Nelson Weekly - 31 May 2023

‘Total dance spectacular’ for hospice

KATE RUSSELL

It was a showstopper of an evening at a sold-out Trafalgar Centre on Saturday, with NBS Dancing for a Cause taking centre stage.

The biennial event helps to raise much-needed funds for Nelson Tasman Hospice and sees 10 local personalities team up with trained ballroom dancers and compete in front of a panel of judges and a live audience.

Organiser Emma Silke-French says she couldn’t be happier with how the night went.

“It was a total dance spectacular. I am so proud of the efforts of our contestants and dancers. It was a seamless show, which was our goal.”

The winner on the night was Ryan Edwards from Sport Tasman and his dance partner Hazel Adcock, who won over the judges with their Viennese Waltz to Lady Ga Ga’s ‘Hold my Hand’.

See Page 11.

Stoke business owners have put forward an alternative plan for a bus interchange than the one proposed by Nelson City Council that would see several storefront car parks removed.

Council is proposing that the

new interchange, needed as part of the new expanded bus service launching on 1 August, will go along Main Road Stoke between Songer and Putaitai Streets. That location provides easy access to Stoke Central Mall and has the support of Blind and Low Vision NZ and the Nelson Blind Citizens Group, however it will require the

removal of three car parks and the gingko trees outside the mall. But businesses along that stretch of road, which include cafés, a pharmacy, a dairy, and a bakery, don’t want to see their storefront parks disappear. Council has said that if the interchange replaces the three car parks, it would turn the old bus

stop outside the Countdown into four new parks, and reduce the parking time along the affected section of Main Road Stoke from 180 minutes to 60 minutes to encourage visitor turnover, but business owners say these measures wouldn’t have much impact.

“If you have a bus sitting [outside

the businesses] for three minutes every half hour, that’s an hour of the day that stuff is physically being used by the buses. We lose eight hours, nine hours trading,” Squires café owner Kim Hall says. “It’s further for our customers to walk,” adds Jo Rose from Harvest

Hazel Adcock and Ryan Edwards took out overall winner on Saturday night.

Photo: Evan Barnes / Shuttersport.

MAX FRETHEY

Local Democracy Reporter

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Alternative interchange solution

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Moon, a café and bulk foods store. They also don’t believe that the bus passengers would be likely to be major customers.

“The majority of people who shop in Stoke, live in Stoke. We’re not a shopping destination,” Kim says. “The majority of people are going to get up and go to the [Richmond] Mall and into town.”

“We’re supportive of a better bus service,” says The Veggie Guy owner Karl Hadfield. “But it’s the placement [of the interchange] that is the problem.”

Karl says they have suggested an alternative location outside the Stoke Memorial Hall and youth skate park where there is already a bus stop.

“They’ve been measured out, they do work.”

The proposal was made to council at a meeting last Monday which Karl says was attended by 70 or 80 Stoke locals along with some elected members and council officers.

Alec Louverdis, council’s group manager infrastructure, attended the meeting and says one of the two proposed stops outside the hall was “potentially workable”.

“It’s fair to say that in our conversations with this group they made it clear they were in strong opposition to any carparks being lost outside their businesses,” he says.

“We have committed to considering these options ahead of next month’s Hearing Panel on 16 June for a final decision to be made on this issue.”

Alec adds that council’s approach throughout the process has been to “openly discuss the proposed

changes with businesses in Stoke, listen to their feedback, and where possible make changes that can help alleviate some of

their concerns” but not everyone believes the process has been robust enough.

Karl says a “lack of consultation”

has put the businesses in their current position, fighting the proposed location.

“The decision’s already pre-determined,” he asserts. “[Council] didn’t talk to us but [they’ve] done the design work.”

However, Alec assures that a “balanced report” will be presented to elected members at the 16 June Hearing Panel so they can make an “informed decision”. All aspects of the new public transport service, including the location of bus stops and the interchange, will be reviewed in 12 months to allow for any adjustments.

Jae Major

Belinda Clark

REGISTERED LEGAL EXECUTIVE (DipLExSt)

Main Road Stoke business owners Karl Hadfield, Kim Hall, and Jo Rose want the proposed bus interchange to go outside the Memorial Hall rather than replacing the parks outside their stores.

Photo: Max Frethey.

