28 February 2024 - The Guardian

Sense of belonging

Motueka’s father and son leaplings

GORDON PREECE

A soon-to-be 68-year-old Motueka fencing contractor can’t wait to legally drink, visit nightclubs and vote in four years’ time.

Philip Grooby was born in 1956 on New Zealand’s rarest birthday, 29 February, and 28 years later his son Clint Grooby, a joiner in Motueka, was born on the same day.

The father and son leaplings will turn 68 and 40, or depending how you look at it, 17 and 10 tomorrow and plan to celebrate at the Riwaka Hotel after a four year wait for their day of birth.

Philip says sharing the unique birthday with his son was “a good thing to have”.

“I’ve never known anything different, it’s what we’re used to I guess,” he says.

“On the day Clint was born there was another couple in Golden Bay who had the same date, they were also a father and son [born on 29 February].

“[In 2028] I’ll be able to go to the pub …

Wednesday 28 February 2024

Celebrating 65 years

considering I was going to pubs since I was 16 [4], that’s pretty good aye.”

Clint says sharing a birthday with his father ensured it was never forgotten and he looked forward to celebrating his double milestone.

“We’re coming up 40 birthdays together, I don’t think we’ve had one apart yet,” he says.

“Some cards might come with 10 or 40…

I don’t know which age is worse, probably the 40.”

Roman dictator, Julius Caesar, is credited with the leap year origin in the year 45 Before Common Era (BCE).

The early Romans had a 355-day calendar, and to keep festivals occurring around the same season each year, a 22 or 23-day month was created every second year.

Julius Caesar decided to simplify things

Private, luxury estate

/4005126

and added days to different months to create the 365-day calendar.

Every fourth year following 28 February one day was to be added, making every fourth year a leap year.

While it may be the country’s rarest birthday, there are plenty of other locals who will be celebrating on Thursday including Katrina Evans, who says the date keeps her “forever young”.

Historic charm 5 4

bayleys.co.nz/4051980

Philip and Clint Grooby share New Zealand’s rarest birthday, 29 February. Photo: Gordon Preece.

Doors open to Māpua’s district health nurse clinic

ELISE VOLLWEILER

It has taken several years of lobbying, but the Māpua community has welcomed a resident District Health Nurse clinic, which will initially be open two mornings a week.

Raewyn Kaihe was warmly welcomed last week as the first resident health nurse at the new nursing base, located in the front office space of the Hills Community Church in Aranui Road.

Raewyn expressed her delight in now having an accessible clinic for

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local community residents, with her first clients coming in shortly after Tuesday’s official opening.

The clinic is to be utilised for chronic or mild conditions that require regular treatment or ongoing medical support, and can be accessed through a referral from a doctor. Opening hours are Tuesdays and Fridays from 9am-1pm, and there is hope that the hours will be increased over time.

The project involved negotiations between the Te Whatu Ora, Māpua Community Wellbeing Trust and the Māpua Community Hub Working Group.

The working group’s Elena Meredith says that the organisations needed to “jump through 5000 hoops, write five million letters” and do a huge amount of lobbying to get the service in place. “But we’ve done it and it’s open,” she says with satisfaction. She says that one of the major factors was that Māpua is a growing community, and the advocates wanted to minimise the need to travel outside of the township, while maximising the ability to have a community

Colourful performances

Motueka High School’s house sports day started with a roar. Yellow House/Angi brought the Lion King pride to their performance, while Red House/ Ahi (pictured) zoomed up the field with their Lightning McQueen racing car vibes. The surf was up for Blue House/ Wai, and Green House/ Nuku offered a well-choreographed display that was straight out of Shrek’s swamp. The judges were presented with the traditional themed cakes, and this fun piece of blatant bribery yielded the teams’ culinary creativity.

that can meet all of its residents’ needs.

Representatives of the community groups also expressed

their delight at celebrating the tangible beginnings of the longplanned Māpua Community Wellbeing Hub, which will offer

a range of community services and programmes complementing those already operating in the Māpua Community Hall.

After a short consultation, the judges dubbed Green House/ Nuku the winners of the house group parade. The day continued with house sports. Nuku took out the day overall, with Angi coming in second, Ahi

third and Wai fourth. Sports captain Harper Kelly says that the day is about the school coming together to have a good time and serves as a reminder that there’s a lot more to schooling than the traditional bookwork.

He says it’s a good way for students to mix socially with people that they might not talk to otherwise. “I think it went really well this year, and for the most part there was some great school pride being shown,” he says.

District Health nurse Raewyn Kaihe is delighted to be at the new Māpua-based clinic.

Photo: Supplied.

Papakāinga brings ‘sense of belonging’

MAX FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter

Five months after the first of 20 homes in a new papakāinga at Te Āwhina Marae were blessed, more than half are now lived-in and the end of the multimillion-dollar project is in sight.

Zara Alen (Ngāti Porou) lives in one of the homes with her partner and four children.

“Honestly, I had my doubts, I was a little bit nervous because I’m quite a private person,” she says.

However, that nervousness melted away as soon as they pulled up to move their belongings in and met her new neighbours.

“They were listening to Māori music, and I just felt this overwhelming sense of belonging and I actually cried,” she says. “It was just so awesome to feel that, because I’ve never felt like that.” Zara is originally from Gisborne. She was brought up in a house bus and was constantly on the move and has also lived overseas for several years. Now, she’s happy to have established herself in Motueka at the papakāinga.

“It feels like home here, and being around all the whānau, it’s just a great a vibe.”

The bulk of the $15-million development is now complete, with the finishing touches and landscaping being the only outstanding work which is due to be completed by the end of March. Of the 20 affordable rentals in the papakāinga, 12 are currently being lived in, with the other eight expected to be filled in the coming weeks. It’s a weight off Zara’s mind knowing her kids are being raised in the papakāinga. “My three-year-old goes out the door as soon as she wakes up, and her auntie… lives just over there and she just walks to her house,” she says.

“I just know that she’s safe and we all get along.”

Her children love living at the papakāinga as well, with 12-year-old Te Kou-o-Rehua (Ngāti Rārua, Te Ātiawa) saying “it’s amazing”.

