

Claudia Maree Mailer (née Peters) has gone from the bright lights of the Theatre Royal, to lights, camera, action on Hollywood sets.

Claudia’s first Youth Theatre show was Les Misérables when she was around 11 years old. Starting in the choir, she went on to perform in five Youth Theatre productions.

“When I first started Youth Theatre, I was a girl who loved to act but was too scared to perform in front of people. The self-confidence I built during my Youth Theatre journey is something I will forever be grateful for.”

While she remembers many a late-night rehearsing in Nelson Intermediate Hall, her best memories are the friendships formed. “I met one of my best friends at Youth Theatre, and I’m actually going to be her maid of honour in her wedding next year,” she says.

After graduating from Nelson College for Girls in 2013, she was accepted to study acting at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts.

She was cast in her first film, Blind, in 2016, which starred Alec Baldwin, Demi Moore and Dylan McDermott. Over the next four years, she worked on six more films, both on-screen and behind the scenes, before landing her first lead role in the psychological thriller DieRy

“Getting to work with Keisha Castle-Hughes on DieRy was one of my proudest moments,” she beams.

Another career highlight was seeing the trailer for Players, a Netflix movie she filmed a couple of years ago before the writer’s strike, which finally came out on Valentine’s Day this year.

Richard Carruthers founded Nelson Youth Theatre Company 25 years ago and has been committed to providing opportunities to develop and inspire Nelson’s youth through theatre ever since. Tessa Claus

“While I was only in the opening 10 minutes of the movie, my face was all over that trailer. I cried a lot of happy tears that day.”

During the pandemic, Claudia went back to school and got a degree in marketing from Stanford University, and she is now the director of marketing at a brand agency. But her passion for acting hasn’t dimmed and she still has her acting representatives who keep her busy with auditions.

“Youth Theatre showed me that the only thing you’ll regret is not trying. It doesn’t matter if it’s not perfect, as long as you try. Life isn’t a dress rehearsal.”

“The self-confidence I built during my Youth Theatre journey is something I will forever be grateful for.”

Living the rock ‘n’ roll dream

Jake Byrom (Robinson) was only eight years old when he first trod the boards of the Theatre Royal in Nelson Youth Theatre’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He was in the junior chorus and had one line – the word ‘red’ – the first of many colours.

“It was very embarrassing the night I got it wrong,” he laughs.

He performed in 17 Youth Theatre shows in a variety of roles, including the title character in Peter Pan, Uncle Max in Sound of Music, Marius in Les Misérables, Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar, Chad in All Shook Up, and Emmett in Legally Blonde

“I made friendships that I have kept for my whole life,” he says.

Fun on the stage was equalled by the fun behind the scenes.

“Simon Wynne-Jones’s shimmy, Peter Thomson’s house parties, playing Twister in the dressing room, and I think we tried badminton too, which didn't go very well at all.”

In 2016, Jake was one of 24 students selected to represent New Zealand as a member of the SGCNZ Young Shakespeare Company, performing at the Globe Theatre in London. He stayed on in London afterwards and was offered a place at the London School of Musical Theatre, where he gained a Professional Diploma in Musical Theatre. Later, he went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts – Music.

Since graduating, he’s been busy performing in shows as well as writing and producing music.

“Over the last few years, I’ve developed a love of writing for musical theatre,” he says. “My musical Nuclear Family about Ernest Rutherford was recently workshopped at the Union Theatre in London, and I am currently working on several shows, including

one for next year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival called Frozen Love: A Buckingham Nicks Story.”

As well as performing at the London Palladium, Bridewell Theatre and Shaw Theatre, he has toured throughout the UK, US, Japan and New Zealand.

“Performing in Saturday Night Fever in London’s West End, all over the UK and even in Japan, is one of my career highlights,” he says.

He's currently performing in Musicals the Ultimate Live Band Sing-Along on tour around the UK until Christmas. When not touring, he performs with the 1950s rock 'n' roll band The Boulevards.

“I’ve been lucky enough to work with Nelson Youth Theatre alumni Eddie Mann and Doug Colling here in the UK, as well as with some of the younger generation, Mackenzie Gardner and Matthew Edgar, on projects in New Zealand and the US.”

Looking back on his Youth Theatre days, he says he was lucky to be surrounded by hilarious, kind, hardworking people who all wanted to be around each other because they all loved performing. “Richard [Carruthers] gave us the freedom to be creative in the rehearsal room and inspired us to find love in everything we do; something I hope to find in every job professionally.”

Giving confidence to the next generation

Lily-Ellen Martin-Hine says she joined the theatre scene quite late in comparison to her peers. “It took a little while for me to develop the confidence required to extend myself into the community as a performer,” she says.

She only ever participated in one show with Nelson Youth Theatre, the New Zealand premiere of Legally Blonde the Musical in 2016. She performed the role of Paulette, the eccentric hairdresser who becomes the confidante and close friend of the main character,

Claudia Maree Mailer on set of DieRy filmed in LA and released in 2020.

“Richard gave us the freedom to be creative in the rehearsal room and inspired us to find love in everything we do; something I hope to find in every job professionally.”

Elle Woods. “I was beyond stoked to land this role, especially given I was new to Youth Theatre. To this day, believe that it is this show which truly solidified my decision to pursue the arts as a career.”

As well as inspiring her love of the arts, Youth Theatre inspired her passion for teaching and directing. In 2017, she was assistant director for the Youth Theatre production of The Little Mermaid JR. “I’ll never forget the feeling of seeing the vision of something I’d played a part in creating come to life for the first time,” she says.

After high school, Lily-Ellen moved to Wellington to study a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in theatre, education and psychology at Victoria University. She then went on to obtain a Master’s in Teaching and Learning (secondary), specialising in the performing arts.

After qualifying as a teacher, she now gets to fill her days with performing arts and with helping the next generation of budding thespians to find their confidence, working as a teacher aide/learning assistant at Nayland College. She is also a private vocal coach, where she helps youth explore their singing voices, develop healthy vocal techniques, and build a repertoire of performance-ready songs. She is also back where she started, working as the musical director (and sometimes director) for Nelson Youth Theatre, teaching the music (solo and ensemble songs, and harmonies) and helping run musical theatre-style holiday programmes.

“I love being able to witness the development of the cast, and the show itself, from the start of the creative process, until the closing night,” she says. “I also spend my summer holidays teaching a variety of workshops, masterclasses and performing arts programmes within the community.”

When not teaching, Lily-Ellen also writes music, although describes this as “more of a hobby.” Her first writing experience was as part of the composition team for This Is Fine: The Musical, written mostly during the first Covid-19 lockdown, adding an extra layer of challenge. The show was performed at the 2021 Wellington Fringe Festival and Lily-Ellen ended up being cast in the lead role.

“I’m really lucky to be able to do so many things that I love!”

Kiwi Flyer to King Lear

Doug Colling’s first ever Youth Theatre show was in the chorus of Sinbad the Sailor in 2003. “I had one line, which I cherished!” he recalls.

While Doug loved performing in the shows, he also loved all the backstage antics and getting curry pies from the dairy at weekend rehearsal lunch breaks. “It became where I made friends who are a big reason I am where I am today,” he says. “It helped me find a way to express myself in ways that would have otherwise probably got me in trouble; the ability to show off and mess around and it be okay – most of the time.”

Jake Byrom (top) performing in Saturday Night Fever on the West End in 2022.

“It helped me find a way to express myself in ways that would have otherwise probably got me in trouble.”

During his final year at Nelson College, he was also involved in the filming of the feature film, Kiwi Flyer, inspired by the Nelson Trolley Derby, playing one of the “baddies” Shayne, alongside fellow Youth Theatre and Nelson College alum, Myer van Gosliga.

After college, he studied at Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), one of the UK's most prestigious drama schools, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in acting.

While there, Doug had the opportunity to play the role of Shakespeare’s servant in the award-winning film All is True, alongside Sir Kenneth Branagh and Dame Judi Dench, who played William and Anne Shakespeare.

Following his studies, he made his professional stage debut as Connor Murphy in the newest production of Dear Evan Hansen on London’s West End. “I was very lucky to get a part in Dear Evan Hansen the musical in London after drama school,” he says. “I was a massive fan of the show before auditioning, so it was very crazy and exciting.”

Doug’s next big role is playing Edgar in Sir Kenneth Branagh’s King Lear, which will be performed off-Broadway from 14 November. Branagh is directing and performing the title role in the limited 50-performance season at The Shed. “I can’t wait to be performing in New York,” Doug enthuses.

Looking back on his Youth Theatre days, Doug says that he learned discipline and a strong work ethic working with Richard Carruthers and the other directors. “Their energy and passion for the quality of the shows was infectious. I owe so much to Nelson and the Youth Theatre company. I often think of how lucky I was to be a part of it growing up.”

Nelson Youth Theatre is hosting a special 25th anniversary concert on Saturday, 30 November at the Theatre Royal. The concert will feature current and former Youth Theatre performers from around New Zealand with songs from wellloved musicals, such as Chicago, Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, Grease, Mamma Mia, The Lion King, and many more. Tickets are available from the Theatre Royal.

“I’ll never forget the feeling of seeing the vision of something I’d played a part in creating come to life for the first time.”

Lily-Ellen Martin-Hine (middle) with Holly Cameron and Casey Jenkinson in last year's Chicago High School Edition

Doug Colling playing Edgar in Sir Kenneth Branagh’s King Lear he is performing off-Broadway this month in New York.

Nelson’s revitalisation: Action or stagnation?

For years, Nelson has been plagued by indecision – putting off ambitious projects that might develop the city into one that matches its aspirations. Does the council’s latest initiative – a ‘revitalisation summit’ and its keystone development hold any hope for the future? Charles Anderson reports.

The list of what might have been is long. A redeveloped waterfront, a new city centre plan, a performing arts centre, a new library, central city playground, innovation precinct, an inner city mall… or two. Even bold plans to redevelop Bridge Street fell to equivocation – a two-lane redevelopment for a street that was already… two lanes.

Over the last 20 years, Nelson has had the opportunity to invest in projects that might have allowed the city to live up to its potential. At each stage, however, each of those has fallen over. Either baulking at the cost, changes in government, momentum getting tied up in red tape, or a general concern that Nelsonians need an abundance of parking. It is hard to make things happen.

This has led to an air of inevitably around such discussions. That anything that might invigorate the city and put it on par with other similar-sized regions, which have followed through with their bold plans, will simply dissipate.

Look at any town or city around the country and each will have their own list. But Nelson, it seems, has a particular penchant for losing innovative projects that look to the future. Focusing on the here and now, on imminent rates rises, on political capital, or divisions around the council table, have all had their impact on what might have been.

The latest initiative to turn that tide was a ‘revitalisation summit’ held earlier this year, which brought councillors, developers, project managers, property owners, retailers and other stakeholders together to take another look at how that bottleneck might be broken.

It came with a grim prologue. Before it was announced, Nelson dropped to last place again in the latest ASB regional economic scoreboard, after coming second to last in the previous quarter, and last in the quarter before that.

Housing values helped cement the region in 16th place, with house prices falling 3.7% in Nelson over 2023, and house sales dropping 8% – the worst result within the data. Nelson also posted the biggest decrease in retail sales values, of 5.7% year-on-year.

So, on a March morning, key figures from big and small organisations from both the private and public sector packed out the 130-capacity gathering in the Trafalgar Centre’s northern extension for the City Revitalisation Summit hosted by Nelson City Council. Would this be different? Would something come out of it?

