Nelson Weekly - 26 April 2023

Locally Owned and Operated

Wednesday 26 April 2023

Mason a man of a thousand Last Posts

JACK MALCOLM

For the past 25 years, Mason Robinson has been the man performing the last post for the region. He estimates he’s played the ode thousands of times, saying it’s never lost any of its significance any time he performs.

Having played the cornet since he was four years old, he was always drawn to the bugle, he says.

As a fifth-generation member of the Blenheim Municipal Band, he was given special dispensation as a 15-year-old to join the airforce to play in their band.

“It was only because we were at Woodburne (already),” he re-

members.

For six years in a row as a high schooler, he travelled to Picton in the army convoy to perform at ANZAC remembrance services.

“It shaped my enjoyment, that brass banding.

“Back in those days, I was just on my own. Definitely now, I think ‘why am I here and what they did’.”

Historically, The Last Post was used in wartime to signal that the final sentry post had been inspected, and the camp was secure for the night.

It’s also used as a final farewell for military funerals and has become an important part of the ANZAC See Page 4.

Nelson loses $15 million of government funding

MAX FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter

Nelson will miss out on $15 million of government funding following the changes made to the Three Waters reform.

The funding was part of the $2 billion Better Off financial sup-

port package that was planned to be distributed among the country’s local councils to support community well-being.

The first tranche of $500 million, from which Nelson City Council received $5.18 million, hasn’t been affected.

But the second tranche – com-

prising the remaining $1.5 billion – has been withdrawn, meaning council won’t get the additional $15.54 million it had been allocated.

“The loss of any government investment into our region is obviously disappointing, particularly a significant sum like $15.54 mil-

lion,” says acting mayor Rohan O’Neill-Stevens.

But he adds that council was yet to explore how that funding would be used and so council planning and projects are “largely unaffected”.

The Three Waters reform involved the creation of four water

services entities that would take over management of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater.

Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough were originally planned to be in an entity

SEE PAGE 2

Mason Robinson performs The Last Post at a memorial for Boer War veterans last year.

Photo: Jack Malcolm.

What

News

Sara Hollyman sara@topsouthmedia.co.nz

Kate Russell kate@nelsonweekly.co.nz

Jack Malcolm jack@topsouthmedia.co.nz

Advertising Sales

Lauren Rameka-iti lauren@nelsonweekly.co.nz

Reuben Dudley reuben@nelsonweekly.co.nz

“It

“Remembering

“Because

“Anzac

Nelson loses $15 million of government funding

FROM PAGE 1

alongside Wellington and the east coast of the North Island, however concerns were raised about local representation.

Following the changes made to the reforms, now called Affordable Waters by the Government, the Top of the South will have its own water services entity – one of ten new entities.

Nelson MP Rachel Boyack says that the Government has responded to calls from many councils asking for smaller entities with more local input at the representation level.

“Nelson City Council in particular made a strong call for a smaller Top of the South entity, and we have listened to that request and acted on it,” she says.

“However, there will be additional costs with a larger number

of entities.”

Minister of Local Government Kieran McAnulty confirmed that $1 billion of the $1.5 billion sum would have been provided by the water services entities’ borrowing.

“This will free up the same amount for the entities to invest in their drinking water, wastewater and stormwater networks,” he says.

“The remaining $500 million which was to be funded by the

Crown will instead be used to help offset the higher costs of transition and entity establishment.”

Rohan says council “will continue to strongly advocate to central government for continued investment into Whakatū Nelson”. Nelson City Council has allocated its $5.18 million of funding from the first tranche for several projects, including $2.4 million for a city centre play space, $1.1 million for lighting the Railway Reserve between Annesbrook and Saxton Field, and $1.1 million towards projects that support the local art and tourism sectors.

Anne Marie Ross

Christopher Wilson

Patricia Taylor

Richard Kidd

The Government’s Better Off funding has been used to fund several projects for the city, like adding lighting to the Railway Reserve. Photo: Max Frethey.

Stolen gold dredge recovered by owner

TRACY NEAL

Open Justice Reporter

A custom-made $40,000 gold dredge, stolen after it was advertised for sale on Trade Me, was recovered by the owner who spotted it for sale by the thief - on Trade Me.

He arranged to “buy” the dredge but instead took it back without paying the $500 sought by Ryan Anthony Robertson, who had asked for the money to be left in his letterbox. Robertson admitted to stealing the dredge, and other offences, and has now been sentenced to seven-and-a-half months’ home detention.

The Nelson District Court heard last Thursday that the crimes were motivated by the 32-year-old’s dependency on methamphetamine at the time. He stole the dredge after the owner had put it up for sale on Trade Me in December 2021 with a price tag of $40,000. While the owner continued to use it pending a sale, he stowed it in bushes near the Anatoki River in Tākaka on land owned by the Rainbow Valley Community. While there was no public access to the area where the dredge had

been left, sometime between 19 December and 28 December, Robertson went on to the community’s grounds and removed the dredge, in pieces.

The court heard he took the engines, pump, compressor and winch from its frame, but instead of dismantling it properly he simply cut the wires and pipes. During this process, he broke part of an engine when he dropped it. Then, on 28 December, he listed the items for sale on Trade Me for $500. The owner of the dredge was alerted to the listing and was able to confirm by the photographs posted on the site that it was his.

The owner then signalled his interest in the item and contacted Robertson, who arranged for the dredge to be collected from his address in Wakefield. Robertson asked that the $500 be left in his mailbox if he wasn’t home.

The owner went to the address and picked up the various parts, some of which were missing. Robertson wasn’t home so the owner took the gear and left without paying, the court heard.

He then messaged Robertson, who in turn admitted to the

owner he had taken the dredge and that the missing bits were in his car, which had been impounded by the police. He offered to return them once he got his car back, but by March last year the parts still hadn’t been returned and Robertson told the victim he’d sold them because he needed the money. Robertson offered him a five-tonne winch instead but the victim wasn’t keen and contacted the police.

The owner of the dredge said the cost to repair it and replace the missing parts was $4700.

In court, Judge Pippa Sinclair acknowledged efforts by Robertson’s father, who was in court to support his son, to stand by him, and to offer an address at which he could serve home detention.

Judge Sinclair arrived at a prison term of 16 to 17 months, taking into account uplifts and discounts, which was within the two-year limit where home detention could be considered as an alternative sentence.

2000 flock to sanctuary open day

KATE RUSSELL

The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary hosted its largest open day to date last Sunday, with more than 2000 people going through the gates.

Chief executive Ru Collin says the open days are a “fantastic” opportunity for the public to explore the community asset, as well as discover ways to get involved.

“It’s quite heartening to see so many people come up to walk and enjoy the sanctuary,” he says.

“We’re pleased with the overall result and encourage peo-

ple to come up and make the most of this community asset outside of the open days

too. It’s been great to witness the growing support for the sanctuary and its mission to

restore an ecosystem.”

The open day hosted a range of activities for visitors. There was also a presentation from DOC and sanctuary personnel about the recent success of the kākāriki karaka reintroduction programme.

This year, the sanctuary also focused its attention on raising awareness about community trapping, with two trap-making workshops and an information stall on backyard trapping run by Nelson City Council’s Nelson Nature.

The next open day will take place in October.

GYMNASTICS AT TRAFALGAR: Ashton Walker (14) shows his strength on the pommel horse at the Top of the South Gymnastics event over the weekend. Athletes from across the country were in town for the event, with hundreds of young gymnasts showcasing their skills at the Trafalgar Centre over three days of competition. The Nelson Club won the top club award, earning the most points from their athlete’s results.

22 Oxford Street, Richmond, Nelson

Mason a man of a thousand Last Posts day

FROM PAGE 1

proceedings.

Mason says he likes to perform the song in paying homage to military history, where it was played quickly on the battlefield, while also making it more impactful for those paying their respects.

“I’m a bit more musical, spiritual, and emotive.

If people aren’t crying, I’m not doing a good job.”

He started playing The Last Post in Nelson in 1998, having done it every year for the last twoand-a-half decades.

