The Guardian - 27 December 2019

Happy New Year!

100 Bags of Rubbish

The students of the Motueka Steiner School were in a mood of celebration on Wednesday, 11 December as they collected a final 20 bags of rubbish, to make a grand total of 100 this year, close to one tonne of rubbish!

At the beginning of the year, the senior students of the school set themselves the task of removing 100 bags of rubbish from the local Estuary.

“They are concerned with the impact this rubbish has on our marine environment and wanted to do something about it,” says Margot Dhondt, class 8 teacher.

It has taken a consistent effort and many outings to the Estuary to get this rubbish and in the end the older students enlisted the help of the rest of the school. On the day of the final collection, about 80 children set off with teachers and helpers and scoured the Estuary for every piece of plastic they could find. This rub-

bish included; discarded tyres, corrugated iron, glass, polystyrene, tree protectors, plastic bottles, lollipop sticks and general household waste.

“Picking up rubbish was surprisingly fun and it felt great removing it from the waterways” say the

students.

The “100 Bags of Rubbish Project” was initiated by the students as part of worldwide celebrations to mark the centenary of Steiner Education. Rudolf Steiner was an intellectual in Austria at the turn of the Century. Exactly

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100 years ago he created the first Steiner or Waldorf School in the Waldorf Astoria Cigarette Factory in Stuttgart Germany. In 2019, there are over 1,000 Steiner/Waldorf Schools in the world and all of them have taken time in 2019 to celebrate this mile-

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stone, either by hosting fun events or giving back to the community.

The children would like to thank their mentors, especially Jude and Mel from the White Bait Connection as well as the TDC who picked up the rubbish from the school.

Students of Motueka’s Steiner School celebrate collecting a whopping 100 bags of rubbish from the Estuary.

Takeaway without throwaway - Again Again coffee cup lending system launches with T.O.A.D Hall

Tasman coffee drinkers now have another convenient, environment-friendly option for their daily takeaway coffee, with iconic Motueka hospitality venue T.O.A.D Hall introducing the Again Again reusable cup system.

“We are thrilled to be championing Again Again’s open-access cup lending system in the region, to reduce single-use cup waste at source,’’ says T.O.A.D. Hall’s owner Angie Morris.

“Sustainability is such an important part of our business and we can see that Again Again’s system addresses cup waste with a scalable and practical solution.”

Since Again Again launched with 14 Wellington cafes in February 2019, some 160 cafes around New Zealand have joined the cup lending system, including all 16 Coffee Culture cafes in Christchurch, a cohort of 12 Wanaka/ Southern Lakes cafes, and 47 Mojo locations across Wellington and Auckland.

Again Again has partnered with some of the country’s bestknown and established coffee businesses to collectively enable a solution to an enormous problem –

the way that takeaway convenience produces single use waste.

“Convenience doesn’t have to mean waste.

We’ve already proved that, so it feels great to be introducing a resolved solution with Angie and her team at T.O.A.D Hall,” says Again Again Founder, Nada Piatek.

Again Again provides a fleet of reusable steel cups, silicone lids and cardboard heat sleeves available by deposit and return at participating cafes. Customers order their coffee as usual.

They pay a $3 deposit when they “check out” a cup, which is fully refunded when they return the cup to any café in the Again Again network nationwide. Again Again then manages cup redistribution around those networks.

By creating a system that works across both independent and chain cafes, and hospitality and event venues, Again Again has developed a practical solution to the 295 million disposable cups that go to landfill every year in New Zealand. Worldwide, the figure is estimated to be 600 billion.

“Having reviewed many possible solutions we felt that a

stainless steel cup addressed the issues in a way that plastic doesn’t. The paper sleeve can be reused many times over, and this genuine paper recycling is far lesser of two evils in comparison to a plastic cup - which was the only other viable option for a system capable of mass scale. Stainless steel is a bit more expensive, but well worth it,” says Nada.

Again Again’s system and network focuses on the ‘convenience’ side of takeaway coffee. The company’s early business research showed that fewer than 5% of coffees are served in personal reusable cups, Nada says. “Personal reusable cups and direct one-in-one-out cup exchange models still mean that people have to plan in advance, remembering to wash and bring their cups with them every time, and it just doesn’t always happen.

Everyone wants to be good, but in the moment, you forget. That’s when we’re there for you.” says Nada.

The company estimates that its cafe network now diverts single-use cups from landfill at a rate of 50,000 per month, or

around 600,000 cups a year. Nada estimates that will reach a rate of 800,000 by the end of the year, as the Again Again system grows rapidly with sustainability-forward vendors in new regions. Nationwide, the Again Again network already provides customers access to cups on-demand convenience in more than 160 cafes.

“Our system has proven that cafes could easily get customer takeup of Again Again’s cups to the point where the system costs them less than buying disposable cups,” says Nada. “It just makes good sense - for business as well as the planet.”

With whanaungatanga, community responsibility, in its core values, Again Again is also a for-profit social enterprise. A portion of its cafe revenues goes to community partners to support waste minimisation education initiatives.

“Our mission is to make reuse as normal as the convenience of takeaway coffee. Anywhere, every time. People already want to do the right thing, and now we’ve provided a system that makes that possible without sacrificing convenience.”

Toad Hall’s Hanna Ball shows off the Again Again reusable cup.

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Are you making any New Year’s resolutions?

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Acclaimed musician to perform

The Motueka Music Group is hosting revered singer, songwriter and pianist Dan Bolton on Sunday, 5 January in the Chanel Arts Centre at 7.30pm.

Dan’s renowned for his unique sound, honed over the years from his time living in New York City. His songs are 21st

Century standards, incorporating elements of jazz, pop and Latin American styles. His music is reminiscent of George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Irving Berlin but with a modern twist.

Returning by popular demand, Dan will be performing with an all-star lineup; Paul

Van Ross (woodwinds), Mark Lockett (drums) and Seth Boy (bass).

Dan will be featuring songs in his show from his latest album, “Living to Regret it”, interspersed with various songs he recorded in New York City and jazz standards. New York City-

based sax player Adrian Cunningham says Dan is a worldclass songwriter and performer. “I am especially impressed with his prolific song-writing ability; being able to capture the listener with great story telling and sense of melody. It has been my absolute pleasure to work

with him and record his music,” says Adrian.

