Nelson Weekly - 29 March 2023

Locally Owned and Operated

Wednesday 29 March 2023

Caught out by ferry delays

A Nelson couple are hoping it will be third time lucky as they try to get their car onto one of the problematic Cook Strait ferries after being unable to get it home from the North Island since early January.

So far it has cost Louise Richardson and Stu Lowe about $2,000 in airfares after their ferry bookings were twice cancelled and they were forced to book last-minute flights.

The couple were heading home from Northland in early January when their first ferry sailing on the Bluebridge ferry was cancelled. The next available booking was not for weeks, and as they needed to get back to work they left the car, complete with bikes and paddleboards, with relatives and flew home.

When they flew back to the collect the car they could only get a 2am booking and were halfway down the North Island when they got a text to say the sailing was cancelled. With no bookings available in the short term, they returned to Auckland to park the car with relatives again and flew home.

Now they are about to fly north again to try for a third time to get the car home and Louise says, if the ferry is cancelled again, they will have to consider selling the car because they are paying so much money to try and get it home.

She says the experience has been frustrating

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ANNE HARDIE

Nayland Pool was taken over by dogs on Saturday for its annual Dog Splash Day. Organisers say it was the most popular dog splash yet, with an estimated 160 dogs taking the plunge. The annual event marks the closing of Nayland Pool for the winter, with only four-legged furballs allowed in the water -no humans allowed. The day doubles as a fundraiser for Second Chance Tasman - an organisation that helps local dogs in need to find a new home. Roughly $600 was raised. Photos: Evan Barnes.

Nayland Pool had its annual dog splash day on Saturday, so we asked four Nelson dogs: What is your favourite thing to do?

92 Collingwood St, Nelson Ph: 546 8670 or 0274 312 874 belinda@stallardlaw.co.nz

“Going for runs with my owner up The Scout Track and going for walks with my Poppa.”

“Running up to strangers at the beach and politely waiting for treats.”

“Meeting and greeting customers at Mum and Dad’s mechanic and chasing the trolley jack.”

“Breaking into the kitchen to steal things off the bench.”

Caught out by ferry cancellations

and expensive, but they have been lucky.

They had somewhere to store the car safely and they have another car they can use, plus a generous neighbour who lends them a car sometimes.

“It’s an absolute shock when it happens.

“You just can’t believe it.

“There’s a lot of decisions to be made quickly and it has cost us a fortune in flights because when you are last minute, flights are expensive.”

Both the Interislander and Bluebridge ferries have been plagued

by ongoing problems through the summer peak season and the Interislander has repeatedly cancelled bookings on its vessels.

In January the Kaitaki lost power in high winds near the rocky Wellington coast and has had gearbox issues ever since.

It has now cancelled all sailings on the vessel until it is repaired.

The Kaitaki is part of an ageing fleet of ferries owned by KiwiRail which now has a contract with South Korea’s Hyundai Mipo Dockyard to build two interisland ferries to replace the elderly vessels.

However, those replacements are not expected to arrive in the

country until 2025 and 2026. Interislander executive general manager Walter Rushbrook says the fleet are nearing the end of their useful lives and it is difficult to source appropriate second-hand freight and passenger ferries at short notice while waiting for the new ferries to be built.

If the Kaitaki is not ready to sail during the Easter holiday period, he says the goal is to ensure as many booked passengers as possible will be able to travel.

The other ships, Aratere, Kaiarahi and the freight-only Valentine are still sailing.

While the Interislander has problems, its rival Bluebridge has also

wallowed in the water. It sent one of its fleet to Sydney in February for scheduled work and a new vessel that arrived in January, the Connemara, had engine problems early on.

Sailing cancellations have left people stranded both sides of the Cook Strait and Louise says there will be different challenges for everyone, such as people with medical conditions who often take just enough medication for a trip, or young families.

She says being caught up in ferry cancellations will be very stressful for many people.

Stu agrees and says the cancellations have been a nuisance for

them but could be financially challenging for many passengers, and stressful as they work out what to do with vehicles and get home.

He also has sympathy for the ferry companies that have faced Covid-19, staffing and weather issues.

But their business models are based on second-hand fleets and he says those models are flawed. Having a reliable Cook Strait service is critical for the country and Stu says the new Interislander ferries cannot come soon enough, though he worries the docking facilities will not be ready in time for their arrival.

David Bowie, Labradoodle

Tyson, English Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Link, Blue Border Collie

Togo, American Bulldog

Belinda Clark

Chopper brings in Coppermine bridge

A Black Hawk helicopter installed a nearly three-tonne bridge on the Coppermine Trail on Friday morning.

Part of the trail, which follows the raw water pipeline access bench in the Maitai Valley, was damaged during the severe weather in August last year.

When Nelson City Council repaired the damaged pipeline earlier this year, it allowed space for the recreational bridge to be reinstated.

“The remote location of this part of the Coppermine Trail, with no easy road access, meant that reinstating this bridge was a challenge that could only be met with a high load capacity helicopter,” NCC group manager infrastructure, Alec Louverdis, says.

Wellington-based Kahu NZ flew the Black Hawk UH60 helicopter across the strait to complete the installation of the 2.8 tonne bridge on Friday.

The Black Hawk is capable of carrying loads weighing up to 3.8 tonne and lifting the bridge in place took just four minutes.

“The August 2022 weather event damaged many of our trails that are well used by the public, and alongside the work we are doing on roading and infrastructure, repairing these trails has been a focus of council,” Alec says.

“With 98 per cent of our trails now open to the public, to-

day’s operation puts us one step closer to having a completely open trails network for residents and visitors to enjoy,” Alec said on Friday. While in the area, the opportunity was taken to also lift

Nelson Tasman Cycle Trails Trust’s new rock crusher machine into the Dun Mountain area of the trail.

Unofficially named ‘Crusher Collins’, after former National Party leader Judith Collins, the new machine will provide much needed aggregate to

keep the Coppermine Trail riding smoothly.

Nelson Tasman Cycle Trails Trust trail manager Belinda Crisp previously said the machine will help with much needed maintenance to the remote parts of the ride.

While there had been irregular work done to keep it up and running, the cost of transporting material out to the site was becoming too burdensome.

The crusher machine is designed to process rock on site to help keep trails smooth. This is vital for the upper sections of the Coppermine Trail as material is unable to be brought into this area due to the sensitive nature of the unique ultramafic environment.

The Coppermine Trail, which provides a 42km loop from Nelson city, was used by more than 5000 riders last year and is considered one of New Zealand’s Great Rides.

The cost of reinstating this bridge was $165,000 including fabrication and transport, and is being met jointly through insurance and a grant from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Cycle Trails funding.

“Thank you to Nelson Tasman Cycle Trails Trust for managing this project and Wenham Contracting who oversaw today’s operation,” Alec added.

A Black Hawk helicopter lifts the nearly three-tonne bridge to a section of the Coppermine Trail on Friday.

Photo: Evan Barnes.

Dumping closes The Koha Shed

KATE RUSSELL

After eight years of operation, The Koha Shed has closed its doors due to too many people treating it like a rubbish tip. The shed, which offered free clothing and household items, operated from a 40-foot shipping container in the Victory Community Centre carpark. However, volunteers made the call to shut it down earlier this month as they couldn’t keep up with the dumping, which has been going on for “years”.

“It was a really hard call to make, but we had exhausted all of our options,” says co-founder Janine Brennan.

“We’ve been through every rubbish contractor in Nelson, and they all gave us discounts. I hate to think how much we spent out of our own pockets.” Janine, along with Cara Gledhill, set up The Koha Shed in a Stoke garage in 2015.

“I remember we said to each other, ‘I wonder if we will get any donations?’ Then it just grew.” It then moved to the Victory Community Centre carpark

in 2016 and Janine and Cara stepped back from the day-to-day management of the shed about four years ago. It was then run by several volunteers who have been “racking their brains” to think of a solution to the dumping.

“We tried putting up a dummy security camera, but it was smashed down 24 hours after it went up,” says Janine.

She said they saw two kinds of dumping.

“There was the ‘accidental’ dumping - people who donated good things after hours, only for it to get rained on or scattered around so it became rubbish. Then there was the ‘deliberate’ dumping, people who left broken furniture and blood-stained mattresses.

“There was just disrespect for what we were trying to do. As Cara puts it - ‘some people don’t know the difference between koha and hoha’.”

Manager of the Victory Community Centre, Jenni Bancroft, says the dumping was becoming a health and safety hazard for them and Victory Primary School.

“It was consistently bad. There were signs up, but it kept hap-

pening and things were usually dumped under the cover of darkness.”

Jenni says the shed will be missed by many people in the community.

“We’ve had lots of people asking where it has gone. Another thing that went alongside it was a woodbin that was well-used by the community.

“The volunteers worked hard to

keep it going, they’ve done an amazing job, but at the end of the day there were people who spoiled it for others.”

Janine says the shipping container and its contents have been donated to Helping Families in Richmond.

“It just felt like the right thing to do. I rang Lift N Shift to see if they would move the container for us and within an hour-and-a-

half they were on their way. We’ve had that kind of support all the way through.”

Janine says she’d like to thank the community centre, the school, and all the people who kept the shed running.

“For the last eight years, we’ve seen so much love. A big thanks to all the volunteers, especially Sarah, it wouldn’t have been possible without them.”

Minimum wage increases ‘challenging’ for local businesses

BOBBY NIJSSEN and SARA HOLLYMAN

The minimum wage increase will hit consumers in the pocket according to local businesses.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins announced last month that the minimum wage will increase from 1 April, rising from $21.20 to $22.70 – and increase of $1.50 an hour.

Sealord chief executive Doug Paulin says the big jump mean prices will need to rise as well. “Sealord pays above minimum wage and expects to continue to do so moving forward, however a large wage increase like this one does mean prices will have to go up.”

Sealord are one of the region’s largest employers, with about 900 employees.

Doug says the company is looking for more efficiencies in production including potential automation to reduce costs where possible.

“Increasing costs always have an impact on businesses and the last 24 months has seen significant cost inflation well in excess of the normal including freight, fuel, food and labour,” Doug says. “All of this

has the circular impact of driving up inflation.”

However, Nelson MP Rachel Boyack says the increase of minimum wage has not been identified as a significant inflationary driver to date in Aotearoa.

“Government officials have estimated a seven per cent increase in the minimum wage will have a negligible impact on employment,” Rachel says. State Cinema director Mark Christensen says their staff are the most valuable asset so it makes sense to look after them.

“Although the cost increases are challenging, we are making savings in other areas and there will be no effect on the range of movies or screening times.”

Mark says prices are periodically adjusted to take account of inflation and direct cost increases from suppliers.

“At this stage we do not see any significant changes as a direct result the effect of this wage increase as applied to our staff. However, if our suppliers increase prices these may have an effect.

“Many of our staff are above the minimum but the impli-

cation is that if you raise the minimum there will need to be an adjustment across the board.

“However, the minimum wage rise is supposed to help those on the minimums - if all wage rates rise then it simply translates to higher costs overall and therefore higher prices across the board for everybody (as we are currently seeing in food and grocery prices), and those on the minimums end up no further ahead.”

Rachel says increased wages for the lowest income earners can help support low-paid workers with the cost of living.

“As the local MP, I have pushed for higher wages in our region for a long time, as we have historically had a low-wage region. I will keep working to change this.”

Mark says the country should be looking to reverse the trends of the last 30 years which have led to greater inequality across society.

“The object as a society should be to reduce the differences and promote more equality in wage rates (taking into account employees’ qualifications, experience, and skills of course).”

Co-founder of the Koha Shed Cara Gledhill in 2019 with a pile of dumped rubbish.

Photo: Kate Russell.

Sealord chief executive Doug Paulin. Photo: Supplied.

Nelson asked about 7.2 per cent rates increase

MAX FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter

Now’s the time for Nelsonians to give their thoughts on an average rates increase of 7.2 per cent.

Public consultation on the rates proposal, along with four other substantial changes to Nelson City Council’s annual plan for the 2023/24 year, opened Wednesday will run until the end of April.

“We’re hearing that this year coming will be tough economic times, so we’re planning and budgeting accordingly,” says councillor Mel Courtney.

Mel, who leads the Annual Plan

2023/24 taskforce, says that setting the rates for the coming year was “more challenging than ever before” but they had managed to produce a “well-considered and prudent” proposal.

He highlighted the inflation rate which made the process difficult, but added that central government reforms which he said were “dabbling” in council affairs had exacerbated the problem.

Elected members resoundingly applauded council staff, who Mel described as “some of the best in Aotearoa New Zealand,” for their efforts in helping to get the proposed increase down from

the starting point of 19 per cent to come in line with the rate of inflation: 7.2 per cent. Savings have been found by reducing maintenance budgets, staggering depreciation payments, reallocating funds initially earmarked for the new library, and finding efficiencies. But councillor Aaron Stallard does warn that deferring costs now doesn’t remove them and that some measures that have been taken to reduce costs can’t be taken again.

“By limiting the rates to CPI [consumer price index] inflation this year, it will have some kind of influence on the size of rates

increases in the following years.”

But despite cutbacks, Mayor Nick Smith says council will continue to invest in the community over the coming year.

