Wednesday 18 December 2024
‘Such a load of s***’ – speed limits test mayor
MAX FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter
Additional hurdles have appeared for Tasman District Council as it continues to try and lower speed limits after being forced to restart
the process by the Government.
The unforeseen challenges have raised frustration among councillors, even leading the mayor to a swearing outburst during a Wednesday meeting.
The council is preparing to
The spirit of giving
ELISE VOLLWEILER
Santa’s little helper has been distributing gifts up and down town for dozens of Motueka children.
Tarmra Heal-Palmer founded The Christmas Project about eight years ago, because she didn’t want any child to wonder why Santa hadn’t visited them.
The number of families has grown over the years, and this week Tarmra and her helpers have distributed gifts to 200 children who otherwise might not have had much under their Christmas trees.
Families self-refer to the
charity, and Tarmra says that people often share their stories.
“We’re seeing a new dynamic this year of parents who have lost their jobs.”
This year, donations have come to the charity from the fundraising efforts of Māpua School, Motueka High School and the Nelson Hospital junior doctors’ ball. Tarmra tries to include some food in each parcel. She has also been gifted toys, toiletries and hand-made blankets from the community, and she has shopped for good-quality items to bring the magic to each child’s Christmas morning.
WE DO DIGITAL MARKETING, PLUS PAPER MARKETING AND OPEN HOMES. PLUS BAYLEY’S OFFICES UP AND DOWN THE COUNTRY. WE REACH ALL THE MARKETS, ALL THE AGE GROUPS
re-consult residents on lowering several speed limits across Tasman.
A suite of new speed limits for the district – which were widely supported by residents, approved by the council, and adopted by the
New Zealand Transport Agency – were invalidated by the Government’s new rule for setting speed limits.
As part of the new consultation, the council must include a cost benefit disclosure statement on what the changes are expected to cost.
These statements are estimated using a tool developed by the NZTA, however “glitches” have SEE PAGE 2
Tarmra Heal-Palmer had a lot of presents to wrap for the recipients of The Christmas Project’s gifts this year.
Photo: Elise Vollweiler.
‘Such a load of s***’ – speed limits test mayor’s patience
FROM PAGE 1
been discovered in the tool.
The council’s senior transportation planning advisor Bill Rice told elected members that the glitches have added at least a couple days’ work to finalising the consultation document for the public, but warned that it may take longer to fix.
“That may also delay the consultation timing as well, depending on how long it takes us to go through that process,” he said. Additionally, to allow time for re-consultation to take place and to avoid having 30kmh variable speed limits outside schools in high-speed zones, speed limit reductions outside of rural schools and on high-risk roads have been pushed back from January 2025 until the third quarter of that year.
Elected members’ patience was wearing thin with the uncontrollable and continued delays to the speed limit reductions that have been long-awaited by many communities around Tasman.
Mayor Tim King said the entire process seemed “entirely stupid”
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and was “such a load of s***”.
Councillor Jo Ellis said it was embarrassing to have to delay implementing lower speeds around schools and suggested the situation wouldn’t help get young people engaged in council activities.
“We talk about wanting to have young people engaged in government and local issues, and here is a whole group of children who will be throwing their hands in the air.”
Deputy mayor Stuart Bryant said the “extremely frustrating” process had turned into a “right ‘mare”, while councillor Christeen Mackenzie said the additional delays and costs were “appalling”.
Last week, the region’s transport committee agreed to write to Simeon Brown, the Minister of both Transport and Local Government, requesting he grant the council a waiver so Tasman can implement its already-agreed-to speed limits.
However, staff and elected members “don’t hold a great deal of hope that he will”.
Mayor Tim King facetiously suggested changing the speed signs before the formal process was
Mayor
King and councillors are growing increasingly frustrated with the continued delays keeping several speeds limits from being lowered.
complete as a “pragmatic way forward”.
He acknowledged that the speed limits wouldn’t be legally enforceable by police but would instead be “informational” and send a signal to motorists.
“It’s not illegal to put up a sign, is it?
“We’re not breaking any law by having a sign that’s effectively just information-only and it just coincidentally happens to be in
a similar place to the one we’re consulting on?”
Council staff advised against the suggestion, with strategic policy manager Dwayne Fletcher saying that road signs were governed by “a whole bunch of amazing regulations”.
“Without doing a bit of further digging, we couldn’t give you the specific thing that we’d be contravening, but I’m pretty confident that we would be breaking some
rule somewhere.”
“Worth a shot,” King replied.
Consultation on high-risk rural roads and base speed limits outside rural schools is due to begin in mid-January 2025 and will run through until the end of February.
Kaiteriteri’s daily rubbish collection canned
ELISE VOLLWEILER
Kaiteriteri residents and holiday-makers will be making do with weekly rubbish collections this summer, after the council has decided to bin the daily collections of previous years. However, some residents are concerned that this will leave the picture-perfect area with an unsightly peak-season problem. Since 2007, the holiday destination has been serviced by daily rubbish trucks and weekly recycling collection for the eight bumper weeks from late December through to mid-February. This was to cater for the sudden population boom, with bach owners and visitors descending to enjoy a summer break at one of New Zealand’s most beloved beaches.
Kaiteriteri’s permanent population is about 440, with the town attracting tens of thousands of visitors over the summer. However, the Tasman District Council has given Kaiteriteri ratepayers notice that this year, their services will remain in line with the rest of the district, with weekly rubbish and fortnightly recycling collections.
TDC’s stormwater, rivers and waste team leader David Stephenson says this is projected to save the council $30,000.
However, some residents are concerned that the change will result in rubbish bags left lying around the kerbsides “for days on end”.
Kaiteriteri’s Guy Johnston is one of only four permanent residents out of the 24 houses on his street, and he says that if it is the same as previous years’ peak seasons, there was going to be a lot of rubbish every day that needs collecting.
“A lot of people are up in arms, as you can imagine.”
Simon Marks, who owns one of the 20 properties that neighbours Guy’s, says that he is concerned the council will be left with a bigger mess to clean up, with rubbish bags being torn into by wekas and dogs.
“What I think they’re proposing is to remove a solution and leave a problem.”
His family stays at the bach for several weeks over the summer, with BachCare taking care of, and renting out the property in his absence.
He says the changes will be hard
on the many out-of-town landlords, no matter how good their instructions to their short-term guests.
“People will just leave the problem at the gate.”
A rubbish “cage”, such as the one at the bottom of their street, works fine in the low season, “but it’s only got a finite capacity,” Simon says.
When questioned about whether the TDC had discussed changing the services from daily to several times a week, David responded that this was briefly considered. However, “weekly rubbish collection is what we offer all over the district – even in other busy holiday areas like Pōhara and Ligar Bay, and if a weekly service isn’t suitable for people, then it’s unlikely that a twice a week service would be either”.
He says it’s best that people find a way to hold their rubbish for the week or arrange for a private wheelie bin service.
The council’s letter to affected residents notes that several local contractors offer such services in Kaiteriteri.
It also highlights the option to drop rubbish and recycling at the Māriri Resource Recovery
Centre.
“We do see some problems with wekas getting into bags, especially in Kaiteriteri.
“Our contractor will clean up where bags have been broken and some owners have built cages or bins, which helps a lot.,” David says. “We’ve contacted property owners and companies that manage holiday homes to let them know about the changes.