Bed occupancy high heading into winter

ANNE HARDIE

Nelson’s Hospital is running between 90 and 105 per cent bed occupancy as it heads into the winter ills’ season and the pressure on beds is deferring surgeries.

Chief medical officer Dr Nick Baker says he expects an increase in Covid-19 cases as winter sets in, along with an increase in flu, colds and other viruses and that puts even more pressure on the health system.

“That occupancy does mean that at times we are having to defer people’s surgery.”

He says it means people will also wait longer in the emergency department when the capacity is full.

To date, he says the expected Covid-19 wave has not eventuated and has been more a series of “undulations” that has still resulted in 70 to 100 cases reported in the region per day. That is just the “tip of the iceberg” though, as he says many cases are not reported.

Between people entering the hospital because of Covid-19 and those in hospital for other reasons that then test positive, the virus continues to put

pressure on the system and available beds because they have to be isolated, he says. Many people have been relatively free of coughs and colds for the past couple of years, especially those under five years old and he expects an increase this winter.

Young children, especially infants, have the added risk of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) which can lead to hospitalisation.

“Winter favours the spread of bugs and people need to take reasonable precautions. We had a culture pre-Covid where people thought it was okay

to go to work and cough and sneeze and share their germs. I think people now think that is not okay because that inevitably brings more absenteeism and increasing problems.”

He says the public can do their part to reduce pressure on bed occupancy by getting health care early if they are sick, making plans for their own preventative health care such as vaccinations and if they do need to get medical help, going early in the day.

“There’s a tendency to come to hospital later in the day and that also puts more pressure on.”

Dr Nick Baker says winter favours the spread of bugs. Photo: Supplied.

Hundreds of people packed along the banks of Wakefield Quay for the 2023 Blessing of the Fishing Fleet on Saturday. With over a quarter of the local population involved in the industry, the 21st Blessing of the Fleet saw dozens of vessels gather in the harbour to celebrate what the fishing industry means for the community. After Friday night’s fireworks, Saturday’s programme saw a large crowd in attendance to commemorate the blessing and view displays from the local Coastguard and tug boats.

Budgeting service booked out

RNZ

Nelson Budget Services is seeing an all-time high demand for financial mentoring and support, being booked solid for weeks.

“We’re booked out about a month in advance as people come through with all manner of financial issues, with the cost of living crisis and general housing issues,” says coordinator, Tessa Bell. It comes as a new report shows the average wage earnings in the region - at $60,048 a year - are the lowest in New Zealand, 14 per cent below the national average ($69,585) for 2022.

Tessa says the service is looking for a larger premises in order to see more people.

“We’re seeing a change from the lower-income into the middle-income, we’re seeing an increase in people as their mortgage rates

increase, people needing to look at a whole raft of changes in their personal finances.”

She says two or three people a week are seeking help accessing their KiwiSaver due to financial pressures.

People can withdraw money from KiwiSaver for a number of hardship reasons, including not being able to pay a mortgage, being unable to cover minimum living expenses or needing to pay medical costs.

Data from Inland Revenue shows the number of people making withdrawals from their Kiwisaver for financial hardship has increased in the last year.

In March, there were 2662 withdrawals totalling $20,291,093 for financial hardship, up from 1641 withdrawals totalling $7,872,419 in March last year.

“People find that that’s one sim-

ple way where they don’t have to get into further debt, to pay off existing debt,” Tessa says.

“We do explore other options, because obviously, KiwiSaver’s purpose is to be saved for retirement, but on the other hand, a crisis in the short-term needs to be remedied and that’s often the only source of money people can access.”

Tessa says the service was seeing an increase in retirees on fixed incomes, for whom the cost of living increases and rising interest rates were having an impact on their quality of life.

“We might see someone who’s not putting the power on and that leads to health outcomes that aren’t very positive.”

Tessa said for some, using their KiwiSaver to pay their mortgage and bills was the only path forward.

Nelson Budget Services coordinator, Tessa Bell. Photo: Max Frethey.

Photo: Jack Malcolm.

Community rally after health ‘tragedy’

JO KENT

A local mum who repeatedly asked for medical care has died just six days after being diagnosed with inoperable bowel cancer.

Friends of 41-year-old Emma Eyles, who grew up in Tasman before moving to Christchurch in 2021, are now rallying round to raise vital funds to support her 10-year-old daughter, Monroe.

