Nelson Weekly - 17 May 2023

Locally Owned and Operated

Market saves money

Wednesday 17 May 2023

Brooke sails to success

‘Absolutely heartbroken’: Preschools shut their doors

KATE RUSSELL

Two long-standing early childhood centres in Tāhunanui have joined almost 70 centres around the country who have been forced to shut their doors due to struggling to pay new pay parity

rates for their teachers.

Paula’s Preschool and Paula’s Tiny Tots on Parkers Rd closed on Friday 12 May following an email being sent to parents and teachers on Sunday 7 May.

Pay parity is a scheme to help close the pay gap between teach-

Fundraising concert attracts internationally acclaimed act

JACK MALCOLM

Nelson music fans are in for a treat when Colleen Rae-Gerrad and the Nelson Bays Harmony Chorus take centre stage for a fundraising concert. The internationally acclaimed concert pianist and the 40-strong acapella barbershop chorus will perform at Nelson’s Christ Church Cathedral to raise funds for Richmond’s Holy Trinity Church on 27 May.

Colleen has travelled the world playing music, having spent 13 years in Canberra as a teacher the ANU School of Music and being recognised in the 1994/5 edition of the International Who’s Who in Music and Musicians Directory.

SEE PAGE 4

ers in early learning and care centres and their colleagues in kindergartens. Although centres receive more government funding for signing up to pay parity, the money is not enough to cover the full cost of bringing their teachers’ salaries to

the same level as similarly qualified kindergarten and schoolteachers.

Directors of Paula’s Preschool and Tiny Tots Tāhunanui, Michael and Heidi Holder, say they are “absolutely heartbroken” with having to make the decision to

close their centres.

“We tried every avenue to keep these special centres open, by unfortunately we failed. The longer we stayed open, the deeper in debt we got. We had no other

SEE PAGE 2

Colleen Rae-Gerrad has performed all over the world and will grace Christ Church Cathedral with her melodies as part of a fundraising concert later this month.

Photo: Jack Malcolm.

Reuben Dudley reuben@nelsonweekly.co.nz

‘Absolutely heartbroken’: Preschools shut

FROM PAGE 1

option. We are shattered about the position we have put families and staff in at such short notice”.

Simon Laube, chief executive of the Early Childhood Council, told Nelson Weekly that around 70 centres around the country have closed their doors since March last year because of the pay parity issue and warns there will be more closures to come.

“We expect even more centres to close soon. And, with no new centres opening, it will lead to longer waiting lists and higher fees for parents.”

Anthony Holder, who owns a separate Paula’s Preschool located in Richmond, says they are “devastated” by the closures.

“We fully support pay parity for teachers but when the funding is considerably different and government policy is to say, ‘you

need to get the extra funds from parents’, but the parents are dealing with the cost of living crisis and looking at their budgets, mixed with a declining roll - it’s like a perfect storm.”

Paula’s has been operating as a family-owned operation in the Nelson area since 1994 and was started by Anthony’s parents, Paula and Kevin Holder.

Paula’s Preschool Tāhunanui

opened in 2006 and Paula’s Tiny

Tots opened in 2010. Michael and Heidi have been the owners since June 2016.

Anthony says there has been “massive” pressure on centres to opt into the pay parity scheme.

“Otherwise, staff will take jobs either at kindergartens to get the pay parity, or they go to other centres that are offering that, so last year, small centres such

as Paula’s signed up. Otherwise, you’re going to lose staff, and without qualified staff, you just can’t operate.”

He says many parents are hurting with their budgets.

“The increasing cost of living is a big factor, and when it comes to early childhood as a private entity, we are struggling to fill enrolments. We are funded differently from kindergartens, they can provide free childcare for 30 hours and that is derived from government policy. We are really struggling when the funding isn’t the same and it isn’t there.”

Anthony says they are doing their best to relocate some families and staff to Paula’s Preschool in Richmond.

“Staff have been proactive, and a lot of centres have provided employment. The ECE community has gone out of its way to support these teachers.”

Paula’s Tiny Tots (pictured) and Paula’s Preschool on Parkers Rd shut their doors on Friday. Photo: Kate Russell.

Landslide remediation to cost $17 million

MAX FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter

The cost of remediating landslides from Nelson City Council land onto private property is expected to cost $17.2 million, but Mayor Nick Smith is hoping he can get the Government to help cover the cost. Council’s legal obligation is simply to restore the land to how it was before the August 2022 storm event.

“But the risk is that in a future weather event, we’re only going to have people in the community put back through the sort of trauma that we nine months ago.”

Instead, Nick is proposing that council remediates the slips to minimise the possibility of similar landslides in the future. There have been 18 slips from council land onto 33 private properties. Geotechnical reports on the slips expect the cost of restoring the land to be $5 million while “building back better” is expected to cost another $12.2 million.

“The expense for ratepayers of this work in my view is too much for them alone to bear.”

He has written to Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty proposing that

the cost of betterment would be split equally between council and government.

“It is fair that the council meets the full $5 million of putting back what was there,” Nick says. “But going beyond our legal obligation and doing what is right for those 33 property owners comes at an additional expense to council… it makes good sense for Government to support us.”

He adds that building back better would lessen the strain on emergency services in future events and reduce the risk of property damage, injury, and death.

There are two properties where the cost of remediation works exceeds the value of the prop-

erty and council has begun to engage the affected owners to negotiate purchasing those properties.

The $17.2 million for slip remediation is in addition to the $57.1 million cost for council’s other storm recovery activities. The total bill for ratepayers that council expects for all its storm recovery works –once costs are recovered from insurance and other sources, and provided the Government agrees to split the betterment cost - is expected to be $45.1 million.

Mayor Nick Smith announced that the cost of landslide remediation works. Photo: Max Frethey.

Signed jerseys up for grabs to raise funds for hospice Concert attracts internationally acclaimed act

FROM PAGE 1

Her abilities also saw her called in to help with the production of the three-time Oscar winning movie The Piano.

Working for RNZ at the time on a series about the colonial piano, Colleen was an easy first choice to help Holly Hunter come to grips with the olden days piano used in the film by her character Ada McGrath.

The pair spent several sessions going over the differences between the old and the new, and she would watch Holly go on to win the Oscar for best actress in 1993 for her role in the film.

Speaking of the upcoming concert, she says it’s exciting to be playing somewhere as grand as the cathedral.

“The acoustics are just incredible.”

The concert has been organised by a group of dedicated parishioners of the Holy Trinity Church, who banded together to help raise funds for the ongoing maintenance of their heritage building.

Jean McConachie, the church’s People’s Warden, says the money

raised will be spent on assessing what work needs to be done to the building.

“It needs maintenance … there has been limited money put into the church for about 10 years.

“We’ve got a hall we opened in 2019 and it’s very much a community facility with 20 groups using it every week. Every dollar went into the hall.”

She says while they were debt free after building the hall, their church building which recently celebrated its 150 year anniversary, now needs some love.

“The aim is now looking forward for the next 150 years. We want to leave it in good condition.”

Alongside Vicar’s Warden Val Whyte, Sue Paine, Dawn Martin and Den Ansley, the group have been hard at work preparing the concert.

With the Christ Church Cathedral donating their venue, they have been able to keep ticket costs at just $20.

Tickets can be purchased from the Holy Trinity Church’s office in Richmond, or by email through office@richmondparish.nz

Adults $25

Seniors $20

Students/Under 18 $10

Tickets available through theatreroyalnelson.co.nz

Booking

A signed All Black jersey, a signed British and Irish Lions jersey and two signed Warriors jerseys will go under the hammer this week, with the proceeds destined for Nelson Tasman Hospice.

The two rugby jerseys, one signed by the All Blacks and one by the Lions, are from the drawn 2017 tour and have been donated by former All Black coach Steve Hansen.

One Warriors jersey is signed by 31 ex-Warriors and the second is the jersey worn by former captain Simon Mannering and signed by him. All are being auctioned to raise money for Ben Brownie’s Dancing for a Cause fundraising efforts.

Ben is a contestant in this year’s event and co-owns The Car Company, alongside Shane Drummond. To help with Ben’s fundraising efforts for Dancing for a Cause, Shane has organised one of his famous fundraising lunches at The Tides where former All Black and Black Fern coach Wayne Smith and current All Black forwards coach Jason Ryan will be the guest speakers.

While the jerseys will be auctioned at the luncheon, bids can come from anywhere.

“Last year we had a signed David Havili jersey and a signed James Lowe Ireland jersey and we got bids from all over the country. We’d prefer the jerseys to stay in Nelson so hope that someone reads this and makes a bid,” says Shane. All money raised will be added to the Dancing for a Cause total which will then make its way to Nelson Tasman Hospice.

To make a bid on either jersey, email shane@ carcompanynelson.co.nz

New Zealand Army Band in Nelson

Over the nearly six decades since its formation, the New Zealand Army Band has evolved into one of the world’s most diverse entertainment organisations. Regularly travelling domestically and worldwide, the band has performed on some mighty stages. These have included the likes of the iconic Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the Basel Tattoo in Switzerland as well as performances for the late Queen Elizabeth II. The band is excited to be going on tour performing public concerts and school concerts around the South Island during May. They will be performing in Nelson on the 23rd of May.

This is the first performance in Nelson since November 2020. Since then the band has been busy with performances across the country, as well as a welcome return to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 2022. The band also spent several months in 2021 as security personnel in various Man-aged Isolation and Quarantine Facilities nationwide, as part of the Government’s response to Covid-19.

Their concert at the Nelson Theatre Royal promises a varied programme of music. Cu-

rated by Band Master Staff Sergeant Phil Johnston, the programme will feature the band’s signature blend of traditional brass band music, as well as show tunes, jazz and rock. “I love the variety of our evening concerts. We can show off the contemporary side of the band, our amazing vocalists as well as the traditional brass band side”, Johnston says.

The concert will feature solos from the Army Band’s worldclass brass musicians, including Staff Sergeant Kevin Hickman on flugelhorn, who recently won ‘Open Brass Champion of Champions’ at the 2023 Australian National Band Championships. The Army Band’s principal tuba player Private Nicholas Scott, having recently performed with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, will also be a featured soloist, as will be the band’s soprano cornet player Corporal Raynor Martin.

The New Zealand Army Band perform at the Nelson Theatre Royal on May 23 at 7pm. Ticket prices are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $10 for Under 18. 50% of ticket proceeds will be do-nated to the NBS Nelson City Brass. Business Update. Adv.

The Army band promises a varied programme of music, from traditional brass band music through to rock.

A country life for Nelson’s Wakatu Lodge

ANNE HARDIE

At 128 years old, Wakatu Lodge has moved to the country.

Owners Melissa and Simon Floyd have split the historic building into several parts to be placed on a muddy building platform, waiting to be put back together.

Until recently, the two-storied villa stood above Waimea Rd in Nelson.