“We’re asking them to make sure that their tenants and customers keep the bags on site until their normal collection day or arrange for a private wheelie bin service.”
The daily rate used to be funded via a targeted rate for Kaiteriteri, but David says that this was stopped from 2015 as it was deemed uneconomic to collect.
“Since then the additional cost for daily rubbish collections at Kaiteriteri have been absorbed into the kerbside rate.”
David says that traffic congestion was not a factor in the decision to change the pick-up frequency, as the trucks are generally on the road early in the morning.
The Guardian would like to hear feedback over the summer, email sara@topsouthmedia.co.nz with any comments.
Tim
Photo: Max Frethey.
Council U-turns on shared path
MAX FRETHEY
Local Democracy Reporter
Work will begin on a highly-desired shared path in the Tasman village of Upper Moutere “as soon as possible” now that the district council has reversed its deferral of the project.
Moutere Hills Residents Association chair Nathan Silcock was thankful that the path was back on track.
“We’re pretty grateful, pretty excited, pretty happy with it all.”
The $400,000 path will link the village centre to the community centre 1.3 kilometres away and will travel roughly parallel to the Moutere Highway.
Silcock said he was one of a “large number” of Upper Moutere locals who didn’t feel safe braving the route on foot or bike.
The shared path, he said, would be safer and increase connection for the community by providing more options for people to get around the area other than in their cars.
“There’ll be more foot traffic, which is awesome. Personally, I’m going to walk to the pub.”
The path was a long-standing
issue for Upper Moutere and Silcock added the community would be glad to put the issue to bed.
“It’s been a long time,” he said.
“I’ve heard from a lot of people whose kids have gone through the entire school system hoping for a footpath, a way to be able to get them to walk or cycle to school.”
In October, Tasman District
Rings For All Occasions
Council deferred many projects, including the path, until the 2025/26 financial year because assumed funding from the New Zealand Transport Agency wasn’t granted after the Government slashed walking and cycling funding.
However, strong community advocacy and an incident which saw a child critically injured on a nearby road after being hit by a
car prompted the council to revisit its deferral on Thursday.
Elected members voted unanimously to bring forward $189,000 from 2025/26 to the current financial year to get the project delivered “as soon as possible”.
Moutere-Waimea Ward councillors Christeen Mackenzie thought moving forward with the “absolutely the right thing to do,” while Mike Kininmonth was
keen to see the safety improvement for children.
“I’m looking forward to walking down that pathway,” Mackenzie said.
Mayor Tim King also supported bringing the funds forward but warned other communities that, despite the shared path only having a “minor” impact on the organisation’s financial position, the council would not be able to approve other smaller projects around the district while the council’s funding streams continued to shrink as costs grew.
“There are going to be some very tough decisions. It’s nice to make this decision, it is minor in the grand scheme of things, but it’s a lot of little minor things that ultimately add up,” he said.
“It shouldn’t send a message that we can just change our mind at the drop of a hat because … that is absolutely not going to be the financial situation and reality facing the council in the next Annual Plan process.”
Progress for Nelson green gecko on Tākaka Hill
Following the exciting discovery in January this year of a Nationally Vulnerable Nelson green gecko (Naultinus stellatus) population on Tākaka Hill, Tākaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust, in collaboration with dedicated local landowners and Ravensdown Ltd, has made significant strides in conservation efforts aimed at protecting this remarkable species and its habitat. Since January, with invaluable support from the Department of Conservation Predator Free Communi-
ties, a grid of Trapinator DOC200 traps and additional possum traps has been deployed in the area. This initiative successfully targets potential predators, specifically mice, rats, and possums, which pose significant threats to the survival of the Nelson green gecko.
Recent surveys in partnership with RMA Ecology have revealed an astonishing find: a female Nelson green gecko has remained in the same tree for nearly a year. This discovery enhances our understanding
of the gecko’s behaviour and further confirms the significance of the habitat on Tākaka Hill.
The observation was made as part of ongoing monitoring efforts to assess the species’ health and ecological setting.
Tākaka Hill has long been acknowledged for its ecological importance, and the continued presence of the Nelson green gecko population serves as a beacon of hope for the species’ survival.
“The discovery and ongo-
ing monitoring of the Nelson green gecko reinforce the value of a collaborative approach in conservation work. Our predator control efforts are crucial for enhancing the ecosystem and ensuring this unique species thrives,” says Charmaine Petereit, co-founder and project manager of the trust.
The trust and Tākaka Hill landowners are committed to developing a comprehensive conservation management plan tailored to the gecko.
The path would improve safety and connectivity for Upper Moutere locals, said residents association chair Nathan Silcock. Photo: Max Frethey.
The Nelson Green Gecko population on Tākaka Hill has a raft of people helping to protect it. Photo: Supplied.
Six decades side-by-side
ELISE VOLLWEILER
Tony Fowler wasn’t home for his 60th wedding anniversary.
“I had more important things to do,” he says, with a twinkle in his eye.
Luckily for him, his wife Alison is used to his sense of humour.
Tony is well ensconced in Motueka’s bowls scene – he had a tournament to win on the day of his anniversary – and Alison was, as always, happy to give him space for his hobby.
“He’s got 18 centre titles in bowls,” she volunteered with pride. The couple are brimming with stories that give a window into their lifetime of teamwork.
They met in their home town of Motueka, at Alison’s workplace in Budden’s Bookshop.
While neither of them remember much about that first occasion (“I don’t know, you must have wound me up,” Tony tells his wife), they were married two years later at St Thomas Anglican Church.
There was no honeymoon to speak of – those were only “for the mighty rich”, laughs Alison. Instead, after a one-night es-
cape in Nelson, they got on with things, leasing a farm in Riwaka to give them a start on life.
They spent years working in tobacco – even Alison was back out pulling plants with a two-weekold baby – and moved on to kiwifruit when the tobacco industry was deregulated.
Together with Tony’s brother and sister-in-law they built a four-bedroom bach in Awaroa from scratch, enjoying plenty of holidays there as their three children grew up.
Both have a long history in the area, with Tony’s ancestors settling in Riwaka about the same time that Alison’s were making their way to Nelson.
When asked about the secret to their long relationship, both paused and laughed.
“We’re both quite capable of speaking our minds,” Tony said eventually.
Their daughter Carolyn reckons she knows the answer though.
“They’ve always been working as a partnership,” she says.
Tony agrees with her.
“Things do get tough from time to time, but you just have to work
your way through it.”
“I think you get used to one another,” adds Alison.
She reckons that if you can manage to accept your partner’s point of view, you can get through.
Carolyn says that, for herself and her brother and sister, Tony and Alison have been “our rock”.
“The other thing I appreciate
about them is they let us be who we are,” she says.
Despite Tony’s glib comments, his appreciation for Alison shines through.
“I’ve had a pretty lucky life living with my wife,” he says.
Donation devices to boost Great Trail funds
An organisation tasked with maintaining the local Ngā Haerenga Great Rides has introduced two new donation devices to encourage riders to support maintenance of the trails.
The Nelson Tasman Cycle Trails Trust says the devices, installed at Māpua Boat Ramp and Tahuna
Beach Holiday Park, are so people biking on the local Great Taste Trail can make a donation as a ‘thank you’ for using the 240km of cycle trail in the region.