“We, as a group of thinkers and a group of leaders, can get some stuff done,” was the call from council CEO Nigel Philpott.

But he was quick to follow up with a dose of realism. “Now, I'm not gonna stand here and say we're going to fix everything… Because this is easy to promise. And it won't always work. But we can give it our best shot and make sure that we are talking about ideas so that we can develop them going forward.”

Dean Croucher of TwentyTwo, one of the country’s leading property advisers, was contracted for its analysis of the predicament and laid out the main thrust of the summit. “Council owns and operates two key facilities that are in need of reinvestment.” These are the Elma Turner Library and Civic House.

“While they may look like they've got plenty of life left in them, both assets have significant obsolescence and are increasingly expensive to maintain and have inherent limitations compared to modern facilities.”

The library has been the subject of much debate over the last few years. At one point a $44.4 million project was hyped to become the lynchpin of a revitalised city centre. The resulting designs showcased a modern building that would act as a civic centre, with spaces not just for a traditional library but also to create an area where people would actually gather in the central city. It was bold, ambitious and expensive. It didn’t go ahead. The brakes were put on due to fears of the impact of climate change and its position alongside the Maitai.

So we are left with the current library building. It was closed in June 2022 after the discovery of heavy tiles in its ceiling that posed an earthquake risk.

The ceiling grid of some parts of the building was found to be under the 34% threshold of the New Build Standard (NBS).

Two years and $2.5 million later, it reopened.

“(It has) been extended and modified many times, probably even cobbled together since the original 1950 structure and is in need of ongoing maintenance and reinvestment,” Dean said.

“And it was also not designed as a contemporary library or community facility. The recent investment of $2.5 million to strengthen the building only really extends its life for about 10 years. So at some point, council has to make a decision.”

Alongside this was the need to redevelop Civic House.

“The building does not provide a modern workplace for staff, and is inconsistent with the workplace strategy adopted by council,” Dean said. “There's also inadequate public meeting rooms, and these are difficult to access. Now, there's been various proposals over time to upgrade and renew Civic House, they've all been considered unaffordable, and even with considerable investment, they may result in suboptimal solutions.”

“I want to get some stuff done. I don't want to be talking in five years about what we could have done, I want to be talking about what we have done.”

Plans for a $44.4 million library never went ahead. NCC

The cost to redevelop it was estimated at close to $50 million. The current council long-term plan has about $65 million to redevelop both the civic centre and library, so any decision would need to be put again to council to place into future long-term plan discussions. The council then confirmed that the 2024-2034 Draft Long Term Plan retained the money currently provisioned for a new library, community hub and refurbished civic centre.

But the time was now ripe, Dean said.

“Now the continued renewal and rejuvenation of the CBD is clearly a strategic priority for council. That's obviously why we're all here today. And while this image may indicate the city centre is thriving, we know that as you walk further down Trafalgar Street, and certainly down some of the side streets, there are retail vacancies, and there are buildings that need reinvestment.”

So what was proposed was to tackle all of these issues together. By combining a new library and community hub with civic offices, elected member facilities, and a customer service centre, it was suggested the plan offered a strategic blend of innovation and practicality that endeavours to enhance service delivery, modernise essential infrastructure, and revitalise the city centre.

TwentyTwo suggested that such a development should include modern library facilities, informal learning spaces and activity areas. There would be

multifunctional spaces for all kinds of events and functions. There would be an inviting space for the community, revenue generating operations like a café or bookable meeting rooms, a conference area and a customer service area.

The space needed for such a project was put between 3,500 and 4,000sqm. It should also be delivered within five years of council’s approval of the indicative business case.

The issue, of course, was where such a space might be found. The areas suggested were the current library site, Millers Acre, Achilles Avenue adjoining Wakatu Square, and 25-27 Bridge Street. However, due to the climate change issue, Achilles Avenue was suggested as potentially the only suitable site, but this only gave 2,760sqm.

A variety of options were put forward, from leasing buildings to constructing new ones, to buying back previously owned buildings or splitting the project across various sites. The costs for these ranged between $50 million and $90 million.

While splitting the site and leasing options were considered, Dean said the initial work done for the business case indicated that a facility funded, owned, and developed by the council was more economically viable in the long term because of the lower cost of capital.

Should the council fund, develop and own the facility, that would include an estimated $5 million for land,

Church Street currently (above) and concept sketch.

$65 million for the building, and a fit-out of around $25 million, totalling in the order of $90 million, with leeway of $10 million.

To test a council-led solution as opposed to council leasing a facility, it would have to develop both options in more detail and obtain competitive responses from the market.

Mayor Nick Smith wanted to emphasise that our council has made no decision on the report.

“Today's purpose is to receive it and to release it and for our community to be able to digest. Any major sort of project of that sort needs a long runway, and also requires a large amount of community engagement. It needs to be clear: no site's been identified.”

The council moved forward with the report’s recommendations.

It established two new taskforces to help guide the progress of key city projects – the revitalisation of Nelson’s city centre, and the waterfront redevelopment.

Mayor Nick says the taskforces will provide governance oversight for major investment in the city and serve as a forum for investigating and prioritising the many ideas that came from the City Revitalisation Summit.

“These new taskforces are about building on the momentum from the summit with the right structure and teams to translate the ideas from it into action.”

Its mandate was to deliver on the call for new investment in the central city.

“The next step, now council has approved the taskforces, is to get to work on the dozens of ideas that came from the summit,” Mayor Nick says.

Deputy Mayor Rohan O’Neill-Stevens said, “our city is already a vibrant place. Our job is to amplify and enhance that and deliver to the full extent of its potential.”

Discussions with What if Whakatū Nelson group are underway regarding the establishment of a community-led taskforce. The taskforce would not be administered by council, but council will assist with its terms of reference and membership.

Taskforces are one thing. Decisions and follow through are another. Such projects only become more expensive. Inevitably, they also feature cost blowouts. So the question remains, will these taskforces make progress on what has previously been an apparent immovable force?

As Nigel Philpott said: “I want to get some stuff done. I don't want to be talking in five years about what we could have done, I want to be talking about what we have done.”

The summit featured a lot of talk. That talk now needs to become action. Because then the idea for a new civic centre, complete with all the facilities that might help convince Nelsonians that there is hope for the city, would just become another bullet point in that long list of lost projects.

Time will tell.

LEFT: Nelson City Council plans of Bridge Street - Trafalgar Street including enhanced biodiversity and wildlife habitat, more shade and increased pedestrian activity. ABOVE: Montogomery Square Carpark concept plan includes more green spaces and outdoor dining areas.

Finding home

The Van der Watt family, from South Africa, have been in Nelson for five years and love it here. Mason and Minette have four children and say Nelson is definitely home now. Justin Eade talks to them about their background, how they came to be here, and what they love about the place.

We celebrated our 11th anniversary this year We are both Afrikaans-speaking (a sister language of Dutch), as well as English. I grew up in a little farm town called Bethal, in the district of Mpumalanga, near Johannesburg. Minette also grew up in a small farm town, a place called Vryheid, between Johannesburg and Durban, in KwaZulu-Natal province. (Mason)

We decided to move to New Zealand five years ago as we knew there was a large South African community here. We knew the majority of South Africans who move here are happy in New Zealand, but there are also a lot that can’t cope and move back. There were some challenges, including getting my visa approved after I had already received a job offer whilst in South Africa. We packed up all our belongings (pretty much our whole house), but the moving company accidentally sent our container before I got my visa approved. Things worked out though, and we count ourselves very blessed. (Mason)

I’m now a mechanical engineering tutor at NMIT, but in South Africa, I was an engineering foreman at Tendele Coal Mining, the largest opencast anthracite mine in South Africa, just south of the Mozambique border. I worked there for 14 years. Working here is not as fast-paced or as stressful as back in South Africa, and I have some awesome workmates, which helps. I also run my own cell phone sale and repair business. (Mason)

I have a little baking business called ‘Crumb & Get It’. In South Africa, I was a pharmacist’s assistant, but here I am a stay-at-home mum. I’m making South African treats with my main focus on baking rusks in different flavours. They’re nice to have in the mornings dunked in your cuppa, or any time of the day. Being a stay-at-home mum, I decided this would be a nice adventure to pursue from home while making a small income. I have started small, just selling to locals, but my big dream is to supply nationwide! (Minette)

Mason, Minette, Luca, Reuben and Juah Van der Watt (missing is Malan) before last Christmas.

The most challenging thing about the move was the first three years. That was the hardest time to adapt to the new life here, as having no family and grandparents around for our kids was quite tough. It’s been such an adjustment, mentally, having the boys (Luca 8, Juah 6, Reuben 16 months and Malan one month) grow up in New Zealand, slowly getting used to the freedom we have here. To go out on bike rides with their dad, go to parks and beaches, and have the kids run around freely. Nelson has some amazing parks, beaches, and rivers nearby that we love to visit. The boys now attend Nelson Christian Academy, which is an amazing school that provides the best support and education to our kids. (Minette)

We can now call Nelson home, as we are eligible for our Permanent Residence status. We love it here as it’s quite central to heaps of activities, it’s not as busy as big cities, and the weather seems to be great compared to other parts of New Zealand. People here are very welcoming, although it was a struggle at first to form lasting relationships. (Mason)

There wasn’t too much of a culture shock. South Africa has quite a diverse culture group, and we were very familiar with having variety. The thing that did stand out to us is freedom. Freedom in South Africa came at a price. The biggest cultural similarity is the rugby. South Africa is the better team, though my Kiwi workmates will not agree, of course. (Mason)

Some of the things we miss about South Africa… I used to surf there, and there’s not much of that around here. I admit I miss that, and the warm weather and thunderstorms (a favourite of Minette’s), they can get quite intense on the Highveld. We miss our family and friends dearly, but luckily we were able to go back and visit in 2022. (Mason)

We enjoy going to Golden Bay, and have friends with a property there. We like camping and roughing it. We also go to Quinney’s Bush, the kids absolutely love it. We have a small creek close to our property and the kids always want to go feed the eels. We enjoy going to Rabbit Island and Tāhuna beach for summer swims. The kids also play soccer at Tāhuna, and we live close to Saxton Field and like to go there to kick a ball around. In the summer we go to Isel Park for the night market. I also enjoy running. (Mason)

With a busy household, entertaining the kids feels like exercise on its own. We enjoy going to church on Sundays and have Shabbat every Saturday, which involves an extravagant dinner with friends. Nelson is definitely home now. Even when we went to visit South Africa, we referred to Nelson as home, even though the kids had an absolute blast there. (Mason)

We are an ever-growing family – Malan was born on 20 September 2024. We joke around, saying, “The playing field is now levelled up, with two South African kids and two Kiwi kids in the house.” Our aspiration for the future is to own a home here, and we are currently saving up for that. (Mason)

1. A visit to Nelson Lakes with Minette’s mum after first arriving in Nelson in 2019. 2. Luca’s first catch. 3. Mason and Minette on their wedding day, April 2013 at Bonamanzi in South Africa. 4. Luca with a cutting board for Father’s Day. The english translations reads ‘Keep calm, we will braai shortly.’

Greenacres Golf Club leads the way with innovative irrigation project

Known for its friendly and inclusive atmosphere, Greenacres Golf Club is thriving. The club’s highly regarded course and facilities cater to players of all levels. However, it’s the club’s forward-thinking approach to sustainability and future-proofing that has set them apart—most notably with their groundbreaking irrigation project.

