Nelson Weekly - 1 March 2023

Locally Owned and Operated

Wednesday

1 March 2023

Rutherford upgrade finished early, on budget

A large-scale stormwater upgrade that saw parts of Rutherford St and Waimea Rd closed over the past six months has been completed a month ahead of schedule and on budget.

The project, run by Nelson City Council and Fulton Hogan with sub-contractors Ching’s Con-

tracting and Donaldson Civil Ltd, saw 1.8m diameter stormwater pipes installed from Snows Hill to Examiner St, with wastewater and water pipes renewed at the same time.

The works represent the second stage of work to upgrade Little Go Stream. The first stage com-

menced in 2016 and focused on the area between Nelson College and the Admiral’s Motor Lodge on Waimea Rd.

A Nelson City Council spokesperson says one of the key challenges faced by the project was rerouting thousands of car journeys, on what is one of Nelson’s

busiest roads, through side streets that went past residential homes and Hampden Street School.

A series of traffic-calming measures were put in place including lane narrowing, temporary roundabouts, speed radars, and VMS boards keeping speeds low through the detour.

“This project is a massive investment in the resilience of the main access route into our city from the south,” says Nelson Mayor Nick Smith. “The work has been expensive, at nearly $10 million, and we are grateful to the

SEE PAGE 2

Sisters walk runway for blood cancer awareness

Sisters Julie and Tracey Jane know all too well what it’s like to battle blood cancer and the impact it can have on families.

That’s why Saturday’s ‘Walk the Runway’ event at Nelson Airport to raise money for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer NZ was extra special for them.

Continued on Page 4

Julie and Tracey Jane at Saturday’s ‘Walk the Runway’ event.

Photo: Steve Ford.

KATE RUSSELL

What are some of your school memories?

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Rutherford stormwater finished a month early

FROM PAGE 1

thousands of commuters, hundreds of households and dozens of businesses who were affected by the detour, but it was absolutely necessary if we are to make our city safer and more resilient to intense storms and climate change.

“I congratulate our council infrastructure team and our contractors on getting this major job done within budget and ahead of time.”

Deputy mayor Rohan O’Neill-Stevens says the network here is now able to withstand a 1-in-100-year flood event.

“Given the flooding our region experienced in August, and now the devastation of Cyclone Gabrielle, it’s part of the climate change adaptation work that I expect to see happening right

across New Zealand and Nelson in the coming years.

“We’re making progress, but as you will see in our upcoming Annual Plan, there is much more to do as we look to build even more resilience into Nelson’s infrastructure.”

Group Manager Infrastructure Alec Louverdis says the completed project is a substantial improvement for an area of Nelson that saw considerable flooding in 2011.

“Upgrading our three waters infrastructure is always a priority for council, and this was backed up by a $496m infrastructure budget in the 202131 Long Term Plan. With a budget just under $10m, the Rutherford Street upgrade adds significantly to our resilience against future events, and we can all benefit from the extra peace of mind.”

Peter McBride

Ana Thomas

Pete Chapman

“Running up the Grampians with PE teachers Kerry Williams and Harold Nelson.”

David Robertson

Fulton Hogan Civil tradesman Kristin Van der Linden at the Rutherford St project when pipes were being laid under the road last year. Photo: Evan Barnes.

Coal burning in Nelson

MAX FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter

Te Whatu Ora Nelson Marlborough has filed a discharge consent application to burn up to 4000 tonnes of coal per year for the next seven years to help supply power to Nelson Hospital.

The application is largely precautionary to ensure the hospital has a back-up power source as it aims to be completely powered by more sustainable options by November 2024. But besides the hospital, who else in the city burns coal?

“Over the past decade, there have been eight approved consents to burn coal, four of which have since expired as the applicants transitioned to cleaner fuel sources,” says Dennis Bush-King, Nelson City Council’s group manager environmental management. The three remaining coal burners in the city, excluding the hospital, are McCashin’s Brewery, South Pine (Nelson) Limited, and a private residence. The most recent consent was granted to McCashin’s in 2014 to McCashin’s and is due to expire in 2044. The private residence’s coal burner is small-scale and provides central heating. It has been tested and is below Nelson’s air quality plan limits.

COAL BURNING LIMITS:

McCashin’s Brewery: 245kg/hour

South Pine (Nelson) Ltd: 300kg/hour Nelson Hospital, pending approval: 1200kg/hour

Particulates released are 1.2g/ kg of coal burned.

Dennis says all consent holders are required to provide reports to council that detail their coal-burning activities. Those reports are then compared to the consent holder’s approved discharge amount to ensure they are compliant.

The coal’s sulphur content is also measured, which must be below a certain percentage of its weight.

“We’ve found that compliance among coal burners in Nelson has generally been good. Most issues of non-compliance have been minor, like submitting a report after a deadline.”

Dennis adds that non-compliant discharge rates in the past decade has been dealt with swiftly with only two abatement notices being issued. Abatement notices advise consent holders of certain actions that must be taken to become compliant.

The penalty for non-compliance after receiving an abatement notice is a $750 fine, but

this was not necessary for either instance.

Dennis says council’s process for reviewing consent applications for burning coal is guided by the Resource Management Act, the National Environmental Standard on Air Quality, and the Nelson Air Quality Plan, which together seek to improve the air quality in the city.

Resource consents for burning coal granted since the Nelson Air Quality Plan came into effect have enabled coal-burning activities to continue if a consent holder improves the quality of their emissions or transition to a clear source of energy by a date set in their consent.

“Staff investigate any complaints received from the public regarding smoky discharges, and officers actively patrol the region over the winter months to monitor air quality.”

Sisters walk runway for blood cancer awareness

Just over four years ago, Nelson resident Julie found out that Tracey, who lives in the UK, was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer called Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

Thankfully, Julie was travelling nearby at the time, so she was tested and turned out to be a perfect stem cell donor.

“There is a one in four chance of a sibling being a match,” she says.

“At the time, Tracey had undergone 80 blood transfusions which was just not sustainable.”

Julie then made the UK her home for the next 14 months to help her sister.

Before the transplant, Tracey went into isolation for a week and underwent chemotherapy to kill off her immune system so that the donated cells would not be rejected.

Then, Julie spent two days in a hospital in Plymouth, while the medical team harvested the much-needed stem cells. These cells were then transplanted into Tracey.

Following the transplant, and with no immune system, Tracey had to spend five weeks in an isolation unit as the donated cells started to work.

“All up, it took two years for Tracey to get back to a normal life again,” says Julie.

By happy coincidence, a now healthy Tracey landed in Nelson last week to visit Julie, just in time for the runway walk.

“It was definitely a special occasion for us,” says Julie. “The event was a fantastic way to raise awareness. I think it exceeded everyone’s expectations.”

It was the first time the runway had been opened to the public, and 1700 people attended the event for a gold coin donation, which all goes to support Leukaemia and Blood Cancer

NZ.

Organiser Murry Hart and Matt van der Heyden from the Nelson Fire Rescue Service led the charge down the runway. Murray says he was “absolutely rapt” with the turnout and they managed to raise $5000 for the cause.

“I was optimistically hoping for 1000 people to attend, a couple of people laughed at me for that.”

He says Saturday night’s “amazing” sunset made the 8pm event even more special.

“When people got out on the tarmac they were smiling and laughing. To see all those people out there was quite a unique experience. We’ve had lots of good feedback and comments from people saying we need to do it again.”

Both Murray and Matt are competing in the 2023 Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge to raise further funds to help fight blood cancer. This will be the seventh time Murray has done the challenge.

“I’m right into the training up the Tamaki Steps,” he says. Murray says attending the prizegiving after the event is always an emotional experience.

“When I first started doing it, I had a friend with Leukaemia and my mother also died of cancer, so it’s an important cause for me.”

To donate, go to www.leukae mia.org.nz or www.firefighter schallenge.org.nz

A busy weekend in Nelson

Warning after Stoke vehicle break-ins

KATE RUSSELL

Roofer Aaron Jackson got a shock last Monday morning when he woke up to find that his ute toolbox had been broken into.

Aaron lives on Marlowe St and has been working for himself for the last seven months. He estimates that up to $2500 worth of his tools were pinched.

“I got up around 5am and came outside to find my tool bag sitting in front of my ute,” he says.

“Everything was padlocked in, but they’d come in with bolt cutters - it was a sandwich cut. We didn’t hear anything. I’ve also had to go out and replace one of my drill kits, which cost me $700.”

Aaron says he is “ropeable” and has just spent $300 on a security camera.

“I worry about our household, and now I’m one of those ‘crazy people’ with a camera on his house. I never thought I would be like that.”