Trust chair Gillian Wratt says funding is “tight” and although a team of trustees and volunteers help the contracted trail management team provide quality riding experiences, with 400,000 riders counted on the GTT last year, maintenance is necessary.
“The Trust is incredibly grateful to the financial support from both councils, central government, businesses, and others to construct and maintain the trails, but funding is tight.
“Some sections are 15 years old and with high use the trail wears out.”
She says the trust has always encouraged people to make a donation towards the trails and the installation of two credit card devices will make it easier.
“We chose to install these at the Tahuna Beach Camp
Holiday Park and Māpua Ferry and initial feedback is very positive,” Gillian says.
“Riders recognise the value of having two Great Rides in our region; the 200km Great Taste Trail – one of the longest cycle-trail loop rides in New Zealand, and the 40km Coppermine Trail – one of the longest single-track descents in New Zealand. So keep your eyes open for the
donation devices and help us keep the trails in tip top condition.”
“And we have a Givealitte page for those who like to donate that way, or if people want to donate towards a specific project we invite them to get in touch. We are also keen to hear from anyone who benefits from our trails and is interested in inviting us to set up a device at
their business”
Bernie Whitaker, co-owner of The Gentle Cycling Company, is pleased that the devices have been introduced.
“We operate our business alongside the Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park and are thrilled to have these wonderful trail treasures on our back door. Over summer we will see well in excess of 2,500 visitors camping –many of whom will ride on the Great Taste and Coppermine Trails.
“Visitors love the trails but it’s always a bit tricky to ask people to pay more when they have already paid for their trip or bike hire. So this way it will be easier for our clients to make a donation.”
According to a report commissioned by the trust, the Great Taste Trail is estimated to contribute around $34m a year directly to the local economy. The money goes to businesses, employees and service industries and the devices are a way that locals and visitors can help make our region more vibrant.
The Gentle Cycling Company’s Petra Nugent with the new device installed at the Tahuna Beach Camp Holiday Park. Photo: Supplied.
Tony and Alison (nee Bradley) Fowler, on their wedding day in 1964, and on the week of their 60th anniversary in early December. Photo: Elise Vollweiler.
Last-minute tweak to dog bylaw fails
MAX FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter
Updated rules for where dogs can and can’t go in Tasman have now been adopted, but only after one final attempt to tweak the rules fell over.
The process of updating the district’s draft bylaw began more than a year ago and underwent early engagement in November 2023.
The bylaw later received 645 submissions, saw 50 submitters present during a day-long hearing, and underwent extensive adjustments as a result of community input.
But just as Tasman District Council was on the verge of adopting the updated bylaw, a last-minute amendment was proposed by councillor Celia Butler, one of the councillors who sat on the hearing panel for the bylaw.
She proposed that the seasonal dog prohibition at the mouth of the Pariwhakaoho River in Golden Bay be shifted from September to February, to November to March.
The change, which Butler described as simply a “technical” adjustment, would better protect the variable oystercatchers/tōrea pango that nest in the area.
Tasman is home to a third of the global variable oystercatcher population, which are classed as a recovering species by the Depart-
ment of Conservation.
“Because of existing disturbance which would not be removed by our new bylaw, they’re often required to have a second clutch of eggs and that means they will need protection until March,” she said.
The change was prompted by Butler becoming aware of a sign with council branding which had been erected in the area every year for the past three years that educated visitors about the nesting birds.
The sign did not feature during the hearing process.
Councillor Christeen Mackenzie
supported the amendment, saying that it seemed “a bit odd” for information on the sign to not align with the council’s bylaw. But other elected members were cautious.
Chair of the hearing panel, councillor Chris Hill said making changes to what the panel had finally landed on after going through an “open and transparent” public hearing would “undermine the integrity” of the process.
She was supported by Mayor Tim King who added that entertaining one minor technical amendment
would require that the council consider all other suggestions residents have made since the hearing concluded.
“I very clearly caution against going down that path.”
Council staff also advised against the change due a range of factors including because the sign was simply educational, the change’s supporting evidence was “anecdotal”, the original timeframe catered to various species and was supported by an independent report by ornithologists, the change would open the entire bylaw open to challenge, and that on-leash
restrictions at other times of the year were hoped to reduce disturbance for nesting birds.
“Second clutches and a delayed breeding season are often due to disturbance and the proposed changes may reduce disturbance, so therefore increase the likelihood of the first clutch being successful,” said community policy advisor Cat Budai said.
“Given the feelings around the table”, Butler eventually and reluctantly withdrew the amendment.
“Our birds are under continuous threat,” she said.
“I’m just hopeful that our new bylaw can go some way to protecting them.”
Butler was the only elected member to vote against the adopting the new rules.
Reflecting on the bylaw process which had proven quite divisive in some Tasman communities, councillor Hill hoped that continued education about dogs and wildlife would ensure the district avoids an “either-or” situation.
“Overall, there are increased protections for wildlife and, from the draft bylaw to where we are today, there are reduced restrictions on dogs.”
The updated bylaw comes into force on 31 March 2025.
A breath of fresh air at Heaphy Vineyard Cellar Door and Café
Embracing a vibrant new chapter, Heaphy Vineyard Cellar Door and Café has now been reunited under the Heaphy brand creating a unified vision that combines exceptional wine with fresh cuisine, and warm hospitality. Bringing its café and cellar door back under one banner, the team at Heaphy Vineyard have been busy creating a cohesive identity that reflects their dedication to quality and innovation. General Manager Andy Nicole, says, “Bringing it all back together allows us to fully showcase what Heaphy stands for—outstanding wine, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences.” The property has undergone a thoughtful refresh, including updates to its menus and spaces. While renovations will continue in stages, the team is committed to maintaining a welcoming environment brimming with renewed energy.
Alongside their celebrated range of inhouse products, visitors can explore a stunning selection of international labels, including exquisite French, Italian and South African. This diverse offering ensures there’s something for every palate, whether you prefer a crisp local Sauvignon Blanc or a bold international red. With vines planted in 1973, Heaphy Vineyard boasts some of the oldest productive vineyards in New Zealand. The clay soils of the Moutere
Hills yield wines of precision and finesse, complemented by the vibrant international labels now on offer. This, paired with their relaxed yet refined approach, makes every visit an opportunity to savour the region’s best.
Complementing the wine is a refreshed and exciting new menu. Returning for the summer are their signature pizzas - a favourite among guests. New additions include small sharing plates such as, ‘From the Farm’ with Moroccan-style lamb, ‘From the Sea’ with Thai-style fishcakes or citrus-cured salmon and ‘From the Land’ with whipped goat’s cheese or grilled courgette. While the Heaphy Platter showcases regional produce, making it ideal for sharing. For dessert, decadent chocolate brownies and the tangy ‘Taste of Lemon’ offer a sweet finish. The café and cellar door are open Thursday to Monday, 11am to 4pm, offering tastings and lunches. Heaphy Vineyard is also open for every occasion including evening functions, group bookings, and work events. Whether indulging in a glass of wine, enjoying a gourmet meal, or taking in the stunning views, Heaphy Vineyard Cellar Door and Café is a true breath of fresh air. Visit them on Sunrise Road, Upper Moutere, to discover the perfect blend of history, flavour, and innovation.