Then the Floyds decided they were shifting to a few paddocks in the Moutere and were taking their home with them.

They had spent 11 years restoring their home and were not yet finished.

So, they cut it up and put it on trucks which they hauled through the mud to its new site.

When Wakatu Lodge was first built in Nelson, it was surrounded by countryside and now it will be again, facing Mt Arthur where the Floyds can sit on their veranda and watch the sun go down behind the mountain peaks.

“We 100 per cent wanted to take the house. We wanted to see the house finished and this was the only way to see that happen,” Melissa says.

The Floyds bought the rambling villa 11 years ago from what was

the Nelson Hospital Board which had owned it since the 1950s and used it as a home for the aged and a rehabilitation centre.

By the time the Floyds bought the house, it had been divided into seven offices upstairs and was in a sad state.

Melissa admits it feels like they have taken a step back to when they first bought the house as she

looks at the pieces sitting in the paddock, waiting to be put back together.

Back then, they moved into a house she describes as a disaster, with three small children, no hot water and no heating in the middle of winter.

She remembers it was freezing. Now, it is covered with tarpaulins which were not quite a match for

the rain that battered the house after the roof was removed to get the top level low enough to truck on the road.

But inside, there is still the vintage wallpapers and pressed tin on the high ceilings that they have added to some of the rooms over the years. More carpet, wallpaper and even chandeliers they bought from

the Czech Republic seven years ago, will finally come out of their wrappers and boxes to finish the restoration.

Melissa says they had faith in the professionals to move the house, though the weather was not kind and they had to hire a couple of diggers to haul the house-laden trucks up the paddock. The next step is getting the roof back on, piles underneath and putting the house back together. Once the house is mended, the Floyds will carry on with the restoration process themselves.

“It’s going to keep us busy,” Melissa says.

“Simon will do the wood and I’ll be doing the decorating.

“We work well together – there’s not many people who would find another mad person to do this with.

“People say to me ‘where are you going to start?’ And I say, ‘the beginning’.”

Melissa estimates it will be about a year before they can live in the house again.

In the meantime, they have a converted packing shed that makes a comfortable home while they are piecing Wakatu Lodge back together. See page 15 for an update on the Waimea Rd site.

Simon and Melissa Floyd are going to give Wakatu Lodge a new life in the country. Photo: Anne Hardie.

Southern Link would create city centre ‘gridlock’

The Southern Link is often touted as a solution to Nelson’s traffic problems whenever a major disruption occurs, but it’s not currently provided for in any traffic plan. Max Frethey talks to the experts about why that is.

Sometimes called the Inland Route, the Southern Link is a proposed third arterial road for Nelson that would link St Vincent Street to the Annesbrook Roundabout via Toi Toi, and replace Rocks Road as the State Highway. However, the project is long embattled and has never progressed despite support from Nick Smith, when he was the region’s MP and Nelson’s former mayor Rachel Reese.

Robyn Elston, the national manager system design for Waka Kotahi – New Zealand Transport Agency, confirmed the Southern Link was not in the agency’s 30year programme nor currently funded or planned for.

She referenced the Environment Court ruling against the project in 2004 which said the proposed location was “fundamentally… the wrong place to put a State Highway.”

The ruling cited social severance, proximity to schools, air pollution, and a lack of evidence that the route would improve safety and efficiency as reasons why the route shouldn’t be advanced. In the meantime, Waka Kotahi’s strategy for the region focuses on optimising the efficiency of the current network with the Southern Link only being considered once the measures contained in

the Nelson Future Access Project are completed by 2050.

However, the land along the Railway Reserve where the route would be built is being retained as a long-term resilience option.

But if the land’s being saved for the Southern Link in case it’s needed in the future, why not just build the road now and save today’s commuters some time?

The problem is that, for the most part, the construction of the

Southern Link would only have a small impact on commute times.

Waka Kotahi completed a set of traffic modelling in 2020 – using data from the 2018 census and projections from the region’s 2019 future development strategy – that compares travel times along Rocks and Waimea Roads in 2018 with the estimates for 2028 and 2048.

It shows that if the Southern Link was built by 2028, travelling along

the newly-built route in that same year would save less than three minutes when compared to travelling along Rocks or Waimea Roads.

Alternatively, travelling along Rocks and Waimea Roads in 2028 once the Southern Link has been completed would generally save only about a minute compared to a ‘do minimum’ approach to regional road infrastructure. Any significant timesaving would only become evident in the future, with travel times decreasing by half or more for evening peak traffic travelling from Nelson’s city centre to Annesbrook, but this is the only instance where time would be saved. In the other cases of evening peak traffic travelling in the opposite direction or morning peak traffic travelling in either direction, the modelling shows that commute times in 2048 along Rocks and Waimea Roads would be up to 4 minutes longer than they were in 2018.

“This is typical of projects that provide higher capacity into an area… but do not provide capacity downstream in the local road network for additional traffic to disperse,” Robyn says. “The Southern Link project lets vehicles get to the city faster. But because it would concentrate more

traffic at intersections entering the city, it would delay them at this point for longer.”

“It would be gridlock,” Nelson MP Rachel Boyack agrees. “The reality is that when you build a new road and you add a new route, it eases the problem for a while but then you get it back again and you get it back even worse.”

However, Opposition Leader Christopher Luxon said during a visit to Nelson in April that the Southern Link would be back on the agenda if the National Party won this year’s general election, describing it as an “important project”.

However, National’s transport spokesperson, MP Simeon Brown wasn’t as decisive when asked about the Southern Link last week.

“We need to make sure that we’ve got a government policy statement which is focusing the investment in the National Land Transport Fund on the right projects...,”he says. Whether it’s the Southern Link or Hope Bypass, then it will be a focus on delivering.”

Find your career path

Career chats are an engaging way to learn more about NMIT and have any questions answered. There are multiple, flexible study options are available in many of our programmes and our career advisors can help find the best way to fit study into life.

Following her career chat, Nina Barbezat, a Whanganui-based high school teacher, plans to enrol in the Graduate Certificate in Career Development at Te Pūkenga NMIT. Nina found she can study both remotely and in her own time, so she can continue working while she upskills. “I’m looking to future proof my later years,” she said, “I don’t want to be in the classroom teaching when I’m 65.”

Nina already supports ākonga with career advice, using her vast experience, and Google to learn as she goes, but she believes it is time to put some accredited theory behind her conversations. “I’m looking forward to walking the

walk, since I’m talking it.”

After discussing her work experience, Nina discovered she will be granted permission to enter the Level 7 graduate certificate, providing her with the learning experience she needs, rather than spending her time on concepts she is already familiar with.

Nina enjoyed the career chat as she was able to talk to a real person and accurately get her thoughts and questions out on the table. “I loved the chat— it felt like I was talking to an old friend. I’m old school, so I don’t want to talk to AI,” she said.

Book a phone conversation or a face-to-face meeting from our website homepage at either our Richmond, Nelson or Blenheim campuses. Conversations last 15-20 minutes with any follow-up information provided via email.

A free career conversation can put you on the right path to meet your career goals.

With career conversations now available in-person at all Te Pūkenga NMIT campuses, we’ve made it easier than ever to make the most of your time, your way.

Waka Kotahi modelling shows that the Southern Link would only deliver initial time savings and then result in generally longer travel times in the future. Photo: Sara Hollyman.

PLANNED POWER OUTAGES

Every week, Network Tasman is carrying out planned maintenance somewhere on the power line network. This requires us temporarily turning the power off to some houses or businesses.

Market saves money

KATE RUSSELL

It’s a sunny Wednesday morning at the Nelson Farmers Market and the Halifax St site is bustling with shoppers. It’s easy to see why when you can buy a Golden Bay-grown avocado for $2. At a local supermarket on the same day, they were $7 each.

Earlier this month, the market, which has been running for nearly 20 years, placed runner-up in the Organic Week NZ Awards for Organic Farmers Market of the Year.

“It’s the first time the award has been going, and we were nominated by one of our customers. It’s a nice vote of confidence in us and what we do,” says the manager of the market, Miriam Clark.

“Not only can people save money, but the produce is fresher and therefore more nutritious.”

A whole cauliflower will set you back just $2 at the market,

as opposed to $5.50 as seen at the supermarket. With food costs skyrocketing, Miriam’s top tips for slashing food bills are to buy direct from the local grower or producer at markets and to shop in season.

“If you do those things your food costs will be significantly less. When you shop from a retail outlet, you are paying the middleman. But here, you are buying directly from the growers and producers, and the food miles are really low as they have produced it in a 50km radius of Nelson,” she says. “Also, it’s all in season, so supply is abundant. It’s fresh, and therefore really nutrient dense. Things haven’t been sitting in a cool store, so the quality is better.”

A survey conducted by Farmers Markets New Zealand at the end of March found that consumers can save up to 18 per cent on their food bills by shopping at farmers markets.

One stallholder at the Nelson Farmers Market, Warren Ensbey from Enzbee Honey and Herbs, has been attending since it first began in 2004. He hasn’t raised his honey prices in six years.

Meanwhile, Karen Barks from Tasman Organics Te Awanui Ltd is relatively new to the market and has been coming weekly since December last year.

“It is really worthwhile - I have a lovely group of regular customers who come every week. It may be a small market but there is a really good variety,” she says.

Miriam says they open at 8am each Wednesday to give people an opportunity to shop before work.

“We have shift workers who come here straight off the night shift to get what they need, then go home and sleep.”

The Nelson Farmers Market is on every Wednesday, 8am1pm at 23 Halifax St.

Woman assaulted parking warden

TRACY NEAL Open Justice Reporter

When Misty Mikaere spotted a parking warden strolling along the street in Motueka she swore at her, and then assaulted her for giving her a ticket. On Monday, the 36-year-old admitted an assault charge after the incident last October, and will now get to meet the victim face-to-face at a Restorative Justice meeting.

“She was only doing her job

and didn’t deserve to be treated like this,” Judge Richard Russell told Mikaere in the Nelson District Court. On the afternoon of 4 October last year, the warden was walking along Pah St near the Countdown supermarket when Mikaere saw and yelled out, “you f.....g b...h, you gave me a ticket”, then started to walk towards her. As the warden stopped at a pedestrian crossing, Mikaere followed her as she crossed the road. Mikaere then grabbed the warden by

the neck and pushed her to the ground, before Mikaere’s sister pulled her away and they left the area. The warden ended up with a sore neck, similar to whiplash, she told the police.

Defence lawyer Emma Riddell asked for bail to be at large, given that the assault had happened last October and Mikaere had only just been charged.

Judge Russell remanded Mikaere on bail for sentencing on 7 June, to attend Restorative Justice.

We let your electricity retailer know well in advance when a power outage caused by planned maintenance is due to happen. They will let you know, usually via email, that your power is going to be turned off while we carry out the work.