Aaron filed a police report but so far has had no luck getting any of his tools back.

We had a busy weekend in Nelson with a number of exciting community events happening On Friday we commemorated Purple Poppy Day, and a memorial was unveiled to honour the animals who served, and continue to serve in conflicts around the world My thanks to everyone involved in arranging the memorial, especially Brian Ramsay from the RSA and Nigel Allsopp from the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation, who arranged the memorial stone

By now, most households around New Zealand will have received their census envelopes The census is a nationwide survey that provides an official count of people and homes in Aotearoa New Zealand It gives a snapshot of life, people and communities, and is an important survey for determining where governments provide funding and resources You can complete your census online or on a paper form

Late last week, the Temporary Road User Chargers Reduction Scheme Amendment Bill passed all stages in Parliament The passing of this bill means that the full extension to our transport cost of living support package is now in place This is alongside the 25 cents per litre petrol excise duty cut and half price public transport which have both been extended till 30 June

“I got a phone call from a constable, and they found a boot-load of tools in a stolen car but none of them were mine,” he says. “I’ve got a trade account so I can book things up and pay for them once a month, so I’ve just ticked some up for now. I’ve had offers from people who have been kind enough to say ‘hey, I’ve got some tools if you need to borrow them’.”

Aaron has been living on Marlowe St for around four-to-five years and says he’s never had any issues. “I used to think this was a really safe neighbourhood.”

On the previous morning, another vehicle was broken into on Gracefield St.

The owner of the Suzuki Swift, Amber Charlesworth, says the thieves smashed one of her back windows and took off with over $4000 worth of kayaking and climbing gear - even with a car alarm activated.

“It was around 4.30am,” Amber says. “I was awake at the time, I went out to the car to get my laptop, and 10 minutes later I heard

a car alarm go off. You hear a car alarm and never think it will actually be yours, but it was mine.”

Amber says the stolen gear was her “whole life” and was for a polytech course she is about to start.

Police say they are aware of an increase in burglaries and theft in Stoke and Nelson.

A 35-year-old male has been charged with 13 related offences committed over January and is now before the courts.

“Police are continuing to work hard to investigate these crimes and hold offenders to account,” says detective constable Matthew Walker.

He encourages the community to lock doors and windows, keep valuables out of sight, install an alarm system, and ensure vehicles are locked and all valuables are removed.

Meanwhile, Amber’s advice to people is to “be careful, put your name on your stuff, and don’t ignore a car alarm”.

Aaron’s advice is to “get a really big dog like a Tibetan mastiff”.

Aaron Jackson’s ute was broken into last Monday morning in Stoke. Photo: Kate Russell.

Seafarers Memorial to pass to council ownership

MAX FRETHEY

Local Democracy Reporter

The popular Seafarers Memorial Jetty along Haven Road is set to be transferred to council ownership, much to the pleasure of the jetty’s current trustees.

The Seafarers Memorial Trust was founded following the collision between the container ship Sydney Express and fishing trawler Maria Luisa in Wellington Harbour in which five people lost their lives in 1996.

Chairman of the Trust, Mike Smith, says the Memorial Jetty arose from the need to remember all those who lost their lives at sea and was co-funded by the regional fishing industry and families who had lost loved ones.

“When you look at the rest of the seafront, it weaves itself in quite nicely,” Mike says. “It’s a good facility.”

However, maintenance for the

jetty has gotten increasingly difficult for the Trust in the 20 years since its construction.

“We’re not getting any younger and funding’s an issue.”

So Mike thought it was “right” for the Trust to enter talks with Nelson City Council to explore the possibility of transferring ownership of the jetty, though it took a number of years until council voted to do so on 9 February.

Trustee Tony Stallard is glad to see the issue finally resolved.

“The last council, for whatever reason, didn’t really seem to be able to get to grips with the issues involved in this, but this council, I’m pleased to say, has.”

Knowing that the future upkeep of the jetty, which council estimates could total $337,000 over the next ten years, is secured is a relief for Tony.

“It’s a long-term project that has ongoing maintenance and health and safety obligations,” he says.

“We want to maintain that legacy.”

The council resolution says it will accept ownership of the Seafarers Memorial Jetty following the granting of a new resource con-

Ryker Torrance and Roman Stratton, both 8, split the Big Dig $1000 jackpot. The Big Dig at Tāhunanui Beach ended with Ryker Torrance from Richmond and Roman Stratton from Wakefield splitting the $1000 cash prize after they dug up the winning lolly stick at exactly the same time. Ryker’s mum Liz says everyone was frantically digging in the sand to find one of the brightly-coloured sticks when both boys jumped up and said ‘We’ve found it’ at the same time. “I looked up and saw they had the winning golden stick, but they didn’t fight or try to rip it off the other one. They just held on to an end each until the officials came over. Then they decided to split the money and walked away with $500 each.” Photo: Supplied.

sent funded jointly by the Trust and the Council. The upper limit of council’s share of the consent application is estimated to be $20,000.

Tony says the consent relates to

the maintaining of the seafloor beneath the jetty.

He did admit he was “disappointed” that the full cost of the consent was not being met by council, but ultimately glad that the transfer is finally happening. “[Council’s] ultimately getting a huge benefit for the people of Nelson,” Tony says. “But you would have thought we could have got a wee bit of support.”

Tony Phillipson lost his brother at sea 26 years ago and was approached by Mike to be the model of the central statue on the jetty. He modelled for 16 hours across two days, with a rope holding his pointing arm up, but he was grateful to take part in the project. “I was very humbled to be able to do that.”

Statue model Tony Phillipson, and Memorial trustees Tony Stallard and Mike Smith. Photo: Max Frethey.

Tech company Snap Group wins supreme business award

MAX FRETHEY

Local businesses came together on Friday night to celebrate their successes at the 2022 Nelson Pine Industries Chamber of Commerce Business Awards with technology company Snap Group winning the top prize.

With Covid-19 restrictions gone, the annual event was back to full scale with the Rutherford Hotel’s Maitai Room packed full of some of the Nelson Tasman region’s best in business.

The Awards serve to recognise innovation and creativity in the local business sector with eight prizes up for grabs.

Snap Group chief executive Chris Rodley was momentarily stunned on stage when accepting the Supreme Business Award and initially only managed a “thank you.”

However, Chris later spoke of how honoured he was to win this local award.

“We grew up here, so it’s a bit surreal to be honest,” he says. “It’s a bit special.”

Snap Group use technologies from monitoring software to AI and satellites in the fishing and farming sectors to improve compliance and positively impact global supply chains.

“It’s a challenging period to do that kind of stuff, but we’re getting there,” he says. “Hopefully this will be really helpful tonight, create a bit of awareness of what’s going on locally.”

Snap Group also won the NZME Large Business Award which celebrates businesses with an annual turnover of more than $5 million. In his speech for that award, Chris acknowledged the incredible growth of his business’ fellow entrant, Ruru Tiny Homes, and said he was “so thankful” to win and that they couldn’t have done it without their team.

The Top South Media Start Up Business Award celebrates businesses that have started trading within the last two years and was won by tuition provider Boost

Your Learning.

“I’m actually speechless, and anyone who knows me in this room will know that’s quite rare,” said director Amy Johnson. “We really love what we’re doing, and we know that we’re making a difference.”

The Nelson City Council Small Business Awards recognises businesses with an annual turnover of less than $1 million.

Despite there only being one entrant, the judges still applied their normal criteria and determined that Aroha Chocolate was worthy of being an award-winning business.

“It means a lot to a lot of small businesses,” said the business’ owner Mike Duke.

He acknowledged the tough times facing small businesses and

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was glad to see his own was successfully navigating the difficult circumstances.

“To know that we’re surviving and growing, that’s all we can try to do as a business.”

IT company CNX won the MediaWorks Medium Business Award that recognises businesses that have an annual turnover between $1 million and $5 million. Though CNX took this award, the competition was close, with only one point in it, and the judges also commended the two runners-up, Keetrax and The Grape Escape Cafe.

“What an honour it is to accept this award,” said CNX director Paul Burt. “It is all about our people.”

The Bowater Hyundai Community Impact Award recognises

organisations that positively impact the Nelson Tasman community.

Multicultural Nelson Tasman won this award and the group’s Marie Lindaya spoke about their long journey to being the organisation it is today and thanked all their volunteers who work tirelessly.

“We had challenges, but we carried on.”

Kimer Med won the the Innovative Charitable Trust Innovative Business Award which celebrates businesses that demonstrate an extraordinary story because of pure grit and clever thinking.

