The Guardian - 27 September 2023

More patients for struggling GPs

centres are limiting new enrolments.

A struggling workforce of GPs in the Nelson Tasman region is dealing with 600 more patients a week than they were a few years ago and nearly all the medical

Nelson GP (general practice) spokesperson Graham Loveridge says GPs in the Nelson Tasman region are grappling with the workload due to the inability to

recruit more GPs, more complex patients and the overloaded hospital system pushing more patients on to GPs.

“We have an older population now and many will have more than one problem and the hospi-

tal system is struggling to cope.

“That means we’re getting more complicated patients being pushed back into general practice.”

At the same time, the population in Nelson Tasman is growing and

10 per cent of the GP workforce is over the age of 65.

“That’s a major issue and we just haven’t been training enough young GPs to come in at the

SEE PAGE 2

Fizzy collab with a heart of gold

The case of a missing mascot has led to a sweet collaboration – one that is tinged pink with a boysenberry blush.

Marleen and Peter Suy, who own Motueka soda factory Pete’s Natural, were saddened to read about the recent bear-napping of Heart Kids

NZ’s mascot, Maia Bear.

Heart Kids NZ has 10,000 members nationally, including heart kids and their whānau, and is growing by 15 per cent each year. The charity provides free lifelong support for the families of children affected by heart conditions.

Many of the youngest heart kids take comfort from appearances and messages from the organisation’s mascot, Maia Bear. She is especially treasured as the chil-

dren are given a small Maia teddy to keep when they have heart surgeries or procedures.

It made national news when the original Maia Bear was stolen from a car in Auckland back in May, and when Marleen and Pete read about the charity’s plea for her safe return, it pulled at their heartstrings.

“We’re parents and grandparents, so that’s close to our hearts,” Marleen explains.

They offered to replace the six-foot bear, which cost about $6,500, but Maia’s original manufacturers had already come to the party and had offered up a replacement.

Marleen says that they were still eager to help the charity in some way, and so Pete came up with the idea of creating a limited-edition pink lemonade, offering to donate $1 for

SEE PAGE 2

ELISE VOLLWEILER

Heart Kids NZ’s family support taituarā Rebecca Ellis, Maia Bear, and Pete and Marleen Suy of Pete’s Natural. Photo: Elise Vollweiler.

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More patients for struggling GPs

FROM PAGE 1

bottom end to replace those who are going to retire in the next five years. So unfortunately, the problem is going to get worse.”

Medical centres online show that only four centres in Nelson and Tasman are welcoming new enrolments and three of those are in rural towns. Two are not taking any more enrolments and the rest are taking limited enrolments. Graham says that usually means they will enrol someone in need of a GP now such as a pregnant woman or someone with a young baby.

In the past two to three years, medical centres have increasingly used other staff to cope with the shortage of GPs.

Graham says the role of practice nurses has expanded and there are more nurse practitioners who have extra training, nurse prescribers who can prescribe, plus health care assistants who can do jobs such as taking blood pressure or taking blood from patients.

Quite a few practices now have health improvement practitioners to work with patients on health issues such as diet and exercise, or mild anxiety and depression.

“That’s a way of keeping the workload off the GP so they can be seeing the things where their skills are better needed, like diagnosing a condition or managing complex conditions.”

That is fine, he says, but it means

the days of knowing your GP over the years will be more difficult to sustain when patients see two to three practitioners within one practice.

“GPs enjoy that long-term relationship with people, but on the other hand it’s a matter of still finding a way of providing good-quality healthcare.”

People seeking urgent medical help from their doctor should let the receptionist know it is urgent, so they are more likely to get an appointment on the day, he says. Most practices have a system of triage where they see people urgently.

“If people are grappling with this, don’t abuse the receptionist. They have been copping a bit of flak, but it’s not them making those

decisions. This is a political problem.”

Graham says the Nelson Tasman region was relatively protected from the shortage of GPs in the past because it could attract them more easily than some places.

“Nelson is struggling now and so we’re a bit like a canary in the coal mine in the sense that if Nelson is struggling, everywhere is really struggling.”

He says many practices cannot recruit more GPs and are trying their best to deal with the patients they have.

Though GPs have been recruited from overseas, he says there are not enough and it still takes time for them to come up to speed with the New Zealand health system.

Fizzy collab with a heart of gold

FROM PAGE 1

every one of the 12,000 bottles that was sold.

The lemonade, which was given its pink blush with the addition of local cal boysenberries, was crafted and boxed up over its two-day

production in mid-September. The first batch of boxes, 15 bottles in each, are on their way to both businesses and customers to fill their pre-orders. The pink lemonade is still available for purchase on the Pete’s Natural website.

Laurel Ketel, HKNZ’s communication advisor and fundraising coordinator, says the organisation is grateful for both the financial support and the increased awareness from the Pete’s Natural collaboration.

“Our heart families love to know a local company is supporting them as well.”

She says that there are 381 Heart Kids members living in the Top of the South, and that their health issues tended to be invisible to their wider community.

“Childhood heart conditions are often unseen,” she says. According to their records, 12 New Zealand children are born each week with a congenital heart de-

fect. It is the most common birth abnormality in New Zealand, and “the more support we have from people, the more services we are able to provide.”

Heart Kids NZ receives no government funding and relies on external funders and donors for

their support services. Their annual Awareness Week kicks off this week with a street collection at Bunnings Richmond on 29 and 30 September. Donate via www. heroesforheartkids.org.nz or text ‘HERO” to 2427 to make an instant $3 donation.

Maia Bear, Marleen Suy and Rebecca Ellis with the new pink lemonade. Photo: Elise Vollweiler.

West Coast-Tasman must stop decline, candidates say

MAX FRETHEY

Local Democracy Reporter

Putting a stop to regional decline was a prevailing theme delivered by West Coast-Tasman’s hopeful candidates during an election debate last week.

Six candidates voiced their policies to a small crowd in Motueka on Friday where few specific localised issues were raised, with the focus instead often remaining on national issues.

The first question posed to the candidates by Grey Power Motueka, who hosted the meeting, asked what the main challenge was for the region over the next three years.

Labour’s Damien O’Connor, the current MP for West Coast-Tasman, said the region needed further investment into housing, addressing inequality, healthcare, and building resilient infrastructure.

“If we don’t have that, then people feel very exposed and feel insecure, and that undermines the value of collectivity within our community. Generally, in small communities like this, we work really well, but we’re stretched for resources.”

He also asked voters to consider Labour’s performance in the region over the last six years.

“Please judge us and judge me on my record, not on the rhetoric that we have heard.”

Hope Saddle night closures

From Sunday 1 to Thursday 5 October, Waka Kotahi will be closing SH6 through Hope Saddle to do extensive resurfacing work. It has been six years since this part of the road was resurfaced.

SH6 will be closed from 8pm to 5am between Motupiko and the intersection of SH6 and SH63 at Kawatiri Junction. A detour route will be available and is suitable and approved for use by heavy vehicles. The recommended detour route for southbound traffic is between State Highway 6, Korere-Tophouse Rd, State Highway 63, Saint Arnaud-Kawatiri Highway, and State Highway 6, Kawatiri Junction. Northbound traffic will travel the same detour route in the opposite direction.

Maureen Pugh, National’s challenger and a current list MP in parliament, said an exodus of young people was a driving factor for regional decline and without a strong economy, they would keep leaving.

“We need to focus on our young people, break that dependence on welfare support, get them into work training, upskilling, and get them into paid employment. There is ample opportunity in this area for young people to be working.”

Patrick Phelps, an independent candidate and current Westland District councillor, also highlighted the region’s decline as a critical issue but said that he could truly deliver as he wasn’t also beholden to a party.

“We’re in the fortunate position as an electorate where we’ve got two outstanding MPs in Damien O’Connor and Maureen Pugh who’ll both be in parliament after the election anyway because of the party list system,” he said.

“[West Coast-Tasman] needs independent representation in parliament where the person representing you, their loyalties lie only with you – the people living in the region.”

Inequality was Green Party candidate Steve Richard’s main concern for not only the region, but the country, and reiterated the Greens’ proposed wealth tax which he said would have flow-on effects to help address other issues like crime and homelessness.

Independent candidate

Patrick Phelps says, if elected, he would be only beholden the region rather than trying to balance local and party interests.

Photo: Max Frethey.

“It all comes back to money, there’s plenty of it, if we can just share it more evenly.”

Co-leader of the Outdoors and Freedom Party, Sue Grey, said the region needs to overcome divisive rhetoric and return to grassroots and local approaches to dealing with issues.

“We have to find ourselves again, and we can, we just need a change in leadership that gives us that inspiration.”

Richard Osmaston, leader of the Money Free Party, used the meeting to reiterate his position that money was the root of all

troubles plaguing the country.

“We are never going to fix the multiple problems that we have today for all the time we have a monetary system.”

ACT’s Kelly Lilley, New Zealand First’s Jackie Farrelly, and New Zealand Loyal’s Sebastian Marinkovich were not able to attend.

No screw-ups for winning apprentice

GORDON PREECE

Tim Parkinson downed his tourism tools for a high vis during a global pandemic and has now nailed a regional builder’s apprentice award.

The Ruby Bay resident won the Cook Strait 2023 Registered Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year which tests future sector leaders’ project management, business, presentation, and practical skills.

The Cook Strait category for the competition houses building apprentices in Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast, Wellington and Wairarapa.

Tim says he was “shellshocked” with the final product, but it was a “great feeling” and strengthened his belief that he could craft a new career in his mid-40s.

“I want to progress to be the best builder I can be and hopefully move into a foreman role and, ultimately, I would move into construction and programme management.

