The Guardian - 19 June 2024

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Sustainable students

A group of Year 12 and 13 students from Tasman and Marlborough have recently graduated from Whenua Iti Outdoors’ Environmental Sustainability Programme (ESP).

ESP is run yearly, and students undertake four weekly sessions on-site, Monday-Thursday, at Whenua Iti Outdoors.

This year’s students have been working on conservation projects with local community and environment groups, DOC, and at Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park where they removed 600 wilding pines. The ESP also considers personal sustainability like picking out weeds that can be eaten from the community garden at Golden Bay Sustainable Living Centre. One of the highlights has been a trapping and planting project on a property in the Moutere Catchment. The students designed a new

FIONA NELSON

Harriet Arnott planting out in the Moutere Catchment. Photo: Supplied.

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Sustainable students help environment

FROM PAGE 1

trapline to catch rats, stoats, ferrets and weasels at Phillip and Jenny Leith’s property. Phillip and Jenny belong to the Moutere Catchment Group which was recently awarded Cawthron Institute’s 2024 Freshwater Champion.

After consultation with Phillip and Jenny, the students were given ‘free rein’ to import a new trapline and also plan and design the planting project, select-

ing suitable native species for the location. 600 eco-sourced native species were planted.

What Motueka High School student Harriet Arnott liked about the programme was the practical experience that “you don’t get in the classroom or on a tablet.

“There’re so many different ways of learning which are fun too.”

Fern Leenhouwers, also from Motueka High School, has enjoyed the new relationships she has made.

“It has been good to meet up with like-minded people.”

Nelson College for Girls’ Eva Cross agrees and says she found it good talking with people who have a career that they are passionate about and a career that makes a difference.

Whenua Iti Outdoors in conjunction with Top of the South (TOTSTA) and West Coast(WCTA)Trades Academies deliver a range of programmes for Year 11-13 students. These are funded by the Ministry of Educa-

tion and contribute to students’ NCEA.

Rosey Joyce, one of the three ESP tutors, says that the programme enables students to see different avenues for conservation whether it be at home, volunteering or the multiple career choices.

“It doesn’t matter who you are, you can still make a difference. And importantly, it’s empowering for the students to see how much they can do and what they are capable of.”

Hospice smash $100k Hands Up target

It takes a community to make a hospice happen, and the month of May has seen locals put their hands up to help raise over $115,000 for Nelson Tasman Hospice’s bi-annual appeal.

A grass-roots community campaign, the Hands up for Hospice appeal was championed by NBS and saw the people and businesses of Nelson Tasman join together in a mammoth effort to raise much-needed funds through everything from high teas to line dancing events!

The stand-out fundraising con-

tribution came from the team at Olive Estate Lifestyle Village & Paragon Eatery, who raised an incredible $28,500 through a series of 18 events and initiatives across the month.

Another appeal highlight was the MoreFM Heave for Hospice event, which raised just under $18,000 and involved 18 teams battling it out for tug-of-war supremacy, including an NBS Nelson Giants vs. Tasman Mako face-off and Tasman District Council vs. their Nelson counterparts. Ultimately, Downer

was the victor on the day.

The $115,000 raised this past month will go right back into the community and will help a local team of more than 45 clinicians support patients with life-limiting conditions. While the hospice provides free specialist palliative care to hundreds of patients and their families every year, a $3.5 million annual shortfall in funding means that the future of their services is not guaranteed.

Tony Gray, chief executive of Nelson Tasman Hospice, says

seeing hundreds of people share their support of Nelson Tasman Hospice demonstrated that when a community comes together, anything is possible.

“It has been incredibly humbling for us as a service and we want to acknowledge and thank the many businesses, community groups, schools and individuals that backed us throughout May

To donate visit handsupforhospice.org.nz

Hopes rise for heritage wharf restoration

SUPPLIED CONTENT

A group, dedicated to restoring the old Motueka Wharf is working hard, alongside council staff, to do the research, planning and fundraising necessary in preparation for the actual restoration.

Last year Keep Motueka Beautiful (KMB) offered to work with the Tasman District Council on the restoration of the old Motueka wharf. Since then, a Heritage Wharf Restoration Group has formed with representatives from KMB, the Motueka & Districts Historical Association, TDC and the Community Board. The old wharf on Motueka Quay was constructed in 1887 and used until 1916, and its heritage, social and other values have been recognized by its registration as a Category 2 Historic Place.

As a wharf built from stone it is almost unique in New

Zealand. Its role in the economic and social development of the Motueka district, particularly in enabling the development of the fruit growing industry, gives it considerable historical and social significance.

In recent times it has become a popular local attraction and a tourist destination, especially in conjunction with the picnic area and the wreck of the Janie Seddon. It is a real asset to the town and a contributor to the local economy.

Sadly, the end of the wharf has collapsed, because of wave action and undermining, and all the stonework is badly in need of maintenance. The aim of the project is to restore the wharf to a condition in which it is resilient to increased wave action associated with more severe weather and sea conditions, resulting from climate change. This will require reconstruc-

tion of the seaward end of the wharf and extensive repointing of the stonework. In addition, according to an expert arborist, it will be necessary to remove the pohutukawa trees, before their roots damage the stonework. The trees are relatively young at present, but they are already starting to obstruct access along the wharf. If left, the trees would grow wider than the wharf and their roots will likely dislodge the stonework. It would be possible to replace them with some trees along the shore near the wharf.

“It is not intended to be a complete restoration,” says chair of the Heritage Wharf Restoration Group chair Isobel Mosley. “For example, we propose to retain the grass surface, rather than returning it to the original gravel.”