“We’re very honoured to accept

this award,” said the company’s Andy Clover.

He added that the organisation is moving towards accomplishing incredible medical breakthroughs.

“Things are moving, it’s pretty exciting.”

The NBS Environmental Award recognises an organisation that has had a positive, long-term impact on the regional environment and was won by the Tasman Environmental Trust. Trust manager Sky Davies thanked their sponsors and volunteers for all the help they’ve done to elevate the Trust to its current position.

Empowering businesses to focus on their customers

In a world of technology

Above: Snap Group celebrate their win as Supreme Business Award. Right: Top South Media and Nelson Weekly managing director Andrew Board (left) presented Boost Your Learning with their Start Up Business Award. Photos: Tim Cuff.

Nelson marks anniversary of ‘abhorrent’ Ukraine invasion

MAX FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter

Nelson stands with Ukraine, was the message from the city’s leaders during an emotional rally commemorating the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Friday demonstration, organised by the Tautoko Ukraine Charitable Trust, saw Mayor Nick Smith and MP Rachel Boyack give speeches alongside members of Nelson’s Ukrainian community.

“This is an anniversary that none of us ever wanted to see,” says Graham O’Brien, the dean of Nelson Cathedral, before observing a minute of silence.

“We’re here with heavy hearts because we have had to gather yet again.”

Boyack described the invasion as illegal, immoral, and abhorrent.

“Those are just three of many words I could use to describe Russia’s actions,” she says.

“Some New Zealanders come to me at times and say ‘why is New Zealand responding? Why is New Zealand involved?’ This is not just a war on the other side of the world. This is a war that affects the globe, it affects all of us.”

She highlighted some of the steps the Government has taken in response to the invasion, including further sanctions made on Friday which brings the number of sanctioned in-

dividuals to over 1000 and number of sanctioned organisations to over 350.

Smith says the invasion was an attack on freedom, democracy, and territorial integrity.

“It’s not just the threat to the people of Ukraine, but the threat to the post-World War II consensus that big bully countries don’t invade other small countries,” he says. “And when you’re a small country like New Zealand, that is even

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4 March 2023

4 March 2023

Fun for everyone - amusements, food stalls

Fun for everyone - amusements, food stalls

Rai Challenge - carry a pig around an obstacle course

Rai Challenge - carry a pig around an obstacle course

Really Young Farmer competition - kids give it a go

Really Young Farmer competition - kids give it a go

Equestrian events including show jumping

Equestrian events including show jumping

Wood chopping

Wood chopping

Vintage vehicles, trade sites

Vintage vehicles, trade sites

more important.”

He also acknowledged the Government for its response to the war, but also said he thought it was time for the Russian ambassador to be expelled from the country.

Valeriya Horyayeva was one of the Ukrainians to speak at the rally. She came to Nelson with her daughter in May 2022 after leaving her home of Sumy, located just 50 kilometres from the Russian border.

“365 days, every day someone dies,” she says. “It’s unfair. This is war in my country, for democratic values, for freedom… We need to protect these values.”

Horyayeva said that New Zealanders were “very kind” and thanked them

for their help, but she also spoke of the need to continue helping Ukraine to end the war.

“This is the war against evil, this is the war for freedom and life,” Horyayeva said. “I hope that it’s soon finished.”

The Tautoko Ukraine Charitable Trust supports humanitarian efforts in Ukraine by organising fundraising events in New Zealand to help charities and volunteers on the ground in Ukraine.

Direct donations can be made to the Trust at NBS 03-1354-0612391-000.

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Mayor Nick Smith, cathedral dean Graham O’Brien, rally organiser Kate Mann, and MP Rachel Boyack spoke at the rally condemning the invasion. Photo: Max Frethey.

Wheels turn for refuge fundraiser

SARA HOLLYMAN

A fundraising drive that has provided more than $100k over the past decade, turns the key for another year today.

The Car Company drive for Women’s Refuge will see $50 from every car sold during the month of March donated to the non-profit organisation, who provide support and advocacy to women and children affected by domestic violence in the Nelson Tasman region.

Women’s Refuge manager Diane Strong says the money has allowed them to buy and do things fro local whanau that they may not have been able to do otherwise.

Funded by government and philanthropic donations, the refuge also relies on private donations.

The money from the Car Company drive has previously been spent on, vehicle support, nights for women in safe ac-

commodation, supporting and growing people’s understanding of their cause through marketing strategies.

“It helps us with food packs, clothing we need; just the basics,” Diane says.

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Over the years they have also used the money from the Car Company Drive for learning resources and technology to help tamariki during Covid.

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things, so money from the Car Company allows us to pick and choose where the need is most.” Car Company general manager Ben Brownie says the drive not only provides funds from cars sold, but raises awareness for the organization.

“They absolutely love it, and from the public side of it, Covid put a stop to a lot of street collections, so it’s about raising awareness for donations as well,” he says.

“We’re keen to stay on board with them.”

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“Funded money is set and earmarked for specific

The funding drive will run till the end of March, with $50 from every car sold across all the Car Company sites going directly to the Nelson Women’s Refuge.

Whale rescuers got hands-on training over the weekend as they tested out their newly learnt skills on life sized models of a pilot whale and dolphin at Tāhunanui beach as part of Project Jonah’s Marine Mammal Medic course. After a morning of classroom work, volunteers were put through their paces of practising first aid and refloating the 150kg dolphin and 2 tonne whale models.

Photo: Project Jonah.

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Showcasing a range of products from Bluesound, Beggs Musicworks provides several options of amplifiers and speakers from easy-touse technology through to more sophisticated systems for those looking to upgrade their current sounds. Each using Blu OS technology, the high-res streaming app interlinks with already existing speakers with amplifiers, existing amplifiers, and products with built-in speakers. Blu OS works across a range of different brands and consists of one of the best music streaming platforms in the world says owner Tim Babbage. The huge advantage is the multiroom aspect you can just add any Bluesound device to the app from lounge to kitchen to the shed to the outdoors. “It is intuitive, very powerful, great to use, very smart and works across multiple rooms and a range of different products from something as simple as a $700 speaker to the more advanced $20,000 systems.” the app uses Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect apps to ‘talk’ to the speakers and amplifiers and also runs internet radio station, ‘from anywhere in the world right at your fingertips’. For people who love audio equipment, the Pulse M at

$1000 is an ‘extremely sexy’ Bluesound speaker, says Tim, which works through the network, and is not reliant on your phone being within a certain range. “It is extremely powerful and just sounds better. You can run up to five pre-set playlists on the device, but keep adding more through the app. It is extremely simple to use and looks sleek in the white or black casing, with glass-top touch screen and is a great way to listen to music. Radio is the most common application that people run.”

The Powernode Edge is the newest amp in store, Tim says, and works with existing speakers for people that want to upgrade their system. “At $1299 they can plug it straight into their tv through HDMI giving a whole range of other handy functions. It is a nice easy way to upgrade your system.”

Stocking a whole range of products in between, talk to the friendly team at Beggs Musicworks on Hardy Street about what will work best for your needs.

“We’re happy to answer questions or help in any way we can.” You can give the team a call on 0800 923447 or drop in and see them at 264 Hardy St. Business Update. Adv.

Wireless multi-room speakers and components for music streaming

Car Company general manager Ben Brownie, Women’s Refuge assistant Emily Peterson, manager Diane Strong and Car Company managing director Shane Drummond. Photo: Sara Hollyman.

Teacher takes reigns at Hira School

SARA HOLLYMAN

Nic Moynihan is settling into her new role as principal/tumuaki at Hira School and says she loves the job.

“I love it, i can’t believe how much I love it,” she says of the role.

After teaching at the school for five years, she was worried she may miss being in the classroom but says she has found a balance which involves leading kapa haka, going on duty and a small amount of teaching in all three of the rural school’s classrooms.

Nic, her husband Sean, and their two children moved to Hira from Renwick a little over five years ago for Sean’s work.

They moved in right across the road from the school, where the space allows them to have horses and enjoy rural living.

Nic enjoyed teaching but realised that she wanted to pursue leadership opportunities, which the school provided her.

“I think we’ve got some really special things about our school. Our small size means

that everyone knows everyone. The children all know each other, all of the staff know all of tthe children really really well and that is something we really want to hold on to,” Nic says. With a role of 63 students, she hopes to see its size grow a little.

“The tricky thing we’ve got, is the houses aren’t as affordable out here as they used to be, so that makes it really tricky for families to be out here.”

Nic wants to spend her first year leading the school allowing kids to simply experience a ‘normal’ year of

school after years of disruption from Covid-19 and then the floods last year, which caused extensive damage to the school grounds.

