Waimea Weekly - 1 March 2023

Waimea Weekly

Tasman quarry bridges the gap

A new, removable, 30m long bridge has been placed over the Waimea River to allow dump trucks to cross the river to access the new Challies Island quarry.

Fulton Hogan’s Nelson Quarries team has positioned the specially-built bridge as one of several innovations to minimise the environmental impacts of the Challies Island quarry, and create better environmental outcomes.

The bridge was built by Taylors Contracting and chief executive Charlie Taylor says he is proud of the team’s work.

“The bridge has been an interesting technical project for our team and a significant investment for our business,” Charlie says.

The new bridge allows 80 tonne (laden) rigid dump trucks to cross the river from the 22ha Challies Island site on the west bank, to the Appleby processing plant 1km downstream on the other bank. It can be removed in 48 hours if a major flood is predicted.

Fulton Hogan divisional manager of quarries, James Blacklaws, says the bridge means no vehicle will come into contact with river water, one of the terms of the three-months-a year Tasman District Council extraction consent. This eliminates sediment discharge and allows continuous, unimpeded fish passage.

‘We have three months a year when we can access the resource, and any day we can’t is a day we never get back. It really exercises the mind

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Wednesday 1 March 2023

Going viral at St Paul’s School

JO KENT

A music teacher from St Paul’s School in Richmond has become an overnight social media sensation after a kids’ song he wrote 20 years ago went viral on TikTok.

John Phillips has been teaching for 34 years and writing children’s songs for over two decades, so when he heard his track Bad Hair Day was doing the rounds online, he saw an opportunity to involve the entire school and create their own TikTok clip.

“My daughter was the one

who originally told me Bad Hair Day was trending and the videos of my song now have over 27 million views.

“There are people all over the world lip syncing and dancing to it, so I thought we should make our own TikTok video.

“I wrote the song, so it’s a good way of connecting the dots back to the composer as well as showing the world what we do in assemblies in New Zealand.”

So, last week, the whole school of just over 300 students gathered in the hall

wearing brightly-coloured wigs and neon glasses.

“Everyone stepped up to play their part. Teaching is that whole game of trying to enthuse and encourage and bring the best out of kids, and music is such a powerful tool to do that.”

The 19-second video was uploaded last week and led John to appear on TVNZ’s Breakfast News and radio stations around the world.

“Back when I wrote the song all those years ago, online music streaming didn’t even exist, so it’s opened my eyes

to a whole new way of sharing my work.

“I’ve just started to upload my five albums on Spotify and YouTube, but it’s a work in progress.”

John started writing songs for assemblies in the early 2000s and Bad Hair Day was accepted on to the government-funded Kiwi Kidsongs compilation CD and distributed free to schools across the country.

“I wrote Bad Hair Day in no time at all after my son

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John Phillips and the students at St Paul’s School created their own TikTok video to go with his viral song Bad Hair Day.

Photo: Jo Kent.

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STREET TALK

What are some of your school memories?

“We had to learn the college Haka or else we’d get a ‘fatigue’ like litter picking or sweeping the grounds.”

“School assemblies with songs like ‘Fish n Chips’.”

“Missing the school bus.”

“Getting dropped of at the front gate and getting lost.”

Tasman quarry bridges the gap

FROM PAGE 1

around making use of it when we can.”

Challies Island is on Tasman District Council reserve land and will be turned into a wetland on completion, part of the Waimea River Park.

Fulton Hogan Nelson environmental manager, Bruno Brosnan, says it will be excavated in five stages, with each area remediated on completion. This means planting and rehabilitation could begin in two years on the first section.

“It’s been a long consultation and planning process, with some lateral thinking from all concerned. The result is a much better environmental and social asset for the people of Tasman to enjoy,”

The Great Taste Cycle Trail goes down either side of the quarry site, and there will eventually be walking and cycling tracks across the wetlands.

This will be achieved by leaving prescribed areas unexcavated, amounting to around 20 percent of the site.

James Blacklaws says compensating this is the ability to extract to a depth of approximately nine metres.

“From a wetlands perspective, the deeper it is the better as it helps keep water temperature down for fish and invertebrate life, with a positive flow-on to bird life as well.”

The Challies Island development follows a pilot in Motueka. A smaller area of around 2ha has demonstrated how extraction on

a river plain can be the basis of a future wetland development.

“The experience has given us the

confidence that the outcome will be just as positive at Challies, and success at Challies will be im-

portant to creating future opportunities for such projects in the region,” James says.

John Lines

Grace Vance

Jane Roswell

Louis Van Rensburg

The new bridge being installed across Waimea River can be removed in 48 hours if flooding is predicted. Photo: Supplied.

New homes for Richmond families

JO KENT

The selection process to find families for the Queen Street housing development being built by Habitat for Humanity Nelson is now underway with around 100 people attending the information meetings held last week.

The homes are due for completion next year and are part of its Progressive Home Ownership (PHO) programme, with the first part of the selection process taking place last week.

Communications manager Katka Jackson says a home can help to build people’s stability and self-reliance and reduces dependency.

“We work towards a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Habitat Nelson has been helping local families into home ownership for more than 26 years.”

The five, three-bedroom homes are available in a rentto-buy scheme enabling local families, who may have struggled independently, to get on the property ladder.

Progressive Home Ownership offers rent-to-buy homes with an emphasis on a partnership between Habitat Nelson and the future homeowners.

“It’s aimed for low- to mid-income local whānau who otherwise wouldn’t be able to achieve home ownership with-

out some support.”

“Whānau are selected because of their clear and obvious housing need, a strong demonstration of a willingness to partner with Habitat, and their potential to successfully make a shift to home ownership,” says general manager of Habitat Nelson, Nick Clarke.

Due to the values of the Richmond homes, there is a requirement of regular paid employment and a substantial level of investment.

Support services coordinator Tor Kiore, says as part of PHO, the organisation offers support and courses for selected families, like home and vehicle maintenance or household budgeting.