He’s made friends with some of the other kids who live in the papakāinga – which will soon be home to 35 children – and plays soccer with them.

“Sometimes I can hear my uncle singing from next door, kapa haka from over there, so yeah, it’s just a cool vibe.”

That intergenerational aspect is central to the papakāinga development for whānau engagement coordinator and tenant Rōpata Stephens (Ngāti Rārua, Te Ātiawa).

“It’s already happening, where you see these tuakana-teina – the older looking after the young ones… it’s happening normally, naturally,” he says.

“We’ve got to turn back the clock and reconnect with each

other… It’s the village that will raise the child.”

And with so many children in the development, located on their ancestral whenua (land), it was important that the papakāinga acknowledged and celebrated their heritage.

“Everywhere along the journey, we tried to indigenise some of our structures and forms,” Rōpata says. “It’s a chance to share our stories in an easy way. It will become their norm, they won’t have to go to a marae to learn that, they’ll be living it.”

For Zara, the benefit of the approach that celebrates mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) is already being felt. “Being around the whānau, all of us, having a conversation, being a part of the same thing, moving together – I feel part of that movement, so I feel support and that’s made me feel more confident being Māori and being proud to be Māori.”

The papakāinga is part of a larger $28 million marae redevelopment plan which includes the construction of a space for a trades and technology hub with accommodation, a new wharekai, wharenui, and office.

MĀPUA MASTERPLAN FEEDBACK IS OPEN UNTIL SUNDAY 10 MARCH

We’re extremely grateful for your support and your feedback on the options and actions developed. There’s still more time and opportunity to get involved in this stage of the Masterplan development process.

Our community drop-in session is being held at Māpua Community Hall, 72 Aranui Road, on Thursday 29 February between 2.00pm – 8.00pm.

Feedback can be provided in person at this event as well as online at shape.tasman.govt.nz/ mapua-masterplan-2023

It is important to clarify that nothing has been pre-determined at this stage and any suggestions that we are putting forward are only options for consideration.

Once we have completed our consultation of Masterplan options, we will then finalise a draft Masterplan for public review.

Submissions, hearings and deliberations will follow, after which we will make the final decision on the Masterplan.

Email any questions to mapuamasterplan@tasman.govt.nz

© Oliver Weber

Zara Alen and her son, Te Kou-o-Rehua, 12, are loving living in the new papakāinga behind Te Āwhina Marae. Photo: Max Frethey.

Moutere Hop organiser already revving for next year

ELISE

Cars travelled from north of Auckland and from the deepest south to participate in February’s Moutere Hop, and a week later organiser Shane Kemp was still riding high from the region’s support.

The event included a drive-in movie, entertainment, market stalls, a pin-up pageant, and 250

vehicles including classic cars and hot rods.

Shane says that on the Friday night cruise through the area, “half of Motueka was out on the footpath supporting us”.

“It was amazing, actually,” he says. “It was pretty humbling in a way.”

He says that the Hop came about from an idea that he had five years ago and “pitched to

the boys”. The “boys” in question were his friends Miles Drewery and Graeme Walker, and between them they form the backbone of the organising committee. They are already planning for next year, full of enthusiasm from the recent success of the 2024 event.

“If this monster’s growing, we’ve just got to get on top of it.”

TESTING

LOCAL STREAMS:

More local residents are becoming citizen scientists and learning how to monitor the health of their streams using SHMAK – Stream Health Monitoring Assessment Kit. Two separate training days were held recently at Pokororo Hall, run by Tasman Bay Guardians and Motueka Catchment Collective. Testing was done at the confluence of Motueka and Graham Rivers. While water quality testing is carried out on our major rivers by Tasman District Council, the nutrients, E Coli, nitrogen and sediment in those rivers can come from the smaller streams and drains so monitoring their health is as important. Pictured is

VOLLWEILER

Organiser Shane Kemp says that “every third house” on Thorp St had people outside to watch the Moutere Hop’s Friday night cruise through town. Photo: Jen Ayers.

Tasman Bay Guardian Elliot Easton discussing the water. Photo: Fiona Nelson.

Crash figures

ANNE HARDIE

In the past five years there have been at least 138 vehicle crashes on the Coastal Highway between Richmond and Motueka which resulted in four people losing their life. Another 20 were left with serious injuries and 77 others with minor injuries.

The figure may end up higher because figures released from The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) through the Official Information Act to the end of January this year are not complete because of the lag from the time of a crash and correct recording.

NZTA says non-injury crashes in particular can take some months to be recorded and ‘it is believed’ non-fatal crashes are under-reported.

Other sobering figures show that a contributing factor in 56 of those crashes was poor observation by drivers, while for 38 crashes drivers failed to give way or stop.

A further 34 crashes involved drugs or alcohol, while 21 were in incorrect lanes or position. Well down the list of factors was road conditions which was recorded in

10 vehicle crashes.

Those crashes impact on the lives of people, as Cullen Findlater knows. He did nothing wrong the night a vehicle slammed head-on into his car on the highway near Tasman View Rd and months later he still battles ongoing pain and still requires treatment.

Last July, he was heading to work in Motueka early in the morning when a car came onto his side of the road. He suddenly saw headlights in front of him and then, bang. His father Bill says the total impact of two cars travelling at 100kmh would have equalled 200kmh.

It left Cullen, now 29, with no visible injuries, but the severe trauma to his body from that impact led to four months off work, a substantial loss of income, endless waits for specialist treatment and he is still taking painkillers. Bill says Cullen has been in constant pain since the crash and has barely driven, as well as being nervous when being driven by others.

“All the time now, he is thinking it is going to happen again. People see there has been an accident and forget about it. Cullen lives

with it every day.

“He’s been back working since October, but that’s a challenge for him because he’s on his feet all day. He comes home at night and

says: ‘I’m really sore today’.”

Bill says there was “marvellous treatment” initially from emergency staff, but pressure on the medical system meant Cullen

toll

had to wait for nearly two months to see one specialist and that exacerbates the problems.

“If you have to rely on the public system, it is very challenging.”