The group is currently considering whether or not to restore the original fence along the north side and

Combating loneliness through connection

ELISE VOLLWEILER

None of us are immune to loneliness, and a new group forming at the Motueka Library is looking to create pathways for social connections.

“Unmet Friends” is to meet monthly, to allow people to gather together and gently form connections in a welcoming environment.

Group founder Annie leads a busy life and is involved in many groups but says that she does not yet have any close friends in town. She made the permanent move to Motueka about five years ago and is “a bit of an orphan”.

The more she talks to others, the more she discovers that there are a lot of lonely people out there, for all different reasons. Some are newcomers to town, some are single, and some do not have family nearby. Whatever the reason, they are welcome to stop by the group for a cuppa and a chat, Annie says. “I see it just as a platform for connections and contacts.”

wrought iron stanchion and rope barrier along the south side. Safety aspects will need to be taken into consideration and all work will need to meet the requirements of Heritage New Zealand. The group has commenced iwi consultation and is keen to hear the public’s views. The Group is in the process of getting cost estimates for the restoration. “In the meantime, we are working on a ballpark estimate of $250,000,” Isobel says. “We hope the restoration will be funded by a combination of public donations, grant funding (in particular the Lotteries Heritage Fund) and TDC.”

The Motueka Community Board has just allocated $10,000 to the project, after public voting put it top of the list for the Board’s special projects fund. If you’d like to comment or offer support, email restoringmotuekaher itagewharf@gmail.com

Janine Gillions is Motueka’s head librarian, and she says that the library is responding to its community by facilitating the group. “Connecting people, particularly lonely people, is very important to us.” The next Unmet Friends session is this Friday, 21 June, from 10.30am-12pm. As of July, the group will be held on the last Friday of the month.

A busy day at the old wharf about 1910. Photo: Motueka and Districts Historical Association.

Head librarian Janine Gillions has teamed up with Annie to stave off the social isolation in Motueka’s community. Photo: Elise Vollweiler.

Repeat drink driver caught on way to Motueka fishing trip

TRACY NEAL Open Justice Reporter

A repeat drink driver one week off being freed of the expensive interlock device on his vehicle will now have it refitted for another year.

Self-employed building contractor

Tony James McRobert had a “big night” at the pub before he planned to take a mate fishing the next day and headed to the wharf not only drunk but in a vehicle without the device. Interlock devices are wired into a vehicle to prevent it from starting if alcohol is detected on a driver’s breath. They are an option in sentencing first-time offenders with very high alcohol level readings and repeat drink drivers.

McRobert has been forking out about $200 a month in lease fees for the device. The costs will now continue for another year, plus extra for installing a new device and removing the old one.

The 58-year-old, who admitted charges of driving drunk for a third or subsequent time, plus driving contrary to an interlock licence, was convicted and sentenced in the Nelson District Court on Monday to 175 hours of community work, nine months’ supervision and a replacement interlock licence.

He was found with a breath alcohol reading of 675 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath after he was stopped by police and breath tested on Sunday, April 28 this year, on the

way to a fishing trip he had promised a mate. McRobert was stopped a short distance from his home while driving his Isuzu truck on Wharf Rd, Motueka, when the interlock device was fitted to his other vehicle.

Defence lawyer Jackie Van Schalkwyk said it was “unfortunate” that McRobert’s year-long interlock was about to end next week, when he had been compliant for almost a year.

“It’s now another expense for him and he knows it was a major error on his part.”

She said McRobert had had a “big night out at the pub”, went home between 3 and 4am and thought he was okay to drive to the wharf when he did, just hours later.

Judge Richard Russell said it was McRobert’s third drink drive offence, aggravated by the fact it occurred when he was still serving a sentence for the previous one.

“You took a different vehicle a short distance to the wharf, after a night out drinking. You should have known better,” Judge Russell said in sentencing him. He also warned McRobert that if he chose to drive again after he’d been drinking, a harsher sentence was waiting.

A kaleidoscope of art for MHS

ELISE VOLLWEILER

Pablo Picasso once said that “art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life”. By Picasso’s reckoning, Motueka High School must be pretty spotless.

The school’s arts department is thriving this term, with students creating a joyous range of visual art, dance and music.

The Year 10 students broadened their skills with a street art mash-up, as well as studying the life and creative style of performance and pop artist Jim Dine.

The art of their Year 9 counterparts will be displayed in the library later this month, show-

casing their pieces inspired by kōrero pūrākau, or traditional storytelling.

The annual talent quest was held mid-May, with 60 students comprising 21 acts competing for prizes across the dance, vocal, instrumental, variety and band categories. Meanwhile, the tech crew worked hard behind the scenes to keep the show running smoothly.

New Zealand Music Month in May was celebrated with lunchtime concerts at Te Noninga Kumu – Motueka Library, and despite the nerves, the students enjoyed the challenge of performing for an audience. Rockquest provided another

opportunity to shine, as did the Smokefree Tangata Beats event, which celebrates Māori and Pasifika bands. Imperfect Circle, a band with many originals to its name and credits on Spotify, earned a spot in the Rockquest final on 22 June. Motueka High School’s dancers also have an upcoming performance – their event Momentum is to be held at Memorial Hall on Thursday, 20 June, with entry by koha. Next week also sees the commencement of the school’s level three photography exhibition, based on “culturally-inspired photographs and running from Friday, 21 June, at the school itself.

Motueka High Schools’ dance production. Photo: Supplied.

Year 10 students studied the life and creative style of pop artist Jim Dine. Photo: Supplied.

‘They are crucial’: Motueka district celebrates the volunteers it thrives on

ELISE VOLLWEILER

Half of New Zealand’s adults are part of a multi-billion labour force, and they don’t gain a single cent from it - all by choice. This week is National Volunteer Week, which is celebrated to “honour the collective energies and mana of all volunteers in Aotearoa”.