The suggested amendment was intended to provide more protection for nesting variable oystercatchers/ tōrea pango. Photo: Golden Bay Forest and Bird.
Decades of keeping the beat
ELISE VOLLWEILER
Ivan Bisley reckons he’s banged the side drum “a fair few times” in his 91 years.
The Motueka local was delighted to be given an award for 60 years of service to the Motueka Highland Pipe Band at a recent meeting.
“I was thrilled – I didn’t believe it,” he says.
Although he no longer plays with the band, he spent many years on the side drum, and has also been custodian of the uniforms.
“He did anything there was that needed doing for the band,” his wife Helen summarises.
This included growing two acres of tobacco on his Thorp Street property in the 1950s, donating the proceeds to the band. This money went towards the purchase of the group’s distinctive uniforms – resplendent with their busbies and spats – as well as the pipe band hall.
One of the highlights of his time with the band has been playing to the aged care facilities around Motueka and Nelson. Ivan, together with Francis Overend and Bruce Fraser, were the staples of the resthome players, with others from the band joining in along the way.
“It got to the stage when I was older than the ones we were playing to,” Ivan laughs.
Ivan is born and raised in Motueka and attended Parklands School. After leaving school, he went on to grow tobacco for John Manoy, and worked at Vickerman’s Store and at wine and spirits shop H & L Manoy’s.
He lost a finger while cutting up kindling when he was 15, but that hasn’t hampered his playing. In fact, it even has its perks, accord-
ing to Ivan.
“Hell, I’ve saved some soap,” he quips.
Drumsticks in hand, Ivan demonstrated that the years of muscle memory were very much intact, with the rhythm crisp and concise on his coffee table, and his slippered foot keeping perfect time underneath.
He will celebrate his 92nd birthday next month, and he reckons that the only trouble with birthdays is they come about too quickly.
Ivan Bisley, left, Francis Overend and Bruce Fraser, spent many years playing to the resthomes around Motueka and Nelson. Photo: Supplied.
Ivan Bisley proves his drumsticks are as nimble as ever after being awarded a long-service medal for 60 years with the Motueka Highland Pipe Band. Photo: Elise Vollweiler.
Seed bomb fun
DANA CARTER Motueka Catchment Collective
Ollie Langridge, a member of the Biodiversity and Restoration Thematic Group, involves his children in his passion for native restoration and it seems to be rubbing off on them.
One of the latest activities is making and distributing seed bombs. These seed bombs have around 50100 seeds that go in either wetland or dry hillsides. Seed bombs can be a really useful way of establishing plants without having to dig the soil.
Ollie’s daughter, Anna, loved rolling the seeds into muddy balls, ready for throwing (or launching via catapult) onto their restoration sites.
How to make seed bombs
You’ll need one-third seeds, one-third clay, onethird sand.
Don’t overthink it! Mix by hand in wet materials, all sourced from the land (no purchases or tools necessary at all).
Shape handfuls of mixture in round balls about the size of a golf ball. Allow 48 hours for your seed bombs to dry. Once dry they are ready to use!
How to distribute your seed
You can either use seed bombs, or you can directly seed areas.
For more remote areas that are hard to reach, you might like to try a catapult system. For this method to work, you’ve got to get lucky with how you design the trailer-mounted slingshot, as there’s a bit of physics involved with making sure all the bungie cords are equally tensioned and firing together. Ollie says after woofers built one for them initially, they got lucky on the first few attempts, mounting the device onto a wooden
pallet (free from Mitre 10) and then onto a trailer, so they could drive up and down the driveway firing seeds into the gullies.
“Then disaster struck – the blue funnel split, and I could never get it right again after that, it just kept firing incorrectly or self-destructing. In the end I got frustrated and just walked around throwing seeds directly into bracken and gorse by hand, sometimes also with a fishing bait catapult… all part of the learning process.
You’ve also got to have a good reasonably heavy seed source, and lots of it,” he says.
“I probably launched/ threw around 6-8kgs of seeds and I aim to keep doing this every year. The three species I have tested are ti kouka, totara (in particular) and whauwhaupaku. In the past, totara has definitely worked, and seedlings have sprouted.”
Anna Langridge with her homemade seed bombs. You can either use seed bombs or directly seed areas. For more remote areas that are hard to reach, you might like to try a catapult system. Photos: Supplied.
Serving up a generous slice of hope
ELISE VOLLWEILER
“There’s nothing like cake to bring people together,” Deb reckons.
The Yorkshire Cakery and Tea Rooms popped up in a corner of Motueka’s New World carpark in the middle of winter. Run as a non-profit, owner Deb’s vision is to combat the social isolation that she knows is prevalent in every community.
Deb’s cakery will be going against the grain by opening its doors on the 25th because, although Christmas Day is a joyful day for many, “for some people it’s the unhappiest day of the year”.
“That’s when people get desperately lonely,” she says.
Deb has come a long way to open her cakery, and not just in terms of geography. She tells of being born in North Yorkshire to parents who didn’t want her and, by 11, she was on the street doing whatever she could to survive.
“My early messages as a child were that I was useless.”
She clawed her way up from a terrible start in life, eventually studying to become a mental health nurse to “nurse the people I had been”.
“I went back to the streets of Manchester and nursed the homeless.”
She came to New Zealand in the early 2000s to help set up a psychiatric emergency team in Taupō, followed shortly after by the man who was to become her husband and the love of her life.
They were married in the Taupō rose gardens, and when he died five years ago from cancer, “I lost my life really,” she says with tears in her eyes. His death almost took Deb, too,
but after an enormous effort, she rallied. After shifting to Motueka and volunteering in the foodbank, she decided to undertake an enterprise that combined her love of baking with her determination to combat social isolation. Finding a premises was difficult and expensive, and Deb works at the cakery through its opening hours of 8am to 8pm every single day of the week, with the
assistance of three staff members.
After hours, she bakes. It is exhausting and lonely work, and yet
“it meets a need in me as well”.
Deb does not want any pity for her story – “I’m not f***ing
Mother Theresa,” she says fiercely.
Her experiences have made her who she is – a person who has lived “one hell of a life”.
“Bring it on. I’m not frightened of anything. I can survive anything.”
For Great Christmas Tool Ideas Visit Motueka ITM!
She wants her business to be a haven to help others survive, too. But running it as a non-profit means that she walks a difficult line. The business needs to pay for itself, but alongside this is her vision to offer portions that are affordable for most, and large enough to share. She asks that if people can pay a little extra, they do so, to offset those who cannot pay at all.
She has debt, but she is determined to keep going, so that her regular pensioners can continue to come in to share a pot of tea and a piece of cake between them, she says, and so that the mother with the crying baby has a place to sit and nurse in the evening when most places have locked their doors for the day.
“I need to be able to do that for people, because I know what it’s like to have nothing.”
Deb is encouraging the community to support her enterprise by popping in to try her wares, which include filter coffee, toasted sandwiches, enormous scones and colossal pieces of cakes in a dozen different flavours. She would also love to receive donations to help spread cheer and ensure that no one gets left out or left alone on Christmas Day.
