Waimea Weekly - 28 December 2022

Classic bikes on display

JUDENE EDGAR

Bikes from all over the world will be on display in Richmond as part of the Nelson Classic and Vintage Motorcycle Club’s annual show. First held in a paddock in Appleby in 1991 as a way of “showing people in the community what we do, what we own, and what we ride”, it’s now a firm favourite on the summer events calendar, says club captain Mark Roden. Established over 40 years ago, Mark says that the club was created for people with an interest in motorcycles (over 25 years of age) to enjoy the camaraderie and excitement of owning a classic or vintage bike. In addition to the annual show held on

PAGE 8

Selling up after $600k scam

JO KENT

A local couple, who were scammed out of $600k when their Richmond builder ran off with their life savings, have been unable to secure further funding to complete the build and are selling at a massive loss.

Chris Fitzgerald says he’s been left with little choice but to sell his land and 300sqm shipping

container home as he doesn’t have the finances to continue the project.

“We really thought we could get it finished, but we’ve lived on site in a freezing caravan for two years trying to get funding, and enough is enough. So we’re selling up and moving to Australia to start a new life.”

Chris and wife Mellinda approached Richmond’s SmartWay

Homes, which specialises in container homes manufactured in China, in 2019. “We couldn’t afford a conventional home, so it was a great alternative.”

SmartWay quoted them $424,000 for the 10-container home, which was to be installed to code compliance standard. But the company’s owner, Bernd Mager, disappeared halfway through the project, stealing their money and

leaving them with huge unpaid invoices to pay.

“We’d already given Bernd the money for those invoices, but he stole that too. And some of the outstanding invoices were coming from local family businesses, so how could I not pay them?”

Bernd disappeared without a trace at the start of 2021 and has only recently resurfaced in Malaysia.

“Someone reached out to me after reading my story online to say Bernd been trying to scam them too. Apparently, he’s got other ventures he’s attempting to con people with now.”

The couple had been haemorrhaging money from the start of the project and it never stopped, as Chris hadn’t realised he was

Traditional favourites alongside new and unique dishes that are sure to please when everyone wants something different!

Mark Roden will have his Velocette motorcycles on display. Photo: Sara Hollyman.

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Selling up after $600k scam

FROM PAGE 1

being played.

“We paid $75,000 extra when the transport prices increased during Covid, and when we eventually got the containers, they had none of the bracing and none of the welds that were required.

“Bernd got a guy to spot weld them, but he was uncertified, so his welds had to be fixed at a further cost to me of $50,000.”

The project has cost them $600,000, with some of the money going directly to Chinese manufacturers and some to SmartWay.

The couple have got an offer on their land and have until 20 January to get the shipping containers sold and relocated.

“Someone will get a real bar-

gain as we’re selling a $500k property for $200k because we need it gone. It’s a fantastic opportunity for someone who has land as all the plans are consented so it’s just a case of finishing the work.”

The completed house won’t look like shipping containers as the plans include fully-clad, coloured steel on the outside for an upmarket result.

“I’d love to see the finished house one day. It’s got six bedrooms, three baths, three lounges, a movie theatre, a gym, a games room, and covered outdoor areas. It was my dream home, but it’s time to let go and move on.”

Shortly before he disappeared, Bernd sold his Motueka house for $1.2million, $300,000 under valuation.

“Along with the money he made from that and the money he took from us, he’s living the good life in Asia right now,” Chris says.

“Meanwhile, the past few years have taken a toll of me. I’ve suffered with severe depression. I didn’t know it was depression, but I do now.”

During the process, Chris lost custody of his two kids who now live full-time with his exwife.

“This has been the toughest journey I’ve ever been on in my life. The small silver lining would be if we can come out of this with a deposit for a house and have an enjoyable life again.”

If you are interested or can help Chris, contact him on 027 655 5304.

Paul Burggraff

Beginning retirement, coming to New Zealand from USA for three months.

Sarah Smith

Travelling outside of the UK and meeting all the new people.

Dana Morgan

Getting the stalls back at the market and seeing the community at the markets again.

Remy Aubrey

Scuba trip in Milford Sound

Chris Fitzgerald is selling his two-storey, 300sqm shipping container home after scammers stole his life savings halfway through the build.

Photo: Jo Kent.

What made the news

Snippets from what made the news this year

Local council elections

The local council elections were held in October and Tim King was re-elected as the Tasman mayor for another three years. Tim romped in with 12,164 votes, ahead of his nearest rival, Mike Harvey, on 2,926 votes. Stuart Bryant was re-elected as the region’s deputy mayor by Tasman District Council after he was recommended by mayor Tim King. There were 20,314 people who voted in the Tasman elections which is a voter turnout of 48.89 per cent.

Ern’s back home

The Ernest Rutherford Memorial Statue in Brightwater was stolen in August and arrests were made upon its return. The bronze statue of New Zealand’s most famous scientist depicted as a child was recovered from a roof space, with the rope used to snap it from the memorial still tied around its neck. News of the theft left the community outraged and quickly made national headlines. A public tip-off led to the arrest of the 35-year-old male suspect. The statue was built 30 years ago, costing $400,000.

August floods

The Tasman and Nelson areas were ravaged by devastating floods in August and it will certainly be a time that most residents will never forget. The three-day weather bomb devastated homes, hillsides and caused evacuations across the region. More than 700mm of rain fell in some places in the three-day period, following ten weeks of wet weather which has already left the ground sodden. The event saw schools and roads closed for days.

Richmond and Brightwater were hit the worst on the Saturday, with a middle-of-thenight flood hitting the Hill St area.

DHB culture blasted

In the first quarter of the year, 17 current and former staff members from six different departments of Nelson Marlborough Health spoke to the Weekly alleging a culture of bullying and poor working conditions. They say management do not deal with chronic under-staffing or complaints of bullying. The people who were interviewed were nurses, administration staff, doctors, support workers, surgeons and an anaesthetist. The

PSA Union, which represents health workers, say NMH has one of the worst procedures in dealing with bullying complaints its seen.