Many dozens of organisations in the Tasman district rely almost entirely on the generosity of their volunteers and the many annual hours that they are willing to contribute. These hours are diverse and can mean keeping rat and stoat numbers under control in the Abel Tasman National Park, popping in to visit an elderly Motueka resident, or doing the books for the Takaka bowling club.

Motueka Museum

The Motueka Museum is open five days a week, and its volunteers work at the front desk to welcome and share their own stories with visitors. Faith, Fay and Shirley have all been at the museum for years, and Fay reckons this sort of volunteering “makes us feel good – we’re doing something good for someone else”. Typically of volunteers, the trio have also donated their time in many other ways, from visiting the residents at Jack Inglis Friendship Hospital to knitting blankets for Eastern European orphanages.

New Zealanders contribute 159 million hours of formal volunteer hours every year, with another 7.8 million annual hours logged as being undertaken outside of formal organisations.

On average, people volunteer for about four hours a week, and environmental volunteerism is one field that is growing in popularity.

Other volunteering groupings include arts and culture, social services, religious and spiritual, and sports and recreation.

Our local volunteers say that they like to give back, give their days purpose and put their time into a cause that they believe in.

There are more than 1120 registered charities in the Nelson-Tasman region and a minority have one or two paid staff members, with the bulk of the workload completed by volunteers.

Friends of Flora

In the last financial year, the 71 Friends of Flora volunteers logged 5300 hours between them, surveying and controlling pests and monitoring bird life.

Community engagement and advocacy officer, Chrissy Kaneen, says that they definitely could not operate without volunteers. “We are always on the lookout for new volunteers that aren’t afraid of hard work, as we work in a stunning but physically demanding environment.”

A common message is that, without the generosity of people volunteering their time, these organisations would be completely financially unsustainable.

Judith Bensen, manager of Motueka’s Hospice Shop, says that after government funding, Nelson Tasman Hospice runs at a $3.5 million shortfall, and the region’s op shops alone make up almost half of this difference.

The shop would not be able to operate without the volunteer help, she says, and the more the volunteers are able to do, the more funding that can go directly towards the nursing care of our local residents.

Almost every organisation that the Guardian spoke to mentioned that they would happily accept more volunteers onto their rosters, to spread the load and fu-

Age Concern Age Concern Nelson Tasman has about 150 volunteers throughout the region, the majority of whom undertake weekly volunteer visits to elderly people. Manager Caroline Budge says that volunteers are a core part of the agency. “The passions, commitment, friendship and support that they bring is hugely important, and we value them and their mahi immensely,” she says.

ture-proof against people moving on. Nationally, the number of volunteers is falling, even while the number of hours they are doing is increasing on average.

Ellie Young is the community coordinator for Volunteer Nelson, which operates across the Nelson and Tasman districts.

One of the organisation’s roles is to match volunteers to organisations, based on the former’s availability, interests and skills.

It is “beyond op shops”, she says, explaining that there is a huge variety of roles out there, for any personality type and time commitment.

“I like to say there’s something for everyone. Everyone belongs.”

Ellie speaks of research that points to the benefits to both the volunteer and the recipients of their time.

Motueka Hospice Shop

Op shops are a particularly visible volunteering option in our communities, and Motueka Hospice Shop manager Judith Bensen says that without the store’s 18 volunteers, “we wouldn’t have a shop”. Volunteer Neville is also a delivery driver for Meals on Wheels and reckons that as a retiree, these things help to fill in his days and offer a way of giving back. Volunteer Tina is a breast cancer survivor, and so volunteering with hospice is meaningful for her too. “It’s a nice balance in my week, and I love giving back.”

“It’s good for the wellbeing of the individual, it’s good for the wellbeing of the organisation, and then the whole community benefits,” she says.

“They are crucial. They are critical to the support of our organisations.”

The free NBS Volunteer Expo is being held at the Annesbrook Church, 40 Saxton Road, Stoke, on Saturday 13 July, from 10am to 2pm. There will be 35 organisations who are looking to showcase their cause and potentially engage new volunteers, and Ellie encourages people to come along “and find out if it’s a match”. For information about finding a volunteer opportunity or gaining support for your charitable organisation, contact Volunteer Nelson on 03 546 7681, or email ellie@volunteernelson.org.nz.

Motueka District Toy Library

The Toy Library offers thousands of quality toys to hire for its 160 member families, and while the organisation has a paid toy librarian to oversee operations, the three weekly sessions are run with the assistance of volunteers. Toy Librarian Laura Lattimer welcomes people with children to volunteer, as it is the perfect space to keep the kids entertained while their parents help with toy issuing and returns. “Our wonderful volunteers help us look after our members and our toys,” she says. “They share the workload.”

Local History

ROBYN PARKES

In 1907 great interest was generated in the deposits of limestone and clay at Golden Bay. A company of Wellington and Nelson businessmen was formed and registered to work the limestone and clay deposits on the coast at Tarakohe and Pohara. A visiting Danish expert made an exhaustive inspection of the raw materials with very satisfactory results. A site for a wharf to enable shipments from the works at any stage of the tide was selected. By early 1912 the works had been underway for some months and an extensive description was provided. Located on the seacoast about seven miles from Takaka, Tarakohe could be reached either by a steamer calling three times a week from Nelson, or by road from Motupipi along the Pohara beach, then by road over the hill leading to Ligar Bay.

