Nelson Weekly - 11 January 2023

Music descends on Nelson

After being cancelled in 2022 due to Covid-19, Bay Dreams (pictured right) returned in style with a host of international acts taking to the main stage at Rutherford Park last Thursday. While rain ponchos around the city flew off the shelves, the energy of the crowd was electric. From a silent disco with two DJs performing simultaneously to a dark and electric music-focused stage inside the Trafalgar Centre, there was something for every one of the 10,000 fans who were expected to be in attendance. The following day, the park was once again transformed into a music mecca for A Summer’s Day Live (pictured above) featuring UB40, Jefferson Starship and Dragon. However, a post on social media by organisers Neptune Entertainment hours before gates were scheduled to open said an oversight in their liquor licence application had forced them to make the event R18 at the last minute, leaving many unable to attend.

Photos: Evan Barnes.

Unicorn stolen from iconic Rocks Rd house

Dundee, Scotland as a museum – and ended up costing Caleb $17,000.

A $17,000 unicorn sculpture has been stolen from an iconic Rocks Rd property that has been red-stickered since the August floods.

Caleb Harcus owns the colloquially known ‘Red House’ and is disappointed to see the sculpture missing.

“They had gone to a grand old effort to get it down,” he says. “They would have had to get a good look at it and figure out how it was bolted and use the appropriate tools to get it down.”

The sculpture was held high above the ground by three poles and bolted to a concrete pad.

The unicorn is a replica of the figurehead on the HMS Unicorn – one of the oldest still-floating ships in the world, launched in 1824 and currently docked in

“I spent way too much getting the ship’s figurehead carved,” he says.

“[The carver] did such a beautiful job of it.”

Except for its wooden horn, the figurehead is polystyrene and was painstakingly replicated in Auckland with Scotland’s royal banner of arms even being substituted for Nelson’s coat of arms, before it was coated in 12 layers of paint.

Caleb says he’s concerned the sculpture was damaged when it was removed but would love to see it returned anyway.

He doesn’t believe it would have been taken if the Red House had been occupied.

The house was empty, having been red-stickered after the August 2022 weather event brought a mudslide down and took the house off its piles. Caleb said he

was “flattered” by an outpouring of public support after people saw the damaged house but says he’s doing fine.

“I wasn’t affected at all,” he says.

“It was my tenant Alana who got

moved out at the last minute, and all her gear is going mouldy in there.”

But the beloved house’s future is uncertain.

Caleb says the Earthquake Com-

mission needs to figure out what they want to do with all the mud before the house can be assessed, but there’s a chance excavation could bring more of the hillside down.

“I’m not the slightest bit worried about it all,” he says.

“There were so many people who were affected, I wasn’t affected in the slightest.

“For me, it was just a rental property.”

The Red House is one of 19 Nelson homes still red-stickered or uninhabitable.

A further 84 homes are still yellow-stickered, meaning tha the homes can only be entered temporarily.

Belinda Clark

MAX FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter

The sculpture (pictured right) was a replica of the HMS Unicorn’s figurehead and has disappeared since the house was red-stickered after the August slips. Photo: Max Frethey.

What are your summer plans?

Stephanie Stuart

“I’m from Rai, so it’s great the road is open. We are going to spend some time in Nelson and Kaiteriteri.”

Brian Broad

“Doing nothing until after the new year.”

Elizabeth Bean

“Relaxing with family and friends, swimming and going out to ride the Great Taste Trail.”

Romain Chapat

“Moving to Nelson from Wellington.”

Car ploughs onto Ridgeway property

SARA HOLLYMAN

Aaron Simms’ fence that was built just three years ago has become a patchwork quilt of repair jobs after yet another car ploughed through it last week, missing his home by centimetres.

It’s not the first time a vehicle has failed to take the turn from Marsden Valley Rd onto The Ridgeway; a Hilux also careening onto the property in 2017.

Aaron’s neighbour has also had cars smash through their fence on two separate occasions during the same time period. It is understood the previous residents also had similar issues.

Now, Aaron wants Nelson City Council to install some protection, such as bollards, along the roadside in front of the two affected properties as a shortterm solution to protect his family while a long-term solution is worked through.

“That’s almost one a year, which is crazy,” he says of the serious incidents, which luckily didn’t leave anyone with serious injuries this time.

But Aaron says it could’ve been different and worries about letting his two young children out to play in the front yard, as

does his wife Lyrus.

“We realise that the whole intersection is a danger, there are a lot of different issues. You’re pretty much taking a gamble every time,” he says of crossing the intersection.

The couple had just got to sleep when the car smashed through their fence and dropped the few metres onto their front lawn, taking out their garden and coming to rest against the edge of a bedroom shortly before midnight last Tuesday.

Both Aaron, Lyrus and their four-year-old were woken instantly as were the residents surrounding them.

“We even had people come up from Taupata St on their bikes.”

Aaron says talks with council have been positive and he un-

derstands they are developing plans for the intersection including how to make it safer for pedestrians. A lot of the plans however are long-term solutions. Aaron wants to see the installation of railings or bollards in front of their homes.

“They definitely haven’t said no, so we’re not complaining about that. But we would like to see what other people’s experiences have been.

“For me, the main issue is that now there’s evidence of this happening, I want to get proactive. I think there will be a good outcome, it’s more if you don’t say anything, nothing will happen.” The family want to hear from others, particularly past residents to help build a better picture for council.

A car careened through The Ridgeway property’s fence and down a steep drop, just missing the house. Photo: Supplied.

Missing water dragon makes her way home

After two long months the second of two missing water dragons has made her way home to Natureland.

Marge remained on the loose after her and fellow water dragon Scauldron’s enclosure at Natureland Wildlife Park was broken into in October last year.