“We view PHO as a partnership between partner families and Habitat Nelson and hope families will participate in what we call a sweat equity.”

‘Sweat equity’ is a way for new

homeowners to invest work in their home. It’s an opportunity for families to help with their home and play an active part in making their dream of owning a home a reality.

“Sweat equity is a foundation of our homeownership programme,” says Nick. “The skills and knowledge gained through activities like painting your own home or taking financial literacy classes help set new homeowners up for long-term success.”

If you are a family that is working, but can’t save up enough deposit, there will be more chances to apply for homes in Wakefield, Stoke and Nelson, this and next year.

The next info meetings, which must be attended to submit an application, will be for three Wakefield homes on 23 and 25 March. For more details, follow Habitat for Humanity Nelson on Facebook.

The proposed houses being built at 171 Queen Street, Richmond. Image: Supplied.

Harvest underway for apples and hops

ANNE HARDIE

Overseas workers are back in the orchards this season, helping to harvest the region’s apple and hop crops after a severe labour shortage through the Covid-19 pandemic.

On Hoddys Orchard near Brightwater, Kevin Withington was a teenager hired to pick fruit on the orchard 20 years ago and today he is orchard manager taking charge of the harvest. He says overseas travellers are once again walking through the gate seeking work and combined with Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers and locals, the orchard has begun the harvest with a full crew of pickers.

A good crop in terms of quality and size forms walls of apples along the rows of trees and this year. But it is a bittersweet harvest when many growers in Hawke’s Bay have suffered devastating losses on orchards during Cyclone Gabrielle.

“You certainly feel for those who have lost everything. Hopefully they can rebuild. One thing I’ve noticed is how resilient people in horticulture and agriculture are.”

Kevin says it has been a tough couple of years for the apple industry due to logistical problems getting fruit to overseas markets and poorer returns for the fruit. Regardless of how well the fruit is grown, growers can not control the weather, shipping or prices.

However, it is a promising start when there is a good crop to harvest. The orchard has 55ha of apples that pro-

duce Dazzle, Kanzi, Royal Gala, Braeburn, Fuji, Pink Lady and a mix of strains and colour degrees within those varieties. Getting each variety to the perfect size and colour for each customer is made easier with technology.

“There’s so much technology now and pretty much an app for everything. If a customer wants a certain size and colour, technology helps us monitor the fruit to achieve the results you want to get.”

Technology even enables them to take a photo of apples on the tree that can estimate the number of apples in

the crop.

Meanwhile the hop harvest will produce a Superdelic brew this year. NZ Hops has released a new hop variety this year that has been 10 years in the making and its aroma as well as its

name has grabbed the attention of brewers.

General manager for sales and marketing, Blair Stewart, says Superdelic, an aromatic hop, has received enormous feedback globally for its rich ber-

ryfruit flavours mixed with candy, citrus and tropical fruit characteristics.

“We wanted to launch a new brand that stood out from the crowd. This is quite a unique hop and it has got growers and brewers interested.”

The New Zealand harvest follows a Northern Hemisphere harvest that was down by 10-20 percent due to weather conditions and Blair says that helps rebalance the global oversupply of hops.

Only about 10 percent of the local crop makes its way into New Zealand brews, with the remainder of the crop exported.

That makes up just two percent of the global hop market. Hence it concentrates on being a niche player and Blair says the industry is optimistic about the crop on the vines this year.

“The word on the street is it will be a good harvest.”

NZ Hops holds a two-day festival in March for brewers from around the world to assess the aromatic crop for their craft.

Going viral at St Paul’s

FROM PAGE 1

walked out of his room one morning with his hair in a big curly mess – a big fuzznut, which is where I got the idea for that lyric.”

The song soon became of staple of kiwi kids, and when a social media thread reminiscing about favourite school songs took off recently, John’s track started to feature heavily.

“It blew up from there. The kids who listened to that song growing up are now in their twenties and started posting themselves singing and dancing to it on TikTok, and it spiralled.”

The song even has celebrity followers with TV stars JoJo Siwa and Blippy doing their own versions on TikTok.

“When Kim Kardashian does one, then I’ll know I’ve made it!”

The school raised money from the non-uniform day for the Cyclone Gabrielle Mayoral Relief Fund.

“I thought it was worth remembering that while we are here having fun, there are people out there who are really struggling right now, which is an important lesson to teach.”

The badhairday hashtag is now more popular in Ireland and Denmark than in NZ.

Hoddys Orchard’s orchard manager Kevin Withington is in charge of this year’s harvest. Photo: Anne Hardie.

Murchison show makes for ‘chocker’ town

ANNE HARDIE

After a year with no show, Murchison finally celebrated its 102nd A and P Show in good old-fashioned style, from woodchopping to shearing. Show president Peter Brooker says the sun shone, about 1,200 people went through the gate

Grocery costs rise

and the “town was chocker”.

“It’s great for Murchison. It’s an incredibly social day.”

He says the show retains the agriculture flavour of the traditional A and P show, including 24 axemen and axewomen who competed in multiple events and entertained the crowd.

Food prices across the country were 10.3 per cent higher this January than they were in January 2022, with groceries the largest contributing factor, according to Stats NZ. Groceries were up by 11 per cent, while fruit and vegetables had seen a 16 per cent increase. Consumer prices manager James

MULTI-ROOM MUSIC. THE HI-RES WAY.

Woman defrauds business of $40k

Equestrian was back in strength this year with 140 horses competing over two days of competition. He attributes that partly to the irrigation on the number two rugby field which created softer ground conditions for horses jumping. Many horse riders donated

Mitchell says, “Increasing prices for cheddar cheese, barn or cage-raised eggs, and potato chips were the largest drivers within grocery food.”

Dress Up Box café closing down

prize money to animals in need after Cyclone Gabrielle and other collections went toward a relief fund for the affected regions. Already, he has bigger plans for next year’s show and is looking for entertainment ideas for the main arena and also more locals to join the show committee.

