Waimea Weekly - 22 March 2023

Waimea Weekly

Retirement changes pushed

Theo lands the winner

SARA HOLLYMAN

Theo Pearson, 9, had a lot to celebrate this week after winning two categories in the Dawnbreakers annual Snapper Cup competition.

Theo won the awards in the junior section of Saturday night’s prizegiving ceremony – Heaviest Gurnard and Third Heaviest Snapper.

His fish weighed in at 940 grams and 6.18kg respectively.

Theo’s mum Anita says he was chuffed and surprised with the wins. While it wasn’t the most successful day of fishing, with plenty of anglers not landing a single fish on the 4 March competition day, the handful of fish that Theo’s boat landed was enough to net the win.

Dawnbreakers competition master Gareth Nicholson said on the evening that, while there were less fish

SEE PAGE 4

Taking plunge for nationals

Near misses as drivers run red lights

ANNE HARDIE

Tania Levett yelled at her two children and threw her arm in front of them to stop them heading over a pedestrian crossing in Richmond when a driver ran a red light.

She says impatient drivers are increasingly racing through the lights after they go red at the same time pedestrians get the ‘green man’ to cross, and says it is dangerous.

Tania and her children aged eight and 10 were crossing over Gladstone Road at the intersection with Queen St when a car raced through on red.

“The green man came up and we all started to go, then I looked up and realised a guy had blatantly gone on a red light. I managed to get my arm out to stop the kids while yelling at them to stop. It gave us all a bit of a fright.”

She says she wouldn’t allow her children to cross at the lights unsupervised because of the number of drivers ignoring red lights. She was also wary about her older son using the crossing, although nearly 13 and, she considers, street savvy.

“I drive through there all the time and I’m always seeing people going on red lights. Once people have been doing it, they think it is okay and it becomes common.”

“The green man isn’t long enough either – elderly people don’t even get halfway and it starts flashing and that causes drivers to get impatient.”

Tania says the intersection needs to be rethought as it gets blocked with vehicles and drivers get

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Theo Pearson, 9, took out two award categories in the Dawnbreakers 2023 Snapper Cup. Photo: Supplied.

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Near misses as drivers run red lights

FROM PAGE 1

impatient which then leads to bad habits which can be dangerous. She says installing cameras at the lights might discourage those drivers ignoring red lights. On the day they had a near miss, Tania says her children did not even see the car coming and it has shown them the importance of being on their guard, despite lights.

“We all had a chat about it afterwards and how we needed to be aware of traffic and make eye contact with the driver before crossing. I wouldn’t let them cross that road without me, even when they’re older.”

Tania is not the only one to voice her concerns about the lights. Numerous other people have taken to Facebook to tell of their near misses as pedestrians when drivers race through a red light, and warning that the practice is an accident waiting to happen.

In a statement, acting road policing manager senior sergeant, Hamish Chapman, said people who take the risk to run a red light are putting themselves and the lives of innocent members of the community at risk. He warns that pedestrians and other road users can be seriously injured or killed when people choose to run through a red light. He could not provide any in-

formation about complaints regarding the lights though, as he said it is not information that is easily available or collatable. On the question of cameras, he said red-light cameras are generally owned by local councils, while the police role is prevention and enforcement. Staff are on the road every day, including dedicated road policing teams, and he said all police staff are encouraged to take action on driving behaviour that warrants enforcement action. He said anyone witnessing drivers running a red light can note down the registration numberif it safe to do so - and report it via 105.

What physical changes would you like to see in Richmond if you could change anything?

Chelsea Muollo

Les Allan

Jan Allan

Tania Levett and her children, Nicolae, 11, Emme, 8, and Jake, 12, are wary of drivers at the Richmond lights. Photo: Anne Hardie.

The camera has already caught numerous cars looting the Family Store clothing bins overnight.

Thieves caught on camera at op shop

JO KENT

A new security camera has been installed to help deter overnight thefts from the Salvation Army Family Store clothing bins in Richmond. After reading about the ongoing plight of the charity shop in the Waimea Weekly, the owner of a neighbouring business stepped up and installed the camera to help put a stop the nightly raids.

Owner of Pools, Spas and Essentials, Mason Pahl, says he put a camera up last week, with the support of Armstrong Smarter Security, and it’s already captured lots of unsavoury overnight action.

“The first night we saw five different cars drive in around midnight and ransack the bins,” Mason says.

“It was all caught on camera. One of the cars even went away and came back again later on.”

The bins are ransacked and anything the thieves don’t want is left discarded in the car park leaving an unsightly mess for staff to clear up, as well as goods getting ruined in the rain rendering them unsellable.

“I posted about it on Facebook,” Mason says.

“One lady said she dropped off some donations to the bins, then drove past the next day to see her things all over the car park getting soaked.

“She said it broke her heart to see her stuff like that,” Mason says.

“Hopefully, with the threat of being caught on camera, these raids will stop.”

Staff of the store have previously urged people to bring donations inside the shop during opening hours to ensure they end up in the right place.

Generally, the bins are emptied daily but with many peo-

locally owned

ple donating goods outside of opening hours, the bins quite often have items in overnight.

“On Sunday, the camera recorded one car pulling up at 3am and staying until 4.45am. They were going through the bins for nearly two hours,” Mason says.

“As soon as they drove away, another car pulled in immediately and did the same thing.”

All footage is captured on a USB stick and passed to The Family Store for their information.

The charity store has been plagues with troubles from people dumping unwanted rubbish outside to leaving human excrement in the doorway.

It is hoped that being under surveillance will lessen these types of activities.

Despite the setbacks, the store has recently been inundated with quality donations following Christmas clearouts.

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Theo lands the winning fish

FROM PAGE 1

entered than previous years, the average size of snapper was bigger.

Theo, a Brightwater School student, nabbed two rod and reel combos and two bags full of fishing gear.

“He’s worn everything to school today,” Anita says.

The Pearson family have only just purchased a boat so are new to recreational fishing this year. It was the family’s first year joining Dawnbreakers and entering the Snapper Cup competition.

“There’s already plans for the whole family to enter next year,” Anita says.

The evening was a fundraiser for Nelson Coastguard, with $4565 being raised by clubmembers through a silent auction and ice-cream stand on weigh-in day.

The Heaviest Snapper award and the winner of the Snapper Cup Trophy for 2023 went to Keylee Reid for his snapper which weighed in at 10.14kg. It too, was one of the only fish caught on the boat on competition day.

Keylee’s snapper was just shy of the heaviest overall fish on the day which was a kingfish weighing in at 10.84kg – taking out the Heaviest Kingfish category in the adult section.

More than $30,000 in prizes were awarded throughout the night with the Dawnbreakers committee saying it would not be possible without their sponsors.

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Anita says the night was enjoyed by everyone and they look forward to returning next year.

Care

“It was amazing, a great family event and it was so well run.”

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Teachers’ strike: Tasman educators speak up

KATE RUSSELL

Māpua School teacher Amber

Beech would have rather been in the classroom last Thursday, but instead, she joined hundreds of local educators who marched in Nelson as part of nationwide strike action.

It was the first-ever strike involving kindergarten, primary, and secondary school teachers and thought to be the biggest ever in New Zealand history. The members of the Post Primary Teachers Association and the New Zealand Educational Institute took the action after rejecting similar offers, including pay rises of $6000$7000 over two years.

But Amber, who is in her eighth year of teaching, says it’s not just about a pay rise that keeps pace with inflation - it’s about an increasing workload that has forced her to cut back her hours.

She now works one less day per week to try and achieve a better work/life balance.

“But I’m still usually working on my day off, as well as eve-

New sushi store opening Richmond’s Kimchi & Wasabi store at Sundial Square is opening its door next Thursday 30 March after a lengthy delay. The store replaced Possibilities early last year, but due to staff shortages across the region, was unable to open until now.

nings and weekends,” she says.

As a primary school teacher, Amber says they need smaller class sizes and more time to do their jobs.