Dan Bolton Quartet

Chanel Arts Centre Sunday, 5 January 7.30pm

Tickets available from Floral Affaire and Door Sales

$25 Adults $5 School children

Dave Ludlow

Maureen Smith

Sofia Taylor

Singer, songwriter and pianist Dan Bolton will bring his unique sound to the Chanel Arts Centre on January 5.

Environment key to expansion considerations for fruit grower

Development in Motueka has been strong, with new buildings going up almost weekly. One local company about ready to unveil two new buildings has made a decision to minimise its ongoing impact on local services and the environment as it expands.

Local family fruit grower Birdhurst Ltd has built two new single-level accommodation units on the corner of Staples Street and State Highway 60. The units will welcome existing and new workers who oversee the company’s orchards throughout the seasonal operation, pruning, thinning, picking, packing and shipping apples around the world.

Heath Wilkins, Birdhurst’s Managing Director, says the new buildings will have minimal impact on the local sewage serv-

ices because they’ve installed a large on-site underground wastewater system that’s efficient and friendly to the local environment.

“Two 23,000L concrete tanks, buried underground, will treat wastewater that will be dispersed into the ground under adjacent land where native bushes and trees will grow.

That means all wastewater is treated on site and returned to the land in an environmentally friendly state.”

Heath says when making decisions about growth and investment, the company always looks first to what they can do that will leave a positive environmental impact.

“Anything we do as a business, one of our top objectives is to invest in systems that are proven to be better for our environment. As a business, we want to have a positive impact in everything we do.”

A few weeks ago,

as the buildings were being fitted out on the inside, the concrete tanks were lowered into the ground next to the two dispersal fields that each measured 3 metres deep, 9 metres wide and 20 metres long.

More than 310 metres of pipe was laid here, which will carry the treated wastewater back into the ground.

Wastewater specialist Alastair Lewis of

Allflow in Richmond, which has supplied and installed the treatment system for Birdhurst, says the treated wastewater meets local authority resource management plan requirements and reflects international best practice.

“Our family lives in Motueka too, so we’re pleased to see a local company minimising their environmental footprint in the commu-

A tank is lifted into place at Birdhurst Ltd’s new accommodation units.

nity,” says Alastair. Heath says the new units mean the company is poised for growth and expansion in the future and his workers will have a smart, fresh new place to live when in Motueka.

“I’m really glad as a local company that we can expand our business in a smart way. The wastewater system does smart work below ground, and above ground we’ll have smart new living spaces and green spaces with native trees and bushes that will make a really nice relaxation area for our guest workers.”

Dear Editor,

On behalf of the Save Our Springs campaign I wish to thank all those who joined our rally on the 12th of December in Richmond. The rally went exceptionally well as people from Golden Bay were joined by people from the Nelson/Tasman area including members of Extinction Rebellion. The new Mayor came out and stood among us watching and talking. I congratulate him on this positive step. One of the issues I raised with the Tasman District Council was that a small group of senior TDC staff are in denial that intensive dairy farming is the cause of the growing nitrate pollution at Te Waikoropupu Springs.

Because of their denial and bias these staff members have taken no steps whatsoever to fix the pollution problem.

As a result, the Council is not fulfill-

ing its legal duty to ‘maintain or improve’ the waters of Te Waikoropupu Springs. I urged the Council to be wise and fiscally prudent and quickly address this legal and ethical issue.

If the issue remains unaddressed the Council runs the risk of someone, sometime in the future, resorting to legal action which would be an expense for ratepayers.

Council must pull their staff culture into line. They must keep the law on water quality, and must not let one industry sector (farming) dump its pollution into the backyard of others (tourism and the salmon farm). I look forward to the New Year and the release of the Te Waikoropupu Water Conservation Order (hopefully) in February.

Kevin Moran Coordinator of the Save Our Springs Campaign

Magnificent Marahau market returns for 2020

Talented local designer and creator Vickie Davis is behind the Magnificent Marahau Artisan Market on Friday, 3 January.

Riwaka Rugby Club Summer Concerts

Following the success of this year’s Magnificent Marahau Artisan Market, local artists will once again congregate in the field next to Marahau’s R&R Kayaks for a market on Friday, 3 January 2020 from 10am-3pm.

Motueka designer and creator of Vickies Originals Nelson, Vickie Davis, is the driving force behind the market and has hand-selected all stallholders with the emphasis on boutique, high end and top quality goods made locally.

“A magical day is promised at this all ages free event. There

is shelter, seating and music to enjoy while indulging in some of the many delicious choices of food stalls,” says Vickie.

Among the special guests this year are two Marahau artists, David Hollidge and Mark Rayner. David, a well-known local artist is famous for his exquisite hand-made rocking chairs and other woodcraft while Mark, a local wood carver has worked with the Arts Unique for the past 24 years.

They’ll be joined by a number of other talented artists including Kanuka Glen Art, Richard van Dijk,

Kingdom of Klah, Doveriver furniture, Found & Carved, Moutere Lavendar Company, Travelling Lite, Iya Leigh Boutique, Somya Ayurveda, Knitwitnz, Dixie Device Ceramics and Hub Cap Guitars.

The variety of food on offer includes Kiwi Kai for Seafood lovers, Saed’s Falafel, Bacon Station, salads and healthy wraps from Mermaids Beach House, Nutty Dlites and Keto needs covered by Sweet not Sugar.

Melanie Drewery, Kate Cowan and Heavens to Betsy are among this market’s

new artists. This year’s market saw Vickie generously donate 50% of the stallholder’s fees to the Marahau ratepayers association to contribute toward the costs of cleaning up after Cyclone Gita and next year will once again boost the association’s coffers to help clean up the Wetlands.

“It’s a lovely way to give back to Marahau, it’s such a beautiful place and it’s super exciting to have all these fantastic artisans together in one place,” says Vickie.

“We’re looking forward to offering our quality goods.”

The Riwaka Rugby Football Club has been going since 1884. Since the beginning the Club has always focused on its main agenda –providing rugby for the community. The RRFC is a non-forprofit organisation that has a strong junior programme and senior teams. The Club have a wide range of members including the RSE workers. The RRFC is lucky enough to have members on the committee whose previous generations have been involved in the Club since its beginning.

The Riwaka Rugby Club is also very lucky to have a fulltime trainer for our rugby development. By having someone in this role the development of rugby at our club and in our region has significantly strengthened and is highly soughtafter.