Bill says many people are driving on the highway every day and do not always treat it with the respect it deserves.

“I don’t know whether it is complacency, but I see some shocking driving on that piece of road. There’s a lot of poor drivers out there and they underestimate the road and overestimate their abilities.”

NZTA say improvements have been made in recent years to improve safety such as the lower speed limit through to Maisey Rd and turning lanes at some intersections. More improvements are proposed at the McShane Rd intersection and Lansdowne Rd intersection, while a new intersection is proposed for Richmond West, between Three Brothers Corner and McShane Rd.

Those proposals are part of the Richmond Transport Business Case and subject to funding approval, while new road safety barriers are being installed now on the Ruby Bay Bypass.

Cullen Findlater and his father Bill know only too well how a vehicle crash impacts on lives. Photo: Anne Hardie.

A sweet treat leads to a 65-year marriage

ELISE VOLLWEILER

Elaine was a young woman working in a Westport dairy in the 1950s when Colin walked in off the street, in search of a scoop of ice cream.

“Surprising what an ice cream can do,” 82-year-old Elaine laughs, from their home in Motueka almost seven decades later.

The Wilsons have recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary, surrounded by friends and family, just as they were all those years ago when they stood side by side in the Westport Presbyterian Church and promised to spend their lives together.

“We’ve had a good innings, a very good innings,” Elaine says with satisfaction. The couple moved to Motueka about 50 years ago, and Colin, now 88, used to work in the “P and T”, or the post and telegraph office. They have four children, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, and they look back on a life that was not without its challenges.

Colin says that when they were younger, they struggled like young people today, and he worked two jobs, “just to push the wolf from the door”, Elaine

explains. “I think we’ve been very lucky – 65 years is a great achievement.”

Elaine is a proud royalist, and a card from London featuring King Charles and Queen Camilla sits in pride of place on a side table.

The couple was also chuffed to receive congratulatory cards from Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro and Minister for Seniors Casey Costello, as well as Tasman mayor Tim King.

Elaine and Colin say that the

building blocks for sustaining their relationship have been to look after each other, respect each other and help each other – especially in their older years, Elaine says, as “the old bones don’t work like they used to”.

The couple reckon they don’t have many vices – they don’t smoke and only occasionally partake in a glass of wine. They are, however, still partial to an ice crem – although nowadays, it is Colin’s job to scoop.

Colin and Elaine Wilson feel lucky to have been side-by-side for 65 years. Photo: Elise Vollweiler.

FENZ issue warnings following fire

SARA HOLLYMAN

The cause of the Lee Valley fire is becoming clearer and it has prompted Fire and Emergency to remind communities to have an escape plan and be aware of the heightened fire risk.

Community risk manager for the Top of the South, Steve Trigg, who was also the incident commander of the fire in the Lee Valley says, while the cause isn’t 100 per cent confirmed, it looks to have been caused through a mechanical fault in a vehicle.

“It looks like it was a mechanical fault from a vehicle going by, that either could’ve been a hot piece of metal or a bearing that heated up or something like that.

“It’s good to take the suspicious element out, then we know we don’t have a problem in the community,” Steve says.

He says that while it looks to have been something that can be hard to mitigate against, it presents a good chance for property owners to plan their way out and plan where they would go in an emergency.

“People need to consider having someone where to go. It could be in the middle of the night and standing at the cordon is not the best place. It may be a friend of family member at the other end of town where they can go and hang out till we get things under control.”

Steve says first and foremost FENZ would like to remind the community of when you can and can’t light a fire.

Coastal, Waimea and Nelson North zones are all in a prohibited fire season, meaning there is a total fire ban for Nelson, Hira, Richmond, Wakefield, Tapawera, Māpua, Motueka, the Abel Tasman and everything in between.

Consult checkitsalright.nz to find out about items such as portable BBQs, gas appliances, and pizza ovens.

Steve says the website is also a wealth of knowledge for how to protect your home from fire.

“We will remove the life risk by evacuating homes, and we’ll do everything we can to protect their home, but we can’t do it alone we need the community to do as much as they can. Give us defendable space,” Steve says. He reminds residents that fire appliances need a 4m square cleared area to be able to manoeuvre through.

“If we don’t have that, we can’t get the appliance to you or your home. We will defend your home but it would be advantageous if you could give us a defendable space. He says things like keeping vegetation clear from the house, keeping the grass low, and mowing it in the morning or late at night are

all important.

“Also, don’t store firewood next to the house, bark gardens are dangerous, all these kinds of things.”

He says in this instance the damage to the forestry was quite minimal.

“Through the good work of our team and the helicopter operators... we had a lot operating within a small area.

“Pigeon Valley has made the community very aware of the effects of wildfire. Everyone’s had a high level of awareness and buy-in.”

Steve says he’s really proud of FENZ’s partnerships with forestry companies, particularly the collective effort on extinguishing the fire in the Lee Valley. He wants to thank the community for their support during the fire.

“The public, the evacuated residents for their support and patience, our partner agencies and stakeholders, FENZ volunteers and career personnel, police, and St John - thank you.

“Until someone is affected by it, they don’t really understand it.”

Parts of Tasman are in a prohibited fire season.

Utility providers like Network Tasman and the council use road reserve for bur ying ser vices like electricity and communication cables, and water and sewerage pipes. When to be safe from most driven stakes, but over time the ground level can change.

Driving stakes into road reserve land is risky because you might accidentally hit a buried cable or pipe If you hit a cable, then there is a risk of electrocution or loss of internet connections, if it’s a pipe you hit then it might be damaged and end up leaking.

Make sure you are familiar with the Nelson City Council’s Real Estate Signage Guidelines on their website. We suppor t the use of these guidelines in all areas of our distribution network. advice

for a cable locate, call one of our approved cable location contractors:

• Delta Utility

• Power Trace

03 543 8071

03 545 8300

Interactives help understanding of space weather

As part of its ‘outreach arm’ Tūhura Otago Museum are bringing their new science showcase, Solar Tsunamis – Parawhenua Kōmaru, to Motueka District Museum.