Scauldron, a male water dragon with medical issues, was found by a Tāhunanui resident sitting on a garden fence in November.

At the time, keeper Alix Rimmer said it had renewed hope that female Marge would also be found. But as the weeks crept on, with no sightings of her, hope started to

dwindle. But Marge has now been found, right behind the enclosure she was taken from. On Tuesday, 27 December, one of the keepers walked behind the enclosure that had been broken into and saw a water dragon.

“He was like ‘um, there’s Marge, what’s she doing there’,” animal care team leader Jos Kater says. “It was quite a warm sunny day and he just saw a water dragon run away.”

Two keepers ran out to the perimeter of the park and managed to capture her. She was immediately placed in a separate enclosure to be inspected by a vet.

“We were in happy shock, first we were like ‘no, that’s not real’, we

were checking none of the other dragons had got out,” Jos says. Jos speculates that since she was taken, Marge had been hiding out in the dense hedging surrounding the park.

“I think she just stayed there. Because it was still quite cold when she left, she just hid. Our hedge is quite thick and has quite a lot of sticks and things to hide in and would have loads of insects to feed on.”

Marge did suffer an injury to her tail during her two month hiatus which is currently being treated by a vet, but other than that is in good health.

“She’s very lively, very active and eating well,” Jos says.

ART COMES TO QUEENS GARDENS: Fifty years of Art in the Park is being celebrated this weekend at Queens Gardens. More than 40 artists from Art Group Nelson will be selling their original artwork at the free event on Saturday 14 January. Art Group Nelson was formed in 1970 and now has more than 120 members. Pictured from left are local artists Desiree Henry and Brian Dobson who will be taking part in the exhibition. Brian remembers his first time at the exhibition in 1983 and has been part of Art Group Nelson for 40 years, on and off. After moving to Australia to paint professionally, Brian came back to Nelson and says he is looking forward to Saturday’s event. “I’ve exhibited all around Australia, but this one is special. It has a real buzz about it and people always look forward to it.” For Desiree, this will be her first time exhibiting at Queens Gardens after joining the group last year.

Photo: Kate Russell.

SARA HOLLYMAN

Marge has been missing from Natureland since October, but is now safely home again. Photo: Supplied.

New annual pass for museum

MAX FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter

The Nelson Provincial Museum has started 2023 with a new initiative to raise funds for the construction of its purpose-built collections facility.

The Whānau and Friends of the Museum is a new annual subscription service that will offer exclusive benefits for members, the first such initiative of its kind.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for people to really discover about the riches and the amazing collection that we have,” says chief executive Lucinda Blackley-Jimson.

Funds raised from the sale of the subscription will go towards the museum’s Archives, Research and Collections Facility (ARC), which will be built just behind the museum at 11 Church Street.

“Its primary purpose is storage but we’re also wanting to increase accessibility to the collection.”

The museum’s collection is currently stored in the Research Facility at Isel Park. However, the building is in a dire state which is why the new facility is needed.

“It’s really at the end of it’s useful life,” Lucinda says.

Staff at the Isel Park facility and the collection itself are at risk from a lack of water tightness, asbestos roofing, seismic events, and flooding. It’s also impossible to easily maintain an even temperature and humidity which are vital factors in preserving the collection.

Some museum collection items which are vulnerable to changing conditions include wooden taonga, textiles, fine art, and hand-written diaries from World War I, so a purpose-built area is vital in keeping items like these safe, Lucinda says.

“[The new ARC facility] would give us a facility that is able to

protect all the collection for future generations.”

The ARC is estimated to cost $12 million but more than half of that amount has already been provided by the Nelson City and Tasman District Councils, and other funders.

“We will be talking to central government and the Ministry of Culture and Heritage for other major contributions as well. But absolutely every dollar counts at the moment to get us over the line to when we can actually commit to building.”

partnered with

Use the right car, at the right t ime, for only as long as you need it.

the best of both worlds!

The pass will help fund the construction of the Nelson Provincial Museum’s Archives, Research, and Collections Facility on 11 Church St. Photo: Max Frethey.

Victorian volunteering: a glimpse of Broadgreen House

MAX FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter

If you find yourself with a bit of extra time on your hands this summer, why not head down to Broadgreen Historic House and learn a bit of Nelson’s unique history?

Guided tours can be taken of the Victorian house, built in 1855 for Edmund Buxton and his family, led by volunteers such as Rosalie Jones.

She first got involved ten years ago through a friend who also volunteered at Broadgreen House, but she’s stayed due to the unique character of the place.

“Nelson doesn’t have a lot of old places like that where people can visit and see what life was like in Victorian and Edwardian times,” she says. “It seemed to me a worthwhile thing to do.”

The house has been furnished and restored to give visitors the best impressions of the time, with several antiques including a child’s chair made from wood salvaged from the wreck of the Fifeshire, a Broadwood piano brought to Nelson in 1842, and an English grandfather clock from the 1750s.

There’s something of interest for everyone. Children can learn what early settlers did with their time without television and older visitors can take a walk down memory lane and be reminded of things from their parents’ or grandparents’ houses.

“It’s lovely,” Rosalie says. “It’s really interesting to see all different ages who react differently and find the place interest-

ing.”

The house is also home to an extensive textile and period costume collection which includes some of Nelson’s early pioneer gowns and accessories.

“We need to remember what life was like for the early European settlers here.”

The building’s name, Broadgreen House, comes from the Broadgreen suburb of Liverpool – the city where the Buxtons came from.

Edmund Buxton’s legacy remains in Nelson, with the Buxton Square carpark in the city centre bearing his name having been part of his town acre where his general store once stood.

To learn more about Broadgreen Historic House, the Buxton family, and colonial Nelson, feel free to visit and get a tour from a volun-

teer like Rosalie, who says people should “definitely” come and visit.