Sometimes customers phone us after the power has gone off to say they were not notified of a planned power outage. Not knowing about an outage can be hugely disruptive for customers, which is not what we want. We want you to know in advance so that you can make plans for the outage.

There can be a number of reasons why you might be unaware that the power will be temporarily turned off for maintenance work, but there are some things you can do to make sure you get planned outage notifications:

Î Check the contact details that your electricity retailer has for you, and make sure they are correct.

Î Check your email settings to make sure emails from your electricity retailer don’t accidentally end up in your ‘junk’ folder or somewhere else that you don’t usually look.

Î If you are not the electricity account holder, make sure the person or company who is, knows to pass outage notifications on to you. For example, if you are a tenant and the landlord gets the power bill, the landlord will get the outage notification, not you.

Î Ask your electricity retailer how they let you know about planned power outages, and think about whether this will be okay for you.

Î Some electricity retailers can provide outage notification by text message. If you want this, ask your retailer if they can do it for you.

Î Keep an eye out for more than one outage notification from your electricity retailer. Sometimes we need to have two or more outages in the same area to get the work done. Each outage is notified separately by your electricity retailer.

Karen Barks of Tasman Organics Te Awanui Ltd, Warren Ensbey of Enzbee Honey and Herbs, and Nelson Farmers Market manager Miriam Clark. Photo: Kate Russell.

TOTAL RAISED SO FAR

DONATE HERE

NBS Dancing for a Cause is a major fundraiser for Nelson Tasman Hospice. It sees 10 locals, with varying degrees of dancing experience, teamup with trained dancers and hit the dance floor on Saturday 27 May at the Trafalgar Centre. This week, Sara Hollyman talks to contestants Juliet Fleming, Sean Davis and Ryan Edwards about preparing and their hopes for the event.

What first drew you to NBS Dancing for a Cause?

Juliet: I have worked in hospice for over 20 years now, and for the last 15 years at Nelson Tasman Hospice. I see firsthand the benefits of hospice care every day. I have volunteered at the previous two events and have been so impressed with the enormous amount of effort of all participants and the NBS Dancing for a Cause Board members and the huge amount of money raised.

Sean: Initially it was the atmosphere at the event I attended previously. Add the opportunity to raise funds and awareness for a cause like Nelson Tasman Hospice and the personal challenge of actually learning a dance to perform and it sounds like my kinda party.

Ryan: Victoria (my wife) very kindly nominated me (without me knowing) and one day over a coffee she said…….. ‘I’ve done something’……….24 hours later I was having a coffee with Emma Silke-French talking about the show. The best part of 12 months on and I couldn’t be more excited that I said ‘yes’ to taking part.

Tell me about your previous dancing experience (or lack of).

Sean: Previous experience... never danced, just cut shapes from time to time but it’s normally late night stuff at one of Nelson’s hopso venues.

Juliet: Zip, Zilch, Zero: absolutely no ballroom dancing experience at all! I was ‘sent’ to ballet classes as a child aged 8 for a term but HATED it and was told that I would look much better with my tongue ‘IN’ my mouth! We used to say that my husband and I had four left feet between us.

Ryan: Very minimal and restricted to weddings or events post-midnight.

Why is the Nelson Tasman Hospice important to you?

Ryan: I’m very lucky (unlike many) that I have not had direct involvement or contact with the Hospice. The more I learn and the more I get emotionally involved, the more I want to do for this incredible organisation.

Sean: For me it’s all about the service they provide people in our region. The scope of the work they are involved in is massive and I dread to think of the hole that would be left without this amazing service and the amazing people involved.

Juliet: I have been blessed with a career that I absolutely love and would do exactly the same if I had to do it all over. I would like to see that Nelson Tasman Hospice can continue to provide services into the future despite the decreasing percentage of government funding that hospices receive.

How much money are you hoping to raise?

Sean: There is another hospo-based contestant (Mr Ben Douglas). We have a side bet on whoever raises the least money between us buys the first round at the after party. So, I’m aiming for $1 more than him.

Juliet: Each contestant has to raise $5000 but my initial goal was $20,000. Currently I am at $41,885 and I am hoping that I might make $50,000!

Ryan: I would love to make over $30,000. I’m amazed by how generous and supportive the Nelson public has been and I urge people to reach into their pockets one more time.

What can people expect from your performance?

Sean: Well, hopefully... a guy with his head up, shoulders back, looking natural and confident.

Ryan: Hopefully, it might surprise a few people. People who know me will know I’m an awful dancer so hopefully it might raise a few eye-

brows and surprise a few people. Our dance is a little bit about telling a story so hopefully that comes out on the night.

Juliet: I hope that they can see how much fun Craig and I have had. I will strive to be graceful but for someone who is probably happier waving a chainsaw than my arms, it may be a challenge.

What are you most nervous about

Juliet: Currently I am worried that I might injure myself (or Craig!) before the night or we get Covid so can’t perform.

Ryan: To be honest, I don’t really know the answer to that…….

Sean: My dance teacher Sally, dance partner Celina and my wife Steph have all sacrificed a lot to support me. They are all good ladies, but I wouldn’t want to get offside with any of them, so yeah, upsetting any of them makes me a little nervous.

What sort of practice or preparation and how much of it have you been doing?

Ryan: Just once a week with Emma and Hazel. Hazel and I have had the odd practice on a Sunday. I constantly find myself randomly practicing my steps on my own in the staffroom or living room. My daughters have been very helpfully playing dance partner. Victoria my wife…… not so keen!

Sean: Sally and Celina have had me practising plenty, I must be getting a little better as my daughters even let me dance with them in a couple of TikToks now.

Juliet: We have a weekly lesson with Emma and in the last few weeks we have tried to get one or two extra practices in. I have continued my normal weekly boxing sessions.

Juliet Fleming

Sean Davis

Ryan Edwards

James’ mullet makeover for MS

JO KENT

It’s been three years since personal trainer James Cooper has had a haircut, but last week he decided to get his mullet chopped for charity.

“I can’t remember the last time I got it cut. It was definitely before lockdown.”

Working at City Fitness gym, James knew a couple of the guys there who suffer from multiple sclerosis and came up with the idea to do a sponsored snip to fundraise for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of NZ.

“I was planning to have a tidy up anyway, and then thought maybe I could turn it into a fundraiser for the guys at the gym.”

He says his wife Helen wasn’t too keen on a complete head shave, but was certainly happy to see the back of his messy mullet.

“It’s become a bit of a thing at the gym. All the staff are behind the campaign and have been wearing blonde wigs in the run-up to the big day.”

Taking donations online as well as in cash, James has already raised around $1500 of his $2k target.

“I know we are in some challenging times for people, so it’s inspiring to see how the community have come together to help raise funds for this cause.”

Mike Cathro is one of the men who inspired James to fundraise. He was diagnosed with MS aged 25.

“I first had symptoms when I was 22 but was told it was MS a few years later. That was just over 15 years ago now.

“There isn’t really enough support for MS in this country, so any fundraising goes a long way to help those who need it,” he says.

Similarly, Jon Anda knows James through the gym, who he describes as a “larger than life personality” around the place.

Jon was diagnosed with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) in 2009, an incurable disease which falls under the umbrella

of MS.

“When someone who doesn’t even know you puts their hand in their pocket to give money and raise cash for your illness, that’s pretty humbling,” Jon says.

The haircut took place right in the centre of the gym at 5.45pm – the busiest time of day.

“We hoped that by doing it in front of everyone as they were working out, people might chuck some more money in the bucket to get us to our target,” James says.

Mike and Jon both snipped off a ponytail each before one of James’ personal training clients grabbed the clippers and went to town.

Casey Taylor says she used to do hairdressing, so he was in safe hands.

“It was good to put him under a bit of pressure as it’s usually the other way round,” she says.

If you would like to donate, visit givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/ chop-that-mullet.

Mike Cathro and Jon Anda snipped off James Cooper’s mullet in a fundraiser for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of NZ. Photo: Jo Kent.

Spooking Spielberg leads to box office gold

This week’s guest on The Nelson Pod has one of the most unlikely and incredible success stories you’re ever likely to hear.

Oren Peli was working as a computer programmer in California in the mid-2000s when he found himself in a toxic work environment. Depressed and suffering carpal tunnel syndrome, Oren hated his job and was in serious pain. “I was popping Ibuprofen like candy just to get through the day,” he said.

Inspired by the success of the ultra-low

budget horror film

The Blair Witch Project, Oren came up with a plan. With no background in filmmaking, he decided to make his own horror film.

Working with an idea inspired by the creaks his house would make at night, Oren spent $US15,000 making the film with a couple of unknown actors. Once the movie was finished he started approaching the film industry, but no one was interested. Even his local San Diego film festival rejected it. The breakthrough came when Oren entered it in the Screamfest horror film festival. The film won awards, an agent

came calling, and, eventually, after being passed around Hollywood, a DVD of Oren’s film made it onto Steven Spielberg’s desk at Dreamworks Pictures. This led to “one of the most surreal moments” of Oren’s life when the President of Dreamworks called to tell him Spielberg had watched his film. The Dreamworks boss told Oren that Spielberg had started watching the film but stopped halfway through because he got so scared that he could not keep watching it at night. He went on to tell Oren that

$24,400 $16,400

Spielberg had viewed the rest of the film in the morning, that he loved it, and the company wanted to release it.

Oren’s film was called Paranormal Activity and it went on to make $US193 million at the box office.

The Paranormal Activity franchise has now spawned seven films and Oren and his family have been calling Nelson home since 2018.

Host of The Nelson Pod, Matt Lawrey, says Oren’s story is a must-watch.

“I just love the way he tells his

amazing story in this incredibly relaxed and casual way. It really is a wonderful tale of determination, talent and self-belief. It’s also very cool hearing why Oren and his family chose to make Nelson-Whakatū their home,” Matt says. “I really encourage everyone to watch the pod. It’ll definitely make you smile.” Watch or listen on: thenelsonpod.co.nz

Paranormal Activity creator Oren Peli joins host Matt Lawrey in this week’s episode of The Nelson Pod. Photo: Be Seen More.

Holy guacamole where are the avos?

It’s a favourite toast topper for Kiwis, but you may have noticed avocados have become scarce from supermarket shelves of late. So, what’s the inside scoop behind the shortage and when we can expect to see them back to plentiful supply? Foodstuffs North Island’s produce merchandise manager Brigit Corson reveals there’s a few things at play.

“The main reason we’re seeing less avocados on supermarket shelves is because the avocado season has run short,” she says. Regan Booth, head of domestic avocado sales for Primor, who supply most of the avocados for Foodstuffs North Island’s supermarkets, adds that New Zealand is currently sitting between two seasons.