This year the RRFC have been lucky enough to secure two concerts over the summer. These concerts are held on the Riwaka Rugby Club grounds by volunteers. On December, 28, Drax Project will be playing and on December, 31 Shihad, Salmonella Dub Sound System and Stellar* will be playing for New Year’s

Eve.

The concerts for the Club are about providing the local community and summer holiday makers with fantastic entertainment but also for the Club it is about fundraising. The money raised from these events go directly back into helping the Club such as paying the day to day bills and most importantly helping our junior rugby programme and our senior teams to continue to grow and strengthen as they represent our area in the upcoming season.

3 75 82 36 9 3 1 8 1 5 48 2 7 47 8 2 6 4 34 2 5 9 2 6

Shihad is set to rock Cooks Reserve in Riwaka for New Years Eve.

Audience folk depart the Dyke’s woolshed in Lower Moutere after the annual ‘Carols by Lamplight’ on Sunday, 8 December.

Those in attendance enjoyed the Motueka Brass Band and children from Ngatimoti’s St James Church along with the ‘Sisterhood’ quartet.

“It was absolutely delightful, just so lovely, I really found it a wonderful evening and am so glad I went along,” says visitor, Betty Beaumont.

Revving up for another impressive Motorcycle Show

A couple of the many bikes which will be on show during the annual Nelson Classic and Vintage Motorcycle Club’s show on 4 and 5 January.

On Saturday, 4 January and Sunday, 5 January Stoke’s Memorial Hall will once again display the qualifying motorcycles of the Nelson Classic and Vintage Motorcycle Club (NCVMCC) members.

The ever-popular two-day show gives collectors and enthusiasts an opportunity to showcase their bikes. Some have been lovingly restored while others are untouched and in their original condition.

A bike lover’s dream, the club says visitors to the show will see “all makes and models, big and small, 2 strokes, singles, v twins, twins and more”.

With a membership covering a wide area of Nelson Bays, Club rules for the Show restrict the machines to over 25 years-old, from all continents and all the famous manufacturers.

“Come in and view some of the legendary machines from the British makers such as Norton, Triumph, BSA, AJS & Matchless, Velocette and others.

From Europe there will be Ducati, BMW,

and Motoguzzi, to name but a few. From America the Indians and Harley-Davidson’s of yesteryear.

And from Japan a new breed of modern classics, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki.”

Wander around and see how technology changed the motorcycle.

Take a seat and watch road racing from the Isle of Man TT, and other circuits from around the world.

This event is becoming a regular feature of the Nelson holiday calendar, with many people fitting it into their annual holiday.

On Sunday, 5 January from 9amnoon there will be a swap-meet at the site. Anyone who wishes to sell motorcycle or related material from bikes, clothing, books, parts, etc - the swap sites are free. (No household goods please.) All are welcome.

“Come on in and enjoy some of Nelson Bay’s motorcycling history.”

The Club welcomes new members with an interest in motorcycles over 25 years old. For any queries please phone Ian 027 244 9929.

Show opening hours Saturday, 4 January 9am-5pm, Sunday, 5 January 9am-4pm. Entry $5. Children Free.

FOR LEASE

FOR LEASE

Local students tackle Mapua’s rubbish

Mapua’s popular wharf area is virtually void of rubbish thanks to the efforts of more than 70 students from Mapua School’s senior team on Wednesday, 11 December.

The year 4 and 5 students donned rubber gloves and scoured the area for any rubbish.

Keen to look after their local environment, the students’ efforts began on the walk from school, collecting bits and pieces on their way to the wharf.

“I like that what we’re doing is good for the environment,” says student Ayla Spinetto.

The initiative was kicked off last year by Jellyfish owner Debbie Lavery and Mapua School teacher Sarah Tolle in a bid to clean up the community area before the onset of Christmas visitors.

“It’s just great to do it before summer and get it all cleaned up before the tourists come in.

It’s a great com-

munity-minded thing to do and gives the kids the opportunity to learn about the effects of rubbish in the community,” says Debbie.

Debbie donates the gloves, rubbish bags and supplied the students with hot chips and the opportunity to

win one of four prizes.

The biggest bag of rubbish, best hat, most enthusiastic collector and the weirdest item were all rewarded.

The students were especially spoiled this year with Alberta’s supplying donuts.

“The kids love it,

they feel like they’ve done something really special for the community and they like getting the hot chips from Deb, and this year the donuts,” says Sarah.

“Students are often very surprised at the amount and variety of rubbish they collect.”

Students prepare to collect rubbish from Mapua’s community area.

Bindi Briggs, Ayla Spinetto and Sofia Laurence get stuck into collecting rubbish from Mapua’s community area.

Free, funfilled annual fair to kick off 2020

Every year, on the second of January, the Riwaka Market Day kicks off the New Year and 2020 is no exception.

Put a note in your diary for after the New Year celebrations — every year, for over 40 years locals and visitors enjoy the atmosphere and stalls at the picturesque Riwaka Domain* on January 2 from 9am - 3pm.

The free familyfriendly market run by members of the Motueka Pottery Workshop features an ever-expanding variety of local pottery, crafts, plants, food, music, clothes and more.

The market is something of a ‘must-do’ on January the second every year. The potters work all year to provide reasonably priced goods for the club stall and they are joined by many talent-

ed artisans.

Every year, the workshop offers their traditional fare of boysenberries and cream and an opportunity for children to explore clay play. At the club stall there is the very popular children’s lucky dip that features pottery animals.

Members of the Motueka Pottery Workshop based at the Riwaka Domain extend a very warm welcome to come to their annual market and also to anyone who wants to learn how to make pottery. Club mornings are held every Tuesday from 9.30am to 12pm.

*Riwaka Domain is on the corner of State Highway 60 and School Road. It is on the way to Kaiterikeri and the Abel Tasman National Park.

For further information please contact 021749583.

GREENMAN STANDING WITH THE PEOPLE

Ruahine Ports the small bespoke company, a joint venture by partners Damon Pratt and Alisha Phelps has been gently nurtured and is an evolving family legacy that has gained huge appreciation due to old fashioned values but more so for the purity of the product and the story behind it. Ruahine Ports is steeped in tradition and reflects the same values and ethos we all aspire to. With it comes responsibility, a sense of tradition, respect for guardianship, a love of the fine things… and the purity of being able to harvest directly from nature.