For several years the club has been working on a major irrigation project, and it is now operational. The project involves using clean recycled water from the Bell Island wastewater plant for irrigation. This innovative solution is one of the first of its kind in New Zealand and represents a significant milestone in sustainable golf course management. Club manager Brendon Whitley explains, “We’re incredibly proud of the project because it’s so new in this country. Even for the consent we had to look to Australia for their standards because there weren’t any in New Zealand. The team at the Bell Island plant also assisted us greatly and I can’t talk highly enough of them.”

The irrigation system is well engineered. “There are a number of treatment processes and quality control systems in place to ensure that the water is perfectly safe for use,” Brendon says. As global concerns about water conservation and climate change grow, innovative solutions like Greenacres’ irrigation project are becoming increasingly important. “We’re moving to a point where clean water is becoming a valuable resource in this country. Overseas, irrigating with recycled water is common on golf courses and parks, but it’s not done here. It’s great that local councils, iwi, and the community also viewed this as an opportunity.”

Achieving resource consent for the project was a crucial step. The club also invested around $120,000 from its development fund to put the required infrastructure in place, connecting to pipes laid from Bell Island by the Nelson Regional Sewerage Business Unit (NRSBU). The Bell Island facility processes domestic wastewater from Nelson, Wakefield,

Mapua, and surrounding areas, as well as industrial wastewater. After undergoing tertiary treatment for recycling purposes, the water is transferred to Greenacres’ tank farm, where it’s further UV treated and diluted with bore water. The recycled water will provide a significant daily increase in the volume of water available for irrigation.

The project has significance not just for Greenacres, but for golf courses, parks, and reserves across the country. The environmental impact of this project cannot be overstated. As Brendon points out, climate change and the increasing likelihood of droughts make sustainability a top priority.

“We enjoy a spectacular location surrounded by the Waimea Inlet, but the course can dry out in summer. Irrigation is essential for course maintenance, and this project ensures we can do that in an environmentally friendly way. It’s clean, free water, and a win-win for us, the councils, and the community.”

Nathan Clarke, the general manager for Nelson Regional Sewerage Business Unit, says the organisation is proud to support the Greenacres Golf Club with this project.

“The NRSBU is actively looking for opportunities to reuse treated wastewater to reduce its discharge to the environment. This Greenacres Golf Club project aligns very well with the business unit's strategic plan for water reuse.”

While the irrigation project is a significant achievement, Greenacres Golf Club’s has a reputation as a top course in New Zealand. The club is rated among New Zealand’s top 40 courses, offering spectacular views over parkland and water.

“We take pride in being one of the most iconic golf courses in the country,” Brendon says. “We’re the only true island golf course, and our team works hard to maintain high standards, ensuring everyone who visits is welcomed and enjoys a memorable experience.”

With a wide range of flexible membership options Greenacres offers something for everyone, from social to the most competitive.

“We have a dedicated team, a great course, and friendly service. It’s why we’re the top golfing destination for visitors to the top of the South Island,” Brendon explains.

In addition to catering to established golfers, Greenacres Golf Club is also committed to encouraging younger players.

“Golf is a fantastic sport for young people. It teaches friendship, discipline, and hand-eye coordination, and it gets kids out into the fresh air,” Brendon says.

The club runs several Futures/Junior events, including coaching workshops, twilight sessions, development days, and regular competitions, ensuring that young

golfers are well catered to. The club’s ‘She Loves Golf’ program also offers a welcoming environment for women and girls who are new to the game.

“These workshops are perfect for those wanting to give golf a try in a fun and friendly setting. They’re designed to introduce the game and build confidence,” says Brendon.

Join the Greenacres Family

For those considering membership, Greenacres Golf Club offers year-round benefits. “Our members get to play a great course as often as they like and be part of a friendly, welcoming community,” Brendon says.

For more information on memberships, promotions, and events visit greenacresgolfclub.co.nz. Or drop in for a chat with the friendly team.

Greenacres Golf Club, Best Island greenacresgolfclub.co.nz

With the groundbreaking irrigation project now complete, recycled water allows Greenacres Golf Club to significantly increase the daily volume of water available for irrigation. Supplied.

Three generations of caring for Nelson’s eyes

For more than 65 years, Matthews Eyecare has been a shining example of excellence in optometry, proudly recognised as New Zealand’s largest privately owned independent optometry group. This family-owned business from Nelson has built a legacy over three generations, enabling New Zealanders to access high-quality eyewear and eyecare since 1957.

Matthews Eyecare operates out of 26 locations stretching from Kerikeri to Invercargill. 150 employees nationwide, including 40 optometrists skilled in various specialties, are committed to providing care-focused services that are accessible to all New Zealanders. In the top of the South, Matthews Eyecare is particularly proud to be the only New Zealand-owned optometrists, demonstrating their commitment to preserving independent optometry in Nelson. Their three stores in the Nelson CBD, including Kuske and Matthews Sports Vision, as well as stores in Blenheim, Richmond, Motueka, and the new addition of a regular clinic in Takaka, reflect their dedication to the area.

The journey of Matthews Eyecare began in the 1950s when Bill Matthews, a former physical education teacher turned optometry apprentice, stumbled upon Nelson. Captivated by the city’s charm, he sent a

telegram in 1956 to his wife Dorothy, inviting her to join him in this newfound paradise. In March 1957, they opened the doors of Matthews Opticians in the historic Hotel Nelson Building on Hardy Street. Bill and Dorothy likened the optics industry to a closeknit family, where connections, respect, and fun were inherent. Their son, Phil, grew up surrounded by this camaraderie, emphasising the industry’s supportive nature and the relationships it fostered.

Phil and Lynley Matthews, Bill’s son and daughterin-law, assumed leadership in 1985. By the time Bill Matthews retired in 2004, Matthews had expanded to four practices, and the emergence of corporatised optometry was beginning to transform the optics landscape in New Zealand. Confronted with significant challenges, Phil and Lynley have successfully driven and developed Matthews Eyecare over the past 40 years.

Bill Matthews starts his optometry apprenticeship in Hamilton with Cole McIlraith

Bill opens Matthews Opticians on Hardy Street and Dorothy gives birth to their son Phil

Lynley starts working in optics as an Optical Assistant for E.W. Roberts on Bridge Street

Bill open Matthews Optometrists Blenheim

Phil joins the family business

Practice moves to 1 Buxton Square Lynley joins Matthews

The Matthews family; Simon, Wallace, Lynley, Emma, Julian, Nick and Phil Matthews.

Phil and Lynley Matthews take on the leadership of the business

Matthews Optometrists Richmond opens

The team at Matthews Eyecare is well-versed in the latest practices and technologies in eyewear and eye care, ensuring that every patient receives the highest standard of care with personalised and tailored solutions.

Understanding that eyes are often the first feature others notice, Matthews Eyecare emphasises the importance of framing them ethically and beautifully. Their passionate team carefully curates a stunning collection of eyewear, offering a wide range of frames and sunglasses, from bold statement pieces to those of timeless style. In alignment with their values, Matthews Eyecare sees the importance of cultivating relationships with true artisans dedicated to preserving traditional eyewear manufacturing while incorporating modern innovations and more sustainable practices. These partnerships include Theo, a second-generation family business from Belgium; Morel, a fifth-generation family business from France; and Frost, a husband-and-wife duo based in Germany.

Looking ahead, Matthews Eyecare is now led by a new generation. CEO Michael Cochrane, a fellow Nelsonian, along with Phil and Lynley’s children, Julian Matthews and Emma Ellison, bring fresh insights while honouring the legacy established by Bill

and Dorothy Matthews. Their focus on community connections and individualised care continues to propel Matthews Eyecare forward.

This November, they will host their inaugural company-wide conference in Nelson, a gathering dedicated to recognising the contributions of their team of over 150 members and celebrating their shared commitment to the industry. Matthews Eyecare is also thrilled to sponsor The Spectacle, a new running festival scheduled for December. This exciting event features an elite mile through the streets of central Nelson and an ultra-trail run in the breathtaking hills behind the city. The aim is for The Spectacle to become a cornerstone of the active lifestyle for which Nelson is becoming increasingly renowned, inspiring both residents and visitors to embrace the great outdoors.

In a world that often feels impersonal, Matthews Eyecare remains devoted to building genuine connections and ensuring that every patient or customer feels valued and every visit is memorable.

The Matthews family emphasises that their business is, and always will be, centered on relationships. With a vision to protect and sustain independent optometry, Matthews Eyecare is poised to continue serving Nelson and beyond for many more years to come.

matthews.co.nz

Matthews opens in Motueka At 76 years of age, Bill Matthews hangs up his retinoscope

The company celebrates its first 50 years Matthews moves to Sundial Sq, Richmond

Michael Cochrane, Matthews Eyecare CEO.

Matthews Optometrists becomes Matthews Eyewear Eyecare Ltd

Matthews appoints first CEO Matthews adds Kuske to its customer offering

The first of the 4th generation is born

Sports Vision Nelson opens, led by Julian Matthews

Phil with his parents, Dorothy and Bill Matthews.

On the street

Tracy Lyall is a style assistant at Stacey, known for her bold and fun approach to fashion, always dressing to match her mood, inspire confidence, and fill her cup.

What are you wearing today?

Today I am wearing a Coop by Trelise Cooper skirt, a Lili Sidonio top, both from Stacey’s, earrings from local designer Forever April, and shoes from Mischief Shoes.

What is your style?

I love bright and bold, with a touch of drama. I don’t really plan what I’m going to wear; I dress based on how I’m feeling each morning. I find that the tougher my morning has been, the brighter I dress to make me feel ready to face the day.

What is most of your wardrobe made up of?

Mostly dresses, with a large collection of shoes. I’m a real fan of dresses, you don’t have to think too much, just throw one on and you’re ready to go. My favourite brands would have to be Coop, Augustine, Lili Sidonio and Drama the Label. I love all the bright colours and prints from these brands..

What are you loving at the moment?

Dresses and sneakers. I’m on my feet all day, so pairing sneakers with my dresses gives me both glam and comfort.

What is your approach to shopping?

See it, love it, buy it! Dressing well fills my cup.

What is your all-time favourite purchase?

My all-time favourite purchase would have to be my red, heart-covered, clear plastic raincoat from Coop. It’s so fun, and it reminds me of a raincoat I had as a little kid. I can’t be unhappy in the rain when I’m wearing my heart coat.

What has been your worst clothing disaster?

Wearing a strapless dress through an airport in Thailand without realising one side of the dress had fallen down… Worst moment ever!

What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?

A tailor-made coat. When a coat is made just for you, it fits perfectly, it’s the right shape for your body, and wearing it will make you feel amazing.

Do you have a style rule you always obey?

Fashion should be fun! Don’t worry about what anybody else thinks, dress for yourself and have fun with it.

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

Definitely Sarah Jessica Parker’s. I would be in heaven. Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing…

Crocs. Never ever. I just can’t get on that trend.

Tessa Claus

Christmas GIFT GUIDE

permanent jewellery this Christmas! Gift vouchers available. timelesstreasures_pj 5. Purchase a gift voucher for someone special. Pop in to purchase or buy online. Mabin House, 98 Nile St, Nelson 6.

available in gift

1. The Forever Necklace: Solid 9ct gold and freshwater pearls: $515. Mini, $375 louisedouglas.com 2. RPM Antoinette Dress - $139, Backdoor, 121 Trafalgar St 3. Perfect for the gardener, traditional Sussex Trugs are handmade in Golden Bay from local timber trugmaker.co.nz 4. Discover the magic of Timeless Treasures

Our delightful mini icicles are

boxes - 10 beautiful colours. Nelson Central Arcade, 219 Trafalgar St, livinglight.co.nz

7. Nelson Forge your own knife, full day classes, bookings essential. Gift vouchers available. Call Simon: 027 541 8507, makeaknife.co.nz

8. Orange blossom and watermint natural bubble bath, 500ml - will have your body singing, botanical.co.nz

9. Crate Champions snapback hat, $59.90, Backdoor, 121 Trafalgar St

Why choose Tasman Day Surgery?