The Dress Up Box Café in Hope will close on Friday 31 March. Owner Kris Cavit says it’s a regretful decision. “We have hung in there through lockdowns, but with the price of everything going up... we aren’t covering our outgoings. We know our regulars will be disappointed, we thank you for your continued loyalty.”

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 intent 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.

Easy to use technology for people who love audio equipment

Bluesound was the first and most award-winning wireless hi-res multiroom system to let users play music in any and every room of their home. Choose music from your favorite streaming service or from a music library connected to your home network. Control where, at what volume, and when music plays with a free BluOS app for your smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer. Free Shipping. Simple WiFi Setup.

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

Murchison A&P Show saw 24 axemen and women competing in multiple wood-chopping events. Photo: Supplied.

TRACY NEAL

Nelson’s own Treasure Island contestant

Have you always wanted to be a Treasure Island contestant?

It goes back to the year 2000, the first year that Survivor was produced in the U.S. I was just like ‘that is amazing I need to do that, how?’ I was one of those geeky guys who started messaging Jeff Probst, the host, on Twitter, saying ‘hey, when are you going to do an international season?’ I just thought ‘that’s something that I reckon I might be reasonably good at.’ I loved the fact that it was all based on communication with people and relationships. Survivor just got better and better, some of the characters that came through were just huge and I thought if New Zealand ever does a version, then I need to put my hand up for it.

When did you first apply?

In 2016, Survivor NZ was announced so I applied, as did thousands of others. I made the shortlist of the last 20 or so but missed out on one of the final 16 spots. In 2017, I applied again and got cut three or four shy of the 18 spots. It was incredibly frustrating, but they said, ‘make sure you apply again next time.’ I was like ‘beauty, 2018 here we go, done’… and then they stopped making Survivor NZ. I thought, ‘I don’t know where to go from here’ but it was

never something I was going to give up on. It took 23 years to finally happen but that’s just testament to never giving up if you want something bad enough.

When did you find out you had made the show?

Last year, maybe August, I got the call from one of the executive producers saying ‘are you driving at the moment? You better pull over’. They said ‘welcome to the show’, I was in tears. I went dead silent, my face started leaking. It was such a feeling of triumph, I finally bloody did it.

A question from a young fan: Who is your favourite Survivor or Treasure Island contestant of all time?

Survivor - I thought Boston Robb was brilliant, hugely charismatic, very smart guy and hugely strategic. Penner, he had a really good social game and I like his ethos. Treasure Island – it’s hard to narrow down. Dame Susan Devoy is one of my favourite kiwis, she has no quit, she has a bullshit free zone and I love that about her. Favourite of all time, apart from me, it’s hard to go past Sam Wallace, but probably Courtney Louise.

Filming wrapped up last year. Is it frustrating not being able to

tell people what happened? Absolutely, I can’t tell you how hard that is. I had goals. I didn’t want to be first out, I wanted to make the merge and then I wanted to start playing the individual game. For those that are fans will know that I betrayed Alex. I’m not going to not do what’s in my best interest for someone else’s gain.

There are a couple of episodes coming up where people are going to understand the strategy, but not being able to explain what I was thinking at the time is really weird.

My sons and my significant other, Helen, were great. I’ve told them bits and pieces but not anything that breaches the confidentiality. So many people message me asking questions. I’ll just say to people ‘tonight’s a good one’. The most common thing I get asked is ‘do you you go and stay in a motel at night?’ Absolutely not.

Have you seen the episodes and how they are put together before they air?

We are there for three weeks, I’m immersed in it and then we leave. The next time we see it is the same time everyone else watches it as well. I’m sitting there shushing everyone, trying to watch it.

Do you feel like you’ve been portrayed accurately?

It’s very difficult for production to pigeon-hole people and work the narrative around that so they film it, cut it and air it. How people perceive that is up to them. I’m learning at the same time as everyone else just how unpopular, apparently, I was with my teammates, especially in Vai. Am I fairly portrayed? Yes, of course, because that’s how it was filmed.

I think I had a hell of a lot more tactics and strategy than what is being portrayed. For example, I

didn’t sit out of a challenge because of sunburnt shoulders.

Was it all it was cracked up to be?

It was living the dream. It was surreal. Outside of having my two boys, Murphy and Mac, it was the best thing I’ve ever done. It was ticking the top thing off my bucket list, and I’d do it again tomorrow.

The hardest part was being away from the boys and Helen, I wanted to be able to contact them and I couldn’t. But I’d do it again tomorrow.

Castle Trust Financial Planning is expanding to Richmond!

Castle Trust, which has provided Motueka with 13 years of dedicated financial expertise, has just opened the doors to its new Richmond office. Centrally located right next to the library, the financial planning team is eager to provide the same personalised approach and wrap-around service to its Richmond and Nelson-based clients. They’re here to help with your lifelong finances, from mortgages, insurance and investments, to KiwiSaver and retirement strategies. There are a lot of moving parts to retirement planning. After all, just how much money will you need to get you through? What is the magic figure? What do you do with your finances once you’ve reached retirement? And age-wise, what’s the magic figure there? How long should you even plan to be budgeting for?

you’ve saved and invested. Spend that nestegg too fast and you’re in trouble. Spend too slowly and you’re failing to take advantage of your hard-earned money. You also want your investments to keep flourishing, even after you reach retirement age, but your level of risk needs to change depending on your stage of life. “And let’s not forget about the slow leak of inflation,” cautions Glyn, “which is currently eroding your spending power by 7% a year.”

All of these factors need to be balanced and revised, preferably annually, so that you can continue to update the roadmap through your retirement.

Glyn Lewis-Jones, Financial Adviser.

Glyn Lewis-Jones is Castle Trust’s retirement planning specialist, and he says that it’s all about balance. You need to offset your inflow and your outflow, and you also need to balance your risk.