“At the moment we get two days per term of release time.”

Amber says it felt good to march with secondary and kindergarten teachers on Thursday.

“There is a saying - ‘a teacher is a teacher is a teacher’ - we all want to be seen as equal,” she says.

“The thing I love most about my job is being in the classroom and having fun, so I hope we don’t have to [strike] again. It’s something we enjoy doing but we’re not being listened to. It can keep you awake at night.”

Murchison Area School teacher Caroline Blommaert echoes Amber’s concerns. She is in her fourth year of teaching and is trying to juggle being a solo mum to a twoyear-old on top of her job.

“I went back to work full-time when she was nine weeks old, but I was going to hit some se-

Richmond’s airshed standards

For the first time in 20 years, the Richmond Airshed did not exceed the Air Quality NES daily standard for particulate matter (PM10) during the winter of 2022. However the airshed exceeded the World Health Organisation guidelines for PM 2.5 value 58 times during the monitoring period. A reduction of 58 per cent

rious burnout.”

She cut back to four days a week but calls it an “unpaid day” of catching up on school matters.

“I usually end up getting called in half the time as well, as we struggle as a rural school to find relievers.”

Caroline agrees that it’s “not all about pay”.

“It’s certainly part of it, but the major thing is the workload. I work through my morning tea and lunch breaks.

“I work half my school holidays. I start my day at 5am and finish at 11pm then go to bed. I’m burning the candle at both ends,” she says.

“My daughter spends more time away from home than at home. It is really hard to carve out quality time.”

However, she says the reward of seeing her new entrant class make progress is “worth it”.

“It’s a bloody hard job but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. But we need more resourcing, more people power, and more pairs of hands in the classroom.”

would be required to meet the daily guideline value.

Champion Rd logging restrictions

Forestry company PF Olsen and its contractors will try and minimise disruption and ensure safety along Champion Rd during the harvest of the Kingsland Forest by abiding by some informal agreements.

Māpua School teacher Amber Beech spoke at last Thursday’s teachers’ strike rally at the Cathedral Steps. Photo: Jack Malcolm.

Flood drives Hawke’s Bay truckies south

ANNE HARDIE

Seven Hawke’s Bay truck drivers struggling for work due to floodwreaked roads have taken up the offer to cart logs for a Richmond company until their region is back on its feet.

Brodie Drummond from Stuart Drummond Transport invited truck drivers via a facebook post to head south for work and says the phone calls poured in.

Four trucking operators sent seven trucks south with drivers and Brodie says there was plenty of work available carting logs for the logging industry, so it has been a win-win for everyone.

“There was just no work for them up north because the roads were shut and some of their families were affected. One had a daughter’s house written off and one of the guys said that whatever you see on the news – double it.

“The logging industry is pretty up and down but this year we’ve started with lots of work, and when the floods happened it was an opportunity to help some of

the people and help some of our customers.”

Ray Beale has a fleet of 11 trucks based in Hawke’s Bay and his depot was “pretty much under water” during the flood and many roads were unusable, leaving little work for the company and its drivers.

“We’ve got a good community in the industry and Brodie said they had spare trucks down here if drivers needed jobs or bring your own trucks. That is a huge thing for him to do and huge for us as well. If we didn’t get that offer, we’d be parked up with no work. The guys wouldn’t have jobs.”

Though some normality is returning to Hawke’s Bay, Ray says the Napier-Gisborne road will be closed for a long time and it was essential for their work. He says some trucking businesses have closed for good because Covid-19 challenges and then the flood has made it too tough for them. Others have left the region; many heading to the Central Plateau to work on the million tonne of forest that fell over in the cyclone.

“A lot of owners have already pulled the pin – we’ve lost 30 to 40 trucks from Hawke’s Bay.” He expects his team to continue working for the Richmond transport company until the end of April.

Food prices up 12%

JO KENT

Food prices were 12 per cent higher this February than they were in February 2022, according to figures released by Stats NZ this week.

Grocery food was the largest contributor to this increase.

Compared with last February, fruit and vegetable prices have risen by 23 per cent, with meat, poultry and fish increasing by 9.8 per cent.

Consumer prices manager for Stats NZ James Mitchell says increasing prices for barn or cage-raised eggs, potato chips, and cheddar cheese “were the largest drivers within grocery food”.

Restaurant meals and readyto-eat food prices also increased by 8.4 per cent and non-alcoholic drinks by 9.1 per cent. With fruit and vegetables being the second-largest contributor to the an-

nual movement, the biggest increases were seen in tomatoes (117 per cent) and potatoes (48 per cent). Monthly food prices rose 1.5 per cent in February 2023 compared with January 2023. After adjusting for seasonal effects, they were up 2.1 per cent. Fruit and veggies were the largest contributor to the monthly movement, with broccoli, tomatoes, and lettuce having the biggest impact.

“They’re so busy and they’ve been so good to us that we’ll stay until then. In years to come, Nelson might have a major weather event and we’ll be able to repay the favour.”

Nathan White from Dannevirke

has also made the trip south after his boss teed up the job. He brought his International Prostar south for contract work with Stuart Drummond Transport and says he is loving his first trip to the South Island.

Wayne Shanks (left) from Napier is one of the truck drivers from Hawke’s Bay working for Brodie Dummond (right). Photo: Anne Hardie.

Sharon Larcombe had a blooming marvellous time last week while visiting Richmond after living in Perth for 53 years. “I grew up here but moved in 1970. It’s been four years since I’ve been able to get over and visit family and friends. I always come to Eyebright to pick some sunflowers for my sister-in-law when I visit because she loves them so much.” Photo: Jo Kent.

Elderly in villages want law change

ANNE HARDIE

Retirement village residents are pushing for legislative change so they get a fairer deal from village operators who they say aren’t doing the best by the most vulnerable in society.

About 100 people turned up at a meeting in Stoke last week to get a progress report on legislation that would require retirement villages to quicken the pace at which they give money back to families whose loved ones have died while in care.

The Nelson-Tasman region has 15 retirement villages and about 1,500 residents, mostly living in villas or apartments, but also in care facilities.

Retirement Village Residents

national president Brian Peat was at the meeting to discuss the existing Retirement Villages Act, which was created in 2003, and its review that is now underway.

It follows calls for change not just from the residents’ association, but also Consumer NZ and the Retirement Commissioner. Public consultation will follow the review which is being conducted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

While Brian is confident there will be changes to the law, he does not expect that to happen until after the election and it could be with a new Government.

Several of the larger retirement village operators are trialling some of the changes

...End of Story

Final facts on some of our stories

Eden’s all in a spin

31 August 2022

When six-year-old Eden Hosie from Brightwater collected bags of llama wool from Fossil Creek farm, a volunteer came forward to spin it for her after reading her story in the Waimea Weekly. Mum Aleisha says that initially Nicky Pritchard had offered her services, but the wool proved too tricky for her. “It had really short fibres, so was hard to spin. So Nicky did one bag, then Eden and her nana went to Eyebright Country Store and they did another bag.” The plan was for Eden to make it into a blanket, but then everything changed. “Her teacher showed her how to finger knit, so she ended up finger knitting it all and now it looks like a giant dreadlock!” The tail-like creation takes pride of place hanging on Eden’s headboard in her bedroom.

that residents are calling for, he says.

Residents buy an ‘occupation right agreement’ when they select a villa or apartment in a retirement village. Occupation right agreements vary dramatically and he says the 450 retirement villages around the country have 420 different agreements.

One of the main gripes for residents is getting their money back – or their family - when they leave their villas or apartments to go into care facilities, or they die.

Brian says the agreements often have no date about when money is paid back to the family when the villa or apartment is vacated. In one case, a local family waited eight months to get the fam-

Lake Rotoiti School raised around $13,000 hosting a food tent at the 100th Year Powerboat Regatta at Nelson Lakes last week. The proceeds will pay for the whole school to go on camp, have ski lessons and other out and about activities which take place during the year. Office manager for the school Dominique McCrostie says doing this fundraiser means the school doesn’t need to ask for donations and parents don’t need to cover the costs of extracurricular activities. “Volunteers sell home baking, drinks and hot food to the spectators and boat crews.”