“This hasn’t happened for a few years now, normally we have our old season and our new season mash together so we don’t run out of product, but this year it just hasn’t worked out.” He says New Zealand’s only other avocado supply option comes from Australia, but says their season runs almost parallel to New Zealand. “Australia’s Hass avocado season starts just before ours, but by the time the product comes over here our season has usually started,” he explains. While avocados are scarce now, Regan says the will return soon. “Generally, the fruit matures mid-May and once it’s passed a maturity test it will go through picking and packing, and more importantly, ripening, I expect we’ll see avocados back on shelves earlyto-mid June,” Regan says.

Early education staff left out in cold

Sad to hear this for whanau tamariki and kaiako.

Angie ReedyKearns

This is so sad and frustrating for everyone involved with this center. I really feel for all that have lost jobs, teachers and mums of little ones. I hope you’re all finding your feet and things to do with the littlies. Local playcentres are a great place to get your littlies their social interaction and create play.

Tania Mangos

I feel really sorry for the staff and families.

Victoria Thomas Ashcroft

Rapid growth leads to NZ team call up

Go Finn! This is awesome (do you want a teacher to come to France with you?)

Jessica Whiunui

Nice one, Glen. Good luck over there!

Tarnia Pilcher

Good luck Finn.

Dianne Potts

Hon Dr Nick Smith

LANDSLIP REPAIRS NEED GOVT HELP

The repair work from last August’s storm will dominate the work of this term of Council. My goals are to progress the repairs as quickly as possible, to build back better, to support those with damaged homes and to recover as much of the cost as possible from insurers, EQC and the Government.

The first and simplest repairs have been around the water damage to flooded homes. This work is progressing well with most insurance claims settled. Council has cleared thousands of tonnes of gravel from rivers to restore their flood capacity. We would have had more homes flooded over Coronation weekend had this work not been done quickly.

The biggest job is fixing Council infrastructure. The dozens of repair jobs required on our roads, bridges, pipes, cycleways, walkways and parks will take years. It makes no sense to build it back the same when it failed so we are investing heavily in rebuilding more resiliently.

The most difficult part of the recovery work is dealing with the dozens of damaging landslips. Eighteen of these are from Council land, which has slipped onto 33 private properties. We have received detailed engineering assessments on these and shared them with property owners. One slip is too costly to fix and we propose buying the affected properties.

Emma Wright –

Raising Body Confident

Kids

Thursday 18 May, 7-9pm, Nelson College for Girls

A must see for parents of toddlers to teens. Emma’s seminar is as practical as it is enlightening. You’ll will laugh and maybe even cry as Emma walks you through the 10 principles of raising body confident kids. Tickets: emma-wright-nelson.eventbrite.com

The Nelson Market

Saturday 20 May, 8-12pm, 1 Montgomery Square

A famous, vibrant showcase of regional arts and crafts, fashion, jewellery, fresh, local, and organic produce. There is an abundance of fresh, seasonal vegetables and fruit, nuts, cheeses, bread, flowers, and plants.

Nelson Central Challenge – A Family Adventure Race

Sunday 21 May, 10-2pm (NEW DATE)

Nelson Central School

The Central Challenge is an opportunity to have a day out in Central Nelson and enjoy a Rogaine Adventure Race for all ages and stages. 2 formats available. Visit www.centralchallenge.co.nz for more information and ticket prices.

This week, we announced our plan for these landslips. Council’s legal obligation is to put the land back as it was. This would cost $5 million but leave the areas vulnerable to further slips in future. Reducing these future risks involves extensive engineering works of barriers, anchors, mesh catch fences, protective matting and revegetation. Our plan to build back better comes at a cost of $17.2 million. This is on top of the $57.1 million already committed to other recovery works.

I wrote to the Government last week seeking support to share in these landslip remediation costs. It is too much for Nelson ratepayers alone. There are benefits to Government as well as Council to building back better. Generous government support has been provided in response to Cyclone Gabrielle for Hawke’s Bay, Tairāwhiti and Auckland. I will be working hard to ensure Nelson gets support.

This great price is all inclusive - it covers all $5 prescription charges for the year plus the monthly sachet packing. It also allows you to spread your costs over the year by for you and for your husband/wife/partner who is included even if they do not have their medicines sachet packed.

Resident’s aspirations and concerns heard

MAX FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter

Nelson City councillors spent two days last week listening to residents voice their aspirations and concerns as they conducted public hearings on council’s draft Annual Plan for the coming financial year.

About 50 people verbally presented to the mayor and councillors, representing themselves or community organisations, to add further emphasis to their written submissions on the proposed annual plan. Many submitters spoke to specific topics on which they wanted to see change, such as the dangers of swimmers getting caught in fishing lines, boat mooring fees, and wasteful street lighting, however some common themes did assert themselves as the hearings progressed.

Council’s proposal to put aside $606,000 to undertake the pre-planning work on linking Kākā Valley to the city’s utility and transport network proved to be one the most common focuses for submitters, with several speakers opposed to the proposal.

Though an appeal against the private plan change that would allow the development to go ahead has been lodged with the Environment Court, Nelson City Council wants to put aside the funds so they’re available to be used should the appeal be dismissed.

Some of the submitters against the proposal said the cost should lie solely with

C&F LEGAL LTD

Geared to the Result

the developer.

CCKV Developments is the entity driving the plan for the housing development in Kākā Valley, part of the Maitai Valley.

But Andrew Spittal, a CCKV director, wondered in his submission if the council’s question on the topic had been misleading.

“It’s not quite true to say [the $606,000] is all for Maitai growth,” he says. “That money is for infrastructure in Nelson East that is already

undersized, not working, and will be in the plan.”

Some of the infrastructure works needed include an upgrade of the Nile Street East water main. The cost of the works will be split between council and the developer, with the developer paying for the new infrastructure and council paying for the upgrades to the existing infrastructure.

Other popular topics for submitters included requesting council to increase

grants for community organisations by inflation, which isn’t currently being proposed, supporting the investigation of a city-centre location for a new community centre with a library at its centre, urging stronger climate action from council, and reducing spending.

Established law firm a stable option for their clients

Well-established and renowned across the region for their stability, focus and flexibility, C&F Legal provide an experienced team of lawyers with expertise in a wide range of law including property and commercial law, estates and private wealth, family law, dispute resolution, employment law, as well as forestry and agribusiness. Founded by solicitors Kathy Carr and Rick Farr in 2005, C&F Legal continues to go from strength to strength and now has 20 team members with litigation solicitors Andrew Shaw and Mark Broad joining as co-directors in 2017 and 2022, respectively. The firm is delighted to promote Ibolya Little to a senior solicitor and expand her role to take over the management of C&F Legal’s family trust portfolio. “Significant growth in the trust management work undertaken by our firm and increased compliance obligations on trustees has led us to introduce specialist trust management software to enhance the trust management services provided to our clients,” says director Kathy Carr. “Iboyla will lead the implementation of our new trust management software and manage the day-

to-day administration of our family trusts. Our new software will help clients manage their increased compliance obligations more cost effectively.”

The firm has also recently welcomed Carl Brandt, a new senior property and commercial solicitor to the team. Carl began his career at a firm in Hamilton and has spent the last two years at a specialist boutique commercial firm in Canada. Carl says, “I look forward to bringing the knowledge and experience I have gained from my time overseas to Nelson to support the firm’s clients.” Carl was attracted to Nelson because of the exciting opportunity at C&F Legal and his strong interest in the great mountain biking opportunities that the region offers. Carl’s commercial and property knowledge adds further depth to Kathy and Rick’s wealth of experience in these areas. C&F Legal has an experienced and cohesive team with professional support services to help you navigate all your legal requirements. Each team member is an integral cog in the wheel enabling responsiveness, availability, and continuity to their clients. Business Update. Adv.

C&F Legal Directors Mark Broad, Andrew Shaw, Kathy Carr & Rick Farr.

Over the course of two days, dozens of submitters told elected members what they wanted to see for the city over the coming year. Photo: Max Frethey.

Kāinga Ora to build 29 homes on Waimea Rd

KATE RUSSELL

Kāinga Ora is set to build 29 new public homes for people in need on Waimea Rd, where the Wakatu Lodge once was, with construction to start in the next month.

Kāinga Ora - Homes and Communities is working with developer JV Properties Limited to build a new three-storey development in Nelson that will provide new homes for people in need.

The 128-year-old Wakatu Lodge was relocated to the Moutere earlier this month, paving the way for the development to progress.

Construction is expected to be completed in mid-2024.

Julia Campbell, Regional Director Nelson, Marlborough, and West Coast, says the new homes will help to address some of the urgent need for housing in Nelson, and the high demand for one-bedroom homes.

A total of 261 people are currently on the public housing register in the city, 61 per cent of whom are waiting for a one-bedroom home.

“We know that too many people in Nelson are struggling to find a suitable home where they can build their lives. One of the ways we’re looking to increase the amount of housing available across the country is by partnering with developers to build new warm and dry homes in well-connected areas of the city,” she says.

“By building up, as we’ll be doing with this development, more people can enjoy living in a prime location that is close to their jobs, services, and public transport routes.”

Nelson developer JV Properties Limited initially purchased the land to develop as housing and has been working through the resource consent process.

Kāinga Ora has partnered with the developer, and now that the resource consent has been approved, ownership of the land was transferred to Kāinga Ora this week.

Julia says a mix of current Kāinga Ora customers and people and couples in need of one-bedroom homes who are currently on the public housing register are likely to be matched to the homes.

“Our dedicated placement team will carefully match people to these homes. As part of this,

we talk to people about their connections to the community to help us to find the right home for them.”

Kāinga Ora is planning a series of drop-in sessions for residents where they will be able to learn more about this development and will be sharing the details of these once they are confirmed.

“We’re committed to keeping neighbours and the wider community informed as our plans for these homes progress.”

An artist’s impression of the what the housing development on Waimea Rd would look like. Image: Supplied.

SINCE 1993 TO LIMITE

Operating from its Haven Road site, DS Auto owners Derryl and Tanja Henman have spent many years trading and fixing vehicles in the region, as well as specialising in selling unique classic cars, range rovers and even corvettes.

Celebrating 30 years of being in business has been an honour, says Derryl. “Being in a business that has been situated in the same place for three decades, and meeting new people every day, has been a thrill.” Derryl followed his father's footsteps in the automotive industry, starting his apprenticeship at 16 years old with Ross McCully Motors before then going on to work for his father at the Halifax St car yard.

“From there I went on to Brisbane to work with my brother where I worked at the house of MG, and that’s where my classic car passion was born.” Following

that, Derryl came back to New Zealand and worked as company rep for Repco Auto Parts.

“After a few years I joined up with Powell Motors Lada, which was situated on our current site, and sold new and used cars - and perhaps I even acquired a taste for vodka - but that is probably a story for another day.”