“So many people, who are locals, say ‘I’ve lived here for 50 years and it’s the first time I’ve visited,’” she says, so it’s never too late to stop by.

Entry is free for Nelson and Tasman residents, and the house’s summer opening hours are 10:30am to 4:30pm, seven days a week. And if you find yourself with spare time, you might consider volunteering.

“We’re all getting a bit older,” Rosalie says. “So we’re always looking for more volunteers to come in and keep this house open to the public… It’s a place worthy of preservation.”

If you go down to the woods today...

Hundreds of teddy bears, dogs and children descended on Isel Park for the annual Teddy Bear’s Picnic on Sunday. A huge range of activities kept the kids entertained including a bug hunt, music, face painting and a teddy bear medical station which Micah Paynter, 7 (pictured top) made use of by getting his teddy bandaged up. Live entertainment drew the attention of many of the children including Hazel O’Malley, 3, and her bear, (pictured above), who both enjoyed the welcome break in the rain to lay out the picnic blanket with their family.

Sara Hollyman.

Movies

They’re on the Nelson App

Rosalie Jones has volunteered at Broadgreen Historic House for ten years because it seemed “a worthwhile thing to do.” Photo: Max Frethey.

Photos:

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Seven Nelsonians were honoured at New

JUDENE EDGAR

It was a happy and surprising new year for seven Nelsonians who received New Year Honours for services to everything from sport to education and conservation.

Leigh Gibbs

Leigh Gibbs was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) for services to netball, having been a player, coach, umpire and administrator in the sport for 50 years.

At the start of 2021 Leigh returned to New Zealand, taking up the role of general manager of Nelson Netball Centre to oversee the thousands of local members from years 1 and 2 juniors through to competition and social grades.

Kath Walker

Dr Kath Walker was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) after devoting four decades to the welfare of the unique and quirky powelliphanta land snails and the study and protection of Antipodean wandering albatrosses.

A scientist with the Wildlife Service and then the Department of Conservation, Kath initiated establishment of the Rotoiti ‘Mainland Island’ and eradication of rodents on Motuara and Chetwode Islands, which are now bird sanctuaries. She conducted a nationwide survey of giant carnivorous Powelliphanta snails, providing advice on their protection and raising public awareness of their threatened status.

Elliott, she has been monitoring the health of albatross populations since an expedition in 1989 in search of the elusive and vulnerable Auckland Rail albatross on Adams Island peaked their interest. Since then, they have undertaken annual expeditions to Adams and Antipodes Islands, in their holidays, to study the population in order to halt their downward trajectory in numbers.

Waihaere Mason

Waihaere Mason (Ngāti Kuia, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Rangitāne o Wairau, Ngāti Rārua, Te Atiawa o Te Waipounamu) was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to Māori and education. He retired from teaching as principal of Nelson Intermediate in 2006 after 45 years of service. He also had many years of service on the Ngāti Kuia Trust Board, which included over 20 years as chairman.

Eileen Harvey-Thawley received a Queen’s Service Medal for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community. She has volunteered with the Māpua Volunteer Fire Brigade since the mid-1990s, including as operational support officer since 2004 and treasurer since 2006.

At age 83, she continues to respond to emergency callouts, providing operational support at the station and waiting until crews return.

A keen historian, she has helped organise historical displays at Māpua Wharf and in Upper Moutere. She has also been a Board member of Moutere Hills Cemetery since 1990, helping with the recognition of sites of historical significance in Māpua and Moutere.

Tony Gray

However, Tony says that the key to his success has been the incredibly capable colleagues he’s had around him.

“I’ve been lucky enough to get something, but I wouldn’t have without the support of all my colleagues and friends.”

Despite his successes in education, his first job was farming. Describing himself as “not good at school”, his parents weren’t happy when he left to work on a farm. Nonetheless, his father’s advice was to ‘do the best you can do’, and that advice has stuck with him throughout his life. However, it didn’t take long for the farm owner to recognise Tony’s potential, and he advised him to go to college. He studied agriculture and animal science part-time

A Silver Fern for nine years, she played in three Netball World Cups, including captaining the 1987 team, which is often described as the greatest New Zealand team of all. Leigh was appointed coach of the Silver Ferns in 1994. She was made an Honorary Life Member of Netball New Zealand in 2017.

In 2004, she discovered a previously unknown species on the Stockton Plateau which she named Powelliphanta augusta, and after its habitat was destroyed helped DOC for 17 years to keep the snails alive in captivity and spearheaded efforts to have its habitat restored.

Along with her partner Graeme

Waihaere held a leading role within the Kurahaupō Iwi Large Natural Group of Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Rangitāne, and Ngāti Kuia, negotiating respective settlements through the Waitangi Tribunal process in 2010, the initial Aquaculture Settlement in 2004 and settlement for Water Space in 2015.

Eileen Harvey-Thawley

Described as “a strong and inspirational leader” of Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT), Tony Gray’s 37-year career in education has been acknowledged in the New Year Honours when he was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to education.

“I was so surprised and the immediate reaction is ‘why’,” he says.

“You only ever think of other people getting these awards, but when it happens to you, it’s pretty humbling.”

Dare to Learn - 2023

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Is there an author hidden within you? The Life Writing – Creative Non-fiction course is a creative writing class. Tutor Kindra Douglas will encourage you to write with sincerity and heart, drawing upon your own experiences as the basis for the creative non-fiction.

Practical

Learn and develop confidence to handle, and care for domestic animals. The Introduction to Animal Care course with Tutor Erika Kruidenier is a great starter for those passionate about animal care, those looking at becoming a new pet owner, or people wishing to do further study. Many more options can be chosen from the diverse range, but popular courses do fill quickly so book early.