As it’s such a huge event, they had four students helping, including Jessica McCrostie (pictured), parents, the principal and teacher, grandparents, parents of ex-students and community members. “With only 15 students in the school, we put out the call for community help and the community answered. Photo: Supplied.

ily’s money back from the retirement village when it was needed for a family member with a young family. He says legislation is needed to make all retirement villages give money back to the families within 28 days of the homes being vacated, with interest paid on money that has been sitting there. He also wants a change to the act to stop villages charging fees even after someone has died. Though residents buy an occupation right agreement, Brian says they are usually treated as tenants, yet do not have tenancy rights.

“Some of the clauses in the act are completely unfair and we want fairness.

“There’s a huge opportunity this election year to vote. Tap

an MP on the shoulder and ask them what they think of the act.”

The association’s Tasman chairman Garry Thompson says residents in the region pay $800,000 or more for an occupation right agreement for a two-bedroom residence in a village. He says elderly people have accepted the agreements with their variation of clauses because they want the lifestyle of a village, the compassion and the security as they get older. If problems arise, it is often too hard to fight for their rights, especially when the act does not protect them.

“The elderly are very vulnerable. Some don’t have families or don’t have families locally, or don’t like to ask families.”

Richmond’s Fairy Grandmother

27 July 2022

Penny McPherson, who transformed her Fairose Drive front garden into a fairy wonderland, has been busy adding even more features to her creation. “As well as adding lots more fairy houses, I’ve put in a vegetable garden and would like some Countdown Bricks to decorate the planters if anyone has any spare.” She plans to offer seeds for the children who visit to plant and come back to see how well they’ve grown. “The Waimea Menzshed have also just built me a cabinet out front for a community pantry.” Visitors will be able to leave excess fruit and veg on the shelves and pick up anything they might need. “I think it’s a nice way to connect the neighbours, and share what’s in our gardens so nothing goes to waste.”

Big Bake Up Gets Bigger

7 September 2022

Volunteer group ‘The Big Bake Up’ held their first community cook-up last month, making 79 macaroni and cheese meals at Wakefield Community Hall. The food was then frozen and dropped at local collection points for pick-up by those who need a boost. Founder Melissa Woodhouse says offering kindness at a time of need can make a real difference in how people recover. “It’s taken six months but I’m pretty excited to finally get here. Thanks to those who have supported us along the way. We are only a small team, but we are all passionate about helping others.” The crew also made 30 bangers and mash meals in a second cookup after they received a donation of frozen sausages. “Brightwater School now holds some of our meals in the freezer for anyone within the school family or community to collect as needed. As do local playcentres and Pinegrove kindy, along with many other collection points.” If you’d like to help cook or donate money to the organisation, see thebigbakeup.com or follow them on Facebook.

Garry Thompson, Brian Peat and Linda Bergman are calling for change to the Retirement Villages Act. Photo: Supplied.

Vehicles on beaches threatening native seabirds

MAX FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter

Tasman District Council is exploring options on how to best limit the damage caused by motor vehicles to native seabird populations along the region’s beaches.

A report presented to council last week says the “issue of vehicles on beaches has consistently been raised by the public and community groups for the past 20 years” with complaints covering almost every beach in the region that is accessible by vehicle.

The problem isn’t unique to Tasman either. Marlborough District Council recently passed a bylaw that banned vehicles from the region’s east coast except for a 9km stretch during the day.

David Melville, a local ornithologist and member of Birds New Zealand, says Tasman is home to several threatened birds, like the variable oystercatcher, the bartailed godwit, and the banded dotterel.

“Disturbances by vehicles on beaches can cause nesting birds to desert, as well as potentially crushing eggs and chicks,” he says.

In January, quad bikes damaged a wetland enhancement project in the Waimea Estuary that aims to provide a habitat for the criticallyendangered matuku, or Australasian bittern.

And David says there are occasionally problems on the Motueka Sandspit, an internationally important site for roosting shorebirds.

He also acknowledged council’s efforts to discourage vehicles from accessing Kina Peninsula near Tasman village which was having a positive impact on nesting banded dotterels and variable oystercatchers, but says the threat posed to seabirds by vehicles is much more acute in Golden Bay than Tasman Bay.

Forest and Bird Golden Bay chair, Cynthia McConville, says the organisation has been advocating for a bylaw addressing the issue for four years, though they don’t want a restriction as tight as what Marl-

borough has introduced. She says this is the second summer in a row when vehicles have destroyed nests of the variable oystercatcher.

“It’s tough, these birds are up against it,” she says. “We hold one third of the global population in this region, so we have a moral and legal responsibility to protect them,” she says.

Council is exploring options to address the issue, such as installing physical barriers to limit vehicle beach access in problematic locations, continuing education campaigns throughout the district to change behaviours, or creating a bylaw on the issue.

However, there have been several instances of physical barriers being removed by residents in the past and there are doubts continued education would have an impact.

“We’ve been trying education for four years,” Cynthia says. “I’m sorry it doesn’t work.”

Some councillors did express reservations about banning vehicles from beaches, however.

Deputy mayor Stuart Bryant acknowledged the need for seabirds to nest in peace, but said the issue had been divisive in Marlborough.

“There’s also people’s recreational needs and social needs. We need to address that,” he says. “It’s divided communities, so it’s somewhere where we’ll need to tread carefully.”

Kim Drummond, council’s group manager environmental assurance, highlighted that all options were still on the table and says staff are engaging with Marlborough District Council to learn how they approached their bylaw, lining up discussions with iwi, and continuing to pursue education strategies.

“We’re not advancing a silver bullet, but we are showing commitment in terms of a more holistic approach while recognising that right here and now there is a job to do.”

Native seabirds like the variable oystercatcher are at risk from vehicles driving on beaches, crushing hard-to-see nests. Photo: Supplied/Forest and Bird Golden Bay.

Big reveal for playground project

JO KENT

Plans to build a natural playground costing hundreds of thousands of dollars at St Paul’s School were revealed to families last week at a community meeting.

Principal Maureen Phillips says the new holistic play area will not only benefit children at the school but families throughout the community.

“Our vision is to provide a natural play space where children can spend time playing and feeling connected to nature. The new facilities will benefit both school families and those in surrounding areas.”

The ambitious project has been broken down into six stages to make the development achievable across a few years.

“Our biennial Harvest Gala fundraiser is coming up in six weeks and proceeds from that will go towards the second stage of the project.”

A new bike track was opened at the end of the last year which saw the completion of stage one. “It’s already proving really popu-

lar with all our students, who are thrilled with it.”

The initial holistic designs were thought up by school parent and divisional leader at Nelmac, Karl Nesbitt.

“Through the design, we took into consideration accessibility, play for all ages, cultural awareness, gender, and alignment to the environment and nature,” he says.

The team worked closely with the children on the design, observing how they played and utilised green spaces as well as how they engaged in play at differing ages and genders.

“Like any play spaces, it can be challenging to meet differing needs, es-

A busy week in Nelson

It was fantastic to attend Nelson’s Multicultural Festival on Sunday and celebrate the diverse cultures that make up our region My thanks to everyone involved in putting on an amazing eventI’m so pleased the sun was shining!

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins is in Nelson this week We are visiting some of Nelson’s flood affected areas so that the Prime Minister can see the progress we’ve made with the clean-up, the work still to be done, and areas of Nelson that need more investment infrastructure We are also meeting with local businesses and the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce followed by a visit to Richmond

From April 1, we re significantly increasing support for seniors, students, beneficiaries, and families Superannuation is increasing, so that a couple who are both aged over 65 will receive $102 84 extra per fortnight and a single person living alone will receive an extra $66 86 per fortnight We’re also raising main benefits so that a family with children will receive an extra $40 86 per week and a sole parent will receive an extra $31 83 per week The minimum wage will go up to $22 70 on April 1, lifting the incomes of thousands of workers

While these measures won’t solve everything, they will make a difference for many Nelsonians - and right now, I know every bit helps

pecially when you move through Years 1 to 8.