With seven memorial services spaced out across the day, he says it’s a mammoth task.

Mason also performs The Last Post at funerals for servicemen, which he says has decreased since Covid-19.

“It used to be two-or-three times a month … since Covid, it’s once or twice a year.”

He says the overwhelming respect he has for veterans makes the task an easy one to continue doing.

“I have so much respect for the veterans and serviceman, with my father Ewen Robinson being (an) ex-New Zealand army bandsman.”

It’s also taken him overseas when, in 2016, he went to Australia and played in front of Helen Clark at a memorial opening, which he calls “the biggest impact on my life”.

In his years of playing, he says he’s never made a big mistake, owing to the time he spends practising and refining his craft.

“It’s like a sport, you have to keep fit. I spend an hour practising most lunch times.

“I’m playing to the sheep out there at the Titoki cricket ground.”

New Horizons for former Knapps’ Partners

On 1 May 2023 Atkinson Crehan Law will commence operating.

Our new firm will combine the expertise of former Partners from Knapps Lawyers, Jacintha Atkinson-Manson and Amanda Crehan, with the ongoing expertise of Christine Allison, Kirsty Goodall, Nick Moore, Merv Huston, Marie Austin, Alison Macbeth, and Sarah Clements. We will continue to be situated at 22 Oxford Street, Richmond.

We will also continue our presence in Motueka with the expertise of Hamish Kennedy [former Partner of Knapps and Kennedy & Associates] leading the team along with an office in Nelson central.

It’s a privilege to maintain our working relationship with our legal and office staff, to continue to offer a great level of service to our clients, existing and new.

We will continue to offer the following services: Wills, Power of Attorney, Estate Administration, Buying & Selling Residential, Commercial, Rural or Industrial Property, Family Trusts & Asset Planning, Relationship Contracting Out Agreements, Buying & Selling Businesses, Developments & Subdivisions, Business Structures. What will you get with Atkinson Crehan?

We believe in making your experience with us as easy as possible. You’ll get expert, friendly advice from our qualified legal staff who know what they are doing. We are in the business of Law because we love what we do, we enjoy helping our clients, and we believe in making a positive difference.

Keep an eye out for our new website which will go live on 1 May 2023. You’ll find on there useful information about current topics along with who you can talk to should you need our help.

We look forward to seeing you.

Where expertise and empathy go hand in hand.

The team at Atkinson Crehan Law

Nelson MP Rachel Boyack, Brook Waimārama Sanctuary chief executive Ru Collin, and conservation minister Willow-Jean Prime at the sanctuary’s open day last week.

Photo: Nick Gastrell.

Photo: Jack Malcolm

City centre infrastructure upgrades loom

MAX FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter

The groundwork for major infrastructure upgrades in the city centre is proposed to begin over the coming financial year so that Nelson City Council doesn’t miss out on millions of government funding.

Council was awarded $36 million from the Government’s Infrastructure Acceleration Fund in October 2022, which will be used to upgrade three waters and transport infrastructure in the city to support the construction of 1000 new inner-city homes.

“That fund has been confirmed, but for us to secure that, we’re required to get on with it,” mayor Nick Smith says. He also highlights that the Government grant is not inflation-adjusted and with inflation and construction costs continuing to rise, “it is prudent for council to get on with that infrastructure upgrade as quickly as possible” before costs climb further.

Council is proposing that $3 million be brought forward to do the initial design work and engagement for several proj-

ects in the 2023/24 financial year. $1.9 million of this cost will be funded from central government in future years.

The projects include a water ring main upgrade around the lower portion of the city centre, and an upgrade of the Paru Paru Street wastewater pump station.

“But this isn’t the only infrastructure required to make our city centre a truly liveable place for many,” says Alec Louverdis, council’s group manager infrastructure. “People require good transport connections and outdoor spaces

to live happily, and that’s where the Bridge Street Linear Active Transport Corridor comes in.” The active transport corridor will run between Rutherford and Collingwood Streets and provide a safe shared space for people walking, cycling, and driving slowly through town, access to green public spaces, and a potential playground where the current bus depot is located – though the plan for the playground is part of a separate project that is not yet finalised and still requires approval from council.

The Bridge Street Linear Ac-

tive Transport Corridor was a key part of Te Ara o Whakatu – the Nelson City Centre Spatial Plan which was adopted by council in 2022 and saw support from 80 per cent of submitters on the plan. Initial design work and engagement for the project is planned to be allocated $2.1 million dollars. Construction is earmarked for 2025.

Fatal accident on Whakatu Drive

Emergency services were called to Whakatu Drive at around 1.30am last Friday after a serious crash. One person was found dead at the scene. While the serious crash unit investigated the incident, Whakatu Drive, between Quarantine Rd and the Richmond Deviation, was closed, causing massive traffic delays. The road reopened just before midday. At the time of print investigations into the incident remained ongoing.

Victory housing development

Nelson Tasman Housing Trust is progressing with plans to transform Totara St in Victory with six new homes following the purchase of two houses from Nelson City Council last year. Founding trustee and NTHT director, Carrie Mozena, says the resource consent application was lodged in February and they are hoping to get onsite by mid-year. “Council has an assigned planner, and we will walk through the process with them. Hopefully, we could begin to clear the site this winter.” The two houses are empty, and fencing has gone up around the site.

Youth improv at Theatre Royal Nelson youth will show off their improv skills this weekend at the Theatre Royal. ‘Funn Youth’ is being supported by Nelson City Council and is happening on 30 April at 7pm. Organiser Nikki Karki is encouraging people to come along and support the students taking part. Tickets from www.theatreroyalnelson.co.nz

The centrepiece of the upgrades is the transformation of Bridge Street into a linear park. Photo: Supplied/Nelson City Council.

Cat shooting ends with amputation

JO KENT

When family cat Rose went missing from her Telenius Road home recently, owner Cherame Mossley could never have predicted how her week was about to play out.

“We noticed her missing on the Tuesday because she wasn’t on her blanket like normal,” she says.

“I went out and called her, but when she didn’t come back, I thought something wasn’t right.”

When there was still no sign of her after work the next day Cherame broke down in tears, fearing the worst.

“That was when my partner yelled out to say Rose was back, but she had a broken leg.”

The couple rushed Rose to Town

& Country Vets in Richmond, who initially thought she just had a puncture wound, probably from a cat fight.

Rose was kept at the vets and the couple went home to wait, where things suddenly took a turn for the worse.

“My partner said he’d make dinner, but when he went to get a lettuce from the garden, he slipped down a bank, broke his ankle and dislocated his foot which was forced round the wrong way.”

Cherame called an ambulance and her partner was rushed to Nelson Hospital where he was told he’d need surgery to put in steel plates.

“Just minutes after getting that news, the vet called to tell me Rose had actually been shot with a slug gun.

They’d found a pellet and it had shattered her bone.

“He said they’d need to amputate her front leg. I was in shock.”

With both her partner and cat waiting for surgery on the

same day, Cherame rang her eldest daughter Nikila for support. With the vet’s bill coming close to $3000, Nikila set up a Give a Little page to help, which made over $1100 in just four weeks.

“I’m lucky that I have a lot of family and friends who helped reduce that bill. I’m humbled and honoured by people lending their help.”

Rose is now back at home and adjusting well to a life with three legs.

“Rose is coping really well, but it’s extremely cruel to deliberately hurt someone’s pet.

“It’s also unfair that owners are left with huge bills just because someone thinks it’s OK to shoot cats. It’s not. They are part of the family too.”

A further two locals have experienced cat shootings in recent months, with others in the region reporting their cats have come home with shaved fur or have turned up miles away in other towns.

Tayla Smart says both her cats were shot at when she lived in Brightwater and her then partner narrowly escaped being shot by a pellet himself.

“We were on our driveway and our cat Steve ran past, followed

by a slug pellet which just missed my partner.

“Our other cat Snowball had already been hit by a pellet prior to that which left him with skin wounds.