Deb’s café, nestled in a corner of Motueka’s New World carpark, is being run as a non-profit, in the hope that it continues to be a haven for people who are going through tough times. Photo: Elise Vollweiler.
Eden Raynel, Charlize Steinmetz and Taylor Gearry
Ella Howes, Fenne Overweel, Kea Bass, Ani Selby and Emilee-Mae Norgate
Naya O’Donahue, Eva Carter, Ali Wilson, Paul Buenz and Riley Simkin
Ryan Jope, Tyler Mytton, Millie Symons, Monique Khan and Niamh Martin
Seb Mitchell, Kees Primmer, Xyreanna Kahu-Wijohn, Lochie Fitzpatrick and Dani Sturgeon
Karen and Robert Ford
Carlijn Gilchrist and Anna Brewer
Ian Williams with Fiona and Ron Oliver, Ian and Caleb Smith
Vivienne and Tony Pearson
Opinion
Monarchs over Kaiteriteri
Just an Update. After hoping that maybe a couple of Monarch Butterfly girls may have survived the winter around Bethany Park and greater Kaiteriteri, we were excited and honoured during late October to have three girls, slightly battered, almost opaque wings, fly into our darden and deposit 20 plus eggs on our outside swan plants. They had survived the wet and cold and were fulfilling their destiny. We harvested those eggs to look after. Start of our second generation. Those 20 plus eggs, over the last few weeks, have transformed into 22 chrysalis and this week are being released as butterflies to fill our skies with colour. Another 20 plus caterpillars are growing nicely in our butterfly house at present and another 40 eggs are just hatching out to tiny caterpillars in plastic containers in our bus. They go into the butterfly house at about three days old. The paper wasps are in full-feeding frenzy at present, needing protein for their growing families. They take eggs and caterpillars, so our butterfly house ensures that at least some reach the beautiful butterfly stage. The wasps do not attack the butterfly stage. Today, Sunday 15 Dec, whilst out in our garden, five beautiful monarchs were diving and swooping around our heads. The world is a better place with monarchs and all butterflies. Merry Christmas to all Dave Milner
TDC berates racist vandalism
Good on you Tasman District Council Su Smith
‘Scary’ water regulation costs fall on councils
Those who actively opposed Three Waters should hang their heads in shame.
Peter Myra Millward 90K plus pay water rates, where does ev-
ery cent of that go to? It’s a ton of money every quarter.
Lee Corlett
This country has underinvested in water and other infrastructure projects for the past 40 years. And now the chickens are coming home to roost. We need agreed national water quality and disposal standards. But there needs to be local input about the timetable for meeting those standards, and the funding.
Dennis Goodman
The blatant waste of money on feel good and social lovely projects will always end in disaster when at the expense of vital infrastructure. The politicians whether local or parliamentary don’t seem to comprehend the end results. Generally the whole lot have the same problem.
Dave Roberts
Giving big to those in need
A pleasure being a part of this and thanks Fifeshire Foundation for looking out for the families of some of our young people.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nelson-Tasman
We are blown away by the support from our community with the Big Give.. thanks so much each and every one who has contributed.
Fifeshire Foundation
“Angels
“We
“Putting our special pieces on the tree each year, mine’s a homemade racing car, my brother’s one is a Shrek figurine, and my other brother’s one is made of Lego.”
Wellby Café Wednesday 18 December, 10am11.30am WHAM
Wednesday 18 December, 12.15pm-2pm
Children’s Christmas Crafts Wednesday 18 December, 3.30pm4.30pm
Festive Paper Mosaic Flower Pot Workshop Thursday 19 December, 1.30pm-3pm
Summer Book Bundles No time to browse? Grab a book bundle today. Issue on your Library card.
Christmas Scavenger Hunt Have fun and find the clues
Summer Reading Adventure for Children 6 January – 28 February 2025
Marylka Scott
“The tree goes up on Christmas Eve, as per my Polish heritage.”
Bevan Dick
on the top of the tree along with lights.”
Brooke De Haan
generally wait until the kids have finished school, and then we decorate it with the star on top and everyone’s handmade decorations.”
Anton Hodgson-Waters
What is your Christmas tree tradition?
Komitimiti Café celebrates a successful year
FIONA NELSON
To finish off their successful first year, Komitimiti Café at Riverside community are celebrating with a music night this Saturday, 21 December, from 5.30pm. The Immigran-
nz Collective from Nelson will be playing and there will be a Christmas-theme with a koha for entry.
Komitimiti is a non-profit, social enterprise and operates from the café at Riverside Community. The project start-
ed in January this year from the desire for a community space where people can connect, spend time together and enjoy healthy and affordable food.
The menu is designed to be wholesome and tasty, as far
as possible made from organic and locally-sourced food, and catering to different dietary needs.
Over the year, the Komitimiti project has developed running the popular café Friday to Sunday with Friday music nights, a singing group, a men’s group, mending workshops and craft gatherings.
On Monday mornings, Ako Collective run a learning space for homeschooled children. There is also exhibition space for differing artworks.
Verena Gruner, the coordinator, is pleased with the progress of Komitimiti.
“It’s such a beautiful space here and we are still on a journey of creating
more activities. Unlike many other cafés, here at Komitimiti, there is a safe play space for children. People can become volunteers, bring ideas for activities such as showing movies, giving talks, skill-sharing, poetry and other music nights.”
The café can be rented out also for private events. Komitimiti will re-open on Friday, 10 January at 10am, and well-known Golden Bay band Gypsy Pickers will be playing on Saturday 11 January at 5.30pm.
For more information email komitimiti@gmail.com , or visit
Komitimiti Riverside Café, 289 Main Road, Lower Moutere.
Seated volunteers Jenny Wilke, left, Friday and Star enjoying their break with Verena Gruner (standing) Photo: Fiona Nelson.
Stanley Brook’s stone war monument
ROBYN PARKES
On a cold morning on the 15 January, 1920, the foundation stone of the Stanley Brook war memorial was laid by the Rev. O. Hewlett of Auckland, who was previously the Vicar of Wakefield, in which parochial district Stanley Brook used to be. Reflection and thanks for the men who gave their lives for freedom was given. The president of Stanley Brook Farmers’ Union (Mr Fenemor) then presented to the Reverend the trowel with which to lay the stone. As it was laid the following words were used: “To the glory of God, and the blessed memory of the gallant dead, we place this foundation stone in the name of God the Father, God the son and God the Holy Ghost Amen.”
After the address the hymn “For all the saints who from their labours rest” was sung and Rev. Mr Hewlett then pronounced the Benediction. The ceremony ended with the singing of the National Anthem. The monument, built on a small terrace in the school playground, consisted of a tablet and cross of Italian marble inserted in an obelisk of concrete, with a sub-base of the same material and base of Wangapeka granite,
10 feet square, surmounted with an iron flagstaff—in all 40ft 6in high.
It was designed by Mr H. Faulkner, and labour was provided by the settlers who erected it under the supervision of Miller and Sons, Nelson.