“I’m that geek who watches building videos on YouTube rather than junk on the TV, so I want to absorb information and I want to progress, and I think having a desire to be good at it and an in-

terest in it is going to take me a long way.”

Tim, who plans to complete his apprenticeship by the end of this year, says he had worked in the tourism industry for many years and continued to do so after moving to Ruby Bay in 2017 from the industry mecca, Queenstown. He says construction had re-

mained an interest, and in 2020 he was able to lay the foundation for the new career with Renovate Me.

“The Covid pandemic kind of forced my hand to make decisions as to what I wanted to do, so I grabbed that as a perfect opportunity to go and do a building apprenticeship and do something

that I thought about for many years but had been polarised by the tourism scene in Queenstown,” he says. “I thought ‘why not’ - I’m in my mid-40s and coming out of my apprenticeship. I want to be the best possible builder and make up some of the years of not starting at 16. “While I’m a confident person

and a confident apprentice builder, it’s really out of my comfort zone to stand up and be judged… but I have done well and that’s great for me being an adult apprentice and for my future in building.”

The competition required apprentices to submit a building project and participate in a twohour practical challenge of building a step stool before the top 10 were interviewed about their project and their construction acuity.

Tim said his submitted project was a medium-sized renovation in Moana, Nelson.

“It was really the first opportunity that I had of running a site. I did a lot of the day-to-day admin that comes with a foreman role, so it was a really good opportunity for me to balance not just the building skill set but the business skill set as well,” he says.

The judges said Tim’s submission showcased his solid understanding of his project, with detailed explanations of tasks and materials used, and his techniques and tool utilisation in the practical challenge were impressive. Tim will compete at the national Apprentice of the Year competition in November.

Tim Parkinson has won the Cook Strait 2023 Registered Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year. Photo: Gordon Preece.

Local woman hits big screen with Israel Adesanya

SARA HOLLYMAN

A Motueka local is hitting the big screen alongside one of MMA’s biggest stars and former UFC champion, Israel Adesanya, and she says the movie will help local men manage their emotions.

Janet Redmond is now Israel Adesanya’s ‘possibility manager’, starring alongside him in his documentary-style movie Stylebender, which hits New Zealand screens tomorrow - Thursday, 28 September.

Despite not knowing who Israel was when director Zoe McIntosh asked her to work with him for the movie, she says he is simply a man with a lot of past hurt and emotions that she helped him process.

“It really helped not knowing who he was, because to me he was just a person with some scars from the past that needed some wound healing.”

Janet was previously a trauma specialist, training psychotherapists and counsellors but says instead of using the word trauma she now prefers the acronym UNKLEs – Unprocessed Neglected Key Life Events.

“He [Israel] had plenty of those unprocessed key life events and

that’s part of the movie, him healing from the bullying, racism, immigration, a Nigerian family and all the culture that comes with that.”

The opening scene of the movie is Israel sitting on the seat of the campervan that Janet lives in undertaking feelings work. Janet regularly uses the space for her work with individuals and families.

Janet says the movie will help so many people.

“Because he’s such an idol and an inspiration for so many people.

“My hope, especially for the young men who have managed the culture they live in by numbing, toughening up, sadness is weakness and all those old beliefs about emotions, for them to be able to see him so vulnerable... this is an invitation for them to seek out someone that can help them.”

She says Israel and his vulnerability will help other men.

“If he can say ‘I’m one of the toughest men in the world, and I’m doing it’, then you can do it.”

Janet says the experience has re-connected her with a motivation to help people with her services.

“It’s okay to say ‘I’m not okay’,”

she says.

“People try to numb the emotions with alcohol, drugs, keeping busy, and when that bar starts to melt away it can feel like you’re going crazy, it can be really scary.”

Stylebender will hit New Zealand screens on Thursday, 28 September, and Janet says anyone with an interest in MMA, or not, will connect with the film.

“This man followed his dream and that’s an inspiration.”

Janet will host a Q&A session at Revite Cafe from 5pm on Thursday, 12 October, with a Feel 2 Heal conversation from 6.30pm.

What would your guess have been? Brooklyn School student Rosie Wetere, 8, eyed up this jar of jellybeans and decided that there were 450 inside. She was one off - the magic number was 449 – but it was close enough to win her the entire jar of lollies at the annual Brooklyn School Fair. Despite the grey day, many hundreds of people turned up to Saturday’s fair to indulge in toffee apples, nerf battles and the school’s famed book sale. Final tallies are yet to be confirmed, but the organisers are thrilled with the initial results, crediting their successful year in part to the range of high quality and enticing raffle prizes.

Damien O’Connor

Buller, and now living near Motueka, the region has been always home.

As your local MP, and as a Minister, I make sure this region’s voice is heard.

The Labour Government continues to deliver to build strong, resilient communities across the electorate. Our substantial investments in the electorate have included:

Increased maintenance of our roads to make them more resilient

Connected communities with improved Broadband and cellphone coverage

Future proofed our West Coast Ports and are exploring options for Port Tarakohe in Golden Bay

Built new hospitals in Greymouth and Westport and committed funding for a new Nelson hospital

Supported communities in crisis impacted by fires and major weather events

Upgraded schools across West Coast-Tasman including a new school in Karamea and major upgrades of Golden Bay High School and Collingwood Area School

All of these achievements occurred while we dealt with the impact of the global COVID-19 epidemic.

www.labour.org.nz/

Ministerial duties

As Minister for Trade and Export Growth, I’m proud of playing a major role in growing an export-led economy with a strong global reputation. I led negotiations for new Free Trade deals with the UK and Europe, and an upgraded Agreement with China, opening doors for exporters across the region and boosting local economies. More recently, I was part of the largest ever trade mission to India, a country with enormous potential for our exporters. It is the world’s most populous country and the fifth largest economy and is growing at a faster rate than any other G20 economy.

As Minister of Agriculture, we committed to, and are close to the elimination of Mycoplasma Bovis. We have supported over 220 community water catchment groups and set up AgriZero, to create a Centre of Excellence for sustainable agriculture and agricultural technology.

We have much more to do, which is why I’m asking you to support us at the coming General Election by giving two ticks for Labour.

for West Coast-Tasman

It’s a privilege to be standing again in the West Coast-Tasman electorate. Born and raised in

Photo: Elise Vollweiler.

Janet Redmond and her campervan feature in the new movie Stylebender. Photo: Sara Hollyman.

Summerset in the Sun homes available*

At Summerset, our retirement villages are designed to make sure you get the best out of your retirement. Summerset in the Sun is no exception, with two and three-bedroom villas available now, ready to move in and make your own.*

Our single-storey villas are warm, modern and designed with everything you could need for the perfect retirement lifestyle. There are no worries about maintenance or upkeep as we do it all for you, and pets are also welcome.

Join us at our Open Day at Summerset in the Sun on Sunday 8 October to learn more about village life, or call Sales Manager Karen Ward on 03 923 2102 for a private appointment.

Love the life you choose

Open Day

Sunday 8 October, 10am - 2pm

Summerset in the Sun 16 Sargeson Street, Stoke 03 923 2102 | summerset.co.nz/nelson

Bicycles for all

FIONA NELSON

Do you want a new bike but can’t afford one? Well, Bob Foster is your man.

Over the last couple of months, Bob has been repairing second-hand bikes to give to families who need them and can’t afford to buy new bikes.

Now he has over 20 bikes with suitable sizes for children and adults and he needs to move them to make room for more.

“They are all in good nick and are intended for people who cannot afford to buy one,” he says.

All the bikes are kept undercover, some even have taken priority and are stored in the woodshed instead of the wood.

Bob and his wife Carol have been living in Motueka for nearly 25 years. Before retirement, Bob used to work in factory maintenance.

People have brought their old bikes to Bob and with a bit of tinkering he can get them working again. Some need new brakes, while others require new pedals, seats, wheels, tyres, or handlebars.

Bob finds the needed second-hand parts locally from Weka Peckers. He has even upgraded a couple of the bikes by making carriers for them.

Despite putting up ads in the supermarket and letting all the local schools know, Bob still has a collection of bikes taking up room in his yard.

“I didn’t know it would be so hard to give things away,” he says. “I’m trying to help out a bit as people are struggling, so please be honest and be quick to get your pick of the bunch. I must move them to make some room.”

Call Bob on 03 528 4594 and arrange a time to see the bikes.

He will adjust the bikes on site to suit as needed.

Bob Foster with some of the bikes he has repaired and is giving away. Photo: Fiona Nelson.

Potential compensation for stopback maintenance

MAX FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter

Landowners that have sections of Motueka’s stopbanks on their properties could soon find themselves being financially compensated for their maintenance.

Tasman District Council approved its river stopbank recompense policy for consultation on Thursday.

The policy aims to provide some compensation for landowners who undertake best practice on the stopbanks that run through their land, such as not grazing heavy stock on the stopbank. The stopbanks themselves will continue to be maintained by the council.

“The stopbanks are a very big

asset for Motueka. What we are trying to encourage is the right behaviour in the interests of the community,” says Jenna Neame, council’s kaihautū (manager of Māori relationships).

Motueka is the only place in the district where public stopbanks are located on private land.

“For a whole range of reasons at the time, the stopbanks were built on the landowners’ land with their permission, but the land either under it or inside it was never transferred,” mayor Tim King says.

“This was never intended to be a full compensation for the fact they’re there, it’s a recognition that there is a public asset sitting on private land.”

Under the current proposal, in-

dividual properties could receive anywhere between $100 to $1500 a year at $500 per hectare.

age.

While there was buy-in for the proposal around the council table, councillor Brent Maru wondered if enough was being offered to landowners.