“It’s really concerning that people have this idea that abusing a cat because it is on your property is OK, especially when they can be scared off with something as harmless as water if there is an

issue.”

SPCA inspectorate team leader, Jamie Hancock, says they have received no reports of recent cat shootings in the Nelson area. “However, we are seeing increased reports of domestic cats being shot across the country, the latest being a cat who died of sepsis due to an air rifle pellet wound in the Northern Canterbury area.”

Tabby cat Rose had to have her leg amputated after she was shot, costing owner Cherame Mossley close to $3000. Photo: Jo Kent.

Don McLean’s glasses on a new face

ANNE HARDIE

Don McLean has likely sung American Pie hundreds of times wearing the glasses that Kim Brice now wears every day.

The 77-year-old singer/songwriter is in Nelson for The Day the Music Died Tour on May 2, but Mahana-born Kim will be back in Thailand by then, so will not get to sing along with the rest of the crowd when they all add their vocals to the iconic song.

Kim bought two pairs of Don McLean’s glasses at an online auction and he had the lenses replaced to suit his own prescription. He now has glasses that have toured the world on someone who sang some of the most famous songs of all time. His penchant for collecting

items that tell a story goes back to his childhood, beginning on his very first day at school when the old wind-up clocks were replaced with battery-powered models. He took the old clocks home and began his ‘museum’.

“From that day I became an avid collector, particularly of clocks which I could pull apart.

My bedroom became very full of everything that fascinated me and it got to the stage I could hardly get into my bed.”

Today he lives in Bangkok, visiting Richmond family and friends every six months, and he is still a collector. He buys collectibles from around the world, keeps what he wants and resells a lot of it through Cordys auctions in Auckland.

When two pairs of Don McLean’s glasses came up for sale from the singer’s personal col-

lection, it was too good an opportunity to let slip by. Both were bifocals in acetate frames that he was able to buy for about US$200 which he says is a bargain considering one set was handmade in Italy and were worn by the legendary singer.

“I think he’s been all around the world with these glasses with everyone looking at them and I think perhaps I’ll have a bit of his persona wearing them. I just like to have quirky things that have some provenance.”

Kim has collected items from other singers as well, including a train set that belonged to Neil Young’s son and one of Aretha Franklin’s day suits.

Don McLean’s concert at the Trafalgar Centre is part of a tour celebrating the 50th anniversary of American Pie.

Kim Brice wears Don McLean’s glasses that have been at concerts around the world. Photo: Anne Hardie.

New council chief executive ‘loving’ his job

MAX FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter

Three weeks at the helm, Nelson City Council chief executive Nigel Philpott is loving his new job.

“I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure,” he admits. “My only involvement with local government is as a ratepayer… so I wasn’t sure what it would be like, but I’m loving it.”

Nigel joined the Royal Navy at 17 which took him around the world. He first visited New Zealand in the 1990s and “fell in love” with the country.

A job offer from the Royal New Zealand Navy allowed him to return and that eventually led him to Wellington where he took up jobs in the Ministries of Social Development and Education, working on social housing and developing a national education strategy, respectively. The education work then led Nigel to become the chief executive of Primary ITO.

“It was basically a failing business,” he says. “Losing $2 million a year, staff engagement had gone through the floor, and its reputation wasn’t great.”

However, he found the opportunity to lead and shape a culture “really exciting” and managed to turn the organisation around.

Now, Nigel wants to use the skills he’s put into practice at Primary ITO at Nelson City Council.

“I want to bring a commercial perspective,” he says. “In terms of value-for-money services, but for me, it’s going to be a focus on

Transport and Anzac Day

leadership. It’s not about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about building great teams and empowering them to do their job, not telling them how to do it, but agreeing what are the outcomes we’re looking to achieve and letting them get on and deliver.” Thus far, Nigel’s highlight has been meeting staff and seeing the passion they have for their work.

“Everywhere I go, people light up when they start talking about what they’re working on, and that’s really exciting. And it’s so diverse, from resource management, city development, biosecurity, navigation safety. You keep going on and on, people don’t realise how complex councils are.” And despite the complexity of the sector increasing with cen-

tral government reforms in water and resource management, a sector-wide review, and a troubled economic environment adding to the turbulence, Nigel isn’t fazed. “I always love a challenge. I don’t like business as usual; I like to be stretched, and I like to think about opportunities,” he says. “Every cloud has a silver lining, and I think all these reforms have an opportunity for staff, for ratepayers, for the region.” Currently, Nigel’s days are filled with meetings as he gets up to speed with the different areas of council work, as well as meetings with major regional stakeholders. Once he’s found his footing, his work will involve helping council’s senior leadership team and working with elected members to unlock potential for the city. “I see the opportunity for this great little city, this great region, to attract people from across the country, across the world.”

Sri Lankan New Year was celebrated at Anzac Park on Saturday, 15 April, with dozens of people attending the event. Attendees got to experience Sri Lankan food, music, performances, and traditional games including tug of war, pot breaking, pinning eye to the elephant, and bursting balloons. There was also plenty for the kids to do at the free event, including a bouncy castle, face painting and balloon twisting. Pictured from left are Samadhi Wickrama, Kaveesha Walikumbura, Hely Mahipala, Ahinsar Balasuriya, and Tharu Wickrama.

I want to acknowledge the frustrations of Nelsonians on Friday following the tragic accident on Whakatu Drive that caused traffic gridlock in Richmond and surrounding areas My thoughts are also with the family and friends of the person who passed away

I know that some people have suggested that the Southern Link would have helped with the gridlock However, traffic through Nelson CBD and Stoke was mostly free-flowing, and this incident highlighted the lack of transport capacity in the Richmond area I’ve held the view for a long time that the most congested and worst designed part of our transport network is in Richmond

Over the past three years the Tasman District Council and Waka Kotahi have agreed a plan for to fix this area which I’ve urged them to act on as soon as possible It would also help to have the road connection behind Saxton Field built, but this land is privately owned I urge our two Councils to work with the private landowner to seek a solution so that we can improve the resilience of our transport network

This week we commemorate Anzac Day I acknowledge all of our local veterans and their families, and my thanks go to the local RSAs and volunteers who have organised events and Friday’s Poppy Day Lest we forget

Nelson City Council’s new chief executive Nigel Philpott has loved meeting with staff and seeing their passion. Photo: Max Frethey.

Photo: Bobby Nijssen.

Continuum of Care

Coastal View Lifestyle Village’s care centre offers resthome and hospital level care in large apartment sized suites (up to 40m2). Each room opens up to private decking (up to 13m2) and landscaped outdoor areas.

The village has newly opened the 20 suite, boutique dementia centre which offers care in spacious 30m2 and 40m2 suites, all which have private decking areas up to 13m2. A subsidiary of

Youth ready to rock Nelson

KATE RUSSELL

Nelson’s long-running youth music concert returns to the Theatre Royal this weekend.

Rock the City is a non-competitive band showcase that is all about supporting Nelson and Tasman’s young musicians.

Organiser Andy Meldrum says the event is a great chance for youth musicians to “flex their muscles” before entering competitions such as Smokefree Rockquest, which takes place next month.

“It gives our young people the opportunity to perform on a larger stage, in a professional space.”

Eight bands will take the stage on Saturday night.

Each will get a 10-minute stint to showcase their talents, so around two or three songs.

Andy says the event, which is supported by Nelson City Council, is aimed at musicians under the age of 18.

The young rockstars get to have a go with professional equipment and experience a soundcheck and professional stage lighting.

“Some of them are used to playing on big stages, but for some, this is the biggest gig of their lives so far,” he says.

Andy says most of the bands will play rock music, but there will be a bit of pop, electronica, and funk thrown in the mix, too.

“It will be a mixture of covers and original songs.”

One band playing is Parallel Park, who recently opened for Kiwi legends, The Beths during their New Zealand tour.

The band have just released their self-recorded-and-produced debut EP, Parallel Park Vol. 1.

Guitarist Kahu Sanson-Burnett says it’s the second time they have played at the event and they can’t wait to get on the stage with the other bands.

