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Teen ‘lucky’ to be alive after bay rescue
SARA HOLLYMAN
At just 16 years-old, Elan Remnant thought he was going to die when he was overcome by waves while surfing on Boxing Day.
Enjoying the summer holidays, Elan, alongside his dad Dave,
mum Esther, and older brother Idris, were spending time in Puponga, Golden Bay.
On Boxing Day, the family – minus Dave, headed to Fletchers Beach, just around the coast from Wharariki Beach so the boys could hit the water.
They knew the area, and had surfed it multiple times before without issue. They knew the dangers, including where the safe points were to enter and exit the water.
“Before we first went there we had talked to quite a few people
to find out the risks and what to look for, so we were aware that there was a sideways current,” Esther says. Elan recalls the surf being “pretty big”.
“Ive never really had an issue getting out, I just paddle out, get
into the lineup and yeah, get on the waves.”
The water was busier than usual, the busiest he’d seen it, and some were stuggling to get out, so were heading in and reattempting the
2
musical postie signs off
Wesley Olea’s customers could hear him coming a block away –and they certainly weren’t complaining.
The New Zealand Post courier travelled everywhere with music, resonating either from his van or from a speaker he carried on his bike, depending on the day’s method of delivery.
“I’m from the Solomon Islands, you know, we love our reggae there,” he laughs. “Music makes the day go faster and makes the job itself more fun.”
ELISE VOLLWEILER
Motueka’s singing postie Wesley Olea will be missed after doing his rounds for the final time after the New Year. Photo: Elise Vollweiler.
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Nelson teen ‘lucky’ to be alive
FROM PAGE 1
process.
When it was Elan’s turn, he says it was difficult.
“I was paddling and paddling and the waves just kept coming, and it just slowly pulls you right, I actually thought it might be good because in the middle it looked a bit calmer so I was fine with going right,” he recalls. In hindsight he says he was perhaps a little too focussed on getting out that he wasn’t really looking behind him. He began to tire and realised he should head back. But when he looked back, he saw rocks and realised he had drifted too far.
His mum was watching from the shallows and saw how fast Elan was moving, something that was not noticeable in the water. She ran down the beach screaming to Elan but the sound of the waves deafened her warning.
“I could see he was going past the point of no return, and then that was it, he was gone.”
Up against rocks and cliff faces, the waves kept coming.
“I was getting smashed by the waves, smashed into the rocks then the wave would suck you
back in,” he recalls.
“I’m not on my board at this point, I’m just swimming trying to help myself. Eventually I’m just running out of breath, I was just so tired I thought ‘this might be when I die’.”
It was at that moment he noticed the mouth of a cave, so he pulled himself back on his board and the water pulled him in. It got shallower inside, but the tide was coming in, and the cave would be filled in a few hours.
Elan managed to find some rock to get out of the water. He slowly walked around in the dark, and at the other end, saw a patch of light and some sand, so headed towards it thinking he could climb the rocks and raise the alarm. But a seal with two pups had other ideas, charging Elan repeatedly, refusing to allow him to pass. Despite using his surfboard, he couldn’t get past. He called for help but nobody could hear him.
Back on the beach, Esther had raised the alarm.
“I knew he was gone and we were in big trouble.”
Zebedee Fersterer-Gawith (Zeb), who had also been surfing, saw what was happening. Although he now lives in Wel-
lington, Zeb grew up in Golden Bay, and learnt to surf on that very beach. He thought there was a strong chance Elan had gone into the cave. He and Esther made it to the mouth, calling and calling, but there was nothing.
They continued on to Pillar Point where Esther called emergency services and waited while Zeb continued through gorse and rock in bare feet to Fossil Point. From there, it’s a bit of a blur, for Esther, in the distance she could see vehicles coming and going. Unknown to her, police had arrived and a helicopter was on it’s way.
Back in the cave, Elan had tried to swim out the way he came, but the waves were too strong.
After what felt like hours in the cave, he decided to give it one more go.
As he got in the water he saw four people standing above the cave entrance waving. They had lowered a rope down which Elan managed to swim to, and was pulled to safety up the rocks.
Esther got a phone call from emergency services: “he’s been pulled out of a cave, we don’t know what condition he’s in”. He had been missing for 1.5 hours.
“I didn’t want to make a decision, I just wanted to get back down there and and see whether you were, dead, really hurt, we had no idea.”
“He was lucky to get in the cave, if he’d gone round the corner it’s just cliffs for a few kilometres,” Zeb says.
The Remnant family say there were a lot of people involved in the rescue, and they are thankful to each and every one of them.
“They were amazing, they were all really well prepared and make me realise I really need to up my game. We carry a Personal Locator Beacon when we’re tramping, but I’m going to get one for the car, because you just push the button and help comes.”
Although they don’t know everyone to thank for helping with the rescue, they want to thank Zeb and the other surfers, Jono from police, Lucas from Christchurch and the man from Wharariki Camp who had come down with rescue gear. And will Elan head back into the surf soon? “Well it kind of broke my board, but it didn’t break me so yeah, Im just going to be more cautious.”
Kea enjoying summer holiday at Tata
ANNE HARDIE
The golden sand and turquoise water of Tata Beach is hardly the place you expect to find a mountain parrot, but this summer there have been up to six kea taunting other birds and bach owners.
Tata Beach resident, Teri Sawers, says three kea have been visiting Tata Beach for the past few years and this year half a dozen have been making themselves at home and doing ‘flybys’.
“They’ve definitely adopted us at Tata. They’re just flying around doing flybys.
“The swallows are nesting and a kea landed on a chimney and promptly got divebombed by the swallows.
“The tuis and seagulls will have a go at them too. There’s a little bit of a turf war going on.”
As fascinating as it is to have the olive-green parrots with their scarlet underwings and distinctive calls in the neighbourhood, Teri says residents have a few concerns about property.
“They’re starting to chew on our houses!” she says. “There’s a handful of us who are residents
who are doing what we can do. They’re having a go at downpipes and if they land on our decks, we’re thrilled, but worried about what comes next.
“If they stay and start breeding, we may end up with a flock.”
Teri says that the parrots have disappeared after summer in the past, returning to their base in the foothills of Tākaka Hill, then appearing at Tata Beach again in spring. They have now spent a few
months hanging out at the beach, where they particularly like the orange-flowering gum tree.