“Is that carrot big enough to incentivise?” he asked. “I can’t imagine any landowner filling in a form for $100.”

Jenna says that question is part of the “balancing act” for council in weighing costs and benefits.

“This is the value of consultation with those landowners.

implemented at all.

Councillor Barry Dowler also wondered how fair it would be for landowners to receive the financial compensation if it was a lessee who was managing the stopbank.

However, Jenna replied that those occurrences related solely to private agreements between landowners and their lessees.

“It’s not council’s place.”

The policy is expected to be implemented on 1 July 2024.

The total cost of the measure is expected to be no more than $20,000 per year, which council staff describe as “negligible” given the potential risk mitigation associated with best practice stopbank maintenance and us-

LET'S TAKE BACK OUR COUNTRY

“When we go through this process, we’ll get feedback and they’re likely to say if they’re interested or not.”

It would be up to council to consider how to implement the feedback given by landowners, if it is

Landowners with properties adjacent to the Motueka River may soon find themselves able to claim compensation for the maintenance of any public stopbanks on their land. Photo: supplied/ Frank Exchange.

Jenna Neame.

Maureen Pugh restands for Tasman

GORDON PREECE

Rebuilding the local economy and increasing housing supply and resilience in the Tasman area would be the top priorities for National’s West Coast-Tasman candidate if elected its MP.

Maureen Pugh, who is currently a List MP for the National Party, will recontest the seat in the 2023 General Election after achieving second place three years ago with 6208 votes short of winner, Damien O’Connor.

She says her biggest achievements for Tasman since the last election included adding the Hope Bypass to National's Transport for the Future plan, and her commitment to replace the Motueka Bridge due to the volume of trucks and camper vans that use it.

Maureen says Tasman isn’t immune to national issues like cost-of-living and increased housing costs.

“Tourism and horticulture suffered during the Covid lockdowns, closed borders, and MIQ restrictions that stopped workers and tourists from entering the country. This has been slowly recovering but the economic impacts are still being felt,” she says.

“Building back our economy is a top priority and that means ensuring there is a pipeline of expertise, secure and efficient transport links, and less red tape. “More housing supply is critical to meeting the demand here in Tasman. National’s housing plan will reduce

the costs of consenting, we will assist councils with policy changes to direct funding for infrastructure like roads and pipework, and we will partner with community housing providers to build more social housing.”

Maureen, who has lived at Kumara for 45 years, says in her three years as National’s spokesperson for the Community and Voluntary Sector, she has noticed volunteer burnout is real and the stress of the past few years had a taken a toll, and therefore better resilience is needed.

“Division between people is the worst I have seen in my lifetime, so we need to pull ourselves back together as communities and as a country,” she says.

“Empowering communities to do what works for them rather than rolling out blanket programmes is our preference, while making sure that taxpayers’ money is delivering measurable results,

“National will bring our Social Investment approach back to life. A new Social Investment Fund will invest in programmes that promise to change the lives of New Zealanders with the greatest needs.”

Maureen, who has been a National Party member for 10 years and first stood for West-Coast Tasman in 2014, says it was also time to celebrate the local rural sector and build on their value.

“Over the past three years I have focussed on getting my colleagues into the electorate to see first hand what the

challenges and opportunities are,” she says.

“This has enabled me to ensure that when it comes to developing policy this rural area is front of mind.

“It is from being in government that I will be able to work with my colleagues on issues relevant to our rural communities. I would like a chance to do that.”

Kaiteriteri bathroom nabs two awards

GORDON PREECE

The owner of Bays Joinery was “absolutely stoked” with his company’s hot wins at the national awards for kitchen and bathroom design. George Molnar of Bays Joinery in Nelson claimed three awards at the 2023 NKBA Excellence in Design Awards.

Held in Auckland on Friday 8 September, the awards recognise the best kitchens and bathrooms of New Zealand.

“I’m absolutely stoked to be recognised and for our company to be recognised again, it’s the sixth time in a row that we’ve had the Chapter Recognition and so to be recognised by your peers around the country is obviously very rewarding,” George says. The awards picked up were Outstanding Renovation Bathroom and Top of South Chapter Recognition for a master ensuite renovation in Kaiteriteri where the wish list included a spacious area with quality fittings, ample natural light, and a colour scheme that harmonized with the overall interior décor. It needed to include a dual shower and vanity unit with sufficient bench space and internal storage, including mirrored storage. The homeowners desired a dark and moody ambiance to create a private and relaxing retreat. Judges said the renovation is “unrecognisable” from the original. “

This is a high-end conversion. Everything has been changed, every detail renewed. The tiles work well texturally and complement the mood lighting. The shelf that runs through the shower is amazing. Beautiful detailing of the vanity,” judges said.

Design and Build

Maureen Pugh will stand for the West Coast-Tasman seat in the upcoming general election.

Photo: Gordon Preece.

Josh Spencer, 12, Rua Davis, 12, and Tai Spencer, 10 Mason van Leeuwen, 10 and Riley Bennett, 10 Suzanne Viveen, Gabriel Vann and Caz Gray

Margaret Faulkner and Barbara Tawhai Paul Kennedy and Rob Rix Peter Canton and Maureen Hyde

Nettie Barrow and Jane Craighead Hilary Clifton and Judi Salisbury Steve Rice and David Jeffery Alesha Bilbrough-Collins and Nicola Galloway

Brooklyn School Fair

Māpua Literary Festival

Grey Power Motueka Meet the Candidates Event

Your electricity discount is on its way

Network Tasman is pleased to announce its consumers will receive a discount on their next power bill.

Odd items found in river clean-up

A clean-up of the Motueka River found not one, but two mattresses, hundreds of bottles and cans, a lawnmower, and two devices used for smoking cannabis.

The clean-up, organised by Fish & Game, saw members of the Nelson Trout Fishing Club join in to clear rubbish from public access points and picnic areas from the Baton Bridge to the sea.

Fish & Game Nelson’s Jacob Lucas says there are about 20 ‘official’ angler points within that area, but other areas, including grass verges and roadsides, were tidied too.

“We covered both sides of the river, from the Baton Bridge to the lowest bridge at Motueka township.”

He says a large trailer load of rubbish was removed with about 20 large bags of rubbish, hundreds of bottles and cans, car parts, two mattresses, and

NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!

the lawnmower contributing to the pile.

“Anglers value our rivers and lakes, and the Motueka River is one of the region's most iconic and popular fisheries, so this was just a small gesture by anglers to help keep the Motueka Valley looking great,” Jacob says. The team hopes to return when the river flow is lower and remove occasional baleage wrapping that is hung up in trees following large floods in recent years.

$6.8m of discounts to be paid to consumers

Network Tasman will pay consumers a total of $6.8m in discounts off their next power bill. Consumer ownership and a focus on cost efficiency have enabled Network Tasman to pay $230 million of discounts to consumers in the region since the discount scheme’s inception in 1994.

Network Tasman is forecast to pay a total of $14m in discounts to consumers in 2023/24: $6.8m in the coming weeks and $7.2m is forecast to be paid to consumers in autumn 2024.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a Network Tasman discount, a consumer must have had an active metered connection to our network as at midnight on 20 September 2023. Our network covers the Nelson Tasman region, excluding central Nelson.

Your discount is based on the amount of electricity you consumed between 1 April 2023 and 31 August 2023. Most residential consumers will receive a discount of between $30

From 1 October 2023 you will be able to find the exact value of your discount on our website.

Visit: www.networktasman.co.nz/consumer-discounts

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

Episode 16 of The Nelson Pod features award-winning crime writer Chris Stuart. The author of For Reasons of her Own and The Glasgow Smile, Chris won the prestigious Ngaio Marsh Award in 2021. She talks to host Matt Lawrey about her career in crime writing and her jaw-dropping background in international humanitarian work. Chris has witnessed the best and worst of humanity and has a head full of stories that need to be written.

“I’m always looking for places to hide bodies.”

SARA HOLLYMAN

Tony Entwistle, with his dog Fin during the clean-up of the Motueka River.

Photo: Gebhard Krewitt.

Old Wharf fence

Congratulations to Elise Vollweiler for a nicely-researched article about the Old Wharf (Guardian, 20 September).

Keep Motueka Beautiful has been working along Motueka Quay for a while, and we were dismayed to see the Council’s latest effort, the unnecessary and ugly fence at the end of the Wharf, to de-beautify the area. Motueka Quay and the Old Wharf could and should be a focal point of Motueka –an attractive place for locals and visitors alike to enjoy. Instead, they are overall an eyesore and disgrace.

KMB has been removing wilding tree lucerne for years, otherwise there would be no view across the Inlet; we have constructed access to the beach to enable people to launch boats; we removed the large tree lucerne from the Wharf to prevent their roots further damaging the structure; we removed an earlier waratah and plastic mesh fence which was an eyesore and served no purpose; and we tidied up the rank vegetation at the end of the Wharf and improved access for fishing.

So now the Council strikes a blow for indifference to the

community and its volunteers, by installing that extraordinary fence!

When I think of all the things that could be done at the Old Wharf and Motueka Quay to IMPROVE them – seal the parking area, remove those pointless boulders, implement the landscaping plan which was prepared years ago, remove dead trees and tidy up the rank grass and rubbish, resite the ugly warning sign about the Janie Seddon, replace the scruffy timber barrier at the inland end of the Old Wharf, let alone restore the Wharf and not simply fence it off! – I really wonder if Council staff have any aesthetic sensibility, or any grasp of what the community would like. I see that a Council representative thinks that “something better could be done”. KMB would be very happy to be involved in planning, and doing, it.