“It is not the mood, collectively of this council, to take an austerity budget that would stop positive activities.”

For example, investigative works into a surf lifesaving and sports facility at Tāhunanui Beach, and an arts hub are each proposed to be allocated $100,000.

Elected members are asking residents to take time to have their say on the proposals outlined for the 2023/24 year.

In addition to the rates increase, council also wants to spread storm repair works over six years and to pay for them over a decade, reallocate $17.6 million for the new library to other projects, bring forward city centre upgrades like transforming Bridge Street into an active travel corridor, and put aside funds to connect utilities to Kākā Valley in case the proposed housing development goes ahead.

“Look at this and tell us are the values that we’re putting forward aligning with the values you want our city to have?” Deputy Mayor Rohan O’Neill-Stevens urged Nelsonians.

A symbolic cheque for $1308.50 was presented to Salvation Army community ministry director Ros Johnson last weekend for cash donations raised during the annual Nelson Ulysses Toy Run in November. As well as money, about 1000 toys were also donated and distributed to those in need over the Christmas period. “We got some great toys and games given to us from the toy run which went to around 1000 children in the region. This money will be used to purchase items for families who need further assistance throughout the year. We are very grateful for this community effort,” says Ros. Photo: Supplied.

Black Power member jailed for Nelson shooting

TRACY NEAL Open Justice Reporter

Ten of Ashley McIlroy’s 32 years have been spent in prison, and now he’ll be there for another five-and-a-half years.

The patched member of the Black Power gang was sentenced on Friday on charges related to a shooting in a central Nelson car park in 2021 that left a rival gang member blind in one eye. He was also sentenced on other charges that arose in the aftermath, for which a co-offender was also sentenced on Friday.

The 34-year-old co-offender, who was awaiting trial on other matters, was sentenced to five months in prison on a charge of attempting to be an accessory after the fact to wounding with reckless disregard.

McIlroy, who appeared in the Nelson District Court via audio-visual link from Mount Eden Prison, made a direct plea to the judge to accept his apology and efforts to turn around a life broken since he was eight years old. But Judge David Ruth said despite McIlroy’s huge difficulties in life, and steps made to try and fix it, “gang warfare with firearms must be deterred”.

McIlroy was recently found guilty by a jury on a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with reckless disregard. He later admitted related charges of illegal posses-

sion and carriage of a firearm and four charges of driving while suspended.

In the early hours of May 16, 2021, McIlroy was out on the town in central Nelson.

At around 3.30am, he was standing in a central city alleyway known as Fiddle Lane when he was approached by several people known to him, who were all members or associates of the rival Killer Beez gang.

McIlroy and one of the rival members got into a disagreement that turned into a brief fight.

The police summary of facts said a short time later he drove a friend’s Hilux to nearby Wakatu Square car park where members of the rival gang were.

McIlroy got out and approached the group in an aggressive manner before returning to the vehicle to get a BSA .22 rifle.

Judge Ruth said he appeared clearly in the CCTV footage to be “a man very much pumped up” and walking in a way that he was “prepared to take on the world”.

When members of the opposing group approached him McIlroy pointed the firearm at them, before appearing to fire several shots at them, reloading the bolt action rifle in between shots.

At one point a shot shattered the front passenger window of a car parked close by.

McIlroy and an associate then drove off, but “looped around the

car park”, returning to where the rival gang members were gathered. McIlroy, a passenger in the vehicle, pointed the firearm toward the group.

He fired the gun and the bullet ricocheted off a building, causing shrapnel to fly into the car park, and into the eye of a man standing with the rival group. The fragment caused serious enough injury that he lost his sight in one eye.

About half an hour after the shooting McIlroy telephoned the man, who was also sentenced on Friday.

A police investigation which included an electronic interception of McIlroy’s cellphone showed 12 telephone calls between the two over the three days that followed, some unanswered.

On May 19, 2021, the man suggested to McIlroy to get his associate who was at the shooting to get rid of the Hilux he’d been in at the time, to avoid police being able to get forensic evidence from it. He told McIlroy to have the associate report the Hilux stolen and to claim insurance on it, or if the vehicle was uninsured, to fill out a change of ownership paper to show that the Hilux was sold two weeks prior. He then agreed to organise a vehicle for McIlroy and the pair arranged to meet at his home, but McIlroy was stopped by the police and arrested before he got there.

During a search of the vehicle police found a lever action .44 Magnum rifle wedged between the front passenger seat and the

centre console.

Crown prosecutor Jackson Webber said that while the weapon was not loaded, McIlroy had threatened to use it against the people he’d already shot at.

Defence lawyer Tony Bamford said McIlroy acknowledged his actions were foolhardy, and that he placed the public at risk. McIlroy told the court in a letter of apology he was sorry and couldn’t justify what he had done or minimise the impact on the victim or his family.

Prior to the events he had only recently moved to Nelson to try to get away from the life of drugs and crime that have marred his life from a young age.

He was making progress when the break up of a relationship sent him spiralling out of control.

“I can’t blame my upbringing, but it has impacted me in so many ways,” said McIlroy, who the court heard was living on the street as an eight-year-old, before turning to crime and a pathway to prison as a youth.

“I failed to make the right choices at the worst of times,” he said, and that jail was “like my second home”.

Providing peace of mind that things are sorted

Bev Wells is the founding director of Third Age Solutions Ltd. With a strong business administration background and experience working with aged care and in estates administration, Bev is familiar with the types of challenges faced by seniors and families. Providing age-friendly management services, Bev can be trusted to maintain a personalised professional service.

Third Age Solutions offers a range of skills to assist seniors including advocacy, transition/ household management, technical support and preserving memories. Locally born and raised, Bev is excited to add a new element to her services. Having your affairs in order with important documents in one place is vital, says Bev, to help make life easier for those who are left behind. “I have seen situations where people have said, ‘oh we know where everything is’, however in time memories can fade or life changes drastically.” Often referred to clients by the legal sector, Bev says her caring nature and fair outlook on life are key drivers behind her willingness to help find solutions for peo-

ple as they age. “When we pass, are we leaving it up to ‘grieving’ next-of-kin to locate all the documents required by the executor of our Will? People tend to put the task off, thinking it is an intensive process, says Bev, but that is not always ideal. I will assist to systematically work through to identify, compile and store all the important documentation in one place and save it electronically, ready for your attorney or executor to access.”

“Bev can assist with doing what people don’t want to think about doing, the difficult stuff. It is satisfying helping people and I don’t like to see people being taken advantage of.” Trust develops quickly between Bev and her clients which helps to remove any concerns that can be felt during the process and visiting clients in their home can be reassuring and ensure confidentiality. Police-vetted and an active Rotarian, Bev’s organisational skills come into their own when there are challenges to be worked through. She has a calm and friendly approach and can be trusted to keep your best interests at heart.

A patched member of the Killer Beez gang lost an eye during a gang shooting in a Nelson car park in 2021. Photo: NZME.

Justice — Te Pātiti, a Public Interest Journalism initiative funded through NZ on Air

Nelson better prepared for an emergency

SARA HOLLYMAN

Nelson is better prepared for an emergency with the arrival of a brand-new Major Incident Support Team (MIST) vehicle. While it may look a bit like an ambulance, it is anything but.

The Gen 4 Mercedes MIST enables better assistance in a mass-casualty event, providing support to clinical teams and ambulances.

It carries everything from food and water to radio communications, PPE and specialised equipment for treating burns, breaks and injuries.

Each is carefully stored in a blue case, which is then stacked like a puzzle in order of what is most likely to be needed first in an emergency.

Currently, the Nelson Tasman region has nine ambulances which can each treat and transport one patient at a time.

“With all the resources deployed in Nelson, we can treat nine patients,” says MIST member Tony McLeod. “With this vehicle, it’s the equipment to deal with 100 patients.”

The vehicle is equipped with a 48 square metre blow-up tent, which can be set up as a triage area on

site, and a gazebo to allow for incident control.

“We’ll be a backup for any clinical team, any mass casualties, anything over 10 patients we would get a call to respond and support

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the clinical team in the field,” says MIST team leader Marty Price. The vehicle is the ninth in the country to be deployed as part of a full replacement of the MIST fleet. The MIST team, which was es-

tablished in 2001, has previously been using a second-hand ambulance up until now.

The entire team of 13 are volunteers who all have fulltime jobs. They are currently seeking more

volunteers to join the response team.

The new vehicle was purchased with grant money from the Lion Foundation and the entire MIST team are unanimous in saying it would not have been possible without them.

“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you,” Tony says.

St John district operations manager, James McMeekin, says the primary role of the vehicle is to support in logistics, additional, gear, supplies and manpower.

“It allows us to offset demand we put on hospitals and assists with restocking. It’s a valuable resource very much in its infancy, but we are really starting to recognise what the potential here is and what it can do,” he says.

“Lion Foundation have allowed us to realise this vehicle that’s fit for purpose rather than a second-hand ambulance that’s been fitted out. It’s a good morale boost recognising just how important the MIST team are to the wider operation.”

On the same day the MIST vehicle was officially welcomed into the Hato Hone St John team, a new ambulance was also dedicated in Richmond which was donated by Pub Charity.

‘I’m proud to work at a school that’s making a difference to the young men in our community. Being a teenager keeps getting harder and it’s exciting to be at a school that’s leading the conversation around positive masculinity.

Young men today are diverse, intelligent, fun, and caring and they want to make a positive difference in our world. Through music, drama, sports, academics, kapa haka and so much more, and in collaboration with Nelson College for Girls, our young men are doing just that.’

nelson.school.nz

Richard Dykes - Principal, Nelson Colllege

The Nelson MIST team with their new incident support vehicle. Photo: Sara Hollyman.

Man steals e-bike from college grounds, but leaves front wheel

A man who stole an e-bike from a bike stand at Nayland College, but left the front wheel behind, has been referred to Restorative Justice. Fisherman Tony Kellor pleaded guilty to a charge of theft of an item worth over $1000 in the Nelson District Court on Monday.

On March 4 this year he drove into the Nayland College grounds and went to the bike stand, where an electric bike had just been put there by the owner.

It had been locked by the front wheel to the stand, but Kellor removed the

bike from the front wheel, leaving it locked to the stand, and left with the bike.

The police prosecutor told the court his actions were caught on CCTV.

Kellor, through his lawyer, said in an explanation he was suffering from depression as a result of a recent health diagnosis, and that his wife was also ill.

The bike was recovered undamaged.

Judge Tony Zohrab noted Kellor’s previous history, which went back a long way.

Kellor was referred to Restorative Justice and remanded to appear in court again later in April.

Census ‘crucial’ for organisations to plan for the future

If you haven’t yet completed your census form, it’s not too late.

“Please, please do it,” urges Caroline Budge, Age Concern Nelson Tasman manager. “There is still time.”

The census is a five-yearly nationwide survey that documents what life is like in New Zealand and how it’s changing. Iwi, community groups, local and central government, and businesses use census data to make decisions about funding and providing services that affect individuals, families, and the community.

“Census data for us is really important.

“It allows us to plan for future services,” Caroline says. “It’s really crucial for everything we do.”

For example, Age Concern Nelson Tasman is currently looking at doing some emergency planning for those 80+ in the region.

Having up-to-date data on where the most over-80s are located in the region would allow the organisation to target projects in specific areas.

The census also breaks the over-65 age bracket into different groups, which also helps Age Concern in developing its services; the needs of a 65-year-old are vastly different to a 90-year-old.

Additionally, it provides an edge when Age Concern applies for funding from groups like the Rātā Foundation.

“They want to know that what we’re planning is based on good data,” Caroline explains.

“It allows us to future-proof our services going forward.”

“We can use that in funding applications to say ‘look, the amount of older adults is growing, we need to do more. We can’t just keep doing the same, we need to keep growing in order meet the demand.’”

Census data is also a valuable tool for local councils.

“Council uses census data to decide where to put community services such as libraries and parks, and to understand where public transport, roads, power, internet, water, and sewerage services are needed and how many people will be using them,” says Nicky McDonald, Nelson City Council’s group manager strategy and communications.

munity and ensuring census staff attended events such as the Multicultural Festival to reach the city’s refugee and migrant community.

Only about 90 per cent of people completed the 2018 census, down from almost 95 per cent in 2013.

The age distribution also helps Government plan new schools and health services.

“Participating in the Census ensures people are ‘on the radar’ and that their needs are considered,” says Gary Jackson, Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand’s director of population health.

“If people are not counted in the census, it opens a risk of their area being relatively underfunded for the size of services that will be required, such as disability support and Smokefree teams.”

He says healthcare providers know about those who turn up at their door needing care, but have no other way of knowing about others who haven’t recently needed to use the health system.

“It is critical that people complete the Census so that we have the right healthcare services at the correct scale in their local area.”

“It also uses the data to understand whether homes are the right size for families and individuals, where we need to build new housing, and what condition people’s homes are in.”

She adds that council has been helping census staff reach everyone in the community by working with agencies to liaise with Nelson’s homeless com-

If you need help completing the census you may find help on the census website (www. census.govt.nz), or you can call 0800 CENSUS (0800 236 787).

The cut-off for people to submit their completed form is 4 May.

MAX FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter

TRACY NEAL

People have until 4 May to fill out their census forms, and organisations are urging people to do so if they haven’t already. Photo: Supplied/Stats NZ.