It is something special to be able to help people heal. With their new company 'Greenman' they have continued their commitment to to providing the purist ingredients blended together to form effective natural remedies. There is a relationship with humanity and nature that has developed over the ages—in a sense spiritual—that connects us all. It fires our souls and tempers our identity. We choose not to merely observe but participate in helping people to heal themselves with non toxic effective products.

By growing organic hemp and nurturing the two businesses they are showing great leadership for entrepreneurial young New Zealanders.

Local pottery artist Liz Yockney shows off some of her wares that she’ll be selling at the Riwaka Market Day.

Golden couple of equestrian world at local A&P Show

Equestrian couple, Tim and Jonelle Price, returned to New Zealand from their home in Wiltshire, England for three weeks and made sure Motueka was on the itinerary, timing with the local A&P Show and holidaying with family and friends in Parapara Beach.

It was with the local Motueka Pony Club Jonelle began her horse-riding career. In 2018, she won the prestigious Badminton Horse Trials in England, the first New Zealand woman to do

so. Tim followed by taking out the top prize at the equally prestigious Burghley Horse Trials.

Not since Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips has there been a couple this successful in eventing and now with Sir Mark Todd bowing out, Tim and Jonelle are stepping up to become New Zealand’s foremost riders for the 2020 Olympics.

NZ history to be taught in all schools

New Zealand history will be taught in all schools and kura by 2022, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Education Minister Chris Hipkins announced this year.

“This Government is committed to a better New Zealand that we can all be proud of and which recognises the value of every New Zealander,” says Jacinda.

“We have listened carefully to the growing calls from New Zealanders to know more about our own history and identity. With this in mind it makes sense for the National Curriculum to make clear the expectation that our history is part of the local curriculum and marau a kura in every school and kura,” says Jacinda.

The National Curriculum currently enables schools and kura to decide how New Zealand history is covered, but variation in delivery means too much is left to chance in the teaching and learning of New Zealand history, Jacinda says.

“The curriculum changes we are making will reset a national framework so all learners and akonga are aware of key aspects of New Zealand history and how they have influenced and shaped the nation.”

They will span the full range of New Zealanders’ experiences and are expected to include:

The Arrival of Maori to Aotearoa New Zealand.

First encounters and early colonial history of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi / Treaty of Waitangi and its history.

Colonisation of, and immigration to, Aotearoa New Zealand, including the New Zealand

Wars.

Evolving national identity of Aotearoa New Zealand in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries.

Aotearoa New Zealand’s role in the Pacific.

Aotearoa New Zealand in the late 20th century and evolution of a national identity with cultural plurality.

Chris Hipkins says it is important for learners and akonga to understand New Zealand history as a continuous thread, with contemporary issues directly linked to major events of the past.

“Our diversity is our strength, but only when we build connections to each other.

We can move forward together, stronger when we understand the many paths our ancestors walked to bring us to today.”

The Ministry of Education will work collaboratively to develop a New Zealand history update, Chris says.

“The Ministry will call on historical and curriculum experts, iwi and mana whenua, Pacific communities, students and akonga, parents and whanau, and other groups with a strong interest in shaping how New Zealand history is taught.

“Once the updates to the curriculum are known, existing supports will be reviewed and an implementation package with teaching and learning resources will be developed ready for the 2022 school year.”

The package will allow schools and kura to include the new content and learning expectations in their local curriculum, working in partnership with their local communities and mana whenua.

Right: Tim and Jonelle Price with son Otis snapped at our A&P Show.

Photo: Ken Horrell.

Art exhibition set to impress

Art lovers are in for a treat during the Mapua Art Group’s exhibition from 4-12 January in the Mapua Community Hall.

With nearly all of the group’s 25 artists exhibiting, a wide-variety of mediums will be on display including acrylics, oils, watercolours, pastels and painted gourds.

“The huge variety of mediums people are involved in is part of what makes the group so interesting, as many bring unusual items to create,” says member Barbara Glass.

Everything at the exhibition is for sale with prices ranging from $20 to a few thousand, and Eftpos facilities are available

onsite.

Barbara’s recently published children’s book, ‘The Prince and the Dragon’ will also be on display and available for purchase at the exhibition.

“I wrote the story a long time ago for adults and thought I’d simplify it for children,” says Barbara who has spent the previous three years creating the book’s illustrations.

“It was a challenge and something new for me to create the illustrations as I’m a watercolour artist who normally goes outside and paints scenery.

This was a completely imaginary world so I had to imagine everything and go from there.”

Network Tasman Trust gives $80 to every household in the Network Tasman electricity network

Residents from Golden Bay, Murchison, the Tasman region and outlying parts of Nelson will receive $80 off their power bill during December/ January.

This comes from the Network Tasman Trust which represents the end-users of the Network Tasman electricity network.

The Trust owns Network Tasman Ltd on their behalf.

“We are delighted to be able to make this payment to consumers again this year through their energy bill”, says Gwenny Davis, chair of the Trust.

“Between the

Open from 10am5pm daily during the exhibition, artists will be onsite to “teach

and enthuse people” to hopefully join the friendly group that meets every Thursday

from 9am-12pm at the Hall.

Members emphasise all are welcome.

Company itself, which gives regular discounts to its consumers, and the Trust, a total of around $230 million has been paid out to the consumers since the Company was formed in 1993.

“This is money retained in the region, for the people of greater Nelson,” says Gwenny Davis.

“I and my fellow Trustees are proud of the company and of its local ownership. We look forward to many more years of supporting the local community in this way.”

The $80 will come off your power bill this season.

Above: Jackie Morrison’s gourds will be exhibited. Right: Mapua Art Group member Barbara Glass will also be displaying her book among the artists’ exhibits.

News of an $80 refund on power bills has been welcomed by customers.

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Protesters settle in outside Motueka’s Museum late last month as part of a Global Climate Strike organised by ‘Millions of Mothers’. Chalk, bubbles and playdough was available in a shaded area for children and protesters were encouraged to bring a chair, cushion or rug and enjoy a picnic while sending a message to elected leaders that they still expect to see “immediate and continued action on climate”.

There was also the opportunity to sign Millions of Mothers open letter petitioning our political parties to formalise cross party collaboration on climate.

The Motueka Pacific Roses Red Hat Ladies enjoy their Christmas luncheon at Jester House on Friday, 6 December. Queen Mother Sheila Budgen and Queen Twinkle Toes Barbara Goodman surrounded by the Ladies, Dames, Madams and Princesses of the Motueka chapter enjoyed much laughter, jovial fun, cracker pulling and joke telling along with fine dining and a glass or two of wine.