Q&A with Lynda Wakefield

Q. What do you believe sets Tasman Day Surgery apart from other medical providers?

A. A dedication to surpass expectations in a calm and yet cutting-edge environment, equipped with the latest technology, all thoughtfully designed with the patient experience at the forefront.

Q. What excites you most about Tasman Day Surgery?

A We have a highly skilled team united in their mission to enhance patient outcomes and well-being, ensuring minimal wait times and a straightforward, hassle-free billing and insurance process.

Prompt and Patient Focused Healthcare

Q. Can you tell us about your new services and why you chose to include these for the people of our region?

A. Recognising the demand in Nelson, Tasman Day Surgery has expanded its services to include skin grafts and melanoma removal, as well as a wide range of surgical and gynaecological procedures.

Q. If you had one word of advice to potential patients?

A. If you are concernced, don’t wait - reach out, maybe we can help.

Are you worried about a lump, a change in your bowel habits, bloating, heartburn, indigestion, piles, hernia or something else? We have our team of specialists here to help you, where peace of mind and your privacy is our priority.

Call us directly or don’t hesitate to pop in, we welcome your visit.

General manager, Lynda Wakefield

Caring for your skin while travelling

Travel introduces your skin to new environments that can disrupt its natural balance. Pollution, UV exposure, and changes in temperature and humidity are all environmental stressors that can harm your skin. These factors, combined with stress and jet lag, can lead to dryness, breakouts, and dullness. Long flights can add another layer of difficulty, as the dry, pressurized cabin air can lead to dehydration and flakiness. This environment is especially harsh for combination or oily skin types, as it can increase oil production and clog pores. Moreover, stress and lack of sleep due to jet lag can trigger breakouts, leaving your skin looking dull and tired. Kate Dyer says maintaining a consistent skincare routine is essential to keeping your skin healthy while travelling.

Skincare tips for travelling

One of the most important aspects of travel skincare is maintaining your routine. Resist the temptation to add in new products just because they’re travelsized. Stick to the skincare you know won’t irritate your skin and transfer your favourite products into travel-sized containers. However, it’s best not to try transferring products like Vitamin C and retinol into clear containers, as exposure to light and air can degrade their efficacy.

In-flight skincare

Pack soothing and hydrating products to use during and after your flight to refresh your complexion and restore any moisture that may have been lost during travel. Airplane cabins are notoriously dry, with humidity levels often between 10-20%, which is far below the ideal range for healthy skin. This dryness can lead to dehydrated, flaky skin and chapped lips. Paradoxically, for those with oily or combination skin, the lack of moisture may cause an overproduction of oil, resulting in breakouts. Always apply sunscreen before your flight, as UV rays are stronger at higher altitudes.

Post-flight skincare

Once you’ve arrived at your destination, gently cleansing and exfoliating your skin is helpful for removing the buildup of dead skin cells, oil, and any impurities accumulated during travel. Follow up with ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid to help restore your skin’s hydration levels.

Additional travel skincare tips

Beyond skincare products, maintaining healthy skin while traveling requires attention to your overall health. Staying hydrated can help keep your skin healthy. Stress can also have a negative effect on skin, so make time to relax and unwind during your journey. Be cautious with hotel toiletries, as they may contain harsh fragrances or filler ingredients that could irritate your skin. Finally, prioritise relaxation and rest during your trip. Lack of sleep can cause skin to look dull and tired, exacerbating travel-related skin issues.

Travelling doesn’t mean you have to compromise on skincare. With a few simple adjustments to your routine and some planning, you can maintain healthy, glowing skin no matter where your travels take you. Stick to your tried-and-true products, hydrate your skin in-flight, and pay attention to your skin’s needs once you’ve arrived at your destination. By following these tips, you can protect your skin to ensure that it looks its best throughout your trip.

Kate provides personalised skincare consultations through her blog at beautyandthebiome.com

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Over 35 years experience as an electrolysist, Anne Michelle offers treatments for hair removal and removal of skin tags. Tried and tested, permanent and safe.

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HOMEMy

Maria Ingram, an artist and interior designer, shares a glimpse into her family home in Richmond, where creativity and functionality intertwine. With a passion for mid-century design and a knack for finding hidden treasures, she has transformed their 1980s house into a vibrant and welcoming space for her husband Cameron and their two children, Josh and Freya.

Tessa Claus

Our family home

Our home is in Richmond, and we’ve lived here since 2019. Built in the 1980s, the house has a very distinctive style, with several different split levels. We were looking to move closer into Richmond, and this house caught my eye because I thought it had great potential. I appreciated the quirky feel of the space and knew I could make it into a beautiful family home.

Style inspiration

The wood features in our home have set the tone for our style and decorating choices, beautifully complementing our love for mid-century furniture. Our couches are original 1960s Danish leather sofas, and the space, with its rimu ceiling, really lends itself to this era, although it can easily dominate the room if not handled carefully. That’s why I’ve focused on balancing the tones of the rimu with colours that accentuate the timber’s natural beauty to create a space that feels cohesive and harmonious. As a huge fan of pink, I consider natural clay-based pink to be a neutral, and I love how it works with the artworks I create.

ABOVE: Maria Ingram, artist and designer behind Rebel Studio and Frankly Architecture and Design.

I also love, love, love wallpaper. It’s a big investment here in New Zealand, so I understand why it’s not widely used, but I just love the immediate impact that wallpaper has in a space. I also design it, so I often use my own home as a way to test or showcase a new design. My tiger wallpaper design has been hugely popular, and I still love it after two years up on my wall.

How I shop

I enjoy digging through op shops and antique stores to find hidden treasures. I also like to seek out small independent designers, often shopping online and browsing Pinterest for inspiration and ideas. I have a wishlist of random things in my head, and it’s such a thrill to find something that fits the bill. I love quirky, forgotten things.

Save or splurge?

In the past, I would spend a lot of time creating a designer look without the designer price tag –sourcing alternatives or finding ways I could create things myself, especially when my children were younger. So I guess you’d say that I was a saver rather than a splurger. Today, I appreciate that you need to spend money on key things – skimping on the quality of furniture, for example, is often a false economy. I prefer to invest in key items that I know we will keep for a long time, and have fun with the things that are more seasonal or less permanent.

Renovations and redecorating

We updated the kitchen when we moved here, it was pretty tired and needed a refresh. We also managed to move things around and expand the storage, which has been extremely useful. I love having the lighter workbench in the kitchen – it brings so much light into the space and is really easy to keep clean too. I think when you are a busy family – and this is what I always tell my clients – it’s key to keep things simple and set yourself up for success!

I work as an interior designer, so I’ve always got at least five projects bouncing around in my brain at a time. I think it’s good to create a cohesive scheme for a house, as it makes the space feel bigger, so you’ll see a lot of reflected styling throughout my home in the colours and textures.

Favourite nooks

I love sitting at my dining table, looking out at the view. You can look out over the rooftops and stare at the clouds for hours. It’s a real suntrap too – there’s nothing quite like sitting in a sunny spot with a hot cup of coffee and a great book!

Wishlist

I would buy a set of reupholstered cinema seats from my dear friend Kerry. Her business, Unseen Icons, creates the most amazing pieces of furniture, and

5.

1. A gallery wall in the sunny conservatory features Maria’s artworks, with her popular print, Spring, in the centre. 2. Maria’s selfdesigned tiger wallpaper. 3. A huge fan of a gallery wall, Maria believes swapping out artwork is an easy way to refresh the living room. 4. Vintage furniture and complementary colours balance the rimu ceilings, enhancing the timber’s natural beauty.

The sun-bathed window seat looks out at views over Richmond and the hills. 6. Maria’s budget-savvy tip was buying green velvet curtain fabric online and sewing them herself. 7. A portrait of Vivienne Westwood, titled Queen Vivienne, illustrated by Maria.

I would love to have a bespoke set from her. We’ve created a few designs together, and it would be fun to have something in my home.

Every home should have…

Things that make you happy. Marie Kondo was a big fan of joy, and so am I. So if you love colour, have colour. If you love collecting, do it. Put the art up on the walls. Don’t live your life for the resale of your home; live it for joy.

Keeping it orderly

I think the key is keep it simple. Try not to have too much stuff… I think it’s easy to get lost in consumerism and to just keep on buying, but having all of the things rarely makes us as happy as we think it will.

Tim Morozgalski

Design’s role in transforming landscapes

Visual impact of a new garden

When planning a garden I have to consider many variables in the wish list of a project. I then factor in sun, soil, terrain, house, pathways, existing plants – but whatever we suggest has to look great. The design time helps to plan out how areas link, how plants interact, seasonal change and the many viewpoints from around the garden or from the house. Gardens can have many functions, but their main one has to be how it looks.

Value of work will benefit you and your property

Landscaping can take a long time and involve a lot of people in the process. But done well it can add to your property’s value and your quality of life. For this reason, design should be a small percentage of total project cost so that you can make sure what you spend in the project you have agreed in the design. Put a value on your enjoyment of the garden not just the cost of the process – remember a full garden renovation could be 5-10% of the value of your house.

Detail and decisions

There are many to make along the way so make a few more before you begin. It’s our job to help you understand all the options available to you when making decisions on pavers, decking, plants, pergolas, pots, water features etc. Or have us make the decision for you. As with many industries there is sometimes too much to choose from. During the design phase, I find it useful to understand your style and taste to help clarify where you want to spend your money. Our showroom also has a variety of products we use to help highlight quality and detail in these decisions.

We are proud to celebrate our eight-year anniversary this month. We have worked with over 1,400 gardening and landscaping customers in the Nelson region over that time and look forward to working with many more!

Happy Gardening, Tim

Any full garden design and landscaping projects scheduled in before the end of March, will receive a $500 voucher to spend at Big Trees on Lansdowne. T&C’s apply. timsgarden.co.nz

“It goes without saying that we are very happy with the outcome of working with Tim’s Garden. Tim and his team have provided us with a new direction for our garden that has largely been neglected over the past 15 years. We had some ideas for what we wanted, and Tim was able to make these a reality. We have a detailed planting plan that has guided us and have been able to chunk the work out to fit in with our finances.” Tony.

PSB Alpha IQ streaming speakers. Comprising two wireless bookshelf speakers with built-in amplifiers, an all-in-one audio system for the streaming age. $2,499 beggsmusic.co.nz

MOST WANTED

Bistro 60cm round table ($515) and folding chairs ($225 each), made in France by Fermob. 25 colours available. lynfords.co.nz

FINDS FOR YOUR HOME

New Zealand designed Travertine Tray by Durrant Home, $129 durranthome.com

Collective. Twelve different designer prints. $16.90 thegreencollective.co.nz

Unashamedly feminine, elegant and sensual, Peony is the heart of this delicate fragrance. Living Light Candles Nelson, 219 Trafalgar St, Nelson

Orange chrome chair, ‘Licorice All Sorts inspired.’ $250. Vickies Originals Nelson vickiesoriginalsnelson.com

Reviving Nelson’s 1861 Schoolhouse

Words: Adrienne Matthews | Exposure Media

When Jason and Jennifer Monopoli were looking for a place to expand their automotive printing business, Orange Dog, they fell in love with the Hardy Street School House.