In 1993 Derryl and Tanja purchased the workshop and car yard and, as the Lada faded, they then went into classic cars and restored them to be sold. “We also started RushIn Rentals at the start with Lada, then Classic Sports Cars, and the famous stretched limos.” Derryl says he had a brainstorm one day to buy a limousine after moving back from Australia.

“That lasted a few years and a few good stories came out because of it!”

The iconic Haven Road building where

DS Auto is situated has seen its fair share of businesses come and go since its origins in the mid 1800’s, housing taverns, accommodation and even hairdresser rooms. But DS Auto has been one of its longest-trading businesses and one of the region's oldest workshops that is still in use today.

Tanja is the customer's main point of contact, keeping people on the ball with their warrants, and in recent years their son Tom joined the business as a qualified auto technician working on a wide range of vehicles.

“We started up a very busy drive-in WOF testing station along with our fully equipped workshop covering all types of vehicles,” says Derryl.

“As a keen caravan man we decided to start importing caravans, originally from Australia and then on to the UK and Ger-

many. I have always had a love for clas sic cars but, since Tom travelled to States he has become quite passionate about more exotic and different types vehicles.”

‘Covering it all,’ DS Auto continues provide customers with top-quality auto services for all makes and models, from Fiats to Ferraris, and a great range of sales and rentals, caravans and trailers.

“We pride ourselves on keeping the 'good old New Zealand know-how can-do tude, keeping consistent and yet moving with the times and updating equipment, diversification and 'hanging in there' when times get tough,” says Tanja. “We are still the same solid company we were when we started. We still fix but have expanded our skills into a more varied fleet.”

Applying a fresh and modern approach,

221 HAVEN ROAD, NELSON.

clasthe passionate types of continues to auto from car trailers. 'good attimoving equipment, there' that cars more approach,

the workshop received an early birthday makeover and equipment upgrade in 2022.

“The rebranding, which was fuelled by our son Tom, has brought new life into the building with an updated look inside and out, and given us a new lease on life and a new perspective on our business. But our originality is still very well intact!”

It is clear from the outset that DS Auto is like one big family, run by a couple whose main focus remains firmly on its people. The friendly and experienced ninestrong team are passionate about what they do, providing an exceptional, highquality service to all who drive through their gates.

“I pride myself on being passionate about the industry,” says Derryl, who has also been the President of MTA Nelson and

has received multiple outstanding service awards over the years.

“We are a community-based business, run by a local family who supports other local business. We have always, as a rule, had good, hard-working staff who look after our customers, self-reputation and our business.

“Without our staff we would not still be standing here today. Being family operated we also tend to share the family sense with our customers and staff members.”

“We strive to give the best service possible, and we hope to see our business grow for a further 30 years!

“We are very thankful for the ongoing support from our customers over all these years and to celebrate the 30th birthday of DS Auto we would like to give our customers spot prizes throughout the month, to be able to win MTA vouchers.”

"Congratulations DS Auto on your 30 years in business. What a fantastic achievement, given the difficult times we've all been dealt in recent times around the globe. We appreciate your prompt professional service on a daily basis. All the best for the next 30 years!"

Ben Brownie - General Manager The Car Company Ltd

"Congratulations to DS Auto on hitting a milestone! As a long time customer it’s of no surprise to me that the business has gone from strength to strength due to their exceptional service and focus on looking after their clients.

I especially appreciate the high level of communication when doing work on our vehicles. The team there have been very supportive of my son’s motor racing passion, with advice, pre purchase inspections and the ongoing maintenance of their race cars. Here’s to another 30 years team Henman."

Dennis Christian - Nelson/Motueka/Richmond Bayleys Nelson

"We would like to congratulate Derryl, Tanja and Tom on successfully reaching 30 years in business in Nelson. Thanks team for looking after our fleet of vehicles. Your services are valued."

Robert Inglis - Director, Origin Air

"I want to thank Derryl, Tom and the team at DS Auto for their continued support with BNT, and I hope to continue working closely alongside them for the next 30 years. They are an integral part of BNT Nelson and the team thank you very much."

Tim Leppard - BNT

"Congratulations to Derryl for the 30 years you have put into your business on Haven road. Thanks for the services you have provided and the great staff you have employed to give that service. All the best for the future."

Patrick Pascoe City Motors Nelson Ltd

"Best wishes to the DS Auto team for their 30th anniversary. It has been a pleasure doing business with them over these last 30 years – long may it continue."

David Topliss Bros Precision Engineers

"30 years is a great achievement for a locally owned company. Thanks for the awesome service you provide to all of us."

Roberto Lombardis Ristorante (Owner)

Ltd

NELSON. PH 03 548 9788

Meet some of the phenomenal team who are proudly at the heart of our community

In support of Hospice Awareness Week, we showcase some of the wonderful team members who continue to dedicate their lives to help ease the journey for patients, their whānau and carers, through illness, death and bereavement, by providing access to specialist palliative care so they can live and die with compassion and dignity, in comfort and in peace. Tony Gray, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nelson Tasman Hospice, says, “As a charitable trust which is all about caring for its community, we haven’t always been bold enough about telling our story and the impact that we have in the community. While Nelson Tasman Hospice is very proud to be at the heart of the community, the reality is that hospices around Aotearoa, New Zealand are facing unpredictable, challenging times as soaring service delivery costs and underfunding by the government push them to rethink their future. As a local service we are around 45% funded, which means that as a local charitable trust

we need to fundraise $3.5 million annually from the community that we serve to continue to provide free, specialist palliative care. Support from our community includes grants, business sponsorships, gifts in will, events, donations, and the income from our retail stores.”

LeeAnne Milne

Community Palliative Registered Nurse Shift Co-ordinator

“It is both an honour and privilege to support clients and their whānau during their ‘end of life’ phase. I have worked in palliative care for 20+ years. This has taught me to embrace life and to live a full life. It brings me great comfort to support clients and their loved ones to live meaningful, quality lives with dignity, good symptom management and hopefully to find a level of acceptance during their final phases of life. Hospice also provide individual counselling to clients and their whānau, facilitate difficult conversations, reinforce strategies to allow patients and their whānau to prepare for death and dying. We fully support patients and their whānau in their grief processes.”

Clinical Administration Support

“I mainly work in the inpatient unit supporting our team and help patients and families with any admin tasks that might arise for them. The journey for a patient and their loved ones is made so much easier with hospice support.

There is always someone to talk to, help you, advise and treat you. I have had an up-close-and-personal experience of what hospice does for patients and for families experiencing this as a daughter of having both my parents under hospice care. I am proud to be part of an organisation that provides care to all of our community. My advice to anyone thinking about getting involved, is do it. Be part of a service that is vital for so many.”

Suzy Kirk

Tony Gray

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nelson Tasman Hospice

John Hopkins

Retail Operations Shops Manager

“I have worked with Nelson Tasman Hospice for over two years now. I work with our dedicated shop teams ‘turning second-hand goods into first-class care’. We currently operate four shops in Nelson, Richmond, Motueka, and Takaka and will be opening a fifth shop soon, across from Saxton Field which will be called Op Shop on Saxton.

We also offer hospice-branded donation boxes designed for businesses to keep in their break rooms for their teams to fill with donations for our shops to sell. Community drives my passion for my role. We have a great community of dedicated folk working together as a collective to generate as much money as we can to support our local hospice.”

Dr Amanda Fitzgerald Medical Officer

“My work involves looking after patients and whānau and providing support and advice across all care settings.

I have worked with hospices for over ten years. I love the holistic approach of palliative care and hospice, which focuses not just on the physical but also the emotional, spiritual, cultural and social needs of patients and whānau.

Seeing the difference we are able to help make to the lives of patients and their loved ones drives my passion for what I do. Hospice is not just a building, or ‘where people go to die - hospice care is about enabling people to live every moment, in the ways that matter most to the person and their loved ones.”

“Social work looks at how illness impacts our social lives, our identity, the emotional and physical toll of caregiving, how family roles can change and practical needs such as financial and housing needs. I find it such a privilege to support patients and their whānau at such an intimate time of their lives. Witnessing the exchange of love between individuals as they come together to support one another is incredibly heartwarming. I know I can step back when I see the resilience of patients and their whānau grow as they learn to embrace the uncertainty of what lies ahead and transform it into opportunities for healing and growth. Knowing that you played a small part in facilitating opportunities for connection and healing is incredibly humbling.”

YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS

Built on donations, Nelson Tasman Hospice relies heavily on the kindness of others to ensure the not-forprofit organisation can continue to provide their services to the wider community.

Shardae Donker Social Worker

Keeping local businesses moving

Helping to give local businesses an edge in the ever-changing world of Information Technology (IT), Spark Business Hub Tasman owner Shane McKay and his team have their finger on the pulse for everything digital. When it comes to all things internet, Shane knows what he is talking about after having spent fourteen years in the sector. “We are focused on finding the best tech solutions for each and every client, helping them to stay on track and heading in the right direction.”

Spark Business Hub Nelson are able to tie all business IT needs into one neat, stream-lined, package to assist in becoming more productive and sustainable. They can also help businesses make the transition from old, outdated IT systems to a more comprehensive and modern set-up. In the ever-changing world of IT, and understanding the need for reliability and productivity, Shane and his team are committed to making that transition as smooth as possible, offering local expertise and

support, and tailoring each package to suit each businesses individual needs.

“We know the region, understand what our customer’s needs are, what is needed to keep a business moving. We put people at the forefront of what we do.

From great value mobile phones and plans, Google Workspace and Microsoft business account navigation and subscription, to expert IT and security services, our team can make it easy.”

Another area of interest for many businesses is IoT, otherwise known as the ‘Internet of Things’. IoT encompasses every object or ‘thing’ connected to the internet. From sensors to smartphones, vehicles to entire buildings, IoT is made up of connected devices that ‘talk’ to each other while collecting useful information that isn't available otherwise. For example, arrays of connected moisture sensors monitoring the condition of fields on a farm and constantly relaying that data to the farmer’s computer, or asset-tracking tags on the containers of a freight company allowing them to

track where they’re currently located. Providing enterprise-grade protection for small businesses, Spark Business Hub Tasman can help upgrade your system to industry-leading Defender technologies based on Microsoft’s enterprise-level Defender solutions. With cyber crime on the rise, now is the time to invest in better cybersecurity measures to help protect your business and customer information. Contact the local Business Hub team to discuss a cybersecurity solution that’s right for you. “Our local team can connect you with the best in the world to drive your business forward. We work where you work. So if you need us, we can come to you and talk things over in person, when it’s convenient for you. Just make a time, and we'll come to your place to help get your tech sorted.”

Spark Business Hub Tasman Ph 0800 482 827 173 Haven Road, Nelson spark.co.nz/business

Shane McKay

• Avoid coloured paper or type, fancy fonts or clever delivery approaches

• Be truthful and don't be afraid to sell your skills

• Keep the look simple and make your point quickly

• Use the past tense and choose strong action verbs

• Avoid speaking about yourself in the third person

• Avoid jargon and acronyms that other people might not understand

• Tailor your resume for each specific application

LOVE ANIMALS & NEED EXTRA INCOME?