Paul Mosley, Secretary, Keep Motueka Beautiful

Cycle Paths and TDC

If you think cycle paths are a great idea, tell TDC. That’s good. If you think they are a

terrible idea, tell TDC. That’s good. If you want to stand for TDC at the next election, then you are awesome.

If you think that during a costof-living crisis it is OK to frivolously waste council time and resources, and leave others to pay the bills, then you are misguided. If you are told that you can say “magic words” and not have to pay your rates, road tax or anything else, then you are being lied to. And when the same people tell you to vote for them, or to send money to an American organisation, then you can see their motive.

Tom Allen

Let your imagination run wild with fungi

They are my favourite things to colour.

Teressa Obrien

Mushrooms are very rich and help reduce the risk of developing serious health conditions, such as Alzheimer’s, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes also reduces anxiety, depression and PTSD. They’re also great and recommendable.

Mike Nache

‘Butt-ugly’ fence

Anyone got a chainsaw??

Sharon Malloch

Why do they have to go overboard with a while new redesign, who can’t they fix it and leave it grassed

Rose Boisen

National toppings for ‘legendairy’ makers

Deep south has the best hokey pokey ice cream.

Belinda Ruffell

Fabulous company.

Jennifer Sauer

Well done. The Food Factory Nelson Slush Cup celebrates ski season

That’s awesome!

Cassandra Thomson

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Te Noninga Kumu - 32 Wallace St - 03 528 1047

School Holiday Fun

Smart Art – STEAM based shapes and geometry, Wednesday 27 September, 11am-12pm

Book Buddy Colouring competition –Wednesday 27 September – Monday 9 October

Hang Out Zone – Reading Tent, Boardgames & STEAM activities, Thursday 28 September, 11am-12pm

Lego Challenge – Thursday 28 September, 2pm-3pm

Stranded by Linda Jane Keegan Book Launch – Thursday 5 October, 3pm STEAM fun – Make a balloon powered cars – Thursday 5 October, 11am12pm

International Day for Older Persons

Friday 29 September, 2pm-3.30pm, cuppa, chat & a musical interlude.

Wellness Month at Motueka Library during October Community Bird colouring – colour a peacock or an owl for a display. Book Bundles – themed books to choose from.

Jigsaw fun – Join in community jigsaws, 16-31 October.

Recipe swap – Tuesday 17 October, 11am-12pm

Laughter Yoga- Friday 20 October, 12noon-12.45pm

Dreamcatcher necklace workshopFriday 27 October, 1pm-2pm

Wellness Take & Make kits to promote social connection.

Rings For All Occasions

Reuben Staufer Motueka

Ben Monaghan Motueka

Ford Motueka

People First Since 1858

Nelson | Motueka | Takaka

Introducing Glasgow Harley Lawyers in Motueka: Your Trusted Legal Partner

Are you in need of expert legal counsel right here in Motueka? Look no further! Glasgow Harley Lawyers, a well-established law firm, is proud to remind our community that we have an office in the MOTropolis building, Wallace Street, Motueka. With a rich history of serving the legal needs of Te Tau Ihu (the top of the South Island), we are excited to bring our client-focused legal services to your doorstep.

Committed to excellence

At Glasgow Harley Lawyers, our commitment to delivering legal support to the highest standard is unwavering. Our dedicated team merges the services of a large firm with personalised attention of a smaller practice. Whether you require assistance as a private client or need legal aid, we are just a phone call away.

Putting people first

Our core philosophy revolves around putting people first – our valued clients and our dedicated staff. Our partners and lawyers are a diverse and very capable team, offering a wide range of standard legal services as well as expertise tailored to our local community's unique needs.

We value Motueka and our team are looking forward to assisting locals with their le-

your first point of contact. People are important to her. She is here to ensure that your experience with us is comfortable and stress-free, especially if you're new to seeking legal advice.

A rich history in the Nelson Tasman community

Glasgow Harley Lawyers has been an integral part of the Nelson Tasman community from the very beginning. Our firm was born from the merger of two of Nelson's oldest and most respected law firms. Glasgow Harley has been established in the Nelson Tasman Region since 1858, with one branch tracing its origins to 1858 while the other traces its beginnings to 1885.

Conveniently located in Motueka

We understand the importance of convenience, and that's why we've expanded our

saves you the hassle of travelling to Nelson. We can coordinate document sourcing appointments right here in Motueka, making your legal processes smoother and more accessible. We also travel weekly to Takaka (on a Wednesday).

A comprehensive range of legal services

Glasgow Harley Lawyers continues to provide a robust general practice to assist you with a wide array of legal matters, including but not limited to:

Property: We handle all types of land and property transactions including buying and selling houses, farms, commercial buildings, rural property transactions and subdivisions.

Trusts, Wills and Estates: Our extensive practice in this area covers everything from will preparation to estate administra

protection claims, aged welfare, and more.

Family Law: When it comes to family matters, our legal team is here to support you. We handle parenting orders, protection orders, relationship property division, paternity disputes, guardianship disputes, and issues involving Child Protection/Oranga Tamariki.

Employment Law: We represent both employers and employees in drafting employment agreements, offering general employment law advice and assisting you with the resolution of personal grievances.

Commercial Law: Our expertise includes various commercial transactions, including business deals, partnerships, franchises, incorporated societies, shareholders' agreements, insolvency matters, commercial and farm leases and debt recovery.

Accessible Legal Aid services

At Glasgow Harley Lawyers, accessibility to legal aid is a priority. If you believe you may qualify for legal aid, don't hesitate to enquire about it.

Trust, professionalism, and a commitment to your legal needs are at the heart of Glasgow Harley Lawyers. We would welcome the opportunity to help you navigate your legal challenges. Contact us today, and let's work together to achieve the best possible

England VS New Zealand Netherlands VS Pakistan Afghanistan VS Bangladesh South Africa VS Sri Lanka India VS Australia Netherlands VS New Zealand Bangladesh VS England Pakistan VS Sri Lanka

India VS Afghanistan Australia VS South Africa Bangladesh VS New Zealand India VS Pakistan Afghanistan VS England

VS Sri Lanka Netherlands VS South Africa New Zealand VS Afghanistan India VS Bangladesh

VS Pakistan

VS

Planning your funeral in advance can make a difficult time easier for your family. Thinking about your own funeral plans may seem odd to some, but by planning ahead, you can help ensure that your family will not experience extra distress at an already difficult time, knowing your wishes are being fulfilled.

VS

VS

be notified of your passing and your preference for your funeral. The other thing you can talk to your funeral director about in advance is the cost. This can help to avoid a financial burden on your family, who may otherwise have to pay for the funeral themselves. While a major life change like going into a rest home or being diagnosed with a serious illness may prompt you to begin planning your funeral, it’s never too soon to start thinking about what you want.

your funeral in advance can make a difficult time easier for your

Keeping a record of what you’d like when it comes to the service and burial or cremation, can take a lot of pressure off family members at a time when they’re likely to be very stressed. Simplicity Funerals can supply you with a free preplanning pack which enables you to record your information as required by the Registrar-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages, as well as including details of who needs to

Thinking about your own funeral plans may seem odd to some, but ahead, you can help ensure that your family will not experience distress at an already difficult time, knowing your wishes are being record of what you’d like when it comes to the service and burial cremation, can take a lot of pressure off family members at a time when likely to be very stressed. Simplicity Funerals can supply you with a preplanning pack which enables you to record your information as the Registrar-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages, as well details of who needs to be notified of your passing and your for your funeral.

The friendly team at Simplicity Funerals can come to your home to discuss your wishes in detail and make a permanent record for future reference. This service is provided free of charge.

The other thing you can talk to your funeral director about in advance is the cost. This can help to avoid a financial burden on your family, who may otherwise have to pay for the funeral themselves. While a major life change like going into a rest home or being diagnosed with a serious illness may prompt you to begin planning your funeral, it’s never too soon to start thinking about what you want.

The friendly team at Simplicity Funerals can come to your home to discuss your wishes in detail and make a permanent record for future reference.

This service is provided free of charge.

Call them now on (03) 929 5145 to discuss.

Call them now on (03) 929 5145 to discuss.

Australia VS Netherlands

England VS Sri Lanka

Pakistan VS South Africa

Australia VS New Zealand

Bangladesh VS Netherlands

India VS England

Afghanistan VS Sri Lanka

Bangladesh VS Pakistan

New Zealand VS South Africa

India VS Sri Lanka

Afghanistan VS Netherlands

New Zealand VS Pakistan

Australia VS England

India VS South Africa

Bangladesh VS Sri Lanka Afghanistan VS Australia England VS Netherlands

New Zealand VS Sri Lanka

Young Farmers club active after lengthy absence

ELOISE MARTYN

The resumption of a young farmers club aimed at connecting those who can often feel isolated is welcome news for many, following a lengthy absence in the region.

“Sometimes you don’t feel like getting off the farm and those are the times that usually you really need to,” says Tasman Valley Young Farmers chair Blair Anglesey.

Blair, a sheep and beef farmer from the Sherry River, explains that one of the main reasons he was keen to crank up a Young Farmers club in the region was to offer an opportunity for young people in the food and fibre sector to connect and meet new people.

“There was a real need for our age group to have something to connect us, and while where we live isn’t as isolating, compared to other areas, the job itself can be as you are often working long days on your own or only seeing one or two other people.”

Tasman Valley Young Farmers started up last year and has been moving from strength to strength, gaining members, hosting events and participating in a range of Young Farmer contests and challenges.

The first Young Farmers club in

the country was established in 1927, catering for those aged 1631 years old.

“We have had heaps of fun and made some great connections with other rural groups around the place,” Blair says.

There are 60 clubs nationwide that have members from all sectors of agriculture and horticulture, however Blair explains that you don’t have to be a farmer or grower to join in.