Age Concern Nelson Tasman manager, Caroline Budge, says the census data is “really important” for her work.

Photo: Supplied.

Biking 50km a day solo

SARA HOLLYMAN

A local man has been biking 50 kilometres every day during March to raise much needed funds for the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter. Jason Craig, investment advisor at Craigs Investment Partners, also has the backing of the company who are matching donations dollar for dollar. His work colleagues across the country have also joined. Collectively, Jason and Top of the South ‘Cirque Du Sore Legs’ have raised more than $8000.

“This is my fifth year of doing it,” Jason says. “I’m usually on my bike at 5.30am and I’m not a morning person.” He has been cycling his daily 50km predominantly on his gravel bike.

“It’s one where I can stay off the road. Riding at 5.30am, it’s still really dark and the roads not the safest place to ride, it’s good not having to worry about cars. In the mornings I’ll go out round Rabbit Island on the cycle trail. If I do one lap of Rabbit Island it’s 44km, if I do two it’s 55km.” He says he tries to complete

his 50km every day, but a motorbiking trip round the South Island meant he had to make up an extra 250km before his trip near the end of March.

“If you miss a day it compounds and that comes very

quick. It’s much easier to try and do 50km when you’re tired than it is to do 100. You might’ve had a day off, but you’ve still got to do it.”

Jason’s colleague Tanya McMurtrie has been training for a marathon so has also been

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Final facts on some of our stories

racking up the kilometres pounding the pavement. She says one of the team in Blenheim is a surfer, so surfed 50 waves in a day as his contribution.

Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Trust manager, Paula Muddle, says unfortunately she hasn’t been able to complete the challenge this year.

“But Craigs have really taken it on and being super competitive. The dollar for dollar at the end of the financial year is a no-brainer, people can essentially double their donation.”

She says the weather events over the past year have shown how valuable and needed the service is.

“It’s terrible what’s happened up north and what happened with our flooding but it proves that the only way in and out is helicopters, we are just proud to be able to support those communities when they need us.

To donate search ‘Craigs’ on Givealittle. Your donation will be matched by Craigs if made by 31 March.

AquaBot team takes on the world, 22 February:

Four Nelson students who have been chosen to represent New Zealand at the World Aqua Robotics Championship this May in the USA, still need some help with funding their trip or they might not be able to go.

‘Team Lello’ from Nelson College and Nelson Intermediate have managed to raise $948 so far on their Givealittle page, but teacher Sarah Johns says its unlikely they will meet their target, so may not be able to attend. If you can donate go to www.givealittle.co.nz and search ‘Team Lello’ or if you can offer sponsorship email sjohns@nelsonintermediate.school.nz

Unicorn stolen from iconic Rocks Rd house, 11 January:

The $17,000 unicorn sculpture that was stolen from the iconic ‘Red House’ on Rocks Rd in January has still not been found.

Caleb Harcus, who owns the house, says “absolutely nothing” has come from his plea to get the sculpture back. The property was red-stickered after the floods last August. The sculpture is a replica of the figurehead on the HMS Unicorn, one of the oldest still-floating ships in the world, launched in 1824 and currently docked in Dundee, Scotland as a museum.

After the story ran in the Nelson Weekly it was picked up by The Courier newspaper in Scotland.

Jason Craig (front) is biking 50km every day to fundraise alongside his colleagues. Pictured, from left: Karl Williscroft, Dion Edgar, Tanya McMurtrie, Carl Babe, Cara Jameson, Kerryn Wratt, Matt Wilkinson and Deborah Murray. Photo: Sara Hollyman.

Lakes380 programme goes national

STAFF REPORTER

A Lakes380 education workshop that Cawthron scientists successfully introduced into Nelson-Tasman schools has evolved into new teaching resources that are freely accessible to teachers and students across Aotearoa.

The Science Learning Hub has just launched a suite of resources featuring the Lakes380 project jointly led by Cawthron Institute and GNS Science over the last five years.

The project saw scientists sampling 10 per cent of the 3,800 lakes in Aotearoa to understand their histories and explore how our lakes can be better protected in the future.

Realising that lake restoration is a multi-generational journey, scientists last year began rolling out an education workshop for Nelson-Tasman students.

The response was so positive, the team enlisted support from the Science Learning Hub to go national with it.

Science Learning Hub content developer Angela Schipper was impressed by what she saw.

“The science alone makes for exciting new resources but what sets this programme apart is the out-

reach that has accompanied all facets of the research. Lakes380 draws upon both scientific and mātauranga Māori knowledge systems.”

The school workshops saw students engage in three different activities - extracting DNA, hunting for pollen in a sediment core and

fishing for environmental DNA. These demonstrate the tools and techniques used by researchers working on the Lakes380 project.

“These innovative workshops provided enaging and authentic opportunities for students to learn about the nature of science and put their own science capa-

bilities into action in the classroom,” Angela says. The Lakes380 content on the Science Learning Hub includes four activities and various other resources that teachers can draw upon to develop an array of science capabilities while also advancing students’ thinking,

visioning and problem-solving skills.

It also includes an animated video produced by science communications student Iona Rachilde while undertaking a summer internship at Cawthron funded by Te Pūnaha Matatini.

GNS scientist and Lakes380 co-leader Marcus Vandergoes said he hoped the teaching resources would inspire the next generation of lake kaitiaki in Aotearoa New Zealand.

“We’re on a long journey to restore the mauri of our lakes, so the sooner we get people engaged in this kaupapa - the better.”

Cawthron scientist and Lakes380 researcher Jonathan Puddick led the roll-out of the education workshops to more than 250 primary and intermediate students in Nelson-Tasman over the last 18 months, and assisted the Science Learning Hub team to transform the Lakes380 science into digestable education material. “The students have been so engaged with learning more about their lakes and thinking about how they want their lakes to look in 100-years’ time. To work with the Science Learning Hub to take this mahi to all of Aotearoa has just been amazing.”

Nelson Intermediate School students Zac Jolly, Jasper Smith, and Riley Fowler took part in the programme last year. Photo: Supplied.

Nelson

Matters

Nelmac grab ‘unjust’

Reply to Errol Millar’s letter on 22 March

The August 2022 flood events in Nelson and the recent weather events in the North Island will have focused the minds of many New Zealanders on the need to tackle the challenge of how we fund and invest in our water infrastructure. Just patching up ageing pipes and water treatment facilities isn’t going to cut it, and abandoning our local Councils to deal with the scale of the challenge by themselves is not leadership. The Government is getting on with the job of ensuring that New Zealanders have the sort of water infrastructure they should expect as a First World country.

The Prime Minister recently announced that the Government was working to refocus the water infrastructure reforms and he reinforced this last week when visiting Nelson. As the local MP, I have been meeting and speak-

ing with local Mayors and Councillors, and Iwi representatives, to ensure that the range of views in the Nelson Electorate are considered as part of this work.

It is critically important that Nelson and the wider region is able to invest in the water infrastructure we will need for future generations. We need more investment in water infrastructure than ever before, to replace ageing pipes and infrastructure, protect our communities from climate change events, and to build more housing in our region.

Nelson MP Rachel Boyack

Buses delayed

A half-hourly service on all bus routes will be great. Might the drivers please slow down and stop at the formal stops, so we don’t have to stand dangerously in the road to hail them, our backs to opposing traffic?

Ren Kempthorne

Let there be light

Why not just use glow paint on it??

Julie Dalton

Big thanks to the friendly and accommodating workers on the reserve

Alli Jackson

Waste of time, needs to be pulled out and made into the southern link for real traffic

Brian Bishop

I would like to see all lighting to have shades on them to cut down light pollution. Its always nice to see the night sky.

Bronwyn Daisy Scott

It’s also a safety thing for teens and women specially.

Belinda Wyles

Nobody goes out in Nelson after 6pm so not a lot of point.

Jason Jones

Just in time for winter.

Rayon Mackenzie

Looking for the latest property?

It’s like daytime at night on that section already!

John Hugo Are they preparing for the southern link?

Shon Allan Costello

MJ Fraser Logging celebrates 50 years

Congratulations Mike and team, well done. It was a pleasure working with you.

Vicki Rizzi

That’s a great milestone Mike Fraser, well done to the team!

Ben Douglas

Congratulations Mike and all the team at Fraser Logging.

Chris Bensemann

What a fantastic achievement guys!!

Denise Duncan

Well done Mike, family & team.

Suz Peek

What’s On!

Plunket Shield Cricket

Saturday 1 April – Tuesday 4 April, 10.30am

– 6.00pm Saxton Oval, Nelson

The last game of the NZ Domestic Cricket season has our home side the Central Stags in the hunt for the 113-year-old trophy, against defending champions the Auckland Aces. BYO coffee, picnics, lunch - no food carts at the ground. Free admission

Children’s Day

Sunday 2 April, 11am Richmond Aquatic Centre

Postponed from March. Gold coin entry to the pools or take part in outdoor activities for the whole family, including bouncy castles, balloon twisting, music and more.

Muddy Buddy

Sunday 2 April – 10 – 11.30am Registration. 12pm Start. Tasman School

Adventure Fun Run. Enter online: $15 per person/$40 Family. Enter on day $20 per person/$50 Family. Great spot. Info at tasman.school.nz

Hon Dr Nick Smith

STRENGTHENING OUR OCEAN CONNECTIONS

One of my ambitions for Nelson is for us to do more and make more of our connections with the ocean. Our fisheries and aquaculture industries dwarf other regions. Our ocean science and environment expertise are world class. Our beaches, such as Tāhunanui and those in the Abel Tasman, are iconic. We are leveraging off these assets with six positive sea initiatives in the past week.

The first was Nelson securing a half-million-dollar grant from Government for our Moananui project. This is about supporting our cluster of 400 maritime businesses to find new opportunities to grow our blue economy.

The second was Council supporting a $1.6 million investment in a new 110 tonne Travel Lift for recreational boats. The current lift is only 44t, can’t take catamarans and is over 20 years old. It comes as Port Nelson last week lodged an order for a $4 million Travel Lift for commercial vessels up to 550t.

The third was Council proposing $100,000 to investigate a new surf club and sports facility at Tāhunanui Beach. This is the first step to getting rid of the containers and having a facility fit for the best beach in the country.

A fourth was the blessing of Council’s new Harbourmaster vessel Haumoana. This refurbished boat, built by Tāhunanui company GP Engineering, upgrades Council’s capacity to keep people safe on the water and protect the marine environment.

A fifth positive development is that our Nelson Marina has just gained MPI “Port of Entry” registration. We are one of only three South Island ports to have this status and it makes us a more attractive destination for international recreational boats.

The week was capped off by a sixth initiative, Seafood Saturday, attended by about 700 people. The idea to showcase and celebrate our superb seafood and wines came from Nelson champion Emma Thompson (Publik), backed by Seafood NZ, Sealord, Talley’s, Sanford, King Salmon and Guyton’s. I have not seen so many people having fun in Trafalgar Street since the Long Lunch during the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Nelson is the natural capital of New Zealand’s seafood and marine industries. We need to nurture our many links with NZ’s vast oceans.

Nick

PM visits Nelson – Three Waters, transport, exports

MAX FRETHEY

Local Democracy Reporter

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins visited Nelson on Wednesday in what he described as “a good opportunity to reflect and to hear from the local community.”

As part of his tour of the region, he took several questions from residents at a lunchtime event at the Beachside Conference Centre, hosted by the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce.

Nelmac chief executive Jane Sheard asked Hipkins about the “limbo” in which the company found itself in relation to the Three Waters reform. It was recently revealed that Nelmac’s water assets could pass to the ownership of Water Services Entity C as part of the reform which would have a significant impact on the council-controlled trading organisation’s viability and performance.

Hipkins said the country would need $130-180 billion in investment into water infrastructure over the next 30 years and the Three Waters reform aimed to build a water management model that was “as efficient as possible” and able to make those significant investments to meet the needs of communities in the future. But since being sworn in as Prime Minister, Hipkins has said the Government needed to refocus the reforms.

“I acknowledge that for the last few months there has been that uncertainty. I’m sorry about that,” he told Sheard. “But I think it is important we took a moment to pause what we were doing and see if we can find a way of getting people back on board.”

Hipkins said he had spoken with Nelson Mayor Nick Smith

Network Tasman’s prices are changing

Network Tasman owns and operates the electricity distribution network in the wider Nelson and Tasman areas, excluding Nelson Electricity’s supply area in Nelson city.

briefly about the Three Waters reform Wednesday morning but was unable to provide any further details on a resolution to the issue.

He said some proposals would come to Cabinet in the next month or two which might provide a conclusion to the issue and provide some certainty to Nelmac and other council-controlled trading organisations in similar positions. Hipkins also said that part of his trip to the city was to keep in touch with other areas of the country despite the massive demand in time and resources of the cyclone recovery on the east coast.

The repairs on that region’s roading network won’t impact funding towards easing other general transport woes elsewhere in the country, like Nelson’s congestion, he said, with repair funds and general transport funds being managed separately.

“We continue to do the regular investments in transport upgrades in addition to the work that we’re going to have to do to repair and remediate as a result of the recent weather events.”