“Mostly, we don’t notice the weather in space which is a good thing because it means a tidal wave of solar particles hasn’t collided with Earth’s magnetosphere, crippled power grids and wiped out our communications systems,” says Dr Marijn Kouwenhoven, a senior science engagement coordinator at Tūhura Otago Museum.

According to NASA, in 1859 there was an unprecedented geomagnetic storm which caused telegraph system failures across Europe and North America, electrocuting operators and starting fires with auroral displays seen in the tropics, known as the Carrington event. It is expected there will be more extreme solar storms such as the Carrington event. But, as Dr Kouwenhoven says, not all space weather is something to be worried about. Sometimes it produces incredibly beautiful sights, like the southern and northern lights.

“We want to help people understand the risks but also marvel at what’s happening overhead.”

The showcase also weaves pūrākau (legends) into its narrative.

“Māori have always been observational scientists”, says Te Wharau Walker, Science engagement coordinator Māori at Tūhura Otago Museum.

“They tracked the movements of the stars and told stories to help conceptualise the processes unfolding above them, like Māui slowing down Tamanuiterā (the Sun) to make the days longer.”

Solar Tsunamis – Parawhenua Kōmaru showcase, which opened at Tūhura Otago Museum in October 2023, has been designed to give the public a hands-on experience in the realms of magnetism and geology as they learn about the potential impacts of solar activity on New Zealand’s power grid.

Tūhura Otago Museum has been working in partnership with Professor Craig Rodger of the University of Otago, who is leading the research into the potential impact of extreme space weather events on this country’s energy infrastruc-

ture - ‘Space-Weather Prediction and Risk Mitigation for New Zealand’s Energy Infrastructure’.

“A lot of the science underpinning the programme is difficult to visualise”, says Dr Kouwenhoven. “We can’t look out the window and see Earth’s magnetic field, for example, or the electricity running through our power lines, so Solar Tsunamis has several interactives custom-built to make the science easier to explore.”

The showcase is designed to engage all age groups. “It will especially benefit intermediate and secondary aged students as they develop their understanding of physics, Earth and space science,” says Kamal Willis, Motueka District Museum’s Exhibition Manager.

Solar Tsunamis – Parawhenua Kōmaru offers hands-on learning with magnets, playing with a plasma ball, generating your own electricity, making an aurora, and much more.

The showcase at the Motueka District Museum opens on Thursday, 29 February and runs until 22 March, 10am – 3pm Tuesday-Friday and 10am-2pm on Sundays. Entry is free.

FIONA NELSON

The showcase contains interactive experiences in the realms of magnetism and geology.

Photo: Supplied.

Local History

How talks of Motueka becoming a borough began - Part 1

ROBYN PARKES

In 1899 the residents of Motueka began discussing the possible separation from Waimea County Council and proclaiming the ‘little village’ a borough.

To progress this a public meeting was called at Forester’s Hall on the 9th of June. Mr R. Rankin began the meeting by moving a resolution to have Motueka proclaimed a borough.

He believed it was the right time as the village had advanced during the previous few years, and that the advantages to be gained from administering their own affairs would further advance it.

He raised the success of Richmond as a small borough remarking on the good condition of its roads and indicating that there was room for improvement in the condition of Motueka’s roads.

Mr Hursthouse, a member of the House of Representatives for Motueka, in a vigorous speech, denounced the proposal as being

intensely selfish. It appeared to him that a few people were dissatisfied with the condition of their main street and the idea of constituting Motueka a borough arose solely on that account and that such proposals were detrimental to the interests of the majority of the ratepayers. He followed on that rates would rise and predicted Motueka roads might be put in good order, but the outside country would be starved.

In return, Mr Rankin refuted the argument of the rates being raised and stipulated that a three-farthing rate would be quite sufficient. Mr Hursthouse replied that although the rate might not be raised above three farthings, property values would rise, and more farthings in the pound would be the result. The resolution was seconded and a committee consisting of Messrs Jordan, Wratt, Edwards, Moffat, Batchelor, and Everett was formed to investigate the matter and report back.

The findings from this investigation, with H. Everett entrusted with the task of ascertaining the areas/boundaries of the proposed borough, showed it should not contain more than nine square miles, allowing the inclusion of 5760 acres.

It was then proposed that the borough of Motueka should be a little less, as it was easier to define the boundaries. Therefore, the area would be 5643 acres, and the boundaries would

be to the south and west from the seashore across the outer part of the Moutere mudflats, including Mr Batchelor’s property, then westerly as far as Mr S Starnes’ property, then in a northerly direction to the Whakarewa orphanage (College St), the river then being the boundary to the Motueka bridge, and from there easterly to the seashore. The ratable value would be £82 000, exceeding the amount required by the Act by £2000.

The total income from rates, licenses, and subsidy from the Government would be over £400.

Mr Trewavas raised a misunderstanding that he had understood the borough proposal had fallen through owing to the opposition shown by the government towards the establishment of small boroughs.

The member (Hursthouse) had slated that the petition would have no effect and therefore there was no purpose to go on with the matter and that the Government would not grant the petition in view of legislation to be passed in connection with the local government bill.

The proposed amendment to the Bill provided that no township should be proclaimed a borough unless the population amounted to 4000, however, the bill had been somewhat criticised.

The meeting ended with a confirmed proposal that it was desirable to have Motueka a borough. The motion was carried and seconded with one dissenter.

Motueka’s first council, 1900. Photo: Supplied/Tasman Heritage.

Opinion

Taking the hum out of wasps

I vividly recall in the very early 1950s, before wasps were established there, a dawn chorus of korimako (bellbirds) at Lake Rotoiti that was deafening. I have never heard the like - or anything approaching that - since.

Andrew DuFresne

It’d be great if locals could buy it, is it possible? The monarch butterflies might stand a chance.

Helen Thompson

Perfect! Can we get some for our town homes? I’ve seen a few hanging around.

Helen Morgan

Clocking up nearly 90 apple harvests

I worked picking and grading at this orchard 60 years ago.

Jan Wells

Days left on Nelson Tasman speed limit consultation

Just leave it alone, far to many different speed signs to take in.