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Final stage of work on SH60 Takaka Hill underway

A contract to complete the last five big repair sites on State Highway 60, Takaka Hill, significantly damaged by Cyclone Gita in 2018, has been awarded to construction company Downer by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

Ten minor sites damaged in the early 2018 storm were repaired and completed by mid2019.

About $20 million of funding has been provided by the Transport Agency for the entire Takaka Hill emergency response and recovery, which includes around $12 million for repairs to the five last major sites this summer.

Transport Agency Project Manager for Takaka Hill Chris Robertson says Downer will now undertake essential planning and prepara-

tion work before rolling out the heavy machinery, allowing the team to complete the physical works safely and efficiently.

“This will help speed up the construction process and reduce unnecessary disruption.

By completing planning and design upfront, it means construction can continue without requiring significant road closures or major changes for Takaka Hill roadusers,” he says.

“The remaining five sites are all significant pieces of work with geotechnical risks, and there’s a huge amount of work going on behind the scenes to help get this road back up and running and fully opened without traffic management as quickly as possible.”

Since the early 2018

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Cyclone Gita storm, the hill access to Golden Bay has had one-way sections controlled by traffic signals.

The project team will now complete planning and preparation of required construction plans – for example for Health and Safety, Quality and Construction Management.

They will also be developing the ‘temporary works design’ - an essential part of the project to provide a safe working area for the team below the live carriageway.

Additional geotechnical investigations will happen as soon as possible to enable the temporary design to be confirmed prior to construction.

Once construction gets underway in the New Year, there will be multiple sites under

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Christmas Surprise Reads at Motueka Library

Monday 3- 31 December

Be inspired by these staff picks, enjoy discovering new authors.

The Summer Road Trip Reading Adventure

16 December 2019 – 31 January 2020

Pick up your Reading log at Motueka, Richmond, Takaka or Murchison Libraries

For ages 5-11years, No registration required.

Relaxing Reads at all Tasman Libraries

16 December 2019 – 31 January 2020

A relaxing way for teens to win some sweet treats. Weekly draws, one-line reviews, for 12+

construction at once.

All on-site work will be paused over the busy Christmas and New Year period to reduce any impact on travel times, Chris notes.

The crew will begin establishment work for the five sites in the lead-in to Christmas.

Traffic lights will remain in place for the duration of the repair work, including the holiday period, with the traffic signal system being extended further uphill to include all five major sites once construction starts. Alternating traffic flow through this section of the Takaka Hill will remain during the construction period.

The Transport Agency and the Downer contracting team thank all Takaka residents, businesses and visitors to Golden Bay for being patient

Above: Just one of the many slips which closed Takaka Hill, SH60, temporarily.

and taking extra care around crews and all other road users, including cyclists and motorcyclists, while this essential reconstruction work is underway this summer.

We can all look forward to one of our favourite holiday destinations being easily accessible once again.

Summer Booksale at Motueka Library

3 – 31 January. During working hours.

Pick up preloved books at bargain prices.

Summer Scorcher Surprise Reads at Motueka Library

3 - 31 January

Discover intriguing mysteries, travel yarns, historical tales, sagas and so much more.

Craft Makerspace at Motueka Library

9 January, 10am-11.30am

Fun art activities, Free Family fun.

PlaceMakers gets behind conservation efforts

Prisoner voting rights to be restored

People sentenced to less than three years in prison will have their voting rights restored, Justice Minister Andrew Little has announced.

Bill of Rights Act 1990.

We all know how attractive our local national park of the Abel Tasman is so it’s no huge surprise predators also like to call it home.

But these very predators threaten the birdsong that awakens and delights visitors so it’s imperative efforts are made to protect our precious native species of bird.

One of those leading the way is the Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust (ATBT) which works in partnership

with tourism operators, the Department of Conservation, Project Janszoon and the community to protect and enhance the biodiversity in order to improve the experience of visitors to the Abel Tasman National Park.

Now the ATBT’s goal of replacing majority of their trap boxes has been made more achievable thanks to the generosity of PlaceMakers in Motueka who have supplied heavily dis-

counted materials for the upgrade.

“PlaceMakers have been very generous in supplying us, helping us to keep costs to an absolute minimum and supplying us with what we need,” says Allan Barker of ATBT who has been leading the project.

The team at ATBT are upgrading the traps from single set to DOC’s recommendation of double set traps.

“It’s been observed over time that a freshly

killed rat is attractive to other predators like stoats and weasels and in some cases even other rats get curious, meaning that one trap can kill two rodents,” says Allan.

Many of the trap boxes have spent years in the Park and over time become weathered and bits have been broken, prompting the upgrade.

ATBT expect to make 200 boxes over the next couple of years with around 50

Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust representative Allan Barker hands over a letter of appreciation to PlaceMakers manager James Marshall.

This will return the law to how it was pre-2010 when a National Party Bill removed voting rights from all sentenced prisoners.

“This threshold of a three-year jail sentence means those prisoners will be able to vote on the Government that will be in power when they are released.”

finished to date that are either in the Park or in the process of being taken to enable volunteers to put them in position and bring the old ones out.

Grateful for the support of local businesses supporting conservation efforts, the ATBT will continue their work in New Zealand’s smallest National Park as they persist to restore the ecosystem in this gorgeous part of New Zealand we’re fortunate to call home.

“We plan to make this change in an Electoral Amendment Bill before the next election, so that people sentenced to less than three years imprisonment can participate in the 2020 election,” says Andrew.

The announcement follows a report from the Waitangi Tribunal that the 2010 law disproportionally impacts Maori prisoners and is inconsistent with the Treaty of Waitangi.

It also follows the High Court’s declaration (upheld by the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court) that the current law is inconsistent with the right to vote in the New Zealand

The 3700 prisoners in remand already have the right to vote. This law change will affect around 1900 people in prison.

“It is right that someone who is going to be released back into the community during a Parliamentary term should have the right to have a say on who leads them during their time of freedom,” says Andrew.

The law change will also address the concern that prisoners are not reenrolling once they leave prison. The Waitangi Tribunal noted this means the law is effectively acting as a permanent ban on voting for prisoners. To address this, the law will also be changed so that longer-term prisoners will be enrolled on release.