Restoration of Post Office begins

It’s been around one year since Wakefield’s Post Office was put on the market and the new owners are now ready to start renovating the 112-year-old valued structure. Helen and James Cooper live in Spring Grove and plan to bring it back to its former glory. The historic building was last sold 23 years ago to two sisters for $130,000. Their initial plans of using it as office space never took off and the building has stood empty for years. Built in 1909, it’s a category 2 heritage building.

Family loses all in blaze

A house fire in the Lake Rotoroa village left a family of nine with just the clothes on their back and the bikes some had been riding when the blaze broke out early this year. The fire occurred on the morning on Tuesday, 4 January. On arrival, firefighters found the house razed to the ground.

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Queen Street market bigger and better

JO KENT

One of the biggest and most diverse markets in the Top of the South is coming to Queen Street tomorrow with the annual takeover in action from 9am to 3pm.

Event co-ordinator for Richmond Unlimited, Sheena Murtagh, says the market has 110 confirmed stallholders with a great mix of returning stalls and a few new ones.

“This year, we are bringing back seating for people to sit and enjoy the street food from our 20 food trucks now that there are no Covid restrictions.

“Plus, we have live entertainment, a bouncy castle, face painting and outdoor games for the kids. It’s a

place to come for the whole day.”

She says one of the highlights of the year has been seeing people come out of Covid hibernation and enjoy being out and about.

“I’m looking forward to just seeing the centre of Richmond buzzing again.”

The mainstay Richmond businesses join the many market stallholders as they line Queen Street by bringing their specials outside.

“We have stallholders from all around New Zealand offering an outstanding array of food, clothing, plants, fresh summer produce and local artisan products.”

For updates, go to richmondunlimit ed.co.nz.

Wet, but still warm year

JENNY NICHOLSON

If you think 2022 has been a wet year, you are right according to monthly rainfall figures from the Tasman District Council.

Although 2021 was significantly wetter than average, 2022 has been wetter still, particularly since midyear. However, the council roof gauge recorded six months as drier than average between 1 January 2022 to 30 November.

Three months had considerably more rainfall than normal which resulted in 1,249 mm of rainfall by 8 December compared to the yearly average of 971 mm. February and July were wet months, but August was wetter still with 261.9 mm of rainfall.

Nelson rain gauges showed it was wetter in Nelson and particularly at Wakapuaka, where 610 mm fell in August.

NIWA’s national climate summary for August says it was notable for rainfall and flooding and called the extreme rainfall to places including Nelson and Tasman as the most impactful event for August. It says the Maitai River bursting its banks was the result of a 1-in-120-

year rain event. On 17 August the Maitai River’s flow reached a maximum of 459 cubic metres per second (cumecs), nearly double its previous record flow of 237 cumecs in December 2011.

While the rains were the talk of the town, temperatures across the country were the 2nd warmest on record for August. Despite the grey skies in the middle of the month, by the end of August the greater Nelson region remained the third sunniest in New Zealand.

Prior to 2021, Nelson, Tasman, and Blenheim had a period of jostling for first place, but in 2021 the title of New Zealand’s sunshine capital headed north to Whakatane, with Richmond taking out second place.

This year sunshine hours between regions haven’t been so close, and from February to April, NIWA’s figures show the greater Nelson region fell out of the top four for sunshine hours, with West Coast and Wellington recording more sunshine.

By May, Nelson was back in the top three sunshine areas. Taranaki has been out in front all year and by the end of November had 2388 sunshine

hours, followed by Bay of Plenty at 2335 and wider Nelson at 2325 hours.

New Zealand temperatures in November 2022 are the warmest on record, beating out 2021’s previous record. The top three warmest Novembers on record have all occurred since 2019 with average weather warmer than 1981 to 2010 by an average of 1.8 degrees Celsius.

Temperatures recorded at the Nelson Airport reached ‘higher highs’ than average from December 2021 to March 2022, before falling to lower than average for three months.

From August to October there were ‘lower lows’ than average, while other months didn’t get as cold as usual.

While the gauge on the TDC roof showed less rain than in Nelson City, one region in the Tasman District recorded 5,806mm from 1 January 2022 to 8 December 2022.

This rainfall on the Perry Saddle, which is situated on the Heaphy Track, was nearly 1000 mm more than the annual average, with August recording 1,060.7mm. October was the driest month for the year in both Nelson and Tasman.

While 2022 has seen a lot of grey skies and rain, the greater Nelson region is still tracking as the third sunniest place in New Zealand. Photo: Jenny Nicholson.

This year will see the reintroduction of street entertainers and kids’ activities. Photo: Supplied.

Quinney’s Ark resurrected in time for summer

The infamous ark which was swept away from Quinney’s Bush Camp in the July 2021 floods, and later found washed up 287km away on a Taranaki beach, is back in business this summer.

Andrew Quinney, operations manager, says ‘Mark’s Ark’ travelled around 155 nautical miles but didn’t make it back in time to use last year.

“We’re so pleased it’s back up and running for the silly season. It was built eight years ago by my dad Mark for kids to use in the swimming hole, so we know families are going to love using it again now it’s back.”

The ark only needed a small amount of work to restore it as, despite travelling so far on open water, it suffered hardly any damage.

“Once back home, Mark’s Ark was found to be in pretty good shape for having survived a voyage down the flooded Motupiko and Motueka Rivers, right out into Tasman Bay and then across towards the North Island before being blown up the coast to land at Opunake.

“The only damage sustained was scrapes along the sides and

a punctured mussel buoy. After repairs, it has been returned to Quinney’s Lake with a new Quinney’s Bush logo on the flagpole to make it easier to be identified in case it ever escapes again.”

The Quinney’s team have even

added the story of the ark’s adventure to a noticeboard next to the river, with photos showing the extraordinary journey it made.