For more information and to book online www.waimea.school.nz/ community-education or email ace@waimea.school.nz or phone Jo Johnston 544-6099 (870).

Self-Defence tutor Anna Bulley

Leigh Gibbs

Tony Gray

Year for their service to the community

while working on the farm. Then, after undertaking postgraduate teaching qualifications, his first role was a lecturer in farm animal husbandry, animal science and farm management.

From there he moved into student services, then a vice-principal role, before becoming a chief executive overseeing the merger of two large educational institutes. Having been awarded a scholarship to travel to New Zealand while he was studying, he says that he “fell in love”, so when the opportunity came along to head up the International Hotel Management School in New Plymouth, Tony and the family jumped at the chance.

In 2006 he was successful in landing the chief executive role at NMIT. Under his leadership, NMIT developed into the prime educator for regional industries that include aquaculture, viticulture, aviation and maritime training.

“I never really thought about how long I’d stay there, but I loved NMIT,” he says. “There were so many opportunities to do things and the capability and skills of the colleagues around me was fantas-

tic.”

After transforming NMIT into one of the best performing educational institutes in the country, Tony took up a new challenge, chief executive of Ara Institute of Canterbury. With the merger of the country’s polytechnics, Tony found a fresh opportunity to add value, shifting back to Nelson in 2021 to take up the role of chief executive of the Nelson Tasman Hospice.

“They do amazing work and to be part of something like that is a real privilege.”

Paul Morgan

Paul Morgan (Ngāti Rārua, Te Māhurehure) has dedicated his life to serving his people. He is widely respected locally, nationally and internationally as an astute Māori leader and entrepreneur who has been at the forefront of economic development, sustainable leadership and political advocacy for Māori for nearly four decades. In recognition of his services to Māori and business, Paul was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the New Year Honours. Paul is passionate about investing

in and building a new future for the generations to come and is committed to developing young leaders.

The award recognises the work that Paul has done for the whānau of Wakatū as a director since 1986 and chairman since 2001 of the Wakatū Board, as well as his significant contribution for 10 years as chief executive of the Federation of Māori Authorities. Paul spends a lot of his time connecting with other people through social media and travelling overseas to explore ideas, opportunities, and options. He’s also a strong advocate for science-based solutions, particularly when it comes to creating a more circular, renewable economy, and supporting innovations.

Paul has also been instrumental in helping iwi reclaim land of their forebears to develop commercial and social enterprises to restore social and economic wellbeing of Māori. For more than 30 years, he dedicated himself to seeking restitution associated with the Nelson Tenths and Occupation Lands, which included years of research and travel through the nation to engage with families affected. The claim was settled in 2017 when the Supreme Court recognised that the Crown owes legally-binding duties to Māori landowners, independently of the Treaty of Waitangi or statute.

Nathan Fa’avae

Nathan Fa’avae was made an Officer of the NZ Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to adventure racing, outdoor education and the Pacific community.

“You don’t set out to achieve something like this, but it’s quite nice to be acknowledged for the things I’ve done. I feel very honoured,” he says. While he acknowledged that there are “tons of people that do great work in the community that go unnoticed”, he says that he was

delighted that it recognised his efforts beyond sport, helping the community.

Nathan captains the New Zealand Adventure Racing Team and has led them to win seven world championships, including the most recent in 2022 hosted in Paraguay. He pioneered women’s adventure racing, establishing the Spring Challenge Women’s Adventure Race in 2007 to encourage participation of women in adventure sport. Nathan is also Patron of Whenua-Iti Outdoors in Tasman, encouraging youth into outdoor activities.

And despite creating quite a legacy of his own, one of his latest challenges is continuing the legacy that his parents, Filemoni (Phil) and Jan Fa’avae built, supporting Pasifika youth in Nelson through the Fa’avae Foundation. In 2021, Nathan and his siblings Braden and Zariana partnered with the Top of the South Community Foundation to create a fund to support Pasifika youth to access outdoor education programmes.

“Our vision is to remove financial and other barriers for whatever their goals are,” he says.

Paul Morgan

Declan McCormack, Joe Barclay and Kate Knight

Jeremy Cochrone and Liam King

Katie Jackson and Courtz Harrison

Cameron Beal and John Wall

Paddy Miller-Leef, Nic Hone and Connor Higgins

Mooqadas Amiri, Megan Riddell, Khalida Amiri, Hanifa Niazai and Ebraham Amiri Hannah and Matt Renew with Xander, 2, and Leo, 2

April Stewart, Jazz Karki (Jim Bear) and Amelia Stewart

Heyden and Henry Nunn Danni Granich, Asha Trill and Aaliyah O’Connor

Medical Officer of Health Dr Rachel Eyre

on safe summer travel

As a Medical Officer of Health I am passionate about community health and wellbeing, and for me this summer, that means staying safe while heading away, receiving visitors, or attending large events.

In all of those situations, maintaining those healthy habits we’ve developed will go a long way to prevent infection in the first place: keeping up good hygiene; coughing and sneezing into elbows; avoiding or limiting time in crowded spaces. Masks are best worn in indoor situations where there are strangers, or in crowded and poorly ventilated spaces. Summer hopefully means we can spend most of our time outdoors!

Even if an event is outdoors please don’t take part if you are sick, have symptoms of COVID-19 or test positive for COVID-19. I know it’s not an easy ask if you’ve paid for and booked into an event you’ve looked forward to. However, large events have the potential for being super spreader situations. Even if you were to come off lightly, someone else may be highly vulnerable and develop serious complications.

When you develop your holiday list, include hand sanitiser, masks, enough of your usual medication to see you through, and RAT tests. Ideally, bring 5 RATs per person, that way if you or someone you are travelling with becomes unwell you can test immediately.