Let’s break that down a little bit. Right now, our retirement income comes partially from the government superannuation scheme, and is hopefully well bolstered by the capital

Castle Trust’s extensive financial modelling software will help you to navigate what is needed to have a comfortable amount of money in your back pocket by the time you’ve reached an optimistically old age, without unnecessary sacrifice or wastage.

“The main thing,” summarises Glyn, “is to have a plan that suits your individual circumstances.”

To start the process of constructing your own personalised roadmap to retirement, come in to see the team for a free 15-minute chat. They’re available now on Richmond’s Queen Street. Business Update. Adv.

A dream that has spanned two decades finally came true for Nelson super fan Dave Ward, aka Wardie, when he got the call to say he would be one of the 16 contestants competing on Treasure Island: Fans v Faves. Sara Hollyman sits down with Wardie to find out about the experience and the journey that led him to Fiji.

Dave Ward, aka Wardie, says he has dreamed of being a Survivor contestant for more than two decades.

Photo: Sara Hollyman.

Principal will miss the people and culture

ANNE HARDIE

Today’s teenagers may get a bad rap much of the time, but outgoing Waimea College principal Scott Haines says students are more mature and behaving better than in the past.

Scott heads off to Waimairi-iri Burnside High School in Christchurch at the beginning of Term 3, ending eight years at the helm of Waimea College. From Waimea’s 1,600 students, he will be in charge of 2,400 students and more than 240 staff, making it one of the largest secondary schools in the country.

But leaving Waimea College will be tough. These days he is the principal, intent on creating a good culture within the school and back in the early 90s he was a teenager who was a bit of a lad at risk of not achieving. As he told one assembly, he has enrolled twice at the school and has had the experience as a student and principal.

“I love it here and I love it so much I’ve enrolled twice – once wearing grey shorts back in 1990 as a teenager and once as your principal and this place will always be a special place for me.” The school roll is at an all-time

high, NCEA results are at a seven-year high and it has an Education Review Office rating that puts in the top 10 percent of schools nationwide. To top it off, he says behaviour is going so well that there was not a single student suspension last year which is a first in 15 years as a principal. He was previously principal of Motueka High School.

He attributes much of the school’s success to its culture and says 80 percent of his time is spent building a good culture by following a value-based framework aimed at “growing good human beings”.

“I use the word pride about a million times a day because I want the kids to feel proud about their school. A student who feels proud about Waimea College will come to school wearing the right uniform, they will behave, they won’t drop litter in the grounds, they’ll engage in their classes and do their homework, they’ll succeed and be involved in multiple different parts of the school. By doing one thing, you solve lots of things.”

Leaving the school is the hardest decision he has made in his career, but he says it is the right time to move on.

“You can’t have a principal here

Scott Haines will miss the people and the culture of Waimea College. Photo: Anne Hardie.

for 25 years. It’s not healthy for a school and I don’t know if it’s healthy for a person either. Every chapter comes to an end and eight years is a good-sized chapter.”

He leaves a school that is in good health, but knowing there are challenges ahead, especially the ever-increasing roll. This year has led to the most pressure to date on class numbers and classes, science labs and hard materials classrooms.

“That’s the challenges of a growing roll and we’ve been managing those growing pains for some time. And that will certainly be a

challenge moving forward.

“Money is a real biggie. Covid has been really unkind to us. We’ve wiped a third of the equity off our balance sheet during Covid.”

The school’s single largest source of discretionary income is international students and the loss of that income during Covid-19 was substantial. This time last year, the school had just seven international students. This year, they are “back in a big hurry” with 71 students starting the year, which will climb to 90 by the beginning of term three.

“We’re in a pretty good financial

place despite pretty strong headwinds through Covid.”

Scott says the other big challenge for all secondary schools, not just Waimea College, is the NCEA Change Package – the Ministry of Education’s programme to overhaul NCEA. He is vice president of the Secondary Principals’ Association of NZ and says the direction of the package is good, but the timing is not. That is due to the challenges in many schools during Covid-19 and now cyclone-affected areas, plus a deteriorating relationship between the Government and teachers.

“We are on the precipice of the biggest educational reforms in 30 years. This is work that needs to land well and the soil is not fertile for that to land well at all.”

He says the assessments are designed before the curriculum and it should be the other way around.

“If we’re going to do this as a once-in-a-generation opportunity, we have to get this right – and we’re heavily invested in getting it right. But we’re worried the process is putting the cart before the horse.”

He has two more terms at Waimea College before he heads to Canterbury.

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Tech company Snap Group wins supreme business award

MAX FRETHEY

Local Democracy Reporter

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

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times facing small businesses and 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 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.

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

Six new shelters for Great Taste Trail

JO KENT

Four of the six new shelters on The Great Taste Trail are now finished with the remaining two due for completion by April.

Trail manager for the Nelson Tasman Cycle Trails Trust, Belinda Crisp, says the new shelters cost $40k in total and will provide cyclists with respite from sun, wind and rain.

“The shelters are being built with external funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Tasman District Council and other voluntary contributions, plus in-kind labour from the Nelson Rotary group.

“The work has been going on for a few months and we expect to have all shelters finished by next month.”

Belinda has been in the trail manager role since late last year and is enjoying being part of something she loves.

“I’ve had a passion for the trail since I moved to Nelson in 2008 and have been involved with it in several forms since then, by fundraising for it, riding it or booking customers to travel on it while working for Kiwi Journeys.

“I have a huge admiration for the people who have been involved with the development of the Great Taste Trail. It is, and continues to be, a gigantic project with so many elements, and it wouldn’t be possible without the input from volunteers, trust members, contractors and the trail supporters.

“I’m looking forward to bringing some of the projects started by my predecessors to fruition, which will add to the experience of the trail and make it even better.”

Tasman’s Great Taste Trail spans around 200km and in some places, runs through remote areas that are exposed to the elements. There are several stopping points, distinct from towns and villages, which break up the ride and are used by many trail users, but that have minimal or insufficient shelter.

“Shelter and amenity are a recurrent comment in our feedback surveys and in discussions with trail operators,” says Belinda.