“The kids deserve to just have some normalcy, where they can go to school everyday and not have anything cancelled.

“For anyone who is Year zero, one or two, they’ve never had normal, this is the first year they’ve had that, so we owe it to them to give them that.”

Nic hopes to see the return of the popular Valley to View fundraiser this year and says she is focussing on forming strong connections with the

community and its businesses.

“We do a lot in our community, we’re out there, we’re involved, we do trap checking, look at our rivers and do lots of planting so its really important that we keep all of that going.”

Nic’s youngest has just started intermediate which she says will be good for her independence, having had mum as her teacher for the past two years.

“If it was my son it would never have worked, he’s just a little bit too cheeky and there’s too much grey area for him between my ‘mum is my mum’ and ‘my mum is my teacher’.

“My daughter, right from her first day at school, she’s always had me for bits and bobs so she’s always seen me as a teacher, so it actually worked pretty well, but its really nice for her to now have that independance. She says the people is what she loves most about Hira School. Nic would love to see more Nelsonians coming to check out what makes the school special.

Nelson couple ‘gobsmacked’ at $300,000 Strike win

A Nelson couple have won $300k in Strike, but almost didn’t buy the Lotto ticket that netted them the cash. The couple, who wish to remain anonymous, won $300,000 with Strike Four last Wednesday. But according to the lucky couple –it almost didn’t happen.

“It was Wednesday evening, and I’d just sat down to pick my Strike numbers on my phone,” says the man who purchased the winning ticket. “But my wife wasn’t too happy about it. She said, ‘Can you please put that thing down?’

“I said, ‘I’m busy! Leave me alone!’” he laughs. The man’s persistence would soon pay off. “Later, when I went to charge my phone before bed, I remembered the Lotto draw and thought I better check my ticket. After discovering how much we’d won, I just sat there stunned. My wife asked me what was up, and I said, ‘I think we’ve just won some money.’”

It was well after midnight by this time, and he “had to check a few times just to make sure it was real.”

After a sleepless night, the couple are “still gobsmacked” but looking forward to celebrating with “a couple of glasses of wine and a nice dinner.” “We’re very, very excited,” he says. “This is a big deal for us – it’s certainly going to make life easier.”

While the couple are still deciding what to do with their winnings, he is adamant about one thing:

“I don’t think I’ll get told off for being on my phone for a while,” he jokes.

Nic Moynihan is the new principal/tumuaki at Hira School. Photo: Sara Hollyman.

Filling a gap in our gold mining history

KATE RUSSELL

The first of three dedicated books about the Golden Bay goldfields has finally become a reality for Nelson geologist and author Dr Mike Johnston, after 25 years of extensive research.

Aorere Gold is a 480-page book that covers the challenges, hard work, lucky breaks, and dire disappointments following the initial discovery of gold in Golden Bay in 1857.

Brimming with both black and white and contemporary colour photos, paintings, drawings, and maps, it’s a special account of the Golden Bay story, as little has been printed about what was New Zealand’s first major goldrush and the resulting impacts it had.

“There have been things written about it, there is a history of Collingwood for example, and various bits have been written about the goldfields, but this is the first comprehensive book,” says Mike.

It looks at the early attempts to develop a coal mining industry in Golden Bay and the gradual build-up to the discovery of a goldfield.

And it not only fills a gap in the history of goldmining, but also in the social history of the bay.

“What I try to do in all my books is integrate the social history with the mining history,” says Mike.

“Geology is trying to unravel the past, and history isn’t a great deal different. Geology influences where people settle, whether it’s gold or coal.”

Mike says the book will appeal to a wide audience.

“There’s always a segment of the population that is interested in gold one way or another, and it’s not just about mining, it’s about the influence the miners had on the locals and the provincial government at the time - where money was spent on infrastructure, roading, schools, and libraries,”

Woman in senior position defrauds company of $40k

Open Justice Reporter

A woman who defrauded the business where she worked of almost $40,000 is aiming for a discharge without conviction. The 37-year-old, who has interim name suppression, admitted a charge in the Nelson District Court on Monday of altering a document with in-

tent to defraud.

At the time of the offence, the woman held a senior position within the business and was in charge of finances and invoices. Between June 2020 and March 2022, she amended the business bank account on the invoices she sent customers and then replaced the account with her personal bank account and invoices.

Over this time, 14 transactions totalling $39,015 were fraudulently paid into her personal account. The woman has been remanded on bail to appear in court again on April 19.

he says. “Collingwood had a library early on that was sponsored by the provincial government to increase the knowledge for the province - including the miners. The miners weren’t all uneducated, which is perhaps what a lot of people think. Some of them were extremely well educated and just enjoyed the lifestyle.”

The miners were mainly Nelson

locals followed by an influx from the rest of the country and then Australia.

“It certainly boosted Nelson’s economy,” says Mike.

He said there were “no major hurdles” in publishing the book, which is very much a “local effort”.

It has been published by Derek Shaw of Nelson-based Nikau Press, edited by Barney Brewster, and printed by Anchor Print. Many of the photos are from the provincial museum, a number from Archives New Zealand, plus some modern-day photography. Mike says his interest in geology stems from childhood. He began working as a geologist in Nelson in 1970 when the NZ Geological Survey office opened and was employed there until the closure of the Nelson Office of the Institute of Geological Nuclear Sciences in 1994.

In 2018 he was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services in geological science and history. Mike is to continue the Golden Bay story later this year with a second volume, Mohua Gold, while a third volume will cover the Wangapeka, Baton, and upper Buller diggings.

Nelson geologist Dr Mike Johnston with his latest book, Aorere Gold. Photo: Kate Russell.

TRACY NEAL

Purple Poppy Day

Congratulations to Brian Ramsay, the RSA and other personnel in the organization of this wonderful memorial for service animals and the unveiling of the ‘memorial pet stone’. All the invited speakers are to be congratulated for their interesting speeches on animals that served in the wars. With the smoke screen, the parade of Vet and Cadet Corp and wonderful animals, the male quartet, the NCG duo singing the National Anthem, the piper and the ‘last post’ all adding to a memorable and very special evening service.

Thank-you to everyone.

Jane & Craig Gass and Indy [dog]

Opera in the Park hits right note

Was our first time going and was so impressed. Feel lucky to have such awesome performers come to Nelson to perform for us all and Nelson put on such a beautiful warm evening and all for $35 per adult.

Susi Taylor

Drink driver walks with clean slate

Choices and consequences….obviously none apply here!

Joyce Bruning

Drink driving is drink driving, how does one get off that!!

Shane Tasker

Why have law enforcement when it doesn’t seem to be enforced?

Chloe Wells

All I can say is please read the whole story including the judge’s summary, as to why he was so lenient. Her circumstances would have never happened to a male. Have a little compassion.

Caroline Mew

22-year-old ‘danger to women’ back behind bars

There’s no space in this world for “men” like that. He’s [been] ill-treating women since he was a teenager. Waste of breath,

Looking for the latest property?

Hon Dr Nick Smith

The Nelson-Tasman Business Awards last Friday night was a ripper of an event after years of Covid disruptions. It was a great to recognise some of the stunning businesses that sustain our region’s economy. My congrats to Ali Boswijk and the Chamber of Commerce team.

The induction of Seifried Estate and Neudorf Vineyards into the Hall of Fame is so well deserved. Fifty years ago, Hermann and Agnes Seifried, and a few years later, Tim and Judy Finn, pioneered Nelson’s wine industry. There were sceptics questioning whether the region could grow good grapes. Their business models are quite different. Both required innovation, hard slog and risk.

throw away the key before he becomes a murderer.

Danni Bett

For the next 17months. Should be a life time, he’ll be back out and doing the same again.

It is exciting that both these iconic wine businesses now have a second generation at the helm. Family businesses are at the heart of so many of our successful enterprises. We need to nurture and celebrate this multi-generation success. SnapIT Group was this year’s supreme winner. This nimble company has grown in just a decade to be a world leader in camera technology to support sustainable fisheries. Nelson’s future lies with the Blue Economy and the growing cluster of businesses supporting our seafood and marine industries. My ambition is for Nelson to be a global centre of excellence in marine industries, technology, sustainability and science.

I congratulate the other award winners including Boost Your Learning, Aroha Chocolate, CNX, Tasman Environmental Trust, Kimer Med and Multicultural Nelson Tasman. I thank the sponsors such as Nelson Pine Industries and the Nelson Weekly, which are themselves amazing business success stories.