The isolation period is seven days, so have a plan for where to isolate if you get sick while away from home. Returning home is possible if you have a private vehicle, can get home with no overnight stays, and without a flight, ferry, or other public transportation. Otherwise, you must isolate somewhere without shared facilities. Talk to your accommodation provider ahead of time. If you are travelling to stay with friends or family, discuss if there is a part of their home you can stay in without putting them at risk.

We’ve all worked hard and want to unwind, and let’s do so knowing that we are keeping ourselves and everyone else around us safe.

If you are a visitor, we hope you have a great time while you are here and take away wonderful memories of our little piece of paradise.

Pharmacies and urgent care centres (Marlborough Urgent Care, Golden Bay Urgent Care and the Medical and Injury Centre in Nelson) remain open. To find opening hours and locations visit www.HealthPoint.co.nz

As COVID-19 case numbers climb again and are anticipated to peak over the festive period, it is important to be prepared and know how to keep safe while on holiday or when reconnecting with family and friends.

NOWOUT

Opinion

Have your say: sara@topsouthmedia.co.nz facebook.com/nelsonweekly

New Year resolutions

Here’s a New Year resolution anyone can keep: Resolve not to make any more New Year resolutions. Now, wasn’t that easy? If you’re trying to pay down your credit cards, quit smoking, get a new job, find a mate, or shed some excess poundage, abandoning New Year resolutions won’t get you off the hook. But by setting more realistic goals for yourself and not limiting yourself to a once-a-year, do-ordie, all-out assault on that Everest of debt, those flabby thighs, or the hideous wallpaper you keep meaning to replace, you may find that the finish line isn’t so far away after all. Impact of Covid has changed most of usual routine which reminds us to follow & stay safe, we are still here to fight.

Or, as the Rolling Stones put it, “you can’t always get what you want, but if you try some time, you just might find you get what you need.” Change your mindset.

Neelz Singh

Christmas message nothing of any value

I listened to the King’s Christmas message. He said absolutely nothing of any value. All we had were some clichés. The question that comes up is; Do we really need such a head of state here in NZ? He did not even mention the big things that we are all confronted with like global warming or the war in the Ukraine. The firm is falling apart at the seams with members leaving the sinking ship and members being disinherited for alleged sexual abuse, for which were paid millions to let the problem disappear under the carpet. Again, do we need a foreign head of state that is appointed only on the issue of birth, and not of quality???? I am sure NZ can do better than that with the quality New Zealanders we have, who could fulfil the role of president of New Zealand with dignity and intelligence. What are we waiting for?

Gerald

Moonen

Graduation surprise

Big congratulations, Sarah. What a time you’ve had.

Donna Wells

So amazing that was organised for her. Truly deserving. Sinéad Grace Ogilvie

Congratulations, Sarah! What a remarkable woman.

Bev Hamilton

Oh, I love good news like this! So lovely.

Becky Teerai Chitaka Duncan

Congratulations, Sarah. Just amazing reading the article.

Nissa Mowjood

1000 bike rides in 1000 days

Wow John, this is inspiring. I was the first on the scene at your last crash. So great to see you’re ok and reaching goals like this, you’re an inspiration!

Kate

Gaskell

Awesome John… So proud of you for continuing this challenge… You are one tough competitor!

Andrew McGlashen

Nelson Ferry: we can’t afford to lose it

I’ve lived here six years and didn’t know this service existed.

Clare

Guy

I hope it is kept in Nelson. We had a neat experience! My young kids still talk about Bruce and his ferry from our trip with him several months ago.

Gem

Burke

Bruce provides an incredible and unique experience. A highlight when I first moved to Whakatu and has remained so. Thanks for all your mahi, Bruce!

Halcione Hoare

It’s a fantastic ferry ride for school trips. Perfect size ferry.. shame if it’s not purchased locally to continue its services.

Julianne Topp

Half of ratepayers satisfied with council

I wonder how many of them voted. Janine Hannan

50% pretty good I would have thought as only around 50% eligible voters bother to vote.

John Sauer

That’s half too many!

Paul Newton

Pushed over the line and onto the podium

JACK MALCOLM

After his clutch blew up in the middle of the final race of the New Zealand Street Stock Championships in Blenheim, it looked like it all might be over for Nelson-based Steve Soper and his 97N car.

It was still running, but he couldn’t get power through the engine and was watching the chance at a podium slip from his grasp when he got shunted in the

back. Behind him was Nelson clubmate Cody McCarrison, who pushed Steve and his car around the track for the final five laps to earn third place and a number change to 3NZ.

“Going into a final like that, you’re not going to win by yourself,” says Steve.

“Me and Cody have been racing for years. We’ve always had each other’s back.”

Steve’s brother Perry also qualified for the final and was instru-

mental in helping him step onto the podium.

Perry’s aggressive driving took out several of the other top contenders before he also found himself on the infield grass, having broken down.

“All it takes is one person not wanting you to win the race. . . but all of the Nelson boys were sticking together,” Steve says.

“It’s not one or two guys that have done it, it’s all the Nelson guys who were over there.

“If it wasn’t for some of those guys in that repechage, Cody wouldn’t have even made the final.”

Steve had been sitting in fifth place coming into the final race, but with a field of bashed and broken cars it was still anyone’s game. After Saturday’s racing was cancelled due to poor weather, the final was rescheduled for Sunday with Steve saying he had to take Monday off to recover and start work on rebuilding his car.

He says his goals coming into the event were to qualify for the final, with everything after that being a bonus.

“It’s one of those sports where you can’t expect too much.

“I’m pretty bloody stoked.”

Now his car boasts the 3NZ number, he says he wants to do it as proud as all of the previous holders have done. “I want to get around the country and race with different guys at different tracks.”