Patrick Pascoe

I think Nelson and Tasman roads need to be sorted out first and existing infrastructure repaired and new roads built with the traffic congestion before this is looked at.

Kyle Hedley

What do you think of the TDC’s speed management plan?

Have your say: sara@topsouthmedia.co.nz

What’s On

La Corale

Saturday, 2 March, 4pm – 6pm

Pohara Hall, Golden Bay

Immerse yourself in a musical journey spanning the globe, featuring passionate singers and dynamic conductors that will reignite the fervor and energy of human voices. Tickets $10. https://events. humanitix.com/la-corale-at-pohara-hall/ tickets

Anti-Racism & Allyship Workshop

Saturday, 2 March, 9.30-3.30pm

Te Noninga Kumu - Motueka Library

Want to learn how to practice allyship and be anti-racist in the way you think, work and interact? Then this workshop is for you!

Tākaka Primary School

Charity Trail Ride

Sunday, 3 March, 10am – 3pm

Harwood’s Property Waitui Road

Tracks for all abilities, food and drinks onsite. Bring cash, Postponement date: Sunday 10 March 2024.

come and share your knowledge and learn new historical facts.

Book Lover’s Club – Monday 4 March, 3pm-4pm

Come along and discuss books and meet new people.

Paper Artsy – Thursday 7 March, 1.30pm-3.30pm

Babbling Books – Thursday 7 March, 1pm-2pm

Bring the books you have been reading and share recommendations.

Wriggle & Rhyme – Mondays during Term time, 10.30am-11am

Flying the flag for Motueka artists

ELISE VOLLWEILER

A High St beautification project is in the works, with local artists being called on to submit their pieces that could be displayed on flags along the main street.

The project is run through the Motueka Arts Council, and organisation secretary Sarah Douglas says that they are hoping for some stunning entries, preferably with a local or New Zealand influence, to be displayed on the new flag poles along High Street.

The chosen pieces will score their creators $200 each, and the artists will retain the rights to the work, says Sarah. The council will also create an online flipbook so that all

entries can be viewed and celebrated.

Sarah brought the idea to the arts council after seeing local art displayed on Nelson’s flags, “and I thought we need these for our streets too”.

They’ll be up about eight months of the year, and the arts council is working collaboratively with Our Town Motueka who have flags for specific celebrations and commemorations such as Matariki and Anzac Day.

The flags are long and narrow –Sarah says that artists should create their design on an A3 piece of paper, portrait orientation.

“We want bright and bold, local images. The artists need to think

Native resilience on your land

More than 50 locals had the chance to get an up close look at a former forestry block that has been transformed by native restoration and take tips back to their own pieces of land.

Motueka Catchment Collective’s (MCC) Biodiversity and Restoration group held the Native Resilience event at a QE11 property in the Motueka Valley earlier this month.

Over 50 participants attended coming from Golden Bay, Motueka and Moutere catchments and Roding catchment in Aniseed Valley where a new catchment group has formed.

Once a forestry block, the eight-hectare property has been undergoing native restoration work over the last four years. As participants wandered up the property to the house, they were able to see the type of work that has been done on the steep property with planting, weeding, track building, erosion control and planting in flood affected sites. So far 10,000 native trees have been planted. Talks were given by Helen Lindsay, restoration and planting specialist, Project Janzoon; Roger Gaskell, botanist and former DOC biodiversity officer; Steve Holloway, M.A.D Conservation Services; and Annette Lith-

erland, NZ Landcare Trust.

Tasman District Council senior resource scientist Trevor James took part as a participant.

He spoke about care with streams and ponds ensuring passage and shade for native fish.

Making your property firesafe, cleaning up debris around the house, developing a fire plan for your property with an escape route plan and a safe meeting place, and planting species which are less likely to burn in the event of a fire were some of the topics covered by Nick Fry from Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ).

Nick stressed the impor-

tance of keeping your house clear of moderate and highly flammable plants such as manuka, kanuka and eucalyptus, as these may help fuel a wildfire.

“The event was organised to look at ways we, as a community, can increase the resilience of our catchment through mostly native plantings, whilst also working to support our local biodiversity,” Kate Radloff of MCC’s Biodiversity and Restoration group says. “It was great to see so many people with both new and familiar faces which provided fantastic opportunities to share an awesome array of local experience and knowledge.”

small details are not going to show up, as the flags are viewed from a distance.”

The flags will be made of dye-screen printed polyester which will have the “enhanced durability needed for our sun- and sea-soaked town”, Sarah says.

The arts council is grateful for the New Zealand Community Trust for their support through Hotel Motueka, and is hoping to secure funding for further flag poles in the coming years to increase flag numbers. The competition closes on Thursday, 28 March, and selected entrants will be informed by Friday, 5 April. Full entry requirements are available on the Motueka Arts Council website.

Motueka Kiwibank closure

The owner of the Motueka Paper Plus, which provides banking services on behalf of Kiwibank, has decided they are no longer able to offer these banking services. Their last day of operation will be Thursday, 29 February 2024. “We have a longstanding relationship with the retailer and appreciate their support,” a Kiwibank spokesperson says.

FIONA NELSON

Seated from left: Roger Gaskell, Annette Litherland and Helen Lindsay. Standing: Steve Holloway, left, and Nick Fry.

Photo: Fiona Nelson.

Sarah Douglas is encouraging local artists to submit a bright and positive entry to be considered for display on the new flags along High St. Photo: Elise Vollweiler.

Motueka High School is proud to support Children's Day

PROUD TO SUPPORT CHILDREN’S DAY

RESPECTFUL, INNOVATIVE, POSITIVE, EXCELLENT AND RESPONSIBLE

Proudly sponsored by Spectrum Panel & Paint

Sport

Sports captains have the bases covered

JACK MALCOLM

Motueka High School’s sports captains for 2024 are Keira Wilkins, Harper Kelly and Isaiah Marshall.

The trio say their sole purpose is to encourage their schoolmates to be active across all levels of sport, from recreational lunchtime activities to representative teams.

Coming into their roles with diverse sporting backgrounds, the group has the bases covered when it comes to encouraging their peers.