As he was speaking to a primarily business-oriented crowd, he also mentioned the best thing local exporters

could do given the current international situation was to diversify their markets.

“Market diversification has never been more important.”

Not everyone was convinced by the Prime Minister’s reassurances to the community, however.

The National Party’s Nelson candidate, Blair Cameron, said Labour “hasn’t delivered anything for Nelson.”

He said that Hipkins’s response to the question from Nelmac’s Sheard showed “an utter disregard for the jobs and livelihoods of Nelmac employees” and questioned the Prime Minister’s advice for local exporters.

“In just five and a half years Labour have turned New Zealand into a high inflation, negative growth economy. Exporters in Nelson are under more pressure than ever.”

While the Prime Minister was in Nelson, he visited Groom Creek up the Maitai Valley to look at the flood protection works being done, meet with residents of Moana Avenue and survey the storm damage there.

Network Tasman will increase its lines charges for residential consumers by 0.5% from 1 April 2023. This change will increase the average residential consumer’s lines charges by about $5 per year. The main reasons for the increase are to recoup increases in the inflationary costs of maintaining our network, the cost of which is offset by reduced transmission costs allocated to our network by Transpower.

Network Tasman is regulated by the Commerce Commission, which sets the amount of revenue we can earn. As a consumerowned network, we aim to deliver a cost-efficient service for our consumers. It is this consumer focus that means we consistently recover less revenue than is allowed by the Commerce Commission. Next year (2023/24), our charges are forecast to be $3.3 million less than the amount the Commerce Commission says we can charge.

Network Tasman’s residential distribution prices are currently one of the lowest charged by electricity distribution companies across the country (according to the MBIE Quarterly Survey of Domestic Electricity Prices, November 2022). Network Tasman expects this to remain the case when the new prices are introduced in April.

This year Network Tasman has also introduced time-of-use price plans for most consumers. These price plans more closely reflect the cost of providing power during different times of the day. This new price plan gives consumers more opportunities to reduce their power bills by switching usage to coincide with the cheaper off-peak times of the day (between 11pm and 7am). The overall impact of this change will depend on a few things, such as how and when you use electricity and whether your retailer chooses to pass this change on to you through their retail prices.

If you are interested in finding out more, please visit our website: www.networktasman.co.nz/network-pricing

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins speaking at a Chamber of Commerce event. Photo: Max Frethey.

Green Party announces local candidate

The Green Party has announced environmental lawyer Teall Crossen as their candidate for the Nelson Whakatū electorate in the upcoming general elections.

Teall is an environmental barrister and activist with two decades of experience advocating for the rights of people and nature in New Zealand courts, at the United Nations, and in the corridors of the beehive.

She has worked for Forest & Bird, Greenpeace International, and served Pacific Island countries at the United Nations as a legal advisor in climate negotiations.

Beach Break cancelled

Beach Break, headlined by Shapeshifter and Ocean Alley, have officially cancelled their Nelson event.

Originally scheduled for Waitangi Weekend earlier this year, poor weather conditions saw the event postponed to a later date. While the Whangamatā stop has been rescheduled for 5 January 2024, organisers say in a statement that it was not possible to present the same show on another date in Nelson.

Crash on Richmond Deviation

One person was transported to Nelson Hospital after a multi-vehicle crash on the Richmond Deviation on Friday morning.

A police spokesperson confirmed they were alerted to the collision at 10am, involving several vehicles in the southbound lane of the Richmond Deviation, between Lower Queen St and Whakatu Dr.

“Diversions were in place temporarily, however the road was cleared by 10.30am,” they said at the time. A St John spokesperson said two ambulances attended the incident with one patient being taken to Nelson Hospital with moderate injuries.

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Blue economy project sets sail with $500k

A project that will help local ocean-related businesses accelerate growth and boost jobs has set sail, thanks to a half million-dollar investment from the Government.

The Moananui – Blue Economy Cluster project aims to enable businesses, government bodies and other experts to work together with the aim of fast-tracking growth of the ‘blue economy’. This is the marine activities that generate economic value and contribute positively to social, cultural and ecological well-being.

With more than 400 marine-related businesses in the Top of the South, and more than 30 per cent of New Zealand’s fishing, aquaculture and seafood processing based here, Nelson was the natural place to establish the cluster, says Moananui chief executive Jodie Kuntzsch.

“The ocean is key to the region’s well-being and prosperity. Developing the economy is often seen as being at odds with social and environmental goals, but they are intrinsically linked,” she says.

If we’re going to accelerate the growth of our blue economy in an intelligent, sustainable and successful way, as guardians, we need to come together and collaborate in new ways. This government funding is an acknowledgment that by establishing connections and pooling resources, we can innovate and grow this sector much faster than if we

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins Nelson Visit

worked individually.”

The Government is contributing $500,000 over two years to the project through the Ministry for Primary Industries’ (MPI’s) Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund.

A further $400,000 will be invested by the Nelson Regional Development Agency, Cawthron Institute, Sealord, Pharmalink Extracts, Plant and Food, Port Nelson, Kernohan Engineering, Wakatū Incorporation, and MacLab. Sealord chief executive Doug Paulin says, as a custodian of our oceans, it was a no brainer for Sealord to back the establishment of Moananui.

“Sealord has long recognised

Last week Prime Minister Chris Hipkins spent a day in Nelson We visited flood-damaged sites that are being repaired and met with residents in the Tāhunanui slump area It was useful to hear about what is working well and further support needed as we continue our recovery from the August 2022 flooding The Prime Minister was clear that Nelson will receive its fair share of support for our recovery and rebuild

We also visited the NMIT Te Pukenga Richmond campus and met with staff, students and officials from Government housing provider Kāinga Ora NMIT have an agreement with Kāinga Ora for their carpentry students to build new public houses The project is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn practical skills while building homes for people who need a state house

The next day, I welcomed Minister for Oceans and Fisheries Stuart Nash to Nelson where he announced Government investment of $500 000 for the Moananui oceans cluster project I advocated strongly for this funding as the Nelson Tasman region is home to more than 400 blue economy businesses This new project will establish a blue economy cluster – a group of seafood and aquaculture companies with a common interest in growing the sector’s sustainability and success on the world stage

On Friday night I held a community safety meeting in Stoke with representatives from schools, community groups and the Police Please contact my office if you have any concerns or ideas for improving community safety in the Stoke area

that we need to take a holistic approach to how we operate in our oceans, and we strongly believe that collaboration facilitated by Moananui will help all of us to increase value, connect people and improve ocean health.”

Oceans and Fisheries Minister Stuart Nash was in Nelson to make the announcement on Thursday.

“There’s an enormous opportunity to leverage the good reputation of Nelson Tasman’s seafood and aquaculture sector to help connect with potential investors to boost innovation and growth,” he says.

Stuart says there are similar clusters operating overseas,

which our seafood and aquaculture sector can tap into.

“New Zealand has a lot to offer and, equally, there’s a lot we can learn from similar clusters overseas, such as in USA, Canada, Norway and Iceland. The blue economy cluster will enable the local sector to move forward together and pool resources and expertise.”

Nelson MP Rachel Boyack says this investment is another win for our community.

“With the Government working in partnership with council and local businesses to boost our competitive advantage overseas, create more jobs and grow the Nelson economy.”

From left: Moananui CE Jodie Kuntzsch, Cawthron board chair Meg Matthews, Nelson MP Rachel Boyack, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Stuart Nash and NRDA CE Fiona Wilson at Thursday’s announcement.

Photo: Sara Hollyman.

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE ‘THE ROAR’ AND GAME BIRD SEASON

If you’re a firearms licence holder, you’ll need to know about changes to the storage and transport rules for firearms and ammunition, and changes to the seven rules of firearms safety. Regulations were updated in February 2022, and to help Kiwis make sense of those changes, Te Tari Pūreke, the new firearms regulator, published a Secure Storage and Transport Guide. You can download a copy of the Secure Storage and Transport Guide from www.firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz/firearms-safety

STORAGE AND TRANSPORT FOR FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION, KEY POINTS

AMMUNITION

ALL AMMUNITION MUST NOW BE STORED IN A LOCKED CONTAINER. YOU CAN NOW ONLY STORE AMMUNITION WITH FIREARMS IN A GUN SAFE THAT HAS A SEPARATE LOCKABLE COMPARTMENT THAT HAS A DIFFERENT KEY THAN THE KEY FOR THE GUN SAFE. YOU MUST KEEP THESE KEYS SEPARATE. AND REMEMBER TO KEEP THOSE KEYS IN DIFFERENT PLACES, NOT ON THE SAME KEY RING OR HOOK.

If your safe doesn’t have a separate lockable compartment, you need to store ammunition in its own secure storage container with a key, combination, or padlock, or in a stout locked cupboard.

TRANSPORTATION

If you’re driving to a hunting location, your firearm needs to be inoperable during your travel and, ideally, concealed from view. This means removing the bolt or an essential part (or if that’s not possible, applying a trigger or cable lock), or transporting the firearm in a locked carry case. The ammunition needs to be separately and securely stored in a locked glove box or similar storage area, if practical. And please, whatever you do, once you’ve finished using your firearm, lock it away. Never leave any firearms in your ute, shed, home or vehicle unsecured at any time. The only exceptions to the firearms and ammunition transport rules are if you’re using the firearm on a farm for farm-related activities, or you’re doing legally-authorised hunting or pest control (such as a regional council employed pest controller) and the licence holder is in the vehicle or the immediately vicinity of the vehicle with the firearms in it. Make sure you read or download a free copy of the storage and transport guide to keep up to date with the details of the changes: www. firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz/firearms-safety/storage-transportation

FIREARMS LICENCES ONLINE

TAKING A BREAK WHEN YOU’RE TRAVELLING WITH FIREARMS

For those who travel with firearms to hunt locations, your inoperable and secured firearm can be left in your vehicle unattended, for example during a break in a journey, for up to 60 minutes. But you need to lock your vehicle and stay within the immediate area or vicinity of the vehicle and meet other conditions. Read the storage and transport guide for full details: www.firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz/firearms-safety/ storage-transportation. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES CAN FIREARMS, AMMUNITION OR OTHER ARMS ITEMS BE LEFT IN A VEHICLE OVERNIGHT.

THE SEVEN RULES OF FIREARM SAFETY HAVE CHANGED.

Get ahead of the changes to firearms safety rules with the Firearms Safety Code.

Buy the book from www.firearmssafetyauthority. govt.nz/firearms-safety and have it shipped to your door or download a PDF copy for free.

TE TARI PŪREKE AND THE FIREARMS REGISTRY

Te Tari Pūreke – Firearms Safety Authority is responsible for managing firearms in New Zealand. We want to enable the legitimate use of firearms for feeding our whanau, conservation, farming and recreation while keeping our communities safe. This involves making sure firearms licence holders are fit and proper to possess firearms and are meeting the obligations of their licence.

New Zealand will have a firearms registry from 24 June 2023. The Registry is one of the ways Te Tari Pūreke is strengthening how firearms are managed in New Zealand.

THERE WILL BE NO CHARGE TO REGISTERING YOUR FIREARMS.

The new Registry will record how many firearms there are, and who has possession of them. This will allow for more effective firearms regulation, provide better support to licence holders, and support Police in keeping our communities safe.

Te Tari Pūreke will provide more details about the Registry and what it means for licence holders when the Registry Regulations are published. This is expected to be in late April/May 2023.

Apply for a firearms licence and update your contact details online using MyFirearms: a secure, online portal available at www.firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz For more information on Te Tari Pūreke and any legislative or regulation changes that may affect you, go to www.firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz

Mental health takes the spotlight in Fringe show

A comedy show about mental health is hoping to make an impact at the

Nelson Fringe Festival. American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, podcaster, and mental health advocate Tristan Miller is bringing

their show Manic Impressive to the Refinery ArtSpace this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.

A Mid-Western by birth, Tristan has been living in New York for the past 10 years pursuing acting and comedy.

In Manic Impressive, Tristan offers up rapid-fire observations about both their own and mental health in general and hopes to educate, enlighten, entertain, and create empathy for those who live with mental illness.

“It’s about my experience with bipolar disorder … it’s a bit silly, surreal, and weird in places but it’s trying to make light of a difficult situation,” he says.

The Nelson Fringe Festival started last week with a line-up of 40 shows over 10 days across three different venues.

Theatre, comedy, dance, improvisation, music, kids’ shows, and workshops have all been part of the festival.

A range of nternational acts have been welcomed back this year, alongside plenty of homegrown talent.

Festival director Giles Burton says the feedback on the festival so far has been nothing but positive.

“We are well on our way to hitting our target for the Fringe overall. Quite a few things have sold out, but more importantly, the audiences seem to be loving the shows.”

Giles says the festival aims to offer people a chance to see a wide range of shows.

“So that means we welcome some more niche shows that

we know are going to sell less tickets - but that is part of the point, to allow a chance for these shows to be seen in Nelson,” he says.

“Some are pure joy and entertainment, others are more challenging, and people seem to love that variety.”

After struggling through Covid-19-caused cancellations the past few years, Giles says this year feels like a “real resurgence” for both audiences and performers.

“People seem much more eager to be out and about - though we appreciate that even at $15 a lot of people are struggling to afford tickets,” he says.