Close friend Shelley Sims, who owns Freshbake in Brightwater, says Monroe now faces the rest of her life without her mother, who she says was a beautiful soul and had a passion for horses.

“I’ve known Emma for eight years and as soon as I heard her diagnosis, I knew I had to help. Emma was terribly let down by the health care system and an investigation should be launched.

“How classic symptoms of bowel cancer were overlooked so many times is a tragedy and lessons need to be learnt.”

With a small army of volunteers and an outpouring of generosity from the community, Shelley baked and sold around 6000 cupcakes over the weekend, raising $5000 for the family.

“Emma would have been blown away to see the amount of people coming in to buy one $6 box of

cakes but putting in $50. Someone even cleared out every supermarket of cupcake cases to donate to me and we used them all.”

Tragically, single mum Emma says she had visited her GP on several occasions, but was always told she either had irritable bowel syndrome or a gastro bug. She even spent a day in the emergency department in Christchurch Hospital but was again sent home.

Documenting her struggle on her Facebook page earlier this month, she posted, “Never in my life have I experienced pain like I

have over the past days.

“It’s strange to feel so unwell but be told there is nothing wrong with you.”

She said that a doctor’s appointment was cancelled at the last minute, despite her “begging for a scan”, but was told it wasn’t possible on a Friday afternoon.

Poignantly, she later posted, “Seriously, our doctors need a shakeup. I’m not surprised we lose so many people too soon when they won’t go beyond unless you hold a gun to their head.”

Having been left “screaming in agony”, a friend advised her to

ring Healthline who told her to get an ambulance straight to hospital.

Two days later, it was confirmed she had bowel cancer which had spread to her liver, and was given just a week to live.

“I spoke to Emma at 4.30pm on Sunday shortly before she passed,” Shelley says.

“A friend held up a phone to her ear and I told her what I’d done and how much I’d raised.

“I said my goal was $5k but now it’s $200k and that I’m going to keep going until I can buy Monroe a house. Emma made a

sound, so I knew she’d heard me. I’ll keep my promise.”

Emma died in hospice later that evening surrounded by friends and family, just six days after her diagnosis last Monday.

Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury interim hospital and specialist services lead, Lisa Blackler, says, “Our sincere sympathies are with the whānau and friends of Emma at this very difficult time, but we can’t comment on individual patient care.”

When asked by the Nelson Weekly as to whether an investigation should be opened into Emma’s care, a Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury spokesperson advised that the family can make a complaint through the Health and Disabilties Commissioner if they so wish.

A Givealittle page that was set up last week had generated more than $53,000 at the time of going to print and Shelley says she will keep baking her cupcakes.

“A $100 donation is enough to make 300 packs so people can help that way as well as buying a box to eat.”

Similarly, another friend of Emma’s, Kristy King-Turner, has arranged an equestrian show at Marchwood Park in Motueka on 13 August.

Freshbake owner Shelley Sims with volunteers Holly Carppe, Gillian James, Tracey Keane-Harvey, Danita Rudolph, Cara Coppell and Karen Carppe. Photo: Jo Kent.

Kevin is the man of many teapots

ANNE HARDIE

Kevin Wilson is a “collector at heart” and at 83 has had some time to collect a few things, including more than 100 teapots that are scattered around his garden, house and every nook and cranny of his Richmond property. In the past he even bought them to fill the shelves of a friend’s tearooms in Westport that ended up with 400 teapots and became a sideline for the business.

“They had all this room in the shop so I decided to fill the shelves with teapots and full sets of cups and saucers.”

That prompted his own collection and it is still growing, with each new arrival finding its own place around his home.

He buys some, others are given to him and one was even left on his doorstep with a note saying the owner had no use for it and he might appreciate it more.

“They’re colourful and they make your place look nice – especially against a white house.”

A friend even made gates to the garden with the outline of teapots worked into the design. His collecting days go way back though.

For 30 years he was a cook at the

Wakatu Hotel in Nelson where he became interested in collecting named pens from customers. That led him to making some of his own pens with the words ‘stolen from the Wakatu – return to Boots’.

Many of them disappeared and many of them came back.