“But the students have told us what they’d like to see and we’ve taken things from there.”

The proposed design allows the school to utilise the green space which runs along the perimeter fence and develop it into educational play zones.

The existing playground equipment will eventually be removed and replaced with something more holistic at a later stage.

“The key aspect of the design allows for a child’s development to be aligned with their emotional and physical capability and in a space that can become educational by incorporating taiao and connecting children to nature and science,” Karl says.

One aspect of the holistic approach to play is the native planting which will be put in among

the play equipment, allowing teachers to use this space as an education zone.

“With the native planting, children can learn how bug and bird life is connected to the life cycle within the environment, the weather and its impacts on soils, plant life and insect life, giving the school a space that allows the playground to become so much more.”

Maureen says that she hopes the community will back the idea and help to make it become a reality.

“It’s been proven that immersing children in nature can benefit them on many levels, so this is a huge step in the right direction for our school.”

The St Paul’s School Harvest Gala is on Saturday 6 May from 11am to 3pm.

Karl Nesbitt rides the newly-opened pump track with his son AJ. Photo: Jo Kent.

Dementia unit pause disappoints

That’s not good at all. People move to these villages to go right through to this type of care. You are leaving them without and now having to relook elsewhere at a very delicate and stressful time of life for them and family.

Julie Cotton

Hmm… we can have thousands of new homes in the area but can’t get permission to look after our elderly properly.

Janet Ellison

These places make enough profit, why are they not going ahead with this?

Italina Sowman

Looks like they want to let the other retirement villages grab the chance of having a dementia unit

Terry Beach

Very sad to hear.

Cheryl Brooks

Seifrieds recognized for lifetime of devotion

Congratulations. Well deserved. You are a great team and have been a great guiding light to the wine industry in Nelson all these years. You started from scratch when there was no wine industry here. A fabulous legacy and much to be proud of.

Christine Blair Tuffnell

Congratulations to you both. Very much deserved.

Jim McNabb

Having worked for them in the past, this is overdue. Two of the most humble and hardworking people I have worked for. Well done, Hermann & Agnes. Total respect.

Aaron Smith

Well done. Lovely couple. Excellent wine. Great how all your family works together. A shining example to the rest of us. Family is so important. Life’s too important not to drink good wine!

Glenda McClelland

Oh, congrats you two!! Such a well-deserved award to two special Nelsonians.

Catherine Ellis

Very well deserved, Have served our area very well after so much hard graft, it’s time for recognition.

Congratulations

Rosalie Richardson

Many congratulations, Agnes & Hermann. True role models of the wine industry.

Ruth Jarman

Congratulations to you both. I remember when I used to call on a Friday night on my way to Nelson driving for Newman’s and picking up the wine from you at the Upper Moutere winery. Well done. You can slow down now and enjoy life.

Tony Grooby

Congratulations. A wonderful achievement from a tremendous amount of hard work.

Vivienne Fox

Richmond’s Pet Pantry closing

You are amazing, Jess Brougham, Stephani Mitchell

You can only do so much Jess, and your family has to come first.

Margaret Goff

Thanks for covering this Jo Kent appreciate how well you’ve done getting the pet pantry out there. A big thank you to everyone who got behind us, it helped many people but rather than run something else it’s best we back those already out there struggling. Haven’t visited the SPCA yet, but I have stuff going up to them left over I will get round to today. But remember the SPCA also have a small pet pantry if you are struggling and they are approachable.

Jess Brougham

Weeklong adventure race tests limits

A great insight into the race. Well done all.

Heather Morris

Shutdown for Seniornet

The staff at the public libraries also run sessions to help people with tech problems.

Brenda Black

Nelson Dance Along

Saturday 25 March, 7.30pm-11pm

Richmond Town Hall

Plate for supper, music by Warren Fenemor. Tickets cost $6. Everyone welcome. Contact Rosalie Winter for info on 03 538 0133.

Richmond Plant Market

Saturday 25 March, 10am-2pm

Richmond Town Hall

Market for indoor plant enthusiasts, whether you’re new to the hobby or have an entire jungle at home! We’ve got all your planty needs covered.

Mahana School Twilight Food & Music Fiesta

Saturday 25 March, 3pm-7pm Mahana School

Face painting, pony rides, bouncy castle, awesome raffles and even a water slide. There is something to keep the whole family entertained. Eftpos available. Gold coin entry

Community education and night classes also cover computer and technology for all age groups.

Diane Chandler

Menacing dog classification challenged

Why are they even contesting this? The dog bit someone because they couldn’t control it. Keep your dogs under control, simple.

Emily Rayven

Fight for your babies. So many dogs are misunderstood, and a lot are judged just because of their breed.

Angela Epiha

Oh, for goodness sake, just keep all your dogs under control and on leads to put public minds at ease. Pretty simple to have good etiquette.

You were so far away from the dogs you could not see attack from what dog?

Jan Fitzgerald

Doesn’t look like a dog bite to me.

Heather Brownlee

MJ Fraser Logging - Celebrating 50 Years

first skidder. It was a CAT518, and the first step into mechanisation when a grapple was fitted to it the following year. With a strong focus on health and safety in the industry, Mike took full ownership of the company in 1990 with the vision to create a fully-mechanised operation. Finally taking the leap, and not without some trepidation, Fraser Logging purchased a Hahn Harvester in 1994 to mechanically process logs and, subsequently, a CAT325 with a waratah processing head in 1998. A successfully won contract for Weyerhaeuser New Zealand in 1999 saw a growth period for the business and the beginning of the 740 crew. Mike continued investment to training his staff, and his contribution and input to forestry in the region

Renowned and well-respected for their dedication to providing a better workplace environment, MJ Fraser Logging are celebrating 50 years in the industry. Owned by fourthgeneration logger Mike Fraser, whose name is synonymous with providing change and growth within the logging sector, we take a look at where it all began, and MJ Fraser Logging’s journey to becoming one of the region's most successful and influential operators in the region.

Robin Fraser, Mike’s great grandfather was the first in a long line of Frasers whose lives have been intrinsically linked to New Zealand forests. He was born in the late 1800’s and worked in forestry at Nydia Bay in the Marlborough Sounds.

Roy Fraser, Mike’s grandfather was born in 1902 and followed in Robin’s footsteps, operating

a hauler for Oddland’s in the North Island’s Wairarapa. Don Fraser, Mike’s father was born in 1930 and continued on the family tradition working in forestry and lived in a hut in the bush with his brother Bill, cutting posts and firewood in 1948. The two brothers worked in a forestry crew in 1950, and then made the move to the South Island to work on Rabbit Island in the early 50’s using cross-cut saws and axes to trim trees.

In the late 50’s Don went to work for the Hunt Brothers. On the hauler side they used a horse to pull the main rope out. Don competed in a range of industry competitions, winning various New Zealand chopping records, and the New Zealand Jigger Board Championship in the late 60’s which resulted in an invitation to chop for HRH

Queen Elizabeth II at Trafalgar

Park during a Royal Tour.

In 1972 Don and his wife Doreen purchased the logging business from Bob Hunt and this was the beginning of the Fraser 03 crew and Fraser Logging family business. Back then the crew, consisting of one loader, a bulldozer and five men, produced approximately four to five truckloads per day. Mike joined his father in the operation in 1980. An experienced mechanic, Mike was surprised at the lack of qualifications and training systems required to work in the industry and used this as a driving motivation for change and growth into leading the business.