The shelters which are currently finished are Tasman View, Wai-iti, Peninsular Bridge and Baton. The final two are Woodstock and Belgrove.

Nelson Rotary have been actively involved with work on the GTT for many years, and spokesperson John Hambleton says this project has been very straightforward thanks to the meticulous planning of the building team.

“Essentially, in just a day and a half, these shelters are completed. I have to give the building team a lot of credit because their planning has been excellent.

“Each shelter is built by a team of five, led by two of our members who are builders by trade. After it’s built, we then go in with a team of four to complete the shelter with oil-based stains which takes about two and half hours.”

The volunteers have already been getting great feedback from trail users.

“People have stopped us while we are working to comment on the design of the shelter and say they look good. Peninsular Bridge also has an area where people go swimming, so the shelter is handy for them too.”

Previously, the group worked on the first two stages of the trail development back in 2012, building sections of boardwalk on the Waimea estuary as a club-only project, then joining the other clubs, including Nelson West Rotary, The Rotary Club of Whakatu and the Rotary Club of Richmond at various times, doing further boardwalks in 2012 and 2013. In 2014 and 2015 the club was involved in joint working parties building the entry platform and doing the lighting in the Spooners Tunnel. The club also responded to a call for help from the Trust in early February in 2018 when Cyclone Fehi severely damaged the boardwalk sections of the trail.

Volunteers add the finishing touches to the new shelter at Peninsular Bridge. Photo: Supplied.

Out&About

A busy weekend in Nelson

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

Brent Stewart and Gilbert Robertson Bronwyn May, Marissa Boivin, Gordon and Lynley Worsley

Cindy Chambers and Jozette Welgemoed Jason May and Hamish Worsley Tara Stewart and Leticia Robertson

Steve Hatton, Daron and Christine Graham and Al Columbus

Sam Lineham, Ella Neill and Mandy Pearcy Elizabeth and Jeremy Patterson-Green Don Laurie, Tracy Beker and Garth Beker. Brad and Lisa Anderson, Cerelia Howarth and Jason Hollyman

Chamber of Commerce Business Awards

MJ Fraser Logging 50 year celebration

A remarkable funeral

ROBYN PARKES

The story of Michael Fagan’s funeral brings a new meaning to the phrase ‘Stranger than fiction’.

Michael Fagan of the Owen died in November 1888 at the age of 31 years and arrangements were made for his burial at Hampden (Murchison), but on the way to the cemetery a strange story that defies belief befell the coffin.

The Buller River was in half flood at the time, and the task of conveying the coffin across the river was given to Mr Ribet and Mr Downie, with a canoe belonging to the Mr Downie being used for the purpose. As they crossed the river and reached mid-stream an unfortunate accident occurred, capsizing the canoe, and the two men and the coffin were thrown into the water. The coffin was not to be found and so it was assumed that it had sunk. Mr Downie clung to the upturned

canoe while Mr Ribet, who is a great swimmer, managed to swim to the shore, albeit in an exhausted condition. The canoe with Mr Downie on it continued to be carried down the river for about half a mile before he was rescued by someone who managed to reach a pole out to him which he was able to grab and was then pulled ashore. The canoe, still bottom upwards, was left on the beach where it landed. The people who were waiting about for the funeral, looked for the coffin for some time, but nothing was seen of it, and all expectations were abandoned of ever seeing it again, so most of them returned to their homes, left to wonder at the strange event which had just happened. However, a stranger one still was to come. Only two or three people remained near the canoe, and one of them thought he would turn it over, which he proceeded

to do. Much to his and everybody else’s horror, the coffin fell out of the canoe, into the river and floated away. Eyewitnesses expressed that it was one of the biggest frights that they had ever experienced. The story did not end there as around two hours later the coffin was seen by Mr Moonlight floating some two miles down the river from the scene of the accident. He very quickly raced down to Thomson’s Ferry and, taking the boat out, was able to catch up with the coffin and bring it safely to land, when it was placed in a cart and returned to Hampden. In the meantime, the friends and those who had meet to attend the funeral had all gone home, of course not knowing of the strange rescue, and as it was considered by the few present very unadvisable to wait another day, they carried him to his last resting place.

Buller River near Murchison.

Photo: Supplied, date unknown.

What’s On!

Children’s Day and Sea Week 2023

Sunday 5 March, 11am

Richmond Aquatic Centre

Gold coin entry to the pools or take part in outdoor activities for the whole family, including bouncy castles, balloon twisting, music and more. Bring a picnic and enjoy the afternoon.

Richmond:

Tasman Skatepark Series

Saturday 4 March, 12.30pm-3pm

Jubilee Park, Richmond

The annual competition returns to Richmond.

It’s a great chance to show off skateboard, BMX and scootering skills and compete against other contestants from the district. Helmets are compulsory. Spectators welcome for this fun event.

Marchfest

Saturday 4 March, 12pm-9.30pm

Founders Heritage Park, Nelson

The 15th annual beer fest kicks off at midday never-before-tasted brews from the best NZ craft breweries, a tasting bar, all day live music, brewing demos, a food and beer matching dinner, local artisan food, local ciders and wines, kids’ entertainment (until 6pm) and more!

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]

Doggy do bags

strewn across Bill Wilkes Reserve

Obviously they need a full time job so they are too tired for any mischief.

Fiona Scott

The very same thing done up Railway Reserve, they pulled them from Andrew St. to the school. I gathered as much as I could. They thought they were funny.

Pam Bennett

Probably the same little s***s

that in the holidays were smashing glass everywhere, terrorizing people in their homes, setting fire to mail in mail boxes and vandalizing cars at about 3am onwards. Now they are back at school, they changed time of day.