While Tāhunanui isn’t well known for its waves, some of the best flat water rowers in the country, like Tokyo Olympic Gold medalist Emma Twigg (pictured), were challenged by the conditions at the New Zealand National Beach Sprint Championships last week. Competitors race on a 500-metre course, with a beach sprint to their boats before rowing around a buoy and back and one final sprint to the finish line. Photo: Evan Barnes/ Shuttersport.

help

Liv Taylor, Steve Soper, Neville Soper, Jenny Soper, Perry Soper and Holly Mortimer didn’t take long to change Steve’s racing number to 3NZ after he finished third at the New Zealand Street Stock Championships on Sunday. Photo: Supplied.

Volleyball

Local beach volleyball has a big upcoming weekend with back-to-back tournaments. Saturday sees the best local players in action at the Tasman Pipeline Championships, with national qualification points on offer, before the Kaiteri Beach Bash on Sunday which will be played between the tides on the Kaiteriteri Beach lagoon.

Cricket

Kurt Ward produced a century for Nelson

in their 100 run win over Marlborough in the first round of the Central Districts Year 9 and 10 tournament over the weekend. Kurt’s 107 runs before he hit wicket put his team in a commanding position through the first innings, before Preston Bartlett produced three wickets as they bowled out Marlborough for 157.

Softball

Nelson have finished in 12th place at the U19 softball nationals. After drawing a

GENERATIONS OF NELSON

Brought to you by Marsden House

We call it Annesbrook, that small patch of Nelson beside Enner Glynn. But it was originally “Anne’s Brook” the name given by Hugh Stafford in honour of his wife when he acquired the land in the early 1840s. Stafford Avenue runs

through it. Hugh Stafford was the “lesser” brother of Edward Stafford who was later elected Nelson’s first Provincial Superintendent. Both arrived in 1843 and took up blocks in the Waimea’s and later in the Awatere.

Generations of Nelson presents Snippets of History

The latest Snippets of History, Volume Four, is now available! Volumes 1–3 are $15 per book Volume 4 is $20 Or get the full set for just $60 Purchase from Marsden House or NZME. 41 Selwyn Place, Nelson.

YOUR GOALS

ALLIANCE – SEASONAL TEAM MEMBERS

Are you looking to earn some good money while you learn new skills? Right now, our Nelson plant is gearing up for a big 2022- 2023 season with a number of opportunities available. If you’ve got experience doing the mahi - awesome, give us a shout, but if you’ll be coming in fresh and just keen to learn and earn - that’s good too, we can train you up! We’re recruiting Butchers, Boners, Halal Slaughterers, and Labourers.

Ngā painga - what’s in it for you?

• Butchers: potential to earn an average of $1,365 based on a 40-hour working week, exclusive of overtime

• Boners: potential to earn an average of $1,374 based on a 40-hour working week, exclusive of overtime

• Halal Slaughterers: potential to earn an average of $1,353 based on a 40- hour working week, exclusive of overtime

• Labourers: earn a minimum of $26.50 per hour across a day, inclusive of allowances

• Minimum of 30 hours a week, usually 45 hours a week

• Up to 7 months of full-time seasonal employment

• Upskill yourself with an opportunity to gain NZQA qualifications

• Receive ongoing training and support

• Access to free onsite health services including a nurse, physiotherapist, counsellor

• Access to our free employee assistance programme

Ō pūkenga - about you

• You are eligible to work in New Zealand

• You will pass a pre-employment drug test and medical assessment

• You are willing and able to follow and respect workplace health and safety

• You enjoy working within a team environment

• You are physically fit, committed, and reliable

Apply online at www.alliancejobs.co.nz, by emailing nelson.botas@alliance.co.nz,

or visit us at the Nelson Plant, 910 Main Rd Stoke, 7011.

pool with Canterbury, Manawatu, North Harbour and Hawke’s Bay, the team struggled against the bigger centres but did find success with a 8-3 win over Manawatu.

Triathlon

William Richards has won the Tineli Cross Triathlon at Rabbit Island with a time of 44:08.6, finishing 13 seconds clear of Brad Richards in second place. Cohen Ferguson rounded out the overall podium having finished just after 45 minutes, while Lucy

Vincent won the women’s category with a 46:08.9, finishing fourth overall.

Speedway

Debris littered the track as Sam Richard limped home the last car still running in the Burson Logging Demolition Derby, which capped off the last Milestone Homes Top of the South Speedway meeting of 2022. His victory came after a busy night on track, with the biggest field of Super Stocks (12) in several years.

First-class cricket makes its local 2023 debut

JACK MALCOLM

Nelson’s summer of cricket reaches its highwater mark next Saturday as Saxton Oval hosts a doubleheader of firstclass T20 action.

Both the men’s and women’s Central Districts teams will be fighting for valuable competition points as they take on the Otago Volts and Sparks, with some of the best local and international stars in action.

Former ACOB all-rounder Josh Clarkson has been in top form for the Stags, having been instrumental in getting his team over the line through the start of their campaign.

With a three-win and one-loss record, they currently sit second on the competition’s leaderboards after being separated from first place by their net run rate.

Josh’s two half-centuries and a 46 not-out from just four innings have made waves, with

his powerful big hitting earning national media acclaim.

Bolstered by former Black Cap Ross Taylor, the men’s team have built a formidable batting lineup that has the depth to produce consistent results.

The internationally-experienced pair of Black Caps, all-rounder Doug Bracewell and spinner Ajaz Patel, round out a similarly dangerous bowling attack.

After the Hinds’ only other local game of the season was abandoned due to poor weather, the team will be eager to right their early season woes.

Having had five straight losses to start their campaign, the Hinds have a good chance to get their first taste of the winning column against a similarly struggling Otago Volts.

The Volts have built just two wins from their first five games, but are still formidable with Susie Bates opening their batting.