DOGGIE HOLIDAY HOMES

We are looking for loving homes to care for friendly dogs whilst their owners are on holiday. We screen the dog & match it to the most suitable family and you get to meet the dog before accepting. You will need to have a secure section, be happy for the dog to sleep inside your home and walk it on a daily basis. Someone will need to be home for at least part of the day and not have a cat.

PET SITTERS

We are also looking for people in Nelson City & Stoke to visit cats in their own homes whilst their owners are on holiday and walk individual dogs. PT/Causal with flexible hours that could work around other employment. There is also the possibly to cover group walks if desired. For further info: please email admin@petsittersnz.co.nz

www.petsittersnz.co.nz

You don't have much time to impress with your CV - research shows that employers scan-read CVs - so to make sure it stimulates interest. Follow these basic tips and download our CV template:

• Include the company profile of the organisations that you have worked for, but keep it short

• Make your CV results oriented: give proof to back up your capability statements

• Always proofread your CV

Include the essential personal information:

• Your full name

• Full address

• Telephone numbers (day/evening/mobile)

• Email address

Here are 3 things that will strengthen your CV:

QUALIFICATIONS: list both academic and nonacademic qualifications in chronological order, giving grades. do not include irrelevant information

EMPLOYMENT

HISTORY:

beginning with your most recent job, include your responsibilities, duration of employment and reasons for leaving. Do not omit any period of employment for whatever reason, as this may prove awkward at interview

PERSONAL INTERESTS: listing your interests is important, but do not generalise. For example, instead of simply saying 'football', you could expand and say that you have played for a local club for the last four years and are now publicity officer for the committee (but only if this is true)

As a Sales Assistant, you will support the two lead salespeople and sales associate, the role will involve the following:

• Maintaining the team checklist

• Book advertising, create ads, run social media, launch property to websites and produce print media adverts

• Work with buyers and conduct private viewings, run open homes and other facets.

• Prepare sale and purchase agreements and selling appraisals

Skills & Qualifications:

• Licensed or willing to be licensed

• Must have own car and driver’s license

• Strong computer skills

• Preferably have experience with the platform, Property Suite

• Ideally have experience working in the real estate industry

• Hard working with a good sense of humour

If you meet the above requirements and are looking for an exciting career opportunity in the real estate industry, please submit your application including your resume and a cover letter to: glyn.delany@summit.co.nz

Director – Network Tasman Ltd

•

•

Network Tasman is a consumer-owned and operated electricity distribution network servicing more than 42,200 customers across the wider Nelson and Tasman areas. It is also the largest independent regional supplier of high-speed fibre broadband services. Network Tasman is wholly owned by Network Tasman Trust.

CASEY BRETT CASEY BRETT CASEY

BRETT

It is expected there will be a lift in electricity demand across the region due to buoyant regional growth and transition to a low carbon economy. Emerging technologies may impact upon the future of the core electrical network, presenting both threats of disruption and opportunities for future innovation. The Company’s mission is to own and operate efficient, reliable and safe electricity networks and other complementary businesses while increasing consumer value.

By rotation, there are two director positions open for appointment with new applicants being considered. The Trust is looking for Directors who will add to the strong diverse skill set of the current Board, and demonstrate strategic leadership and governance, strong commercial acumen, independent and innovative thinking as well as engagement and relationship building skills with iwi, consumers, Network Tasman Trust and other stakeholders.

To be successful for a directorship you will have the necessary personal attributes for a director and preferably governance and/or senior management experience. Being based within the region is a preference.

Directors will be appointed for a three-year term and eligible for re-appointment. This is an exciting opportunity to take a role in Network Tasman’s future success. Applications close Friday 2nd June 2023.

To apply please visit www.intepeople.co.nz.

HISTORY OF THE BUSINESS

• It’s been established for 30 years

• We travel around the top of the south for work

• We do commercial work, repaints, lots of new builds with building company’s, exteriors, roofs, there’s nothing we can’t do or haven’t done

• We are a great team, very welcoming and enthusiastic, work hard to get any job done and do it well

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR IN A NEW PAINTER

Your CV is a tool with one purpose: to gain an interview. It should present you in the best possible light and convince a prospective employer that you have what it takes to be successful in this specific position or career. YOUR

• Qualified

• Hard working

• Can manage and run jobs

• Experience in spraying is great but not necessary

• Easy to get along with as we are a close team

For further enquiries please contact Odette Shearer 021 270 8657 or odette@intepeople.co.nz

IS BRIGHTER WITH INTEPEOPLE

Team Delany of the Summit Real Estate, Richmond Branch are looking for a Sales Assistant to join their award-winning team. We are seeking a highly motivated and hardworking individual who is willing to learn and grow within the team.

Real Estate Sales Assistant

Testing potential leads to national team call-up

JACK MALCOLM

Sailor Brooke Mundy has been selected to represent New Zealand later this year in New Caledonia.

The aspiring sailor cited her recent success at the National Championships earlier this year as crucial in being one of 10 young women selected for the New Zealand International Optimist Dinghy Association’s development team.

Having been introduced to the sport five years ago, Brooke says she nearly gave up sailing before her passion for the sport was reignited.

“My coach originally was Paul (Goldsmith). He coached me when I was in Green Fleet and he brought out the passion of it. . . he made it fun.”

The Green Fleet is where young sailors start their first step into

racing, with Brooke saying she enjoys the thrill of going fast.

“I just love the freedom of it I guess, because you’re controlling your own boat and there’s so many things you can do to make yourself that little bit faster.”

Brooke has been coached this season by Noah Malpot, who travelled to the WASZP Championship of Champions grand finals in San Francisco where he finished fourth, earlier this month.

She says he’s been working more on the technical aspects of racing, which helped see her come home from the Optimist National Championships with a silver medal around her neck.

With the regatta in New Caledonia in October, she will attend a training and planning clinic later this month in preparation.

That passion saw Brooke decide to dedicate herself to the sport

this season, travelling for the first time with the intention of wanting to see how far she could go with it.

“We went to as many regattas as we could in the build-up. We went to Picton, Christchurch, both regattas in Nelson and then nationals in Auckland.”

The selection for the team has also interrupted the family’s holiday to Fiji, with a clash in sched-

ule that means she will have to fly some extra miles to make it to the regatta. Despite growing up in Fiji, Brooke only got into sailing when her family moved to Nelson and it will be her first time racing in tropical conditions.

“It’ll be pretty exciting, the sailing will be amazing. It’s completely different weather conditions and a really cool experience.”

Her mum, Kelly Taylor, says Brooke’s introduction to the sport was a chance coincidence. “We’d just moved here, it was the summer holidays and we didn’t know anyone.

“I literally just Googled ‘kids holiday activities’ and gave her some options and one of them was you could do a week-long sailing course, and it started from there. “She’d sail every day if I let her.”

Pair celebrate centenary together

JACK MALCOLM

Sam Briggs and Cleve Barrell grew up playing rugby together and last weekend brought up 100 premier games alongside each other.

As a core part of Marist’s backline and their recent success, it was a special moment for the pair as they ran out onto the pitch ahead of a 50-7 thrashing of Waitohi at Trafalgar Park.

“It’s a bit of a different feeling, sharing it together. We started as kids and a few trophies later here we are,” says Cleve.

Having shifted to second fiveeighth after playing halfback, he’s always lined up next to Sam in his number 10 jersey, despite having different roles.

“We could almost say we know everything about each other,” Sam laughs.

“What an opportunity. For me, this will be my last game for the season.”

Sam says he stuck around to bring up his milestone game, but has commitments to South Canterbury, having been a core member of their back-to-back Heartland

Championship titles.

Marist coach Seta Sariua says Sam and Cleve were the stars of the show as the club looked to celebrate its second and third centurion in as many weeks.

“That was a build-up to this week.

Sam and Cleve and how much they have led the team during the years.”

In a game that kicked off Marist’s Tasman Trophy campaign, the home side at Trafalgar Park were a class above Waitohi from the

opening whistle as they raced out to an early and dominant lead by scoring at more than a point-aminute through the opening 20 minutes of play.

They took their foot off the throttle as their dominance became

clear, with Waitohi unable to find a way back into the game.

It looked to be a sense of playing down to their opposition as Marist were clearly a class above, especially at scrum time where they were able to earn a penalty virtually at will.

Seta says they will look at how they can better finish off the job, with a big game away next weekend against Central.

“We need to learn to stick to our standards when the score is blown out.

“I wasn’t expecting it to be so easy, but I expected to get the W.”

In other results from around the region, 84 points were scored but Kahurangi and Stoke still couldn’t be separated in a 42-all draw, Central beat Nelson 29-5 and Waimea Old Boys made light work of Moutere with a 41-5 win.

In the women’s Tasman Trophy, Marist beat Kahurangi 34-22, while second division action saw Stoke beat Huia 31-14, Riwaka beat Marist 43-17, Takaka beat Nelson 74-0, Collingwood beat WOB 15-7 and Tapawera beat Muchison 14-0, while Wanderers had a bye.

It was a special moment for Sam Briggs and Cleve Barrell as they led their team out onto Trafalgar Park, both sharing the celebrations of bringing up 100 premier games in green and black. Photo: Evan Barnes/Shuttersport.

Brooke Mundy travelled to compete for the first time this season and found herself selected for a team travelling to New Caledonia in October. Photo: Adam Mustill Photography.

Records tumble at national swim meet

JACK MALCOLM

Tasman Swim Club produced some magic at the National Age Group Swimming Championships, with five separate swimmers breaking local records in the process.

The group of Samantha Wilson, Brooke Swan, William Seymour, Lucas Bell and Joel Verran collectively broke 16 Swim Nelson Marlborough records as the team notched up two golds, two silvers and six bronzes.

With 29 final appearances across the meeting, it’s one of the best recent results for the club and evidence that the hard work they’ve been doing is paying dividends, says head coach Shaun Foley. He came into the role last year and has gone hard to work mentoring the young team to a string of impressive results.

Alongside the local records, there were individual standouts like Mya Ketel finishing with a silver in the 50m breaststroke and fourth in the 200m, while making the finals in the 100m to finish sixth.

Adding to the club’s recent successes is Sophie Pahi, who took home gold in both the 500m and 3.5km races at the NZ Secondary schools open water Champs in Rotorua at the end of March.

Shaun says the results speak volumes to the amount of work the team is doing in and out of the water.

With training almost every morn-

ing, the team had been hard at work refining their craft in the build-up to the event.

“Like I said 12 months ago. We redesigned the programme for them to succeed at the top level and we expected that they were going to achieve well.