NMIT and Waka Abel Tasman

What if you could trade a classroom or lecture theatre for one of the most beautiful coastlines in New Zealand? at’s what NMIT Tourism and Travel and Maritime students get to do every year, working with Waka Abel Tasman in Abel Tasman National Park. e relationship with Waka Abel Tasman and other tourism operators in the region is part of NMIT’s commitment to providing students with real-world, hands-on education. Waka Abel Tasman owners Todd and Lee-Anne Jago play an important part in delivering this unique brand of education to NMIT students.

Todd was NMIT’s Adventure Tourism programme coordinator for 20 years and is still involved as a contractor, so he knows how important real-world experience is for students.

“I love to share our Māori culture and tikanga with the students and all manuhiri (visitors),” Todd says.

“We think being on the water and being aware of kaitiakitanga, and whanaungatanga is really upli ing for people. Being in the waka brings people together, you have to look a er each other and the environment around you.

NMIT Superyacht Crewing tutor Pete Carmichael says the Waka Abel Tasman experience helps students to band together and get to know one another.

“Because it’s day two of their course, the students turn up as a big disparate group and no one knows each other.

“ en all of a sudden we go out and we’re chucked on a boat together. If you don’t paddle together the boat doesn’t move very well so it’s an awesome metaphor for what they’ve got to do.”

“It’s really important to get students out so that they get to meet industry operators, and to hear what people in those frontline positions actually do.” Katrina says. e focus on learning outside the classroom in a wide variety of settings makes the study experience more engaging and exciting for students. Recent Adventure Tourism and Guiding graduate, Shania Kuipers, described her time at NMIT as “the most fun I’ve ever had”. To anyone considering following in her footsteps, she says: “Do it. It’ll be the best two years of your life.”

Waka Abel Tasman and the NMIT Tourism Level 4 students.

The summer holidays are here! With a few ideas and a sprinkling of inspiration, you can organise some stellar plans to help make the summer holidays amazing for your whole family.

In our region, we are absolutely spoilt for choice when it comes to summer holiday entertainment opportunities. From exploring our local national parks to making the most of our amazing library, there is no time for boredom these holidays.

Motueka Memorial RSA Club motuekarsa.co.nz

While you are on holiday do take the time to call into the Motueka Memorial RSA Club. This is a friendly welcoming Club situated at the top of High Street near the Top 10.

Our restaurant is open every evening except Wednesdays with a great menu using fresh products from the Nelson region and varying specials on the blackboard. Our bar is open every day from 3 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sundays and all other days at 4 pm. We look forward to meeting you!

Motueka Memorial RSA Fishing Competition

It’s time to save the date and start looking for some big fish, the Motueka Memorial RSA Fishing Competition is coming up in Feburary. It’s one of Motueka’s most popular events. This well run annual competition boosts a range of outstanding prizes including a major cash prize for the heavist snapper.

Entry forms are available from 17 January 2020, pick yours up at the Motueka RSA, Burnsco Nelson or NPD Takaka. Make the most of the holidays, practise your fishing and discover your “spot X” for the coming competition.

Keep an eye out in the Motueka Guardian for more information, closer to the event.

Catch your own food and eat it on the spot! Situated on the banks of the Anatoki River, you can relax and catch your very own premium Chinook salmon at Anatoki Salmon Fishing & Café.

“Have it hot smoked ready to eat in our cafe, or take away fresh for the BBQ. We’re open seven days a week, all year round,” says owners Jan and Gerda Dissel.

No entry fee - Free use of fishing gear - All ages Moutere Caravans mouterecaravans.co.nz

Moutere Caravans is the one-stop place for all your caravan needs!

“We stock a wide range of caravan parts and accessories; from water pumps to brake shoes, roof vents, awnings and much more- even a caravan themed gift range! We have it all in our shop,” says Corinne.

In the busy workshop, Moutere Caravans install water tanks, motor movers and solar panels and they offer Servicing and repairs on English and European caravans. To see for yourself what they stock, visit them in their shop in Mahana or check out their online shop on their website.

Dunbar Estates is a family-owned business situated in a picturesque rural location at Ngatimoti on the east bank of the Motueka River. Our premium wines are available for tasting and purchase at the Cellar Door.

Guests of all ages enjoy our café lunches, platters and home baking. We welcome groups, tours, celebration parties as well as individual tourists and locals to our tranquil surroundings. Reservations in advance are much appreciated by phone 03 526 8598/ 027 5008400 or email dunbarestatescellardoor@gmail.com

Dunbar Estates dunbarestates.co.nz

Anatoki Salmon anatokisalmon.co.nz

Motueka Golf

motuekagolf.co.nz

Come and join us for a round of golf at our outstanding course. The course is set among beautiful stands of trees and you will be serenaded by the many birds that reside in them.

In 2018 we were awarded the accolade of New Zealand Golf Club of the year by NZ Golf. We are very proud of this award as it was judged over many criteria.

Our fairways are lush and our greens are true. Players are always welcome. Discover the outstanding Motueka Golf Club in Harbour Rd, conveniently located close to the centre of town.

R&R Kayaks

rrkayaks.co.nz

Nau mai, Haere mai, welcome to R&R Kayaks. Rets and Ro welcome you to the breathtaking Abel Tasman National Park – the place we call home. We are a small family-owned sea kayak company with many years of industry experience in kayak tours and rentals, and extensive local knowledge (we are born and bred locals).

The Abel Tasman National Park is a very special place for our family (whanau) and we are excited to share its history, stories and natural beauty with you. “We are a small company with a big heart”

The

the-rock-fella.com

David Dunning is The Rock Fella and it’s certainly worth it to pop in and see him at his shop, located next to the clock tower in Motueka. David’s workshop is full of geological gems and fascinating information about this area.

The Rock Fella is open seven days a week throughout January: Mondays to Fridays from 9 am to 6 pm, on Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm, and on Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm.

Farewell Spit Tours

farewellspit.com

Open the windows, enjoy the sea breeze, sit back and experience a fascinating journey into sand country!

Tours vary depending on the time of year. During tours which travel the length of the Spit, we stop to climb one of the huge dunes. We also stop for refreshments at the lighthouse keeper’s cottage near the lighthouse. Our guides are passionate about this pristine environment and are committed to ensuring that you get the most out of your experience.

Join us - smell the sea air, enjoy the breeze on your face and feel the sand between your toes!

Cable Bay Adventure Park

cablebayadventurepark.com

The Cable Bay Adventure Park is Nelson’s adventure playground. Located just 15 minutes’ drive from the centre of Nelson, it is home to a wide range of adventure activities with something to cater for everyone. Set in magnificent native forest with views over the stunning Delaware Bay.