Isaiah plays first XV rugby and representative touch,

Harper plays for Motueka FC in Nelson’s premier grade football, and Keira plays premier hockey as well as racing 125cc motocross.

Harper says while they all have their own interests and paths to becoming a sports captain, they share the same purpose.

Kiera says that she knew from her first couple of days at the school in year 9 that she wanted to be a sports captain, Harper says he had initially put his hat in the ring to be head boy.

Isaiah says he just “loves sport and seeing people play”, which motivated him

to become a sports captain and pass that passion on.

The trio meet at least once a month with their sports committee and regularly keep in touch on social media through group chats.

Having been hand-picked for the role from the school’s sports leadership team at the end of last year, they say getting involved was a crucial part of their success.

After house sports last week, it’s a busy time of year for the group with the next major event the school’s athletic day this week before trials for winter sports teams start the following week.

NBS Motueka Golf Club results

Harper Kelly, Isaiah Marshall and Keira Wilkins are eager to grow participation across a wide range of activities as Motueka High School’s 2024 sports captains. Photo: Jack Malcolm.

Little Americas Cup for Mapua Boat Club regatta

A new trophy was on offer at Mapua Boat Club’s annual regatta earlier in February.

The Little America’s Cup, a 15cm high replica of the famous trophy, will be shared after Mike Shirer tied with Graham and Anna Battersby in the sailing event.

After winning race one by 15 seconds, an extra tack at the top mark saw Mike lose by the same margin to Graham and Anna in the second race.

Cast in Pewter, coated with silver, and mounted on a plinth of Greenstone, it has been presented to the club by local resident Mike White who made it, along with several other sizes of the trophy

for various sponsors of Team New Zealand at the time.

The Mapua Cup, a six-oar Sea Scout Cutters race, produced the biggest fleet ever between crews representing the Tamaha Sea Scouts, the Mapua Boat Club. Visitors from the Springlands Sea Scout Troop in Blenheim, and two boats from Nelson’s Iron Duke Sea Scouts, were also in the field but not eligible to win the event.

The kayaks had a fleet of 14, and with ages from over 70 down to eight years old, the result was always going to be interesting, with the event won by Margaret Pidgeon

with a first and a second. For the first time, a number of young paddlers entered, and next year, Junior paddlers will have their own event.

Paddleboard numbers were also up this year with six entries, with competition close at the front of the fleet as Brett Farrell held off Khan Wyman by a few seconds in each race. Kim Pope was the first woman, one point ahead of Katrina Ballantyne.

The Radio Control Yachts had a good fleet of nine boats; six one-metre long IOMs, and three 650mm long Dragonforce 65s. Four races were held in a

light breeze and a light chop, which increased slightly, adding another dimension to the racing, which former Wellington sailor John Levy was able to capitalise on, taking the overall win. The re-jigged Power Boat event did not go quite to plan. After motoring around the course entrants had to catch a fish to earn extra points to go towards their score.

Unfortunately, no one told the fish, and at the end of the one-hour time limit, Tim Robinson was the first boat home and the winner, and no fish were harmed in the running of this event.

Results:

Sailing Little America’s Cup: Laser 18016 Mike Shirer and 420 50407 Anna and Graham Battersby 1st equal, Cutter 156

Iron Duke 2nd, Cutter 177 Iron Duke 3rd.

Mapua Cup: Tamaha Sea Scouts (184) 1st, Iron Duke Sea Scouts (156) 2nd, Mapua Boat Club (Women) (183) 3rd.

Kayaks: Margaret Pigeon 1st, David Measures 2nd, Kim Pope 3rd.

Paddleboards: Brett Farrell 1st, Khan Wyman 2nd, Hamish Ballantyne 3rd.

Radio Sailing: John Levy (35) 1st, John Ralfe (133) 2nd, Laurie Hope (96) 3rd.

Under starter’s orders – Mapua Boat Club and Tamaha Sea Scout teams line up for the start of the Mapua Cup event at the 2023 Mapua Regatta. Photo Elaine Fisher.

RESULTS MOTUEKA BRIDGE CLUB

Monday February 19th Kaiteriteri Handicap (Round 1 of 3)

NORTH-SOUTH

1st Jana Bott / Ray Cannell 58.42%

2nd Gillian Treadwell / Clive Thomas 57.77%

EAST-WEST

1st Mary McCallum / Bet Glengarry 61.62%

2nd Mary Pupich //Karen Hawker 61.08%

Tuesday February 20th Junior Kaiteriteri Handicap (Round 1 of 3)

1st Tom Fox / Ron Argue 62.29% 2nd Geoff Tucker / Ron Tippett 60.47%

3rd Caroline Fitzgerald / Diana Furlong 58.41%

Congratulations to these club members selected for the Top of the South Interclub Teams event at Westport on Sunday March 3rd.

Intermediate Team: Janet Howell, Karen Logan, Justine Thompson, Martin Thompson. Junior Team: Diana Furlong, Alison McMillan, Ron Argue, Mike Howell.

Eddy and Jack tear around the track in the six-year-old boy’s section of Upper Moutere School’s triathlon earlier in February. The event involved the whole school competing in events throughout the afternoon. Photo: Jack Malcolm.

Community Notices

MONDAY

MOTUEKA HIGHLAND PIPE BAND, Mon, 7pm. Band is located beside Motueka Recreation Centre. Promoting Scottish tradition and culture. We look forward to your participation. More info: Ph: 027284 8361.

MOTUEKA ELYSIUM Mon, 9.30am, Muses Café. For Widows and Widowers. Join us for coffee and chat, friendship, and support. Ph: Carol 035285027.

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.

MOTUEKA BETTER BREATHERS, Mon, 11.30am, Motueka Recreation Gym ‘Functional Fitness Room’, Old Wharf Rd. A 60-minute series of guided exercises done seated or standing, specifically designed to help those with breathing difficulties. Ph: Jess 0275467675.

MAPUA FRIENDSHIP CLUB. Indoor bowls, 1st & 3rd Mon. Mapua Bowling Club rooms. 2pm, Bring a plate of afternoon tea. Lots of laughs. Ph: Val 035403685.