“There are not many opportunities in Nelson, outside of Rockquest, to play in a professional environment.”

Vocalist Florence McNabb, agrees.

“The first time we played at the event we were in Year 10, and it was cool to make connections with the older bands to get inspi-

ration,” she says.

“Now, being Year 13, it’s great for us to see all the new bands coming in.

“It is such a great environment backstage - everyone is there for the same reason.”

Also on the bill is Smokefree Rockquest 2022 national semi-finalist JOLA BURNS.

They recently performed at New

Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty Nelson Opera in the Park, Taste Tasman, and Tahuna Summer Sounds.

Ruled By Venus, whose influences include No Doubt and The Killers, are also on the night’s line-up.

The De Campos Club, a seven-strong, all-originals funk band will also be playing.

Free snacks and refreshments will be available - this is an alcohol-free event.

Rock the City is on Saturday 29 April, 6pm - 8pm at the Theatre Royal.

Tickets are $10 including all fees (or $12 on the door) and can be purchased online from www.theatreroyal.co.nz

Your Nelson Tasman Suzuki dealer

Nelson band Parallel Park will be playing at Rock the City this weekend. From left are Zac Irving, Kahu Sanson-Burnett, Florence McNabb, Ethan Carde, and Maisie Lucas. Photo: Scott Burnett.

Food prices

The article on people spending less on food (19 April) is no surprise. Nelson council is not help ing. This July, my rates will have increased 375 per cent since 2008 while general inflation was 37 per cent. Any increase in government super, or any pay increase, is eaten up by the votes of those members of council on guaranteed incomes, and there is no money left for increased medical, food, and other expenses.

Dan McGuire

RSA urges action on Stoke hall

I believe it is covered by the war memorials act which needs an act of parliament to rescind. Re instate the building and get on with the respect the building deserves.

Dave Roberts

There is a lot of history in that hall so if council are going to do anything then hopefully before 2029 would be ideal, lol.

Kahurangi Hippolite

I raised this question with the mayor at our recent Grey Power AGM. His answer was there are cur rently 10 buildings being assessed. Our former council was happy to build the skate park and use the parking area, maybe in hope it would just go away.

Sue Sara

What’s On!

Aorere Enduro

Saturday 29 – Sunday 30 April

Nelson MTB Trails - Fringed Hill, Sharlands, Maitai-Codgers

Showcasing Nelson’s technical, natural mountain bike trails, there will be 6-7 stages of racing. Practice shuttles and the Aorere Junior Enduro on Saturday, with the Aorere Enduro being held on Sunday. Visit www.aorere.nz

Live Without a Trace

Opening Nelson’s first legal Graffiti Wall

Saturday 29 April, 5.30-7.30pm Nelson Environmental Centre – 6 Vivian Place

Watch a local graffiti artist in action, a live DJ, there will be delicious food to purchase and a chance to do a little graffiti yourself! RSVP if you are coming by emailing events@nec.org.nz.

Funny Youth

Sunday April 30, 7pm Theatre Royal

Talented improvisers from Nelson/Tasman colleges. Tickets $5 from Theatre Royal.

New app used to rescue

leftover food

Great app, great idea.

Nancy Holden

Leftover cheese scones? Bet that doesn’t happen very often.

Renee Lang

Awesome idea.

Debbie Gilroy

This is wonderful. What a fantastic idea. This is the news we want to read.

Heidi Rencken

If only there was a city mission for the homeless or less fortunate, then all food could be donated there. But this is still a good idea, good on you Greenmeadows Café.

Mobmask Bmc

So generous - will be such a blessing to many.

Karen Ferguson

I’m happy to just keep giving my unsold products to the ones that can’t afford the treats. It’s crazy to be throwing away any food when there’s so many hungry mouths out there.

Justin Reilly

Quiet electric vehicles a safety problem

My son wears two hearing aids and has problems hearing these vehicles as well. We have a couple in the street, and I’ve watched him look twice and take his time. Reading this article it’s made me aware as to why he is sometimes anxious of cars, full stop.

Annie Whall

Doesn’t at least 50 per cent of the responsibility lie with the car driver to notice pedestrians as well? Also, many electric cars have safety features to actively avoid hitting people on the road. Crossing the road relies on both parties to follow the rules, especially drivers if they see an obviously sight-impaired person.

Matt Tyrie

Great idea, bikes as well.

Jan Milburn

Agree 100 per cent.

Renee Lang

A little Honda Fit doesn’t make any sound either.

Corbin Ballard

How utterly ridiculous. So, thousands of cars have to be modified just in case a blind person happens to be nearby? I have seen one blind person once in the last couple years and they were nowhere near a road. This entitlement and virtue signalling woke insanity is not based on common sense.

Missy Luna

The Next Generation

Established by Lindsay and Kay Thomason in 1996, Lynfords Furniture has been synonymous with helping to create beautiful homes across the whole top of the south region for many years.

Much more than just a furniture store, Lynfords also provide customisation of furniture, including NZ-made lounge suites and hardwood furniture, Home Interior Design consultations, customised curtains and blinds, and provide a great selection of beds.

Originally based in Blenheim, the intergenerational business opened their Nelson store in 2010. Son Hamish Greenwood has been involved for twenty years, managing the business for the last five, so stepping into the ownership role last year seemed a natural progression. “Hamish has learnt first-hand all aspects of the business as he started out as delivery driver and warehouse manager, before stepping into sales and management roles,” says Mel Greenwood, Hamish’s wife and the accounts and marketing manager of Lynfords. “We officially bought the business outright last year, but it was in the pipeline for a lot longer. We always understood Kay and Lindsay would have other plans at some stage and it was a challenge that we were keen to take on.”

The importance of having good staff and working as a team is something that stands out as a key learning for the couple. “We can’t reiterate enough how much we value our amazing staff. Working with fantastic, down to earth and fun people, makes it a great place to work and a great experience for customers.

Bringing new suppliers on board, extending lines from existing suppliers, and hunting down new products is all in a day’s work for Hamish. “For us, it’s about building on what we offer. Our connection with a great group of suppliers gives us the ability to bring in many different types and styles of furniture, both NZ-made and imported, to cater for a range of budgets. We’re certainly not just about high-end ranges, which seemed to be a common misconception over the years.

Some true ‘old school values and processes’ have attributed to the success and longevity of Lynfords. “We care. We go the extra mile to make sure customers have a good experience, like taking items home to try

AMY RUSS

Hamish and Mel Greenwood are thrilled to be the next generation of owners of Lynfords and looking forward to what the future holds.

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED FAMILY BUSINESS

have made and given away over 4000 thousand bags! We have some amazing loyal customers that keep returning over the years because we are honest about our products, prices and our opinions, and we listen to our customer’s needs so that they leave with something they’re really going to love for years to come.”

It is great to see people getting fantastic furniture for every stage of life, says Mel, from new homeowners, and growing families, right through to retirees. “There is amazing furniture out there, from the technology of Stressless recliners, the flair of colourful French Fermob outdoor furniture through to the craftsmanship of NZ-made sofas from the likes of Kovacs, Danske Mobler, Montreux or Pace – it’s just incredible what can be created! Our staff get excited by the beautiful new fabrics that are regularly released, they love helping create unique pieces for our customers.” Along with the highlights of seeing the business grow and become part of the local community, the team have also faced their fair share of challenges along the way, but having Lindsay pass away hit the tight-knit family hard. “When someone passes away it’s pretty tough going in any normal circumstance. With Lindsay, he was a key member in a relatively small family business where his wife, son, stepson and daughter-in-law all work together, so it was especially difficult. We were incredibly fortunate to have supportive staff and the support of the community during such a tough time.”

While proud of their heritage, Hamish and Mel look forward to continuing to build the business. Launching a recent rebrand is a key part of the company evolving, says the couple. “We are

really proud of the business and the direction it’s heading. We’ve updated our look but we’ll continue to focus on our core values of qual ity products and excellent customer service. To survive for so long as a business you need the support of your community, which is some thing we really appreciate. In return we like to support community fundraisers and events when we can.”