Mitzi Joyner

Drunk driver walks with clean slate

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

Shane Tasker

”

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,” 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. Aorere Gold is available locally from Page and Blackmore and Volume Books or you can email publisher Nikau Press at nikau1052@ gmail.com

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

Moving at a phenomenal pace, the commercial sector of Richmond has seen many changes over the decades. But none more so than in the last few years with the development of the fastest-growing residential and commercial areas in the top of the South Island. Running through the heart of Richmond to the Waimea River, Lower Queen Street and its subsidiary roads including Estuary Place, Artillery Place, Saltmarsh Lane and Sandeman Road, are fast filling up with a plethora of commercial businesses to cater to the Tasman region's growing population.

Consisting of a highly qualified team, Total Decorating Nelson brings professionalism and a personal touch to every job. Located at 1/7 Saltmarsh Lane off Lower Queen Street, they are proud to offer high-quality services to clients throughout the Nelson region and honoured to be able to paint homes for the majority of the region’s major building companies.

As award-winning painters who have received a multitude of accolades over the years, owner/operator Aaron Mallinson is proud of his team's abil-

ity to transform a new home build or breathe new life into an existing space.

Total Decorating Nelson is a longstanding member of leading industry body, Master Painters New Zealand, and specialises in both interior and exterior painting, wallpapering and plastering.

For more information contact Total Decorating on 027 346 6305 or email info@totaldecorating.co.nz to discuss how they can bring out the best in your project.

Modern Industrial Warehouse Units at LQS

With a straightforward and modern design, these new warehouse units are suitable for a diverse range of businesses, providing excellent truck access and exposure to Lower Queen Street. An 1800m2 warehouse with modern units that can be

multi-tenanted and sized to suit is the latest addition to the LQS Industrial Park. It’s coming along well and is on track for a spring 2023 completion by delivery partner Gibbons Naylor.

LQS Industrial Park is Gibbons’ 32-hectare industrialzoned site in Richmond. Over the last 6 months, there has

been large extensions to existing premises/operators on the site, in addition to the warehouse build currently underway which will provide tenancies of 335 to 495m².

Century Yuasa Batteries is excited to announce that its Nelson branch has relocated. Due to continued growth in

After many years on Gladstone Road, Bill, Leslie and Jasmin from Bay Landscapes and Garden Centre are excited to have relocated to their new site in Artillery Place, Richmond.

the region, the branch has moved into its new premises located at Unit 6, 38 Estuary Place, Richmond. Century Yuasa has invested significantly in building the facility to cater to higher distribution demands throughout Westland, Tasman,

and Marlborough. The larger facility features custom racking to hold more stock and improved loading facilities for faster stock flow.

Century Yuasa’s General Manager of Automotive, Stu Stanners, says, “The newly-built

branch will allow us to provide our customers with an even higher level of service. We can now store more stock and react faster to the local needs”. Safety is one of Century Yuasa’s core values and has been at the forefront of every considera-

Built tough for New Zealand

tion in the new build.

In addition, the warehouse complies with Century Yuasa’s philosophy of managing inventory from cradle to grave, environmentally-committed with a responsible business approach. www.centurybatteries.co.nz

Locally owned and operated since 2013, Aramex Nelson Regional Franchisees, Karly and Brett Jameson, are celebrating ten years of offering a reliable and friendly courier service to the wider Nelson Tasman region.

Aramex New Zealand is a leading local courier provider with 40 years of industry knowledge and franchising expertise.

As the Nelson franchise is locally owned and operated, they know their customers, and the importance of offering a consistent, economical and reliable courier service to senders large and small.

“Based in Nelson, our service area includes the greater Nelson area, including Blenheim to Motueka. But it doesn’t stop there... with our new international capabilities, you can send

parcels around the world with ease and confidence”.

Whether you want to send your items within New Zealand or around the globe, then please get in contact with the friendly Aramex Nelson team. Aramex Nelson, 8 Tidewater Rd, Richmond. 03 547 9600.

Xscape Space - Nelson’s Premier Escape Rooms offer something fun, outside-of-the box and challenging. Escape Rooms are a great activity for a family outing, a friends’ catchup, a team-building exercise, that special (or impossible to buy for) birthday, the ultimate stag or hen night, or even a different date-night experience.

They offer seven themed rooms with two sets of race-off rooms for those with a competitive streak: Get your mind thinking outside the box with puzzles and clues that will boggle it, while racing against the clock with your work team or other families. Xscape Space has a spacious venue and can accommodate up to 45 people per hour, there is plenty of free off-street parking.

0800 93 93 93 | centurybatteries.co.nz

Private bookings for larger groups are more than welcome by arrangement.

Darren and Janine Friend launched NZ Packaging in October 2022 based at 7 Saltmarsh Lane, Richmond. We provide exceptional service and ex-

pert knowledge for any packaging requirements for your business. Although we are wholesale distributors, we welcome walk-in customers. With a knowledgeable team that holds over 35 years of experience in the industrial packaging sector,

NZ Packaging specializes in custom packaging as well as everyday products like bags, tape, strapping, boxes and polybubble. NZ Packaging is the authorised NZ distributor for Cordstrap, a world leader in one-way lashing and load securement on pallets and in containers. “We can help with load securing to ensure your valuable products arrive in perfect condition.”

Darren and Janine would like to thank their clients who have come on board. “The growth of the business has been amazing, and we are extremely grateful to our clients for their ongoing support.”

For enquires contact sales@nzpackaging.nz or 03 544 4450.

ITM Frame and Truss is Nelson’s largest independent prenail manufacturer? We are highly regarded by the industry and our clients for our quality, experience and personal hands-on approach.

Timber Frames and Trusses are the strong supportive bones of a house, which is why we specialise in them. Our professional ITM Frame and Truss design and build teams ensure every prenail fabrication leaves our factory constructed to the highest industry standard and to our customer's specifications. As a member of FTMA we can give all home builders the reassurance that their frames and trusses are professionally made and compliant with local building codes. So it does not matter what size you are now, big or small, if it’s a strong, well-built frame that you are after, talk to your specialist – ITM. We’ll see you right.

Located at 750 Lower Queen Street is ITM Joinery, offering personalised custom-design and manufacturing for all your joinery needs for kitchens, staircases, prehung doors, wooden windows and all cus-

tom fit-outs.