Working side by side with his father for many years, Fraser Logging purchased their first new machine in 1981 – a CATD6D dozer - and by the mid 80’s they had purchased their

Mike Fraser and his team continue to make their mark in the industry and lead the way forward to new era of logging.

has seen him and his team receive numerous awards for their excellence within the industry. Since its inception, the strength of the business has been within its people, and their wellbeing continues to be one of the driving forces behind its success.

In 2022 Fraser Logging gained the OneFortyOne tender to carry out harvesting and road engineering on approximately 2000 hectares of forest in the Manuka Island forest estate in the top of the Wairau Valley. It was a four hundred thousand tonne contract and the first time Fraser Logging had entered into a deal including roading. The company now employs 37 people, including management, collaboratively totes up 351 years of service, and their four fully mechanised crews produce approximately 340 thousand tonnes per year working in the OneFortyOne forests. Hugely valuable to the forestry industry, Mike Fraser is considered a real leader and a true professional

Proud to support MJ Fraser Logging

amongst his peers. He draws on an extensive rugby background, having played NPC for Nelson Bays and coached at Mako level, bringing through many of those sporting practices into his business, saying “Rugby is doing some really cool stuff and I have tried to utilise what happens there. We can teach people how to use a chainsaw, how to operate a machine, and other skills that are needed, but we need to give them the tools to grow and see them be who they really are.”

Decades before mental health was widely discussed, Mike knew that ensuring his workers had solid support around them would lead to success and enlisted the help of a psychologist to support his crew.

Jim Forsyth has been providing psychological and counselling support to Fraser logging for many years and says that Mike is clearly motivated not only to run a great operation but is also acutely conscious that an organisation is only as good as its people.

“I have always admired Mike’s proactive and caring approach to the welfare of his staff. I have invariably found him approachable, generous with his time and resources, and keen to make a positive contribution to people’s lives.”

Their continual dedication to health and safety, training plans and developing leadership skills

A true legend in the forestry industry, Mike Fraser.

result in a multi-skilled efficient workforce who are dedicated to the business. Recent 2022 Top of the South Forestry awards for MJ Fraser Logging saw Mike being honoured as Hero of the Industry for his massive investment, contribution and input to for-

estry in the region, and also winning Training Company/ Contractor of the Year. In 2021 team members of MJ Fraser Logging were recognised for their outstanding contributions at the Top of the South Forestry Awards, taking away runner-up for NZ Apprentice of the Year, Crew of the Year and winners of the Harvesting Excellent and overall winner - Skilled Professional of the Year. A true legend in the industry, Mike and his family have drawn on their extensive knowledge and experience to create a thriving and respected work culture that is second to none. Mike’s long-standing enthusiasm for technology introduced a safer working environment for his staff at a very early stage and paved the way for a more efficient and better work

environment for all. The addition of Mike’s daughter to the team now makes for a family of fifth generation loggers who continue to make their mark in the industry and lead the way forward to a new era of logging.

“On reflection of the last 50 years, while so much has changed in the industry, one thing has remained constant, and that is the need to grow and develop both personally as individuals and professionally as a business. Fraser Logging has always believed in the wellbeing of our people being the key to the future of our business.”

Mike Fraser is quick to praise others in the region, tipping his hat to the world-leading technology and innovation that continues to happen.

Tasman Heavy Diesel would like to give a huge congratulations to Mike and the team on your well deserved success, over the last 50 years. We are honoured to work alongside you on your Journey.

14 O’Connor Road, Richmond, Nelson (03) 544 2777 or 027 344 3699 | matt@thd.nz

CONGRATULATIONS M J FRASER LOGGING ON 50 YEARS

CONGRATULATIONS M J FRASER LOGGING ON 50 YEARS

CONGRATULATIONS M J FRASER LOGGING ON 50 YEARS

We know your business like you know the forest. We are your power on the ground.

We know your business like you know the forest. We are your power on the ground.

We know your business like you know the forest. We are your power on the ground.

We know your business like you know the forest. We are your power on the ground.

CONGRATULATIONS M J FRASER LOGGING ON 50 YEARS

Throughout our history we’ve supported New Zealand’s forestry industry. Our connection to the land and the grounded nature of our people and our relationships, speak for themselves.

We know your business like you know the forest. We are your power on the ground.

Throughout our history we’ve supported New Zealand’s forestry industry. Our connection to the land and the grounded nature of our people and our relationships, speak for themselves.

Throughout our history we’ve supported New Zealand’s forestry industry. Our connection to the land and the grounded nature of our people and our relationships, speak for themselves.

Cat® brings the power of unparalleled world class products and systems you know and rely on.

Throughout our history we’ve supported New Zealand’s forestry industry. Our connection to the land and the grounded nature of our people and our relationships, speak for themselves.

Cat® brings the power of unparalleled world class products and systems you know and rely on.

Throughout our history we’ve supported New Zealand’s forestry industry. Our connection to the land and the grounded nature of our people and our relationships, speak for themselves. Cat® brings the power of unparalleled world class products and systems you know and rely on.

Cat® brings the power of unparalleled world class products and systems you know and rely on.

Proud to be associated with Mike Fraser Logging. Congratulations on being in business 50 years.

Cat® brings the power of unparalleled world class products and systems you know and rely on.

The Fraser boys on the job; Don Fraser with his sons Mike (left) and Tony (right)

Manager’s Snippet

Wayne Williams

Seems like a very short time since my last burble, so not much to write about his month.

It’s been a steady period, and this week could become a bit lively with St Patrick’s day being Friday 17th (gone by the time you read this).

I took a few members to Christchurch a few weeks ago, and we

visited several clubs while there (as you do), with the Lyttleton Club being a must if you are in the area and will be a great spot to watch the Sail GP this weekend. Huge progress has been made on the carpark resurfacing, with completion only days away, then on through the caravan park. Shower cubicles are all being renovated this week

as well. The new streetside signage is up, make sure you take a look. Plenty of other projects are on the go, so with everyone’s continued support, we will be able to keep giving back to you as our valued members. Look forward to seeing you all in your club in the near future.

Cheers

The Lyttleton Club bar area and view

Our new sign goes up, come and take a look

Pool Section - Waimea Classic Open 8 Ball

The Weekend of 25th and 26th February saw the Waimea Classic Open 8 Ball held, there was a full field of 72 players from the South Island and a couple from the North Island. There were some very good games with Club Waimea represented by four players in the quar-

ter finals of the Championship. They were Nathan Geddes, Martin Turner, Daniel Cole and Tim Shanaher.

Nathan and Tim progressing to the Semi Finals. Nathan played Chris Bowman from Marlborough and Tim played Ceri Worts from Marlborough. Nathan

played Ceri in the final with Ceri coming away with the win.

A big thankyou to the Committee, staff at Club Waimea and all the players and supporters for attending this event, if it wasn’t for you all we wouldn’t be able to put this tournament on.

FISHING SECTION

Saturday 25th March – Craig Allott

Friday 31st March – Moondog Blues 6 – 9pm

Saturday 1st April – Robb Innes

Saturday 8th April – KICK

Saturday 15th April – Gypsy Pickers

Saturday 22nd April – Mudd Bros

Saturday 29th April – Craig Allott

Runner Up Nathan Geddes with Mark Watson

Winner Ceri Worts with event organiser Mark Watson

Easter Egg Rice Bubble Nests

Directions:

1. Grease and line 10 bases of a 12-hole muffin tin.

2. Place Mars bars and butter in a medium saucepan. Stir over a low heat for 5 minutes or until melted.

3. Place rice bubbles in a large heatproof bowl. Add melted Mars bar mixture and stir to combine. Allow to cool, then divide mixture among pan holes and shape into nests.

4. Refrigerate until firm. Store in refrigerator until just before serving.

5. When ready to serve, place on a platter with Easter eggs arranged inside each nest.

TRY THESE Tongue

Twisters!

1. To begin to toboggan first buy a toboggan, but don't buy too big a toboggan. Too big a toboggan is too big a toboggan to buy to begin to toboggan.