It is a concern that there was only one entry in the small business category, the fewest ever. It reflects the huge pressure they are under with acute skills shortages, hikes in interest rates and increased compliance costs. Some have already closed shop. Many are just hanging on. Nelson has also recently lost two large enterprises with PHI (previously Helicopters NZ) leaving for Perth and Air NZ relocating its turboprop maintenance facility to Christchurch.

We are in for tough economic times this year. We can learn much from these award winners. We need to work harder at making Nelson a great place to do business.

Nick Smith MAYOR OF NELSON

Sharmaine Marie

Ange Baker taught MP Rachel Boyack and Mayor Nick Smith how to use the exercise equipment along the Maitai River shared pathway on Monday. The session was a promotional class in preparation for regular weekly classes in Tāhunanui, Saxton, and central Nelson aimed at teaching seniors how to use the outdoor gym equipment and promote physical well-being. Photo: Max Frethey.

Ear and hearing care for all! Let’s make it a reality

Raising awareness of hearing loss, World Hearing Day is addressed on March 3, 2023, and highlights the importance of integrating ear and hearing care within primary health care. The theme for this year is making ‘Ear and Hearing care for all’ a reality, with ear and hearing problems among the most common issues encountered in the community. According to Hear-It.Org over sixty percent of these cases can be identified and addressed at the primary level of care.

The New Zealand WHO programme for prevention of deafness and hearing loss works towards the vision of a world in

which no one experiences hearing loss from preventable causes and those with unavoidable hearing loss can achieve their full potential through appropriate interventions, education and empowerment.

Addressing hearing loss can have a positive impact on many aspects of an individual’s life, leading to successful communication and interpersonal relationships; speech, language and cognitive development in children; healthy ageing; education and employment opportunities; and good mental health and well-being.

Health Navigator NZ states that almost 1 in 6 New Zealanders have some hearing

Little Bird Audiology is the region's only wholly locally owned and independently operated hearing healthcare clinic. Located in the heart of Nelson’s CBD, Little Bird Audiology is a client-focused centre that is committed to supporting those with hearing impairment. With World Hearing Day on 3 March, now is as good a time as any to get your hearing sorted with a team of experienced audiologists who are motivated to provide the very best of service. Owner Jackie Clemmer says they take time to listen and really get to know their clients, understanding their needs and how best they can help. Working alongside Jackie is Anita Kraak, the most experienced audiologist in the region. Anita joined the Little Bird Audiology team in 2022, complementing her work at Nelson Hospital. Anita and Jackie both hold specialty certification in paediatrics but have a primary interest in adult treatment and particularly welcome complex cases. Jackie says, “It is wonderful to see the positive impact that hearing aids make on people’s lives now that the technology has improved so much.”

View www.littlebirdaudiology.co.nz for more information.

Experienced as an Ear, Nose and Throat nurse, through her Ear Care Nelson business, Shannon Grant is your ear nurse specialist. A registered nurse and member of the Ear Nurse Specialist Group Aotearoa, Shannon provides assessments of ear conditions and general ear health, and services including microsuction wax removal, discussion and education on ear health, written recommendations for ongoing self-care and referrals to and from GPs. “For the majority of people ears are self-cleaning and not thought about unless they cause discomfort or a reduction in hearing. I see people of all ages who might have a wax build-up from hearing aid use or wax impaction from self-cleaning techniques. Allergic or infective ear canal skin conditions may require frequent cleaning. Middle ear conditions are more common in children, which requires an understanding of the natural process and when intervention may be required.”

Located at Pūtangitangi Green Meadows Centre on Tuesdays, and Phoenix House in Motueka on Thursdays, Shannon also provides home visits upon arrangement.

Call or text Ear Care Nelson on 021 142 1323 for more information.

For audiologist Ed Thynne, World Hearing Day is the perfect time for us to take stock of our hearing and its impact on almost every aspect of our lives. Ed is an audiologist with over 10 year’s experience.

After initially working for a national audiology provider in the area, he opened Ed Thynne Hearing. Ed saw an opportunity to provide the people of Nelson and Tasman with a higher level of hearing care, with a focus on providing expertise and friendly, quality care. “Being owner-operated, and not owned by a hearing aid manufacturer or global company, clients should feel they are being listened to and given recommendations based on thorough testing and their specific listening needs”. Ed says although we may feel we are managing ok with hearing loss, there is an increasing body of research showing links between hearing loss and increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. “We are so much more proactive these days with taking action earlier regarding our hearing, which can only be beneficial as we all want to hear well and age well”.

loss. This can be caused by illness, accident, over-exposure to noise, some medications, misuse of drugs, trauma, genetics or simply getting older. Half of all hearing loss, including noise-induced hearing loss, can be easily prevented or treated with hearing aids. There are two main types of hearing loss in adults; conductive hearing loss where something gets in the way of sound being conveyed through your ear – it’s like listening to someone speaking very softly or from a distance - and sensory hearing loss where the sensory hearing cells in your inner ear can be malformed or become dam-

aged – a bit like listening to a language you don’t know.

You are likely to be experiencing hearing loss if you think people are often mumbling, not hearing something the first time, have had someone else comment on your hearing, turn the TV or radio up louder than other people do, find it difficult to hear others on the phone, have become less tolerant of noise around you, have tinnitus, find social situations hard or notice a difference in how well you hear in each ear. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms then contact a trained specialist to help get your hearing back on track.

Rai Valley A&P Show

A warm invite to the biggest little show in Rai Valley

Steeped in tradition and showcasing the very best of what Rai Valley has to offer, organisers of the upcoming REM Ltd Rai Valley A&P Show are looking forward to offering a good old-fashioned day out on March 04, with machinery displays, steam engines, vintage cars, equestrian events, giant pumpkins, a really young farmer competition, auctions, fancy dress, the ever-popular Rai Challenge, prizes and live entertainment. After pushing through Covid interruptions for the last two years, secretary and treasurer Libby Archer says preparations are well underway and the countdown is now on. “Lots of hours, by lots of people, go into preparing for the show. We’ve had two working bees recently to repair buildings damaged by the August floods, there’s regular building maintenance that’s needed, as well as the hay fundraiser. This year we were fortunate to get a good number of bales off the grounds and these will be sold to cover operating expenses and costs for our team of 80 to 100 volunteers.”

Noelene Robbins and her husband Max have been attending the A&P Show since it first began in 1936 and they say not much has changed over the years. “It is still a wonderful day out! It was always very exciting as a small child, and it is still wonderful. Back in the early days we had the chopping events and the animals, much like we do now. I enjoy so many things about it - the mer-

ry- go-rounds and the sideshows, and I just hope we have a nice sunny day.”

President Jamie Knight has been involved with the show for over six years and says Covid has definitely been the biggest challenge.

“But the highlights are seeing large numbers of people at the shows and being able to put on an event that celebrates our heritage and still provides a great day out for old and young.” The event sees around 3000 people attending each year from all across the Top of the South. “Back in 1936 the show was predominantly about showing livestock and items grown or produced in the homes of people in district.

It's always been known as a day when all come together, neighbours catch up on recent events and farmer's talk production and compare practices. It is the day on the calendar where everyone takes the day off to catch up with mates, neighbours and distant friends. Wood chopping is still happening, and sheep are still being shown after nearly 90 years.”

Libby says this year they are focussing on the kids in the local region. “We are working together with the schools and hoping that we get loads of entries to showcase the talents in our region. We are keen to keep a balance of the traditional within the show with the addition of a few new things to keep it relevant. You can still enter a sponge cake, home grown produce, homemade cider or knitting garments, but we’re also

doing some new things. For example, this year, with the support of Bowater Toyota, we’ve got a new category for the roadworthy ute with the highest km. We are hoping to have a local line-up of all the Hilux models ever made.”

Run largely by volunteers, Libby says the event wouldn’t be possible without their goodwill.

“There are so many people and businesses to thank! REM Ltd have come on board as our naming rights sponsor, they’re our local engineering and mechanical firm. Several local and national businesses support us and then there’s also all the individuals –lots of local people sponsoring prize monies for various categories.”

Volunteers are key to the success

of the show, says Jamie. “Without everyone taking time out of their busy lives we definitely wouldn't be able to run a show like we do. Our secretary puts in a mammoth effort organizing, and right down to the community members who help out on the day,

they are what makes our show the show it is. I would personally like to thank Andrea Pilcher for her work through the non-show years, it was heart-breaking having to cancel a show after a whole year of her hard work.”

Young farmer competition. Photo: Supplied

Show jumping.