“Mark’s Ark had undergone some modifications over the years, like

extending the sides and strengthening the structure to survive the many hours of lively fun that kids had on it in Quinney’s Lake, but it was never thought it would need to withstand open sea experiences.”

The team dig out a new swimming hole every single year, due to the July floods, and this year’s looks bigger and deeper than the last.

“We’ve managed to salvage part of the old river slide structure, so have put this in place with over 20 tons of concrete, which is on the stock bank surrounded by rock work. The ark is chained to that to ensure it doesn’t float off again. The river slide will be completed in winter of 2023.”

The campground is already fully booked for New Year with the summer season looking to be a busy one.

“There’s still plenty of room around mid-January for powered and non-powered sites and we have a new mezzanine cabin that I built myself.

“It’s a cool-looking cabin with a mezzanine sleeping area, which the kids will love. We also have built a new BBQ and washing-up area for guests to use.”

The entrance has been widened on both sides of SH6 to allow campers to pull over safely.

“We’ve focused on the environment this winter, by planting well over 100 trees, and digging out and restoring a wetland for native ducks and birds to visit.”

Andrew Quinney and his dog Asher show off the South Island’s most famous pontoon, Mark’s Ark, which is back this summer. Photo: Supplied.

Enjoy your flying toys this summer but stay away from power lines

Drones, model aircrafts and kites make great Christmas presents, but if you aren’t familiar with the rules of flying there is potential for things to go very wrong.

The man behind Brightwater Hall

JO KENT

Back in 1966, young carpenter John Jary was asked to build a new community hall in Brightwater using donated timber from Wairoa Gorge that had been felled in 1961.

Now 85, John says he was in his early thirties when he was commissioned for the job, which he did with just one other man on an hourly rate.

“It was just me and my apprentice Brian Phipps who built the hall. The Andrews family donated all the wood from native trees on their land in the Wairoa Gorge, which was heart rimu, matai and totora.”

Close to 50 locals volunteered their time to mix and pour the concrete foundations.

“But we never saw them again after that.”

By the time John worked on the hall, he’d already built several other houses in Brightwater.

“Sections at the time cost around $180.”

each piece.

“It was a huge job, but all the wood was free, so you work with what you’re given.”

The build was constructed in the days before health and safety, so John and Brian had to balance on steel beams to lay the sarking, which was then brushed with a sealer to protect the roof from the rain.

stage are constructed entirely from rimu and heart mataisomething you’d never see in builds today.

“It’s heart matai, you can’t get it now. And even if you could, the cost alone would rule it out. The darker sections in the wood grain that you can see is the heart, the highest quality.”

One quirk which is still visible is the flooring of the stage, which John remembers has much narrower wood panels than the rest of the hall floor.

“The wood was originally 6x2 inches but was so crooked and bent that by the time the edges were straightened up, they were only 3.5 inches wide, that’s how warped they were.

“And we hand nailed every nail into the wood. No nail guns. There are hundreds across the entire building. Thousands.”

We want everyone to enjoy their unmanned aircraft this summer, and we also want everyone to be safe, especially when around electricity. Flying drones, model aircraft and kites close to power lines can quickly dampen the fun and put people and property at risk.

Model aircraft, kites or drones touching power lines or equipment can risk causing a flashover, explosion, fire or electrocution. This won’t just damage your aircraft but can affect other people and property put at risk from a power cut.

If you are pitching a tent, look up and be aware of overhead wires. Tent poles are more than capable of reaching overhead power lines when fully assembled. It is also important to secure your tent firmly as windy conditions can cause tents to blow up into power lines risking power cuts to yourself, your neighbours or your campground. Here’s what you need to do to help you stay safe:

z Always fly your aircraft in an area free of power lines and associated equipment

z Keep your aircraft within your line of sight at all times

z Fly drones and model craft in clear, calm weather when it is easier to see them and keep them under control

z Only fly your aircraft during daylight hours

z Check for nearby power lines when putting up or taking down tents and ensure they are firmly secured

If your aircraft becomes entangled in power lines or electrical equipment or flies into a substation, phone us on 0800 508 100. We will safely retrieve it for you. The team who work on and around our lines are trained to enter these facilities safely and are on call to help.

Have fun and play safely this summer!

The two carpenters had an enormous challenge ahead of them as all the wood had been left to season under a macrocarpa tree for five years before it ended up in their hands.

“This meant it was all bent and twisted so the hardest part of the job was trying to straighten out the timber.

“It was a big job for just the two of us, doing it all by hand.” They painstakingly cut all the flooring on a radial arm saw bench, piece by piece.

“To keep the boards straight we cramped to a string line, as I knew the locals would come in to see how straight it was.”

Walking around the hall last month, John was impressed that all the original wood has stood the test of time.

“The roof was the biggest challenge of all as the sarking is pitched at a 45 degree angle,” he says.

“Before it went up, we had to hand plane the sharp edges off

“It was very slippery. Standing up was difficult as there were no safety nets or harnesses in those days.

“If you fell from that height, you’d have had it. But I didn’t even give it a second thought back then. When I look at it now, it makes you think.”

One day, John heard what sounded like a meat slicer cutting through ham coming from the area where Brian was working.

“I immediately knew what had happened. Brian had sliced into three fingers, so I took him to John Davies, the Wakefield doctor, who stitched him up and he was back ready for work the next day with his hand in bandages!”

He says money ran out halfway through the project.

“It was supposed to be a dollar for a dollar but ended up one to three, so Waimea County (now Tasman District Council) came to the rescue and footed the bill.”

The flooring, roof, walls and

He points out that the balcony feature was never included in the original construction plans but was suggested nearer the end of the build.

“The idea was that you could sit upstairs and see the stage through the wooden railings, but someone has since covered them up with plywood, which is a bit silly. And they’ve used plastic jointers. What’s plastic doing here among all this rimu? It’s diabolical in a place like this. Gee whizz.”

John often attends events at the hall and tells people he was the person who built it.