The names of four local men were placed on a tablet:
Frank T. F. Drummond - killed 7 June 1917
Edwin J. Fenemor - killed 1 September 1918
Russell B. Macmahon – died 22 November 1918
John J. Crompton - killed 1 Oc-
tober 1917
The unveiling of the completed monument took place on 21 October, 1920, and was observed as a holiday in Stanley Brook. About two hundred people assembled in the school grounds at noon. The Defence Department was represented by Lieut. Sugdon, and Captain Harley represented the Returned Soldiers’ Association. South African war veterans and returned soldiers were distinguished by their ribands and badges. The next-ofkin of the four boys occupied a front seat and the school pupils lined up at the base of the monument —each holding a wreath of flowers. The service was opened with a hymn and Archdeacon Kempthorne read the lesson followed by the Bishop of Nelson reading the prayer.
Captain Harley addressed the assembly, and in a stirring speech expressing sympathy with the bereaved and delivered a message from comrades-in-arms.
Mr H. Faulkner assisted in unveiling the Memorial Tablet, and the Bishop further addressed the school boys and girls, explaining the Union Jack, which he said symbolised liberty and unity. The Bishop then announced that the flag would be flown over the
monument in future on the following days every year:—On the anniversary days of the death of the boys of Stanley Brook School who died in the Great War, on St. David’s Day, 1 March; St. Patrick’s Day, 17 March; St. George’s Day 23 April; Anzac Day, 25
April; Empire Day, 24 May; King’s Birthday 6 June; Prince of Wales’ Birthday, 23 June and St. Andrew’s Day, 30 November. The school pupils then placed their wreaths on the base and relatives and friends of the deceased soldiers added floral tributes.
A group of sweetly singing children brought the Christmas vibes to Motueka last week, performing at New World and Woodlands rest home. The children are all part of the wider area’s homeschooling community, which has more than 135 families in Motueka/ Tasman. Parent and event coordinator Bridget Cheong says that she has organised the carol singing for the past four years, inviting all the Tasman homeschool group families to join. As they sing, the children collect donations that are given to the Motueka foodbank. “It’s about trying to make Christmas a bit more about other people than themselves.” Back row: Annalise Cheong, left, Xiao Wagstaff, Benji Ward and Nathan Cheong. Middle row: August Vorster, Gabi Cheong, Alex Beekhuis, Nico Beekhuis and Noah Cheong. Front row: Markus Beekhuis, Nina Howie, Etta Howie, Edith Vorster and Ernest Vorster. Photo: Elise Vollweiler.
Monument at Stanley Brook. Photo Supplied.
Bay Pharmacy, 125 High Street, Motueka Phone: (03) 528 4196
Email: meds@baypharmacy.co.nz
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*Extended seasonal opening hours
*Please call to check
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
You can access your prescriptions through Unichem Pharmacy Motueka during Public Holidays and weekends.
Greenwood Pharmacy, 6 Greenwood St, Motueka Phone: (03) 528 0428
Prescriptions can be obtained from Unichem Motueka
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Golden Bay Pharmacy, 17 Commercial St, Takaka Phone: (03) 525 9490
Email: takakapharmacy@gmail.com
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Motueka South School’s Elvi Overweel is one of the many students who have enjoyed the flurry of end-of-year school activities. Motueka South School’s Te Tupu middle school travelled to Coquille Bay, Parkland’s Tī Kōuka class headed over to catch some rainbow trout at Waimea Park Fishing Ponds, and Riwaka School’s Year 8s spent a day connecting at Kaiteriteri. Teachers have turned the fun factor way up for their students in the past fortnight, wrapping up the school year in a frenzy of activity and events. Photo: Supplied.
Parking infringements
Whether it’s a ticket for speeding or being a ‘parking overstayer’, most of us have received an infringement notice. The fee, determined by local or central government, is set as a deterrent, to encourage us to abide by the rules. From time to time, fees are reviewed to see if they’re still ‘fit for the purpose’. After recently reviewing council-ordered towage, and Police-ordered impoundment fees (both set 20 years ago), government agreed an inflation-based increase of about 70% was needed. This became law in October 2024.
However, the $750 fine for parking without a permit in a disability carpark certainly received the most publicity! The government believes this increase better reflects the seriousness of the offence and its impact on our disabled community.
So how does the Mobility Parking Scheme work? Not all disabled people are eligible for permits. You must fit certain criteria, like being unable to walk /use a wheelchair, or your walking distance is severely restricted by a medical condition / disability (caused by pain or breathlessness etc), or you have a condition requiring physical contact / close
supervision (disorientation, confusion or anxiety). A doctor must confirm eligibility, before the Permit is issued by CCS Disability Action. Both short-term (up to 12 months) and long-term (5years) permits incur a fee.
The permit must be clearly displayed on the dashboard or hung from the mirror when parked. Disabled Parking spaces are wider than standard parks. This enables car-doors to open fully, which helps people safely enter or exit the vehicle. Parks are carefully located close to services and facilities.
A Permit is personal, not linked to a vehicle. This allows holders to travel in any vehicle, using designated street-parks as well as public and private carparks like malls, hospitals and supermarkets. Concessions often apply to time-restricted parking areas and metered or PayByPlate parking. However, different councils around the country have different rules, so it pays to check before you travel to another area! In Nelson, where parking is time-limited, the council recognises users of Disability Permits usually take longer to go about their business, and extends the time. For example, P30
allows an additional 30 min, and P60 an additional 60 minutes. It doesn’t apply to P5, P10 or P15, or anything over 60 minutes in the city. Tasman has free parking, but time limits apply. Permit holders only get an extra 50%, so if the sign says P60, you can park for 90 minutes. Working permit holders can apply to both councils to exceed parking limits in their respective CBDs, allowing them to park all day if granted. But be aware: It is illegal to use someone else’s parking permit; you can’t use the permit if the holder stays in the car when parked, but the driver can remain. And you can’t park your mobility scooter in a disability parking space!
We wish you a ‘ticket free’ Christmas, with time to relax and enjoy our region.
CAB Nelson Tasman Paru Paru Rd Nelson, TDC Richmond, Community House Motueka. Ph: 03 5482117 / 0800 367 222, email: nelsontasman@cab.co.nz, Website: www. cab.org.nz
Motueka District Museum
WHITWELLS MENSWEAR
SPORTSWEAR MENSWEAR FOOTWEAR
Mapua’s mixed martial artist makes his mark
STEPHEN STUART
He looks like a younger version of English-Kiwi cricketing superstar Ben Stokes and Bhakti Rutledge is just as feisty.
The 15-year-old isn’t just cultivating an impressive set of red whiskers, the novice kickboxer likes to come out swinging too.
Bhakti is hard to miss and I spotted him getting off the bus from Māpua on his way to training at the Marist Rugby Club gymnasium.
Despite making the long haul, the Motueka High School student has stuck at a sport two of his mates introduced him to last year but then found the travel too much.
“I started karate at five and did it on and off. Last year I wanted to start a martial art again. I was struggling a bit at school and thought it might be a good way to release some frustration and help my confidence,” says Bhakti, whose name comes from his parents’ interest in Indian customs.
So he started classes at SMA Kickboxing, under the guidance of international champion Sallie McArdle.
“Sallie is an awesome coach and was an amazing fighter. I’ve watched a few of her old fights,” enthuses Bhakti. She was impressed, too, with her young charge.
“He’s very respectful and easy to teach. I don’t know how to train novices, only how to train international fighters,” declares Sallie, who took the under 70 kilogram novice to the Combat Con and Oceania Championships in Canberra recently.