The latter part of the road was steep for a horse and vehicle, so a road along the seashore at the foot of the limestone cliffs between Pohara and Tarakohe was in the process of being formed, and when completed would cut the distance down and eliminate climbing the steep hill. Near the works, a township sprang up with scattered huts and tents and several corrugated iron structures where many of the staff lived. The works consisted of huge, corrugated iron-covered buildings, with three tall chimney stacks.

Alongside the works were hundreds of thousands of tons of limestone and marl (essential in the manufacture of cement). Two quarries had been opened with the limestone right alongside the stone crusher and the marl quarry located a short distance away up the hillside, and connected with the works by a gravity tram-

Cement manufacture in Golden Bay, a snapshot in time

way, meaning the loaded trucks in their descent pulled the empty ones back to the working face. The limestone from the quarry was carried and deposited by trucks up to and into the crusher with the right proportion of marl. The crusher was driven by a 50

h.p. motor and had a daily capacity of between 200 to 300 yards of stone. When crushed to the right size, the mixed limestone and marl was lifted to the storage bins and led by conveyors to the drier, a large, long cylinder, where the

moisture was extracted by heat. The dried material was then sent up by means of chain and bucket elevators to more storage bins, where it is fed to the mills and ground to the necessary fineness. There were three mills, two ball mills and one large tube mill. The ‘raw meal’ was conveyed and fed into a rotary kiln, where it was burnt to ‘clinker’ (the backbone of the cement) at between 2000 to 3000 degrees Fahrenheit. From the kiln, the clinker was passed through a cooling cylinder and transferred to the finishing mills. The resulting product was ‘Portland cement’. This was transferred on conveyors and elevators to the storage bins, which had a capacity of 3000 tons. The cement then passed to the packing room, where it was bagged by automatic bag-filling and weighing machines and stacked ready to be shipped from the wharf.

Tarakohe Golden Bay Cement Co. Photo: Nelson Provincial Museum, Manson Collection, 314343.

An evening of chance and charity

ELISE VOLLWEILER

Whether you’re skilled at playing your cards right or are happy to lean on the luck of the draw, Motueka South School’s upcoming 18+ casino fundraiser promises to be a glorious sliver of adult fun.

Tickets are $50 each, which includes entry, nibbles, a buffet meal (including smoked meats from a well-known local chef) and a stack of casino chips, which can then be used to try your luck at blackjack, crown and anchor, and roulette.

This “dress to impress” event is suitable for seasoned casino goers as well as first timers, and organiser Abby McCall emphasises that it is a fun fundraising event, where the “funny money” casino chips can be used to bid on mystery envelopes which contain valuable prizes.

There will also be silent auctions, spot prizes and live auctions on the night, with about $7000 worth of prizes on offer to date. Abby says that the funds raised will likely be spent on an outdoor play extension for the school.

The Casino Night is at Memorial Hall on Saturday, 22 June, and doors open at 6pm. The games briefing will be held at 6.30pm, with the tables open after that. There will be a bar with cash or EFTPOS available, and the event will wrap up at about 10.30pm. Tickets are available at Motueka South School’s office until Friday, or from Whitwells Menswear until mid-day

Saturday, and Abby is encouraging people to buy tickets ASAP so that the committee can ensure there is ample catering.

Motueka South School is upping the ante with this Saturday’s Casino Night fundraiser, reckons PTA member Abby McCall. Photo: Elise Vollweiler.

Cara Stagg, Caitlin Robertson, Roison Ford and Charlie, 2

Fin Pozzetti, 10, Xiao Wagstaff, 12, and Quinn Furrows, 10

Jody Bennett and Pip Duncan with Tai, 12, Tawhiri, 8, and Noa, 4

Noah Hansen, 14, Jeff Neville, Wilbur Hansen, 5, and Luke Hansen

Kirsten Lineham and Lenore Heather

Nalika Castaing, Karen Fitzgerald, Elle George and Hannah Taylor

Reina Flavell and Selina Fensom

Victoria Hawke and Rebecca Leach

Wendy Davies and Sharon

Caroline McGee and Barbara

Moonlight Hunt

Entries have opened for the River Inn Moonlight Hunt which will lock and load between 28 and 30 June to shoot up funds for the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter. Entry forms for the junior, open and adult categories are available at Tākaka’s River Inn Hotel, Tākaka Fuels and Fishing, Brightwater’s The Loggers Shop, and Motueka’s Whitwells Menswear. Entries close on 27 June at 7pm. Contact 027 435 0575 for more information.

Annual ambulance appeal

Hato Hone St John Nelson and Tasman Bays is currently requesting community donations as part of its Light The Way annual appeal for funds to help build a new Nelson Tasman Ambulance Hub. Donations can be made in June at public donation stations across the region or online by visiting: lighttheway.stjohn.org.nz/o/nelson.

Choirs sing big, win big

KATE RUSSELL

Secondary schools around Nelson took part in The Big Sing last week with Motueka High School singing their way to two awards.

The Big Sing is a regional secondary schools choral festival that takes place in 10 centres around New Zealand, involving around 8,000 students from more than 200 schools. It has been taking place for over 30 years and is New Zealand’s largest choral event.

Motueka High School choir Suono

Belissimo won the Te Reo Maori Award at the 12 June event with ‘Te Tauihu o Te Waka NZ’ under the direction of Hilary Sinclair.

The choir also picked up the Choral Art Award for their song ‘After the Wind’. Nayland College choir Naycol Chorale, under the direction of Zoe Dee, won the NZ Award, with ‘When I Am Dead My Dearest’.

They also won the Audience Impact Award with ‘Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat’.

The Open Choice Award went to Nelson College for Girls’ choir Bel Canto for ‘Another Day of Sun’ under the direction of Rosemary Galton. Finally, the Youth Development Award went to Marlborough Girls’ College choir Ovation with choral director Christianna Morgan.