Constructed in 1861 as a school for girls, an inspector’s report stated, “The infant school, established in the beginning of the year, at the outset relieved the existing schools from their greatest embarrassment and hindrance, a number of children too young to be taught much, yet requiring constant attention and watchfulness, and a peculiar mode of treatment.”

By the late 1860s, the school had become overcrowded, and in the 1880s, various classrooms were added.

In 1897, the education board took it over, followed in 1928 by the Public Works Department. In the late 1980s, the building was used as offices for a variety of

organisations, until 2018 when the Monopolis saw it had been put up for sale.

“When we went to see it, the owner showed us parts of the original vaulted ceiling which had been covered up over the years,” says Jason. “It was beautiful and we knew immediately we had to do something to bring the building back to its former glory.”

The couple quickly decided that its location in the heart of Nelson would be better suited for accommodation. They engaged architect Alisdair Daines, who already had extensive knowledge of the building to draw up plans to create two high-quality apartments. Determined to restore as many of the school’s heritage features as possible, they were grateful for input also from Ian Bowman, a historian, architect and architectural conservator. “Both

understood our passion for wanting to preserve it for another 160 years,” adds Jason.

The façade has a Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Category 1 listing, which was retained along with most of the windows, while the interior was completely stripped back.

This task was given to MOORE, a building firm who, aside from building new homes, are highly experienced in renovating historic buildings. Owners Craig and Connie Moore were delighted to be given the opportunity to undertake such a special project and contribute, as they have many times before, to the restoration of another of Nelson’s heritage buildings.

Some repiling was required, although fortunately, the building was sitting remarkably soundly in most places upon hewn rocks that are a feature of a number of Nelson building foundations. Some of these rocks originated on the Boulder Bank, while others from the ballast of ships.

“It was beautiful and we knew immediately we had to do something to bring the building back to its former glory.”

“Until the internal offices and false ceilings were ripped out, it wasn’t possible to truly appreciate the cathedral ceiling,” explains Craig. “Sections of it were damaged, so we had to recreate parts of it. Jason and Jennifer wanted to retain the original linings, so a major task was undertaken to remove the roof and install insulation from above, before installing a new roof.”

Nathan McMahon, who has worked for MOORE for the better part of a decade, was foremen on the job.

“So much was hidden behind poor quality additions added throughout the years, but as we progressed, we discovered the schoolhouse had sound bones and revealed many historical features,” he says.

These included inscriptions from the original school girls on the walls, an ancient breaker box, and even a bayonet. Most of these finds are celebrated in the transformation, such as a window in the floor through to the ground below, displaying a range of old bottles found as they were in the soil beneath the building. “The whole place had to be rewired, and we got the electricians to get the breaker box working so it can turn the lights on and off.”

“The Ministry of Works had put the toilet block in, and that was leaking like a sieve,” says Nathan. “We had to get professional asbestos removers in to get rid of that, and then a digger in to demolish the brick structure which was very labour intensive.” The result is a lovely internal courtyard.

Jason and Jennifer were so determined to see the integrity of the original building maintained that they even sourced nail brads to secure the flooring from England, they are identical to the ones produced 200 years ago. “One of the builders was in the UK, so he picked up a couple of kilos for us and brought them home in his luggage,” says Jason.

Fortunately, much of the original flooring was able to be saved. There was so much attention to detail in the restoration that even the colour of the ceiling is exactly as it was found, complete with the scallops painted a contrasting colour. Ian Bowman created the colours for Resene that matched those of 1860, leaving no stone unturned to honour the building’s heritage. A ducted heating system throughout the apartments has replaced the radiators, which had no historical or architectural merit.

The School House is now for sale. “Orange Dog has become so busy we just don’t have time to manage the accommodation business anymore,” says Jason. “We are very proud of what we’ve achieved with the schoolhouse and now want to pass it on to someone else who will love it as much as we do.”

“It was wonderful to work with clients who understood the value in doing everything properly and were prepared to put the financial resources in to create the best outcome,” says Craig.

“This job has been my favourite build so far,” adds Nathan. “It was an adventure from start to finish.”

moore.co.nz hardystreet.co.nz

Gallery Showcase

Nelson City Framers & The Gallery

Artist: Barbara Hay. Exhibition on now. SAVE 10% on your framing just mention Nelson Magazine 42A Halifax St, Nelson nelsoncityframers.nz

Protean Art Gallery

First floor, 181 Bridge St, Nelson Visit the website for opening hours. 027 548 5003

proteanart.co.nz

Project 100

Black Porte | 7 - 22 Nov. Showcasing a special collection of one-off garments, jewellery, objects, and bags from six independent NZ makers.

Open Wed - Sat (12pm - 4pm) project100.co.nz

Nelson Classic Car Museum

Museum Store

1 Cadillac Way, Annesbrook

Open 7 Days, 10am – 4pm 03 547 4570 nelsonclassiccarmuseum.nz

IOStudio

Richmond studio and gallery space of artist and designer Abbie Scott. Open by appointment 16 Milne Place. 021 190 1104

IOStudio.co.nz

Christine Hafermalz-Wheeler

The Artist Goldsmith

See you at The Great Christmas Market at Founders Heritage Park, in the Energy Centre. Sun 24 Nov, 9am – 4pm. Christine & David: 021 817 209 theartistgoldsmith.com

Kōhatu Kohara - Handcrafted New Zealand stone

Blue Jade Diopside toki. With beautiful chatoyant vein running through the middle.

kohatukohara.com

Refinery Artspace

Waka Of Dreams | Punanga Pohewa: The Dream Sanctuary. Lissy and Rudi Robinson Cole with Holly Tawhiao. 24 Oct - 23 Nov acn.org.nz/the-refinery-artspace

Arty Nelson Gallery

126 Trafalgar St

Open Mon – Sat, 10am - 4pm Sun, 11am – 2pm

021 022 90996

The Suter Art Gallery

208 Bridge St, Nelson Open 7 days, 9.30am – 4.30pm 03 548 4699

thesuter.org.nz

Nelson Suter Art Society

True Stories - Rob Knowles, opening 5.30pm, Wed 6 Nov. (Exhibit runs 4-24 Nov). Journeys - Ian Bowell, opening 5:30pm, Wed 27 Nov. 208 Bridge St at the McKee in Suter Art Gallery nsas.net.nz

The Coolstore Gallery

Showcasing New Zealand art and design at Māpua Wharf

Open 7 days, 10am – 5pm

thecoolstoregallery.co.nz

Taonga of great beauty

Joe and Katie Collins’ backyard contains a growing pile of rocks in all shapes and sizes. To the untrained eye, they are just a pile of random stones, but to Joe, they are treasure from which he carves his jewellery masterpieces.

In 2019, Joe returned to Aotearoa after spending four years playing rugby in Europe. “It soon dawned on me how little I knew about my Māori heritage and culture,” he says, “and a few years later I began to reconnect with te ao Māori, developing a deep love for Māori art and craft – Toi Māori.”

A TikTok video demonstrating stone carving sparked his interest, and it wasn’t long before he had purchased the equipment needed to begin his own carving adventures. This was also when the rock pile began to grow.

The top of the South is an excellent source of stone, thanks to its ancient volcanic and tectonic activity, and Joe is having remarkable success turning pieces into unique taonga to wear, using a range of different varieties. “I really like the Douglas Creek Serpentine, which is light green and comes up beautifully,” he says. “The soft pink glow of Rhodonite is completely different again, as is the Marsden Flower Jade, a type of greenstone.”

His process is instinctive, with the stone directing him. “I look at it and feel it before cutting it into slabs. I can get a number of pieces out of some stones and then begin grinding them down to see what characteristics they have. Once I’ve shaped each piece, I grind it further with wheels of finer and finer grits and then buff it until I am happy with it.”

Another special part of the process is creating the lashing so that the stone can be worn, and this is an art in itself.

He also makes earrings.

Katie has been a great support and is excited about Joe’s creative journey. Their son, Hōhepa Wiremu, is already fascinated by the rocks his dad works with and, although still a toddler, is showing signs of being a keen apprentice.

The couple’s dream is for Joe to be able to work full-time at his craft. With increasing demand for his work, their business KŌHATU KOHARA is growing. “This is something that he’s going to be able to do for a lifetime,” says Katie.

“It is also a dream of mine to be able to teach the skills I have learnt to young people and pass the joy of using what nature has provided on,” chips in Joe.

There is no doubt that he has a remarkable affinity for his materials and a natural ability to transform them into taonga of great beauty.

kohatukohara.com

1. Joe Collins from Kohatu Kohara in his backyard workshop. 2. A beautiful blue Jade mix toki. 3. An example of how different pounamu can look. 4. Hōhepa Wiremu is already fascinated by his dad’s rocks—an apprentice in the making! 5. Mere pounamu. A Māori taonga that is knows for its ferocity and also its stunning beauty. This piece will be passed down to Hōhepa when he turns 21 and then down through generations to come.

Painting of special place recalls bilingual

past

Clothing and homeware designer Tamzin Hawkins is a woman with a lot on her plate. With three young children to look after and a business to run, she packs a lot into every day. Fortunately for Nelson Magazine, she managed to squeeze some time into her schedule to tell Matt Lawrey the moving story behind her favourite artwork.

Tamzin Hawkins with the watercolour of Maketū Marae in Kāwhia by Jenny Rhodes. Tessa Claus

Tamzin Hawkins gets a little emotional when talking about her favourite artwork, a watercolour of Maketū Marae in Kāwhia by Jenny Rhodes.

The painting is of a place that Tamzin deeply loves; a place that helped to shape her into the person she is today.

“It holds a lot of significance for me. It was given to me as a gift by Mum and my stepdad for my 21st birthday,” she says.

Tamzin grew up in Raglan on a lifestyle block and her parents were teachers at the local school. The school’s bilingual unit had just been started, and Tamzin and her sister were among its first students.

“Our first camp was at Maketū Marae. I went there as a 5-year-old, and it was very memorable as a special place,” she says.

Tamzin has clear and happy memories of being introduced to the marae, learning its history, and gathering kaimoana on the waterfront.

She loved growing up in a bicultural setting and learning Te Reo. She was also known at the time as Marama, the Māori middle name her parents had given her.

“I was immersed in Māori culture and was constantly bringing things home and pulling people up on things. Like, if my dad was trimming the flax bushes, I would tell him how he had to do a karakia,” she says.

Things changed, however, when her parents broke up and they moved to Hamilton.

“It was a massive change when we left. I went into an intermediate school and went and looked at the whānau class there, and I just didn’t have a connection to it. My whānau school journey was in Raglan.”

To compound things, she was routinely asked why a Pākehā girl had a Māori name. She found the inquiries so draining that, eventually, she changed her name, and went back to using her original first name, Tamzin.

The experience also gave her a greater appreciation of what Māori have gone through.

“Growing up like I did and stepping into a mainstream school, and that way of thinking, was a massive shock for me culturally. I can only imagine how it must have felt for tangata whenua who had their culture taken away.”

As it turned out, Tamzin ended up returning to Maketū Marae in her last year at Hamilton Girls’ High School.

“We went there for a senior leadership camp. So, even though life really changed, I ended up going there at the start and the end of my school journey.”

After high school, Tamzin did a Bachelor of Art and Design majoring in Fashion at Auckland University of Technology. After a post-grad stint working for renowned designer Trelise Cooper, she moved to the UK, where she landed a job designing fabrics for the baby buggy company Silver Cross. The job saw her living in North Yorkshire but travelling the world, from New York to Paris and Shanghai to Valencia.