He won seven fights over two days including one where he banged knees with his rival.
“One of his bouts was adjudged the fight of the competition after the lead went back and forth four times in the last round before Bhakti won”, says Sallie. He was one of 14 SMA fight-
ers to travel from Nelson to Canberra and they claimed a staggering 24 gold medals.
Several had funding from Sport Tasman which helped cover costs.
“Two years ago I only took four fighters to the Oceania’s but now I have 30 to 40 consistently training,” says Sallie, who is now looking for bigger premises. “Success breeds success and there are plenty of people knocking on the door. UFC has done so much to lift the profile of this sport.
Everyone knows Israel Adesanya, whether you love him or hate him. What those lo-
cal UFC fighters have done is fantastic,” declares Sallie. She also works with at-risk youth and some of them show some real martial arts promise as well.
After a few weeks off, the next big international goal is assembling a squad to take to a Kickboxing World Cup in Hungary which attracts about 3,500 entrants from 65 countries. “They train like professionals but have to work like amateurs to pay their own way, so more community funding or sponsorship would be awesome for these guys,” says Sallie.
Streetstock triseries a huge hit
JODY SCOTT
The Lift N Shift Streetstock Tri-Series round 2 at Milestone Homes Top of the South Speedway on Saturday gave fans a wee taste of what might be expected when Nelson hosts the 2026 NZ Streetstock title next month. There was wall-to-wall action in all three heats as drivers from both ends of the country battled away on a hot Tasman evening.
Rotorua’s Shane Bracken got the first heat win from teammate Phil McNamara with local Perry Soper in 3rd.
The second heat provided the roll of the season so far, Auckland’s Korry TeRito clipping the spun car of Matt Baldwin and barrel rolling four times on the back straight. The driver was fine, but the car will need some major repairs over Christmas. It was TeRito’s first roll over in his career. The race was won by Dunedin’s Ben Jenkins. It was a hot race for local driver Ryan Musgrove, catching fire on the way back to the pits. The final heat went the way of Ben Jenkins again, making huge inroads towards the series title after a DNF at the opening round in Greymouth. Kahu Epiha finished second, with Perry Soper getting another 3rd place. A huge field of Super Stocks for the closed club champs, with veterans Brett Nicholls and Shane Harwood tied after 2 heats. Nicholls got past Harwood in the final heat to win it by a couple of points. Alex Hill’s last heat win moved him into 3rd place overall, with Roydon Winstanley just a point back with a 5th in the final heat. The final meeting before the NZ title here on 10 and 11 January will see a few visiting drivers turning up on Derby night on 28 December.
The Pam Nixon memorial was a trophy valued by all the Production Saloon drivers. After two heats, Kaylim McNabb held a 1-point gap from Vaughan Cornelious and Eddy Frans and Dave Leitch were tied for third, 3-points back. Frans picked up the final race win, but Cornelious was able to grab the title with 2nd place.
Novice kickboxer Bhakti Rutledge working the bag at the Marist Rugby Club gymnasium after a dream debut in Australia. Photo: Stephen Stuart.
Community Notices
MONDAY
WOULD YOU LIKE A BIKE? Bike Hub Nelson accepts donations of good used bikes, fixes them up and gives them away for a small koha. 142 Saxton Rd. Mon, 5.30-7pm. For other opening times and a map e: bikehubnelson@gmail.com.
MOTUEKA BETTER BREATHERS, Mon, 11.30am, Brass Band Hall, Old Wharf Rd. A 60-minute series of guided exercises done seated or standing, specifically designed to help those with breathing difficulties. Ph: Jess 0275467675.
MOTUEKA HIGHLAND PIPE BAND Mon, 7pm. Band is located beside Motueka Recreation Centre. Promoting Scottish tradition and culture. Look forward to your participation. Info: Ph: 027284 8361.
MAPUA FRIENDSHIP CLUB. Indoor bowls, 1st & 3rd Mon. Mapua Bowling Club rooms. 2pm, Bring a plate of afternoon tea. Lots of laughs. Ph: Val 035403685.
MOTUEKA ELYSIUM Mon, 9.30am, Muses Café. For Widows and Widowers. Join us for coffee and chat, friendship, and support. Ph: Carol 035285027.
TUESDAY
MOCKINGBIRDS MUSIC GROUP, Tues, 2-3.30pm, Senior Net, Pah St. If you enjoy some fun singing/playing music, come along with your instrument, we’d love you to join us. Beginners welcome. Ph: Sue 02102416155.
HOPE TENNIS CLUB SOCIAL TENNIS, Every Tues, 9.30am, Hope Tennis Courts, Hope Domain. All abilities most welcome. Queries Ph: 0211729257.
MOTUEKA BRASS, Tues Evenings. Discover your musical talent with us! Join our lively brass band for an unforgettable experience to join Ph: 021728168 or come along.
YOGA. If you have or have had cancer, we offer restorative yoga classes. Tues, 12.30pm. To Reg, Ph: 5287669.
WEDNESDAY
AGE CONCERN TEA & TALK, Tea and talk will start up again Wed 8 Jan. Merry Christmas everyone.
KNIT & NATTER Wed, 10-12pm, Motueka Over 50s Social Hub, 10 Pah St. Friendly group for all ages. Includes refreshments. All welcome.
RIWAKA BOWLING CLUB Fun for all the family - bowls and friendly guidance provided. Please wear flat soled shoes. 6pm –7.30pm Wednesdays till the end of daylight saving. $5.00 entry, School Rd Riwaka (next to Riwaka School).
WALK 4 HEALTH, Wed, 9am, Motueka Community Garden. 3050 min walk at your own pace, for any age, any fitness and size. Ph:0273015598.
TOASTMASTERS MOTUEKA meet 1st & 3rd Wed of month, 6.45pm start, St John’s rooms, Jack Inglis Hosp, Courtney St. Gain speaking confidently, friendly environment. More Info Ph: Peter 0277468311.
MOTUEKA ARTS COUNCIL Office is open Wednesdays 11am to 3pm at Motueka Community House, Decks Reserve. Call in for arts info, funding assistance, and supporting art activities ideas for Motueka.
MOTUEKA SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLUB, Wed, 7.30pm, Lower Moutere Hall. Keep fit while having fun. All ages, no partner needed. First time free. Enq Ph: Fay 0210393559.
SHARLAND CYCLES 5K FUN RUN & WALK from Club Waimea. Wednesday evenings till 18th Dec. Registration 5.30pm. Race briefing 6pm. More info www.waimeaharriers.nz
DEATH CAFÉ, 2nd Wed of month, 10-11.30am. Revite Café, 256 High St. An open space for people to talk about death and dying. margaret@margaretmccallum.com
THURSDAY
HIGGINS HERITAGE PARK 222 Pigeon Valley Rd, Wakefield. Annual Steam-Up & Community Craft Fair Thu 2 Jan 9am-3pm. Come & enjoy a festive, fun day with craft stalls, food, fruits, ice creams, sausage sizzle, Nayland Primary School art, traction engine, jigger, honey barrell rides, face painting, balloons, music, Wakefield Fire Brigade & more. Contact 027 6316786.
NELSON BAYS HARMONY CHORUS, (women’s choir), is seeking new members to join our happy group. Thurs evenings, Club Waimea, Richmond. Ph: Carole 0274360910.