Motueka High School sung their way to two awards. Photo: Supplied.

Please Explain Affordability

In the latest Newsline, Tasman District Council staff justified the increase in next year’s rates with this sentence: “The 11.1% figure was lower than the base figure of 11.5% indicated at the start of deliberations after new cost increases had been factored in. It has provided a measured endpoint compared to the forecast of 9.6% included in the Consultation Document”. Stats NZ has reported that inflation for 2023 increased by 4.7%.

Please explain your statements, in plain English that your ratepayers can understand. If, as the Newsline article says: “Affordability has been at the forefront of our minds throughout the process”, how can this increase in rates, during a recession, be affordable?

Bruce Struthers

Farewell to a great librarian

Sometimes Australia sends us an angel, one who delivers and connects with young and old, but sadly only lent for a short time. Kumala is returning home, this being her last week at Motueka Public Library. Thanks for the enthusiasm, joy, and help, so willingly given to one and all. You will be missed.

Ann Kidd

Shed on Marriages Rd

I bike that part of great taste trail at least 3 times a week and was delighted to see it gone ,much safer now and it was a bit of an eyesore.

C Nielson

More locals struggle to pay rent

Try paying a mortgage it’s totally not easy on your own.

Kim Ponga

What about those paying mortgages. Mine is about to go up 400 dollars per fortnight. A lot of money to find, that’s for sure.

Lauren Evans

Rents are getting too high all over NZ. People who would like to be homeowners are not able to own and, even if they are able to buy, interest rates are very high. More affordable houses need to be built the Government needs to address this problem as more people will become homeless.

Lisa Todd

That’s so wrong msd need to change there zoning and wage brackets I know loads of people that earn too much by msd standards, it’s ridiculous.

Keri Williams

It’s only going to get worse. I can see two years from now more are going to be homeless. It’s not just about paying rent, it’s power, water, and all other household costs on top. To add to the mix the crime rate is rocketing, people can’t afford to feed their families so means kids are starving at school the list continues.

Lisa Maree Christie

There’s also a support service called Sustaining Tenancies. They don’t help with rent but they can work with the renter’s and landlords to help prevent evictions.

Shaz Nicholls

Ash buckets take the heat

Good idea. Never heard of them given out. Would of been useful.

Jessica Smith

Tapawera Trail ride exceeds expectations

Well done, everyone.

Julie Vass

More people, more houses

No wonder we have such a housing shortage!!!

Paula Jane Campbell

Scrabble – Wednesdays – 1.30pm

Join in for this popular word game.

Therapy Dog – Thursday 20 June, 10.30am

Come and meet Lacy the St John Hato Hone Therapy Dog and handler Claire Hutt.

Mahjong – Fridays – 1pm

Meet up with a friendly group to learn and play Mahjong.

Unmet Friends – Friday 21 June, 10.30am-12pm

A new group to meet new friends, newcomers to town welcome.

Building Bricks Club – Monday 24 June, 3.30pm-5pm

Join Adrian Barbour for Lego fun.

Crochet – Tuesdays – 1pm-3pm

If you enjoy Crochet and a chat, feel free to join in.

Winter Collage – Wednesday 26 June, 10am-11.30

Join Anna Louise for a fun Winter workshop creating a collage with seeds.

LEEON JOHNSTON

Dear diary, here’s to the 7-day weekend

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Ngā mihi o te tau hou

Celebrating new starts

2024

Tel: 03 526 8842

office@ngatimoti.school.nz www.ngatimoti.school.nz

RESPECTFUL, INNOVATIVE, POSITIVE, EXCELLENT AND RESPONSIBLE CELEBRATING AND LEARNING ABOUT MATARIKI 2024

Taonga Whetu Taonga Whetu

23 Pipiri - 2 Here-turi-kōkā June August

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Matariki

Nga

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Ko Puanga kei runga, ko Piharau kei raro... Matariki whetū heri kai!

SUPPLYING WATER BORES & SERVICES TO THE DISTRICT SINCE 1996.

Proud to support the Motueka RSA

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85 Main Road, Lower Moutere. PO Box 264 Motueka Phone: 03 52 67 222, Mob: 027 4470 920 Email: office@cwdrill.co.nz www.cwdrill.co.nz

Mariri

Rugby dream drives Golden Bay pair

JACK MALCOLM

Joining a sports team often means sacrificing some of your free time, but it’s a whole new ball game for Angus Scotland and Gordie Langford.

The two Golden Bay High School students spend hours on the road every week, travelling to practice and play for the Waimea Combined Barbarians.

With training on Tuesdays and Thursdays on top of a game ev-

ery weekend, the pair have been notching up the miles as they make the three-hour round trip multiple times a week.

Every second weekend, when the team plays an away game, the pair stay in Nelson after training on Thursday at a teammate’s house before travelling on the team bus.

For Gordie (16), the decision to play in the team was the natural next step in his journey to wanting to play the game professionally.

Having played for the Takaka U15 and Nelson Bays U16 representative squad last year, he says he considered boarding at Nelson College, but it wasn’t the right fit.

For Angus (18), also in his first year with the team, he wanted to play some “proper rugby” after playing in the local U17 agegrade competition last season.

With his parents not letting him play senior rugby for Takaka in the second division, he says it’s been a natural fit joining the Bar-

barians.

“It’s a really great culture. Everyone here wants to play. Right now, I’m playing it for fun.”

But, having broken his hand in the build-up to the season and injuring his shoulder in his first game back, Angus hasn’t had as much game time as he hoped.

For Gordie, who moved into prop from the loose forwards last year, making the team is the next step in his rugby journey.