“I get some strange looks!” He says back then, building the hall wasn’t particularly his proudest moment, it was just “another job”.

“But standing here today, looking at the amazing timber and craftsmanship, I think, ‘Crikey, that’s a hell of a job for just two.’”

The opening day was in March 1970, but John can’t remember much about it.

If you have any historic photos of the Brightwater Hall, email jo@waimeaweekly.co.nz as John would love to see them.

Brightwater Hall shortly after it was completed. photonews.org.nz

John Jary in his 20s. Photo: Supplied.

Winning with studio time

Waimea College’s Maddison Connor, 15, has just flown back from Wellington where she got the chance to record her own song in a recording studio as part of the prize for winning Smokefree Rockquest alongside Garin College’s Zac Griffith.

“It was the first time I’ve ever been in a proper studio setting and it was really cool. We got 16 hours of studio time and it was just amazing to have our own song recorded in there.”

The pair won the 2022 Solo/Duo category and will also get to make an accompanying music video early next year in Auckland.

“It’s all a bit surreal but we’re enjoying every minute of it. We didn’t even expect to get past the first round because the night before the regional heat we hadn’t even finished the song, so we were stressing out, but we managed scrap through all the levels, and it’s been amazing.”

The pair made it through the five gruelling stages of the country’s only live, original music competition before making it through to the National Finals where they were crowned winners in the 2022

Solo/Duo category back in September.

“There are so many rounds which happen across the year. For the regional heat we only had to submit one song. Next it was a video and a new song to try to qualify for the semi-final selection. From there, the Top 30 acts from across the country battle it out in the semi-finals in Wellington and the Top 10 from there went on to compete at the National Final in Auckland’s Q Theatre.”

Maddison has been singing since she was 2 and taught herself the keyboard in the first lockdown when she was 13.

“When we come up with writing a song, we start off creating the music then think about a topic,” she says.

“So we chose mental health because that seemed relevant at the time as most young people are struggling with that stuff right now. Then we start putting everything together to form our songs.”

As part of the prize, they also got $3k to put towards musical equipment.

“I bought a full-length keyboard for gigs and stuff and Zac has been buying pedals and bits of equipment for his guitar.”

JO KENT

Zac and Maddison.

Photo: Supplied.

Classic bikes on display

FROM PAGE 1

the first weekend in January, they also had regular club rides.

He says that the show is a “simple and fun” opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to showcase their bikes to the community. From the lovingly restored to those in original condition.

“All of us are passionate about motorcycles and love the opportunity to show them off.”

As the show is a display of club members’ bikes, Mark says that as new ones are acquired

there is always something new and interesting to see.

There will be the well-known brands on display like Triumph and BSA, plus some rarer machines from Japan, Europe and the USA.

“There will be a few veteran bikes around 100 years old, plus a lot of bikes from the 60s and 70s, and some modern bikes with electric starters too.”

This year the show will be held on 7 and 8 January in the Badminton Hall at Jubilee Park in Richmond.

As is the tradition, the Sunday includes a swap meet for

motorcycle-related items. Mark says that being a “bit of a hoarder” comes with the territory with motorcycle enthusiasts. “

“I’ve got a few bits and bobs cluttering up my garage that I need to move on,” he laughs. He says that some even bring along whole bikes that they want to move on.

The 2023 Classic Bike Show is on Saturday 7th January 9am – 5pm and Sunday 8th January from 9am – 4pm at the Badminton Hall, Jubilee Park, Richmond. Entry is $5 for adults and free for kids.

Garin’s Dux going home to the ranch

JENNY NICHOLSON

Garin College Dux Grace Robson plans to work on the family ranch in Oklahoma State next year and hopes a gap year clarifies what she wants to do with her life.

After yearly holidays in New Zealand over America’s summer break, Grace and her family moved from the United States to Nelson for Grace’s college years. While she plans to go back to the US for a year, she will likely return in 2024 to study zoology at Otago University.

“I think the education system at university level is a lot better in New Zealand than in the United States,” Grace says. “I’m thinking zoology because I love learning the length animals will go to, to adapt to their environment.”

Meanwhile, it will be a lot of hard work on the ranch with her dad teaching her the ropes. She hopes to also fit in some overseas travel to

Europe.

“It’s going to be a lot of sorting cattle and vaccinations,” Grace says. “And probably early mornings.”

Grace isn’t clear on what she wants to do, but one dream remains constant. She would like to write a graphic novel.

“A graphic novel is like comics in that it has illustrations, but is more complex and novel-sized so you can further develop characters.”

Grace spends many hours at the table, overlooking the sea, drawing. She has studied art painting, Spanish, English, biology, statistics, and religious education in 2022. While she has a wait for most of her external exam results, she did achieve excellence in painting.

Grace says she didn’t have an inkling she would be named Dux.

“My primary emotion when they called my name was shock,” she says.

“There were so many people it could have been.”

MERRY CHRISTMAS

and best wishes for the coming year. I hope you are able to enjoy a safe and enjoyable summer break with family and friends.

Thank you for your support during the year.

Funded by the Parliamentary Service.

Authorised by M Pugh, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.

Overseas tourists leave huge health debt

PAULA HULBURT

Overseas patients who disappear without paying for emergency care have racked up hundreds of thousands of dollars of debt.

Nelson Marlborough Health is owed $211,000 by tourists visiting from abroad who have left the country without settling their bills.

Figures from the financial year 1 July to 30 June 2022 show overseas patients paid $471,000 in costs after being treated in either Nelson or Wairau Hospital.

But more than $200,000 remains unpaid and health bosses are urging travellers to the region to ensure they have travel insurance that includes health.

A Ministry of Health spokeswoman says patients from overseas who need critical care will be treated.

“In practice, in situations where a person needs critical, emergency treatment at a public hospital, but is ineligible for publicly funded health care, in most cases, the patient will be triaged as to how critical their care needs are.

“If necessary, treatment will be provided first and payment sorted out later.