“If you have an interest in the rural sector or primary industries, you can be part of the club. We have members who live in all different areas of the Tasman district, so we meet up in different locations to cater for that.”

Everyone involved in the primary industries is working through a range of current challenges which make it even more important to connect with others who are facing similar or the same challenges. Having a support system and realising

you are not alone really helps to overcome challenges more easily. “Social connection is really important to your well-being. It’s great to get off the farm and have

the club to connect with others,” Blair says. If you, or one of your workers, would like to connect with the Tasman Valley Young Farmer

dog

says it’s great to get off the farm and connect with others through the club. Photo: Supplied.

We stock a wide range of dairy equipment, chemicals, fencing gear, pipes, fittings & farm plumbing supplies. Icebreaker, Canterbury & Stoney Creek clothing. Gumboots, rainwear, workboots, gloves & socks. Gardening supplies, seeds, seedlings, shrubs, trees, natives, sprays, netting, tools, composts & potting mixes. Animal & stock feeds, pet foods, feeders & troughs.

VETERINARY CLINIC 03-525-8011

Mon to Fri 8am to 5pm - 24hr Emergency Service

For all your companion animal, commercial farm and lifestyle block veterinary needs.

Premium and prescription cat & dog foods. Flea and worm treatments, pet accessories, large animal drenches, supplements and general care products. Surgery, x-ray, ultrasound and dental treatments.

Large animal health plans, vaccination and disease control programs, pregnancy scanning, lameness consults, calving assists, surgery, trace element testing, parasite control programs etc.

Veterinary Clinic & Country Store

64 Meihana Street Takaka

group then contact Blair on 027 845 0355 or look them up on Facebook.

Tasman Valley Young Farmers chair Blair Anglesey, with

Rain,

Triplet calves defy the odds

ANNE HARDIE

Tutaki Valley farmer Simon Blakemore was justifiably incredulous when his Angus cow delivered three live triplets.

The occurrence is so rare that there are very few statistics. The chances of producing triplets are about one in 100,000, but usually

one or more do not survive.

His vet has told him the chances of three live triplets being born unaided is up around one in two million.

It was definitely a first for Simon who saw the cow with one calf last week and realised she was either trying to have another calf or had a prolapse, so he called

the vet.

It would have meant getting her and the calf to the yards about a kilometre away, so he was quite relieved when he saw a second calf.

“I saw another calf and I thought, great, job done.”

The first calf was born before 9am, and by 2pm, Simon had

moved the cow away from the herd to another paddock and she was relaxed with her two calves settled on balage. So, he headed to Nelson for the afternoon.

“I went out to check them at 6pm and there was a third one. She kept them together and any time you went near them she would get them together and they would waddle off after her like ducklings,” he says.

“They’re quite goodsized calves. One was slightly smaller but still a good-sized calf. I had to carry one up a bank and I was puffing. They would be in the 30 to 35kg range.”

Simon went and got colostrum from a neighbouring dairy farm to feed the calves in case they were not getting enough to get them going. However, they were not interested, which meant they were getting enough from their mum.

The cow looked after

the calves for a few days herself and when another cow lost her calf, Simon mothered one of the calves onto her. This enables her to raise a calf, and it also puts less pressure on the mother.

“I mothered the calf on to another cow and it worked straight away, and I let her out after two nights.”

Two of the triplets are bull calves and the other is a heifer, which Simon says can often be a ‘freemartin’ in triplets, which means she may be infertile.

“I’ll probably get her checked to see if she can breed and keep her just for fun.”

The mother is part of a commercial beef herd and mated to an Angus bull. Simon estimates she is about six years old and would have had singles until this year. Even though he did not need to get a vet in the end, the rarity of the birth was too much of a temptation for a local vet who wanted to see the result. Simon says the vet told him that the length of time to deliver the triplets would have given the cow a good rest between each birth.

A Murchison farmer has seen a one in two million rarity happen on his farm, with the birth of three healthy angus calves.

Photo: Anne Hardie.

Lab Grown Fruit - New Zealand scientists aim to break new ground with Cellular Horticulture Research.

Scientists at Plant & Food Research are using their expertise in horticulture to explore the production of fruit without a tree, vine, or bush - instead using lab-grown plant cells. Initial trials have included working with cells from blueberries, apples, cherries, feijoas, peaches, nectarines and grapes.

Food by Design Programme's Lincoln-based team

Cellular horticulture, agriculture and aquaculture, the production of plant, meat and seafood products in vitro, is at the cutting edge of food technology worldwide. By growing food from cells in the laboratory there are opportunities to use fewer resources and improve the environmental impact of food production.

Food by Design programme leader, Plant & Food Research scientist Dr Ben Schon, says there’s a great deal of interest and

development in controlled environment and cellular food production systems, with more than 80 companies worldwide looking to commercialise lab-grown meat and seafood.

“Cellular horticulture currently has a smaller profile than cellular agriculture and aquaculture, but we believe this is a really exciting area of science where we can utilise our expertise in plant biology and food science to explore what could become a significant food production system in the future.”

Ben Schon says the team is now 18 months into the five-year long Food by Design programme, which is funded through Plant & Food Research’s internal Growing Futures investment of the MBIE Strategic Science Investment Fund. The research has also gained sup-

port from New Zealand company Sprout Agritech, having recently being accepted into their accelerator programme designed for agrifoodtech start-ups.

Dr. Schon says initial trials have used cells harvested from blueberries, apples, cherries, feijoas, peaches, nectarines and grapes.

Much like lab grown meats, the challenge is to create an end product that is nutritious and has a taste, texture and appearance that consumers are familiar with.

“In order to grow a piece of food that is desirable to eat, we will need more than just a collection of cells. So we are also investigating approaches that are likely to deliv-

er a fresh food eating experience.”

“The aim isn’t to try and completely replicate a piece of fruit that’s grown in the traditional way, but rather create a new food with equally appealing properties.”

As well as exploring the viability of cellular horticulture as a future tool for food production, Ben says the research also aims to provide better understanding of fruit cell behaviour – these insights could help breed better fruit varieties that would also benefit the traditional growing methods being used by New Zealand’s horticultural sector. This cellular horticulture research fits within Plant & Food

Research’s Hua Ki Te Ao – Horticulture Goes Urban Growing Futures™ Direction, which is focused on developing new plants and growing systems that will bring food production closer to urban consumers.

“Globally, we are seeing rapid growth in both the vertical farming and controlled environment growing, as well as cell-cultured meat spaces. It’s possible that cell-cultured plant foods could be a solution to urban population growth, with requirements for secure and safe food supply chains close to these urbanised markets,” says direction co-leader Dr Samantha Baldwin.

Introducing Doug Smith

Scientists from Plant & Food Research are aiming to break new ground with their cellular horticulture research

holiday season. We can't wait to share the magic of reading and exploration with you!

Anatoki Salmon

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. Enjoy your catch hot smoked ready to eat in our cafe, or take away fresh for the BBQ.

You don't need any fishing experience, and you get to spend as much time as you like catching your salmon while enjoying the farm atmosphere. Plan your visit today anatokisalmon.co.nz

Farewell Spit Tours

Farewell Spit Nature Reserve is

a bird sanctuary and wetland of international importance, being more strictly protected than a national park. Your children will love to explore places such as Cape Farewell, Fossil Point, the Wader Watch area, the sand dune environment, the lighthouse and the gannet colony at the tip of the spit. Open the windows, enjoy the sea breeze, sit back and experience a fascinating journey into sand country!

Come with us to this special place, where you can view the historic lighthouse and explore its intriguing reserve. The Farewell Spit Tour departs from Collingwood to visit Cape Farewell and Fossil Point. Find out more at www.farewellspit.com

Mot Museum

Portrait Drawing Workshop for Primary and Intermediate School Students.

The Motueka Museum will host free pencil drawing workshops on Thursdays of the school holidays. Register your interest with name and age of your child at exhibitions@motuekadistrictmuseum.org.nz. All materials supplied, bring your own cushion to sit on.

Experience living history as you enter the Motueka District Museum, immersing yourself in our town’s proud heritage. Prepare to have your knowledge completely revitalised through our remarkable collection and find out more about our local history.

We try to keep things interesting by regularly hosting exciting events and interesting exhibitions. Do come for a visit to the Motueka District Museum, we promise you will learn something new!

Located at 140 High Street, we are open from Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 3pm, and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm.

Buller Swing Bridge

Buller Gorge Swingbridge Adventure and Heritage Park is a must-see tourism destination, located just hours away from Nelson and Picton, Westport and the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, and Christchurch. It is a place of excitement and adventure, where visitors can feel the rush of the Cometline

ride, experience the thrill of the Jet boat, walk the heights of New Zealand’s longest swing bridge, pan for abundant gold treasure, or simply relax and view some of New Zealand’s best native flora and fauna on one of the many nature walks.

Whether you can spare five minutes or a few hours, they’ll be well spent in the Buller Gorge Swingbridge Adventure and Heritage Park. Find out more online bullergorge.co.nz

Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles

Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles are your local transport and adventure tourism operators in the Abel Tasman National Park. They specialise in taking clients into the Abel Tasman National

Park by boat with their customised fleet of ferries and with their sea kayak company, Kaiteriteri Kayaks. It’s an exciting maritime environment and their team take pride in teaching their guests about the area, including the history, landscapes and creatures within it.

Make a booking and find out more about Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles online and don’t forget to check out their specials page. https://abeltasmanseashuttles.co.nz/ - Freephone: 0800 732 748

Kiwi Park Motel

Experience the award-winning Kiwi Park Motels in Murchison, an adventure paradise. Our spacious property boasts stunning gardens, native birds and breath-taking views.