TUESDAY / WEDNESDAY

MOTUEKA SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE. Dance year begins, Wed, 6 Mar, Lower Moutere Hall. 7pm beginners, 7.30pm everyone. All ages welcome. More info txt or Ph: Fay 0210393559.

MOTUEKA BRASS, Tues Evenings. Discover your musical talent with us! Join our lively brass band for an unforgettable experience To join Ph: 021728168 or come along.

MOTUEKA ARTS COUNCIL office at Community House, Decks reserve. Wed, 11-3pm. Inquiries about art activities; funding for Art; Art ideas for Motueka. Ph: 0210589388.

AGE CONCERN TEA & TALK, Every Wed, 10.30am, The Shed, 24a Tudor St. More info Ph: 0279214074.

KNIT & NATTER Wed, 10-12pm, Motueka Over 50s Social

Hub, 10 Pah St. Friendly group for all ages. Includes refreshments. Ph: Roz 027415636. All welcome.

WALK 4 HEALTH, Wed, 8.30m, Motueka Community Garden. 30-50 min walk at your own pace, for any age, any fitness and size. Ph:0273015598 or wellontrack@gmail.com

TOASTMASTERS MOTUEKA meet 1st & 3rd Wed of month. 6.45pm start, St John’s rooms, Jack Inglis Hosp, Courtney St. Gain speaking confidently, friendly environment. More Info Ph: Peter 0277468311.

THURSDAY / FRIDAY

MOTUEKA LIGHTHOUSE Spiritual Group meets on the last Thurs of month (29 Feb), 7-9pm. Everyone welcome, Healing Meditation with Pauline Bliss. e: angel3000.h@ gmail.com . $3 Koha Appreciated.

RUM MORRIS DANCERS. Musicians and dancers but mostly friends. Slightly random - mostly Tues evenings, sometimes Wed. Get yourself a second favourite form of aerobic exercise. Ph: Dorris 02040618088

WAITAKI OLD GIRLS' SOCIAL GROUP Nelson. Fri, 1 Mar, 10am, Venue Victus Cafe and Bakery, 111 Bridge St. Pop in for coffee and a chat. More Info Ph: 0276731145.

MEDITATION, Weekly meditation sessions open to all. Thurs, 12.15-12.45pm, Te Noninga Kumu - Motueka Library. During term time. No registration needed. Just come along. More info: Ph: Louise Petzold 0278789240.

NELSON BAYS HARMONY CHORUS, (women’s choir), is seeking new members to join our happy group. Thurs evenings, Club Waimea, Richmond. Ph: Carole 0274360910.

MOTUEKA 50+ WALKING GROUP every Thurs. More info Ph: 0212640403 e: secretary50pluswalkers@gmail.com, or www.motueka50pluswalkers.co.nz.

RUMMIKUB Thurs, 1-4pm, Motueka Over 50s Social Club, 10 Pah St. Friendly group, includes refreshments. All welcome. Ph: Keith 0274516422.

THE DOCTORS MOTUEKA – Walking Group, Thurs, 9am, by the Janie Seddon Shipwreck carpark. Walking for 30

DEADLINE: 10AM FRIDAY

50 WORDS OR LESS BY EMAIL ONLY SEND TO: office@topsouthmedia.co.nz

mins, suitable for all fitness levels. Make your daily walk more fun and meet new people. Ph: 035288358.

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP meet 1st Thurs of the month, 1.30-3.30pm, Broadgreen House, 276 Nayland Rd. Ph: Bill 035448635 or 035391137.

MOTUEKA G.R.G 2nd & 4th Thurs, 1-3pm, St Andrews lounge, 64 High St. Support group welcomes grandparents/kin raising/ supporting grandchildren. Join us for a confidential relaxed and supportive time with others. Ph: 0211337299.

SENIORNET MOTUEKA, The Genealogy Interest Group meets 2nd Fri, 2pm. Ph: Allan 0279711100 or visit www. seniornetmotueka.org.nz

SATURDAY / SUNDAY

RICHMOND INDOOR PLANT MARKET, Sat, 2 Mar, 102pm, Richmond School Hall, 14 Cambridge St. $2 Entry. ORCHID SHOW MOTUEKA, Sun, 24 Mar, 10-2.30pm, Motueka Library, Wallace St. The Nelson Orchid Society is presenting an Orchid Show. Sales table. Members displays. New members welcome. All welcome to come along to make the most of the sales table and displays. $2 entry fee. Eftpos available.

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE Sat, 10-12pm, Motueka Library. Free services, including copy certification and witnessing signatures are available.

GENERAL GROUPS

SALTWATER BATHS, Thurs 29, Feb - Sun 3 Mar, Good swimming. Mon, 4 Mar - Thurs 7 Mar, lower tides. Water might be changed overnight. Next clean out Fri, Mar 1, 8am. Refilled mid pm.

MOTUEKA DISTRICT BRASS Do you want to be part of a fun, social and competitive band, who make players welcome? e: motueka.brass@gmail.com or Ph: 021728168

MOTUEKA NEWCOMERS New to Motueka? We’re a social group, mostly retired (50+) who meet regularly and wel-

come newcomers. More info Ph: Jana 035284355.

INDOOR BOWLS, Mon & Wed, 1.15-3pm, Motueka Over 50s Hub, 10 Pah St. All abilities welcome. Ph: Jude 0273244226

RIWAKA CROQUET CLUB, do you and a group of friends/ family/workmates want to spend a fun few hours learning to play croquet? You need a minimum of 8 players, $10 each, all equipment provided and someone from our club to help you learn the game. Full access to the clubhouse kitchen. For info Ph: 0276308910.

MOTUEKA SENIORNET Take advantage of the many interest groups offered. Join SeniorNet Motueka. To join, visit www.seniornetmotueka.org.nz, or Ph: Allan 0279711100.

MOTUEKA MENZSHED. Come and have a yarn, a cuppa or so a project. e: secretarymotmenzShed@gmail.com or just turn up at MenzShed, Marchwood Park, College Rd, Wed or Thurs 9-12pm.