“This reflects the professional ethics of providers to provide care.”

At Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand, Nelson Marlborough, insurance companies will only be billed if they have accepted liability and guaranteed payment.

The estimated cost must be paid in advance and any additional costs paid in full at the end of treatment.

It costs approximately $5500 a day for a patient in intensive care.

While there are some excep-

tions, such as compulsory mental health care, to overseas tourists having to pay, most are personally liable for their medical bills.

New Zealand has reciprocal health agreements with Australia and Britain but neither provides full coverage.

The Ministry of Health spokeswoman says it falls to staff at individual hospitals to check if a patient is eligible.

“Checking the eligibility of patients is the responsibility of all health providers who administer government-funded care,” she says.

“People can expect to be asked to prove their eligibility, especially if the provider is seeing them for the first time.

“The government strongly recommends you get comprehensive travel insurance with health cover if you are not eligible for subsidised healthcare.”

Maureen Pugh National List MP

Garin’s Dux Grace Robson has always had a dream to write a graphic novel and spends time planning both theme and the illustrations. Photo: Jenny Nicholson.

Mark Roden will have his two Velocette motorcycles on display at the classic bike show in January. Photo: Sara Hollyman.

Outstanding opportunity on Tāhunanui Drive

Residential or commercial? Investment or development? There are plenty of options for this 750 square metre section on busy Tāhunanui Drive. Great for business exposure.

Zoned residential, but with consent for commercial use, this property is currently used as office space and leased for at least another two years. With immediate income, it gives you time to decide your next move.

The section is big enough for a potential residential development or it could continue to be used as an office. Located across the road from the Tool Shed and next to a motel, this is a desirable section in Nelson’s seaside suburb. To find out more, call Bevan or Liam today.

Photos of the year

Grace enjoys a motor bike ride for her 100th birthday.

Putting local breweries on the map

KATE RUSSELL

An updated version of the Nelson Craft Beer Trail map has been released just in time for the summer holidays.

With over 20 craft beer destinations stretching from Nelson City to Onekaka in Golden Bay, the map is the perfect way to discover the region’s breweries.

The map has taken on different forms over the last decade, and it has most recently been published by Vanessa Downing who has given it a total makeover.

“It’s just a great thing for people to do. It’s helping our local businesses and it’s one of the most popular

brochures. Everyone was keen to get involved when I approached them.”

The Craft Beer Trail was set up as a way to connect visitors to the region with local craft breweriesbut it is just as popular with locals.

Vanessa says, with Nelson’s rich history in hop-growing and brewing, it’s only fitting that a guide such as this exists.

“Hops were first grown in Nelson in 1842 and by the 1850s local breweries had established large hop gardens.

“For many years Nelson continued to be the only place where hops were grown in New Zealand. A natural progression from this is a

flourishing craft-brewing industry that Nelson has become famous for.”

As well as breweries, there are also outlets and other attractions on the map.

Vanessa says she has seen an increasing demand for the map, and, with 20,000 copies printed, expects it to be a hit.

“It is the ideal activity for visiting friends and family this summer,” she says.

You can pick up a copy of the map at local bars, restaurants, accommodation providers and Nelson Airport, or you can access the map online at www.craftbrewingcapital. co.nz

Vanessa Downing has created an updated version of the Nelson Craft Beer Trail map. Photo: Kate Russell.

Clockwise from top: Zara Noble and Annabelle Dixon were two of the first to try out the new graffiti wall. Photo: Jo Kent.

Photo: Jenny Nicholson.

Constable Jamie White recovered the Lord Rutherford memorial statue which went for repair before being reinstated. Photo: Jo Kent.

Fiona from Tabby’s Kitten Rescues has saved hundreds of kittens and rehomed them to people in the region. Photo: Jo Kent.

Have your say: sara@topsouthmedia.co.nz facebook.com/waimeaweekly

Staying Safe at BayDreams

Yeaahhh!! BayDreams is coming... an amazing time to have fun with mates and jam to some cool tunes!! But it`s important to have smart strategies to stay safe and healthy and keep your boogie going! Cheers to an exciting time!!! The tips below will help you have fun safely. Learn your way around When you first get to the festival, check out what’s where (and not just which bands are playing when). Festivals can be confusing places, so it’s important to know where the toilets, first aid, food stalls, bar, and chill-out zones are. Most festivals provide a map, or you could just walk around and explore. Stay cool and hydrated Partying and watching your favourite bands play under the blazing sun can knock you about. Drink plenty of water. Heatstroke can happen easily, especially when you’re under the hot sun. Stay cool by wearing a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses, and hanging

out in shaded areas when you can. Don’t forget extra layers of clothes for when it gets cooler at night.

If you’re going to be drinking alcohol, make sure you…Eat before and while drinking. Eating slows your drinking pace. It also fills you up. If you have a full stomach, alcohol will be absorbed slower.

Know your limits. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the festival and overdo it, but it’s important to listen to your body and know when enough is enough. Count your drinks.

A good idea can be to do a one-to-one ratio (a glass of water for between every alcoholic beverage).

Try to avoid highly-alcoholic drinks. The number of standard drinks contained in an alcoholic beverage is listed on the container. Some may contain more than 1 standard drink. If mixing your own drinks, use less alcohol than normal so you can pace

yourself.

Don’t mix alcohol and other drugs, as you don’t know what’s in them or how they’ll affect you. Nor can you know how they will react to each other and the effects on your body. If you or someone else had a bad reaction to drugs, you won’t get in trouble for telling a medical professional what they’ve taken.

Keep an eye on your drink. Don’t leave a drink unattended. Don’t share your drinks or accept drinks from people you don’t know or trust: better still, buy and pour your own drinks to reduce the risk of your drinks getting spiked. Choose wisely. Don’t feel pressured into having a drink just because everyone else is doing so.

Safe sex If you hook up with someone, practise safe sex so you don’t catch a sexually-transmitted infection.

The best way to look after your sexual health is to use condoms and take them with you, so you’re prepared.