Murchison boasts a raft of activities including fly fishing, mountainbiking, gold panning, and white water rafting.

Enjoy the rural experience and come and see the farm park animals for free! It’s the perfect destination for families these school holidays. Youngsters will enjoy feeding the lambs as well as the kid’s playground!

Nestled in a tranquil 6ha setting by the Matakitaki River, we offer a peaceful home away from home just a short walk from town. It’s the perfect destination to enjoy these school holidays.

Book now at https://www.kiwipark.co.nz/ or call 0800 22 80 80.

There shouldn’t be any boredom these school holidays, try one of our suggestions below and make the most of the longer days now that daylight savings has arrived. If the weather doesn’t behave, our list of indoor activities will have you covered.

Outdoor Adventures

Gardening Fun: Get your hands dirty and start planting summer vegetables. Let the kids take the lead in planting seedlings. Turn it into an even bigger adventure by taking the kids to the beach to collect seaweed and use it to nourish the garden. For guidance about what to plant and when, visit tuigarden.co.nz/planting-calendar

Nature Walks: We are blessed with three national parks on our doorstep, Abel Tasman National Park, Kahurangi National Park and Nelson Lakes National Park. Take the kids on a nature walk, create a

scavenger hunt, and teach them about the region's natural environment. The Department of Conservation (DOC) has all the information you need before you head out at doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation

Beach Day: Spend a day at the beach, hunting for shells, spotting birds, and building sandcastles. Collect shells for a creative project or garden decoration.

Obstacle Course: Challenge the family with a homemade obstacle course in your backyard. Let the kids contribute their ideas, and watch them balance, jump, run, and showcase their ball skills.

Chalk Art: Transform your driveway into an art gallery by providing chalk to the kids. Encourage them to express their creativity or set up a game of hopscotch for added fun.

Bike Ride: Explore the fantastic bike trails in the area, especially the Great Taste Trail. For more adventurous riders, try the Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park. The TDC website has information about bike trails www.tasman.govt.nz/my-region/recreation/walking-and-cycling

Car Wash: Supply the kids with buckets, sponges, and bubbles, and let them wash the car. You'll get a shiny vehicle and the youngsters will have a blast.

Indoor Escapades:

Build a Hut: Building a hut is not just about having fun; it's also a fantastic way to exercise your creativity and create a space where you can unwind and let your

imagination soar. So, gather some blankets, cushions and other supplies and embark on a journey to design the ultimate hideaway. Not sure where to start? Go to wikihow.com/Make-a-Blanket-Fort Baking Extravaganza: Some of our favourite childhood memories are of times spent in the kitchen baking with our parents and grandparents. Baking not only results in tasty treat, it also serves as a valuable learning opportunity, weighing and measuring ingredients. If you are searching for easy recipes to bake with the youngsters, Kidspot has you covered at kidspot.co.nz/recipes/cakes-baking Dance-Off: Turn up the music and let the kids showcase their dance moves. You might want to take it a step further and get out the Christmas lights to set the mood. Jump online and do a search for ‘dance battles’ and pick up a few new moves. Movie Marathon: Spend an afternoon with a bowl of popcorn and a movie marathon, it’s the perfect solution for a rainy day. If choosing a movie is problematic, ask everyone to write down their choices, put the names in a hat and draw out a winner.

Enjoy

Science Experiments: Raid the kitchen cupboards and conduct fascinating science experiments. Go online to Nano Girl where you can find all sorts of science related fun at nanogirl.co/kids-zone Arts and Crafts Day: Organise a creative day with various art and craft projects. From making cards to crafting masks, the options are endless. Motueka Library has a wide range of arts and crafts books if you are looking for inspiration and ideas. Whether you're exploring the great outdoors, baking up a storm in the kitchen, or embarking on an adventure, remember to have fun, be kind, stay safe, and most importantly, enjoy yourselves!

Make the most of the many fantastic bike trails in our region.

Upper Buller Gorge SH6, State Highway Murchison

Step into a world where simplicity meets functionality, and your unique creativity merges with practicality. Meet Lindsey, Demian, and the passionate team at Little Place, where tiny homes are transformed into intimate living spaces that reflect your personality and lifestyle.

Little Place is a local business at the forefront of New Zealand's tiny home movement, they don't just build tiny homes; they are artisans committed to designing distinctive havens of impeccable quality. Their close-knit team collaborates to bring your vision to life, ensuring every build is a reflection of your personality. Using eco-friendly materials isn't just a choice for Little Place; it's a promise.

A commitment to sustainability shines through every aspect of their homes, from wool insulation for healthier indoor living to locally sourced timber that tells a story of well-managed forests.

Little Place have recently joined forces with Orca Developments, this collaboration means more opportunities for stunning tiny homes and fully consented residential builds, all crafted with a larger team of dedicated artisans. Embrace eco-friendly living, commit to a better tomorrow, and discover the magic of your own Little Place.

Embrace the spirit of spring with Nelson Tiny House Factory, where the art of crafting personalised tiny homes flourishes. They focus on creating beautiful, liveable homes, on wheels or on foundations, large or small, to suit every budget. Led by Thomas Schattovits, who has been building houses for over 30 years, the business has been operating from Appleby since last spring, with another base in Wanaka.

“We sit down with you and our in-house designer to go over one of our standard plans to find out what is important to you, and to make changes that reflect your taste and functional requirements,” says Thomas. The business offers both their own designs and those from renowned Auckland designer, Shaye’s Tiny Homes. “We are the exclusive licenced builder of Shaye’s Tiny Homes servicing the whole South Island.”

“We build every home locally; our experienced teams of builders ensure outstanding quality homes built to NZ Building Code standards.” The Appleby workshop is open by appointment. Thomas and the team are looking forward to showing off their work and listening to your ideas.

You need more space at home, but you know house extensions or tiny homes can get complicated and expensive, and you can’t put your own personalised stamp on a rented cabin… Have you considered a kitset cabin? They’re more cost-effective than those other options, and with classic style and better quality than cheap knock-off sheds, a SheShed kitset cabin can be DIY built in your own backyard. In many cases, it’s even exempt from needing an expensive council building consent!

Founded locally and now shipping our kitsets nationwide, we’re celebrating SheShed’s 8th birthday this month. You can save $350 off most of our smaller sizes, and orders placed before the end of September, enter the draw to win one of eight $800 cashback prizes!!

With over 14 sizes and styles available in stock right now, there’s a SheShed kitset suited for everything from sleepouts, to home offices, and hobby or art studios. Come visit us in Appleby at the Connings/Grape Escape Café complex, see our display and find out about building your own backyard cabin. www.sheshed.co.nz

Golden Bay Hideaway specialises in compact, energy efficient design with everything you need for an unforgettable, inspiring experience. Four distinctive accommodations offer supreme privacy, nestled in a natural bush setting overlooking the pristine Wainui Bay at the northern end of the Abel Tasman National Park. The three “Greenies” are off-grid and you’ll experience the amazing comfort of passive house design principles. In the middle of winter all the rooms are at an even temperature. At the forefront of building design these houses are leading-edge technology. In addition, the House Truck is a lovingly restored and cosy sanctuary to restore your gypsy spirit. Golden Bay Hideaway has a vision for a sustainable future, whether it’s using off-grid energy, comprehensive recycling, biodegradable products, or community projects - every consideration is made to have a low impact footprint and provide an educational experience.

All accommodations feature inviting outdoor baths built for two, where you can bask under a starlit sky, serenaded by birdsong, and fully immerse yourself in the natural surroundings.

Find out more about the best eco holiday homes in NZ at www.goldenbayhideaway.co.nz.

Reshaping the way we think about modern living

In a world where "bigger is better" often reigns supreme, a movement towards minimalist living is taking root.

Tiny homes, which typically range from 100 to 400 square feet (10 to 37 square metres), have captured the imaginations of people seeking a simpler, more sustainable way of life. Beyond their cosy charm, these clever dwellings offer a raft of environmental and personal benefits that are reshaping the way we think about modern living.

Tiny homes are eco-friendly powerhouses. Their smaller size requires significantly less energy to heat, cool, and light, leading to a substantially lower carbon footprint and power bills.

They often come equipped with solar panels and energy-efficient appliances and may use innovative water-saving technologies, such as composting toilets and rainwater harvesting systems. Living smaller is living smarter and in doing so it is better for our environment.

One of the most significant advantages of tiny living is the financial freedom it offers. Tiny homes cost substantially less to build and maintain than traditional houses. This reduced financial burden can lead to decreased stress and increased flexibility in life choices, such as career changes or pursuing passions. This style of living allows residents to declutter and prioritise what truly matters to them. The resulting simplification of living spaces can lead to re-

duced stress and increased mental clarity.

Many tiny house dwellers find that they have more time to focus on their hobbies, relationships, and personal growth. Some options are often mounted on wheels or easily transportable trailers, making them mobile and adaptable to different lifestyles. This mobility allows residents to change locations, travel, or even move

their homes closer to nature, fostering a sense of freedom and adventure.

If you are searching for a living option that offers a unique blend of environmental responsibility and personal freedom, a tiny home is the answer.

They represent a well thought out alterna tive to the traditional housing model, sig nifying that less can indeed be more. As

we confront environmental challenges and seek a more balanced and fulfilling way of life, the tiny house movement serves as an inspiring example of how innovative design and conscious living can lead to a better future for both individuals and the planet. Embracing tiny living may just be the key to unlocking a more sustainable

Architectural Aluminium

Arohanui Tiny Homes was born in 2021, with a passion to provide affordable, stylish, and innovative tiny homes on wheels. We have a similar philosophy to Habitat for Humanity (Partner of us). Together, we help low to mid-income families achieve home ownership.