While he’s “slightly realistic” about playing professionally, he says he doesn’t want to

leave any stone unturned.

“I need to do a lot more in the weight room, and I’ve started a bit. It’s quite a different game [at this level]. You’re playing your own position instead of covering for people.”

Angus and Gordie’s parents share the duties of driving the two boys back and forth, and the pair wants to thank them for the countless hours they have spent on the road.

As for the missed schoolwork? They say they’re doing a bit more homework than they’ve been used to, but it’s worth it in pursuit of their sporting ambitions.

Gordie Langford, 16, in action for the Waimea Combined Barbarians over the weekend as they put on an impressive 17-3 win over last year’s champions, Mid Canterbury Combined. Photo: Jack Malcolm.

Full house at Speedway prizegiving

JODY SCOTT

The awards’ night ended a great year for the Nelson Speedway club with a full clubroom celebrating the season’s achievements. From the youth grades of Quarter Midgets and Ministocks to the big grades of Super Stocks and Sprint cars, two new life memberships were also presented on the night.

Acknowledging the many volunteers that are part of the club, special mention went to the track crew and junior members team that did an outstanding job that often required many hours throughout the week to prepare for the weekend event. There were many who had multiple roles within the club, sometimes working deep into the night to get the job done.

The club made mention of the drivers that achieved at a national title level: Cody McCarrison 2nd at the NZ Street stock title and 3rd at the Grand Prix, Steve Soper retaining his 3nz Streetstock title, Jack Rarity 2nd at the NZ Stock Car Grand Prix and John Schoester 2nd at the South Island T.Q. title.

Alicia Hill was awarded the John Pomeroy Memorial trophy for

Competitor of Opening night.

Rookie awards were awarded to Jack Ryan in Quarter Midgets, Callum Russ in Super Stocks, Jason Clark in Streetstocks, Caleb Head in Productions, Maia Nicholson in T.Q.’s and Matt Rollo in Stock cars.

Best presented trophies were voted on by their own class drivers, the winners: Bailey Bensemann in Quarter Midgets, Amy and Toby Walker in Ministocks, Ben Stillborn in T.Q.’s, Shane Harwood in Super Stocks, Connor Rangi in Sprint Cars, Harry Moffat Schwass in Streetstocks, Zoe Hughes in Stock cars, Vaughan Cornelious in Productions and Rob and Harley Martin in Sidecars.

Sportsperson awards were also voted on by the drivers, the winners were Bailey Bensemann and Andre Musgrove in Ministocks, Cody McCarrison and Dave Lietch in Productions. Jayden Corkill picked up the Robin Bloomfield trophy for the driver who helped the most others in the grade.

After a short break, life member Dave Leitch came up to present two new Life Memberships, the first was to fellow teammate and production saloon competitor

Geoff Watson, whose commitment goes way beyond racing. He is a busy member who has been working around the track behind the scenes for many years. A wee tear shed with only a few words, humbled by the honour.

Paul “Spud” Murphy has been the data expert behind the racing results. It’s been a busy few years with a change of results systems and learning new technology. The array of many wires behind computers and monitors all functioning as well as the recording devices on the cars giving a weekly challenge. The former stock car

and Saloon driver also covers other tracks when needed.

There were plenty of awards for season points, stirrers prizes, triples and pairs amongst the grades before the big Individual awards were handed out.

President Wayne Russ presented the following awards: Team of the Year Nelson - Knights Street stock team.

Sportsperson of the Year - Shane Harwood. His return to racing won him many trophies but also for the support of the club, especially with aiming at securing the NZ Super Stock title. Competitor of the Year - Cody

McCarrison. After helping Steve Soper to secure the 3nz last year, Cody finished 2nd at the NZ title then 3rd at the GP. He represented the club around the country at many of the major Streetstock events as well as being a key supporter within the grade in Nelson.

The final awards were for members of the club who have contributed off the track; Sean Dundass took the Tony Coppell Memorial tray for “Official of the Year”, and Kerry Hill won the Harrop Cup as the member who has done the most for the club. Besides the track work, crewing, Kerry has been a major force supporting the Super Stock grade and the club’s flagship event, the PTS Stampede. Without his support it wouldn’t’ve have got off the ground.

The President’s Cup was awarded to club secretary Stephanie Atkinson, hubby Josh and kids Maddi and Bastian for their outstanding job behind the scenes, from preparing the clubrooms, sorting trophies and sashes, they have spent more time at the track than at home.

The new seasons’ calendar can be found on the club’s Facebook page.

Moutere resident Easton Salter was awarded Most Improved Junior Driver. Photo: Rebecca Connor Maling.

Community Notices

MONDAY

MOTUEKA ELYSIUM Mon, 9.30am, Muses Café. For Widows and Widowers. Join us for coffee and chat, friendship, and support. Ph: Carol 035285027.

WOULD YOU LIKE A BIKE? Bike Hub Nelson accepts donations of good used bikes, fixes them up and gives them away for a small koha. 142 Saxton Rd. Mon, 5.30-7pm. For other opening times and a map e: bikehubnelson@gmail.com.

MOTUEKA BETTER BREATHERS, Mon, 11.30am, Motueka Recreation Gym ‘Functional Fitness Room’, 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. We look forward to your participation. More 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.

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 very welcome. Ph: Sue 02102416155.

NEW '500' CARD GAMES, Tues, 1-3pm, the over 50s Hub, Pah street, Motueka. Fun, friendship, CARDS & cuppa. Everyone welcome. Info Ph: Keith 0274516422.

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. Ph: 5287669 or e: maureen.urwin@cancernelson.org.nz to reg.