His pen collection added up to 4,000 different named pens when a woman wanted to buy them for her husband and paid $3,000 for the lot. He also has about 100 caps perched one on top the other around his home and there are no doubt other collections tucked

away. Boots has long been his nickname after being born with deformed feet and being taught to walk in hospital, and then wear his hefty boots through the decades. It never held him back and he went on to have a diverse working life being a baker, cook, taxi driver

and even a nurse. Being a baker was his first job at 18 and he remembers working with another baker to bake 31,200 hot cross buns between 4pm and 8.30am in the days when there was just one day of the year to sell the buns.

“Nothing ever held me back. If you have a smile on your face you can’t go wrong.”

Besides collecting, Kevin has always been “a giver” and is still a committee member for Richmond’s St Vincent de Paul.

“I’m in and out all the time, giving them a hand. Though I’m a bit old now.”

Not too old to bag tomatoes when he gets given them and place in the shop for anyone who might appreciate some free food. He cuts up pumpkins and adds those to the shelves for free pick-up as well. At home he makes soup that he freezes in plastic containers to give away and bakes scones to distribute.

“I’ve always been a giver. That’s who I am.”

Given his name, he was often called Kevin Bloody Wilson after the Australian comedian way back, and even had a front-row seat at one of his shows where he took home the comedian’s guitar pick as a momento.

Kevin Wilson is still collecting teapots. Photo: Anne Hardie.

Nayland student named among top chemists in NZ

SARA HOLLYMAN

A Nayland College student has been named one of the top four student chemists in the country, which will see her head to Switzerland in July.

Year 13 student Isla Swanney has made the NZ Chemistry Olympiad team, along with three Auckland-based students, who will be competing together at the 55th International Chemistry Olympiad in Switzerland.

Isla says the process to be selected for the team was a rigorous one, involving tests, training materials, lectures and then exams. She will be joining students from around 90 countries in Switzerland.

Isla says, after joining 31 others from New Zealand at a camp in Auckland, she was not expecting to make the team.

“I was not expecting it, the tests weren’t too bad but all the lectures and problems they gave us were really hard, all the other people there were so smart and amazing, I was just really suprised.”

While she doesn’t study chemistry at school, having already

passed her Level 3 calculus and chemistry last year, maths and science subjects have always interested her.

“I think in chemistry I quite like the problem-solving side. It’s not so much like biology where you have to memorise a whole bunch of stuff. It goes more on concept knowledge and formulas which I quite like.”

Isla also studies history, Spanish, physics, psychology and biology.

She says she doesn’t know what to expect from the trip but is looking forward to seeing some of Switzerland.

“A lot of it is showing us around Switzerland and Zurich and some of their science labs. I’m hoping it will be more of a sightseeing thing rather than just lectures.

“They have world-class science labs and universities so it will be really cool just seeing what they’re doing. Going to research facilities and seeing what they’re doing will be really cool.”

Most of her trip expenses are covered by the New Zealand Chemistry Olympiad Trust, with students being asked

to fundraise and contribute $1000 of their own money.

Isla has received a grant from the Kāmahi Trust to cover the final $1000.

She says her biggest takeaway from the Auckland training camp was a possible new career path.

“In terms of future career paths, I had never really thought of doing chemistry,” she says.

“But doing this, I’ve really enjoyed the problems and the practicals, so it’s given me another option.”

She says next year she will “probably” be going to university.

“I don’t really know what I’m doing there yet. I’ve kind of narrowed it down to a science or engineering degree, but that’s still pretty broad.

“I’m still trying to figure out what I want to do, I don’t have a very good idea of what most actual jobs involve but at the moment, some sort of engineering job or research would be quite interesting as well.”

With not long to go until her trip to Switzerland, Isla says it hasn’t quite sunk in yet, but she is excited.

Nelson Institute talk

The Nelson Institute’s talk next month is from computer pioneer Bruce Moon. ‘Being a rocket scientist and other tales’ is on in the activities room at the Nelson Public Library on 4 June at 2pm. Bruce was employed as a rocket scientist in Australia and England from 1951 - 1959. A born and bred South Islander, he became a pioneer in the use of computers and as early as 1954 was telling people to ‘go digital’. Since retiring he has taught at a mission school in Vanuatu, worked with disabled people in India and UK, and taught English and physics to Tibetan refugees from Chinese oppression. The cost of the talk is $3.