“They’re enjoying summer.”
Department of Conservation Tākaka operations manager, Ross Trotter, says small groups of juvenile kea have been seen in coastal areas from Pōhara through to Tata Beach for the past few summers.
Younger birds are typically more visible as they are especially in-
Motueka’s musical postie signs off
FROM PAGE 1
His cheerful tunes have made him a distinctive and popular personality with his customers over the years.
Wes has been in the region since winning a football scholarship to Nelson College 20 years ago. He’s been working as a postie and courier around the area for six years, and has been based solely in Motueka for most of the last year. There’s a vibe about Motueka that reminds him of home, he reckons.
He was touched to receive cold drinks from customers on hot summer days, as well as gifts at Christmas time. “Motueka is the best, because of the people.”
The locals obviously love him back – when he posted on social media to say farewell to his customers after the New Year, he received message after message to say that his smile, singing and sunny attitude would be sorely missed.
He is grateful to his boss Tim, who gave him the job which, in turn, gave him the opportunity to
Rings For All Occasions
meet his many customers – the best part of the job, Wes says. He has loved the work but says it is “pretty full-on”, with 4.30am starts and the delivery of more than 400 parcels each day in the lead-up to Christmas. He is ready for a change and is working at Talleys in the interim, planning to head back to the Solomon Islands for an extended period later in the year. He is signing off as the town’s “noisy, annoying and loud courier driver” – and Motueka will miss him.
quisitive.
“This means they can stick their beaks into things you’d rather they didn’t.”
This year the group is a mix of fledglings and slightly older birds that he says will likely move on when the weather turns cooler, possibly to the top of the Pōhara Valley where they are thought to be breeding locally.
While kea are an alpine parrot, Ross says they naturally range all
the way from the mountains to the sea.
“It’s a privilege that we’re starting to see these charismatic parrots appearing in coastal Golden Bay, but as their numbers increase and we start to see them in backyards more often, we will need to learn to live alongside them.”
He says people can make their property less attractive to kea, including making sure there is no food, including pet food, left outside, and making compost, rubbish and recycling bins keaproof.
They also love the taste of lead, though it is poisonous to them. If homeowners have lead fixtures, they can contact the Kea Conservation Trust or DOC to help find a solution.
Even items like shoes, clothes, toys and power tools are tempting to kea, especially around dawn and dusk when they are most active and he says they also like to chew on rubber, so it is best to protect rubber wiring and anything else with rubber. Have you seen the kea at Tata Beach? Email photos to Sara@top southmedia.co.nz
It seems the mountain parrot also likes the beach. Photo: Supplied.
Investigation uncovers historical aerodrome consent issues
MAX FRETHEY, Local Democracy Reporter
An independent investigation into resource consent irregularities at the Motueka Aerodrome has unearthed several issues.
The irregularities involve a council caravan dump station, a private hanger, and four leases longer than 35 years.
However, the vast majority of the buildings and activities being undertaken at the aerodrome are in compliance with the Resource Management Act (RMA).
Tasman District Council commissioned the investigation after a local business owner on an adjacent property made several complaints about the council-run aerodrome.
“All of the issues identified were historic and, while necessary to rectify, do not impinge on the aerodrome’s legal standing, let alone any of the activities it hosts,” a council spokesperson said.
“Steps have been put in place to manage these [issues] with the property owners. As these chang-
es do not affect the use of the aerodrome or any other obligations or rights, they will remain between the council and the property owners.”
The aerodrome was first established in 1934 but has seen significant development since the 1980s and is now home to a flying
school, a skydiving business, various commercial operations, and a caravan dumpsite along with several hangars and buildings. The council-installed dumpsite was constructed in line with a waiver but a resource consent was still required and hadn’t been granted, while a consent could
not be identified for the westernmost hanger, termed Hanger S1, at the aerodrome which is believed to have been built between 1989 and 1996.
Four leases longer than 35 years at the aerodrome have also been signed, however leases of that length require approval for sub-
division under the RMA and no consents permitting subdivision were identified.
But otherwise, general aerodrome operations occur within the appropriate planning designations, as do the operations of the skydiving business and the Motueka Aero Club.
The Nelson Aviation College and drag racing activities at the aerodrome also operate in compliance with their resource consent conditions.
In the findings report published on the council website, contains several redacted sections relating to the long-term leases that require action.
The sections are redacted to ensure the council is not disadvantaged in negotiations with the leaseholders.
Once negotiations are concluded, the redacted parts of the report will be released.
Sea lice warning after ‘horrific’ bites
KATE RUSSELL
“It just wasn’t worth it”, says a local boy after being bitten by what is likely to be sea lice at a popular beach.
Richmond’s Bodhi Sissons, 7, and his cousin Tully, 14, spent the first week of January battling nasty bites on their legs and feet after what was meant to be an enjoyable paddle at Mārahau on New Year’s Day.
Bodhi’s mum, Kate, is now warning others to be vigilant at beaches around the region after what she says was a “horrific” week.
“Unless he was sitting with his legs in cold water, vinegar and salt, he was screaming. The worst day was day six and we had three sleepless nights.
“And this is a kid who usually isn’t fazed when he gets itchy bites.”
Bodhi also had a bout of diarrhoea and vomiting on the worst day – symptoms which are “unusual” for him, she says.
Kate initially thought it could have been hand, foot and mouth disease, or even chickenpox.
“The doctor was stumped –
even a second doctor looked and could not figure it out.”
They were given antihistamines which “took the edge off” and creams which “did nothing”.
“We tried everything... even a pet cooling pad… the only thing that really worked was water, vinegar and salt.”
The bites finally started feeling better by day eight, she says.
“We have a family bach in Mārahau and we’ve never had this happen. It’s horrible as a mum - for me it was worse than him being sick.”
Bodhi reckons it won’t deter him from swimming, but he will stay out of the ocean until he is all healed.
“It just wasn’t worth it,” he says.
NIWA crustacean biologist Dr Rachael Peart said this year’s warmer waters made for ideal conditions for sea lice and other “biting creatures”.
“The ocean is quite warm at the moment, so I feel a lot of people are actually swimming and hanging out in the water this summer.
“And also, warm water currents and wind patterns can also bring some of these or-
ganisms closer to shore.”