2. Give papa a cup of proper coffee in a copper coffee cup.

3. Which witch switched the Swiss wristwatches?

4. I thought a thought, But the thought I thought wasn’t the thought I thought I thought.

If the thought I thought I thought had been the thought I thought, I wouldn’t have thought so much.

5. A big bug bit a bold bald bear and the bold bald bear bled blood badly

School Holiday Bucket List

Have a picnic. Play a board game. Make homemade pizza. Feed the ducks. Fly a kite.

Have a pyjama day. Do a jigsaw puzzle. Bake something delicious. Built a blanket fort.

www.quinneysbush.co.nz

Kick a football around the park. Build a sandcastle at the beach.

Murchison community safer thanks to newly-installed defibrillator

Murchison community safer thanks to newly-installed defibrillator

The Murchison community have rallied together to make their town safer by fundraising for a defibrillator to be installed at the Riverside Holiday Park. The holiday park has a popular swimming hole and locals frequent the area for the nearby golf course, walks and playground.

The Murchison community have rallied together to make their town safer by fundraising for a defibrillator to be installed at the Riverside Holiday Park. The holiday park has a popular swimming hole and locals frequent the area for the nearby golf course, walks and playground.

However, last year Murchison Sport, Recreation and Cultural Centre assistant manager Julia Sara noticed that the closest defibrillator to the popular summer spot was a kilometre away – too far to go in an emergency. During the summer a child went missing and she says it was a scary 10 minutes before he was found safe and well.

However, last year Murchison Sport, Recreation and Cultural Centre assistant manager Julia Sara noticed that the closest defibrillator to the popular summer spot was a kilometre away – too far to go in an emergency. During the summer a child went missing and she says it was a scary 10 minutes before he was found safe and well.

“He didn’t like the water so we knew he wouldn’t have gone in willingly, so everyone was searching the waterway and surrounding paths,” Julia says. The young boy was found safe near the toilets.

“He didn’t like the water so we knew he wouldn’t have gone in willingly, so everyone was searching the waterway and surrounding paths,” Julia says. The young boy was found safe near the toilets.

“But after the drowning of a man who was brought back to life and then that, I just thought ‘what would happen if we needed one?’”

“But after the drowning of a man who was brought back to life and then that, I just thought ‘what would happen if we needed one?’”

It didn’t take long for word to get out about the fundraising effort, with NBS, Matiri Project Community Fund, NZ Kayak School, Murchison Youth Council, Kinzett Forestry, Greg Pugh Builder Ltd, Bob Pugh Builder Ltd and Trees & Bees Ltd coming on board to support the drive, along with Riverside Holiday Park and Julia’s family.

It didn’t take long for word to get out about the fundraising effort, with NBS, Matiri Project Community Fund, NZ Kayak School, Murchison Youth Council, Kinzett Forestry, Greg Pugh Builder Ltd, Bob Pugh Builder Ltd and Trees & Bees Ltd coming on board to support the drive, along with Riverside Holiday Park and Julia’s family.

The defibrillator is now installed and ready to use if needed, although Julia says the ideal situation would be that they service and maintain it but that it never needs to come out for a reallife situation.

The defibrillator is now installed and ready to use if needed, although Julia says the ideal situation would be that they service and maintain it but that it never needs to come out for a reallife situation.

Julia says the installation now means the whole town is no more than 500m away from a defibrillator should they need one.

Julia says the installation now means the whole town is no more than 500m away from a defibrillator should they need one.

Maruia couple take out top dairy award

Maruia couple take out top dairy award

The major winners in the 2023 West Coast/Top of the South Dairy Industry Awards say being caretakers of the land is a pretty special job to have and they are proud to be part of a food-producing nation.

The major winners in the 2023 West Coast/Top of the South Dairy Industry Awards say being caretakers of the land is a pretty special job to have and they are proud to be part of a food-producing nation.

Maruia dairy farmers Ricky and Maria Johnson were announced winners of the region’s Share Farmer of the Year Category at the annual awards dinner held in Shantytown on Thursday night. Ricky and Maria are 50/50 share milkers on Robb and Jane Macbeth’s 194ha Maruia farm, milking 420 cows. They won $8,000 in prizes and three merit awards.

Maruia dairy farmers Ricky and Maria Johnson were announced winners of the region’s Share Farmer of the Year Category at the annual awards dinner held in Shantytown on Thursday night. Ricky and Maria are 50/50 share milkers on Robb and Jane Macbeth’s 194ha Maruia farm, milking 420 cows. They won $8,000 in prizes and three merit awards.

“We entered the Awards for the first time over 15 years ago and we entered again this year after hearing about the changes and it’s been well worthwhile so far,” they say.

“We entered the Awards for the first time over 15 years ago and we entered again this year after hearing about the changes and it’s been well worthwhile so far,” they say.

“The feedback and taking the time to look at how and why we do things has made us think about where we are going and how we are going to get there.”

“The feedback and taking the time to look at how and why we do things has made us think about where we are going and how we are going to get there.”

The couple’s family are now young adults and they say their biggest success was being able to bring their family up on a farm and having a tight family unit.

The couple’s family are now young adults and they say their biggest success was being able to bring their family up on a farm and having a tight family unit.

“When you love what you do it doesn’t feel like work. The boys enjoy coming home to help on the farm and have

“When you love what you do it doesn’t feel like work. The boys enjoy coming home to help on the farm and have

a BBQ tea. "Ricky and Maria cite their team as one of the biggest strengths of their business.

a BBQ tea. "Ricky and Maria cite their team as one of the biggest strengths of their business.

“We have a great crew with Kerrin being with us for 6 seasons and Isaac for three seasons. Being able to retain staff is awesome and makes life and the farm much easier.”

“We have a great crew with Kerrin being with us for 6 seasons and Isaac for three seasons. Being able to retain staff is awesome and makes life and the farm much easier.”

Maruia dairy farmers Ricky and Maria Johnson. Photo supplied.

Maruia dairy farmers Ricky and Maria Johnson. Photo supplied.

Murchison school goes green to stay warm

Murchison Area School has reduced its carbon footprint by replacing coal with low-carbon energy to stay warm through winter.

As part of the Government’s decarbonisation programme for schools, the 200-pupil school has had its old coal-powered boiler replaced with a new system that burns wood pellets and reduces carbon emissions.

The Government paid for the decommissioning of the old coal boiler and installation of the new boiler system.

Principal Andy Ashworth says there are numerous bonuses that come with the change. The downside is it will cost the school $20,000 a year to run the new system.

Until last year, trucks full of coal carrying up to five tonnes of coal at a time, drove into the middle of the school two or three times a term and he says it was not ideal. “The old boiler was a health hazard in the middle of the school and big trucks coming in, whereas this new system is on the outside of the school.”

Now, the new boiler system sits in two shipping containers. One

contains the boiler and electronics and the other holds the wood pellets that feed into boiler.

Andy says a container of 20 tonnes of pellets should last an entire term and produce just three kilograms of ash, making it an efficient fuel.

“We will have virtually no waste at all, which is great. The bonus on top of that is the ash that comes is not just ash and is perfect for gardens.”

At this stage, only three companies supply the wood pellets and the school will have to initially get it trucked from Tauranga. In the future it will be Invercargill.

“Overall, we are extremely happy and it will be great for the school,” Andy says. “We haven’t paid for the scheme, but all schools pay for their own heating costs and that’s expensive. It will cost us about $20,000 a year.

That’s money we aren’t using somewhere else. We look forward to the Government contributing more to the raw materials.”

The school is included in the West Coast sector for the programme and has been the first in that sector to reduce emissions by ditch-

ing its coal-powered boiler. Andy says the new system will be beneficial to the environment and the community, and will help with its growing roll. There have been 12 new teachers employed this year - mostly in part-time roles. Five years ago the school had a roll of 120 students and Andy says that it has grown to 200, partly due to families moving to the area and also secondary-age students staying at the school. “We keep getting bigger and bigger.”

camp ground buller river

Kennedy Horner points to the new, greener boiler system at Murchison Area School. Photo supplied.