From the Skywire to horse treks, paintball, quad bike tours, e-bikes and archery, the Cable Bay Adventure Park has it all. At the end of your adventure, why not top it off with a treat from their café. Start planning your experience today.

Rock Fella

Cross New Zealand’s longest Swingbridge on the 110m long Buller Gorge Swingbridge. Suspended 19 metres high above the mighty Buller River. Experience nature, explore the history and extend your scope for thrill-seeking on the far side. From 10 minutes to 2 hours or a whole day, Buller Gorge Swingbridge Adventure and Heritage Park has attractions for everyone.

Open daily (except Christmas Day).

Summer – 8.00am to 7.00pm

Winter – 9.00am to 5.30pm

Jetboat departs hourly from 10 am to 4 pm during summer months, (conditions allowing) and by arrangement during winter.

Hop Federation hopfederation.co.nz

Located in the village of Riwaka, our brewery is in the heart of hop region and on the way to some of the best recreation in the Top of the South. We’re on the main road to Golden Bay, the Abel Tasman National Park and Kaiteriteri’s popular beaches and mountain bike park, and just a short detour from the Great Taste Cycle Trail.

We offer free in-store tastings of everything in our range and look forward to seeing you during the festive season. Open Daily from 11-6 pm (We only close Christmas Day and New Years Day).

Tasman Golf Club tasmangolfclub.com

Tasman Golf Club offers an exceptional golfing and scenic experience. Why not come and play on one of the best 9-hole country courses in New Zealand. It’s a challenging course with awesome views across Tasman Bay and the Mount Arthur ranges and great value at only $25 per day.

There are competitions to suit all skill levels, or just enjoy a casual round at a time that suits. Clubs are available to hire and the view from our clubhouse deck is second to none.

Motueka Library

tasmanlibraries.govt.nz

The Motueka Library is brimming with activities during the holidays.

• Our Summer Booksale runs throughout January. Pick up preloved books at bargain prices.

• Christmas Surprise Reads are available during December, then Summer Scorcher Surprise Reads throughout January.

• The Summer Road trip Reading Adventure, for 5-11year olds, runs from 16 December to 31 January. Pick up your ‘reading log’ today.

• A Summer Picnic and ‘Box of Birds’ Puppet show is on Tuesday 21 January, all ages welcome. Bring your picnic.

Tasman Passenger Services facebook.com/TASMANPASSENGERSERVICE

Tasman Passenger Services have been proudly serving the Motueka and surrounding areas for the last 18 months and would like to extend Seasons Greetings to all its customers and visitors to the region.

We look forward to transporting you over the Summer Holidays and in 2020.

motuekadistrictmuseum.org.nz

Discover some of the stories of the past at the amazing Motueka Museum. It’s an incredible place full of treasures and history. You’ll find us at 140 High St. Our newest exhibition is ‘A Fishy Story’. Come and learn about fishing in the Tasman Bay from the early Maori Days until the present day.

Summer Hours:

Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm

Sunday 10am to 2pm (Closed during the statutory holidays)

Just minutes off the Great Taste Trail Cycleway, the brewery is a must see on your ‘To Do’ list

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 11AM TO 6PM

Up to 12 beers on tap Bottle sales

TASTE AND TAKE AWAY

483 Main Rd, Riwaka 03 528 0486

Motueka Museum

Buller Gorge Swingbridge bullergorge.co.nz

Hop Federation is an award winning family owned brewery ideally situated in Riwaka in the heart of New Zealand’s hop growing region

out&about

Motueka’s Sunday Markets

Left: Anna and Alastair Mackintosh.

Right: John Bird and Betty Beaumont.

Left: Emma Scheib and Lyn Campbell.

Right: Simone and Kaia Gill.

Dave and Natalie Gilberd with their children Karsiah and Ethan.

CommunityNotices

Community Notices are free to charitable trusts, gold coin entry where any monies gained go back into a community project. Notices for businesses and organisations who charge for courses or events cost $12.50+gst. No AGMs, sports notices or church notices.

DEADLINE: 12 NOON MONDAY. 30 WORDS OR LESS BY EMAIL ONLY. Please send to: guardian.motueka@xtra.co.nz

We regret if your community notice ad has not made this week’s column, it is due to the popularity of this column and inclusion cannot be guaranteed for free ads.

COUNTRYMUSIC FESTIVAL Marchwood Park 11-12th January 10am walkups showcase 6pm, invited guests performing. Food available, raffles, lucky spots. BYO seating. Free entry. Contact Chris 0226800988.

DO YOU HAVE A DRINKING PROBLEM? Join us at Motueka Alcoholics Anonymous meetings 7pm Wednesdays at the Family Centre, Talbot Street. Friendly confidential support.

FUN, FITNESS & FRIENDSHIP Leisure Marching. Motueka Veteranettes. Join us for practices, coffee and occasional travel. Contacts Carole 528 9048 or 027 325 1968 / Betty 528 6901 or 021 120 9248.

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE SERVICES Free JP services, including copy certification and witnessing signatures, are available at Elevation Café, 218 High Street, every Saturday from 10am to 12 noon.

KATRINA ANDERSON, JUSTICE OF THE PEACE

Available at Community House - Thursdays 9.30-12.

MOTUEKAAIKIDO Children, Teenagers and Adults classes Tuesdays and Thursdays. Children 5 - 5.45, Teenagers 5.45 - 7pm, Adults 6.30 - 8.30. Recreation Centre, Old Wharf Road. Contact Julie 0212050143

MOTUEKA CAMERA CLUB Meets 1st Monday of month, 7.30pm, in the SeniorNet Rooms, 42 Pah Street, Motueka. All levels of experience welcome. Contact. Cushla 5286548. www.motuekacameraclub.nz

MOTUEKA COMMUNITY HOUSE MEETING ROOM AVAILABLE FOR HIRE for small group meetings – very reasonable rates. Please contact Rae or Gaile on 03 528 0404 or drop in and see us Monday – Friday 9am to 3pm.

MOTUEKA RED CROSS IN COMMUNITY HOUSE

Hours - 10am to 2pm Mon - Fri.