Founders Book Fair is back

The annual Founders Book Fair kicks off this

King’s Birthday Weekend. The nine-day book bonanza has been running since 1988 and this year starts on Saturday, 3 June, and finishes on Sunday, 11 June. A range of used books from a range of categories will be on offer, as well as puzzles, magazines, and records. The fair runs from 10am - 4.30pm daily. Entry is $2 per person, or you can get a weekly pass for $5. Children under 12 are free.

Airport roadworks set to begin

Roadworks are set to begin at Nelson Airport next week to allow changes for the new airport bus service starting on 1 August. To allow buses to travel through the airport precinct, changes are required to the gradient of the pedestrian crossing points on the airport entry road and in front of the terminal.

Isla Swanney is preparing to head to Switzerland with other top student chemists from around the world. Photo: Sara Hollyman.

Blind Low Vision NZ appealing decision to reinstate worker fired over vaccine refusal

TRACY NEAL Open Justice Reporter

Legally blind Sue Thoms, who loved helping others who had lost their sight was devastated to lose her job assessing the needs of clients in Nelson and Marlborough. Sue was dismissed from her role last year with Blind Low Vision New Zealand, where she’d worked for the past 32 years, after refusing to be vaccinated against Covid-19.

The Employment Relations Authority has in a decision released this month ordered her reinstatement to the organisation, and awarded $25,000 compensation for the hurt and humiliation suffered.

The Authority said that the process around her dismissal was flawed, and not enough time had been taken to explore alternatives when she failed to comply with her employer’s vaccine policy. Blind Low Vision NZ told Open Justice late on Friday that it was appealing the decision.

ERA member Sarah Kennedy-Martin considered the medical exemption process was relevant to the decision to dismiss Sue, who has multiple sclerosis (MS).

After talking with her doctor, she decided she did not want to be vaccinated at that stage of the pandemic but was willing to review her position as more information and options came to light.

“This is someone who was absolutely in love with helping people who had lost their sight, and to remove her from that was devastating,” Thoms’ advocate, Theresa Tudor, told Open Justice.

“She’s extremely happy to be back in the role.”

Sue told Open Justice the outcome showed there was an onus on employers to make fair and reasonable attempts to keep staff rather than use the mandate to dismiss unvaccinated employees.

“It has been an extremely stressful and challenging time, both emotionally and financially.

“I’m thrilled that the determination went in my favour and I hope this gives encouragement to others in a similar situation.”

Sue was employed as a primary service provider for the Royal Foundation of the Blind Incorporated, which trades as Blind Low Vision NZ – a registered charity that supports people with sight loss so they can maintain their independence.

She provided needs assessment services to clients throughout the Top of the South until her dismissal in February 2022, after the vaccine mandate came into force.

She successfully argued her dismissal was unjustified because her employer failed to fairly consider alternatives to dismissal.

Blind Low Vision NZ said it went through a fair consultation process with Sue regarding the vaccination policy, implemented it fairly and engaged with her regarding the consequences of non-compliance, including that it had considered alternatives to dismissal.

The ERA found the dismissal was unjustified and ordered that Sue be reinstated to the payroll immediately.

It ruled that, within 42 days of the May 19 decision, she was to be reinstated to her former position or a position no less advantageous to her.

She has held several roles in different locations around the country over her 32 years of working for the organisation.

She moved to Blenheim

director-general of health. She had an exemption letter from her GP but had not applied for an exemption under the formal process put in place later by the Government.

ERA member Sarah Kennedy-Martin said further consultation and extra information would have been important before any final decision was made and that the option of seeking a vaccination exemption from the director-general of health was also not properly explored.

“It was also not clear what the decision maker had taken into account before reaching her final decision,” she said.

In January 2022, Sue was told that neither redeployment nor variation to her role were viable alternatives.

Because she chose to remain unvaccinated and did not have a medical exemption, she could no longer lawfully provide care and support to clients in their homes, which was considered crucial to the organisation’s service delivery model.

in 2011 and, in early 2021, when a vacancy arose in a service provision role, she took on all of the Nelson region, including Golden Bay and the West Coast, in addition to her existing geographical area.

She was able to work with help from a Workbridge support person who drove for her and assisted with administration tasks.

The vaccine mandate came into force on April 30, 2021, and was amended on October 25 to include care and support workers.

Blind Low Vision NZ began consultation on its proposed vaccination policy.

