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.”

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

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.

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 motuekadistrictmuseum.org.nz

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.

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