We have a full showroom with in-house design and sales team, incorporating the latest in-house CAD design programme.

This complements our modern, well-equipped factory, enabling us to design and manufacture your joinery locally.

ITM joinery is a member of the NZ Master Joiners Association. We operate a modern joinery workshop and utilise Computer Aided Design software to prepare concept plans and a price on any joinery project associated with your project. Our joiners are fully qualified to manufacture kitchens, prehung doors and stairs.

ITM Joinery has a long and close relationship with the trades in the Nelson and Tasman region where we supply direct to builders and the public, as well as providing joinery services for our three ITM stores in Nelson, Motueka and Takaka.

Our Product Range includes: pre-nailed frames | roof trusses | flitch beams | laminated lintels and beams pre-cut roof rafters and beams | long reach mid floor trusses and rafter trusses

ITM Joinery and Frame & Truss are both located at

Eyes on the finish line for Avaya at GODZONE

World champion adventure racers Nathan Fa’avae, Sophie Hart, Stu Lynch and Chris Forne of Team Avaya are executing an exhilarating performance at One New Zealand GODZONE to hold onto their first-place position as the race enters its fourth day.

As of Monday morning, the team had spent the previous 24 hours traversing the high reaches of the Takitimu Mountain Range on stage eight of the 12-stage expedition race through Fiordland.

The Nelson-based captain Nathan Fa’avae and his team, Avaya, have led GODZONE’s 280 competitor field since day one of racing.

“Today (Monday) is going to be a bit of a mystery for us with a little 60km bike ride that should be relatively uneventful, I hope, but then there is quite a lengthy kayak stage down the Oreti River,” says Nathan.

“It has a dark zone kicking in at 8.30 pm, so what time we start to paddle today and the river levels will determine if we can clear it tonight and move forward on the course."

Nathan is on track for his seventh GODZONE win and his third in a row with Avaya, which stretches

out their now decade-long dominance of the multi-sport world since reforming in 2011.

GODZONE Race Director War-

ren Bates says the kayak portion has been moved 20km down-

stream due to extremely low water flows at the top of the Oreti. The race rules determine that no teams can paddle on the river between 8.30pm and 7am.

"Avaya is looking confident and untroubled at the front of the field with laser-guided focus on

getting through the kayak today, if possible,” says Bates.

“If that happens, we expect they could cross the GODZONE finish line in Riverton sometime between 10pm and midnight tonight while the rest of the chasing teams will get caught in the dark zone."

Team Avaya spent just 23 minutes having food in the Pleasant Valley transition area before getting their mountainbikes for the 60km stage 9 ride through the Taringatura forest.

“We had a quick sleep for about an hour up in the forest on the mountain trek because it was nice and warm up there, but we are focused on getting through this bike and onto the river,” says Nathan.

Team No Idea managed to sneak past them at the sixth transition site after the Lake Monowai trekking stage while the team was sleeping, but Avaya quickly regained its front position to be in the lead again by the start of the 50km Takitimu trek. Check Nelson App for final results.

On Monday, Nathan Fa’avae and his team Avaya were on pace to notch up yet another GODZONE win, which also doubles as the Expedition Racing World Championships, having led the pack from the starting gun. Photo: Supplied.

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 to-

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

op 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.”

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.”

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 na-

ture while in Covid-19 lockdowns, 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.

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.

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

North Islander claims Speedway’s Super Saloon title

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 third. 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.

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

Community Notices

MONDAYS

ELYSIUM WIDOW AND WIDOWERS GROUP meet each Monday for coffee and friendship at Oxford St Cafe at 10am. New members welcome. Phone Margaret 027 2600 748

TUESDAYS

NELSON 50+ WALKING GROUP Tuesday 7th March. Mt Arthur Hut. Meet at 9.45 am at the Flora/ Mt Arthur Carpark.Phone Irene 021 1225312.

NELSON PHILATELIC SOCIETY Meet Tuesday

14 March. Doors Open 6.30pm - Meeting Starts 7.00pm. At Stoke Baptist Church. Presentation by Mike - Germany 1933-45 Mitchener Cup – “Battles”

Contact Robin 0275442518

BEGINNERS CLASS SCOTTISH COUNTRY

DANCING, Tuesday Feb 28th at 7.30pm $5 per night. Stoke Methodist Church Hall, 94 Neale Ave. Stoke Casual wear and soft shoes. Contact Christine 5440902 or Pam 021 141 8989

LUNCH ON THE HILL: Come for hot drinks from 11 am & lunch at noon onTuesday 7th March 2023. 27 Dorset St, Richmond. (Koha) Ph. (03)544 8844

TUESDAY MUSIC 10a.m. 7th March, Richmond

Town Hall Mtg Room. Another varied programme you will enjoy! Ph Christine 5442375 or 0212486038

NELSON CIVIC CHOIR rehearses 6.45-9.00pm Tuesdays at NCMA, Nile Street, Nelson. Preparing to perform Mozart’s Coronation Mass in May. No auditions. Call 021 102 4436.

LINEDANCING BEGINNERS.Warnes Hall Songer

St Stoke by vet clinic. TUESDAYS starting Feb 7th

8 .45. Free morning tea. Soft shoes. Just arrive orpg

0274 491 569 Diane.We are a caring Community.

WEDNESDAYS

COMMUNITY SING A LONG Wednesday 1

March 1.30 pm Stoke Methodist Hall 94 Neale Ave.

Afternoon tea provided . Gold coin donation for Nelson Hospital Chaplaincy. AllWelcome.

WAIMEA HARRIERS: Sharland Cycles 5k fun run & walk from Club Waimea, Richmond Wednesday

Everyone and all abilities welcome. 6pm start. See website for details. PH 022 372 9432.