“We’re proud of being locally owned and oper ated and that we still have family working on both sides of the hill. Lindsay’s son Shaun is the Store Manager in Nelson and has over a dec ade of experience in the business. His daughter Seren is the first ‘third generation’ family mem ber to join the team. Having Kay on board still and being in business for almost 30 years gives us a lot of experience in this industry.”

WINIn celebration, Lynfords Furniture are promoting an incredible giveaway during the month of May. Simply spend over $1000 at any of their stores in May and go into the draw to win a gorgeous Winston Chair!

The Lynfords Nelson team, from left, Bob Boodee, Barry McCann, Thalia Richard son and store manager Shaun Thomason.

PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR WINTER

We all love a warm and comfortable home during the cold winter months. So before the worst of the weather arrives, go through our checklist to make sure you’re protecting your home and your family – as well as ensuring you have efficient heating. Many of these things you can do yourself to keep maintenance and utility bills down.

Your winter checklist:

• Clear your spouting of leaves, debris and plant material

• Clean out drainage channels and ensure storm drains are clear

• Weather-strip any windows or doors that are draughty

• Check that ceiling insulation is in place and close access holes

• Trim trees with overhanging branches near windows and spouting

• Cover outdoor furniture that’s not in regular use

• Secure outdoor furniture and the trampoline in case of high winds

• Check your emergency supplies, including replacing any out of date food items, refreshing water supplies and ensuring torches are working.

• Get your heating system serviced.

NELSON WATER BLASTING

As the cold and dark months descend on Nelson, there’s no better time to make sure that your home or business remains dry, bright and fit to keep out the worst the winter weather can throw at it. That means making sure your gutters can cope with downpours, your roof is free of lichen, moss and other corrosive algae, your solar panels are operating at maximum effectiveness and that your walls, paths, drives and decks are clean, bright and safe. The team at Nelson Waterblasting has a track record of providing a whole range of exterior cleaning services to Nelsonians at the most competitive prices in the region. No gimmicks, no sales pitches, no misleading price promises, just honest advice and a professional, family service.

For a free estimate call Sean, Judith or Tony on 022 0649822, or contact by email sparkle@nelsonwaterblasting.nz or for more information visit our brand-new website at www.nelsonwaterblasting.nz

ON FARM AGRI

This winter season, head down to the On Farm Agri Centre, your local supplier of Husqvarna outdoor power products, chainsaws, mowers, hedge trimmers, blowers, brush cutters, waterblasters, ride-ons and more.

The team at On Farm Agri provide servicing and repairs for all makes and models of outdoor power products, from chain sharpening to rebuilds, “we are the ones to see.”

On Farm Agri has a huge range of products in store, including oils, trimmer line, files and axes.

The Husqvarna range of chainsaws includes Casual Saws which are ideal for homeowners and hobby work, Powerful Robust Saws for contractors and landowners and Tough, Durable Saws for professionals.

“We sell the best and service the rest.” Visit On Farm Agri at 31 Venice Place, Stoke, phone 035473276 or go to www.husqvarna.com

When you choose a GOOD WOOD supplier, you're opting for a trusted source of dry firewood that will burn well, keeping your home warmer and our air cleaner.

BURN BRIGHT, GOOD WOOD THIS WINTER

Make the most of your valuable woodpile and operate your burner efficiently by following some simple tips.

1. Get dry wood in early and store it well. Split your wood –smaller pieces dry faster. Stack firewood loosely enough so that air can circulate around it. Firewood needs to have less than 25% moisture content to burn efficiently.

2. Have your flue cleaned by a professional chimney sweep before winter. Tip: book your flue cleaning AND check your house insurance policy – your policy may have a recommended flue-cleaning frequency.

3. When lighting your woodburner use plenty of newspaper and kindling to get the fire going; don’t overfill the firebox with logs – add less wood more frequently and keep a good blaze going.

4. Pop outside to check for smoke

after the fire’s been going for 15 minutes – if it’s still smoking you are wasting valuable fuel. The aim is to burn smoke-free.

For more tips and info go to nelson.govt.nz/burn-bright.

THE VENT SHOP

The Vent Shop specialises in selling and installing heat transfer, positive pressure and heat recovery ventilation systems. Expert staff offer in-home consultations, quotes, and also sell DIY kits.

One of the most affordable ways to heat your entire home efficiently is by a heat transfer system comprising a solid fuel source such as a wood burner in one room and having the excess heat circulated to other rooms in the house via ducts and fans in the ceiling.

The systems are affordably priced & have very low running costs, using a similar amount of electricity as a 100-watt light bulb. Heat transfer systems use an in-line fan & acoustic ducting, so they run quietly & unobtrusively.

They can be installed into new or existing homes and come with a five year warranty. Call The Vent Shop now and find out just how affordable it is to make your home so much warmer, better ventilated and to alleviate condensation problems.

INSULMAX

Don’t wait until it’s too late, finish your insulation now and enjoy a cosy winter!!

Insulated homes are warmer, drier, and healthier, but historically homeowners and property

investors have put wall insulation in the ‘too hard’ basket, believing it to be too difficult or expensive.

Enter Insulmax, a dry, water repellent, mineral fibre which is installed via a hole the size of a ten-cent piece.

Insulmax is the country’s largest retrofit wall insulation company, and their product is Codemarked for New Zealand conditions, and guaranteed for 50 years.

Reducing mould, adding value and increasing energy efficiency, Insulmax is suitable for almost every type of home and can be installed via interior wall linings or exterior cladding, usually within a day or two.

All branches are locally owned and operated so you are not only adding value to your property but investing in local, too! Visit www.insulmax.co.nz for more information or to book a no-obligation quote.

Insulmax are New Zealand’s retrofit wall insulation specialist. They have the experience and technology to very effectively and affordably insulate the walls of your home.

Available at The Vent Shop, SmartVent Positive2 is a classic ventilation system that monitors temperature conditions in your home and at the incoming air source.

Basketball

The NBS Nelson Giants are now 0-3 after a Sunday afternoon loss to the Manawatu Jets. Despite new import Kavion Pippen taking the floor for the Giants, the team were unable to find their offensive flow in the 84-74 loss.

Football

It’s all to play for this weekend as the two only remaining unbeaten teams in the Nelson Pine premier grade, Sheehan Financial FC Nelson 1st XI and Nelson Suburbs FC SPL Reserves, clash for the top spot on the leaderboards after they both found wins in the second round of action on Saturday.

Speedway

The speedway season wrapped up over the weekend with the AT Electrical South Island Streetstock title in conjunction with the Easter Champs. Westport’s Brian Shaw claimed the title after a hectic final race, with the Nelson-registered driver taking a two point win over NZ champ Paul Leslie.

Mortgages Made Easy

MARK LANGDON Mortgage Services

Experience not necessary for rising star

JACK MALCOLM

Maddi Harrop is proving wrong the adage that it takes 10,000 hours to master a skill.

Less than three years ago, the 13-year-old had never even gone mountain biking. But now, she’s dominating the U15 class of the South Island School MTB Champs at Queenstown’s Coronet Peak. While most riders excel in one division, she won gold in the enduro, silver in the downhill, and bronze in the cross country.

Her performance in the enduro has also been good enough for a fifth overall placing, all while in her first year of high school.

It all started for Maddi when she was inspired by an article about a boy cycling from Cape Reinga to Wellington while studying a lockdown school project.

After three months of training, they were ready for the three-week 1000km journey.

“She’d never ridden a bike (before), and part of the training we did is we came here (Codgers bike park) and did trails,” says her dad, Colin. From there, Maddi had the biking bug and joined up with Krankin Kids to improve her riding. She’s now doing mountain bike-specific training at the gym with her trainer and friend Jess Harvie, on top

of riding at least four times a week, as well as coaching from Gravity for the past two years. She says the South Island competition was exciting, having not ridden the trails before and working out how to race the new course best. “It was more flowy, with really nice berms and stuff. But, it was really muddy when we did it.