Rachael says it’s not necessarily an “influx”.
“We get heaps of reports around January and February every year… it’s a dual effect of more swimmers in the water, plus warm surface temperatures.”
There, of course, could be other creatures causing an itch or bite while at the beach, such as little black flies/midges. Rashes can also be caused by nematocysts (stinging cells) of certain sea anemones and thimble jellyfish.
Rachael advises swimmers to rinse off with fresh water if they believe they might have been bitten or stung and avoid scratching, as this can increase the chance of infection.
She also urges people to not let the critters put them off enjoying a swim at the beach on a hot day.
“Most of the time it’s just bad luck, wrong place wrong time really. But they’re not sinister.
“These guys [sea lice] are primarily scavengers, so you might be standing next to a dead fish, or kina or starfish that they are feeding on and you get in the way.”
The bites of Bodhi’s Australian cousin, Tully. Photo: Supplied.
While the vast majority of buildings and activities were found to be compliant at the Motueka Aerodrome, some issues were uncovered. Photo: File.
The soul of Māpua up for debate
MAX FRETHEY, Local Democracy Reporter
The future of Māpua is at stake with a comprehensive masterplan for the seaside village’s growth currently out for consultation.
The masterplan combines several different council plans and processes into one cohesive document that proposes a vision for Māpua’s development.
It outlines new residential and commercial zones in Seaton Valley and off Higgs Rd to cater to hundreds of additional future households, increases acknowledgement of the area’s cultural significance to tangata whenua, plans for transport and three waters infrastructure upgrades to meet the needs of the growing community, while also aiming to improve open spaces, the local environment, and future-proofing for climate change.
Māpua and Districts Community Association chair, Paul McIntosh, hopes that bringing all those plans together will result in “good growth being planned well”.
“I do believe that having all the pertinent information in front of our council and councillors will result in better decision-making, and I think the same thing should
be said for our community.”
Paul says there is a range of views in Māpua about the extent of growth proposed for the village, “but what we can’t deny is it is a desirable place to live.”
With Tasman’s ageing population and an unaffordable housing market, he suggests that a wider range of housing, specifically more smaller homes or “maybe even townhouse-style houses” would make it easier for young
and older people to stay in the community.
Residents generally agreed that it was important that infrastructure and services kept up with the rate of growth, that commercial areas were not decentralised, and connectivity through footpaths and greenspaces was maintained. Locals also had a strong desire to ensure that Māpua retains “the look and feel of the village”. However, because “your view of
what the look and feel is may be different”, Paul urges residents to have their say on the masterplan.
Consultation closes at 5pm on Sunday 16 February and is the “last opportunity” for people to have their say on the plan.
The more people that submitted, the more informed the council would be to increase the likelihood that the final masterplan is “fit for purpose for our community,” Paul says.
“With the 2500 people in this greater community, if we get 10 per cent of that submitting, I think we will have done very well.”
While many submitters might focus on the aspects of the masterplan they dislike, Paul also encourages people to also highlight what they like about the proposal. “If the council only hear what we don’t like, then there’s a risk that they’re not aware of what we like and some of that may be lost.”
Though the masterplan is not a binding council document, Paul hopes that having a finalised plan supported by the community would provide a reference to ensure that future growth was in line with the expectations of locals.
“We want to get it right, but we want to get it written and put in place so that there is something that our councillors can require developers to adhere or refer to.”
Copies of the masterplan and submission forms can be found at the Māpua Community Hall and Library, in council’s libraries and service centres, and its website.
Community association chair
Paul McIntosh urges residents to have their say so the final plan reflects their vision for the village. Photo: Max Frethey.
Co-working space and innovation hub for Māpua
ANNE HARDIE
A bespoke co-working space and innovation hub is on the cards for Māpua this year as Mahitahi Colab expands into Tasman. The not-for-profit organisation is a partnership between Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce, Nelson Regional Development Agency and Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technololgy (NMIT) which has been running a space in Nelson for several years. It now has about 100 people using that space and innovation manager Nikki Neate says it plans a similar concept for Māpua.
“People may work from home with a great setup and want one day a week in a collaborative space. Or people can hire meeting rooms or innovation space.” Individuals or small teams will be able to use the space for workshops and events as well as simply hire desk space. It might be a permanent space, or it might be a visitor from out-of-town wanting to hot desk.
The thrust of the organisation though, is to provide opportunities through collaboration with others and access to the three groups in the partnership, which Nikki says will help develop innovation and also attract more
entrepreneurial people to the region.
“Every business can be innovating. Someone has to have the ideas, and someone has to do it and someone has to tell people about it. Mahitahi is here to bring it together, so we are totally connected.”
Nikki says Nelson Tasman tends to have a retirement village reputation and that can put off innovative people considering the region because they think there’s not much on offer if they have to look for work. One of Mahita-
hi Colab’s goals is to change that perception and show that it is a great place to start a business.
“It’s about catering for the region, but also attracting others to the region.”
The organisation already has a location in mind for Māpuaa, but it has yet to be finalised. Nikki says there will be a Mahitahi Colab space in Māpua-Ruby Bay this year though and probably by winter. Anyone interested in using the space can find out more on its website.
Locals helping locals.
Welcome to Bowater Toyota, located conveniently at 258 High Street, right next to the Caltex Station. We have a great range of vehicles on the yard, with easy access to more in Nelson. Our comprehensive Parts & Accessories department means getting parts is quick and easy, and our workshop team is highly trained and experienced, meaning we can comfortably service any make and model.
Mahitahi Colab’s innovation manager, Nikki Neate, at the whiteboard with co-workers in the Nelson centre. Photo: Supplied.
Mot’s hot pizza challenge
In the heart of Motueka the Hotel Motueka’s ‘Hot Pizza Challenge’ has become a fiery test of endurance for spice lovers.
The challenge, which has been running for three years, involves a 12-inch pizza topped with a custom-made sauce containing some of the hottest chillies on the planet: Ghost Chillies, Trinidad Scorpions, and Carolina Reapers.
“We take the extract from all those chillies and make a unique in-house sauce,” Vince Sibbald owner operator of Hotel Motueka and founder of the Hot Pizza Challenge explains.