With Susie holding the highest individual score and batting average in the New Zealand Women’s Twenty20 cricket team, it will be up to local bowler Claudia Green to find the breakthroughs to get her team on the front foot.

Claudia, who won a Commonwealth bronze medal with the White Ferns last year, has been cutting her teeth in the local men’s premier grade competition in between her first-class commitments.

With seven wickets from less than 15 overs bowled in firstclass T20 cricket this season, she has been the team’s go-to first-up bowler with a best of 3-23 and an average of 15.42.

Gates open at 10am, Saturday January 21, with tickets for the doubleheader starting at $15 for an adult and $5 for a child, with free entry for under-fives and family passes also available.

Nelson Weekly has a family pass valued at $40 to give away. To enter, email a picture of your summer backyard cricket setup to: jack@topsouthmedia.co.nz

Annesbrook & The Stafford Brothers

Former ACOB all-rounder Josh Clarkson (fourth from left) celebrates a wicket with his Central District Stags teammates earlier this season. Next Saturday, the team will be in action at Saxton Oval as part of a doubleheader alongside the CD Hinds. Photo: Margot Butcher.

Community Notices

MONDAY

HAVEN QUILTERS Friendly group meets every Mon 9.30am in Nelson. Bring hand or machine work. $5 per session. For more information Ph: Lesley 027 295 4986.

TUESDAY

NZ CHRISTIAN WRITERS NELSON GROUP. Tues 17 Jan, 1-4pm. Richmond Baptist Church Lounge. Open to writers at all stages from wanna-be writers to published authors of all ages and whatever genre you use. For further details please Ph: Kay 0275476777 or kaypeterson4@xtra.co.nz.

NELSON 50+ WALKING GROUP Tues 17 Jan, Stephens Bay Saunter. Meet at 10am at Little Kaiteriteri. Do bring your own lunch. Ph: Nicky 021 1494809.

NELSON NEWBIES WALKING GROUP welcomes new people. Every Tues & Fri, 10am in Nelson, Stoke, Richmond. Ph: Karin 022 152 9963.

KIDS-N-KOFFEE PLAYGROUP Tues. 9.45-11.45am. All Saints crèche, 30 Vanguard St. Indoor, outdoor areas, crafts, toys, fellowship, music session. Ph: Lois 027 433 1213. No Charge.

COFFEE & CROSS Want to talk to someone about God, church, Jesus? No catch - join me for coffee at YAZA, 11-12 Tues. I'll listen. Rev. Gordon, wearing a Cross & Collar.

WEDNESDAY

STOKE TAHUNANUI LADIES’ REBUS CLUB welcomes new ladies to come along and enjoy fun fellowship and friendship. Meet 9.45am, 3rd Wed of month at Nelson Golf Club Bolt Rd. Ph: Diane 03 547 6331

RADIO CONTROL SAILING at Best Island on Wed and Sun, weather permitting, usually 1pm onwards. IOMs and Dragon Force etc. New Members welcome. Ph: Peter 027 544 3923 for information and times.

AIKIDO Want to learn self-defence and become more confident?

Do AIKIDO Japanese Martial Art. We have children’s classes from 8 -16yrs Wed & Fri 5pm – 6pm. Check out www.aikidonelson.nz or Ph: Callum 021 069 4211.

SCRABBLE CLUB meet every Wed, 7pm, Nelson City Club 1 Kinzet Terrace. Ph: Tony 545 1159 or Genie: 021 214 1270. All ages welcome.

MASSAGE THERAPY Wed, 9 -12pm. Victory Community Centre. Remedial massage is used to relieve tension in specific muscles that have built up due to injury or stress & may be causing pain & dysfunction. Contact us to make an appointment. Times available 9-9.45am, 10.30-11.15am. Cost: Sliding Scale - $5 - $40.

THURSDAY

WELLBY TALKING CAFÉ Thurs 12 Jan, 10 - 11.30am. Nightingale Library, Tāhunanui. Wellby Talking Cafés are about social connection and finding out about groups, activities, and services. www.wellby.org.nz 03 546 7681.

FOSTER CARE INFORMATION EVENING Thurs 9 Feb, 7pm. Interested in becoming a Foster Parent? Come find out about our Christian Foster Care programme. Light supper will be provided. 10D Kotua Place, Stoke. RSVP Mika at Open Home Foundation 027 461 0497 or mika.ito@ohf.org.nz

FRIDAY

COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE every Fri, 9-11.30am. Victory Community Centre. Designed to make treatment affordable and accessible for all. Dress comfortably in loose fitting clothing so you can roll up your pants and sleeves. Cost: Sliding Scale - $5 - $40

SATURDAY / SUNDAY

ART IN THE PARK 50TH ANNIVERSARY Sat, 14 Jan, 10-4pm. Queens Gardens. Over 40 exhibitors of original artwork and ceramics. Free event from Art Group Nelson.

HIGGINS HERITAGE PARK Sun, 15 Jan, 10-3pm. 222 Pigeon

DEADLINE: 10AM FRIDAY

50 WORDS OR LESS BY EMAIL ONLY

SEND TO: myevent@nelsonweekly.co.nz

Valley Rd, Wakefield - Museum sheds and park activities open day. Model trains, & jigger rides - a great place for a picnic www. higginsheritagepark.co.nz

WAIMEA HARRIERS Milnes Beatson Wakefield Roaster 10km and 5km fun run and walk Sat, 21 Jan. Everyone and all abilities welcome. See website for details. Queries Ph: 022 372 9432.

GENERAL GROUPS

NELSON RAILWAY Founders Park, Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sun. The Train will be running this week. On the hour from 11- 4pm. Updates on Facebook & Website.

THE SUTER ART SOCIETY Summer Exhibition. “Pay and Collect” until - 22 Jan. A selection of small paintings ideal for giving or posting to friends.