After five years, she headed back to Aotearoa with plans to start her own label. The idea was to get high-quality, natural fibre children’s clothes made in China. As a first step, Tamzin stopped over in China on her way home and had some samples made. However, her plans went sideways when she caught up with some of her old friends from Trelise Cooper in Auckland. As a result of offshore manufacturing, her former colleagues had all lost their jobs.

“It really struck a chord and I thought: ‘I can’t do it.’ It was such a shock.”

Tamzin decided instead to launch a company that would make its natural fibre products in Aotearoa. She named it Mavis & Osborn after two of her grandparents, and started making children’s wear. The company morphed into a homeware brand after a friend with a café in Wellington asked her to make some aprons.

“The aprons took off, and the children’s wear got harder and harder,” she laughs.

Since then, Mavis & Osborn has grown into a boutique retailer and supplier to a range of clients that include Auckland’s high-end Hotel Britomart. The company does its manufacturing in Rutherford St, and somehow Tamzin juggles running the business with being a mother of three and partner to Nelson-born and raised Jonti Griffin.

Jonti and Tamzin met as neighbours in an apartment building in Auckland.

“I think it was the fact he was trying to grow carrots in an apartment and that he had a vintage motorbike in the middle of the living room that did it,” she says.

The couple moved to Whakatū in 2017. Their three children have Māori names, and this year, their eldest started school. He goes to Victory Primary School, and he’s in the bilingual class.

Celebrate

Life Your Way

At our modern funeral home on Champion Road, Richmond, we have everything you need to celebrate the life of your loved one in their unique way. Reach out today to find out how we can help you.

Your retirement lifestyle begins at Kensington Court Village

Set amongst beautiful park-like grounds, Kensington Court Village has a welcoming and safe environment. Modern apartments have onsite and nearby amenities within a caring and inclusive community!

Your retirement lifestyle begins at Kensington Court Village

Set amongst beautiful park-like grounds, Kensington Court

Phone Angela to talk about the options available: 027 292 5849.

Village has a welcoming and safe environment. Modern apartments have onsite and nearby amenities within a caring and inclusive community!

Phone Angela to talk about the options available: 027 292 5849.

Keeping your pets safe this summer,

Reviewed by Dr David Lee, Veterinarian

The last thing anyone wants is a pet emergency during the festive summer season, the time we reserve for celebration, fun and relaxation.

While it’s natural to let our guard down as we unwind, it’s critical to remind ourselves this is also a time when our pets are exposed to certain dangers.

Here are ten tips to help keep your furry loved ones happy and safe this festive season.

1 Heatstroke

As the temperature heats up, exercise your pet during cooler early mornings and evenings. Avoid walking on hot ground to avoid paw burns. If it’s hot for you to touch with your bare hand, it’s too hot for them to walk on.

2 Dehydration

Provide clean, cool water for your pets throughout the day. Place multiple water bowls around your home and carry a portable water container when venturing out.

3 Sunburn

Apply pet-friendly sunscreen to areas with minimal fur protection, including their nose, ears, belly and groin area, to avoid sunburn. Steer clear of human sunscreen, as it can be toxic to pets if ingested.

4 Bites and stings

Summer is prime time for insects. Protect your pet from ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes with appropriate parasite preventatives and consider pet-safe insect repellents. Snake and spider bites are also common during the warmer months. Contact your vet immediately if you suspect your pet has been bitten.

5 Car safety

Never leave your pet unattended inside vehicles, even when parked in the shade with the windows down. Within minutes, the interior temperature can skyrocket to dangerous levels. Your pet can become dehydrated and collapse from heat exhaustion, which can be fatal.

6 Road trips

Ease your pet into road trips with short excursions. Pack travelling essentials like a water bowl, lead and poo bags and use proper safety restraints. Plan regular stops for your pet to stretch, walk, rehydrate, and do their business.

7 Pools

Just like kids, pets must be supervised in or around a pool. Pets falling into pools can be fatal, as can swallowing pool chemicals. To help prevent accidents, consider installing a pool safety fence, getting a fitted life jacket, and having a pool cover that supports their weight.

8 Rivers and beaches

A day at the beach or river on a hot day can help your dog beat the heat. Just ensure they swim in cool, clean, moving water and avoid areas prone to toxic blue-green algae blooms.

9 Christmas food

Steer clear of feeding your pet leftovers like cooked bones (which can splinter and become a choking hazard) and fatty ham (which can cause pancreatitis). Also, avoid chocolate, garlic, macadamias, and anything containing grapes, sultanas, or raisins (like mince pies), which are toxic for pets.

10 Christmas ornaments

Loose tinsel, tree ornaments, gift wrapping, batteries, fairy lights and electrical cables may appear to be great toys to your pet, but they can pose serious risks. To help keep your pet safe, consider putting a pet gate around your Christmas tree.

bestforpet.co.nz

Fido's Canine Cookies

Recipe by Fido Picot

These homemade dog biscuit treats are nutritious, and delicious, and even have Fido’s personal pawprint of approval. Biscuits should last 2-3 weeks in a sealed container.

Serves: 20 biscuits, approx INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup wholemeal flour

• 1 Tbsp desiccated coconut

• 4 Tbsp Pic’s Smooth No Salt Added Peanut Butter

• 1 medium egg

• 1 mashed banana

• 1 tsp honey

METHOD

1. Preheat oven to 180oC on bake.

2. Add all ingredients to a large bowl and stir to combine.

3. The mix should be able to be kneaded and rolled out on a flat surface, if the mixture is too wet, add more flour. If the mixture is too dry, add water or oat milk until the right consistency is reached.

4. Knead mix and roll out onto a floured surfacethe dough should be around 1cm thick.

5. Cut dough into any shape you choose. Fido prefers stars – he’s a big believer in ‘you are what you eat’.

6. Place biscuits onto greased trays and leave to bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

picspeanutbutter.com

Pet Sitters Nelson celebrates 20 years of trusted pet care

Pet Sitters Nelson, established in 2004 by Wendy Mackay, is a leading pet care service in the region. After 20 years in business, Pet Sitters Nelson has become a trusted name for pet owners. Wendy, a passionate animal lover, is certified through the Dog Walking Academy, a certified Professional Pet Sitter through Pet Sitters International, and holds CPR and First Aid certifications from Pet FAT. Her team of trained and trusted, professional sitters and walkers are all animal lovers, thoroughly vetted, and certified to ensure the highest standards of care.

Pet Sitters Nelson offers a range of services across the region,

ensuring that pets of all shapes and sizes are well cared for, whether for a day or an extended period. Services range from home visits and boarding for small animals, to Holiday Homes for dogs and the very popular Doggie Days Out.

“An additional service we have just added is the ‘Romp and Roll’. This is perfect for dogs who need to be out of the house for most of the day and for owners who are not able to take their dog to daycare. We also have a half hour walk option which is great for breaking up the day and is very affordable if the budget doesn’t stretch to a one-hour walk,” Wendy says.

Pamper your pet

Quiet one-on-one grooming service

I love when dogs leave my Richmond studio happy and proudly showing off to their parents after their groom. With over 12 years’ experience, your pets are in great hands.

Dog Grooming by Kylee 027 82 320 41 |

Life is better with chickens!

Enrich your life, join the chicken-keeping adventure. Collecting fresh, homegrown eggs and chatting with your chooks is the best! Appletons Lifestyle Poultry & Pet Housing has everything you need for all your pet housing and supply needs.

Appletons 270 Mt Heslington Rd, Brightwater | chooks.co.nz

Want the best for your pet?

Stoke Veterinary Hospital offers a unique Best for Pet annual healthcare plan that gives you peace of mind and makes caring for your pet more affordable. Trusted by thousands of NZ pet owners, the plan includes unlimited consults, annual vaccinations, 24/7 online vet chat, plus discounts on dental care, food, parasite treatments and more! bestforpet.conz

Stoke Veterinary Hospital 03 547 7891 | stokevets.co.nz

Enhancing your pup’s digestive health and well-being

Treat your pet with CanineCare Probiotic Topical and our Gut Prebiotic and Probiotics. Designed to soothe irritated skin, reduce itching, and support digestion. Use promo code PAMPER for 20% off.

CanineCare 027 227 8450 | caninecareprobiotic.com

The dog experts

Dog Almighty online training gives you access to clear advice about your dog exactly when you need it. Our new online club and courses are convenient, affordable and heaps of fun. dogalmighty.co.nz/online-training/

Dog Almighty 027 360 6043 | dogalmighty.co.nz

Natural nutrition pets go wild for WildHQ’s premium range of ‘complete & balanced’ meals give cats and dogs the best nutrition in the right amounts. Using the finest NZ wild game they create protein-packed raw petfood and air-dried treats that are nothing but natural. So, your pet will keep that spring in their step for longer.

WildHQ 3 Kotua Place, Wakatu Estate | wildhq.nz

Coffee Culture

Harvest Moon is a delightful destination for coffee lovers seeking a vibrant yet cosy spot to unwind. With a focus on sustainability and local produce, this café prides itself on offering wholesome products, including a great range of gluten-free and dairy free food. Their commitment to quality is evident in every cup of expertly brewed coffee, with beans sourced from Havana, creating that perfect balance of rich flavour and aroma. If you’re after a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon treat, Harvest Moon’s coffee pairs beautifully with their house-made baked goods and light meals. Harvest Moon is also a specialised bulk food store, stocking a variety of high-quality items. With both indoor seating and a welcoming outdoor area, it’s a favourite spot for locals and visitors. Harvest Moon offers the perfect blend of great coffee, fresh food, and a commitment to sustainably sourced ingredients.

526 Main Road Stoke | 03 547 5630 |

Hattie’s Café on Achilles Ave is fast becoming a place where people know they are going to get great service and outstanding coffee. Locally owned and operated by Harriet Ogilvie, she says it is the little things that keep people coming back. “I believe that at Hattie’s we are very good at that.” Open bright and early from 7am, Hattie’s Café offers delicious food options and tasty cabinet treats, along with an outstanding catering service. Taking the time to get to know her customers, Harriet knows what it takes to start the day right! “We also offer a bespoke salad catering menu for any occasion. Perfect for upcoming Christmas functions and work dos! Our recipes work superbly with our locally sourced items, helping to showcase the region’s amazing products.”

Tahuna Breakfast Club, an award-winning café located on Tahunanui Drive, has become a local favourite for its top-notch coffee and delicious food. Known for its warm and friendly atmosphere, the café serves expertly crafted coffee using premium beans from specialty roasters, eighthirty, ensuring every cup is full of rich, smooth flavour. Owned by Mike McLaughlin and Samantha Malekar, Tahuna Breakfast Club offers a thoughtfully curated menu featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients, from egg and cheese butties to tiramisu made with eighthirty espresso. Their house-made treats are a perfect complement to your morning brew or afternoon coffee break. With its welcoming vibe and dedication to quality, it’s no wonder Tahuna Breakfast Club has earned its reputation as one of Nelson’s must-visit spots for coffee lovers.

Ambrosia Café offers a warm and inviting space for coffee aficionados and food lovers. Known for its friendly service and relaxed vibe, this café is a favourite for locals and visitors seeking a quality coffee experience. The team take pride in serving expertly brewed coffee made from locally roasted beans, ensuring every cup delivers rich, bold flavours. Ambrosia’s cakes and baked treats, made with locally sourced ingredients, are a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth, and the menu showcases an impressive variety of options, from classic breakfasts to fresh, wholesome lunches. Whether you’re after a quick takeaway or prefer to sit and soak up the cosy indoor atmosphere or the sunny outdoor seating, Ambrosia has something for everyone. Its commitment to using local produce and delivering great coffee makes it a standout in Richmond’s café scene, offering a delightful blend of comfort, flavour, and community.