Public Notice

Designation of areas for emergency management of buildings

Since the weather event in August 2022, affected buildings in Nelson have been managed under sub part 6B of the Building Act 2004. The Act requires that this designation is reviewed every 90 days and consideration be given to (amongst other things):

(2) A person making a designation decision must, to the extent that is practicable in the circumstances, have regard to the following matters:

(a) the scale and degree of the impact of the emergency and of its effects on buildings in the relevant area:

(b) the likelihood of a further emergency or any other relevant event occurring that could cause -

(i) buildings in the relevant area to pose increased or additional risks; or

(ii) land in the relevant area to pose a risk to a building:

(c) the principle that it is preferable that risks be managed, if possible, without the exercise or continued exercise of powers under this subpart.

Through this review, Nelson City Council in its statutory role, has made the decision to terminate the designation for the following statistical areas listed in the left column below.

Designation terminated Remaining designated areas

Aldinga

Broadgreen-Monaco

Daelyn

Marybank

Nayland

Nelson Airport

Port Nelson

Rutherford

Saxton

Suffolk

Tāhunanui

Toi Toi

Victory

Atawhai

Britania

Enner Glynn

Grampians

Maitai

Maitlands

Nelson Central-Trafalgar

Nelson Rural

Omaio

Tāhunanui Hills

The Brook

The Wood

Washington

Buildings in any area where the designation has been terminated will no longer be subject to management under s.133 of the Building Act and will only be subject to Building Act requirements as “business as usual”. This means that no placards (stickers) will be placed, updated or otherwise, on buildings in these areas. There are currently no buildings in these areas that have a placard attached.

Buildings in any area where the designation remains, (for the purposes of life safety related to the Aug 2022 weather event) will be subject to placards (stickers) placed and or updated on buildings where needed. These areas contain the remaining placarded buildings and will be reviewed at the next 90-day review of the designation.

Giants re-sign experience ahead of 2023 season

JACK MALCOLM

With another NBL season fast approaching for the NBS Nelson Giants, the team has started to release their roster for what they expect will be another blockbuster run towards a title.

Captain Sam Dempster was the first player to be confirmed, returning for his 15th season with the team; while big man Nic Trathen’s signing was announced last week and is gearing up for his ninth year as a Giant.

The pair were the first two re-signings to be released for the season, with more expected in the coming weeks through their social media channels ahead of their first game of the season in April against the Auckland Tuatara.

It is understood that the team has been unable to re-sign their imports, Trey Mourning, Jarrod West and Sam Thompson, from last sea-

son and will look to other players to bolster their roster.

After coming up just short in their first game of the sudden-death playoffs last season after regularly topping the leaderboards throughout the season, the team has high ambitions again this time around.

“Year 15 seems like a good year to get it done,” says Sam.

His focus is on helping his team be the best they can be, with a desire to build on their achievements from last season.

The team also has a large contingent of up-and-coming players in the wings this season, with Sam saying they will look to help develop them into strong players who are engrained with the Giants way of playing basketball.

“We’ve got a great team on board... and we’ve had a taste of the top four now and want to go further.

“We want to win the title.”

He says it’s been a busy off-season,

with strength and conditioning coach Fletcher Matthews putting them through their paces.

It was a sentiment that was echoed by Nic, who also shouted out Fletcher for his work in the off season.

“It’s been good but tough. Tough with balancing work and training. “I’ve just been getting my body right at the moment. . . getting injuries right and niggles right.”

Nic, who stands at 202cm tall, says his goal this season is to continue improving so he can play his part in building a winning season. The team cracked into gear in January and have been training at least five times a week since, he says. “It’s another exciting year. It always is.

“I’m looking forward to putting all this training into playing, it’s been a long off-season.”

Signing announcements will contiue throughout the coming weeks.

Nic Trathen, pictured at a preseason practice, says he’s ready for his ninth year with the NBS Nelson Giants after his resigning was announced earlier this week. Photo: Evan Barnes/ Shuttersport.

Schoolboy test cricketer celebrated

JACK MALCOLM

Ronald Cardwell spends his free time writing books, having published over 50 titles on the history of cricket.

Last week he was in Nelson for the launch of his newest title, ‘Doug Freeman - Schoolboy Test Cricketer’.

Having lived next door to Doug in Sydney, Ronald says he had always promised to do a story on the life and times of New Zealand’s second youngest international representative.

Doug was selected for the Black Caps for two tests against England in 1933 while still attending Nelson College, making his debut at the age of 18 years and 197 days. He held the record of New Zealand’s youngest player until 1997, when he was surpassed by Daniel Vettori, but still holds onto the title of the nation’s only cricketer to play for his country while still at school.

Having started playing cricket at the age of 15 after showing promise in the nets at a lunchtime pick up game, Doug was a natural and almost immediately saw a meteoric rise to the top.

The young leg-spinner made his test debut three years later, just two months after his first-class debut where he took nine wickets for Wellington against Auckland. His selection for the Wellington team came after playing just two games for Nelson in the Hawke Cup, having been picked up after taking 18 wickets in a game, in-

cluding a ‘10fer’ in the local club competition.

Unfortunately for Doug, the rise to stardom was short-lived and he never played another first class game after his two test match appearances.

“He sort of went into a sense of depression and he didn’t play cricket for a while, as far as I can tell,” says Ronald.

“Whilst he was a very good promising young player, he was a shy person. A lot of selectors came from Christchurch, and being in Nelson he never got any more chances.”

Doug then moved to Fiji for work with the Colonial Sugar Refining Company and was instrumental in instilling a culture of cricket in the island nation.

“There always needs to be somebody who’s that catalyst and Freeman was that for Fiji,” says Ronald.

Doug captained the Fijian team and then moved into a coaching role before he moved to Sydney for work in the 1950s.

That’s where he met Ronald and the pair would spend hours talking about cricket history and their life’s story.

Ronald says he always planned to write the book, having come to Nelson eight years ago to look at the Nelson College records.

The book is extensively researched, with over 100 footnotes and dozens of pictures from throughout the eras of Doug’s career and life.

“I like to tell stories in today’s world of sport about what legacies we need to continue.”

Head over the hill

PLUS: Lord of the atom | What’s On | Sustainable beauty

Ronald Cardwell was in Nelson last week for the launch of his newest book on Nelson College old boy Doug Freeman, the only cricketer to play a test match for his country while still in school.

Photo: Jack Malcolm.

North Islander claims Speedway’s Super Saloon title

JODY SCOTT

Nature run for Nelson trails

JACK MALCOLM

Hundreds of runners and walkers will get a taste of Kiwiana later this month as the Aramex Kiwi Walk and Run Series makes a stop in town. Snaking its way through the Maitai Valley and up the Centre of New Zealand, the course gives locals and visitors a taste of what Nelson has to offer on its doorstep. There are two options for runners, with the six kilometre course starting at Branford Park and running down to the Atawhai end of Walters Bluff, while the 13km option adds on an internal loop through the Waahi Taakaro Golf Club. It is the first time the series has visited Nelson, with the event on March 15, having run events for the last three years after starting as a response to people reconnecting with nature while in Covid-19 lock-

downs, says series manager Lauren Watson.

“Everyone was in their pods and homes. . .and we had New Zealand to ourselves.

“So many people don’t get out in nature and experience the whole magical world of the New Zealand bush.”

The event was themed as a fun way to get out in nature, with the series having a strong Kiwi focus.

Pit stops along the race route will include L&P, Cookie Time biscuits and jet plane candies.

“Who doesn’t love going for a walk in the bush and there’s a massive table of cookies and lollies,” says Lauren.

At the time of speaking, she says 100 per cent of registered attendees were from out of town, with early bird tickets still available online. “We’re really excited to be coming to Nelson ... the courses are really good.”

SATURDAY 4TH MARCH TRINDER ENGINEERS

Tauranga’s Chris Cowling was a class act as he won the Thelin Construction South Island Super Saloon title at Milestone Homes Top of the South Speedway on Saturday. Cowling has had a successful month in the South Island, winning the New Zealand title in Dunedin and the NZ Grand Prix in Cromwell before claiming the win in Nelson. He aims to contest the North Island title in April and become the first driver to claim all four titles in a Speedway NZ calendar season. The numbers were lower than expected after a busy month of racing; a few North Islanders were expected to stay, but with the cyclone and ferry issues creating mayhem, many headed back north.

Peter Bengston was the only other North Island car to come to Nelson, the Stealth’s of 3-time NZ champion Mark Osborne and Malcolm Ngatai made the trip from Canterbury with Ray Stewart and Grieg Johnston making their way up from Cromwell.