“They’ve been working so hard, there’s been a lot of early mornings.”

While Shaun was surprised with just how well the team did, he says it wasn’t a shock.

Having several swimmers at such a high level in the team at the same time has created a strong environment for success, he says.

“We’re lucky as a region that we have some of the fastest swimmers (in their grades). . . there’s a friendly rivalry.”

The team had a week’s break from the pool and two weeks of skill development as an ‘off-season’ and are already back in the pool as they look towards the New Zealand Short Course Championships in August.

“There’s always going to be a focus on improvement and going forward,” Shaun says.

“We’re now building into an aerobic phase to build more power,” he says.

The team is now also working towards creating more long-term success by continuing to improve the pathway from junior swimmers right up to their top-tier of competitors.

Former Mako Billy Guyton dies age 33

The local sporting community has been rocked by the news that former Mako halfback Billy Guyton has died at age 33.

vs

Sunday 21 May 12 noon, Saxton Field

Match Day Sponsor:

Having retired from the game due to ongoing concussion symptoms at 28, he had since dedicated his pass time to building up the game of women’s rugby.

Billy coached the Marist women’s team to a premier grade title and had moved into a coaching role with the Mako FPC team.

As his role for the Mako expanded, Billy had recently stepped away from coaching the local game but was still a constant presence on the sidelines as a selector and talent scout.

A statement released by the Tasman Mako on Monday afternoon passed on the union’s condolences to the Guyton whanau, friends and colleagues.

“Billy was a much-loved member of our whole Tasman Rugby team and had

a positive impact on those he played alongside and coached. Billy has been a major contributor of women’s rugby across our Tasman region.”

It was a sentiment echoed by the Blues, where Billy played 24 games between 2016-17. He also made one appearance for the Hurricanes in 2014 and another for the Crusaders in 2015.

“We are shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Billy Guyton. He was a talented rugby player, who made 24 appearances for

the Blues between 20162017. We cannot imagine the heartache his family and friends must be feeling at this difficult time. To everyone who knew Billy, we send them our sincere sympathy,” they said in a statement.

The wider rugby community has already started banding together to remember the young and talented player, who made 52 appearances for the Mako and 29 appearances for North Otago. While talking about his retirement from the game, Billy said winning the cham-

pionship in 2013 with the Mako was a career highlight, as was winning the Heartland Championship with North Otago in 2010.

In 2016, Billy was selected for the Māori All Blacks’ tour of the northern hemisphere and was a member of the New Zealand Heartland XV at Fullback and Wing. He was also a talented cricketer, plying his trade in the local premier grade as a dangerous bowling threat for ACOB over the summer.

IF YOU NEED TO TALK

TO SOMEONE:

• LIFELINE: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)

• SUICIDE CRISIS HELPLINE: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)

• YOUTHLINE: 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat.

• NEED TO TALK? Free call or text 1737 (available 24/7)

• KIDSLINE: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)

Tasman Swim Club’s William Seymour, Brooke Swan, Mya Ketel, Samantha Wilson and Joel Verran were in top form as they raced away to 16 local records and seven medals at the National Age Group Swimming Championships. (Absent: Lucas Bell). Photo: Jack Malcolm.

Tasman Swim Club’s Sam Wilson was one of the local swimmers in top form as they raced away to 16 local records and seven medals. Photo (file): Swimming Wellington Facebook.

Billy Guyton (1990-2023) in full flight as a Tasman Mako in 2013. Photo (file): Gavin Hadfield.

Big ambitions from Suburbs’ new signings

JACK MALCOLM

Nelson Suburbs have a new English flare to them after pulling in three imported players originally from the UK to bolster their ranks. With the announcement that striker Connor Flynn-Gillespie had signed from a team in Cyprus, the team now has three England-born players as he joins brothers Dylan Henderson and Lennon Whewell from Liverpool.

The trio have all signed into the culture Suburbs have built, saying that they are like a big family in the changing rooms.

Dylan, a defender, and Lennon, a striker, have been with the team since the start of the season, while Connor has played just two games in Suburbs sky blue since joining up with the squad later in the season.

Having played in Australia previously, the brothers say they plan to spend as long as they can in the country to make the most of their working visas.

Those connections over the ditch were how they linked up with the Suburbs, with an old teammate making the introductions.

While Connor’s path came through an agent, Jake Butler, who was helping him explore options in the Southern Hemisphere.

“ I knew he was looking for a player in New Zealand and I first spoke to two different teams.

“It was unexpected. I thought nothing was coming out in New Zealand until they called.

“About a week later, he told me about one club in the Southern League that needed a striker.”

And the rest is history. After 48 hours of travel, Connor arrived in Nelson and jumped straight into the action in his debut earlier this month against Christchurch United.

He says the game is played a lot differently on this side of the world.

“Coming from Cyprus to here, it was more intense and more running. Here, it’s more physical and more tackles, smashing into players and going into tackles hard.”

Dylan and Lennon agreed, saying they’ve had to adapt to the way the game is played here.

“We didn’t know. . . It was a surprise really. The pace is a lot slower than back home. How they pass, the movements and rhythm,” says Lennon.

“It’s a lot longer back home too, there’s way more games (in a season),” says Dylan.

They say the best thing about their new team is the culture and friendship that they all have.

“We’re all together,” says Connor. He says he’s agreed to at least two seasons with the team, and has big aspirations for his time with the team.

“I want to put Nelson Suburbs in the national league. We’re a storm to be recognised with.”

Suburbs progressed to the next round of the Chatham Cup over the weekend, with a massive 10-0 win over Central FC in Blenheim as Lennon picked up four goals.

Suburbs signings Dylan Henderson, Connor Flynn-Gillespie and Lennon Whewell were all born in the UK and are excited to show off their skills in a new league on the other side of the world.

Photo: Jack Malcolm.

Waimai United’s Aqeela Mowjood looks to beat her defender in their 0-0 draw against Stoke as part of P2 women’s action on Sunday. In other results from local hockey, Tasman White beat Waimai 5-0 and Tasman Black drew 2-2 with Federal in men’s P1 action, while Waimai got the bragging rights in a 3-2 win over Stoke in the P1 women’s grade.

Photo: Barry Whitnall/Shuttersport.

Football

over Motueka, FC Nelson Diamonds won 3-0 over Golden Bay and the Richmond Foxes game with the Suburbs Swans postponed, while Tahuna had a bye.

Mako

The Tasman Mako have announced the trial teams for an inter-region rivalry game against

Marlborough. Players from across the region have been named in a Tasman Blue team to play the best players from the other side of the Whangamoas in a trial game at Lansdowne Park on King’s Birthday weekend. Five players from Stoke, seven from Kahurangi and Marist and four from Nelson have been selected in the 23-strong Blue squad.

Flanker Saumaki Saumaki breaks through the defence on his way to scoring the first try on the newly-upgraded Nelson College front field in their 32-17 win over St Bede’s. Photo: Evan Barnes/Shuttersport.

First XV christens new field with big win

JACK MALCOLM

as they failed to kick on against a ruthless and persistent Nelson College attack.

58 Craig Morice

After camping in the attacking half for almost the entirety of the second half they were unlucky not to have walked away with even more of a convincing win.

FORCE vs BRUMBIES 52 Vern Mardon 45 Toby Hoebergen

vs FIJIAN DRUA Johnston Associates South Chartered Accountants

And the local fans wouldn’t have to wait long to see their team make use of the perfect conditions on Saturday, with both squads looking to make the most of the sunny weather by playing expansive rugby and letting their backs shine. Nelson College would open the scoring as flanker Saumaki Saumaki burst through the defensive line near halfway and raced away for a try under the posts.

Further tries to halfback Oliver Gibbons, diving over the ruck to dot the ball down, and Sami Makisi-Moimoi and Oliver Kirk, sealed the win for Nelson College as they capitalised on the tired St Bede’s defence.

The referee’s final whistle was a welcome relief for the visiting side as they all collapsed to the ground in exhaustion, having weathered such a ferocious offence.

Nelson College coach Jono Philips says the result was a great way to salute all the hard work put into upgrading the field over the summer.

49 Darryl Letton

56 Grant Unsworth 47 Reuben Dudley

54 Monique Abel 49 Dean Brown

ROUND 13 54 Mason Thelin 40 Tahi Spinks

57 Brad Allam Commercial Sales & Leasing Broker 46 Brett Newcombe

They were unlucky not to have built on their lead after the end of the first 35 minutes of play, with white-line fever plaguing their early attacks as mistakes started to mount.

Fortunately for the home side, they were a class above the visitors and weren’t strongly punished for their errors.

The second half saw them dominate territory and possession, but St Bede’s defence kept them in the game.

Despite a barrage of attacks, they were able to hold firm, particularly against the cross-kick ball of first five-eighth Harry Inch, who attempted the flashy move multiple times under penalty advantage to little success.

With the game a rematch of last year’s final, it was billed to be an exciting game of footy, but the home side was just a step ahead of the visitors.

While St Bede’s were able to keep pace with the home side, a yellow card to hooker Junior Harris signalled the end of St Bede’s success

He was proud of the way his team performed, but there were always things to work on as they now turn their focus to a big away game against Christchurch Boys College next weekend.

“We left a lot of points out there, not finishing it off.

“Our problem in the first half was we kept giving it to them with mistakes.”

Jono was impressed with the way the team played together, with lock Liam McKenzie having a stand-out performance.

“It was his best game in our jersey.

“This is such a tight competition and last week showed that. The accuracy required in this year’s competition is a different level again.”

Dane says their focus now turns to next weekend’s game as they look to remain unbeaten.

“It’s never easy games. They could go either way, and it depends who turns up on the day.”

While, in Waimea, the Combined Barbarians squad started their season with a tough loss to Rangiora High School, 36-17.

There were multiple reasons to celebrate as Nelson College’s newlyminted field got its first test as the first XV posted a convincing 32-17 win over St Bede’s.

After a summer of upgrading the field, with hundreds of thousands of dollars spent and countless hours volunteered, the team ran out to a large cheer from the home crowd.

Chatham Cup features played foul on local Nelson Pine Premier Grade football, as only four top-flight games were played. In local action, Suburbs Seals put on a 5-3 win in a goal fest against Tahuna FC, while the Suburbs Reserves won 5-0 over FC Nelson Locomotive. In the women’s division, the Suburbs Reserves were dominant in a 10-0 win

Community Notices

MONDAY

IS MARSDEN POINT OIL REFINERY closure bad for the NZ Environment? How does this closure impact NZ's Economy? Food Production? Carbon Footprint?

Mon, 22 May, 6pm. Saxton Fields Netball Pavilion. Come along to hear Karl Barkley talk about these important topics, and more. Gold Coin Entry.

ME/CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) +FM (Fibromyalgia) get-together. Mon, 22 May, 2-3pm. Broccoli Row, Collingwood St. Nelson Bays ME/CFS FM Support Group, strengthtogethernelson@gmail.com. Ph: 035468485.