If you have sex, remember that everyone involved needs to definitely agree. You shouldn’t feel pressured into doing something you don’t want to.

Have a buddy system Going to a festival in a group and creating a buddy system where people are responsible for each other is incredibly helpful. A buddy system can also come in handy during times when you don’t feel well. If you feel dehydrated or think you may faint, tell your buddy or buddies, and let them know what is going on. Don’t always rely on your phone, as your battery may go flat, or the network may become overloaded.

Don’t be scared to visit the medical tents if you or a friend is feeling unwell, they can offer some reassurance and any medication if it is needed. Remember, taking care of yourself is your most important job.

New Year’s Eve Countdown

Saturday 31 December, 7pm-12.30am

Upper Trafalgar Street, Nelson

Family-friendly event to welcome in 2023 with a local line-up of bands. Kids countdown at 9pm, fireworks at midnight. Free.

Wakefield Country Fete

Monday 2 January, 9am

Wakefield Village Hall

The oldest annual craft and food market in the region celebrates 43 years. Free.

Higgins Heritage Park Steam-Up

Monday 2 January, 10am-3pm

Pigeon Valley Road, Wakefield

Have a picnic on the village green. Rides operating, kids’ activities, displays and craft stalls and refreshments. Koha.

CAYAD

Nelson TasmanHealth Action Trust

40+ Clinics

Kaikoura fishing charter

AOn Thursday 17 November eleven members of the Fishing Section of Club Waimea travelled to Kaikoura for what is now our annual outing with SeaMist Fishing Charters. After an enjoyable meal at The Pier Restaurant, we retired to bed early in the Canterbury Underwater Club Lodge in anticipation of the early start next morning.

Skipper Mike and deckhand Henno welcomed us aboard “Hot Spur” before 5.00am, ran us through the usual safety briefing and immediately got under way heading north targeting Blue Cod and, hopefully, Trumpeter. Henno fired up the barbeque and shortly had steaming hot sausages and bacon ready for breakfast, as we continued into the breaking dawn.

Hot Spur is a great fishing platform with plenty of deck space, two thirds of

which is covered for protection from the elements.

Rods were set up for 10 fishing positions which allowed for one angler at a time to take a break. Fishing in over 100m depth, this was a welcome respite. Mike expertly positioned us over plotted reefs and in no time, we were bringing on board beautiful Kaikoura Blue Cod, often two at a time, along with the ubiquitous Sea Perch which provided excellent bait and fillets from the larger specimens.

The largest cod, caught by Dean Fowler, was 56.5cm long and others were close to that size.

When we neared the day’s limit bag of 6 cod per person, Mike moved us further north to a new spot reported to be fishing well for Trumpeter. We were quite excited about this as most of us were yet to land this species. John Calder was

the first to hook up and after a battle, landed a 14.5 kg fish which Mike advised was the largest Trumpeter to have been landed on Hot Spur to date. John was as pleased as Punch. Darryl Cullen landed another very good specimen and in total 6 Trumpeter were landed. We returned to port with 50 Blue Cod in the bin and after lifting and re-setting a number of cray pots we were pleased to also take a crayfish each, following the protocols for non-commercial capture.

The day was a complete success helped along by the expert advice and assistance from Mike and Henno. We left the marina with our fish all filleted and bagged ready to put in the fridge.

The planned second day’s fishing had to be aborted due to sea conditions, but we returned home well satisfied.

Hot Spur in the early morning.

John Calder with 14.5kg trumpeter.

Dancing in the streets

Sun City Rockers rock on at the 2022 Richmond Santa Parade. What a great afternoon.

Late Saturday morning decorated cars and enthusiastic rockers dressed in style were assembled, along with

all other participants, in Edward Street and in no time at all the parade was under way. The weather was kind, and the crowd was appreciative with many showing an interest in the Club’s activities.

The dancing was very impressive, especially given the fact it was in a moving parade on a tar seal surface going downhill and it was a real credit to those who were demonstrating. Well done.

On Remembrance Sunday (13th Nov) the Members of the Richmond/Waimea RSA held a Dedication Service for our new Honours Board.

This was carried out by our Padre Ralph Bradley.

The first name on the board is Arthur Hunter who was the Presi-

dent from 1938 -1940. This was followed by afternoon tea and fellowship.

It replaces the one that was mounted in the Richmond Room.

The Very first Honours Board, from our old rooms in McGlashen Ave. is now at the Willowbank Heritage Park in Wakefield.

Onwards and upwards for local sport after blockbuster year

JACK MALCOLM

After taking a backseat in the midst of a global pandemic, local sport in Tasman came back in full force for 2022 as the community adapted to their new normal.

From achievements on the world stage to watching the next generation of talent start to flourish, it has been an incredible year of local sport.

There was jubilation, and there was heartbreak, there were winners, and there were losers, but in the end a lot of memories were made. It’s hard to look past the big achievements first, like Nathan Fa’avae linking up with his team, AVAYA, after being unable to travel last year, and winning their seventh adventure racing world title, an achievement that earned him his third Nelson sportsperson of the year.

Val Smith added another bronze Commonwealth Games medal

MARK LANGDON Mortgage

to her cabinet for bowling and Niamh Fisher-Black won the U23 road cycling world title after backing herself and paying for the trip out of pocket when Cycling New Zealand said they couldn’t afford to send their athletes to the champi-

onships.

There were also major achievements in more minor sports, like speed skater Mikaela Macdonald’s seven medals at the Oceania Champs and weightlifter Tia Nacagilevi breaking five national age-grade records at 14 years old. Nelson had a whole raft of people achieving on a national and international stage, as well as at home, like with Athletic College Old Boys going unbeaten through

their 2021/22 season and Marist Women winning the premier grade Tasman Trophy.

While the local teams in national competitions didn’t achieve the goals they had set out at the start of the season, there was still a lot of success to be found.