For those brave enough to try, participants have 15 minutes to eat the pizza—8 slices of pure heat. If they vomit, they fail. The challenge is so intense that only 15 people have successfully completed it, from over 450 attempts.
Challengers pay $30 and must pass a health check, failure means the prize pot increases, adding extra excitement to the challenge. Currently, the prize pot is $1,000 thanks to local business Complete Flooring Nelson Bays and Tim Wilson Carpentry an online supporter from Western Australia.
The challenge is so popular that it’s attracted attention worldwide, with 35,000 online followers and some ‘challenges’ receiving over 1 million online views including views from countries like the UK, Ireland, Singapore, and Thailand.
Vince says it’s all about fun and testing limits.
“It’s amazing how many people support it, even food-eating champions like New Zealand’s chilli-eating champ Jessie Painter who upon completing it said it was the hardest challenges he’s ever done. We’ve also had heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker express interest in taking on the pizza challenge when he’s next in town.” It’s a local event that’s grown into a global sensation—if you’re up for the challenge, the spiciest pizza challenge has become a must-try for thrill-seekers and chilli fans alike.
Hotel Motueka recently marked the 50th anniversary of Kiwi icon band Dragon with a spectacular event that drew 1,200 people. The gates opened at 3:30 PM, and by the time Dragon took the stage, the crowd was buzzing. The performance, which Dragon dedicated to fallen policewoman Lyn Fleming, was a powerful tribute, and with classic hits such as April Sun in Cuba and Rain for many was a walk down memory lane. Kiwi legend band Hello Sailor supported Dragon and with zero alcohol-related incidents, the event offered a safe, enjoyable environment with an unforgettable atmosphere filled with great music, food, and energy. Photo: Supplied.
ELOISE MARTYN
Vince Sibbald, owner of Hotel Motueka and creator of the Hot Pizza Challenge, proudly holds a bottle of his custom-made hot sauce, a key ingredient in the fiery challenge. Photo: Supplied.
George Hill and Chris Jones
Jack Young, Ivy Young, 2, and Lily Clarke
Joanne Polglase and Tania Miller
Lakesha, Tai, 6, and Jesse Holley
Skyler, 1, Dylan, and Willow Wells, 3
Alan Peacock, Michael Nelson and Shannon Scholes
Baxter Button and Robyn Janes
Michelle Stone with Sophia and Bethany
Rebecca Griffiths, centre, with Alyssa and Kaitlyn
Willy with Pam, Anna and Doug Chapman
Dear diary, looks like the lawn mowed itself again today
Love not lifting a finger.
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Info requests up 44 per cent
Bureaucracy gone mad. Experts at prolonging any procedure and making it as expensive as possible. (Is this just too many staff/consultants justifying their existence?)
Liz Bentley
Personally I used LGOIMA several times after being refused answers from the council Facebook page, both publicly and through private messaging. This article implies that people are wasting resources by asking so many questions. The reality is it’s free to answer questions on social media, so if the council really wants to save resources, they could. But they don’t/ won’t. I realise for you this is all about keeping up appearances, but sometimes you just gotta reply to the hard questions or a LGOIMA inquiry will result. Sorry not sorry.
Troy HundyPlus Appleton
You don’t necessarily get sensible answers though. In fact some are quite bizarre and patronizing.
Carolyn
Woolf
Median barriers ‘prove their worth’
an article “Median Barriers prove their worth” quoting information provided by Rob Service, NZTA system manager Top of the South.
and the reader might have been left wondering if the barrier had in fact been a causal factor.
Under the Official Information Act 1982 I asked for the number and nature of accidents which had occurred on the same stretch of road in the two years prior to the introduction of the barriers.
There was one fatal head-on collision, the nature of which was not enlarged upon and the details of which I have not been able to confirm. There were two serious accidents, two minor and 7 non-injuries. I asked if a median barrier would have prevented any of these accidents, but that information is not available.
In conclusion, during the 9-10 month period of 2024 when the barriers were in place there were 5 accidents, none fatal. In the 24 months period prior to that there were 12 with one fatality (the result of an head-on of an indeterminate nature), more or less the same accident rate.
There is no evidence that the barriers have prevented head-on collisions, nor that they have been causal, and further information about the details of each accident need to be provided if we are to draw any conclusions.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Te Noninga Kumu - 32 Wallace
Altered Book Art
6 January - 8 February
Decorate and create art with an old book in an “Enchanted Forest” theme.
Pick up entry forms and old books at Motueka library. For all ages.
Out & About in Kiyosato Japanese gardens – for children
Mondays 20 January, 11am-12pm
Get Crafty for children 15,22 January, 10am-12pm
Lego Fun – Thursdays 16,23 January, 10am-12pm
Mini Enchanted Forest Collage –Friday 24 January, 1.30pm-3pm
The 13 Nov 2024 edition of the Guardian Motueka and Golden Bay published
The NZTA said that since the barriers had been installed in Feb 2024 they had been hit 5 times, thereby preventing 5 potential head-on collisions. No details of each of these accidents were provided,
Perhaps Rob Service can pursue this line of inquiry and report back.
Yours Sincerely
John Aitchison
Enchanted Forest Picnic –Wednesday 29 January, 10am-12pm
Bring rugs, hats, sunscreen and a picnic lunch.
Enjoy activities and The Mockingbird Ukuele band.
STREET TALK
STREET TALK
Dress up if you wish to; For all ages. Children accompanied by an adult please.
Summer Reading Adventure for Children 6 January - 28 February
Our First Line Display for adults and Young Adults –6 – 31 January
Pick mystery books with our favourite First Line. Add your “First Line” to the display.
Reading Spot
Snap your favourite Reading Spot
Tag us with your favourite Reading Spot #tasmanreadingspots or #tasmandistrictlibraries
Asif Mansoori
Memorial with a threefold purpose
ROBYN PARKES
A lone memorial that stands on the beach front at Motueka is well worth the stop to reflect on the why and whom it was erected for.
Leonard Matthew Tarrant was born in 1871 to Henry and Katherine in Brightwater, but the family then relocated to Lower Moutere to take up a farm.
Leonard spent some time on the goldfields in the Coromandel and, in 1899, enlisted to serve in the Boer War in South Africa. With little military experience he joined the 1st New Zealand Contingent, departing for Cape Town in October on board the ship Waiwera.