CAKE DECORATORS meet every third Wednesday of the Month. The next meeting is Wednesday 15 March. Creating the Japanese Cherry Blossom in flower paste. Contact Desiree 0276302359

CENTRAL GARDEN CLUB meets 2nd wednesday of each month 1.30pm at stoke methodist church hall, Neale Ave Stoke. Guest speakers and afternoon tea new members most welcome contact : lynn or bob 5418468

TASMAN TRACKIES CYCLING SAXTON VELODROME - Champion Rd, Richmond. Track racing Wednesdays 10am -11.30am through Summer.

Track bikes free of charge, road or mountain bikes can be used. Riders at all levels & ages, Social coffee & chat after at local café – ZINK, Contact: Murray Cameron 0276450033. murray.r.cameron@xtra.co.nz

NELSON NEWBIES, coffee morning every Wednesday 10:30 - 11.30 a.m. at Deville’s Cafe, 22 New St. Want to get out and meet people? Join us for coffee and chat. New people are always welcome. Ph: Clive 021 205 4731.

DEADLINE: MIDDAY FRIDAY - 30 WORDS OR LESS BY EMAIL ONLYPLEASE SEND TO: events@waimeaweekly.co.nz

THURSDAYS

NELSON CITY PROBUS CLUB welcome both men & women. We meet 2nd Thursday each month (Feb-November) at 10 am, The Nelson Golf Club, 38 Bolt Rd, Tahunanui. Contact the Secretary on nelsoncitygroupgmail.com

RICHMOND LADIES FRIENDSHIP CLUB: Monthly meetings held 9.45am first Thursday at Church of Christ building, Croucher St. Welcome to all ladies looking for friendship, fun & fellowship with other women. Lunch optional after meeting at local cafes for chance to chat over a meal. Interesting guest speakers each month & an outing during the month. Ph Marion 544 4833 or Joan 544 1854

WAIMEA COMBINED FRIENDSHIP GROUP meet monthly at 9.45am on 3rd Thursday of month in Hope Church, Ranzau Rd for Friendship, Fellowship & Learning. Contact Denise on 027 765 000 or Rosalie on 027 249 1080

TAICHI IN RICHMOND: TThursdays 10am12.00. Stillness, breath, movement. Quiet Heart Tai Chi, Holy Trinity Church, Dorset Street. Donation. Contact Merrick. Email; quiet.heart.tai. chi@gmail.com Ph 0210636620. All welcome

RICHMOND WELCOME GROUP: Want to make new friends join a friendly group for coffee & a chat.10am on the 1st & 3rd Thursday of each month at Paragon Cafe Langdale Drive Richmond . Ansley /Phillip 5410 350 0272212943.

FRIDAYS

WAITAKI OLD GIRLS’ SOCIAL GROUP. Pop

in for a coffee and chat on Friday 3rd March from 10am. Venue. Sun Devine Cafe at Summerset in the Sun. 16 Sargeson Street Stoke. All Oamaruians welcome. Queries 027 673 1145

NEW RICHMOND MOBILITY SCOOTER

CLUB. Do you have a mobility scoooter or thinking of buying one? A new mobility scoooter club in Richmond is looking for members. We want to encourage friendship, education, & advocacy amoungst our Richmond mobility scoooter comunity. First meeting Friday 27 Jan. 10am at the Richmond Library. Mike Rodwell 027 486 9955.

SONGBIRDS LADIES CHOIR New female singers welcome. Rehearsals Friday morning in Stoke. If you enjoy singing and can hold a tune, please give me a call. Ph Mary 5448232 or 0211334805

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER. Friday 3 March 1pm. Thieservice is at the Catholic Church 35 William St, Richmond. Held eery year around the World & locally at different churches. We pray for peace & justice in the World. Please come along & join us. Everyone is welcome .Do bring a friend. Queries

Karen 027 245 7800.

SATURDAYS

STOKE MONTHLY MARKET, Methodist lawn,

4 March 9 am to noon. Ph 9276130 to book site. Supporting Nelson Hospital Chaplaincy & Life Linc.

RICHMOND TENNIS CLUB - Gladstone Road

Social hit for members and non-members

Saturday afternoons All levels of ability welcome. 1.30pm onwards. Contact 0274872480.

RICHMOND OLD TIME DANCE, on March 4th, Richmond Town Hall, Cambridge St., Richmond, 7

30 till 11 00 pm. Live Music Raffles and Prizes. Entry $8 00, and Supper plate. Ph Richard 5444 120.

SUNDAYS

HIGGINS HERITAGE PARK 222 Pigeon Valley Rd, Wakefield - Sun. 5 March, with Steam - up & traction engine rides, museum sheds & park activities open day10am-3pm.-oldschoolbus&jiggerrides-agreat placeforapicnicwww.higginsheritagepark.co.nz

SUNDAY MEDITATION – every Sunday 10am –11.30am, plus free vegetarian lunch. All warmly welcome, for all ages and walks of life. Chandrakirti Meditation Centre. 289 Sunrise Valley Rd, Upper Moutere. 035432021

WAIMEA MUSIC CLUB meets at Methodist Church Hall Neale Ave Stoke Sunday 5th March at 1 15 pm Contact Jim ph 544 9446 Pat 544 5766

IN GENERAL

NELSON RAILWAY Founders Park. Saturday will run & Sunday the train will operate. Both start at 11am. Check our facebook & website for updates.

WAIMEA MENZSHED - catering for the interests, health and well-being of men since 2010. The shed is open Monday - Friday at Richmond Park, 384 Lower Queen St. Inquiries: mens.shed. waimea@gmail.com 027 282 0185.

SENIOR MOBILITY CLASSES Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays from 10.30am at the Wanderers Community Gym 12 Charlotte Lane, Brightwater. $2 donation. Improving balance, mobility & independence among our aging populations (55+). Contact James Cooper for info: 021 044 1526.

Community Notices are free to community groups, schools, churches, gold coin donation events and fundraising. Due to the popularity of this column,while every effort will be made, inclusion cannot be guaranteed for free ads. If you want to place a business advert or want to advertise a course you are running, please call classified ads and public notices on 544 9037.

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