WEDNESDAY

MOTUEKA ARTS COUNCIL office at Community House, Decks reserve. Wed, 11-3pm. Inquiries about art activities; funding for Art; Art ideas for Motueka. Ph: 0210589388.

AGE CONCERN TEA & TALK, Wed, 10.30am, The Shed, 24a Tudor St. More info Ph: 0279214074.

KNIT & NATTER Wed, 10-12pm, Motueka Over 50s Social Hub, 10 Pah St. Friendly group for all ages. Includes refreshments. Ph: Roz 027415636. All welcome.

WALK 4 HEALTH, Wed, 9am, Motueka Community Garden. 30-50 min walk at your own pace, for any age, any fitness and size. Ph:0273015598 or wellontrack@gmail.com

MOTUEKA ARTS COUNCIL invites all folk interested in community arts in Motueka, to their monthly meetings. 2nd Wed of month, 7pm, community house.

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 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 or e: motueka@dancescottish.org.nz

THURSDAY

MOTUEKA LIGHTHOUSE presents Marianne Vertelli on PENDULUM ALCHEMY. Thurs, 27 Jun, 7-9pm, Motueka Community House, Opposite the Isite. All welcome. e: angel3000.h@ gmail.com / https://www.facebook.com/lighthousemotueka/. Donations Appreciated.

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. More info: Ph: Louise Petzold 0278789240.

NELSON BAYS HARMONY CHORUS, (women’s choir), is seeking new members to join our happy group. Thurs evenings, Club Waimea, Richmond. Ph: Carole 0274360910.

DEADLINE: 10AM FRIDAY

50 WORDS OR LESS BY EMAIL ONLY SEND TO: office@topsouthmedia.co.nz

MOTUEKA 50+ WALKING GROUP Thurs. More info Ph: 0212640403 e: secretary50pluswalkers@gmail.com, or www. motueka50pluswalkers.org.nz.

RUMMIKUB Thurs, 1-4pm, Motueka Over 50s Social Club, 10 Pah St. Friendly group, includes refreshments. All welcome. Ph: Keith 0274516422.

THE DOCTORS MOTUEKA – Walking Group, Thurs, 9am, by the Janie Seddon Shipwreck carpark. Walking for 30 mins, suitable for all fitness levels. Make your daily walk more fun and meet new people. Ph: 035288358.

NVC PRACTICE GROUP (NONVIOLENT / COMPASSIONATE COMMUNICATION), Every 2nd Thurs, 7-8.30pm, Motueka. In school term time. e: Margaret margaret@margaretmccallum. com for info

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP meet 1st Thurs of month, 1.30-3.30pm, Broadgreen House, 276 Nayland Rd. Ph: Bill 035448635 or 035391137.

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.

SENIORNET MOTUEKA. 2nd Thurs of month, 2pm. Hear all about a different country in our Countries & Cultures Interest Group. Join SeniorNet. Ph: Allan 0279711100 or www.seniornetmotueka.org.nz.

FRIDAY

MOTUEKA REBUS CLUB next meeting, Fri, 21 Jun, 10am, Community Centre. Great speakers, good fellowship, all welcome. Ph: John 0274082206.

SENIORNET MOTUEKA, The Genealogy Interest Group meets 2nd Fri, 2pm. Ph: Allan 0279711100 or visit www.seniornetmotueka.org.nz

SATURDAY / SUNDAY

SERIES OF TALKS with meditation teacher Bonni Ross. Sun, 23 Jun, 10-12pm, Over Fifties Social Hub, 10 Pah St, Motueka. Cultivating Goodness in the Midst of Change; for the benefit of present and future generations. All are welcome. e: jane.

hobday17@gmail.com. By dana/koha.

FUNDRAISING SOCIAL CASINO NIGHT, Sat, 22 June. Games include Black Jack. Roulette, Crown and Anchor and a Lucky Wheel! All proceeds to Motueka South School. Find our event on Facebook or ‘Its On’ for details. Tickets $50 from Whitwells. No door sales. Incl dinner and gaming chips. R18.

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

NELSON RAILWAY. For updates and info for train and railcar runnings, follow us on Facebook or our website. Updated weekly. Or Ph: Robynne 0273419787.

GREYPOWER MOTUEKA welcomes visitors at the Community House office, Decks Reserve on Wallace St. for ongoing service requests. Discount provider list available. Ph: 035289076 or e: greypowermot@gmail.com.

INDOOR BOWLS, Mon & Wed, 1.15-3pm, Motueka Over 50s Hub, 10 Pah St. All abilities welcome. Ph: Jude 0273244226.

RIWAKA CROQUET CLUB do you and a group of friends/ family/workmates want to spend a fun few hours learning to play croquet? You need a minimum 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.

SENIORNET MOTUEKA Take advantage of the many interest groups offered. Join SeniorNet Motueka. To join, visit www. seniornetmotueka.org.nz, or Ph: Allan 0279711100.

MOTUEKA MENZSHED, Tues, Wed or Thurs 9-12pm, MenzShed, Marchwood Park, College Rd. Give the missus some space, come to the menzshed. e: secretarymotmenzShed@ gmail.com or just turn up.

MOTUEKA TRAMPING CLUB, A diversity of weekend day

walks and multi-day trips suitable for a range of fitness levels. Visit www.motuekatrampingclub.org to learn more about your local Club, or e: membership.motuekatc@gmail.com for info on joining.

RED CROSS MOTUEKA BRANCH Fundraising shop, open Mon – Fri, 10-2pm. Community House, Decks Reserve. We sell clothing, household linen and books. Donations of sellable goods are appreciated.