BEYOND THE FACE EXHIBITION by Age Concern Nelson Tasman. Until 27 Jan, 9-5pm. Pūtangitangi Greenmeadows. Come along and find out the interesting story behind the face.

ART EXHIBITION - During the month of Jan. In the Art Corner of the Nelson Golf Club Cafe, 38 Bolt Road Tāhunanui. A display of Art Work by three Local Artists, Pat Reid, Claire Dowson and Glenis Ambrose, Open to the public daily.

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS to help support Nelson Hospital. This is a social opportunity for people to donate their time to a 3-4 hr shift during the week in a variety of roles. You will be supporting our patients, visitors, whānau and staff while receiving sense of purpose, enjoyment and belonging to a group. Visit www.nmdhb.govt.nz and search ‘volunteering with us’.

COULD YOU VOLUNTEER on a Mon or Thurs morning 8.3010am to assist elderly people on and off our van? And take them to our day activity programme in Annesbrook Drive. Please Ph: Maaike 03 2655224 email maaikef@psusi.org.nz

FALLS PREVENTION: Free 2hr session for anyone who has fallen or is at risk of falling. Relaxed & informal setting. Book at Nelson Bays Primary Health. Ph: Ange 021 790 415.

FOOD, IS IT A PROBLEM FOR YOU? Are you suffering from

anorexia, bulimia, obesity and/or compulsive eating? Overeaters Anonymous works. Ph: 022 673 0237. All welcome.

ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN wanting to make a difference in the life of a child? We are looking for caring Christian people who are willing to open their home to care for a child/young person. To find out more, Ph: Mika at Open Home Foundation 027 461 0497 mika.ito@ohf.org.nz.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS - Is alcohol causing problems for you in your life? Want to stop drinking but can't? Maybe we can help. Support meetings every day. Call 0800aaworks 0800 229 6757.

SURVIVORS AND THRIVERS If you have or have had cancer, supporting someone with cancer come and meet others in this friendly atmosphere. Register info@cancernelson.org.nz or P: 539 1137 for details.

WAKEFIELD COMMUNITY BUS: HELP NEEDED The Nelson Tasman Community Transport Trust provides affordable community public transport in areas where there’s little available. Wakefield Bus is in need of support – can you help? We’re interested in hiring a local mini-bus (6-11 seater) on a regular basis & looking for volunteer drivers, no special licence required. To ensure our bus service continues NTCTT are looking for board members with a few hours to spare. Ph: 020 4196 0553. TO BOOK A SEAT - call or text 020 4195 8866.

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP. Cancer Society Nelson 102 Hardy Street, if you have or have had breast cancer come along to this friendly atmosphere. Register 539 1137 or info@ cancernelson.org.nz.

BIRDLIFE CENTRE OF NEW ZEALAND needs volunteer pest trappers in the Centre of NZ Reserve in Nelson city. No experience needed; full training given. If you are interested, reasonably fit and can spare two hours a fortnight Ph: Gretchen 021 266 3867.

FEELING SAD, STRESSED, DEPRESSED, OR STUCK? Identify and explore new ways to move forward with a Life Linc Counsellor. Up to 10 face to face counselling sessions available now for individuals and couples. 548 2400 lifelinc.co.nz

LUNG CANCER CONNECT for those who are going through or who have gone through lung cancer Register 539 1137.

NELSON WOODTURNING CLUB. Join us at our club rooms for Turning, camaraderie and sharing of knowledge. New Learn to Turn classes starting soon. Ph: or txt Allan for more information 021 543 345.

ST JOHN COMMUNITY SHOP friendly and fit volunteer needed to assist with furniture deliveries and donation pick-ups around Nelson. Ph: Stacie 03 548 8598 or visit instore 46 Rutherford St, weekdays 10am - 4.30pm.

ENLIVEN POSITIVE AGEING social and activity groups. Looking for volunteers to help on vans or chat, make tea, help games etc. Ph: Trish 265 5224.

NELSON TASMAN HOSPICE Need volunteers to help in Nelson, Richmond, Motueka and Takaka Hospice Shops. Volunteering is a great chance to meet new people, gain new skills and help your Hospice. Morning or afternoon availability appreciated. Ph: 03 546 3912 or Email Krisca.gould@nelsonhospice.org.nz

GROW Needing help. Use a Program and Method. We are here for your mental health. Koha appreciated. Ph: Patricia 547-6120.

KIDS YOGA 6-12 years old in bright new studio in Tahuna. Book 03 545 8289, info@cancernelson.org.nz or Ph: 539 1137

NELSON HINEMOA CROQUET CLUB Saltwater Lane (off Halifax St, beside squash & tennis courts). Give Croquet a Go: Friendly supportive club, for competition or just fun. Coaching and equipment available. Individuals or groups catered for. Nettie 548 8432 / 027 682 8168 nettiebarrow@gmail.com

HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT OF BECOMING A VOLUNTEER? Are you a community organisation looking for volunteers, training, info or advice? Check out our website www.volunteernelson. org.nz Ph 546 7681.

NELSON SPIRITUALIST CHURCH weekly service Sunday 7pm8pm. Corner Tipahi and Motueka Sts.

FREE FUNCTION ROOM HIRE to all community groups. Avail 7 days. Wakatu Hotel 83 Collingwood St. Craig 548 4299.

Community notices are free to community groups, schools, churches, gold coin donation events and fundraising only. For classified ads and public notices please call 548 5900 Due to the popularity of this column, while every effort will be made, inclusion cannot be guaranteed for free ads.

Barbeque...

storey designs (with lifts) will be available soon - capturing great views of Tasman Bay and the surrounding hills.

The state-of-the-art dementia facility is now open and ready to view.