The Tasman Mako women got their first win in over two years to finish their Farrah Cup campaign with three wins, the most in franchise history, while the

men struggled with the absence of key playmakers with four wins and six losses.

The NBS Nelson Giants’ season started with a hiss and a roar and only improved as they finished the regular season first equal on points, but faced heartbreak when they were bundled out of the semi-finals by the Otago Nuggets. Despite the lack of silverware, there were standout achievers, like veteran Sam Dempster being picked up in the Tall Blacks squad after 15 seasons with the Giants and the midfield pair of Alex Nankivell and Levi Aumua having a breakout season for the Mako. The list of achievements and accolades made by local sportspeople and teams throughout the year is almost immeasurable. Nelson punches well above its weight in a wide range of sports and it’s the hard work of the people behind the scenes who keep things ticking.

The volunteers, who week in and week out are there to give up their time to help make the sport they love a reality, are the backbone of local sport in the community. And for 2023? Who knows… With so many aspiring local athletes in so many different genres, the world is truly their oyster for what may come next.

Far left: Heads up as a bat goes flying in representative cricket.

Photo: Chris Symes/Shuttersport.

Above: Racers lay down the rubber out at the Kartsport Nelson track, with some of their top speedsters travelling internationally to race.

Photo: Chris Symes/Shuttersport.

Left: The South Island Showoffs saw top cheerleaders converge on Nelson.

Photo: Trina Brereton./ Shuttersport.

Mako Levi Aumua made a name for himself this year. Photo: Barry Whitnall/Shuttersport.

Beach sprints back in action in new year

Now in its third edition, the National Beach Sprint Championships has gone from strength to strength as they prepare for their biggest instalment yet on January 3.

From racing at Rabbit Island in 2021, the sport has exploded in popularity and will see some of the best athletes in the country descend on Tāhunanui as they aim to earn a qualification spot to the Bali Beach Games later in the year.

With beach sprint rowing confirmed as an event at the 2026 Victoria Commonwealth Games and a bid underway to be approved as an Olympic event for Los Angeles 2028, the sport is set to break onto the world stage.

The Bali Beach Games, in August, will feature a whole range of disciplines from open-water swimming to beach soccer and beach volley, and is organised by the Association of National Olympic Committees.

The rowing events will be men’s and women’s solos and mixed doubles.

With Olympic gold medalist Emma Twigg already qualifying New Zealand for the women’s

solo with her first place at the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals, two other spots are still up for grabs, the men’s solo and the mixed double.

The Nelson event, hosted by Swift Racing and Nelson Rowing Club, acts as the Oceania Qualifier for the Beach Games and it is expected athletes from Australia and the Pacific Islands will come to race.

Nelson-raised Olympic rower

and World Beach Sprint Finals silver medallist in the mixed coxed quad, Brook Robertson, says he’s always excited at the prospect of ocean racing.

“Beach Sprint Racing is awesome – it’s a great event to be involved in as a rower, and it’s also great fun to watch.”

Brook and his partner, Olympic rower Lucy Spoors, will not attend the Nelson event this year

after just having a baby together, but he says they love racing the events they’ve competed at both locally and abroad.

“It’s fast, unpredictable, there’s an element of jeopardy, and it is not over until you cross that finish line.

“It’s literally about running around and playing at the beach.”

Most of the races at Nelson will be in Swift coxed quads, with a

small number of mixed doubles races and some singles events, which will be prioritised for the serious Bali contenders.

A small group of NZ athletes are not long home from the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals in Wales and with some of them planning to race in Nelson, you could be meeting them on the beach and lining up to race them in the round robin format.

A Nelson Rowing Club team racing to the shore at last year’s National Beach Sprint Championships. Photo: Karmyn Ingram Photography.

ALLIANCE – SEASONAL TEAM MEMBERS

Are

Boners, Halal Slaughterers, and Labourers.

Ngā painga - what’s in it for you?

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

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

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

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

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

• Up to 7 months of full-time seasonal employment

• Upskill yourself with an opportunity to gain NZQA qualifications

• Receive ongoing training and support

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

• Access to our free employee assistance programme

Ō pūkenga - about you

• You are eligible to work in New Zealand

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

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

• You enjoy working within a team environment

• You are physically fit, committed, and reliable

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

Classifieds

Alcoholics Anonymous. Is alcohol causing problems for you in your life? Want to stop drinking but can’t? Maybe we can help. Support meetings every day. Call 0800aaworks 0800 229 6757.

14/01/1946 - 02/11/2022 Memorial & Thanksgiving All are welcome at this gathering to remember Roger and give thanks for his life. 14 January 2023 at 10.30am at the Saxton Netball Pavilion, Nelson For full details, please email 46memorial@gmail.com

BIRTHDAY

MONDAYS

HIGGINS HERITAGE PARK STEAMUP COMMUNITY CRAFT FAIR 222

Pigeon Valley Rd, Wakefield - Monday 2nd January 9am - 3pm Great number of craft stalls, food, fruit & drinks, Fire Brigade kids challenge, jigger, honey barrel & traction engine rides, plenty of parking, music, www.higginsheritagepark.co.nz

COFFEE & CROSS Want to talk to someone about God, church, Jesus? No catch - join me for coffee atYAZA, 1112Tues. I’ll listen. Rev. Gordon, wearing a Cross & Collar.

TUESDAYS

WELLBY TALKING CAFÉ: 10am –11.30pm, Tuesday 10th January 2023, Burning Edge Café, Tapawera. Wellby Talking Cafés are about social connection and finding out about groups, activities and services. www.wellby.org.nz 03 5467681.

WEDNESDAYS

TASMAN TRACKIES CYCLING SAXTON VELODROME - Champion Rd, Richmond. Track racing Wednesdays 10am -11.30am through Summer.Track bikes free of charge, road or mountain bikes can be used. Riders at all levels & ages, Social coffee & chat after at local café – ZINK, Contact: Murray Cameron 0276450033. murray.r.cameron@xtra. co.nz

NELSON NEWBIES, COFFEE MORN-

DEADLINE: MIDDAY

ING WELLBY TALKING CAFÉ: 1.30pm – 3pm, Tuesday 10th January 2023, Richmond Library. Wellby Talking Cafés are about social connection and finding out about groups, activities and services. www.wellby.org.nz 03 5467681.