Leonard saw action at the Battle of Sanna’s Post, also known as Kroon Spruit, an engagement fought between the British forces, which included the NZ contingent and the Boers. Leonard was one of a large number of soldiers who were captured and while a prisoner of war he contracted enteric fever, dying on 15 April 1900, and buried in the public cemetery close to the town.
In mid-1902, the Motueka Borough Council were in the throes of deciding what form their peace celebrations would b,e and how they were going to celebrate the accession of King Edward VII. Mr L Moffatt presented a letter to the council requesting that as part of the peace celebrations a memorial in the form of a drinking fountain should be erected to Leonard Tarrant’s memory and placed at the shore end of the wharf for the use of the horses and to provide a lamp on top of the memorial for the public on dark nights. Moffat had already collected a sum of money from shilling sub-
scriptions for the purpose of fixing a brass tablet to the structure.
The council agreed to the erection of a memorial, but also decided it could have a threefold purpose. It would serve as a memorial to Leonard Tarrant, the accession of King Edward VII, and the celebration of Peace.
The completed monument was the work of George Miller of ‘Miller and Sons, Nelson’ and stood about 12ft high, being square in shape, of concrete and cement. It had a solid base with drinking fonts in front, finished at the top with a heavily moulded cap, and topped with a lamp. A marble slab was mounted on the side fronting the wharf with the inscription:—”In memory of Trooper Leonard M. Tarrant, a Member of the 1st N.Z. Contingent, Born February 8 1871, who died of enteric fever at Pretoria, South Africa, April 15th, 1900. Also, to Commemorate the Accession of King Edward VII., and the Celebration of Peace, 1902.”
The unveiling took place in July 1903 in the presence of
a large crowd and was performed by the Mayor, J S Wratt. Thirty-six mounted corps were drawn up inline under their officers and at the unveiling a flag which covered the front of the monuments was removed bearing the tablet with the mounted corps presenting arms.
Mr H Tarrant, father of the late trooper, thanked all who had supported the effort to record his son’s services and stated that by having volunteered to take a comrade’s place, his late son was taken prisoner. He had, however, been well treated by the Boers when ill and had been given every attention at their hospital. The proceedings terminated by singing a verse of the National Anthem. Over the years the memorial was neglected and vandalised, the lamp went missing and the memorial tablet to Leonard was removed and placed on the Motueka cenotaph.
The memorial has been restored with a new plaque and a refurbished horse trough and dogs’ water bowl and the oil lamp.
Quilts on display for Mid-summer exhibit
The Annual Mid-Summer Quilts in Motueka is to be held at the Tasman Church, Aporo Rd, Tasman from Thursday, 16 January to Saturday 18, January.
As well as quilts on display made by quilters in the Motueka and Nelson area, there will be quilts made by Wellington Quilters, the Guest Exhibitors.
A feature of the exhibition
is tribute to the late Joyce Jones, a prolific quilt designer, inspiration to many quilters, teacher and author of Uncovering Traditional Quilts
She was well known in quilting circles within New Zealand and also overseas, particularly in the USA where she had close friends.
Several quilts designed by her will be on display.
They are made by members of her Richmond quilt group, ‘Undercover Girls’, and there will be some made by Joyce herself.
A Quilt title ‘Oaklands’ from Joyce’s book, designed by Joyce, made by the late Jill Raine and machine quilted by Bev Dyke will be on dis-
John team. Refreshments will be available, a church fund-raising project arranged by women of Tasman Church.
Mid-Summer Quilts in Motueka/Tasman exhibition at Tasman Church, Aporo Rd, Tasman Thursday, 16 –Saturday 18, January, 10am
The critically endangered moth Orthoclydon pseudostinaria has been identified in the Flora region of the Kahurangi National Park.
Robin Toy.
Critically endangered moth identified in Flora
A moth so rare that it does not have a common name has been discovered by chance in the Kahurangi’s Flora area.
Friends of Flora volunteers Sandy and Robin Toy were doing butterfly monitoring on Christmas Eve, when Robin noticed a beautiful pale moth on a grass frond. He took a photograph, and it was later identified as Orthoclydon pseudostinaria by the iNaturalist community, a social network and online database that provides biodiversity information.
The moth is critically endangered, which places it one step away from extinction. It was first identified under a different name by British-born New Zealand entomologist George Vernon Hudson in 1918, but there have been few records of it since. The first collection was at Otira, just north of Arthur’s Pass, with subsequent findings in Nelson and Canterbury.
“Because it’s so scarce, very little is known about it,” Sandy says.
“This is as threatened as the kakapo and also the Mt Arthur giant wētā which also occurs in the Flora.”
She says the find once again shows that the Flora area of Kahurangi National Park is a real biodiversity hotspot.
“It also demonstrates the value of photographing unusual looking plants and critters and posting them on iNaturalist – you never know what’s going to turn up.”
A social media post by Friends of Flora called the moth “another treasure in the Flora jewel box”. “Let’s hope we can care for it.”
ELISE VOLLWEILER
Photo:
The restored memorial. Photo: Tasman Heritage.
• We have been providing Transport, Construction and Earthmoving Services since 1928.
• Our modern fleet of trucks comprise of everything from Bulk Tippers, Curtainsiders, Flat Decks, Livestock units and more.
• We have a complete range of Contracting Machinery that can tackle anything from Subdivisions to Quarry work.
• We supply all types of Gravel, Aggregates, Agricultural Lime, Fertilisers and Dolomite.
Shane Harwood back on the podium
JODY SCOTT
The DC Equipment NZ Super Stock Championship concluded on a sunny Sunday afternoon with 100 of the best drivers in the country battling it out for national supremacy at Milestone Homes Top of the South Speedway in Appleby.
The weekend’s racing began with qualifying races on Friday night to find 25 of the 26 cars to contest the title on Saturday, with one more going though after a last-chance race to make the final group.
Three local drivers qualified – former NZ Champion Shane Harwood, Alex Hill and Brett Nicholls. The drama started on the first lap and continued throughout the qualifying night. A couple of cars ended up on top of each other along the back straight with the speed of the racing electrifying.
The Championship night unfolded with a blockbuster final chance race. A regular visitor from Napier, James Buckrell, sneaked in on the final laps, and Palmerston North driver Scott Miers ended up on his side in the dying laps.