Speedway Stampede simply sensational

JODY SCOTT

The packed house at Milestone Homes Top of the South Speedway were treated with a climatic conclusion to a huge weekend of racing at the PTS Stampede.

Even the rain that shortened Friday night couldn’t dampen the heat of Saturday’s festivities, Shane Harwood putting the icing on the cake for the locals, dominating the all-in feature race to win the Stampede Cup in the Ben Smith Super Stock.

An epic battle behind him was just superb, Canterbury’s Lloyd Jennings just holding out fellow club-mate Jake Berry. Defending champion Brett Nicholls missing the podium by a whisper, nearly tagging the front cars in the final corner.

A huge rollover by Rotorua’s Bryce Vazey and Thomas Stanaway in the penultimate race will be the feature crash on Facebook and TikTok channels this week. The Stock Cars warmed up the crowd before the feature race with

YOUR CAREER

a huge win to locals Dylan Clarke and Riley Eathorne against a couple of top visiting teams in their Stock Car Summer Slam.

The top six pairs competed in a knockout competition over three laps per race to find the eventual winner, after competing in group races over the weekend. The new format was a real winner on the day and will be a big edition to next year’s programme.

The Youth Ministock Mania featured cars from all over the country, eventual winner Deegan Butcher from Napier just holding on from local Jack Burson who came 2nd with Rotorua’s George Crawford 3rd, Cohen Wright 4th and another local, Conley Webley, in 5th.

Jayden Vibert was top local in the junior section, younger Crawford brother Jimmy winning from Christchurch’s Marcel Vlaanherer.

Penalties to Wright and Burson cost them vital points which would’ve changed the results. The North Vs South competition was

won by the North team. It was close until a couple of southern cars broke late in the meeting.

The Classics ran a team’s format with the pairing of Peanut and Herbie getting the points win. It was more about track time than results with several guest drivers getting behind the wheel. A few North Islanders were gutted that they missed the meeting due to ferry sailing issues.

Street Stocks also ran a pairs format, while the South Island title is just two weeks away. They were

not mucking around - Cody McCarrison getting an eight-day holiday for being a bit too keen.

Brian Shaw and Harry Moffit-Schwass took out the win from Ryan Morrison and Tim Pine with Steve Soper and Josh Atkinson 3rd. The Nelson Knights are due to compete at Easter after their meeting was rained out last week in Christchurch.

The first Pam Nixon Memorial was won by Vaughan Cornelius in the Production Saloon class, Fee Frans was second with Kris-

sy Wolf, Pam’s daughter racing her late mother’s car, claimed 3rd overall. A wee door issue once again for Geoff Watson as both rear doors flapped open in the first race making for some entertainment.

The Mark Thorne Memorial trophy was competed for in the Sidecar class. Brent Steer and Wade Thorne got the job done from Rob and Harley Martin, Christchurch’s Paul Anderson and Ella Hurst-Whitworth in 3rd, the flat track keeping the competitors happy.

A huge Saturday crowd were treated to one of the best meetings in recent years, even with ferry dramas stopping many North Islanders from crossing. The last month of racing has been epic, with the street stock title still to come. The racing has been hard and fast, while the thrills and spills have dominated highlight reels around the country. The Street Stock title is the final box to tick off before the Easter finale.

ALLIANCE – SEASONAL TEAM MEMBERS

Are you looking to earn some good money while you learn new skills? Right now, our Nelson plant is gearing up for a big 2022- 2023 season with a number of opportunities available. If you’ve got experience doing the mahi - awesome, give us a shout, but if you’ll be coming in fresh and just keen to learn and earn - that’s good too, we can train you up! We’re recruiting Butchers, Boners, Halal Slaughterers, and Labourers.

Ngā painga - what’s in it for you?

• Butchers: potential to earn an average of $1,365 based on a 40-hour working week, exclusive of overtime

• Boners: potential to earn an average of $1,374 based on a 40-hour working week, exclusive of overtime

• Halal Slaughterers: potential to earn an average of $1,353 based on a 40- hour working week, exclusive of overtime

• Labourers: earn a minimum of $26.50 per hour across a day, inclusive of allowances

• Minimum of 30 hours a week, usually 45 hours a week

• Up to 7 months of full-time seasonal employment

• Upskill yourself with an opportunity to gain NZQA qualifications

• Receive ongoing training and support

• Access to free onsite health services including a nurse, physiotherapist, counsellor

• Access to our free employee assistance programme

Ō pūkenga - about you

• You are eligible to work in New Zealand

• You will pass a pre-employment drug test and medical assessment

• You are willing and able to follow and respect workplace health and safety

• You enjoy working within a team environment

• You are physically fit, committed, and reliable

Apply online at www.alliancejobs.co.nz, by emailing nelson.botas@alliance.co.nz, or visit us at the Nelson Plant, 910 Main Rd Stoke, 7011.

Find out more at www.alliance.co.nz

Training ramps up for Tasman swimmers

JACK MALCOLM

Tasman Swim Club’s top young swimmers are training upwards of nine times a week as they prepare for nationals in April.

The team has been ramping up training as the tournament, the 2023 Apollo Projects New Zealand Age Group Swimming Championships (NAGS) in Hawke’s Bay, comes into focus.

Head coach Shaun Foley says they have been building up to the event for months, with a lot of early mornings getting in laps at Nayland Pool and the Richmond Aquatic Cen-

tre.

“The youth are nine times a week, with two sessions in the gym, and the age-grade swimmers are six water and two 30 minute land sessions.”

There’s some lofty goals from the team, as well, with 16-yearold William Seymour looking to secure his place in the New Zealand team for the Youth Commonwealth Games.

He was named in the 40-strong long-list of swimmers in contention, which will be cut down to size at nationals. Swimmers like William will have to notch up a qualifying time at the event to secure a spot on the team.

For the other local swimmers, there are still high ambitions after a lot of time spent at the pool in preparation.

Mya Ketel and Brooke Swan say their goals are to earn a spot on the podium and a medal, while Lono Kalani (14), who won 11 golds in the 2021 Nelson/Marlborough long course championships, says he just wants people to make people laugh and have a good time.

With the event hosted in Hawkes Bay, organisers have confirmed that it will still go ahead following Cyclone Gabrielle after conducting a site visit earlier this month.

Tasman Swim Club’s team of Joel Verran (17), Lucas Bell (13), William Seymour (16), Mya Ketel (16) and Lono Kalani (14) (absent: Brooke Swan, Alex Marshall and Sam Wilson) have been putting in the hours as they ramp up for their biggest tournament of the year. Photo: Jack Malcolm.

The packed crowd were treated at Speedway’s PTS Stampede over the weekend. Photo: Rebecca Connor-Maling.

Nail-biting finish to annual classic

After 100km of racing, a sprint finish was needed between Cameron Beaumont and Ari Scott to decide the winner of the Tasman Wheelers Annual Classic.

Despite taking a wrong turn and riding 4km further than the rest of the field, the pair managed to finish more than five minutes ahead of Henry Kersten in third, with Cameron coming out with top honours.

Nearly 40 riders, ranging in age from 14 to 79, turned out for the event,

with 23 riders competing on the two- lap circuit while 15 battled it out on the 50km single lap race. The first female rider home in the 100km event was Josie Wilcox, who placed fourth overall while averaging an impressive 35km per hour on the hilly course.

The 50km event was also hotly contested to the finish line, with William Conway holding off Lyn Richardson in another tight sprint finish and Steve Brough coming in shortly after to secure third place.

At stake in the 100km race were two of the club’s key trophies, the Les Vincent Memorial trophy won by Cameron and the Ann Rigg memorial trophy won by Josie.

The Classic also acts as a practice run for many Wheelers members who are heading off to age group nationals in Timaru next month.