MOTUEKA TEXAS HOLD’EM POKER CLUB

Meets Motueka Bridge Club 32 Tudor Street Motueka Fridays at 7.30pm. Call Graeme on 021 252 5593 for details

NELSON TROUT FISHING CLUB 7pm on the 3rd Wednesday of every month, Fish and Game Rooms, 66/74 Champion Road, Stoke. Seasoned trout fisher or getting started. , the club offers something for everyone. Phone 035476432, Email secretary@nelsontroutfishingclub.com or visit www.nelsontroutfishingclub.com

NEW 2 MOT New to Motueka? We’re a social group, mostly retired (50+) who meet regularly and welcome newcomers. For further information about regular meet ups and social get togethers, phone Mary 5284531.

SOCIALBOWLS Every Monday & Wednesday 1:15pm - 3pm. Motueka Senior Citizens, 10 Pah St, Motueka. Come along and have some fun. Phone Terry 528 7104 for more info.

TEA & TALK FOR THOSE AGED 65+ Morning tea is provided. Every Wednesdays at The Shed, 24a Tudor Street, Motueka and every second Wednesday in the Anglican Parish Hall, 42 Commercial Street, Takaka, from 10am to 11.30am.

antiques

$$$ for your antique furniture, paintings, china, clocks and jewellery. Plus quality restoration & reproduction service. Call at Mariri Gallery, Coastal Highway, Mariri, or telephone 027 448 4430 (weekdays 9am - 4pm).

A NTIQUES , furniture (desks, bookcases, chests of drawers, tables, chairs, chaise lounge, wardrobe, mirrors, rugs etc). Collectibles, paintings, toys, books, records etc. Sell, buy, value. 6 rooms at Souchebys Antiques, 75 Gladstone Rd, Richmond ph 544 0723. Open Mon-Sat. www. antiquesnewzealand.co.nz

carpet cleaning

TAS M AN Carpet

Cleaning - Great service, eco-friendly, great value, for a free quote ring Greg 0274 300 626.

church services

Garage sales are free for up to 16 words and must be either emailed or brought into the office. Phone calls not accepted. Businesses will incur normal charges.

raffle results

MOTUEKA Community Patrol

public notices

stump grinding STUMP Grinding, tree felling. Stumps ground to mulch for ready gardening. Ph: Andrew 021 081 82 123, AH (03) 553 0633.

death notices

TASMAN Storage units available from $5.90pw. Clean, dry, secure units. Insurance approved. 24/7 access. Ph 528 0071.

STO R AGE Systems Motueka. Secure self storage available from $6 a week. Ph 528 4060.

storage HANDYMAN Storage. Motueka's newest most secure storage unit. Security cameras. Insurance approved. 26 Huffam St, Motueka. Ph 0274 344 254. Courtesy trailer available.

wanted to buy

CASH PAID FOR OLD WRISTWATCHES SCRAP GOLD & SILVER OLD COINS & JEWELLERY VINTAGE / QUALITY TOOLS, MILITARY & FIREARMS ITEMS GENERAL ANTIQUES ALSO BUYING ESTATE & SHED ITEMS COLLECTION & DOWNSIZING

PH TIM GLADSTONE T&B VINTAGE 0800653935 OR 5485235

The Annual Gut Buster

Kaiteriteri Gold – all go for 30th Anniversary in 2020

Back in 1991 the Riwaka Hotel certainly wasn’t ‘a Pub with no Beer’!

Hosts, Janet and Colin Pretty were amicable publicans, continually involved in and supporting their community.

One of the favourite summer pub runs, aptly named The Gut Buster sees athletes push themselves to their limit completing 3 laps of the Cathedral block, a total of 7kms. The sun always shines, it is always hot and the climb up around Van Diemen Street gets harder each lap, yet 70 runners and walkers took on the challenge again this year.

While everyone who completes the event is a winner, those like Chris Sharland (1st place in 27.00mins)

and Brian Kemp, just 20 seconds behind him deserve special mention as they battled it out for the lead throughout the race. Collette Read also ran strongly to lead the women home and Peter Hague clocked the fastest time of the walkers to finish in a very commendable time of 48.55mins.

While the Saturday runs prove popular with Nelsonians, the 5km series on Monday and Wednesday evenings are also attracting large num-

bers, including family groups, which bodes well for the health and wellbeing of people in our community.

Chris Sharland, the winner of The Gut Buster, and a very regular attender of all the local events, was also the winner of Wednesday, 11 December 5km Race.

A special Mystery Christmas run will cap off a very successful 5km ‘Eddyline Series’ for 2019, with a new series commencing early in February 2020.

The birth of the Riwaka Hotel Half Marathon started and finished there, up and over the Sandy Bay Hill was the initial challenge, then back via the undulating Kaiteriteri coastline, before a final navigation of a lot less busier Riwaka ‘home straight’ to the more than welcome finish line. Then it was up to the bar for a pickme-up refreshment and, if you were in luck, a spot prize.

When the roads were quieter a unique feature one year was that the competitors could choose which direction they circuited the course – Sandy Bay Hill or Kaiteriteri coastline first. Made it very interesting and added another challenge!

Since then the event continued as a ‘must do’ on the

athletic calendar, earning the reputation and brand ‘you’ve not run a half marathon until you’ve run Riwaka’. Badge of Honour for most hasn’t been to break 2 hours, 1.45 or go under 1.30 but simply finishing.

Rebranded Kaiteriteri Gold in 2008, it’s 30th anniversary is on Saturday, 7 March next year and will also feature a course change plus a supporting 14km instead of the previous 10km.

The Half starts at the beach, winding itself

out to the Marahau Junction on the road. Then it’s as per tradition, skywards and up Sandy Bay Hill, albeit in the other direction as in the past. Into the Kaiteriteri Forest is a new venture and along the pine-needle laden pathway. Split Apple Rock is the exit point and onto the final road section to the gold sand finish. The 14km is over stunning new territory. Beginning with a ‘warm-up’ along Martin Farm Road it’s into the pristine MTB Park and up ‘Ziggy and Corkscrew’ for

amazing views stretching out below. From there, the course will join the Half Marathoners as they tread through the forest and on to the finish. The Half is a run only event whilst the 14km is open to both runners and walkers. With close to 200 already registered, and 3 months until event day, Nelson Events are confident that numbers will swell to around 500. Register at nelsonevents. co.nz

Rick Miller leading a group of runners around the Cathedral Block. Photo: Pete Marshall photos.

A runner has a bit of fun taking part in the Kaiteriteri Gold. Photo: Pete Marshall.