“The downhill was my favourite. The track was pretty

cool, and you don’t have to cycle uphill.”

Maddi says she wants to race overseas in the Enduro World Cup, looking up to locals who already do.

“Rae’s (Morrison) is pretty cool, and Xanthe (Robb), she’s really good as well.”

Her talent has also seen her be noticed by the industry, with a bike sponsor from CUBE Bikes as well as local support from Bikes by Felix.

Let me help you obtain the best home loan for you

Maddi Harrop is already back training at Codgers after picking up three medals from the South Island School MTB Champs. Photo: Jack Malcolm.

Stoke celebrates win and centurian

JACK MALCOLM

Stoke have continued their strong start to the season with another win, this time over Waimea Old Boys.

Meanwhile, Kahurangi got their first win on the board at Cooks Domain over Nelson, 36-19, and over the hill, Waitohi beat Moutere 36-11. At Greenmeadows, it was Stoke who came out on top with a 29-10 win, capping off celebrations for Kendall Hodson in his 100th game for the club.

With prop Tim Dallison also bringing up his 50th game for the men in red, it was a big day for the team as they looked to give their most faithful a win on their big day.

They came out strong, giving the home crowd something to cheer for less than five minutes into the game when first fiveeighth Corey McKay scored on a breakaway.

Waimea would fight back with a try of their own, looking good when they held onto the ball, with a long stretch of possession leading to a try to lock Sio Latu. Not to be outdone, Stoke retook the lead by capitalising on the turnover by giving the ball space for centre Joseph Scott to beat his man

one-on-one and score.

They would take a 12 point lead into the break, with another Waimea mistake giving them good field possession before a series of offloads put fullback Nick Worthington in space in space to score a converted try.

Stoke would solidify their lead with another try on the other side of the half, with a breakaway try down the sideline to give themselves a strong lead.

A try to captain Taine Robinson, gliding through the defence close to the ruck, gave them a massive lead and they were able to hold on.

Waimea continued to fight, looking to push the pace and rewarded for a quick tap-andgo with front foot ball that got them on a roll and over the line through big number 8 Finepolo Ma’afu.

With a muggy ground and hot weather, both teams faded down the stretch and the game lost a lot of its composure for the last twenty minutes.

Stoke coach Joe Kirker says while it was a scrappy game, they were able to keep to their plan.

“It was a gutsy win. We fought when we needed to and scrambled well.

“I was a little disappointed in

our ball security. Our cleaners were too late to things and we lost a few turn overs.”

He says he was proud with the way his team hung in there to get the job done for their players reaching milestones.

“Ken, his 100th. It was a big part of everyone being up to it.

And Tim, his 50th, we talked about it in the sheds before the game. They’re team first sort of players.”

Kendall says it was a special game to bring up such a big milestone for a club he’s been a part of for decades.

“I did it for a club I played for JAB and up.

“I started out as a little nineyear-old running the tee out for the senior team.

“I’m just stoked we could get the job done.”

With Kahurangi next weekend, Stoke’s early start to the season will face another test as they look to keep themselves in the winning column.

For Waimea, it’s about trying to put together a full two halves of good rugby says coach Scott McKenzie.

“You have to start strong against teams as good as this.

“It’s been a tough start to the year. We haven’t quite been able to put up more than half a game of rugby.”

Nelson at your fingertips

$7.1m of discounts to be provided to consumers

Network Tasman will credit $7.1m to consumers’ next power bills. Consumer ownership and a focus on cost efficiency have enabled Network Tasman to credit more than $245 million of discounts back to consumers in the region since the discount scheme’s inception in 1994.

Network Tasman will credit $13.6m in discounts back to consumers in 2022/23: $6.5m was credited to consumers in September 2022, and $7.1m will be credited in the coming weeks.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a Network Tasman discount, a consumer must have an active metered connection to our network at midnight on 24 April 2023. Our network covers the Nelson Tasman region, excluding central Nelson.

Your discount is based on the electricity you consumed between 1 September 2022 and 31 March 2023. Most residential consumers will receive a discount of between $30 and $100. You can find the exact value of your discount on our website.

You will need your ICP number, which is typically at or near the top of page 2 of your bill, near your location address. The ICP number has 15 characters and starts with several zeros, e.g. 0000055245NT1G2

Further information on discounts

More information about our discount is available on our website: www.networktasman.co.nz/consumer-discounts

Kendall Hodson was “stoked” to have brought up his 100th premier game for Stoke. Photo: Evan Barnes/Shuttersport.

Nelson Netball 2023

It’s been a busy offseason for Nelson Netball as competitions swing back into action next week.

After the college and senior club teams kicked off the season with the Geraldine Hodgson festival earlier this month, the premier grade gets underway in earnest on Thursday night before Saturday will see hundreds of teams take to the courts to

open their season. With over 220 teams signed up this year, the sport has seen growth in the region with a significant jump in the player base.

Five teams have been added to the already existing leagues, while the Future Ferns year one and two division has returned with 22 teams in the mix.

This season will also look slightly different as Nelson Netball makes changes to keep the competition fresh and exciting.

In the premier grade, this means an updated stand alone competition for round two with rule tweaks such as twopoint shot opportunities and rolling subs.

With Jacks B dropping down to the senior two grade and Nayland College starting in senior one, premier action will see six teams fighting it out this season.

Competition favourites Prices Waimea Ahurei and Jacks OPD are back in action again, while Richmond F45, Prices Waimea Pango and Nelson Girls College Senior A will all be hard on their heels.

The FCL Nelson Men are also back for 2023, remaining in the premier grade but unable to play in the finals.

There have been some shuffle-ups in the offseason, with Prices Waimea Ahurei losing a large portion of their experi-

enced contingent.

Only two of their starting lineup from last year’s final have been named in their 2023 team sheet.

Centre Kalyssa Rasmussen and WD Tui Kinita are back in the fight for another season, while GS Shar Lowe, GA Chelsea Reed, WA Lucy Ingham, GD Dayna Kerr and GK Holly Chandler have not been named in a premier grade team.

Meanwhile, Jacks OPD have kept a large part of their core. The only player from last year’s final who has not been named is WD Riley Smart.

It’s also a new look for Nelson Netball, who went under a brand refresh ahead of their 90th birthday celebrations later this year.

Their newly-updated logo represents tūhononga (connection), taking the form of a fingerprint to acknowledge the individuals that make up the netball community.

Their new logo also reflects the land, sea and sky in the Nelson region, with a koru at the cen-

tre to represent the perpetual motion and new beginnings of the sport - each new game, new season. It celebrates the joy of movement found within the game of netball.

It’s an exciting space to be in, says Nelson Netball Centre general manager Ani-Marie Waitai.

“We are proud that this logo reflects the new direction of the centre and aligns with celebrating our 90th anniversary of netball in Nelson this year.”

“With a new organisation structure in place, and an ambitious board, the timing was perfect to connect our vision to grow the lifelong love of netball, symbolically with the new logo.”

All the action this season will be livescored on the My Netball Manager Game Day Scoring App for every game above the primary school grades, excluding premier.

Shakeups to competition structures have also been introduced, with a double-header weekend on June 24 and 25

for all senior and collegiate grades one to three, except premier, as well as including semi-finals in the collegiate grades four to ten.

TEAM LISTS:

PRICES WAIMEA AHUREI

- Head coach: Mandy Whiting, Manager: Karyn McKerrow.

Tali Uia, Kelsey Whiting, Harriet Ogilvie, Milly Thurlow, Kalyssa

Rasmussen, Tui Kinita, Meagan Jeffrey, Kimberly Curry.

PRICES WAIMEA PANGO

- Head coach: Sarah Rankin, Manager: TBC.

Ayla De Jong, Tamara Bannister, Teish prescott, Paige Brazier, Megan Hendren, Jade Gower, Becky Green, Lauren Chaney, Aimee Berkett, Luseane Uia, Talia Grey.

JACKS OPD

- Head coach: Robyn Leonard, Manager: Angie Scoble, Primary Care: Jan Lynch.