Locals Ian Burson and Dave Menara were the local hopefuls; Burson trying for a record 8th South Island title, but it was not to be after engine issues ended his night early. Cowling picked up the heat 1 win, with Stewart holding off

Cowling for the heat 2 win. Bengston took out an epic heat 3 win, but it was Cowling who took off in the feature race to pass several back markers on his way to the feature win, a new cabinet on order for his three new trophies.

The Stock Car club champs were a successful return to racing after a couple of weeks off for Dylan Clarke, he claimed the win from youngsters Riley Eathorne and Troy Cleveland after a busy final heat, the bumpers put to use by a few blockers.

It was a perfect build-up towards the South Island title here next weekend, the numbers continue to grow with the return of Dylan Hall and debut of Carter Mossop.

Old v Young was the theme for the Production Saloons, “Dad’s Army” beating the “Teeny Boppers” on the night, with the spill of the night going to the returning Cam Lankshear with a huge roll in the final heat.

Jack Burson had all the luck with a perfect result to win all three heats and the open club Youth Ministock title. Luke Higgins was 2nd with Toby Walker in 3rd.

The Quarter Midgets were put into a pairs format with only eight cars.

Jack Brownlees having the perfect night; three wins, and enough points with partner

Leila Harper to claim the pairs victory as well.

Bailey Bensemann and Meneka Rawson 2nd, Conley Webley and Taylor Martin 3rd and Lacky Martin and Mack Rawson 4th overall.

Shane Harwood went 3 from 3 in the Super stocks, with a couple of cars away preparing for the NZ title in Huntly next week.

Blake Hearne made his debut in the grade while Ian Clayworth had a good night behind the wheel.

The Side cars ran the Sam Satherley Memorial title, the returning Adie Drake returning to his winning ways with new partner, Sam Kingsbury.

Brent Steer and Wade Thorn came home in second and the Martin team of Rob and Harley in 3rd.

The club held a minute’s silence for the passing of Corey Harwood.

A keen Super Stock supporter, he crewed for several drivers and was part of the successful 2010 Tigers team.

Dale Ewers spoke fondly of Corey, with friends and family gathered on the infield prior to racing, the Shane Harwood 18n doing a lap of honour for Corey.

Next week sees the South Island Stock Car title up for grabs, the final heat race always a ripper when club pride is at stake.

Tauranga’s Chris Cowling, centre, claimed the Super Saloon title on Saturday. Photo: Rebecca Connor-Maling.

The Kiwiana-inspired pit stops along the race route have become a favourite with competitors in the Aramex Kiwi Walk and Run Series, which will make its first stop in Nelson later this month. Photo: Supplied.

Cable Bay Enduro MTB Nationals Championships

Endurance tested & champions crowned

The best mountainbikers in the country will be in town this weekend as Nelson hosts the inaugural National Enduro Championships. Riders will race across six stages on Saturday and Sunday at the Cable Bay Adventure Park, with a raft of locals also in the mix as they look to be crowned the country's first ever national enduro champion.

With Jamie Barlett, Brady Stone and Shannon Hewetson in the elite men and George Swift, Rae Morrison and Lou Kelly in the elite women, Nelson riders make up a strong contingent of podium hopefuls. Enduro competitors compete

across timed downhill runs while also riding back up the mountain between each start, with tight timings to make each checkpoint.

Event organiser Loui Harvey says it’s exciting to have their event be recognised as the host of the firstever national enduro event.

“It’s the only opportunity within New Zealand for riders to qualify for the Enduro World Cup.

“We’re stoked. Two riders will be presented with a jersey which has the right to have the New Zealand flag on your jersey when racing overseas.”

Loui and his wife Jess have jointly organised the event since its inception in 2020, saying it has grown year on year alongside the Cable Bay Adventure Park’s trail system.

“Once we had a bit of a network of trails, we asked them ‘can we hold events’, and the Adventure Park has really come along.

“There’s a huge grove of about 20, sometimes 30 people, who turn up at the park and build trails. We’ve been building for three years.”

With all the best enduro riders in the country already signed up to compete, he says he’s excited to see how they tackle the course.

“We’re keeping it (the course) a bit hush. On Sunday, we’re releasing the course, and then the track’s closed until Friday before practice.”

“There’s just over 180 riders signed up. It’s going to be

pretty big. And we’ve got 40-to-50 kids already signed up for a junior enduro on Saturday.”

Saturday sees the elite riders get some more practice runs before their first stage in the afternoon, with five stages to be raced on Sunday.

With six trails to tackle, Loui says there’s no way riders can memo-

rise all their race runs, making for an exciting race dynamic.

“Enduro is relatively new in terms of mountainbiking. . . it’s not your downhill or cross country which has been around forever.” Entry is free across both days for spectators, with parking and a spectator map available on site.

The Cable Bay Enduro has something that will challenge all of the riders as the best in the country tackle six trails this weekend in the first-ever National Enduro Championships. Photo: Supplied

JACK MALCOLM

Avaya claim third consecutive GODZONE win

World champion adventure racers Nathan Fa’avae, Sophie Hart, Stu Lynch and Chris Forne of Team Avaya have executed an exhilarating performance in what is Nathan’s final One New Zealand GODZONE, to hold onto their first-place position right to the finish line on Monday evening.

Team Avaya crossed the Taramea Bay GODZONE finish line at 11.28pm on Monday, underpinning their adventure racing prowess by completing the grueling 560km Chapter 11 course in an impressive four days, 8 hours, and 45 minutes.

“We had a great race with a plan

to push reasonably hard from the start to create a gap, settle into a rhythm and travel at a comfortable speed,” Nathan says.

“It allowed us to wait and see if any challenges were coming from other teams. We maintained the lead, got plenty of sleep and moved efficiently.”

SUPER RUGBY TIPPING

Lifting the coveted GODZONE champions trophy was a fitting reward for the hard toil of nonstop racing through Fiordland and Southland wilderness areas.

“This is the last competitive race for me at this level because the reality is that it’s getting hard for me to keep up with a team like this,” Nathan says.

A large crowd gathered at the Riverton finish line to welcome the champion team home, including Nathan’s wife, Jodie. He credited his Avaya teammates who, together as a team, have been dominating the sport together since the early 2000s (initially as team Seagate).

“It has been an amazing time travelling and racing around the world with these guys on many adventures,” Nathan says.

“But, it is time for a change for me now.”

Nathan reflecs on a remarkable ca-

reer spanning 40 expedition-length events around the globe.

“New Zealand is my favourite place to race which is why I have done so many GODZONES and Southern Traverses because the Southern Alps is such an incredible place to travel.

“You can’t beat this event for wilderness experiences.”

One New Zealand GODZONE race director, Warren Bates, says Nathan and team Avaya go out on top, and he’s unsure there will be another adventure racing personality like Nathan.

“It’s been a special occasion to farewell him, he has been an incredible servant, and amazing sports ambassador,” Warren says.

“He is an outstanding athlete and strategist, and this team is probably the best to have ever raced the sport. I think his retirement leaves a void for someone else to step up and fill.”

Nathan Fa’avae and his team Avaya notched up yet another GODZONE win on Monday, having led the pack from the starting gun. Photo: Supplied.

MOANA PASIFIKA vs CHIEFS FIJIAN DRUA vs WARATAHS BLUES vs BRUMBIES FORCE vs REDS

Community Notices

MONDAY

ACTING UP DRAMA GROUP Mon, 10.30-12 pm. Whakatu Presbyterian Church Hall, 271 Songer St. Stoke. New members welcome.

Ph: Anne 03 538 0400.

PHILOSOPHY GROUP is a meeting of curious minds. We gather 10am, on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at Melrose House Cafe. Newcomers and drop-in’s welcome. Ph: Zoe 027 974 1758.

$3 HEARTY MEALS you’re welcome at Loaves & Fishes where hot nutritious meals are only $3 on Mondays at 5.30 pm and on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at midday. Come to the hall behind the church at 30 Vanguard St. Enquiries ph: 027 297 7383.

ACTIVE STRENGTH/BALANCE CLASS: Also seated options presented. Tāhunanui Community Hub, Muritai St, Mon @1pm. ACC accredited provider. Get fitter to great music. Ph: Shirley 5471 433 / 021 121 8023.

STOKE SENIOR CITIZENS is a Friendship Club accepting all INDOOR BOWLING beginners and players. Mon and Fri 1:30-3:30pm. An annual $5 subscription and a $2 mat fee covers costs levied for the afternoon. Mats and bowls are provided by the club. Ph: 547 9814 or 547 3052.

MONDAY FOOTBALL Come and join our friendly social football (Soccer) group in Tāhunanui. Anyone welcome. Weekly from 6pm opposite Sprig & Fern. Just turn up.