226 Queen Street, Richmond

37 Tahunanui Drive |

Hattie’s Café

Harvest Moon Café

Tahuna Breakfast Club

76 Achilles Avenue, Nelson | 022 300 3238 |

Ambrosia Café

Nestled in the heart of Nelson is the independent family run Tern Coffee House. Owners Clive and Mel Paul are passionate about bringing ethically sourced and sustainable coffee that tastes great and makes a lasting impression. Their house bean is from local roaster’s Kush Roastery, a long-term favourite of many locals. Tern also offers guest coffee beans from around the country that are ethically sourced, giving Nelson a chance to try a variety of single origin and blends from dark to light roasts from all over New Zealand. If you’re meeting friends and family, having a work meeting, working remotely, or seeking a moment of tranquillity, Tern is the destination for exceptionally great coffee, fresh quality food using as much local produce as possible and a relaxing and comfortable environment. They pride themselves on making everyone feel at home.

5 Church St, Nelson | 03 922 9329 | tern.co.nz |

Lydia’s Café, in the heart of Richmond, is a hidden gem that delights coffee lovers with its inviting atmosphere and expertly brewed coffee. Owned by Eddie and Del Bradford for the past 12 years, the ‘Seriously Delicious’ café is wellknown for its friendly service and warm atmosphere. Lydia’s serves quality coffee made from locally roasted beans, ensuring every cup is rich and full of flavour. Alongside their coffee, Lydia’s offers a variety of fresh baked goods made on the premises each day, delicious cabinet food and a great breakfast selection. Whether you’re stopping in for breakfast, a morning coffee or a leisurely lunch, Lydia’s Café provides the perfect blend of great coffee, delicious food, and a laid-back, community-focused vibe.

Situated on the stunning Motueka Marina waterfront, the award-winning Coastal Café at Port Motueka has created a cool community-vibe space with a great local following. Owner Sally Hayton and her amazing team of Joe, Olivia Remy and Sanne, continue to raise the bar with their phenomenal takeaway coffee and baking genius. “We have been doing this for five years now and absolutely love it, we are grateful to have such an awesome space with wonderful clientele who keep us entertained on a daily and we love that they come for a chat and a coffee.”

Offering delicious barista-made coffee, a range of toasted sandwiches, berry crumble muffins, sausage rolls and crispy cheese scones – to name a few – their range of food is next level and a definite must-try on your next visit!

Port Motueka Marina, Port Motueka | 021 028 36037 |

Victus Coffee & Eatery, owned by Nick and Beth Schryvers, is no ordinary café. Offering a warm, and inviting space, the heart of Victus is their passion for excellent coffee and friendly service. Brewing Ozone Coffee, they offer a wide range of options, from the House Espresso blend to single origins for the more adventurous, as well as bottomless batch brew and hand-poured filter coffee. Their menu is equally impressive, featuring freshly sourced local ingredients in dishes that range from hearty breakfasts to satisfying lunches. From nourishing bowls to homemade treats, everything is crafted with care. Whether you’re catching up with friends or just need a quiet moment, Victus Coffee & Eatery provides the ideal setting to enjoy exceptional coffee and wholesome, simple food in a friendly, welcoming space.

111 Bridge St, Nelson | victus.nz |

265 Queen St | 03

Lydia’s Café

Tern Coffee

Victus Coffee & Eatery

Coastal Café

Zink

Zink Café, BBQ & Heating offers a unique and relaxed experience, blending two passions under one roof— quality coffee and fresh food, alongside premium BBQ and heating products. Owned by Brendon and Lee-anne, Zink is more than just a café; it’s a one-stop destination for both foodies and BBQ enthusiasts. The café has earned a stellar reputation among locals, known for its warm, welcoming vibe, excellent Sublime coffee paired with Oaklands Milk, and fresh, homemade-style food. The menu features a range of options, from freshly baked scones, muffins, and brunch menu to a packed cabinet.

Zink holds the distinction of being the region’s only Weber BBQ specialist dealer, a trusted brand that has won hearts worldwide since the 1950s. This is the perfect spot to grab a coffee while browsing top-notch BBQ gear or heating options. Whether you’re contemplating a Weber BBQ purchase or simply enjoying a bite, Zink’s laid-back atmosphere allows customers to sit back, relax, and make decisions over a delicious meal or coffee. Visitors can explore both halves of the business, enjoying premium products, excellent customer service, and a one-of-a-kind experience. With comfortable indoor seating Zink Café is a perfect meeting spot for any occasion, including larger groups. Offering more than just great coffee, Zink’s team is passionate about creating a welcoming environment where quality food, coffee, and premium products come together in perfect harmony.

Open Mon-Fri 6.30am–3pm and Sat 7am–2pm with the Retail side open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm and Sat 8am-2pm.

Cnr Champion and Salisbury Road | 544 0929 |

Rabbit Island Coffee Co.

Rabbit Island Coffee Co owners Bryn and Carley Lloyd have certainly found their niche in the coffee world. Dedicated to offering locals and visitors a specialty product and an unforgettable experience, the couple’s brick-andmortar roastery and store has become a local destination, embracing a multi-sensory experience with coffee, music, aesthetics, and warm customer service. With a perfect balance of both regional and Aotearoa-made products in their pantry, the couple have created an emporium of treasures, providing a platform for talented artisans and satisfying the diverse tastes of their customers.

Family-owned and operated, Carley manages the artisan pantry, while Bryn takes charge of the coffee, roasting just a stone’s throw from their home, often at dawn when the Māpua Wharf bathes in sunlight. Prioritising quality and adapting their coffee based on customer preferences, Rabbit Island Coffee Co. roasts six different coffee options ensuring each cup delivers a rich, consistent experience.

With their carefully curated range of blends and singleorigin beans available both online and instore, the couple are preparing for another busy summer, providing both locals and visitors at the wharf with a unique selection of Christmas gifts, corporate gifting options, and fulfilling daily online coffee orders nationwide. They’re also ensuring their wholesale café partners across the region stay well stocked with freshly roasted, specialty beans. The couple say that if you’re serious about coffee at home or in the workplace, and want to support local, they would love to hear from you!

Māpua Wharf

Stuff Ltd

The Grape Escape

Offering a peaceful retreat in a tranquil garden setting, The Grape Escape Café and Garden is a beloved café known for its freshly made, seasonal fare and superb locally roasted coffee. Providing the perfect escape for breakfast, brunch, or a relaxed afternoon coffee - whether relaxing on the deck, outdoors under a sun umbrella, or in the shade of a tree enjoying the garden - The Grape Escape serves a range of delicious dishes, from hearty meals to light bites, all prepared with the freshest ingredients. Their commitment to quality and friendly service makes every visit feel special. Popular with locals and visitors alike, it’s an ideal spot to and catch up with loved ones or simply savour a quiet moment. Visit The Grape Escape, where great food and serene surroundings meet.

McShane Road, Appleby | thegrapeescapecafe.co.nz |

Ruby’s Espresso

Located on a stunning corner of the picturesque Nelson Marina, Ruby’s Espresso Café has long been the go-to for Nelson’s coffee connoisseurs. Open seven days a week, owners Jo and Greg McCrostie are fierce about supporting local businesses using the very best regional ingredients. “We truly believe this is our point of difference. This along with great service and the view across the marina, could it get any better?” It will once NCC’s plans for the Marina Development go ahead, say the couple. Earmarked for a new waterfront promenade, and new café premises, Ruby’s Espresso is already the number one destination – the redevelopment would take things to a whole new level!

Nestled beside the Maitai River, River Kitchen is a hub for coffee enthusiasts and food lovers alike. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and welcoming staff, this café offers a true taste of Nelson’s coffee culture. Owned by Clare and Blue Fleming, River Kitchen’s menu showcases the region’s finest ingredients, serving up wholesome, locally sourced dishes for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, from their mouthwatering eggs benedict to fresh salads and house-baked goods. A family run business, River Kitchen is fully licensed, offer local wines and beers, and offer outdoor seating, making it the perfect spot to relax, enjoy the view, and sip on some of the best coffee in town. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, River Kitchen is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience Nelson’s thriving coffee culture in a relaxed, picturesque setting.

81 Trafalgar St, Nelson | riverkitchennelson.co.nz |

A neighbourhood gem for brunch in the burbs. Nestled in the corner of the black cat shops in Annesbrook, Little Nessie is a cosy suburban café and a hidden gem of this community. Earning a reputation for great specialty coffee, and humble, delicious food - the warm and inviting atmosphere has been a welcome addition to the Nelson coffee scene. The small menu offers some staple brunch flavours along with a handful of house-made specialties unique to Little Nessie. With a nod to Scottish roots, an eclectic mix of art and furniture and a friendly and attentive crew, it provides the perfect backdrop for a delicious brew, breakfast or lunch with friends and family.

Akersten St, Port Nelson | |

143

Little Nessie Café

River Kitchen

The Pantry

Discover the best local food and beverage products and their makers.

RABBIT ISLAND COFFEE CO. COFFEE CAPSULES

Discover our new coffee capsules and enjoy uncompromising quality in every cup! Crafted using our locally roasted, premium specialty coffee beans. Our delicious Seasonal Blend and Decaf capsules are available both online and at our Māpua Wharf Roastery. rabbitislandcoffee.co.nz |

PETE’S NATURAL FEIJOA

Dive into the distinct, aromatic taste of feijoa, crafted with 100% pure fruit juice and zero concentrates. petesnatural.co.nz

REAL MEALS BERRY SMOOTHIE

Elevate your adventure with our award-winning smoothie! Just add water to enjoy local berries and Appleby Farms vanilla ice cream. realmeals.co.nz

THE FRIENDLY FOOD CO. NA’CHO PROBLEM –MEXICAN SPICE MIX

Your new gut-friendly flavour for all your favourite Mexican dishes. This spice mix is smoky, rich and earthy with bold aromas of paprika, coriander, oregano and cocoa.

Low FODMAP – Gluten Free – Vegan

Contact Bianca & Kelsey at info@thefriendlyfoodco.nz thefriendlyfoodco.nz

UNDER THE HOOD BBQ ALL FIVE RUBS + SAUCE

Experience the full spectrum of Under the Hood BBQ flavours that we have created to develop our signature flavour profiles. All our products are gluten and dairy-free. underthehoodbbq.co.nz

PROPER CRISPS PROPER PARTNERS OF THE ASB CLASSIC

Keep an eye out for the limitededition Marlborough Sea Salt Crisps hitting shelves all around the country this month. Summer snacking at it’s finest. propercrisps.com |

JOK’N’AL JAMS, SAUCES AND CONDIMENTS

Diabetic friendly, gluten-free and vegan. A delicious low-sugar alternative to jams, pickles, condiments, savoury sauces, and toppings.

Shop online, or at NBM Asian Street Eats 105 Hardy St, Nelson joknal.co.nz

Solander Gourmet Seafood

Oceano Restaurant

Discover Founders Café in Nelson, where good, honest food, meets local craft beer and Tohu wine. Enjoy welcoming service in a family-friendly atmosphere with a playground for the kids. Savour diverse flavours during Food Truck Fridays from spring till autumn, complemented by live music. Join local DJs and musicians for the well-loved Sunday Sessions over summer, where the beer garden becomes alive with music.