Jordan Webby, Holly MacGillivray, Chloe Webb, Ani-Marie Waitai, Jessie Matthews, Jess Drummond,

Katie de Ruiter, Lilly Zwart, Kirsty Thompson, Jodi Hikuroa-Jeffrey, Rayna Olsen, Anna Miles.

NCG SENIOR A

- Head coaches: Faye Eden and Lyn Olsen, Manager: Alison Sheppard. Team list TBC

FCL NELSON MEN

- Head coach: Kent Perry, Manager: Kelly Jenkins. Ricky Fry, Rob Boomer, Jaxon Chadwick, Matt Davies, Simon Duncan, Wayne Hippolite, Jared Lock, Jared Smith, Jacob Astle, Declan McGlinchey, Jamie Brown, Luke Richardson.

RICHMOND F45

- Head coach: Kathleen Thornalley, Assistant Coach: Marjolein Edwards, Manager: Deborah Lott, Primary care: Amanda Springer. Belinda Koloamatangi, Courtney Lott, Maddison Springer, Eden Te Huki, Baylyl Conning, Amber Healey, Shardae Herring, Georgia Green, Chelsea Martin, Rachel George, Kimberly Keil.

FOOTBALL: Celebrations for Suburbs and Ross McPhie (pictured) didn’t last long as they conceded a goal minutes after opening the scoring on the way to a 1-1 draw against Dunedin City Royals on Sunday. Alex Ward’s 57th minute goal was quickly responded to by the Royals, who found the back of the net themselves in the 60th. The Suburbs now sit seventh on the leaderboards, with one win, two draws and two losses from their opening five games. They return to Saxton Field this Sunday against Coastal Spirit.

Trina Brereton/Shuttersport.

Photo:

SUPER RUGBY TIPPING

Local masters prepare for Trans-Tasman hockey clash

JACK MALCOLM

Eighteen local hockey players have been named in New Zealand teams for the upcoming Trans-Tasman Masters series in Christchuch.

After playing in the North vs South Island tournament last year, the group were selected after also putting their names forward.

Over 800 people applied, with masters teams starting at 35 years old in five-year bands right up to 75 years old.

“It was like putting together a hockey CV,” says Nic Brydon. She was selected as one of three players in the New Zealand O40 women’s team, saying it’s exciting to be recognised in a national team.

The inclusion of some of Nelson’s hockey icons in the older divisions was also exciting, she says.

Jim Matthews and Gary Wilson have been named in the O70s team with non-travelling reserves Gavin Mclauchlin and Dennis Gribble in the O75 team. The largest local representation is in the O40 women’s team (Nic Brydon, Di Webb, Jay Sigley) and

the O65 men’s team (Tim Brenton, Michael Kearney, Quentin MacMurray).

Per capita, the players believe they are one of the best-represented centres in the country. They say it’s standard to have a big group of local players in the New Zealand masters teams, with only two of the 15 players making their debut in a silver fern.

Three additional players have been named in the teams as non-travelling reserves. With the Trans-Tasman tournament starting at the end of April, the group is very eager to get stuck into the Australians. Being underdogs in the tournament, they say it would be good to get one over their counterparts across the Tasman Sea. The overall winner of the tournament is based on the results of all the masters games, with each team playing a best-of-three series.

The Trans-Tasman Masters is being held from 30 April - 6 May at Nga Puna Wai Sports Hub. Hosting alternates between Australia and New Zealand and this is the first time it has been held in Christchurch.

A large group of local masters hockey players have been named in national teams. They are Jim Matthews, Sue Gall, Tim Brenton, Nic Brydon, Dennis Gribble, Kara Wiseman, Lu Khani, Jay Sigley, Gary Wilson and Karen Eden. (Absent: Tracy Stock, Brett Butcher, Pat Hargraves, Michael Kearney, Quentin MacMurray, Gavin Mclauchlin, Di Webb and Jackie Day). Photo: Jack Malcolm.

Community Notices

MONDAY

OSTEOACTIVE – Mon 1 May, 9.30-10.30am. Holy Trinity Hall, 27 Dorset St, Richmond Block 2 Starts. A community fitness class for participants with osteoarthritis. Exercise and education. Ph: Nicola 0210788609 or E: nicola. rae.11@gmail.com. Cost: koha.

HIRA COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP Mon during term time, 1-3pm. Hira Kindergarten. Cost $5 per term, includes children's afternoon tea. Ph: 035450224.

FITNESS & FRESH AIR FREE supervised exercise sessions for seniors. Mon Saxton & Thurs Tāhunanui, 12pm. 30 mins walk & learn to use the outdoor exercise equipment safely. Ph: Ange 021790415

ACTING UP DRAMA GROUP Mon, 10.30 -12pm. Whakatu Presbyterian Church Hall. 271 Songer St Stoke. New members welcome. Ph: Anne 035380400.

TUESDAY

LAUGHTER YOGA 1st Tues of the month, 9.30-10.30am. Victory Community Centre. Laughter is good for you! Laughter Yoga combines laughter with yogic breathing exercises to provide an aerobic workout and the perfect antidote to stress. Bring something to lie on for relaxation at the end. For info Ph: 035451207. COST: $3.

TUESDAY MUSIC – Tues, 2 May, 10am. Richmond Town Hall Meeting room. First half from a European Concert, second from Andre Rieu in Australia. You will love it! Bring a friend. Ph: Christine 0212486038 or 035442375.

NELSON 50+ WALKING GROUP Tues, 2 May. HopeWaimea River. Meet at 9.45am at the Hope Domain. BYO lunch. Ph: Jan 021598842.

WELLBY TALKING CAFÉ: Tues, 2 May. 10-11.30am. McCashin’s, Stoke. Wellby Talking Cafés are about social connection and finding out about groups, activities, and services. www.wellby.org.nz. Ph: 035467681.

NELSON CIVIC CHOIR rehearses Tues, 6.45 -9.00pm. Nelson School of Musical Arts, 48 Nile St, Nelson. Nelson’s classical music choir, under the baton of Jason Balla. Rehearsing Mozart’s Coronation Mass for May concert. No auditions. Ph: Kay 0211024436.

NOHO PAKARI (SIT & BE FIT) Tues, 10.30 -1.30pm.

Tāhunanui Community Hub. Run by Wayne from Te Piki Oranga, he is providing exercises that are fun while you’re sitting. Any questions Ph: Wayne: 0273063123. wayne. simons@tpo.org.nz.

WEDNESDAY

WOMEN’S MULTICULTURAL MEAL Meet 1st Wed of the month, 12-1pm. Victory Community Centre. A “potluck” group lunch for women from all cultures to share kai (food) and meet new people. Bring some food from your own culture to share with the group but please don’t worry if you’re unable to bring food, just join us! Free!

COMMUNITY SING A LONG Wed, 3 May, 1.30pm. Stoke Methodist Church, 94 Neale Ave. Afternoon tea. Gold coin donation for Nelson Hospital Chaplaincy welcomed.

INDOOR BOWLS - Come and join us for social indoor bowls and a cuppa every Wed and Fri afternoon, 1.15 -4pm. Beginners welcome. Trafalgar St Hall. Ph: 035476066 or 0274979330.

SING YOURSELF WELL – Wed, 10 -11am. Age Concern Nelson Tasman Nelson Office. 18 Bridge St, Nelson. A fun and relaxed singing group where the focus is on wellbeing. You don’t need to be a great singer to join. Ph: Marnie 035447624 ext 5. $3 per session.

NELSON RSA members and visitors please feel welcome to join our weekly social every Wed, 4-6pm. Greenmeadows Centre, Cnr Songer St and Main Rd Stoke.

THURSDAY

LEGO @ VICTORY COMMUNITY CENTRE Last Thurs of the

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

month. 3.30-4.30pm. Come and get creative, playing with Lego. Free Event, All ages. Ph: 0211069000.