Our goal is not only to offer affordable tiny houses, but also help customers find the right property to rent from a network of landowners in our region. We distinguish ourselves by offering features not commonly found on other tiny home designs, like • slide-out sections • folding down decks • aluminium cladding • walk-in-wardrobes • skylights • light steel frames. With a range of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom homes on wheels, we have models for every budget. All ready for delivery in our Spring Sale, ranging from the 1-bed Dome ($99,000 inc. appliances) to our flagship 3-bed, 64sqm Little Giant $169,000 inc. appliances).

We help single parents, with a special offer: up to $6,000 discount depending on the model, plus a transport allowance of up to $2,500. Designs can be viewed at 512 High Street Motueka. Next OPEN HOME is Sunday, 1st October, 11.00am - 2.00pm.

Living Little is a boutique home fabricator dedicated to crafting spacious, transportable, and little (not tiny) homes using cutting-edge premium materials. We are committed to providing you with a living space that eliminates the need for squeezing in or climbing up. Our meticulously-designed little homes offer a sense of abundance and comfort.

We understand that modern living demands simplicity and practicality without compromising on comfort. Our expertise in design and craftsmanship results in homes that are truly little – not cramped or uncomfortable.

At Living Little, our talented team of construction professionals and creative designers collaborate to create spacious, transportable homes using innovative premium materials. Inside, you'll find a full-sized kitchen complete with optional appliances and soft furnishings. The bathroom is a testament to our commitment to quality, boasting a full-sized shower and high-end fittings.

Our collection of floor plans caters to a variety of needs, offering generous spaces that are affordable, portable and built to last. Experience the freedom of a small, movable home with all the comfort of a regular home by choosing Living Little – where little living meets big comfort.

Embracing tiny living may just be the key to unlocking a more sustainable and harmonious world.

Navigating the Bay

JACK MALCOLM

Lani Murray says she has to work harder than her fellow competitors to stay at the top of her game.

The 17-year-old orienteerer from Golden Bay says the lack of local competition means she doesn’t have the same convenience as people who can regularly attend events.

“I haven’t got to do much orienteering because I’m home in Golden Bay, but I do running and other sports like basketball and football.

“It is kind of hard not having as many opportunities, but I’m giving it my best shot,” she says.

While she captained the Golden Bay Panthers this season in football, saying it’s her favourite sport, she has now achieved high heights in the sport of orienteering which also has a strong focus in her

life.

Having been selected as part of the New Zealand team for the Southern Cross Challenge in Australia for three years running, she has experience in overseas competition as she prepares to head over the Tasman Sea to race again.

With her first year in the team being affected by Covid-19, it’s her second time racing in the event and she is still one of the youngest senior girls in the team.

“I think I’ve probably achieved what I want.

“Going to Australia is pretty big for me.

“My goal is to be in the top 10. I’d be pretty happy with that and a nice clean run with no mistakes.”

Lani says her ambition is to continue racing, but she wants to attend university instead of focusing on the sport full time.

It’s a whole family affair for the Murrays, who got into the sport as an activity that they could all do.

Her dad, Neil, had done it at university and by the time Lani was four years old she was racing herself.

Alongside her mum Fleur, brother Jamal and sister Anya, the family travel and race together in separate divisions.

Lani says there have been times in the past that she has raced against her sister, having previously shared the podium, but because she is two years older than her it’s not much of a fair fight.

“She was always faster. We’re in the same age group (again) but I haven’t raced her recently.”

All three siblings have been selected to represent New Zealand in orienteering, with Jamal and Anya selected in the 2020 secondary schools

team but did not race after their event was cancelled.

While the sisters live together, Lani says they don’t also train together because Anya likes listening to music and they can often be seen running down the road separately.

Lani says she helps to pay for the costs of travel by helping out at local club events and working at the supermarket two times a week.

She has also received $500 in funding from the Nelson Orienteering Club and has support from her parents to make ends meet.

This year’s Southern Cross event takes place near Perth at the start of October, with several other locals in the mix as well.

Alongside Lani are Motueka High School’s Riley Croxford and the Fa’avae siblings Zefa and Tide, as well as Waimea College’s Eddie Swain.

While it’s not even her favourite sport, Lani Murray has excelled at orienteering and has been selected to represent New Zealand for the third year running. Photo: Supplied.

Slow start puts Mako on back foot

PETER JONES

An uninspiring first half, coupled with a lack of composure in the final stages, saw Tasman come up just short, losing 30-28 to “big brother” Canterbury in their NPC clash in Christchurch on Saturday.

Down 27-13 at the halftime break the Mako rallied superbly to score twice and close the gap to just two points in the final, exciting stages. However, they were unable to bridge the gap, through a combination of resolute Canterbury defence and muddled thinking in the key moments.

Most of the first half was a hard watch for Mako fans. The home side booted a couple of early penalties, exited well whenever Tasman managed to get into their half and demonstrated more aggression, accuracy and rugby smarts.

Their first try came after 16 minutes, livewire loosie Tom Christie being sent over in the corner.

Soon after Taine Robinson landed a penalty for the Mako, but Canterbury were in rampant form, winger Manasa Mataele scoring a try from a lineout move, although he appeared to come from inside the 10m zone, then fellow winger Solomon Alaimalo bagging their third in the 33rd minute.

Although they lost in-form cen-

tre Alex Nankivell to injury in the latter stages of the half, the Mako managed a late and much-needed revival.

Fullback Macca Springer scored their first try, which Robinson converted, in the 37th minute, then landed a penalty to narrow the gap to 27-13 at the break, a closer scoreline than Tasman deserved given their ill-disciplined effort in the first 40. One of their main issues was a dysfunctional

lineout, which saw hooker Feleti Kaitu’u taken out of the game for veteran Quentin MacDonald after just 33 minutes.

Canterbury began the second spell as they started the first, kicking long and accurately and pressurising the visitors at the breakdown. However this time the Mako fought back. Winger Timoci Tavatavanawai began the second half fightback, sliding in at the corner. Robinson convert-

Weekly Puzzles and Sudoku

ed, then scored a try of his own, missing what would prove a pivotal conversion.

Burke scored Canterbury’s only second half points from the tee, before Robinson replied, reducing the margin to two once more and setting up a frantic climax to an enthralling match.

Tasman claim a bonus point out of the match, scant reward for a stirring fightback, but they will be well aware that allowing Can-

terbury a 27-3 lead is unlikely to ever end well. Their best were loosies Anton Segner, Seta Baker and Max Hicks, prop Kershawl Sykes-Martin, halfback Noah Hotham, Robinson and Springer. Scores: Canterbury 30 (Solomon Alaimalo, Manasa Mataele, Tom Christie tries, Fergus Burke 3 pen, 3 con) Tasman 28 (Macca Springer, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Taine Robinson tries, Robinson 3 pen, 2 con) HT: 27-13

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Number 8 Anton Segnar had a standout performance, earning multiple penalties for his team to capitalise on. Photo (File): Barry Whitnall/Shuttersport.

SITUATIONS VACANT

Vineyard Sprayer Operator

For immediate start. Growsafe an advantage. Based in Appleby, Nelson. Must be mechanically minded and be able to work as part of a team. Early starts, and 40+ hours/week.

Phone for more info 0274 451 555 or email anna@seifried.co.nz

Huia Rugby Football Club warmly invite all members to vote on the new clubrooms and discuss new business. Huia Rugby Clubrooms 186 High Street Motueka. Wednesday October 11 2023 6.30pm.

STORAGE WANTED

Tasman Storage units available from $6.20pw Insurance approved.24/7 access. Ph 528 0071.

FINAL PROJECT: EX MOTUEKA LIONESS LIONS CLUB

MOTUEKA LIONESS LIONS CLUB

LIONESS CLUB JAM SALE

New World Motueka

LIONESS CLUB JAM SALE

Lioness Club Jam Stall now at New World Motueka,

Friday 19th November

Thursday 5th and Friday 6th October 9am - 5pm

Saturday 20th November 9am - 5pm

SUPER FRESH JAMS, SAUCES & PICKLES

SUPER FRESH JAMS, SAUCES & PICKLES

Thank you all for your support.

Funds to Tasman Hospice, Motueka

AGM: Tasman Bays Promotions Associations (TBPA)

Date: Thursday 26 October, 6.30pm

Venue: Motueka i-Site 20 Wallace St, Decks Reserve

Trades&Services

PH 528 2088

guardian.motueka@xtra.co.nz

ARBORIST TC Trees

Quali ed Insured Arborist • All Tree Work & Chipping

36 years of experience tctrees2@gmail.com

Phone 03-5278252

Cell 02102748855

New Homes & Additions  Renovation Specialists All work guaranteed Call Andrew 027 446 0739

eggersbuild@ts.co.nz andreweggersbuilders

The latest Tile design in Motueka

Sheryl Borrell Achitectural Consultant Mobile 021 677 594 sheryl@porcelanosa.co.nz www.thetilecompany.co.nz

Visiting Podiatrist @ Motropolis

Every Tuesday

Combo discount available for: Couples/friends/family

BIN HIRE MOTUEKA BIN HIRE

DRUMS - SKIPS - WHEELIE BINS

PHONE 528 9346

STUMP GRINDING

Motueka Stump Grinding Services

178 2346

garden makeovers · weedeating · mowing hedge trimming pruning gutter cleaning organic spraying mulching water blasting bark and gravel laying rubbish removal tree & stump removal mattsmaintenancenz@gmail.com

ANTIQUES COMMUNITY NOTICES

$$$ for your antique furniture, paintings, china,clocks and jewellery.