PLAY PÉTANQUE at Nelson pétanque club. Wed and Sun. 1.15pm -3 .00pm. A game for all ages. Come along and try us out.Ph:RogerorShirley5466562.

FRIDAY - 30 WORDS

phone 03 5482117, nelsontasman@ cab.org.nz Applications close on 31. January 2023.

FREE FUNCTION ROOM HIRE to all community groups. Avail 7 days. Wakatu Hotel 83 Collingwood St. Craig 548 4299.

FALLS PREVENTION: Free 2hr session for anyone who has fallen or is at risk of falling.

nelson@xtra.co.nz

BIRDLIFE CENTRE OF NEW ZEALAND need volunteer pest trappers in the Centre of NZ reserve in Nelson City. No experience needed, full training given. If you are reasonably fit, and can spare 2 hours per fortnight , call Gretchen 021 266 3867.

SUTER ART SOCIETY SUMMER EXHIBITION “Pay & Collect” until 22 Januray ‘23. Selection of small painting ideal for giving or posting to friends.

THURSDAYS

TAICHI IN RICHMOND: Thursdays 10am-12.00. Stillness, breath, movement. Quiet Heart Tai Chi, Holy Trinity Church, Dorset Street. Donation. Contact Merrick. Email; quiet.heart.tai. chi@gmail.com Ph 0210636620. All welcome

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP - meet 1st Thurs of month Broadgreen House 276 Nayland Rd, 1.30-3.30pm contact Bill Ph: 544 8635 or 539 1137.

SATURDAYS

NELSON CATHEDRAL CHRISTMAS

TREE FESTIVAL 26 November 202215 January 2023 Open daily 8.30 - 7pm Late night Fridays 30 December

COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL at Marchwood Park. Saturday 7th January 10am, walk ups. 6.30pm Showcase. Invited guests. Food available, raffles. BYO seat. Sunday 8th 10am - 3.30pm. Phone Chris 0226800988

RICHMOND TENNIS CLUB - Gladstone Road Coyrts open. Entry and payment deatils are provides on gate. All welco,me. Contact 0274872480

IN GENERAL

NELSON RAILWAY RAILCAR founders park Nelson: The Railcar will be running on Saturday 24th . We are closed on Christmas Day. Check Facebook for timetable from Boxing Day

FREETRAINING: NEW CABVOLUNTEERS!

Qualifications Needed: Common Sense, Some Life Experience, Enquiring mind! Information Pack Available from Citizens Advice Bureau Nelson Tasman,

Relaxed & informal setting. Book at Nelson Bays Primary Health. Ph: Ange 021 790 415.

FOOD, IS IT A PROBLEM FOR YOU? Are you suffering from anorexia, bulimia, obesity and/or compulsive eating? Overeaters Anonymous works. Ph: 022 673 0237. All welcome.

ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN wanting to make a difference in the life of a child? We are looking for caring Christian people who are willing to open their home to care for a child/young person. To find out more, Ph: Mika at Open Home Foundation 027 461 0497 mika.ito@ohf.org.nz.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS - Is alcohol causing problems for you in your life? Want to stop drinking but can’t? Maybe we can help. Support meetings every day. Call 0800aaworks 0800 229 6757.

FEELING SAD, STRESSED, DEPRESSED, OR STUCK? Identify and explore new ways to move forward with a Life Linc Counsellor. Up to 10 face to face counselling sessions available now for individuals and couples. 548 2400 lifelinc.co.nz

SURVIVORS AND THRIVERS If you have or have had cancer, supporting someone with cancer come and meet others in this friendly atmosphere. Register info@cancernelson.org.nz or P: 539 1137 for details.

ASTHMA? COPD? Nelson Asthma Society offers a free eight-week Pulmonary Rehab Course - Nelson course in August, and Motueka in November. This course can help you improve your respiratory self-management skills and shortness of breath. Phone your medical centre for a “Pulmonary Rehab course referral”or contact asthma.

BEYOND THE FACE EXHIBITION by Age Concern Nelson Tasman at Pūtangitangi Greenmeadows from 15 December to 27 January from 9am to 5pm. Come along and find out the interesting story behind the face.

ST JOHN COMMUNITY SHOP friendly and fit volunteer needed to assist with furniture deliveries and donation pick-ups around Nelson. Ph: Stacie 03 548 8598 or visit instore 46 Rutherford St, weekdays 10am4.30pm

LUNG CANCER CONNECT for those who are going through or who have gone through lung cancer Register 539 1137.

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP. Cancer Society Nelson 102 Hardy Street, if you have or have had breast cancer come along to this friendly atmosphere. Register 539 1137 or info@cancernelson.org.nz.

ASTHMA? COPD? NELSON ASTHMA Phone your medical centre for a “Pulmonary Rehab course referral” or contact asthma. nelson@ xtra.co.nz.

LEARN TO PLAY BRIDGE IN 2023! call Leigh 0274 070 274, contact@richmondbridgeclub.org.nz

CANCER SOCIETY SUPPORT GRO for info on all groups call 539 1137 or email info@cancernelson. org.nz

WANTED TO

Community Notices are free to community groups, schools, churches, gold coin donation events and fundraising. Due to the popularity of this column,while every effort will be made, inclusion cannot be guaranteed for free ads. If you want to place a business advert or want to advertise a course you are running, please call classified ads and public notices on 544 9037. PH 05 544 9037

WANTED TO

ellery. Vintage / quality tools. Military & Firearms items. General antiques. Also buying estate & shed items. Collection & downsizing. Ph Tim Gladstone. T&B Vintage 0800 653 935 or 548 5235.