It “strongly encouraged” all eligible employees to receive the Covid-19 vaccine but acknowledged some would be medically unable to be vaccinated or would choose not to receive it for personal reasons.

In circumstances where an employee was ineligible to receive the vaccine for medical reasons, Blind Low Vision NZ said it would discuss this in good faith. Sue set out her position, including a proposal that would allow her to continue in her role if she was to remain unvaccinated, due to her underlying medical condition.

She was told by her employer at an investigation meeting that it would have to find a way to accommodate her if she had a formal medical exemption from the

Sue was also told in the letter of termination that it was not possible to split her role in the manner proposed.

However, the ERA said there must have been alternative options available that would have allowed her to remain employed, because of how she was already carrying out the role, adapted to accommodate her sight impairment.

The authority recognised it was a difficult time, and things were “moving fast”, but it was not satisfied the employer had exhausted all reasonable alternatives to avoid termination of Sue’s role. It found the dismissal was “sub stantively unjustified” and that remedies were appropriate. It was also satisfied the employment relationship could be “successfully re-established”, noting Sue’s unblemished work history over 32 years.

Along with $25,000 compensation, an order was made for the employer to pay three months’ lost remuneration from the date of dismissal.

Sue said she was grateful for the support of friends and family and those in the Marlborough community who had also found themselves in a difficult situation because of the mandates.

Sue Thoms (back) lost her job with Blind Low Vision NZ over her reluctance to get vaccinated. She has now been reinstated to the job after a ruling by the Employment Relations Authority. She is seen here with osteopath Jessica Evans in training for an earlier cycle challenge. Photo: Chris Rudsdale.

‘Total dance spectacular’ for hospice

FROM PAGE 1

Coming in second place was Ben Brownie, with Cheryl Candish in third.

Talking to Nelson Weekly, Ryan says the nerves were in check on Saturday and he was stoked to take the trophy home.

“I was never really nervous. Five seconds into the dance when you

hear the crowd, it really brings you into the moment.”

Ryan says dancing has always been out of his comfort zone, but he happily accepted the challenge to participate after being nominated by his wife Victoria.

“It’s definitely part of me now.

Hazel has an unbelieve knack for making the most petrifying thing so much fun.”

The contestants all put on an impressive perfomance at the Trafalgar Centre on Saturday night, with Ryan Edwards and Hazel Adcock claiming the overall win.

Photos: Evan Barnes / Shuttersport.

Ryan says learning about how valuable hospice is in the community was a huge eye-opener, too, and encourages others to give it a go.

“If you ever get approached to do it, it’s just a no-brainer.”

Emma says Ryan “absolutely brought it” to the stage.

“He worked his bottom off. He did the best dance he had ever

done. It was just awesome to see them all get out there and dance their hearts out.”

Although the final tally won’t be known until next week, a total of $339,332 has been raised by the contestants.

Emma says the show wouldn’t have been possible without all the people who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.

“Such a huge amount of work goes into the show. All the trust members, over 100 helpers, and the chefs and tech guys who travelled from out of town to help.”

Dancing for a Cause held its first event in 2018 and raised $111,000 with the 2021 event raising $248,000.

To make a final donation go to www.dancingforacause.co.nz

Heather Kelling

Well done, that is so good that it’s still in the family. You will do them proud like your Dad and Mum. All the best for your future.

Eunice Barnes

Bridget and Bevan are lovely. They’ll be wonderful.

Marlene Alach

Glad to have you back, Bridget and Bevan.

Lynley Wilson-Smith

Three-storey housing complex without elevator a ‘concern’

I get that 19 out of 28 apartments might not be accessible to those that can’t climb stairs, but that still leaves 9

that are accessible, and that’s 9 more than there are currently! Sometimes the pursuit of perfection can get in the way of just getting stuff done. And with a housing crisis I think that this building will serve a good purpose.

Victoria Thomas Ashcroft

Do people not know how to climb stairs anymore? Get over it!

Elaine Goodall

Some people can’t climb stairs, in particular, disabled

and/or elderly.

Susan Bown

It looks as if it has steps up to it anyway, so that would exclude the elderly/disabled community regardless of an elevator. How accessible will the ground floor units be to mobility scooters and wheelchair users?

Fiona Gilliver

Affordability. That’s the number 1 concern!