“It has been hard for performers to create work over the last few years, not knowing if there

will be a chance to present it. This year artists are coming back with new work and there seems to be an excitement and buzz about bringing back live performance.”

Giles says there are still some great shows to come this week, including Tristan’s Manic Impressive

“Tristan is impressive and they are also manic. Think Robin Williams with impressions. High energy quick fire and definitely from New York.”

Manic Impressive is on at the Refinery ArtSpace on Thursday 30 and Friday 31 March, and Saturday 1 April at 7.35pm. For more information on all shows and to buy tickets, go to www. nelson fringe.co.nz

A SLICE OF SATURDAY NIGHT: Nelson Musical Theatre’s latest show ‘A Slice of Saturday Night’ is coming to Red Door Theatre next month. The show takes place on a Saturday night at Club A Go Go in London in the swinging 1960s. There are no fewer than 31 songs in the show as well as 16 that have to be choreographed, including songs from The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Animals, The Who, Procol Harum, and many more. The show’s writers, Heather Brothers, have cleverly adjusted the music so that they are still recognisable from the original pop songs from that time. The show runs from 12 - 22 April and tickets are available from www. iticket.co.nz. Pictured from left are Madeline Bethwaite, Ella Danson, Ella Barclay, Maddie Armstrong, Poppy Hogan, Patrick Conyers, Hogey Hogan, Lester Oakes, Chey Habib.

Nelson Youth Theatre Company

Photo: Olivia Spink Photography.

KATE RUSSELL

Tristan Miller is bringing their comedy show about mental health to the Nelson Fringe Festival this week. Photo: Supplied.

Calmer seas and smooth sailing ahead for one of Nelson's most iconic buildings

Built in 1906, The Boathouse has weathered many a storm for well over a century, but none so impactful as the one on February 1, 2018.

Having torn the iconic building apart, dedication, passion and tenacity have helped to bring The Boathouse back to her former glory. Now, receiving the final sign off on the last piece of work, we reflect on her history and celebrate the role she will continue to play in the future.

Beginning life as home to the Nelson Rowing Club, the building was sold in 1924 to the Iron Duke Sea Scout Troop. The combination of a bustling and active haven and regular Saturday night dances saw the venue enjoy many golden decades of being a hub for the community and the region’s go-to dance hall.

By 1986, the building was starting to show tell-tale signs of a relentless sea lapping at her hull and The Boathouse Society was formed. From 1994 the first restoration was completed, and The Boathouse as we know it was born.

In 2018 members of The Boathouse Society spearheaded the mammoth task of restoring the building and chair of the Boathouse Society, Annie Henry, says, without the staggering support of the wider community the much-loved

building would have been adrift. The massive rebuild involved every part of the building, and the Boat Storage area and new balustrade were the final pieces to be completed, in November 2022.

“The tears were seen at the start of the restoration and again when the project was completed. Ali Howard in particular was a constant rock for all of us. She worked quietly behind the scenes, keeping things ticking along.”

Another integral member of the club, Thorkild Hansen, and his family, have long been affiliated with The Boathouse. As a strong ambassador, Annie says Thorkild’s presence is still felt in

the building.

“Thorkild was always willing to do the hard work, from the handrails and the floor patterns to creating the tabletops that now sit in the café. He also designed the Boat Storage area.”

Boasting over 300 members within her walls there has been many a friendship formed, a true love met, a yearning for the sea ignited, and a special event

celebrated, but moving ahead, the future of The Boathouse looks bright as the team look forward to offering the public an experience to remember when they step upon her floorboards. “We welcome people to our café, and to book The Boathouse for their special event, and we always embrace new members into the fold.”

“We’ve navigated some tricky years,” says Olivia Alden, manager of The Boathouse, “but it finally feels like The Boathouse is having the summer we’ve been waiting for, and our team have put in such a strong effort. The cherry on top is seeing how much enjoyment and use our members are getting out of a fully-functioning boat storage building – thanks to some serious work from Annie, Ali Annie, Malcolm Anderson and all our members who volunteered their time and skills to make it happen.”

ALES OF THE UNEXPECTED BREWED IN MOTUEKA

SOUTHERN LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Nelson Suburbs play their first home game of the season this Sunday 2 April at noon against Cashmere Technical. See the Suburbs advertisement on this page for all details of our home games. The team will be coached by Neil Connell and Ryan Stewart alongside GK coach Andy Gallagher and Manager Johnny Green.

There are several new faces in the squad this year with a mix of young local talent, including NBS Nelson Suburbs FC Academy players Liam Goodger and Connor Goody. Local lads Alex Ward, Matt Wesney and Ethan Turner have joined. Alex Ridsdale has returned to the squad and Sam Shelling has returned from Christchurch.

We welcome Gils Gomez Henry Aitken (Dunedin and Seb Hickman (Mosgiel). The club are delighted the talents of Lennon Dylan Henderson from Connor Gillespie due Returning local players Ayers, Jack Carter, Josh Lucas Hogg, Aled Howell, Ross McPhie, Josh Moffat, William Tucker, Corey Jordan Yong. Missing from the 2022 Joshua Booth, Hamish Aiden Higgs, Paddy McGookin, La Bu Pan, Ed Sillars, Lois Thomas, and Jamane Wilson.

Gomez (Uruguay) (Dunedin City Royals) (Mosgiel).

delighted to have acquired Lennon Whewell and from the UK with due to arrive early April. players include Sam Josh Cresswell, Howell, Corey Larsen, Moffat, Ben Polak, Corey Wilson and

2022 squad are: Hamish Cadigan, Keys, Jamie Pan, Noah Platt, Thomas, Scott Wallace

Co-Coach Ryan Stewart said “We are excited to start another season in the Southern Football League with a good squad of experienced players and exiting youth players.

We’re looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday 1st April at noon for our women’s Premier League team game vs Nomads United and then the men’s game on Sunday 2nd April.

A huge thanks goes to our Principle Sponsor - Graco and to our Gold Sponsors Mac’s Beer, Hardy’s Bar and TAB - Nelson, Lotto Sport NZ as well as Bowater Toyota, McDonalds (Nelson) NZME, Peter Ray Homes and the Copy Press. We also thank all our other club sponsors for their support.

NOWOUT

Nelson Car Club help disengaged students to learn new skills

EMILY BEAUMONT

Car enthusiasts at Motueka High School and Youth Nelson are being offered an exciting opportunity that includes being able to utilise the Nelson Car Club’s purpose-built racetrack and cars, learn general car maintenance, car safety, and the chance to get behind the wheel before they even have their learner licence.

The initiative was created by local mum Kirsty McKenzie, who saw a need for her son who was becoming disengaged at school as the standard curriculum failed to interest him.

“I’ve seen how well my son’s doing now by having a focus that is his jam. It makes him happy and keeps him in school as we’ve picked subjects that will set him up for an apprenticeship,” says Kirsty. Designed for students who’ve become disinterested at school and are instead showing a keen interest in cars and mechanics, it is hoped ten students each term will be offered the opportunity to spend a day at the track with Car Club members who have vast mechanical and race/driving experience.

Although there is no focus on racing, the safety aspects of racing will be covered with the students given the chance to see a rally car’s safety gear and see how much goes into racing cars, which is undoubt-

edly a great way for them to learn about the safety of driving before they even sit their learner licence. “It was really fun, I was interested in the course. I learnt how to change a tyre for the first time and got to drive a sick car called a Miada. If you’re into cars I suggest you give it a go,” says Israel Emery, aged 15.

While at the very early stage of development, Kirsty says there is potential to offer more advanced courses down the track.

“It’s all about helping kids stay at school as there’s potentially a lot of opportunity for apprenticeships, we have the potential to match them with opportunities that come up for when they’re ready.”

Hayden Paddon, New Zealand’s most successful rally driver both nationally and internationally, is endorsing the programme and has expressed interest at getting on board.

Gratitude goes to Paul Nicoll at Summit Real Estate and MTF Nelson for supplying the vehicle for use and Murray Thorn Motorcycles for the helmets.

With a desire to roll it out to as many schools as possible, Kirsty is seeking assistance to help with costs. You can help our youth learn vital car skills while remaining engaged at school by donating to www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/kidz2-drive

Student Ngahere with instructor John Clifton. Supplied.

Grants give nine charities a boost

JUDENE EDGAR

Network Tasman Trust has given out $90,000 in donations, surprising nine local charities. One of the recipients was Nelson Women’s Refuge. Manager Diane Strong says that they were “speechless” when the generous donation of $10,000 appeared.

“We have a growing demand for services, and without the support of our community we would struggle to meet these needs.”

“We have a range of services which include a 24/7 crisis line, a safe house for crisis, advocacy support with a social worker, protection order advice, education programmes for wāhine, tamariki and rangitahi and emergency housing. Network Tasman Trust are a huge part of being able to provide these services to our whanau.”

Similarly, Nelson Community Food Bank manager Daniel Grade says that he was completely surprised and overjoyed when he received the news that Network Tasman Trust were donating $10,000 to them.

“As we all know the cost of living is increasing and the need for our services are in demand more than ever. This incredibly generous donation will be put to use

buying groceries that form part of the food bank’s nutritious food parcels.”

Kai With Love co-founder Abigail Packer says the grant will allow them to upgrade logistics equipment.

“The grant will cover the cost of upgrading equipment for our logistics team to meet new safety standards; purchase outdoor signage to help new members find us; and provide much needed operating funds to meet the ev-

er-growing demand created by the cost-of-living crisis,” she says. “Volunteers are the heartbeat of Kai With Love, their gift of time and energy, together with the generous support of local churches, businesses, food producers, growers, and organisations such as Network Tasman, assists us to relief hardship on a broad scale in our community.

Warmer Healthier Homes Te Tauihu Charitable Trust chairperson Leeson Baldey says that

the generous donation will help to warm up approximately 70 Nelson and Tasman residents.

“Warmer Healthier Homes Te Tauihu programme provides grants for insulating underfloor and ceilings to existing homes for homeowners who live in an eligible area or have a Community Services Card, with a focus on families who have children with respiratory related health conditions.

“Our aim is to warm up the

homes of those most in need. Keeping homes warmer and dryer has many benefits including reducing hospital admissions, reducing energy costs and improving general wellbeing to name but a few.”

Network Tasman Trust chairperson Gwenny Davis says that they wanted to support groups that were working at the grassroots helping those with high needs.

“We have our annual grants round but wanted to further support the community by providing a hand up to groups that have been experiencing increasing demand for their services,” she says.

The Trustees also took the opportunity to visit some of the organisations that they provided donations to, to find out more about their services. “It’s heart-warming to hear about the amazing work that these organisations are doing, making such a big difference for so many people in our community. We’re just happy to play a small part in supporting their work.”

Other recipients were Fifeshire Foundation, Kai with Love, Salvation Army Motueka and Nelson branches, St Vincent de Paul Society and Mohua Social Services, each receiving a $10,000 donation.

Mission to pay respect to fallen heroes

JUDENE EDGAR

Peter Millward is a man on a mission.

After retiring as chief executive of the Provincial Nelson Museum, he has dedicated himself to honouring and respecting the memories of our region’s fallen servicemen and women.

For his first project, to mark the centennial of the First World War, he spent hundreds of hours researching individual soldiers from across the region and entering their details on the on-line Cenotaph database.

He also created a memorial wall

of not only those who died in service but the thousands who survived, including nurses and merchant navy, which is located at Founders Heritage Park. He then went on to conduct a massive research project into the service people buried at Marsden Cemetery, producing a database of names and grave locations to assist families.

But he hasn’t finished yet.

“As part of my survey of burials at Wakapuaka Cemetery, I discovered that there are over 30 veterans who were cremated but not interred at the time of their death,” says Peter. “This means

that there is no headstone and no permanent record of their service at all. It also means that there is nowhere anyone can lay a poppy in their memory.”

Peter says that in almost all cases the ashes were scattered, some at sea, some in the cemetery rose garden area, and some in places unknown. However, all returning service personnel were entitled to a grave and headstone provided by the Government.

They are nearly all recognisable by the special brass plaques or headstones marked with NZEF1 or the years of the conflict, 1914 to 1918.

“When Anzac Day comes round each year, the graves in the RSA blocks often have a poppy placed on the headstones by local cadet corps and poppies are frequently placed at ANZAC services around the country by family members in memory of their forbears.”

Peter is wanting to have a special brass plaque placed in the RSA block of Wakapuaka Cemetery acknowledging the service of these people and a sign board nearby that lists their names. “This will enable a physical act of remembrance on Anzac Day for the first time in more than a 100

years,” he says. So, he’s calling on the public to help him find family members of the deceased.

“Obviously, we hope this can all be accomplished before ANZAC Day this year,” says Peter. “So I’m really hoping that people will help me spread the word”.

If anyone recognises the name of a family member, please contact Peter Millward at petermyra68@ gmail.com or phone 03 5470219. The full list of names who Peter is hoping to find relatives of can be found on the Nelson App.

Sports Events Property Flights

From left are Sarah Hewson, trustee and treasurer for Kai With Love and Network Tasman Trust trustees Terry Kreft and Ian Kearney. Photo: Supplied.

Health Beauty andWellness

Break the cycle of pain

Harmony & Balance 4 Health owner Yvonne Harvey understands the importance of enhancing harmony and balance to help provide quality of life.