MOTUEKA TRAMPING CLUB, would you like to go walking on the weekends but are not sure where to start? Start with your local club: www.motuekattrampingclub.org.

RED CROSS MOTUEKA BRANCH Fundraising shop, open Mon – Fri, 10-2pm. Community House, Decks Reserve. We sell clothing, household linen and books. Donations of sellable goods are appreciated.

SURVIVORS AND THRIVERS, if you have or have had cancer, supporting someone with cancer, come and meet others in this friendly atmosphere. Ph: 035391137 or info@ cancernelson.co.nz for info or to reg.

MULTICULTURAL MOTUEKA welcomes migrants and refugees every Tues & Fri, 8.30 -1pm, Community House, Decks Reserve. We provide connection and practical assistance for newcomers to our region as well as support for all cultural activities happening in our community. Ph 027 5286744 or sez@multiculturalnt.co.nz.

MOTUEKA TENNIS CLUB. INC. Every Tues & Thurs, 9-11.30am. Courts behind the Memorial Hall Pah St. Racquets available to borrow for new Members. All welcome.

GATEWAY TO YOUR WELLBEING, Wellbeing is important for all of us to thrive. The shed is a safe place to meet new people in a supportive and caring environment. We can connect you with other agencies for the right support needed. More info Ph: 0279214074, E: admin@ght.co.nz or pop in 24a Tudor St, Motueka.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS. Is alcohol causing problems for your life? Want to stop drinking but can’t? Maybe we can help. Support meetings every day. Ph: 0800aaworks, 08002296757.

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP, If you have or have had breast cancer, come along to this friendly atmosphere. 102 Hardy St, Nelson. Reg: 035391137 or E: info@cancernelson.org.nz.

SUSTAINING TENANCIES Having trouble with your Tenancy? Need help working things through with your landlord or tenant? Gateway Housing Trust. Info E: housing@ ght.co.nz or Ph: 035457100.

NEED A LIFT? Mapua Willing Wheels Volunteer Drivers Service, affordable transport around Mapua, Motueka, Richmond, Nelson (no airport runs). To book Ph: 0226822373 or mapuawheels@gmail.com. 24 hrs’ notice required.

NELSON HOSPICE The Motueka shop needs volunteers! If you would like to volunteer for us, please enquire at the shop or Ph: 035281178.

RADIO CONTROL SAILING Wed and Sun, 1pm onwards, Best Island. Weather permitting. IOMs and Dragon Force etc. New members welcome. More info Ph: Peter 0275443923.

MOTUEKA DISTRICT TOY LIBRARY, Tues and Thurs, 9-11am, and Sat, 10-12pm, 44 Pah St. Annual membership $30. Hundreds of toys for all ages.

GREYPOWER MOTUEKA welcomes visitors at the Community House office, Decks Reserve on Wallace St. for ongoing service requests. Discount provider list available. Ph: 035289076 or e: greypowermot@gmail.com.

Community notices are free to community groups, schools, churches, gold coin donation events and fundraising only. For classified ads and public notices please call 528 2088. Due to the popularity of this column, while every effort will be made, inclusion cannot be guaranteed for free ads.

DEATH

LUKEY

Elma Dawn (Ellie)

Peacefully surrounded by family at Jack Inglis Friendship hospital Motueka on 22 February.

Age 87years.

Loved wife of the late Gerald and much loved mother & mother in law to Jeanette & Phinny, Dee & David.

Cherished sister to Frank & Bern(dec), Phyl and wonderful sister-in-law to Ron and Ross.

Always loving, caring, kind and generous Nana and Nan to 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandies.

Affectionate aunty to all her nieces and nephews.

Heartfelt thanks to the staff at Jack Inglis Friendship hospital for their 2 years of loving care and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ellie’s memory to the Jack Inglis Friendship hospital Motueka would be appreciated.

A service to celebrate

Ellie’s life was held at Hills Community Church 122 Aranui Rd Mapua on Monday 26th February 2024 at 2pm.

Messages to Lukey Family, c/- 8 Inglis Street, Motueka 7120.

DEATH

RIDDELL

Violet May (Allerby)

28 Nov 1933 - 20 Feb 2024

It is with deep sadness Vi has passed away peacefully surrounded by love. It has been a journey of highs and lows, lots of laughter and joy, a force to be reckoned with, you did it your way. Mum, Nan, you will be missed but forever in our hearts. A loving Mum to Michael and Karana, a special Nan to Aaron and Jo Holmwood, Janelle and Andrew Palmer, Blair and Rebecca Holmwood, Great Nan to Kieran, Lee, Cooper, Milton, Daniel, Reid, Jaimee and Caroline. Our deepest personal thanks goes to all the staff and volunteers at Woodland Rest Home who have over the years cared for and shared time with Vi at Daycare, Respite, and then Full Time care. We are so grateful to the love and kindness that you gave to her. And lastly Greenwood Medical Centre for their care of Vi. She is now flying free with the Nightingales. Messages to 212 Thorp St, Motueka. A private cremation has been held as per Vi’s wishes.

DEATH

CAMERON

Beryl Edna (nee Worth)

On February 23, 2024, our beloved mum died at the Nelson Tasman Hospice, aged 93 years, surrounded by her family.

Dearly loved wife of the late Douglas. Loved mother of Jan and the late Graham, April and Roger, Claire and David, Bill, Jen and Dave, Viv and the late Pete. Dearly loved Nana of Josh, Tristan, Katharine and Dan; Joseph and Kate, Craig, Aimee; Gareth and Rochelle, James and Christie. Dearly loved twin sister of Hazel, and a loved sister and sisterin-law. Heartfelt thanks to her Access carers, District Nurses and the staff at Hospice.

A Celebration of Beryl’s life will be held on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at the Golden Bay Motueka Funeral Home, 8 Inglis Street, Motueka, commencing at 1 PM. Beryl’s request is that we all wear something bright. For those unable to attend, the service will be live-streamed please go to https://www.gbmfs.co.nz/ In lieu of flowers donations to the Nelson Tasman Hospice are warmly accepted and can be made at the service.

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