ALZHEIMERS NELSON TASMAN monthly Library sessions provide opportunities for information, advice, and support around memory Loss. Nelson Library, every 4th Wed, 9.30-10.30 / Stoke Library every 4th Thurs, 9.3010.30am.

FITNESS & FRESH AIR IN THE CITY. FREE supervised exercise sessions for seniors. Thurs, 12pm. Maitai river walkway 30 mins walk & learn to use the outdoor exercise equipment safely. Ph: Ange 021790415.

ARE YOU WONDERING what the Bible really has to say? New Weekly Bible Study Night. Thurs, 7-8pm. Victory Community Centre. All Welcome! Ph: Pastor Janine 02102664608.

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING The Nelson Club dance. Thurs, 7.30pm. Haven Hall, 34 Collingwood St, Nelson. New dancers welcome, no partner needed. More info: Ph: Kelly 0211739642 or nelson@dancescottish.org.nz.

FRIDAY

COMMUNITY CHIROPRACTIC- 28 Apr & 26 May. 12.303pm. Victory Community Centre. Proper alignment, posture and movement reduces stress on the vital nervous system and allows for better health expression. 15-minute sessions available. Ph: 035468389 for appt. Cost: Sliding Scale - $5 - $40.

AMPUTEE SOCIETY Top of the South meet last Fri of the month for coffee and a chat. Honest Lawyer around 10am. Outside if sunny –inside if wet. Bring a friend or support person. Look forward to seeing you there.

SONGBIRDS LADIES CHOIR, Fri morning Rehearsals in Stoke. New female singers welcome. If you enjoy singing and can hold a tune, please give me a call. Ph: Mary 035448232 or 0211334805.

DROP IN AND OP SHOP Fri 9am-1pm. St Stephens Com-

munity Church, 61 Tāhunanui Dr. Join us for delicious food, browse through our preloved clothing collection and stay for a chat.

COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE every Fri, 9-11.30am. Victory Community Centre. Designed to make treatment affordable and accessible for all. Dress comfortably in loose fitting clothing so you can roll up your pants and sleeves.

Cost: Sliding Scale - $5 - $40

SATURDAY / SUNDAY

WAIMEA TRAMPING CLUB 50-Year Anniversary. Sat, 29 Apr. Easy local tramp in the morning, celebration dinner in the evening. Current and previous members welcome. For more info Ph: 0212671298 E: wtc.richmond@gmail.com.

WAIMEA HARRIERS running and walking Club Winter season. Events every Saturday. We welcome everyone of all ages and abilities. See the website for details.

GENERAL GROUPS

COMPLETE HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME (CHIP). A lifestyle medicine programme focused on exercise, eating, stress, rest & sleep. For more info come to the free information sessions at Putangitangi (Greenmeadows Centre) cnr Main Rd & Songer St, Stoke. 2 Sessions avail Sun 30, April, 7pm. Tues 2 May, 7pm.

PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION. On show all April. The cafe at Nelson Golf Club,38 Bolt Road, Tāhunanui. A stunning display of Nature Photography by Dharan Langley, Adventuring Photographer. Open to the public daily.

SUTER ART SOCIETY 19 Apr – 7 May. Showing the wonderful artwork of Lisa Devries “THE FLORAL CHAIR” exhibition in the McKee gallery.

NELSON GARDEN SHOW calling stallholders who are interested in a site for our show on 2 Sept. Contact Margaret Hart Ph: 035472999 or m.hart@slingshot.co.nz.

SURVIVORS AND THRIVERS - If you have or have had

cancer, supporting someone with cancer come and meet others in this friendly atmosphere. Register Ph: 035391137 or info@cancernelson.org.nz.

DOWNSIZING OR DECLUTTERING? Vinnies in Vanguard St can collect your good quality household donations. Ph: 035489372.

FALLS PREVENTION: Free 2hr session for anyone who has fallen or is at risk of falling. Relaxed & informal setting. Book at Nelson Bays Primary Health. Ph: Ange 021790415. FOOD, IS IT A PROBLEM FOR YOU? Are you suffering from anorexia, bulimia, obesity and/or compulsive eating? Overeaters Anonymous works. Ph: 0226730237. All welcome

ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN wanting to make a difference in the life of a child? We are looking for caring Christian people who are willing to open their home to care for a child/ young person. To find out more, Ph: Mika at Open Home Foundation 0274610497 mika.ito@ohf.org.nz.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS - Is alcohol causing problems for you in your life? Want to stop drinking but can't?

Maybe we can help. Support meetings every day. Ph: 0800aaworks 08002296757.

***FEELING SAD, STRESSED, DEPRESSED, OR STUCK?

Identify and explore new ways to move forward with a Life Linc Counsellor. Up to 10 face to face counselling sessions available now for individuals and couples. Ph: 035482400 or lifelinc.co.nz

LUNG CANCER CONNECT for those who are going through or who have gone through lung cancer Register 035391137.

NELSON WOODTURNING CLUB. Join us at our club rooms for Turning, camaraderie and sharing of knowledge. New Learn to Turn classes starting soon. More Info TXT or Ph: Allan 021543345.

KIDS YOGA 6-12 years old in bright new studio in Tāhunanui. Book Ph: 035458289.

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

DEATH

BROWN

Gael

1947 - 2023

Peacefully passed away at Stillwater Resthome on April 13. Loved wife of the late Dennis, loved mother and mother in law of Ricky and Cherrie, Jay and the late Stephanie, Kain and Debbie. Nana to 7 Grandchildren and all her Great Grandchildren. A private cremation has been held.

WANTED TO BUY

sales@nelsonweekly.co.nz

CHURCH NOTICES

MEMORIAL

CUNNIFFE

Michael Ivan (Pat), Private.

16-02-1936 - 09-11-2020

RNZI - 784675. Malaya - 1 Battalion New Zealand Regiment

Passed away at home as he wanted after many years of ill health.

Son of the late Don & Melva Cunniffe (formerly Murchison), brother of the late Ian, (Takaka) the late Bill (Westport), and Doug (Blenheim), and of Gail Sutton (Nelson) and brother-inlaw and uncle to their respective families. Also brother to the late Harvey (Murchison). Husband of the late Merilyn, and father of Sharon (Sydney), the late Michael (Brisbane), and Paula (Nelson). Grandfather of Shay and Gemma (Nelson), and Liam (Sydney). Greatgrandad to Adam (Nelson). He was a friend and acquaintance to many, and ‘Postman Pat’ to the wider Nelson North Community since 1976 until he semi-retired, 36 years later. Also widely known in the greater Top-Of-The-South region with his circular distribution network.

Pat had also been a diesel mechanic before volunteering for the NZ Army in the Malayan Peacekeeping Forces between 1957-58. There he spent two years living on the edge of his seat and volunteering as ‘scout’, patrolling the jungle and flushing out communist terrorists who had hidden there after WW2. Back home, he became a long haul truck driver for 25 years at TNL, and a tomato glasshouse worker as he and Merilyn transitioned to self-employment. He became a postman/paperman/breadman/courier/circular distributor/busdriver, etc, a proudly self-made business couple, built from the ground up and without financing.

He was a deep-thinker with strong opinions, but also generous. A stirrer, jokester, Jacindalover and a Trump-hater. He died the day after the presidential elections in USA, some of his last words being ‘I’m so glad I got to live another day to see Trump fired.’

Thanks for understanding the time taken to announce the passing of Pat, and the process of grieving and adjusting to life without the man that wanted all life lived on his terms. Pat requested that there be no funeral or flowers, and leaving his death announcement until a later date. He was cremated and will be interred shortly at Marsden Valley Cemetery alongside Merilyn and Michael. In the meantime, he has been relaxing in his ‘gold box’ on the shelf with his beloved Sky remote resting on him. Many thanks to the death doula services of Damara Pearl at Simplicity Funerals, the Nelson District Health nurses, Nelson Hospital staff, Access, the Ministry of Veterans’ Affairs, Dr Rob Riley (personal physician for 45 years, who didn’t retire until Pat died), and the rest of the team at Rata Medical Centre, Nelson.

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