87 Atawhai Drive, The Wood, Nelson 03 548 4638 founderscafe.co.nz |

Step into Victus Coffee and Eatery for freshly brewed Ozone coffee, delicious food, and friendly smiles. Local ingredients, compostable packaging, and giving back to the community are important to Victus, who blend sustainability and mouth-watering flavors into a cozy, welcoming space you’ll love!

For all your fresh fish and seafood favourites for summer BBQs, vibrant paellas, and refreshing fish salads, keep it local with Solander. Enjoy the finest seafood from Nelson and across NZ, available online and delivered straight to your door.

Choose from Solander’s premium selection of seafood and gourmet products to make your summer dining experiences healthy, delicious, and unforgettable.

0800 555 548 seafood@solander.com gourmetseafood.co.nz |

McCashin’s Tap Room

Enjoy the perfect sunny afternoon in our spacious garden bar. Sip a locally brewed craft beer made on-site, while indulging in our delicious menu that features pizzas, seasonal dishes, and more. Whether you’re planning a special event or simply looking for a laid-back spot to enjoy great food and drinks, McCashin’s has you covered. Open Tuesday to Sunday.

Located on the second floor of Rutherford Hotel Nelson, Oceano Restaurant offers panoramic views for an unforgettable dining experience that compounds familiar flavours and contemporary cooking techniques. Savor an exceptional evening out with our extensive wine list, delicious food and fantastic service.

Level Two, Rutherford Hotel Nelson 27 Nile St West 03 548 2299 rutherfordhotel.nz

A bright, airy café established in an iconic Art Deco building a short walk from Tahuna Beach.

Pastries and treats are baked in-house, and their small menu features seasonal produce from local suppliers. A great spot for breakfast, lunch, or coffee. Open Tue – Sun, 7am – 2pm.

111 Bridge St, Nelson victus.nz

660 Main Road, Stoke 03 547 0329 mccashins.co.nz

|

Tahuna Breakfast Club

37 Tahunanui Drive, Nelson

Victus Coffee & Eatery

Founders Café

Mapua Village Bakery

Come inside and experience the warm and friendly café full of delicious smells of baking, or sit outside and soak up the sun with something tasty.

Gluten-free options, specialty breads every day of the week, over 35 different pies, sandwiches, pastries, and sweets - all baked on site. Top it off with some Atomic coffee.

68 Aranui Rd, Mapua 03 540 3656 mapuavillagebakery.co.nz

Miracle Restaurant

Famous for classic Chinese and signature Thai family dishes, Miracle Restaurant offers rich and diverse Asian fusion cuisine with Yum Cha available all day. Come and meet Mira - Miracle’s friendly robot who will deliver dishes to your table and even sing happy birthday. Popular set menus are available for individual diners, and all menu items can be ordered online for takeaway. Fully licensed and open 7 days for lunch and dinner.

200 Hardy St, Nelson 03 545 8163 miracleasian.co.nz

With three great locations you can enjoy Indian Café’s delicious food no matter where you are. Head in and find out why Indian Café is the favourite choice for anyone looking for the highest quality food and a memorable cuisine experience.

All venues offer intimate restaurant dining courtyard settings and takeaway options.

94 Collingwood St, Nelson | 03 548 4089 266 Queen St, Richmond | 03 544 8979 201 Songer St, Stoke | 03 547 0008 theindiancafe.co.nz

The Views

With panoramic views of Kaiteriteri, The Views vegetarian restaurant at Kimi Ora Eco Resort offers a relaxing dining experience. With locally sourced seasonal produce, chefs delight in creating a fusion of flavours for you to savour. Vegan and gluten-free options are available, with a variety of regional wine, beer and cider. Bookings essential.

Open Thurs - Sat 5.30pm - 8.30pm.

99 Martin Farm Rd, Kaiteriteri 03 527 8027 kimiora.com/restaurant |

Anchor Restaurant and Bar

Top quality food is best served with amazing ocean views! Blessed with a fantastic spot on the water, you will feel welcomed and won’t want to leave.

Specialising in local seafood and steaks, there are also delectable choices for non-meat eaters, people with special dietary needs and kids.

62 Vickerman St, Port Nelson 03 546 6614

anchorrestaurant.co.nz

The Grape Escape

Nestled in a beautiful country garden, The Grape Escape Café is the perfect place to relax and enjoy great food and superb coffee.

Whether you would like brunch, lunch or afternoon tea, enjoy the ambience of our cosy café. Relax on the deck, outdoors under a sun umbrella, or in the shade of a tree enjoying the garden.

143 McShane Road, Appleby 03 544 4341

thegrapeescapecafe.co.nz |

The Indian Café

Looking for some fun?

WHAT’S ON

NELSON / TASMAN?

On now – 21 Nov RIPPLE – ART EXHIBITION

Group exhibition featuring both local and nationwide artists. Showcasing artworks that embody movement while balancing calm. Immersing the viewer in the motion, flow…and ripples created by art.

Open daily 10am – 5pm.

The Coolstore Gallery, Māpua Wharf

Wednesdays NELSON FARMERS MARKET

The Nelson Farmers Market consists of local growers and producers selling direct to you. We specialise in providing affordable produce and artisan food. 8am to 1pm.

23 Halifax Street (next to Elma Turner library)

On now - 23 Nov

ARTIST GOES WILD EXHIBITION

Lisa Chandler’s new series is a response to her desire to do something positive to help support our planet. 5% of sales will go to the ‘Trees That Count’ website supporting local native tree planting.

Artist Talk: 2pm, 2nd November.

Quiet Dog Gallery

3 November

ST JOSEPH’S SPRING GALA

Fun-filled activities and events for all ages. This Gala is set to be one of our best and brightest to raise money to finish our school pool refurbishment.

St Joseph School

9 & 10 November

CYNTHIA & GERTIE RIDE AGAIN!

Direct from Circa Theatre, Wellington, the magnificent diva Cynthia Fortitude (Helen Moulder) is giving a musical lecture for the first meeting of the Nelson Tasman Opera Guild (NELTOG). “The most I’ve laughed all year.”Regional News.

Theatre Royal

24 November THE GREAT CHRISTMAS MARKET

Founders will yet again be gracing us with its beauty and charm hosting over 150 of the region’s finest boutique makers. You’ll find unique, handmade gifts for all of your loved ones this Christmas. 9am-4pm.

Founders Heritage Park

29 & 30 November

JOY TO THE WORLDA KIWI CHRISTMAS

Nelson Civic Choir with soloists and orchestra.

Director Jason Balla. Tickets on sale from NCMA.

23

November

INSPIRE ME

An exciting and varied concert featuring inspiring music from the mentor and the protégé.

20

November

PARIS CHAMBER PLAYERS

One of France’s leading chamber ensembles with a delightfully classical programme featuring the Beethoven Septet and Schubert Octet, two masterpieces of the chamber repertoire, 8pm.

Nelson Cathedral

27

& 28 November

DANCING QUEEN

Secure your seats for a night of fun, frivolity and pop hits galore! Featuring internationally acclaimed impersonators

ABBAsolutely fABBAulous, Dancing

Queen: A Tribute to ABBA gives fans of all ages a chance to relive the ABBA concert experience, celebrate the music of ABBA and dance the night away!

Theatre Royal

24

November

MACBETH

Get ready for an unforgettable twist on Shakespeare’s Macbeth! Join us for a thrilling, saucy rendition of this classic tragedy, reimagined with a sassy, sexy bluegrass flair by award-winning theatre company, The Barden Party.

Theatre Royal

23-24 November

NELSON A&P SHOW

Come celebrate the 130th Show with the excavator competition, equestrian events, doggy fashion show, terrier racing, gumboot throw, wood chopping and dog trials, trade stalls, shearing and the Animal Barn.

Richmond Park Showgrounds

27 Nov - 12 Jan

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL

A popular family inner-city holiday event, featuring the Cathedral filled with wonderful and unique Christmas trees, decorated by community groups. Weekday lunchtime music concerts during December and late nights December 13 and 20. Open daily 8:30am-7pm; children free, adults entry by donation.

Nelson Cathedral

Nelson Cathedral

30 November

TREWAVAS STREET ART WALK

Showcasing over 35 emerging and existing artists from Motueka and the surrounding areas. Pop into one of the houses marked with a yellow flag, grab yourself a map and get exploring. 10am – 3pm. On rain or shine!

Trewavas St, Motueka

NCMA

Hardy St Eatery

1. Brenda Gregory and Adam O’Loughlin

2. Ruy Zuniga, Maria Grau and Fritz Kuckuck

3. Erin Colane and James Rutherford

4. Felicity Hawkridge and Rozmeri Leatham 5 Kate Benson and Katarina Milne

6. Sarah Hedger and Graeme Giles

7. Katie Denley and Tracey Sheehy

8. Karen Johnston, Kim Odendaal and Julie Byrant

Beachside Conference and Events Centre

1. Andrew and Karen Goodger

2. Libby Bolland, Debbie Cooper-Norriss and Wendy Lindbom

3. Emma Cornish and Wendy Llewellyn

4. Emma Silke-French and Jane Baken

5 Melissa Lochhead and Brooke Silke-Atkins

6. Sue Mullaly and Sally Jones

7. Steve and Christine Hatton and Blair Cameron

8. Wendy and Graeme Blincoe

Cutting Edge Signs’ 25th birthday

135 St Vincent Street, Nelson

2.

3.

4. Danni Bett and Sophie Jackson

5 Matt Guthardt and Chantal Hijmering

6. Matt Elliot and Frank Witowski

7. Pic Picot, Pete Rainey and Mark Christensen

8. Ru Collin and Joseph Norris

1. Brooke Carppe, Aimee Mirfin and Craig Stove

Arko Biswas, Donna McLeod and Te Hau Pānārae

Graham Thomas and Chanaka Rukmal

Wiphala Studio

Top of the South Film Festival

Suter Art Gallery

4.

5

6. Nick Gastrell and Kris Cavit

7. Virginie Le Brun and Ellie Vincent

8. Murry Robertson, Chaiyaphat Kohskarika and Craig Robertson

9. Steve Barr and Josh Robertson

1. Donna Botha and Naomi Strain

2. Joiser Castilho and JP Carrington

3. Kay McQuire and Simon Owen

Lily Martin and Netty Hine

Lynds Woods and Jeremy Mackay

Chey Habib

Stacey Pink November VIP opening

249 Queen Street

5.

6.

7.

1. Suzanna Pearson, Jackie Gibbs-Beaton and Tracy Lyall

2. Anna Lillico and Helen Lynch

3. Natalie Petersen and Angela McDowall

4. May Armstrong and Laura Paynter

Steph Collett and Michelle Hunt

Chicchan and Janet Needham

Kate Hislop and Elanor Herd

8. Natalie Petersen, Asami White and Angela McDowall

Chey Habib

44 VAN DIEMEN ST NELSON

A home perfect for families wanting to be close to the colleges.

44 Van Diemen Street is a beautifully preserved 1920s character home nestled on the city fringe in Nelson’s dress circle. A home perfect for families wanting to be close to the colleges. This elevated site is bound by park and reserve on two sides, offering privacy and the assurance that your views will never be built out. Topping it off, you are little more than a 10-minute walk to the church steps.

Debbie Cooper-Norriss 021 0252 8294

debbie@thecoopergroup.co.nz

Tasha Workman 027 244 4152

tasha@thecoopergroup.co.nz

Debbie Cooper Real Estate Ltd (Licensed under REAA 2008)

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