Plus quality restoration & reproduction service.Call at Mariri Gallery. Coastal Highway, Mariri. (Weekdays 9am-4pm).

DENTURES

New dentures, reliners, repairs. Phone Daniela at Bays Dentures 546 4455.

COMMUNITY GARDEN WORKING BEES Mon, 1-2pm. Victory Community Centre. Regular free working bees. Learn from other experienced gardeners. A dedicated team of volunteers are making the garden into a beautiful and productive space. Ph: Nadia 035468389 or kai@victorycommunity.org.nz.

INTRODUCTION TO ZEN BUDDHISM Beginner Instruction available Mon evenings at our Nelson Centre. Learn how to meditate the Zen way. Ph: Gwitha, 0211218133 for info. Mountains and Rivers Affiliate Nelson.

STOKE SENIOR CITIZENS is a Friendship Club accepting all indoor bowling beginners and players. Mon & Fri 1:30-3:30pm. Annual $5 subscription and a $2 mat fee covers costs levied for the afternoon. Mats and bowls are provided by the club. Ph: 035479814 or 035473052

HAVEN GAMES - Mon, 1.30-3.30pm. Nelson Baptist Church, 193 Bridge St. Join us for Board games, cards, puzzles, cuppa and chat. All Welcome. Koha appreciated.

TEA AND TALK – Mon, 10-1.30pm. Victory Community Centre. Join us for a cuppa tea and a wee treat. Meet new friends and enjoy morning tea served on vintage China with occasional entertainment and guest speakers. Ages 60+ COST: $2.

ACTIVE STRENGTH/BALANCE CLASS: Also seated options presented. Mon, 1pm. Tāhunanui Community Hub, Muritai St. ACC accredited provider. Get fitter to great music. Ph: Shirley 035471433 / 0211218023. SENIOR

Mon

Accredited with Veterans Affairs NZ Home visits available upon request Photobiomodulation therapy available for treatment of chronic pain

Greig Price - BHsc (Pod)

To make an appointment email info@mobilepod.nz or message/call 022 419 0205

in and improve your health and fitness, including strength, coordination, balance, mobility, and agility. Tāhunanui Community Hub. Ph: 021411700. $5 per session.

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

YOGA for people who have or have had cancer. Mon Afternoons, and Tues Evenings. Register info@cancernelson.org.nz or Ph: 035391137.

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

HAVEN QUILTERS Friendly group meets every Mon, 9.30am in Nelson. Bring hand or machine work. More info Ph: Lesley 0272954986. $5 per session.

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 WOULD YOU LIKE A BIKE? Bike Hub Nelson accepts donations of good used bikes, fixes them up and gives them away for a small koha. 142 Saxton Rd. Mon, 5.30-7pm. For other opening times and a map E: bikehubnelson@gmail.com.

OSTEOACTIVE, fitness and education for participants with osteoarthritis. Mon, 9.30am, Holy Trinity Hall, 27 Dorset St, Richmond. ACC approved

community strength and balance class. Ph: Nicola 0210788609 or E: nicola.rae.11@gmail.com. Cost: koha.

NELLIE KNITTERS GROUP. Every Mon, 1-3pm. Nightingale Library in Tāhunanui. Come along and join our super friendly group of knitters and create garments for donation to community groups. All materials provided. Donations of wool gratefully accepted. Ph: Jillian 035395546. PHILOSOPHY GROUP Meet 2nd & 4th Mon of the month, 10am. Trafalgar Hall, 67 Trafalgar St. All welcome. TXT Zoe 0279741758.

HOT LUNCHTIME MEALS on Tues & Wed at noon. Sit in the warmth and be served by the Loaves & Fishes team in the hall behind the church at 30 Vanguard St. $3 cash or buy a prepay card, two meals for $5 or five for $10. Enq Ph: 0272977383

STOKE INDOOR BOWLS CLUB meet Tues, 7pm. Warnes Stadium, Songer St. New member’s welcome. Please wear flat-soled shoes. Ph: Lynn 035477112.

OVER FIFTIES SOCIAL GROUP Tues, 1.30-3.30pm. 238 Vanguard St. Rummikub, 500, scrabble, crafts, and chat. Afternoon tea provided. Ph: Jan on 035469057 or 0274577955, or Grace on 0273109975.

COFFEE & CROSS Don’t believe in religion but feel there is something?

Come and talk. No catch - join me for coffee at YAZA! Tues, 11-12pm - I’ll listen. Rev. Gordon, wearing a Cross & Collar.

KIDS-N-KOFFEE PLAYGROUP term time. Tues, 9.45-11.45am. All Saints crèche, 30 Vanguard St. Indoor/outdoor play areas, crafts, toys, music

Stump Grinding | Tree Felling Site Clearance 16 Years Experience Call Andrew 021 081 82 123 www.stumpgrindingservice.co.nz

session, fun and fellowship. Ph: Lois 0274331213.

LA CORALE - COMMUNITY CHOIR Tues, 6.15-7.45pm. Victory Community Centre. Open to anyone who wants to sing! Coordinated by Alvaro Moreno, this choir enables involvement and inclusion no matter the level of musicianship. There’s an eclectic “world music” repertoire reflecting the diversity of members.

VICTORY SOCIAL GROUP. Play Five Hundred and Rummikub every Tues, 1:30- 3:30pm, Victory Community Church, 238 Vanguard St. Gold Coin donation. Queries Ph: Jan 0274577955

NELSON NEWBIES WALKING GROUP welcomes new people. Every Tues & Fri, 10am in Nelson, Stoke, Richmond. Ph: Karin 0221529963. NOHO PAKARI (SIT & BE FIT) Tues, 10 -1pm. Tāhunanui Community Hub. Run by Shanesse from Te Piki Oranga, she is providing exercises that are fun while your sitting. For more info: Shanesse.Collins@tpo.org.nz YOGA for people who have or have had cancer. Mon Afternoons, and Tues Evenings. Reg: info@cancernelson.org.nz or Ph: 035391137.

VICTORY SIXTY PLUS Tues, 1.30 -3.30pm. 238 Upper Vanguard St. Join us for cards, games, and a cuppa. More info Ph: Jan on 035469057 or 0274577955.

SIT AND BE FIT Tues, 11-11.45am. Victory Community Centre. Enjoy exercising sitting down. Keep your heart healthy with low-impact activity while listening to some great music! A fantastic way to make friends and meet new people. COST: $4.

High octane family fun

JACK MALCOLM

Father and son Dylan and Bailey Bensemann look forward to racing against each at the local speedway other one day.

The pair eagerly await the day it will become a reality, with Bailey still racing in the quarter midgets ahead of graduating into Dylan’s grade in the TQ Midgets when he’s old enough.

“The chances we race in the same class is only three years away,” says Dylan.

“To have a father and son (racing). . . and to do it in your own backyard is pretty cool.”

It’s a full family affair for the Bensemann family, with Dylan saying his wife is extremely supportive while his daughter, somewhat begrudgingly, often comes down to spend time at the track.

And that sense of familial connection at speedway extends far wider than just one family, with the whole community banding together to support each other.

“We’re all really good friends, regardless of who’s winning or losing. There’s always someone to help.

“It’s a real family atmosphere, that’s what I really like about it.” Dylan says while his dad never raced himself, he was a lover of speedway and they often went down to watch and support. That tradition kept going when Dylan’s own family started to grow, with Bailey coming along since he was six months old.

What first started as watching in the stands then morphed into helping his friends in the pits to finally thinking it looked fun enough to give it a go.

As a working engineer for Ans-

co, one of his principal sponsors, he bought a TQ from Simon Crawford and instantly went about converting it from air-cooled to water.

From there, Dylan was hooked and has been racing for six seasons now.

“It’s pretty cool now to live it. One day you’re watching and the next minute you’re racing.

“There’s even a few guys racing I remember watching when I was a young kid.”

That sense of family has also extended to Dylan’s sponsors, who

help him get back on track and provide invaluable support. Bailey’s introduction to the sport came a few years later, when the family decided to support the expansion of speedway to include a quarter midget class.

Four years ago, they leased one down in Christchurch and raced down there, and now there’s about 10 cars in the local class.

Dylan says he spends about five hours a week working on the two cars, with the midgets taking a lot less maintenance and care than stock cars and saloons. While that workload has expanded a little bit in the buildup to the start of this season, he says it’s more of a process of chipping away over time. He’s replaced every bolt in his car with titanium ones, which costs about $15 a pop and has been done over the span of six years as the budget allows.

With the TQ nationals hosted at Nelson speedway later this year, Dylan and his 23N car are ready for another season with all the thrills and spills of the dirt track on opening night, 14 October.

Motueka Bowling Club season begins

An overcast Spring Day saw 14 teams competing in the first tournament of Motueka Bowling Club’s summer season. The Open Triples Tournament, held on Saturday, 23 September, was generously sponsored by Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village. Four games of 10 ends each were played with some close competition resulting in friendly rivalry between club teams and one team from over the hill.

Results:

1st Sam Woods, Rex Lankshear, Philip Macquet, from the Motueka club with 4 wins, 24 ends, 40 points

2nd Tony Fowler, Craig Fowler, Ross Connochie from the Motueka Club with 3 wins, 26 ends, 52 points

3rd Mike Fitzgerald, Brian Ensor, Lynne Ensor, from the Motueka club with 3 wins, 26 ends, 51 points

The support from Ernest Rutherford in sponsoring this tournament is very much appreciated by all bowlers and the Motueka Bowling Club.

Bailey (12) and Dylan Bensemann currently race in different classes, but they look forward to the day where they can jostle against each other out on the track. Photo: Jack Malcolm.