The first championship race got underway and open club champion, Tim Ross from Gisborne, was the big mover. So was Shane, while Brett and Alex struggled on a dry track. The rain came in as they
were gridding up for their second heat and the rest of the meeting was put off until Sunday afternoon. It was another solid race for Shane as racing commenced on Sunday. Brett helped his club mate out by stopping a block car trying to slow Shane, while Alex ended up parked on the grass with a broken gearbox. Three-time current champion 1nz Asher Rees was a target early in the race. He was caught sideways near the wall and the car ended up upside-down on a momentum roll. James couldn’t avoid the car and ended up putting it back on its wheels leaving the car too damaged to continue.
The race was full of huge hits as the Gisborne cars were pitted against the rest of the field. It was a battlefield from top to tail. Brett and Alex did their best to support Shane as he made his way up from the rear of the field. With 11 cars failing to finish the race, this aided his chances as the hits kept coming.
The race winner, Ethan Levien, did enough to tie with points leader Todd Hemmingway from Tauranga, ensuring a run-off was needed to decide the NZ Championship. Shane kept out of trouble to secure the 3nz spot, to return to the podium after winning the title in 2016. His retire-
ment a couple of years ago was short-lived, to help the club secure hosting rights, and his third placing was great reward for his continued support of the club. The run-off between the two former NZ Youth Ministock teammates ended with Todd grabbing the lead from Ethan on lap two to win the four lap dash. Todd is the first driver in 50 years to claim the title for the Tauranga Club and Ethan will defend the 2nz at his home track in Wellington next year. The club did a sterling job hosting the championship over what turned out to be a very busy and challenging three day weekend. weather-wise.
NBS Motueka Golf Club Results
Back from left: Dale McKenzie, Luke Higgins, Anthony McKenzie and Bryce Lindup. Front: Jake Stewart, 3NZ Shane Harwood and son Max, Jayla Lindup and Shane’s dad Charlie Harwood. Photo: Rebecca Connor Maling.
Community Notices
MONDAY
MOTUEKA HIGHLAND PIPE BAND, Mon, 7pm. Band is located beside Motueka Recreation Centre. Promoting Scottish tradition and culture. Look forward to your participation. Info: Ph: 027284 8361.
MAPUA FRIENDSHIP CLUB. Indoor bowls, 1st & 3rd Mon. Mapua Bowling Club rooms. 2pm, Bring a plate of afternoon tea. Lots of laughs. Ph: Val 035403685.
MOTUEKA ELYSIUM Mon, 9.30am, Muses Café. For Widows and Widowers. Join us for coffee and chat, friendship, and support. Ph: Carol 035285027.
WOULD YOU LIKE A BIKE? Bike Hub Nelson accepts donations of good used bikes, fixes them up and gives them away for a small koha. 142 Saxton Rd. Mon, 5.30-7pm. For other opening times and a map e: bikehubnelson@gmail.com.
MOTUEKA BETTER BREATHERS, Mon, 11.30am, Brass Band Hall, Old Wharf Rd. A 60-minute series of guided exercises done seated or standing, specifically designed to help those with breathing difficulties. Ph: Jess 0275467675.
TUESDAY
MOTUEKA BRASS Tues Evenings. Discover your musical talent with us! Join our lively brass band for an unforgettable experience to join Ph: 021728168 or come along.
YOGA. If you have or have had cancer, we offer restorative yoga classes. Tues, 12.30pm. To Reg, Ph: 5287669.
MOCKINGBIRDS MUSIC GROUP Tues, 2-3.30pm, Senior Net, Pah St. If you enjoy some fun singing/playing music, come along with your instrument, we’d love you to join us. Beginners welcome. Ph: Sue 02102416155.
HOPE TENNIS CLUB SOCIAL TENNIS, Every Tues, 9.30am, Hope Tennis Courts, Hope Domain. All abilities most welcome. Queries Ph: 0211729257.
WEDNESDAY
MOTUEKA SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLUB, Wed, 7.30pm, Lower Moutere Hall. Keep fit while having fun. All ages, no partner needed. First time free. Enq Ph: Fay 0210393559.
MOTUEKA ARTS COUNCIL Office is open Wednesdays 11am to 3pm at Motueka Community House, Decks Reserve. Call in for arts info, funding assistance, and supporting art activities ideas for Motueka.
SHARLAND CYCLES 5K FUN RUN & WALK from Club Waimea. Wednesday evenings till 18th Dec. Registration 5.30pm. Race briefing 6pm. More info www.waimeaharriers.nz
DEATH CAFÉ, 2nd Wed of month, 10-11.30am. Revite Café, 256 High St. An open space for people to talk about death and dying. margaret@margaretmccallum.com
WALK 4 HEALTH, Wed, 9am, Motueka Community Garden. 3050 min walk at your own pace, for any age, any fitness and size. Ph:0273015598.
TOASTMASTERS MOTUEKA meet 1st & 3rd Wed of month, 6.45pm start, St John’s rooms, Jack Inglis Hosp, Courtney St. Gain speaking confidently, friendly environment. More Info Ph: Peter 0277468311.
KNIT & NATTER Wed, 10-12pm, Motueka Over 50s Social Hub, 10 Pah St. Friendly group for all ages. Includes refreshments. All welcome.
AGE CONCERN TEA & TALK, The Shed, 24a Tudor St. Every Wed 10.30 onwards. More Info phone 027-9214074.
RIWAKA BOWLING CLUB Fun for all the family - bowls and friendly guidance provided. Please wear flat soled shoes. 6pm –7.30pm Wednesdays till the end of daylight saving. $5.00 entry, School Rd Riwaka (next to Riwaka School).
THURSDAY
NVC PRACTICE GROUP (NONVIOLENT / COMPASSIONATE COMMUNICATION), Every 2nd Thurs, 7-8.30pm, Motueka. In school term. For info e: margaret@margaretmccallum.com.
PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP meet 1st Thurs of month, 1.30-3.30pm, Broadgreen House, 276 Nayland Rd. Ph: Bill 035448635 or 035391137.
MOTUEKA LIGHTHOUSE Meets last Thurs every month. Insightful presentations/workshops. 7pm-9pm, Motueka Community House, Decks Reserve. Donations appreciated. All welcome. angel3000.h@gmail.com or facebook Motueka Lighthouse.