PHILOSOPHY GROUP Meet 2nd & 4th Mon of the month, 10am. Trafalgar Hall, 67 Trafalgar St, Nelson. All welcome. TXT Zoe 0279741758.

INTRODUCTION TO ZEN BUDDHISM Beginner

Instruction available Mon evenings at our Nelson Centre. Learn how to meditate the Zen way. Ph: Gwitha, 0211218133 for info. Mountains and Rivers Affiliate Nelson.

STOKE SENIOR CITIZENS is a Friendship Club accepting all indoor bowling beginners and players. Mon & Fri 1:30-3:30pm. Annual $5 subscription and a $2 mat fee covers costs levied for the afternoon. Mats and bowls are provided by the club. Ph: 035479814 or 035473052

TUESDAY

NELSON 50+ WALKING GROUP Rabbit Island central. Tues, May 23, Meet 9.45am at the Far (Northeast) carpark. BYO lunch. Ph: Haydn 0274965724.

NELSON CREATIVE FIBRE GROUP Welcome you to friendly fibre craft meetings. Meet 2nd & 4th Tues each month. 9.30am, Nelson Golf Club, 38 Bolt Rd, Tāhunanui. Ph: Lesley 035765654. $2 for members,

$4 for non-members.

STOKE CENTRAL COMBINED PROBUS Welcomes new members. Meet 4th Tues of the month, 10am. Stoke Methodist Church Hall, 94 Neale Ave. Interesting speakers, outings, and lunches. Ph: Rosemary 039706872.

BOWLS TAHUNANUI CLUB Tues, Thurs, Sat from 12.30pm. All year round. Mufti attire for club days. Come along and give lawn bowls a go. Friendly supportive club supplying free equipment and coaching for beginners. Gentle exercise, Vitamin D and social. What more do you need? Ph: 0211323990 / 035473151.

BADMINTON WITH NETFLEX Tues, 4-5.30pm. Victory Community Centre. We're stoked to be hosting the team from Netflex Badminton. The coaches: Ephraim, Seoyoung & Peony are keen & talented players looking to share their passion for the game with juniors. The team invite 5-13 year-olds to come and play. First session is free. COST: $32 a month.

WEDNESDAY

SPIRITED CONVERSATIONS Wed, 24 May, Opens

6pm, Speaker 7.30pm, Yaza Café. "Climate change: how can you and I meet the challenge?" Don't miss Joanna Santa Barbara from the Nelson Tasman Climate Forum on this very topical issue. Ph: 035486241. Koha.

ALZHEIMERS NELSON TASMAN monthly Library sessions provide opportunities for information, advice, and support around memory Loss. Nelson Library, every 4th Wed, 9.30-10.30 / Stoke Library every 4th Thurs, 9.30-10.30am.

LA LECHE LEAGUE NELSON Last Wed of the month 9.30-11.30am. Richmond Plunket, Oxford St. All welcome. Support and info also available by Ph/txt:

DEADLINE: 10AM FRIDAY 50 WORDS OR LESS BY EMAIL ONLY SEND TO: myevent@nelsonweekly.co.nz

Ruth 0272433469. ISEL LADIES PROBUS CLUB Welcome to our friendly club, 4th Wed of the month, 10am. Baptist Church, Stoke (also coffee, lunch & book groups). Ph: Gill 035472134 or Sue 035486062.

VOLUNTEER GARDENING Wed, 9.20-12pm. Waimarama Community Gardens Tantragee Rd, The Brook. Tools provided on the bus stop. Ph: 0211709443.

NELSON NEWBIES coffee morning every Wed, 10.30-11.30am. Deville's Cafe, 22 New St. Want to get out and meet people? Join us for coffee and chat. New people always welcome. Ph: Clive 0212054731.

EMBROIDERY Wed, 3-5pm. Victory Community Centre. Spaces available for children of school year five and up who would like to learn these amazing skills. No experience necessary, expert tuition provided by the team from the Nelson Embroidery Guild. Cost includes afternoon tea. Ph: 035468389 for info. COST: $20 per term.

THURSDAY

WEEKLY PERSONAL GROWTH GROUP for Women. 18 & 25 May. 10-12.30pm. Nelson Women's Centre. Develop your ability to respond effectively to old situations or new challenges. Increase spontaneity and creativity in all areas of your life. Psychodrama will be used to explore relevant themes. Ph: 035467986

HOBBY CORNER EVENT Thurs, 18 May, 1.303.30pm. Victory Community Church, 238 Vanguard St. If you enjoy arts and crafts such as sketching, knitting, sewing, scrapbooking, or whatever, then come along. Ph: Tracey-Lynn 0220996556. Gold Coin donation.

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES - Update Meeting.

Thurs, 25 May, 7pm. Room A304, NMIT. Do you have a family/whānau member with mental health challenges and want to understand more about available services in Nelson/Tasman? Yellow Brick Road is hosting a forum with guest speakers from Te Whatu Ora and NGOs. Register your interest early: max@yellowbrickroad.org.nz.

COULD YOU VOLUNTEER? Thursdays, 2.30-4pm. To assist elderly people on and off our van? And take them to our day activity programme in Annesbrook Dr. P: Maaike 032655224 or E: maaikef@psusi.org.nz

NELSON LIONESS - Seeking new members to join our service club. We are very social and active in our community. Meet 1st & 3rd Thurs of the month. Ph: Jillian 0272782743.

WAIMEA COMBINED FRIENDSHIP GROUP Meet

3rd Thurs of the month, 9.45am. Hope Church, Ranzau Rd. For Friendship, Fellowship & Learning. Ph: Denise 027765000 or Rosalie 0272491080.

FRIDAY

SUPER SENIORS - Fri, 19 May, 10:30-12:30pm. All Saints Church, 30 Vanguard St, Nelson. Food, Warmth, Conversation. Community morning tea and light lunch for over 65's. This month's speaker is Rob McConnachie. Rob's talk is about his adventures in the North Pole! Suggested koha $10.

SONGBIRDS LADIES CHOIR, Fri morning Rehearsals in Stoke. New female singers welcome. If you enjoy singing and can hold a tune, please give me a call. Ph: Mary 035448232 or 0211334805.

DROP IN AND OP SHOP Fri, 9am-1pm. St Stephens Community Church, 61 Tāhunanui Dr. Join us for delicious food, browse through our preloved clothing collection and stay for a chat.

SATURDAY / SUNDAY

NELSON MINIATURES CLUB Sat, 20 May, 9.303pm. Tāhunanui Community Hub, 55-61 Muritai St. New members welcome. Ph: 0211228328.

QUALITY CRAFTS NELSON Sat, 20 May, 8am-noon. Church Lounge, RBC 123 Salibury Rd. Come and check out our wide selection of quality local handmade crafts with something for everyone! Ph: Kay 0275476777 for info.

RALLY FOR TRAVEL JUSTICE Sun, 28 May. 1 pm meet at Millers Acre walk or bike to church steps. Hear why we need safer biking and walking around Nelson. Bring your own experience of danger spots. Ph: Elizabeth 021 213 0719. Organised by NELSUST as part of Climate Action Week. COFFEE AND CHAT GROUP supporting people with Cardiovascular problems. Meet 3rd Sat each month, 10.30-noon. The Honest Lawyer. Ph: Lynne 0272603485.

GENERAL GROUPS

SUTER ART SOCIETY, until 28 May. Showing the large colourful abstract artwork by Marlborough artist, Arlin Sukalin.

LUNG CANCER CONNECT for those who are going through or who have gone through lung cancer. Ph: 035391137.

NELSON WOODTURNING CLUB. Join us at our club rooms for Turning, camaraderie and sharing of knowledge. New Learn to Turn classes starting soon. More Info TXT or Ph: Allan 021543345. GROW Needing help? Use a Program and Method. We are here for your mental health. Ph: Patricia 035476120. Koha appreciated.

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.

SITUATIONS VACANT

Classifieds

AUCTION

CLEARANCE AUCTION

468 Wakefield Kohatu Highway, Foxhill (on the main road, south of Wakefield)

11am Saturday 20th May (viewing from 9am)

Viewing also on Friday 19th 10am - 3pm

Kubota 4WD tractor with bucket, PTO chipper, PRO mower, PTO mixer, 3 x trailers asst wheels, etc etc

Photos/info: www.jwauctions.co.nz

John Walker Auctioneer 027 4432 525

Payment Cash-Eftpos-Visa-Mastercard

NELSON PROPERTY INVESTORS ASSOCIATION MEETING

The Nelson Property Investors Association invites members and non-members to join us Tuesday 23 May at the Honest Lawyer Monaco 7.30pm

We will hold a short AGM, then you can Listen to Mark Brooker of Sentinel Homes and Calum McNeil of Mortgage Money speak about new builds, knock down rebuild, subdivision & infill housing and the latest on financing. Mix and mingle with light refreshments provided. For a free newsletter contact us at nelsonpia@xtra.co.nz

sales@nelsonweekly.co.nz

PUBLIC NOTICE

Mental Health Services Update Meeting

Do you have a family/ whānau member with mental health challenges and want to understand more about available services in Nelson/Tasman?

To know what is happening in the sector and where to turn for support? And to meet others who are in similar situations?

Yellow Brick Road is hosting a forum with guest speakers from Te Whatu Ora and NGOs.

Thursday 25 May 7pm Room A304, NMIT. Please register your interest early: max@ yellowbrickroad.org.nz

Start your career in media today!

Top South Media NZ publishes award-winning newspapers, lifestyle magazines, digital news apps and operates a design agency Ink Creative. Operating across the Top of the South, our Nelson office now has a fabulous opportunity for an enthusiastic writer to build and develop their journalism skills as a Community Reporter.

• Min 30hrs per week, based in our modern office.

• Develop a career in media and make a difference within our community.

• Work for a business with a great reputation for its print, design and digital platforms.

If you’re someone that would like the thrill of searching for exclusives and enjoys the idea of storytelling, building connections, talking to people, and being out and about in the community to report on the stories, activities and the people of our region, this could be the job for you!

You will primarily be writing for the popular Nelson Weekly newspaper and the region’s only dedicated local digital news platform, the Nelson App.

You’ll also be in the company of award-winning journalists who will provide training and ongoing support to help you develop your writing and reporter skills and all our platforms are backed by experienced designers and photographers to make sure our stories stand out.

The successful candidate will have;

• self-motivation with a strong work ethic.

• an ability to build meaningful and positive relationships.

• a passion for being a part of and informing our community.

• a full NZ Drivers licence

If you’re looking to join a small, hard-working and fun team call Sara Hollyman on 027 331 0856 or forward a cover letter outlining your suitability and CV to sara@topsouthmedia.co.nz

www.topsouthmedia.co.nz