After spending 10 years in the caregiving industry, Yvonne now works with babies through to the very elderly, helping to minimise or rid their discomfort of aches and pains.

“I started my business after studying reflexology and then started looking for more natural therapy remedies for aches and pains after seeing many people taking lots of pain medication daily.

I encourage the body to heal itself, either through the feet, hands, muscles or skeletal system with gentle movements to relieve stress, tension, aches and pains within your body.”

Reflexology Lymph Drainage, Fa-

cial Reflexology, Relaxation Massage and Indian Head Massage are all treatments that Yvonne specialises in, but Ortho-Bionomy is one that she would particularly like to highlight.

“These modalities can also be incorporated with each other.”

Ortho-Bionomy is a gentle, safe, self-corrective, non-invasive form of bodywork therapy that focuses on you and your unique needs. Gentle enough for all age groups, and acute and chronic

pain sufferers, its principles are based on a simple and profound philosophy, ‘allowing the body to correct itself.’

“The body is stimulated using gentle movements, comfortable positioning, brief compression and subtle contact. The result is effortless pain and tension relief, natural re-alignment, relaxation and a deep sense of well-being.”

Ortho-Bionomy helps break the cycle of pain without creating pain.

Founded by British-trained Osteopath and Judo Instructor, Arthur Lincoln Pauls, the body’s reflexes are gently stimulated for self-correction in a way that supports a person’s own healing mechanisms.

It is very effective for recovering from injuries, surgery and stress. It aids recovery by reducing muscle tension, soothing the joints, increasing flexibility and range of movement, improving circulation and relaxing the whole body,

and can be very beneficial and work in conjunction with other healing modalities.

Although it is not a substitute for appropriate medical care, Yvonne says it can aid in recovery from conditions such as chronic pain, Ehlers Danlos, back pain, headaches and migraines, fibromyalgia, frozen shoulder, knee and joint pain, muscle tension, neck pain, TMJ, whiplash, sciatica, stress and fatigue, carpal tunnel, scoliosis/posture and hip pain.

Contact Yvonne at Harmony & Balance 4 Health on 027 316 6626 for more information. “I love seeing people walk away from my clinic floating on a cloud and smiling – it gives me the satisfaction of knowing I have given the right treatment for that individual person.”

Natural and Organic Skin and Body Care

At Three Gems we believe that the ingredients we put on our skin should be as pure as the food we eat.

All of our products are made in small batches with the freshest, most nutrient-rich organic ingredients available to ensure they are as effective at treating your skin as they are gentle on it.

Find us at The Nelson Market every Saturday or online at www.threegems.co.nz

RELAXED

“The most wonderful stay - fabulous hosts, food, yoga, massages.. The forest bathing was transformative. A very special place.”

“The food is a highlighteverything is fresh, local or right from their garden.”

- Cuisine Magazine 2022

Yvonne Harvey

- Clare and Brian

A golden ticket to San Francisco

JACK MALCOLM

With a place in the international finals in San Francisco on the line, it all came down to the final race for local sailor Noah Malpot. His nearest competitor was nipping at his heels, and it was winner-takeall as they set off for the final time in the Sail GP Inspire Programme after a week of racing and coaching.

While the pair were deep in the fleet and out of contention for the race win, 17-year-old Noah says he knew it was a two horse race to the finish line for the overall title.

“We were racing our own race. I was one point ahead but that doesn’t mean anything. If he beat me, he wins on countback.”

Having been crowned the national champion in December, Noah says he was confident in his chances coming into the Sail GP scene.

“That was my goal, to get my ticket to San Fran.”

Sail GP is an international sailing competition formed in 2019 that races in F50 foiling catamarans similar to America’s Cup boats, with teams representing their country.

The series travels around the world, with a Grand Prix stop in Christchurch earlier this month that saw the best sailors from around the world competing. At each stop the Inspire Programme runs races, with the top boy and girl invited to San Francisco to race in their grand final.

Alongside the racing, the Inspire Programme also saw the best wingfoilers from around the country competing in surf freestyle and slalom freefly, with local brothers Callum and Thomas Robertson showing their skills.

Calum finished 13th, having made the minor finals, while younger brother Thomas finished with a ranking of 18th.

Alongside racing, the young sailors complete coaching, technical tours and meeting the athletes involved.

Noah says it was exciting to be around like-minded athletes, with not a lot of WASZP sailors in Nelson. Because of that, he’s left to train predominately by himself as he works to refine his race starts before heading to San Francisco.

“In WASZP, you have to hit the line at full speed. . . I’ve also been working on my boat handling.” WASZP boats are single-handed hydrofoiling boats that are uniform in design, creating an even playing field for budding racers to showcase their skill. Because they are all the same, Noah says he finds his speed through the use of strong tactical sailing. With the San Francisco finals in May, Noah says he will spend about two weeks in America and is looking forward to time onshore with the NZ Sail GP team.

Wild weather whips up swimmers in final race

PETER GIBBS

The Rylock swim series ended on a resounding note with race 18 earlier in March.

First they had to deal with a violent downpour in the minutes before racing started, then a strong wind, which increased in intensity as swimmers set off from the yacht club heading towards Haulashore island.

It was a strange end to the season, although in keeping with the unusual weather events we’re seeing a lot of lately.

While swim series elsewhere in the country have suffered frequent cancellations this summer, Nelson escaped unscathed for 16 consecutive weeks from November.

That all changed for race 17 the week before, when rough seas caused a cancellation

during a month when Nelson usually experiences the calmest of weather.

The forecast wasn’t good leading up to this week’s swim, but pre-race conditions were quite manageable.

It all changed after the hooter went off and the wind picked up as if it was summoned. Over the next 20 minutes, five swimmers were pulled from the sea by the support boats.

Yachties were enjoying the night too, with quite a fleet whizzing around the harbour, to the trepidation of those watching the combination of boats and swimmers from the shore.

For most of the field it was a highly-charged and exciting swim in the tough conditions, with many whooping and laughing as they made it to the finish.

The overall and age group positions for the season are taken from each swimmer’s best 11 results and the medallists had nearly all been found prior to last week, so there was little riding on the final swim.

Overall male winners Hayden Squance and Harrison Dean stayed away, leaving Terry Bone to win his second race of the season and take third place in the overall competition. Terry was also a clear winner in M50-59 with a maximum 110 points.

Lilly Claridge came in fourth overall on Thursday, notching a clear win over Sophie Pahl and giving her a perfect score for the season with 11 wins to secure the women’s title from Emily Chadderton and Keshia Linyard.

Finn Bryant had already clinched the men’s non-wet-

suit title from Steve Malthus and Finn’s father Steve, so he chose to pull on a wetsuit for the final race, lifting his finish position on Thursday to third, behind Connor Eden.

Jude Vincent finished with a perfect 110 points in the women’s non-wetsuit competition, heading off Megan Begg and Kylie Chebahtah for season honours.

On every night of the season, as well as the main race of around 1500m, there’s a short option of about 600m.

This distance doesn’t have an overall winner, but recognises the best under-16 and open division swimmers in both male and female categories.

If there had been an overall champion it would be Nia Linyard, who has gone through the season almost unbeaten.

Noah Malpot was on top form to secure a spot in the final leg of the Sail GP Inspire Programme in San Francisco. Photo: Felix Diemer for SailGP.

Terry Bone snatched the opportunity with the two top swimmers, Hayden Squance and Harrison Dean, not racing in the final instalment of the Rylock swim series to secure himself third place. Photo (file): Tom Young.

COACH:

GAINS:

Sakaria Taulafo (France and USA)

Isaiah Malaulau (returning to the club)

Bradley Burton (North Harbour)

Caleb Luxon (Rangiora HS)

Gus Taliaivao (Auckland)

Ben Lefale (Marist)

Halatuituia Ma’u (Tongan U20)

Bogitini Tuimereke (Rarotonga)

Matt Lowe (NCB)

Ioane Moorea (West Coast)

Nelesoni Malaulau (NCB)

Fletcher Hewitt-Smart (NCB)

Mata Tubuna Nasilivata (Rarotonga)

LOSSES:

Ayden Kapi (Rarotonga)

Connor Higgins (Shute Shield)

Patrick Miller-Leef (Australia)

Cooper Grant (Marist)

Neo Milligan (Auckland)

ONES TO WATCH:

Kershawl Martin-Sykes and Mataroa Maui will co-captain this season and both will add a different style to leadership through their on-field actions.

Tahquinn Hansen takes a bigger leadership role in the pack and

will drive the forwards.

Sakaria Taulafo’s experience will add tons of value to our pasifika base players. Ioane Moorea impresses so far with his skill set and leadership.

Malaulau brothers both to make a big impact on club rugby, two very different but very skilled players.

Fletcher Hewitt-Smart has an excitement about him and plenty of energy that is infectious.

VERDICT:

It was a bit of a season to forget for Nelson last season as they struggled with numbers, but with some exciting new faces in the mix they will be ones to watch out for as a competition black horse. Having lost their captain from last year, it will be interesting to see how the team responds to new leadership. With a number of Nelson College Old Boys and some experienced hats back in the mix, they will be a force to be reckoned with this year, right the way through the team. Coached again by Gary Stevens, he says they still have a number of other players yet to arrive as they look to consolidate and grow their identity for years to come.

FOUNDED: 1868 | HOME GROUND: Neale Park

Gary Stevens | CO-CAPTAINS: Kershawl Martin-Sykes & Mataroa Maui | NAMING SPONSOR: Galbraiths

With a squad including new and returning players, Nelson will look to bounce back from a disappointing 2022 season.

COACHES: Joe Kirker, Antonio

GAINS:

Finlay Harris (Sunshine Coast Grammer School)

Dougal McLeod (Sunshine Coast Grammer School)

Devante Meredeth (Nelson Boys)

Tayne Hemopo (Nelson Boys)

Nick Worthington (North Harbour)

LOSSES:

Seb Siataga (Australia)

Kilipati Lea (Hong Kong)

Jack Grooby (Australia)

Fergus Hughes (Ireland)

COACHING STAFF:

Joe Kirker

Antonio Shalfoon

Ethan Temaari-Singh

ONES TO WATCH:

It will be exciting to see how the boys straight out of high school, like Tayne Hemopo and the untested talent from the Sunshine Coast, go at making the step up to Senior Rugby. They have been extremely enthusiastic and open to learning throughout preseason. With Taine Robinson captaining from the back at 15, they will be looking for strong leadership with a young team as they fight for another title. With some strong results last season, they will be ones to watch with finals ambitions as the Stoke faithful get behind their team for another crack at Tasman Trophy glory.

FOUNDED: 1947 | HOME GROUND: Greenmeadows

Shalfoon, Ethan Temaari-Singh | CAPTAIN: Taine Robinson | NAMING SPONSOR: Freeman Roofing

Stoke look to break a 5 year title drought in 2023, having won their last title (Nelson Bays Sub-Union) in 2018.

2023 CLUB RUGBY

GAINS:

Timoci Sauira (Nelson College), Cooper Grant (Nelson Club).

LOSSES:

Jayden Waharoa (Australia), Nik Vikena (Australia).

ONES TO WATCH:

Tom Thornalley returning from injury. Simione Ofa at the back of the scrum. The front row of Jake Wetere, Dylan Irvine and Teu Sami. Cooper Grant teaming up with the Sauira brothers Nic and Timi.

VERDICT:

Marist came into last year as favourites and returning champions but weren’t able to fire down the stretch and earn themselves a finals spot. They will be hungry to get their names back in the top rung of the leaderboard this season, and with a new coach in Seta Sauira at the helm they have the makings to go all the way. With a big forward pack, they’ll be eager to use their size to their advantage this season and give their new backline a chance to showcase their skills with some space. Prop Jake Wetere steps into the role as captain, with some experience through last year leading the team. With a wealth of experience and a squad that has remained largely unchanged from last year, they’ll be looking to continue refining their combinations and showcasing that Marist green pride.

FOUNDED: 1945 | HOME GROUND: Tahunanui Field

HEAD COACH: Seta Sauira | CAPTAIN: Jack Wetere | NAMING SPONSOR: New Street Steakhouse

After coming up agonisingly short in the Tasman Trophy semi-final last year, Marist will be looking to bounce back in 2023.

Jason Kilworth 021 221 4065 NZ LIFEBROKERS LIMITED Nelson Office: Level 1, 15 Bridge Street, Nelson

Supporting Marist and Tasman rugby community with Insurance and Kiwisaver advice

GAINS:

Joel Lauvale (Kelston Boys)

Von Richardson (Canada)

Jeff Lepa (Injury)

Codey Grimes (Kaiapoi)

Tony Sproul (Waimea College)

Karl Palmer (Waimea College)

LOSSES:

Eden Beech (Perth)

Max Fraine (UK)

Dan Hytongue (retirement)

ONES TO WATCH:

Sio Latu a very promising, big and strong, young talent. Jayde Palmer back from injury with a spring in

his step will be an attacking weapon. Paulo Ma’ afu will be the man to get over the advantage line.