MOTUEKA 50+ WALKING GROUP Thurs. More info Ph:
DEADLINE: 10AM FRIDAY
50 WORDS OR LESS BY EMAIL ONLY SEND TO: office@topsouthmedia.co.nz
0212640403 e: secretary50pluswalkers@gmail.com, or www. motueka50pluswalkers.org.nz.
RUMMIKUB Thurs, 1-4pm, Motueka Over 50s Social Club, 10 Pah St. Friendly group, includes refreshments. All welcome. Ph: Keith 0274516422.
THE DOCTORS MOTUEKA – Walking Group, Thurs, 9am, by the Janie Seddon Shipwreck carpark. Walking for 30 mins, suitable for all fitness levels. Make your daily walk more fun and meet new people. Ph: 035288358.
NVC PRACTICE GROUP (NONVIOLENT / COMPASSIONATE COMMUNICATION) Every 2nd Thurs, 7-8.30pm, Motueka. In school term. For info e: margaret@margaretmccallum.com.
PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP meet 1st Thurs of month, 1.30-3.30pm, Broadgreen House, 276 Nayland Rd. Ph: Bill 035448635 or 035391137.
MOTUEKA LIGHTHOUSE Meets last Thurs every month. Insightful presentations/workshops. 7pm-9pm. Motueka Community House, Decks Reserve. Donations appreciated. All welcome. angel3000.h@ gmail.com or facebook Motueka Lighthouse.
MOTUEKA G.R.G 2nd & 4th Thurs, 1-3pm, St Andrews lounge, 64 High St. Support group welcomes grandparents/kin raising/ supporting grandchildren. Join us for a confidential relaxed and supportive time with others. Ph: 0211337299.
MEDITATION, Weekly meditation sessions open to all. Thurs, 12.15-12.45pm, Te Noninga Kumu - Motueka Library. During term time. No registration needed. Just come along. Info: Ph: Louise 0278789240.
FRIDAY
MULTICULTURAL MOTUEKA welcomes migrants and refugees every Tues, 8.30-1pm, Fri, 8.30 -2pm, Community House, Decks Reserve. We provide connection and practical assistance for newcomers to our region as well as support for all cultural activities happening in our community. Ph 027 5286744 sez@multiculturalnt.co. nz. SATURDAY / SUNDAY
CHRISTMAS DANCE Sat 16 Dec, 7:30pm, Mapua Hall. Raffles, live music. All welcome. $8 + a supper plate. Motueka Dance Group ph 03 5289415
HOUSIE: 1st and 4th Sat of month, 10 Pah St. Over 50s Social Hub. Ph: Jude 0273244226. All Welcome. Afternoon tea included. Cards $4. Raffles available.
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE Sat, 10-12pm, Motueka Library. Free services, including copy certification and witnessing signatures are available.
NELSON BRANCH OF ROYAL NZ AIRFORCE ASSOCIATION
Meet 2nd Sat each month, 12pm, Club Waimea, Richmond, Phil’s Restaurant. Interesting speakers, raffles and members interested in Aviation Ph: Trever Squires 039706644 or John Bethwaite 035476634. Cost of meal $25
GENERAL GROUPS
MOTUEKA DISTRICT TOY LIBRARY Tues, and Thurs, 9-11am, and Sat, 10-12pm, 44 Pah St. Annual membership $30. Hundreds of toys for all ages.
MOTUEKA RIDING FOR THE DISABLED We need more volunteers to help with therapeutic riding sessions. Tues, Wed, Thurs, 8.30-1pm. Ph: 0211151720 or e: info@motuekarda.nz.
MOTUEKA TENNIS CLUB. INC. Social Tennis, Tues & Thurs, 9.30am, Sun, 2pm. Courts behind the Memorial Hall Pah St. Racquets available to borrow for new Members. All welcome.
NEED A LIFT? Mapua Willing Wheels Volunteer Drivers Service, affordable transport around Mapua, Motueka, Richmond, Nelson (no airport runs). 24 hrs’ notice req. To book Ph: 0226822373. mapuawheels@gmail.com.
MOTUEKA ARTS COUNCIL office at Community House, will be closed from 20 Dec to 17 Jan. Open Wed 22 Jan. Happy Holidays from Community Arts.
NELSON HOSPICE The Motueka shop needs volunteers! If you would like to volunteer for us, please enquire at the shop or Ph: 035281178.
NELSON RAILWAY SOCIETY Founders Park. Check our Facebook page and Website for updates of our Train and Railcar Timetable for the school holidays. We will be running on extra days.
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RIWAKA CROQUET CLUB, do you and a group of friends/family/workmates want to spend a fun few hours learning to play croquet? Min. of 8 players, $10 each, all equipment provided and someone from our club to help you learn the game. Full access to the clubhouse kitchen. For info Ph: 0276308910.
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By Sue Merrick
Veteran rider turns the clock back
STEPHEN STUART
The memories came flooding back for recently crowned World Veteran Motocross Champion Justin McDonald when he returned to race at the Rat Track over the weekend.
The Canterbury builder and developer reckons he’s been coming to the Lower Moutere circuit since he was 12. And now he’s 39! But the star turn for the Nelson Supercross Champs is showing no signs of slowing down.
“It is just something in you. It is an individual sport, and it is hard to give it away,” says Justin between races on his 450cc Honda.
“I have raced series in the USA and Australia and still aim to do half a dozen events here a year. It is relaxing. I love it.”
On his first trip back to the states in 12 years, he beat about 25 other riders in San Bernadino to claim his veteran title.
“I just wish our sport could attract those sorts of numbers. We don’t have a supercross series as such anymore.”
Justin was quickly into gear at the Rat Track, well third gear actually, winning two of the first three MX1 races on the revamped track.
“It is awesome here and good to have young Aussie riders come over and compete against us.”
He was eventually pipped by just one point over five races, by fellow Canterbury rider Marshall
“My six and nine-year-olds are already riding and until they need my full attention, I plan to keep going too,” concludes Justin. Among those in his dust over the two days was event organiser Liam Kerr.
Mind you, the Nelson Motorcycle Club member had a bit on his plate.
“I am a COC official, help out with anything that really needs doing, just a general helper to the ladies on the barbecue and I just had to step in as a marshal as we were short of flaggies there,” he says modestly.
So, it is hardly surprising the Nelson fireman missed Sunday’s first practice run.
“It would be nice to get more people along to watch but I’m just happy if they have a good time. I just wish they would come and give it a go,” urges Liam.
While he’s been a fan of Justin since he was a kid, Liam was pleased to see Marshall Phillips excelling on his track.
Phillips on a Yamaha.
Being relatively injury free over the years has helped his longevity.
“I have been lucky. I have torn and broken ligaments but not many bones.”
He’s had the best of both worlds this month, holidaying with his family at Kaiteriteri before racing and then stopping at Queen Charlotte Sound on the way home to Selwyn.
“He’s just come back from injuries and is using this event as he builds towards the nationals. Marshall’s a great role model for young kids as well,” declares Liam, before he dashes off to co-ordinate the riders’ parade.
Justin McDonald relaxing between races at the Nelson Supercross Champs in Lower Moutere. Photo: Stephen Stuart.