SURVIVORS AND THRIVERS GROUP, if you have or have had cancer, or supported someone else, come and connect. Reg maureen.urwind@cancernelson.org.nz or 5287669. MULTICULTURAL MOTUEKA welcomes migrants and refugees every Tues & Fri, 8.30 -1pm, 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 or sez@multiculturalnt.co.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. GATEWAY TO YOUR WELLBEING, Wellbeing is important for all of us to thrive. The shed is a safe place to meet new people in a supportive and caring environment. We can connect you with other agencies for the right support needed. More info Ph: 0279214074, E: admin@ght.co.nz or pop in 24a Tudor St, Motueka.

MOTUEKA DISTRICT BRASS Do you want to be part of a fun, social and competitive band, who make players welcome? e: motueka.brass@gmail.com or Ph: 021728168

MOTUEKA NEWCOMERS New to Motueka? We’re a social group, mostly retired (50+) who meet regularly and welcome newcomers. More info Ph: Jana 035284355.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS. Is alcohol causing problems for your life? Want to stop drinking but can’t? we can help. Support meetings every day. Ph: 0800aaworks, 08002296757. BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP, If you have or have had breast cancer, come along to this friendly atmosphere. 102 Hardy St, Nelson. Reg: 035391137 or E: info@cancernelson. org.nz.

Community notices are free to community groups, schools, churches, gold coin donation events and fundraising only. For classified ads and public notices please call

528

2088. Due to the popularity of this column, while every effort will be made, inclusion cannot be guaranteed for free ads.

CLASSIFIEDS

SATURDAY 22nd June 2024 10AM AGENDA

Minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting of the Motueka Memorial R.S.A. Inc held on Saturday 1st July 2023. Election of Executive and Committee. General Business.

PLEASE NOTE ONLY FINANCIAL MEMBERS ARE ELIGIBLE TO ATTEND. * All members are urged to attend. * Rebecca Hodges Manager/Secretary

Motueka Search and Rescue AGM

Monday 22nd July 2024 7:30pm At our base: 64 High Street, Motueka All members welcome. For all enquiries email secretary@motsar.nz

RSA CHARITY QUIZ

Bring your friends for a fun evening.

Tuesday 25th June at 7pm Motueka RSA.

All proceeds for Community Patrol. $3 entry. 6 members per team. Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Great raffle prizes. Meals and bar available.

STORAGE WANTED

CASH PAID FOR RECORDS

From the 50’s to the 90’s. Rock, Beat, Soul, Funk, Punk, Reggae. 0212 963 289

CUSHLA’S MARKET & GARAGE SALE

WED - FRIDAY 19-21 JUNE 10AM - 3PM

LAST CHANCE

136 Aranui Road Mapua Eftpos Available Text Me on 0274457600

BLOOMFIELD

Noleen

Passed away peacefully at Woodlands Rest Home aged 87 years. Loved mother and mother-in-law of Warren, Wendy and Nigel, Jody and Peter. Devoted Nana of Jacinda, Kara, Braden, Shaylee and Daniel. Cherished Nan Nan to Max. Her

8 Inglis Street, Motueka on Saturday June 22, 2024 commencing at 11.00am.

CLIMO

Candy Belinda 22nd June 2023

Goodbyes are not forever Goodbyes are not the end They simply mean we miss you until we meet again.

Candy, you are loved for the little girl you were, for the special woman you are, and the precious daughter you will always be - love Mum

Memories forever

Mum (Aileen Gooding),

Stepdad (Dusty Gooding), Sisters Lisa Rose and Miranda

Radcliffe, Stepsister Rebecca Gooding, Brothers Duke Climo and Gideon Climo

Highschool girls take a win at TSS Badminton

SUPPLIED CONTENT

Badminton players from across the region met together for the Tasman Secondary School Badminton tournament last month.

The day saw perfect playing conditions at the Motueka Recreation Centre in Motueka: 24 teams from around the region, 10 courts with newly coated floors, rain outside and the birdies flying inside.

All Motueka teams performed very well, especially considering a few players only started the sport just two months ago. Everyone got wins and losses, and there was a great fair play spirit between all teams.

Heleene, Sharlene, Anjhela and Lexie with their medals.

Photo: Supplied.

After being runner up last year, then beaten by Nelson College for Girls, the division 1 girls team was one step more successful and went home with the trophy. The division 2 girls consisted of all new players, who held their head high and showed

NBS Motueka Golf Club Results

Mens Veterans Nett Wednesday, 12 June

1st Gert Nel 67

2nd Ray Magee 70 3rd Barry Riordan 73

Pah St Cafe closest to the pin

Alan Barbara

off the skills they learnt at the extra training sessions at school and the Sunday evenings at the Rec Centre.

Both boys’ teams held their own in their divisions and special mentions can be made of the second division boys team, who man-

aged a rare feat of drawing against Waimea. A draw is very rare in this tournament format, because if it ends 3-3, all individual points are counted, and a winner usually emerges based on that. So, every point, from every player, counts, doesn’t matter whether you are the number 1,2,3 or 4 players. And in this meet, their individual points added up to 76 for each team. After four recounts it was still the same, and the first draw in years was a fact. If any youth are interested in taking up or continuing badminton, the training opportunity for Motueka is ‘Sunday evening motueka badminton’ which you can find on Facebook.

Saturday, 15 June Ladies Stableford

1st Donna Mitchell 36

2nd Shona Johnson 34 3rd Janis Webster 32

Mens Russian Roulette

1st Ivor Hawker / Matt Davies 67

2nd Brent Thomson / Bill Agnew 66

3rd Heath Sherrock / Mark Carrington 65

Lower Moutere Store closest to the pin

Men Stu Dixon

Ladies Donna Mckenzie