VERDICT:

After a tough season last year with injuries and Covid-19, Waimea will be looking to bounce back with a few personal changes. With a young, exciting, talented side, they will be dangerous with possession, with how well they gel as a unit key to their success this year. With the strong Waimea “never say die” attitude never count them out of being amongst it come the business end of the competition.

Waimea Old Boys will be looking to contest in 2023.

FOUNDED: 1896 | HOME GROUND: Jubilee Park

COACH: Scott McKenzie, Asst. Coaches Kaide Whiting, Leith Brunning | CAPTAIN: TBC

ACOB fall short in third final

JACK MALCOLM

A heroic captains performance by Wolves’ (Wanderers/Motueka) Sean Neal has sealed his team a seven-wicket win in premier cricket’s one-day final against ACOB.

Sean hit the winning runs with a boundary to finish with 69 runs not out, despite tearing his bicep earlier in the day while bowling. Battling through the pain with the help of adrenaline, he says the result was the perfect way to cap off their season.

“The last two games were tough losses against ACOB and then to get bowled out by Nelson College for 50-odd. For the boys to turn it around and put in that dominant performance is an awesome testament to the character of the squad.

“We just managed to stay in the fight and take our chances.”

It was a dominant bowling performance by the Wolves on their home ground at Brightwater Domain, with Joe O’Connor picking up a five-wicket haul from his 9.2 overs, with two wicket maidens. Josh Newport chipped in with three wickets of his own, while Sean picked up one in his first

YOUR MAHI

over before his injury.

“Bowling is our strength,” says Sean.

“Between Hayden Ingham, Josh Newport, Joey O’Connor and Alex Brogan, that could be a Hawke Cup bowling line-up.”

The bowling performance saw the Wolves restrict ACOB to just 117 from their turn with the bat, finishing their innings in the 33rd over. Despite handy knocks from the Restieaux brothers, with Finn picking up 15 and Ronan 30 as

Disc Golf

they put on a 36-run partnership, it wasn’t enough from ACOB.

“At some points it looked like, if these boys bat 20 overs, it might be a different story,” says Sean. He congratulated ACOB on their season, saying it must sting to

Nelson Tasman Disc Golf has asked players to be mindful and keep off the new tee pads at Branford Park until full installation is complete. The course can still be used, but players are asked to tee off from the side, front, or wherever the safest footing is.

Netball

Nelson Netball have appointed two new representative coaches as the 2023 season quickly

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Ngā painga - what’s in it for you?

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

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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

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come runners-up three times but it is an impressive showing nonetheless.

“The way the team works, they’re down four-or-five uni players at the start and the end of the season. . .it’s just a testament to their strength as a team.”

ACOB captain Ollie Jones-Allen says they just didn’t get enough runs on the board to defend.

“It was the same story, really. We couldn’t accumulate runs because we lost wickets at the top.

“Two finals is great, it proves we are there or thereabouts. It’s just unfortunate you can’t win one.”

He says the result was down to the standout performances of the Wolves players, with Joe and Sean outclassing them on the day.

“Sean carrying that serious injury, he showed a massive amount of heart.”

The game was also ACOB opening bowler Reuben Smith’s last time stripping up for the club in the premier grade.

He will hang up the boots after this season, with Ollie saying it will be a massive loss to the team. “Reuben is an absolute Trojan for us. He’s opened the bowling and put in countless overs for so long, and we’ll really miss him.”

approaches. Tracey Rayner will coach the U16 girls team and Sarah Rankin has been appointed as the U18 girls head coach.

Mountainbike

A crash on the first stage of the Enduro World Cup didn’t slow down Rae Morrison too much as she battled back to sixth place in the first stop of the season. The local rider was in top form as she fought her way into contention with a third place finish on the final stage of the event.

Nelson College have fallen just short of winning the plate final of their tour to the Rugby School International U18s in England. As the only New Zealand team invited to the competition, they lost 24-19 to Maryland’s Mount St Mary’s College. After four wins from their opening four games, the team found stiff competition as they reached the knockout stages. The team also played in the Rosslyn Park 7s, where they made the top 32, but lost their last two games. Photo: Nelson College Rugby Facebook.

ACOB were sent back to the changing sheds with their heads hung low after mustering just 117 runs as the Wolves (Wanderers/Motueka) put on a performance to remember on their way to securing the one-day title in the final weekend of the season Photo: Chris Symes/Shuttersport.

Team culture crucial in national title

JACK MALCOLM

Nelson’s mixed touch team embodied their dark horse role earlier this month to walk away as national champions. Coming up against the Auckland juggernaut in the 2023 Bunnings National Touch Championship finals in Palmerston North, the team put on a convincing 14-8 performance to take home gold after three long days of games. Having finished second three years ago, the local side was confident in their chances but knew it was going to be an uphill battle to get over the line against teams from the big centres, says coach and manager Wayne Anderson. “We’ve always been good, or thereabouts, but we definitely stepped up.

“I’d have been disappointed if we didn’t get in the top four, but to get first place is a big effort.”

Having coached the team for over a decade, he says it’s been incredibly tough to assemble a winning group of local players.

“Our chemistry is very important. They get on really well off the field. There’s a good dynamic and

you see that on the field.

“Over the past 15 years, we’ve had a really good representative development. The ones in our team, almost all of them, have come through our age group teams.”

With players allowed to represent their region after moving away

the team faced several challenges, but Wayne says the pathway they’ve built over the years was instrumental.

“We never trained as a full team, but they’ve all been around each other for a number of years,” he says.

Theo lands the winning fish

SARA HOLLYMAN

Theo Pearson, 9, had a lot to celebrate last week after winning two categories in the Dawnbreakers annual Snapper Cup competition.

Theo won the awards in the junior section of last Saturday night’s prizegiving ceremony – Heaviest Gurnard and Third Heaviest Snapper. His fish weighed in at 940 grams and 6.18kg respectively.

Theo’s mum Anita says he was chuffed and surprised with the wins.

While it wasn’t the most successful day of fishing, with plenty of anglers not landing a single fish on the 4 March competition day, the handful of fish that Theo’s boat landed was enough to net the win.

Dawnbreakers competition master Gareth Nicholson said on the evening that, while there were less fish entered than previous years, the average size of snapper was bigger.

Theo, a Brightwater School student, nabbed two rod and reel combos and two bags full of fishing gear.

“He’s worn everything to school today,” Anita says.

The Pearson family have only just purchased a boat so are new to recreational fishing this year. It was the family’s

first year joining Dawnbreakers and entering the Snapper Cup competition.

“There’s already plans for the whole family to enter next year,” Anita says.

The evening was a fundraiser for Nelson Coastguard, with $4565 being raised by clubmembers through a silent auction and ice-cream stand on weigh-in day. The Heaviest Snapper award and the winner of the Snapper Cup Trophy for 2023 went to Keylee Reid for his snapper which weighed in

at 10.14kg.

It too, was one of the only fish caught on the boat on competition day.

Keylee’s snapper was just shy of the heaviest overall fish on the day which was a kingfish weighing in at 10.84kg – taking out the Heaviest Kingfish category in the adult section. More than $30,000 in prizes were awarded throughout the night with the Dawnbreakers committee saying it would not be possible without their sponsors.

“We’re not such a flashy attacking team. But everyone is getting tired and we’re relentless.” Wayne says that while touch in the region is very popular, with successful leagues at Tāhuna and Richmond, there’s only a small contingent of elite level players.

“It’s not a huge portion of players. . . but there’s a number who are very passionate.

“There were two people in the team who it was their first time.” While big regions do predominantly focus on the men’s and women’s game, Wayne says the level of play at the competition was top-notch.

“The smaller centres are much more focused on the mixed.

“A lot of the game is based around the men, but if you don’t have strong women, you won’t do well. . . and our girls are outstanding. He says it’s hard to single out players for having a stand-out performance because of the way they play the game.

“Throughout the tournament, there were stand-out plays from everyone. I thought everyone really stood up.”

Nelson’s U21 mixed team finished third in their tournament, holding their heads high as the only team to hold eventual winners North Harbour to a draw. Coached by Jaxon Taikato, the team was also unable to train and play together until the tournament started.

Shannon Smith dives for the try line as Nelson’s mixed team came away as winners of their final against Auckland at the 2023 National Touch Championships. Photo: Touch New Zealand.

Theo Pearson, 9, took out two award categories in the Dawnbreakers 2023 Snapper Cup. Photo: Supplied.

Nail biting finish to annual classic

After more than 100km of racing, a sprint finish was needed between Cameron Beaumont and Ari Scott to decide the winner of the Tasman Wheelers Annual Classic. Despite taking a wrong turn and riding 4km further than the rest of the field, the pair managed to finish more than five minutes ahead

of Henry Kersten in third, with Cameron coming out with top honours. The first female rider home in the 100km event was Josie Wilcox, who placed fourth overall while averaging an impressive 35km per hour on the hilly course. The 50km event was also hotly contested to the finish line, with William

Conway holding off Lyn Richardson in another tight sprint finish and Steve Brough coming in shortly after to secure third place. At stake in the 100km race were two of the club’s key trophies, the Les Vincent Memorial trophy won by Cameron and the Ann Rigg memorial trophy won by Josie.

SUPER RUGBY TIPPING

Taking his game to the global stage

JACK MALCOLM

The wait is unbearable for Alfie Linn as he counts down the days until he flies out to France to compete at the Virtus Global Games in June.

Having been selected for the New Zealand team for table tennis, he is eager to test his skills against the best players from around the world in the 11.2 (Significant Intellectual Impairment) division.

“It’s going to be fun, I’m excited,” says Alfie. He decided to give the game a go after watching his big brother Jacob play on their table in the garage and they found out he was actually pretty good.

“He just watched and one day he decided to get a few hits,” says his mother Jane Linn. Since that first game just over five years ago, Alfie has gone from strength to strength as his game improves.

The home set-up in the garage has also improved alongside his ability, with a serving robot that means he can play whenever he wants.

“I try and go on it everyday,” he says.

It’s not easy when you’re also a competitive swimmer who’s previously been selected as part of the Nelson swimming team for the Special Olympic nationals, a keen basketballer, an aspiring golfer and an MVP cricketer in the fourth grade. Alfie also plays in the regular Thursday table tennis league and has been getting coaching in the leadup to the Virtus Global Games from Mark Nalder.

Mark, who has experience with coaches around the world, says

they have been focusing on improving Alfie’s serve.

“The main thing is service and response after the serve to get in position. “He’s come a fair way, we now have five-or-six different serve variations. . . I don’t think they’ve seen that in France.”

Mark says he came on board to coach Alfie about six months ago to help prepare him for the Virtus games.

Jane says it’s a very exciting prospect to have a competition where Aflie will play against people who are just like him.

While he holds his own against neuro-typical players, the way Alfie thinks about the game is completely different, she says.

The classifications have also been expanded to include more categories, unlike in the 2019 Virtus Games when Alfie was in the 11.1 division that was ‘Athletes with an intellectual disability’ but did not include ‘significant additional impairment’.

Jane says the changes will suit Alfie’s playing style, with the 2019 games where he was also a flagbearer for the closing ceremony having some tough competition.

“You’ve got these big countries like China and Korea... there’s so much money fed into it and here’s little old Alfie. But that’s him. He wins over hearts and minds and he’s not too shabby (as a player).”

She says the way the club has welcomed him has been transformational to Alfie’s sporting journey. “There’s that sense of belonging and being part of a club in the mainstream. The inclusion in the mainstream and being part of the community is great.”

With a strong forehand finisher already in his arsenal, Alfie Linn has been refining his serve ahead of travelling to France for the Virtus Global Games. Photo: Jack Malcolm.

Community Notices

MONDAY

$3 HEARTY MEALS you’re welcome at Loaves & Fishes where hot nutritious meals are only $3 on Mondays at 5.30 pm and on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at midday. Come to the hall behind the church. 30 Vanguard St. Enquiries Ph: 0272977383.

TUESDAY

WELLBY TALKING CAFÉ, Tues 4 Apr, 10-11.30am. McCashin’s, Stoke. Wellby Talking Cafés are about social connection and finding out about groups, activities, and services www.wellby.org. nz or Ph: 035467681.

NELSON 50+ WALKING GROUP Tues 4 Apr. Tahuna Back Beach Trundle. Meet at 9.45am outside Tahuna Library. BYO lunch. Ph: Di 0274152363.

TUESDAY MUSIC Tues 4 Apr. 10am. Richmond Town Hall Meeting Room. Varied programme includes local talent. Bring a friend- you are welcome. Ph: Christine 0212486038 or 035442375.

LAUGHTER YOGA First Tues of month, 9.30–10.30am. Victory Community Centre. Laughter is good for you! Laughter Yoga combines laughter with yogic breathing exercises to provide an aerobic workout and the perfect antidote to stress. Bring something to lie on for relaxation at the end. For info Ph: 035451207. COST: $3

COFFEE & CROSS Don’t believe in religion but feel there is something? Come and talk. No catch - join me for coffee at YAZA! Tues, 11-12pm - I'll listen. Rev. Gordon, wearing a Cross & Collar.

NELSON NEWBIES WALKING GROUP welcomes new people. Every Tues & Fri, 10am in Nelson, Stoke, Richmond. Ph: Karin 0221529963.