Full results of the Tasman Classic Race can be found on the club’s website, www. tasmanwheelers.co.nz, along with their calendar of future events.

Stoke-Nayland put on finals masterclass

JACK MALCOLM

An unbeaten 91 from Stoke-Nayland opening batsman Jonty Raxworthy has delivered his team their second premier title of the season. They will lock away the T20 trophy in their cabinet for the winter after a devastating performance over ACOB that saw them win by 104 runs after posting 182/5 from their turn with the bat, while their reserve team required a super over to win their second division final against WTTU Caspians. It will be a week of regrouping for ACOB as they look to shake the result ahead of their one-day final against Wolves (Wanderers/ Motueka) at Brightwater Domain this Saturday, after they were unlucky to miss out on a spot in the T20 final following a string of poor results to end the regular season. Despite a slow start, Stoke-Nayland kept wickets in hand to let loose in the closing overs as Jonty

started to open up his shoulders and cruise well past a par score on the difficult wicket.

Faced with an uphill battle, ACOB looked to play positively but were immediately punished for their aggression with a wicket off the first ball of the second innings.

When captain Ollie Jones-Allen found himself dismissed in exactly the same manner, hitting the ball hard and straight to the fielder at mid-off, the reality of their run chase came into stark view.

Ollie says their hand was forced into having an aggressive run chase, but Stoke-Nayland were just too good for them on the day.

“We had to come out really hot, and unfortunately that didn’t come off. That’s the beauty of finals cricket, they were just too good for us on the day.”

Stoke captain Dylan Eginton says it’s a fitting way to end their season, having secured two of the three premier grade titles on offer.

Riders had to contend with a very hilly course as they climbed through Moutere and Dovedale earlier this month for the Tasman Wheelers Annual Classic. Photo: Supplied.

Jonty Raxworthy was in blistering form, battering the ball to all areas of the park on the way to an unbeaten 91 in their T20 final win over ACOB. Photo: Evan Barnes/Shuttersport.

Is your car seat installed properly?

Did you know – not all car seats fit all cars. Over 80% of car seats in NZ are NOT installed correctly. A seat that is not installed correctly cannot perform adequately in a crash.

Is your car seat installed properly?

Did you know – not all car seats fit all cars. Over 80% of car seats in NZ are NOT installed correctly. A seat that is not installed correctly cannot perform adequately in a crash.

This checklist will help you identify if you can improve your installation:

Does the car seat have minimal or no movement at the belt path? This means less than 2.5cm.

• If the child is harnessed does the harness fit snugly? Perform the “pinch test”. If the harness is snug, your fingers will slide off the webbing. If the harness is loose, you will be able to pinch the webbing between your fingers.

• Does your car seat require you to attach a top tether to an approved anchor point? Check your car seat manual to identify this.

• Is your child below the maximum height and or weight limitations of your car seat (either rear or forward facing)? See stickers on the side of the seat or refer to your manual.

• Has your car seat expired? Check the date on the seat and refer to manual for life span.

What Next?

Did you try the car seat in your vehicle before purchasing it? fit all cars – At Baby On The Move we ensure the car seat fits your child and your vehicle. We will also educate you how to use the car seat so you can feel confident installing your car seat.

MONDAY

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

Lighthouse Spiritual Awareness Centre. Mondays 7.30pm, Trafalgar St Hall. Expo Monday 27th March 7.15pm, Entry $5. Experience healings, readings etc. Ph Carolyn 5474613.

TUESDAY

NELSON 50+ WALKING GROUP Tuesday 28 March. Kumeras

Motueka. Meet at 9.4am at the Saltwater Baths Motueka. BYO lunch. Phone Sally 021 02694610.

WELLBY Talking Café: 10am-11.30am, Tuesday 11th April 2023, Community Centre, Tapawera, Wakefield. Wellby Talking Cafés are about social connection and finding out about groups, activities, and services. www.wellby.org.nz 03 5467681.

Hope Indoor Bowling Club playing Tuesday Nights 7pm at Hope Hall Main Rd Hope.Starts 7 pm. Everyone welcome. Soft soled shoes.. All bowls supplied. Great for families. Info Bill ph 5449273 STOKE INDOOR BOWLS CLUB 2023 season has started, Warnes Stadium, Songer Street, Stoke. New members welcome. Please wear flat soled shoes. Enquiries ph Lynn 547 7112.

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 8 .45. Free morning tea. Soft shoes. Just arrive or ph: 0274 491 569 Diane. We are a caring Community.

WEDNESDAY

Cake Decorators meet every third Wednesday of the Month. Creating the Japanese Cherry Blossom in flower paste. Contact Desiree 0276302359

Waimea Harriers Sharland Cycles 5k fun run and walk from Club Waimea, Richmond Wednesday 22nd March. Start time 6pm. Everyone and all abilities welcome. See website for details. Ph 0223729432.

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 10:3011.30 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.

THURSDAY

DEADLINE:

Nelson City Probus Club meet 2nd Thursday each month (Feb-November) at 10 am, The Nelson Golf Club, 38 Bolt Rd, Tahunanui. Contact the Secretary on nelsoncitygroupgmail.com

Endometriosis Group invite you to a gentle Yoga class with Loren, Thurs. 30 March 7-8pm 16 Venice Place Stoke (note new venue) Gold Coin Donation Info Ph Helen 5441724 or nelsonsupport@nzendo.org.nz

Waimea Combined Friendship Group meet monthly at 9.45am on 3rd Thursday of month in Hope Church, Ranzau Road for Friendship, Fellowship & Learning. Contact Denise on 027 765 000 or Rosalie on 027 249 1080.

TAICHI in Richmond: Thursdays 10am-12.00. 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.

FRIDAY

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

SATURDAY

Cake Decorators first workshop is Saturday 25 March. We are learning how to cover a cake with ganache, fondant and edible lace. Suitable for all levels of skill. Contact Desiree 0276302359 RICHMOND TENNIS CLUB - Gladstone Road Social hit for members & non-members Saturday afternoons All levels of ability welcome. 1.30pm onwards. Contact 0274872480.

SUNDAY

Positive Settlemnt Expo at Saxton Pavillion on 26th March from 2pm to 5pm. For all newcomers to the region, migrants, refugees, families and everyone else! Find out how local agenciens can help you settle and meet local foreign groups.

Forest & Bird Sunday 26 March. 100th anniversary Big Birthday Bash. 12 noon at Pelorus Bridge. Scavenger hunts, tours of the reserve, and birthday cake. Everyone is welcome, bring your family, friends and a picnic.

Elysium Widow and Widowers Group meeting for lunch Sunday 26th March at Honest Lawyer at midday. Phone Margaret 027 2600 748

Bring your apples and pears & press them for free at our

next open day. 2nd April (10am - 3pm) Willow Bank Heritage Village, 79 Wakefield-Kohatu Highway, Wakefield Pretty Smart Sale, Sunday 25/26 March, Hope Recreational Hall, 9am- 2pm. Pre-loved clothing and accessories for adults, children and babies. Also homewares, toys, books and plants. Entry $2, cash sales only.

Music Day Sunday March 26th from 11.30am Chandrakirti Centres Open Day, come and visit the centre, live music, café food, tours & more! 289 Sunrise Valley Rd, Upper Moutere. 0274348665 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. 03 5432021

Nelson Spiritualist Church weekly service Sun. 7pm-8pm. Corner Tipahi & Motueka Sts.

GENERAL GROUPS

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.

ANTIQUES / COLLECTABLES. NZ paintings & books, musical instruments, toys, cameras, clocks, silver, fine china, morris minor, etc. Closing Shop after 22 Years! Don’t miss the bargains this week at Souchebys

Closing shop after 22 years. Desks, chests of drawers, tables & chairs, welsh dressers, bookcases, display cabinets, rugs, hall stands, mirrors, trunks etc. Genuine bargains at Souchebys Antiques, The Castle, 75 Gladstone Rd, Richmond Ph 544 0723. Open Mon to Fri.