NELLIE KNITTERS GROUP. Meet every Mon, 1-3pm. Nightingale Library in Tāhunanui. Come along and join our super friendly group of knitters and create garments for donation to community groups. All materials provided. Donations of wool gratefully accepted. Ph: Jillian 03 539 5546.

TUESDAY

WELLBY TALKING CAFÉ: Tues, 7 Mar, 10 -11.30am. McCashin’s Stoke. Wellby Talking Cafés are about social connection and finding out about groups, activities and services. www.wellby.org.nz 03 5467681.

NELSON 50+ WALKING GROUP Tues, 7 Mar. Mt Arthur Hut. Meet at 9.45 am at the Flora/ Mt Arthur Carpark. Ph: Irene 021 1225312.

NELSON PHILATELIC SOCIETY MEETING Tues, 14 Mar. Doors Open

6.30pm, Meeting Starts 7pm. Stoke Baptist Church. Presentation by Mike - Germany 1933-45. Mitchener Cup – “Battles” Ph: Robin 027 544 2518.

NELSON CIVIC CHOIR rehearses Tues, 6.45 - 9.00pm. Nelson School of Musical Arts, 48 Nile Street, Nelson. Nelson’s classical music choir, under the baton of Jason Balla. Rehearsing Mozart’s Coronation Mass for May concert. No auditions. Ph: Kay 021 102 4436.

LAUGH WITH US, it will make you feel better. Laughter Yoga. Tues, 7 Mar, 9am. Victory Community Centre. 9.30am. Bring something to lie on. Ph: Cath 022 082 9779. $3.

FRIENDLY SIXTY PLUS GROUP. Play Five Hundred and Rummikub every Tues, 1:30 -3:30pm. Victory Community Church, 238 Vanguard St. Ph: Jan on 027 4577 955 or 546 9057. Gold Coin entry.

NOHO PAKARI (SIT & BE FIT) Tues, 10.30 - 1.30pm. Tāhunanui Community Hub. Run by Wayne from Te Piki Oranga, he is providing exercises that are fun while you’re sitting. Any questions Ph: Wayne: 027 3063 123. wayne.simons@tpo.org.nz.

VICTORY SIXTY PLUS Tues, 1.30 - 3.30pm. 238 Upper Vanguard St. Join us for cards, games, and a cuppa. For more info Ph: Jan on 546 9057 or 027 4577 955.

WEDNESDAY

WAIMEA HARRIERS: Sharland Cycles 5k fun run and walk. Wed, 1 Mar. 6pm start from Club Waimea, Richmond. Everyone and all abilities welcome. See website for details. Ph: 022 372 9432.

POP-UP PSYCHODRAMA Wed, 15 Mar, 7– 9.30pm. Victory Centre, 2 Totara St. Come along and experience this lively method exploring personal, political and community issues. Led by an experienced psychodrama practitioner. No acting experience required! More info

Ph: Ali 027 276 5992.3rd Wed of month. Cost: Koha

CAKE DECORATORS meet every third Wed of the Month. Next meeting is Wed, 15 Mar. Creating the Japanese Cherry Blossom in

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

flower paste. New Members are welcome. Ph: Desiree 027 630 2359. RADIO CONTROL MODEL PLANES at the Wakapuaka flying site on Wed and Sun from 10am to midday, weather permitting. New members welcome. Contact Murray 021 457 663 for information.

VOLUNTEER GARDENING at Waimarama Community Gardens every Wed, 9.20 – 12pm. Tantragee Rd, The Brook. Tools provided. On the bus stop. Ph: 021 1709 443.

PLAY PETANQUE at Nelson Pétanque Club. Wed & Sun 1.15-3pm. A game for all ages. Come along and try us out. Ph: Roger or Shirley, 03 546 6562.

THURSDAY

WELLBY TALKING CAFÉ: Thurs, 9 Mar, 1.30 -3pm. Nightingale Library Tāhunanui. Wellby Talking Cafés are about social connection and finding out about groups, activities, and services. www.wellby. org.nz or 03 5467681.

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP meet 1st Thurs of the month, 1.30-3.30pm. Broadgreen House 276 Nayland Rd. Ph: Bill 03 544 8635 or 03 539 1137.

THE PROBUS CLUB OF NELSON CITY welcome both men and women. We meet the 2nd Thurs of each month (Feb thru to November), 10 am. The Nelson Golf Club, 38 Bolt Road, Tāhunanui. E: Secretary on nelsoncitygroupgmail.com.

KEEP ACTIVE, STRENGTH, BALANCE, and general fitness. Thurs, 9.15am. Holy Trinity Hall, 27 Dorset Street. All ages welcome. Standing and seated options, resistance bands, circuits. Ph: Nicola 021 078 8609 nicola.rae.11@gmail.com.

FITNESS & FRESHAIR IN THE CITY. FREE supervised exercise sessions for seniors. Thurs, 12pm. Maitai river walkway 30 mins walk & learn to use the outdoor exercise equipment safely. Ph: Ange 021 790 415.

START-UP TAI CHI every Thurs 9-10am. Victory Community Centre. Tai chi is often described as "meditation in motion," but it might well be called "medication in motion". Join Jingjing from the Healing Hut for this gentle form of exercise that can help maintain strength, flex-

ibility, and balance. It could be the perfect activity for the rest of your life. COST: $50 for 8 weeks.

FRIDAY

WAITAKI OLD GIRLS' SOCIAL GROUP. Pop in for a coffee and chat.

Fri, 3 Mar from 10am. Sun Devine Cafe at Summerset in the Sun. 16 Sargeson Street Stoke. All Oamaruians welcome. Ph: 027 673 1145.

FREE FITNESS FRIDAYS – PT in the Park. Bringing communities together for fun and fitness. Free fitness with your neighbours, family, and friends in a local park near you. Become active in our local parks. Email Nicola@bfit4ever.nz for dates and park locations or look on Facebook Bfit4everNZ.

SATURDAY / SUNDAY

STOKE MONTHLY MARKET, 4 Mar, 9am-noon. Methodist lawn. Ph: 03 927 6130 to book site. Supporting Nelson Hospital Chaplaincy and Life Linc.

HIGGINS HERITAGE PARK, Sun, 5 Mar, 10-3pm. 222 Pigeon Valley Rd, Wakefield. Steam - up and traction engine rides, museum sheds and park activities open day Old school bus & jigger rides - a great place for a picnic www.higginsheritagepark.co.nz.

THE NELSON INSTITUTE PRESENTS a talk by Nelson publisher Robbie Burton on his memoir Bushline. Sat, 25 Mar, 2pm. The Nelson Public Library. Cost $3.

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

GENERAL GROUPS

SUTER MCKEE GALLERY 1-18 Mar. Juliana Trolove original oil paintings based on the beaches, lakes and rivers around NZ. Strong colours that sing with honesty and strength from palette knife and brush.

BOWLS TAHUNANUI CLUB Tues, Thurs, Sat from 12.30pm, all year round. Mufti attire for club days. Come along and give lawn bowls a go. Friendly supportive club supplying free equipment and coaching

for beginners. Gentle exercise, Vitamin D and social. What more do you need? Ph: 021 132 3990 /547 3151.

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

THE NEW ZEALAND RED CROSS supports families of refugees as they settle into a new life in Nelson. We are looking for volunteers who would like to be part of the team and make a real difference in somebody’s life. Full training provided and time commitment is very flexible. Text John on 027 223 5972 or migration.volunteers@ redcross.org.nz

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

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

DOWNSIZING OR DECLUTTERING? Vinnies in Vanguard St can collect your good quality household donations. Please just call us on 03 548 9372.

COULD YOU VOLUNTEER on a Mon or Thurs morning 8.30-10am to assist elderly people on and off our van? And take them to our day activity programme in Annesbrook Drive. Please Ph: Maaike 03 2655224 email maaikef@psusi.org.nz.

YOGA for people who have or have had cancer. Monday morning, afternoons, and Tuesday evenings. Register info@cancernelson.org. nz or Ph: 539 1137.

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

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

ANTIQUES CLOSING SALE. DON'T MISS IT.

Paintings,Toys, Musical inst, Books, Cameras, Records, Silver, Fine China, Collectables, etc Souchebys Antiques, Richmond. (Ph 5440723) www.antiquesnewzealand.co.nz

FURNITURE CLOSING SHOP SALE

Bookcases, Tables, Chairs, Display Cabinets, Dressing Table, Welsh Dressers, Rugs, Mirrors, etc Souchebys Antiques, Richmond. Open 6 days 75 Gladstone Rd, Richmond (Ph 544 0723)

It Matters What You Believe and How You Live

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