WEDNESDAY

COMMUNITY SING A LONG Wed 5 Apr, 1.30pm. Stoke Methodist Church lounge, 94 Neale Ave. Afternoon Tea. Gold coin dona-

tion for Nelson Hospital Chaplaincy. All welcome.

PLAY PÉTANQUE at Nelson pétanque club. Wed and Sun. 1.153.00pm. A game for all ages. Come along and try us out. Ph: Roger or Shirley 035466562.

WOMEN’S MULTICULTURAL MEAL Meet First Wed of month, 12- 1pm. Victory Community Centre. A “pot-luck” group lunch for women from all cultures to share kai (food) and meet new people. Bring some food from your own culture to share with the group but please don’t worry if you’re unable to bring food, just join us! Cost: Free!

THURSDAY

NELSON/TASMAN ENDOMETRIOSIS GROUP invites you to a gentle Yoga class with Loren. Thurs, 30 Mar, 7-8pm. 16 Venice Place, Stoke. (Upstairs). NOTE new venue. Info Ph: Helen 035441724 or E: nelsonsupport@nzendo.org.nz. All Welcome. Bring own mat if you have one. Gold Coin Donation.

NELSON LIONESS - Seeking new members to join our service club. We are very social and active in our community. We meet every 1st and 3rd Thurs of the month. Ph: Jillian on 0272782743.

TAI CHI FOR BEGINNERS Thurs 7-8pm. 6 Apr–25 May. Victory Community Centre. Join Jingjing from the Healing Hut for this gentle form of exercise that can help maintain strength, flexibility, and balance. It could be the perfect activity for the rest of your life. Ph: 0274348586 to register. COST: $50 for 8 weeks.

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.

FRIDAY

WAITAKI OLD GIRLS' SOCIAL GROUP NSN Fri 31 Mar, 10am. Summerset Richmond Ranges. All Oamaruians welcome. More Info Ph: 0276731145.

AMPUTEE SOCIETY Top of the South meet last Friday of the month for coffee and a chat at the Honest Lawyer around 10am.

DEADLINE: 10AM FRIDAY 50 WORDS OR LESS BY EMAIL ONLY SEND TO: myevent@nelsonweekly.co.nz

Outside if sunny –inside if wet. Bring a friend or support person. Look forward to seeing you there.

COMMUNITY CHIROPRACTIC Fri 31 March, 28 April, 26 May.

12.30-3pm. Victory Community Centre. Proper alignment, posture and movement reduces stress on the vital nervous system and allows for better health expression. 15-minute sessions available. Ph: 035468389 for appt. Cost: Sliding Scale - $5 - $40

SATURDAY / SUNDAY

STOKE MONTHLY MARKET Sat 1 Apr, 9am to noon. Methodist Church Grounds. To book a site Ph: 039276130. Supporting Nelson Hospital Chaplaincy and Lifelinc.

ARMCHAIR TRAVELLERS: Sat, 1 Apr. 7.30pm. Whakatu Presbyterian Hall, Upper Songer St. Speaker, Iain Campbell. 'A Walk through the Dry Valleys – Antarctica”. Entry donations support Nelson Hospice. Supper.

THE NELSON INSTITUTE presents a talk by Dr Mike Johnston on his book about the history of the Golden Bay goldfields. Sun 2 Apr, 2pm. Nelson public library. Cost: $3.

HIGGINS HERITAGE PARK Sun 2 Apr, 10-3pm. 222 Pigeon Valley Rd, Wakefield. Steam-up, museum sheds open and traction engine, bus & jigger rides. A great place for a picnic. www.higginsheritagepark.co.nz

BRING YOUR APPLES AND PEARS and press them for free at our next open day. Sun 2 Apr. 10-3pm. Willow Bank Heritage Village, 79 Wakefield-Kohatu Highway Wakefield.

GENERAL GROUPS

COMMUNITY 8’S ROWING Come alone, with friends or bring an entire crew and give rowing a try with Nelson Rowing Club. We provide coaching and equipment while you put in the mahi over four weeks culminating in our Community race series in early May. More info E: suzanne.hannen@xtra.co.nz

THE SUTER ART SOCIETY autumn exhibition. 29 Mar – 16 Apr.

9.30-4.30pm daily. Featuring guest artist Angela Maritz and

showing the works of local members.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for our day programmes for the elderly. Serve refreshments, join in singing, games, chat or assist on vans. Ph: Maaike 032655224, E: maaikef@psusi.org.nz.

NELSON SPIRITUALIST CHURCH weekly service Sunday 7pm8pm. Corner Tipahi and Motueka Sts.

NELSON HINEMOA CROQUET CLUB Saltwater Lane (off Halifax St, beside squash & tennis courts). Give Croquet a Go: Friendly supportive club, for competition or just fun. Coaching and equipment available. Individuals or groups catered for. Ph: Nettie 035488432 / 0276828168 nettiebarrow@gmail.com

FREE FUNCTION ROOM HIRE to all community groups. Avail 7 days. Wakatu Hotel 83 Collingwood St. Craig 035484299.

EVER THOUGHT OF BECOMING A VOLUNTEER? Are you a community organisation looking for volunteers, training, info, or advice? Check out our website www.volunteernelson.org.nz

Ph: 035467681.

BLOOD CANCER SUPPORT GROUP meet monthly for more information Ph: Heather 0274444708.

NELSON TASMAN HOSPICE Need volunteers to help in Nelson, Richmond, Motueka and Takaka Hospice Shops. Volunteering is a great chance to meet new people, gain new skills and help your Hospice. Morning or afternoon availability appreciated. Ph: 035463912 or E: Krisca.gould@nelsonhospice.org.nz

GROW Needing help. Use a Program and Method. We are here for your mental health. Ph: Patricia 035476120. Koha appreciated.

CAKE DECORATORS are inviting new members to join. You don't need any skills. Come and learn how to work with fondant, sugar paste and chocolate. Creating flowers, figurines and covering a cake. Ph: Desiree 0276302359.

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS to help support Nelson Hospital. A social opportunity for people to donate their time to a 3-4 hr shift during the week in a variety of roles. You’ll be supporting patients, visitors, whānau and staff while receiving sense of purpose, enjoyment and belonging to a group. Visit www.nmdhb.govt.nz

and search ‘volunteering with us’.

THE NEW ZEALAND RED CROSS supports families of refugees as they settle into a new life in Nelson. We are looking for volunteers who would like to be part of the team and make a real difference in somebody’s life. Full training provided and time commitment is very flexible. TXT John 0272235972 or migration. volunteers@redcross.org.nz

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

SURVIVORS AND THRIVERS If you have or have had cancer, supporting someone with cancer come and meet others in this friendly atmosphere. Register Ph: 035391137 or info@cancernelson.org.nz.

DOWNSIZING OR DECLUTTERING? Vinnies in Vanguard St can collect your good quality household donations. Ph: 035489372. YOGA for people who have or have had cancer. Mon AM and PM, and Tues eve. Register info@cancernelson.org.nz or Ph: 035391137.

FALLS PREVENTION: Free 2hr session for anyone who has fallen or is at risk of falling.Relaxed & informal setting. Book at Nelson Bays Primary Health. Ph: Ange 021790415.

FOOD, IS IT A PROBLEM FOR YOU? Are you suffering from anorexia, bulimia, obesity and/or compulsive eating? Overeaters Anonymous works. Ph: 0226730237. 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 0274610497 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 08002296757.

Community notices are free to community groups, schools, churches, gold coin donation events and fundraising only. For classified ads and public notices please call 548 5900 Due to the popularity of this column, while every effort will be made, inclusion cannot be guaranteed for free ads.

Classifieds

CLASSIFIED DEADLINE - 5PM FRIDAY

PH 548 5900

sales@nelsonweekly.co.nz

WANTED TO BUY

TOP PRICES PAID, TOOLS SHED GEAR HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

TOOLS OLD / NEW FISHING RODS REELS

PETROL TINS, SIGNS BOTTLES

NZ OR MAORI ITEMS, TOBACCO TINS BRASS / COPPER, COLOURED GLASS COINS BANKNOTES

General household bits, Plus much more Large or Small lots or Estates & Downsizing Ph 027 5380020 or 03 5380020

PUBLIC NOTICE

SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING

SITUATIONS VACANT Auckland Point School

The Committee of the Stoke Rugby Club is calling a SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING of its members which will be held on TUESDAY THE 18 th OF APRIL 7.30pm in The Stoke Rugby Clubrooms at the Greenmeadows Community Centre in Stoke.

1. Access to Members Funds from sale of Clubrooms

2. Proposed changes to the Constitution

a. Life Membership & Proposed Criteria

b. Notice of Annual and Special General Meetings

FURNITURE FURNITURE

- MAKE AN OFFER

Final weeks of our Closing Shop Sale @ Souchebys Antiques The Castle 75 Gladstone Rd, Richmond Open 6 days. Ph 544 0723 or 021 417 413

Don't miss this after 22 Years!

WANTED TO BUY

CASH PAID FOR OLD WRISTWATCHES

SCRAP GOLD & SILVER OLD COINS & JEWELLERY

VINTAGE / QUALITY

TOOLS

MILITARY & FIREARMS ITEMS

GENERAL ANTIQUES ALSO

BUYING ESTATE & SHED ITEMS

ANTIQUES

ANTIQUES/ COLLECTABLES

NZ Paintings & books, Musical Instruments, Toys, Cameras, Clocks, Silver, Fine China, Morris Minor, etc.Closing Shop after 22 Years!

Don't miss the bargains this week at Souchebys Antiques, The Castle 75 Gladstone Rd, Richmond Ph 544 0723

Open Mon to Sat

WANTED TO BUY

COLLECTION & DOWNSIZING

Te

Kura o Matangi Awhio Teacher Aide Position

We are seeking a special person, who has an affinity with children who have extra special needs, to come and work in our school.

5 hours per day. 25 hours per week.

Pay: $25-$30 p.h. (dependent on experience) Experience would be desirable.

For further information please contact:

Our principal - Sonya Hockley principal@aps.school.nz | 03 548 7970

SITUATIONS VACANT DELIVERIES STORE FURNITURE

Richmond Office Products Depot is a locally owned commercial business supplying office furniture, business machines, stationery, cafeteria and cleaning supplies to clients throughout Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough regions. An opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic person to join our store team. This is a diverse, fun and busy role and will comprise of many store tasks, including stock, office furniture, packing orders for dispatch, courier ticketing, deliveries to local customers.

We are looking for a person with the following attributes:

• Self motivated and well presented

• Works well in a team environment and shows initiative to work unsupervised

• Excellent communication skills and a positive attitude to work and staff

• Honest and reliable

• Good eye for detail and retains information

• Be able to work efficiently and have great time management skills

• There is some heavy lifting, so you need to be fit and healthy

• Full NZ drivers licence

• Forklift licence would be a benefit but not a requirement

Come and join our awesome team, work with great people in a great job

If you are interested in joining our team and believe you have the enthusiasm and motivation, we invite you to apply today. This position is available now and is a full time role, Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm.

Please email loveyourwork@opdrichmond.co.nz providing a CV and cover letter, or please drop off your details to our showroom - 7 McGlashen Avenue, Richmond, NELSON

For more information please contact: Chris Little 0277136195 admin@stokerugby.co.nz

SITUATIONS VACANT

INSTANT CASH FOR GOLD AND SILVER

PH TIM GLADSTONE

PH T&B VINTAGE 0800 653 935 or 548 5235

FOR HIRE

Mini Buses for Hire

Cawthron Institute Trust Board - Trustee

The Trust Board comprises four statutory Trustees (Nelson Member of Parliament, Nelson City Council Mayor, Tasman District Council Mayor, and the Nelson Bishop), and six other Trustees to represent the ‘top of the south’ region. The Trust Board’s charitable purpose is to advance science for the benefit of Te Tauihu and Aotearoa New Zealand, with a focus on natural resources. The Trust Board approves the strategic direction of the Cawthron Institute, funds philanthropic/ community activities and appoints the Board of Directors. Cawthron Institute is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest independent science institute, based in Whakatū/ Nelson.

We are seeking a Trustee with the following skills and experience:

As a director or trustee or experience in any other governance role.

• Science, environmental or primary industry.

• Valuing philanthropic activity.

• Commercial or business.

• Communications with ability to work collaboratively in a Board environment.

• Strong connections/affinity within Te Tauihu.

The Trustee position is voluntary. The Trust Board meets five times per year; the level of involvement outside this is optional and varies with projects. Applicants from Nelson, Tasman, Golden Bay, Marlborough, Kaikoura are preferred.

Further information can be obtained from elizabeth@ greenaway.co.nz

Those interested in applying for the Trustee position should email the following to elizabeth@greenaway.co.nz no later than 5.00pm on Monday 24 April:

• A short letter summarising the skills and experience that they bring

• Full resume detailing work history, relevant experience and qualifications.

• Contact details for two potential referees.

www.nelsonminibushire.co.nz

here for

Your

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By placing your advertisement you agree with the terms and conditions of the Nelson Weekly Ltd. Payment is due by the 20th of the following month. All debt recovery costs will be on-charged to the customer. Interest will be charged on overdue debts greater than 90 days. Cheques are no longer accepted. Should you require any further information please view our Terms of Trade at https://topsouthmedia.co.nz/terms-of-trade/ or call 548