DEADLINE: 10AM FRIDAY
50 WORDS OR LESS BY EMAIL ONLY SEND TO: office@topsouthmedia.co.nz
MOTUEKA G.R.G 2nd & 4th Thurs, 1-3pm, St Andrews lounge, 64 High St. Support group welcomes grandparents/kin raising/ supporting grandchildren. Join us for a confidential relaxed and supportive time with others. Ph: 0211337299.
MEDITATION, Weekly meditation sessions open to all. Thurs, 12.15-12.45pm, Te Noninga Kumu - Motueka Library. During term time. No registration needed. Just come along. Info: Ph: Louise 0278789240.
NELSON BAYS HARMONY CHORUS, (women’s choir), is seeking new members to join our happy group. Thurs evenings, Club Waimea, Richmond. Ph: Carole 0274360910.
MOTUEKA 50+ WALKING GROUP Thurs. More info Ph: 0212640403 e: secretary50pluswalkers@gmail.com, or www. motueka50pluswalkers.org.nz.
RUMMIKUB Thurs, 1-4pm, Motueka Over 50s Social Club, 10 Pah St. Friendly group, includes refreshments. All welcome. Ph: Keith 0274516422.
THE DOCTORS MOTUEKA – Walking Group, Thurs, 9am, by the Janie Seddon Shipwreck carpark. Walking for 30 mins, suitable for all fitness levels. Make your daily walk more fun and meet new people. Ph: 035288358.
FRIDAY
MULTICULTURAL MOTUEKA welcomes migrants and refugees every Tues, 8.30-1pm, Fri, 8.30 -2pm, Community House, Decks Reserve. We provide connection and practical assistance for newcomers to our region as well as support for all cultural activities happening in our community. Ph 027 5286744 sez@multiculturalnt.co.nz.nz.
SATURDAY / SUNDAY
MOTUEKA LIGHTHOUSE HEALING EXPO Sun 19 Jan, Motueka Memorial Hall, 9.30am - 4.30pm. Free Workshops & Presentations. HIGGINS HERITAGE PARK 222 Pigeon Valley Rd, Wakefield museums open day, Sun 19 Jan 10am - 3pm. Bring a picnic & enjoy a pleasant relaxing day, jigger rides, children's pre-loved books. Contact 0276316786.
NELSON BRANCH OF ROYAL NZ AIRFORCE ASSOCIATION
Meet 2nd Sat each month, 12pm, Club Waimea, Richmond, Phil’s
Restaurant. Interesting speakers, raffles and members interested in Aviation Ph: Trever Squires 039706644 or John Bethwaite 035476634. Cost of meal $25
HOUSIE: 1st and 4th Sat of month, 10 Pah St. Over 50s Social Hub. Ph: Jude 0273244226. All Welcome. Afternoon tea included. Cards $4. Raffles available.
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE Sat, 10-12pm, Motueka Library. Free services, including copy certification and witnessing signatures are available.
GENERAL GROUPS
MOTUEKA ARTS COUNCIL office at Community House, will be closed from 20 Dec to 17 Jan. Open Wed 22 Jan. Happy Holidays from Community Arts.
NELSON HOSPICE The Motueka shop needs volunteers! If you would like to volunteer for us, please enquire at the shop or Ph: 035281178.
NELSON RAILWAY SOCIETY Founders Park. Check our Facebook page and Website for updates of our Train and Railcar Timetable for the school holidays. We will be running on extra days. YOUR STORY, YOUR VOICE – 4 hours of your oral history. Koha. Ph Grant 03 5287939 or ggdouglas@xtra.co.nz
INDOOR BOWLS, Mon & Wed, 1.15-3pm, Motueka Over 50s Hub, 10 Pah St. All abilities welcome. Ph: Jude 0273244226.
MOTUEKA DISTRICT BRASS Do you want to be part of a fun, social and competitive band, who make players welcome? e: motueka.brass@gmail.com or Ph: 021728168
ENCOURAGEMENT GRANTS of up to $500 for groups & Individuals with an art project involving our local community. Contact: motuekaartscouncil@gmail.com
MOTUEKA NEWCOMERS New to Motueka? We’re a social group, mostly retired (50+) who meet regularly and welcome newcomers. More info Ph: Jana 035284355.
MOTUEKA MENZSHED, Tues, Wed or Thurs 9-12pm, MenzShed, Marchwood Park, College Rd. Give the missus some space, come to the menzshed. Just turn up or e: secretarymotmenzShed@ gmail.com.
MOTUEKA RED CROSS. Open Mon – Sat, 10-2pm, Community
House. Donations of clothing, books, shoes, linen welcome. MOTUEKA TRAMPING CLUB, A diversity of weekend day walks and multi-day trips suitable for a range of fitness levels. Visit www.motuekatrampingclub.org or e: membership.motuekatc@ gmail.com
NEED AFFORDABLE COUNSELLING? Life Linc Nelson has been serving the region for 50 years and has rooms in Nelson, Richmond & Motueka. Low cost counselling up to 10 sessions, ages 12+. www.lifelinc.co.nz clinical@lifelinc.co.nz.
RUM MORRIS DANCERS. Musicians and dancers but mostly friends. Slightly random - mostly Tues evenings, sometimes Wed. Get yourself a second favourite form of aerobic exercise. Ph: Dorris 02040618088.
RADIO CONTROL SAILING Wed and Sun, 1pm onwards, Best Island. Weather permitting. IOMs and Dragon Force etc. New members welcome. Info Ph: Peter 0275443923.
RIWAKA CROQUET CLUB do you and a group of friends/family/workmates want to spend a fun few hours learning to play croquet? Min. of 8 players, $10 each, all equipment provided and someone from our club to help you learn the game. Ph: 0276308910.
SUSTAINING TENANCIES Having trouble with your Tenancy? Need help working things through with your landlord or tenant? Gateway Housing Trust. Info E: housing@ght.co.nz or Ph: 035457100.
SURVIVORS AND THRIVERS GROUP, if you have or have had cancer, or supported someone else, come and connect. Ph: Maureen 5287669.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS. Is alcohol causing problems for your life? Want to stop drinking but can’t? we can help. Support meetings every day. Ph: 0800aaworks, 08002296757.
BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP, If you have or have had breast cancer, come along to this friendly atmosphere. 102 Hardy St, Nelson. Reg: 035391137 or E: info@cancernelson.org.nz.
GATEWAY TO YOUR WELLBEING, Wellbeing is important for all of us to thrive. The shed is a safe place to meet new people in a supportive and caring environment. We can connect you with other agencies for the right support needed. More info Ph: 0279214074, E: admin@ght.co.nz or pop in 24a Tudor St, Motueka.
Community notices are free to community groups, schools, churches, gold coin donation events and fundraising only. For classified ads and public notices please call 528 2088. Due to the popularity of this column, while every effort will be made, inclusion cannot be guaranteed for free ads.
CLASSIFIEDS
WANTED
full time or part time available, with awesome remuneration.
If you are looking for a relaxed work – life balance and a change in 2025 then please contact us. Email confidentially thetopofthetown@xtra.co.nz PH / TEXT AMANDA 021 754 826 we would love to hear from you.
Te Whare Mahana’s Community Mental Health Service (CMHS) is offering this combined position to deliver focused-based, recovery-orientated assessments and clinical interventions to service users.
The primary focus of the Youth Clinician is to enhance access and expand choices of primary mental health and addiction services. A key aspect of this role is the customization of services to ensure they are provided in environments and ways that are comfortable and suitable for young people.
The clinician will address the needs of youth experiencing mild to moderate levels of distress and will offer support to their whānau (families) and provide clients with information and education regarding their mental health, CBT, ACT, medication, and treatment. The successful candidate will serve as the first point of contact, providing a variety of support and services. The clinician will deliver high-quality, evidence-based education, care planning, and interventions to Rangatahi, and will work within a multidisciplinary team and collaborate with whānau and other local health, social, and educational organisations.
The successful candidate will also maintain a small caseload of adults, participate in a mental health crisis on-call roster, and assist with interagency coordination as part of a supportive and collaborative team. For a detailed job description and our TWM application forms, please visit our webpage www.twm.org.nz/careers
close: OPEN until filled! Consent for Police Vetting is required
HEALING EXPO
STRAWBRIDGE
Bill
(George Wilson)
9.9.1931- 12.01.2025
Bill passed away surrounded by love in his own home, as was his wish. Husband of Margaret (D), dearly loved Dad to Paula (D) John, Juilia Wendy and Deane and he was a respected Father-in Law. Family meant everything to Bill, and he was especially proud of his Grandchildren and their partners; - Adam, Martyn (D), Sally & James, Amelia & Louw, Rosie & Luke, Ella & Marc, Mark & Pam, Jared & Zoe, Sophie & Giulio, Todd and Kim. Bill currently has 13 great grandchildren to carry on his legacy. Please join us to celebrate Bills’ life. Club Waimea 11am Friday 17th January
A life well lived. A man well loved.
DEATH
MENZIES
Bill
Gone Fishing. Peacefully with his family around him, Bill Menzies of Motueka, Greymouth and Kurow passed away on January 8, 2025 at the age of 80 years. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years, Lynette Stewart, children Raymond and Andrea, Steph and Deon, Brendon and Lynne, and Kere and Jo, grandchildren Jack, Dane, Tor, Maddie, Ali, Charn, Jayden, Jordie, Brielee, Taine, Laura, Sarah and Sam, greatgrandchildren Millie, Olive, Ilish and Will, siblings Judy and the late Len, Mike and the late Gwen, Marion and the late Tony, Kay and Brian, Ross and Pauline, Jane and Graham, Peter, and his many cousins, nieces and nephews. He will be dearly missed by his friends of the Motueka Lions Club. A Wake will be held for Bill in Christchurch on Saturday, January 18. Please contact the family for details.
Motueka’s Mr Cricket chasing more success
STEPHEN STUART
Cricketer Justin Hobbs is trading sauna-like indoor conditions in Sri Lanka for a very different sort of heat this week – the over 40’s Inter-Provincial Tournament in Auckland.
The 48-year-old is hoping his Wellington-Tasman Firehawks side can claim that title to go with his world championship gold medal the New Zealand 45-49 age grade team won in Columbo. The latest mission continues Justin’s links with Wellington, as travelling to the capital to play indoor cricket club cricket saw him claim a spot in the national side for the worlds.
“My Wellington Indoor Sports club provided the coach, his assistant, the manager and six of the players for the New Zealand team,” reflects Justin, as he takes time out from cutting down trees for a mate. “I was surprised to be picked as I had previously only played five tests in a trans-Tasman series against Australia.”
Those club combinations paid off big time as the side took on Australia, England, India, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the UAE in 16-over matches at the 10-day tournament.
“It was humid. Up to 38 degrees, playing indoors in Columbo, and no air conditioning. Several players passed out,” reveals Justin who reckons his lean physique proved ideal there.
The Kiwis narrowly lost both
their matches to Australia but still made the final against them.
“I took nine nine wickets in seven matches and was our best bowler against the Aussies, but I was left out of the eight-man side for the final,” says the right arm medium pacer.
“Our team turned up, laughing and joking whereas the Aussies were as serious as. They knew we were coming for them.”
And they sure did, making 99 runs and then restricting Australia to just 38.
“It was fantastic as the Aussies
had a 90 percent winning record and they were bloody annoying,” declares Justin, whose wife Angelique accompanied him to Sri Lanka.
Even though he hadn’t picked him for the final, coach Sunnie Chan took Justin aside and said he wanted him again for the next world series squad.
The former-Abel Tasman water taxi operator only got in to indoor cricket after the excitement of watching his son Liam represent New Zealand at age grade level.
“Liam is now captaining the Tasman Outlaws indoor side, so I want to come back and play for them this year.”
In the meantime, he warmed up for the IPT in Auckland by playing premier club cricket for the Wolves (Motueka-Wanderers) at the weekend.
Liam, 22, and his younger son Blake,18, are also in the Wolves team which won the one and two-day competitions last season and were runners-up in the T20. With so many cricket commitments, it is almost a full-time job. But self-funding as Justin quickly points out before getting back on the chainsaw.
Justin Hobbs, front row second from left, at the Masters World Series in Sri Lanka. Photo: Supplied.