CarolanneSamaria Kumeroa

Great use of land, just a

shame it’s three-storeys.

Nicole Sutherland

Nine units on the ground floor for those that can’t climb stairs.

Norman Stringer

A live-in manager with their own facilities would be a good idea too.

Carol Stewart

I’m just imagining carting kids and groceries up three levels. Urghh.

Shaz Amatazz

Stairs are safer in an emergency as they have learned with Loafers Lodge in Wellington recently. Noone uses elevator in an emergency.

John Jenkins

Funding criteria change could see end of Buskers Festival

Funding festivities is not a core council responsibility.

Kym Parsons

Nelson Giants vs Wellington Saints

Friday, 2 June, 7pm

Trafalgar Centre, Nelson

Come support the NBS Nelson Giants as they take on the Wellington Saints. Bring your friends, bring your family for a great night out! Food and Beverages for sale, half time show, chance to win prizes. Tickets from: https://giants.flicket.co.nz

Hon Dr Nick Smith

RATES & INFLATION

Council completed deliberations last Thursday on rates after public submissions to our draft budget for 2023/24. We made some sensible tweaks but kept the lid on Nelson’s rate increase to no more than the rate of inflation.

The 7.2% increase relative to inflation is much less than Nelson’s historical increases. Rates increased 38% compared with inflation of 15% in Nelson over the past decade.

Nelson’s increase is less than most Councils. The average proposed increase nationally is 10% with Wellington at 12%, Tasman at 9% and Marlborough 8%. The challenge of minimising the Nelson rate increase was made much harder by the nearly $50 million cost to Council of fixing roads, pipes, walkways, parks and landslides from last August’s storm. We opted to spread this over 10 years to keep the rate increase down. Some have argued that inflation is the Government’s problem and not Councils. I do hold the Government responsible for NZ’s worst inflation in more than 30 years. It took to printing money during Covid like an alcoholic to drink with no thought for the inflation hangover it would leave.

50% S A L E E N D S 6 J U N E 2 0 2 3

T W E A R

OFF A

Founders Annual Book Fair

Saturday 3 – Sunday 11 June, 10-4.30pm daily Founders Heritage Park

Thousands of great quality books to choose from. $2 per person, $5 weekly pass, children under 12 free.

MTB public shuttles, Live music & Base Cafe dining

Saturday, 3 June, 12-7pm

Cable Bay Adventure Park

Come and grab some shuttles, a cold drink and enjoy some live music over a early dinner. Public shuttles, $10pp/per uplift. If riding after 5pm, remember lights. Shuttles every hour on the hour.

Labour’s Monetary Policy Amendment Act of 2018 also weakened the focus of the Reserve Bank on inflation. I argued and voted then as Nelson MP against this law change but was told by Government that my views were outdated and that inflation was no longer a problem. Inflation has also been compounded by dozens of other Government decisions pushing up costs. Regardless of fault, Council needed to consider the acute financial pressures on households. Food is up 12%. The average Nelson mortgage interest cost is up $350 per week. Nelson rents are up an average $50 per week. Rates make up only 4% of household costs but by keeping the rate increase to no more than inflation, we are not making the problem worse.

We also opted, after public submissions, to provide a modest proposed increase in funding for community groups working with Nelson’s most vulnerable. This reflects the economic forecasts for tough times ahead.

Nelson Matters Nick Smith MAYOR OF NELSON

All welcome at The White House

KATE RUSSELL

All were welcome at The White House - Te Whare Ma last week, with the mental health support service holding an open day for the community.

The community-led service used to be based in Trafalgar Square and moved to its current location on Wainui St in The Wood in 2016.

“We formed over 25 years ago when facilities like Ngāwhatu were closed and suddenly all the people ‘inside’ were ‘outside’ in the community,” says the service’s support manager, Cameron Forbes.

They see around 30 people through their doors each day, but have an active user list of about 50 - 60 people, and 450 on their database.

“We are a drop-in day centre. You can come as little or as much as you like. We have facilities like laundry, showers, and hot meals, which are heavily subsidised or free,” Cameron says.

“We are not a clinical place at all, it’s just a place where people with lived experience of mental health can come to hang out, have company, and not be alone. We are

peer-led, so there is always someone here that you can relate to.”

A range of activities are on offer every day ranging from day excursions, baking, cooking, art, sewing, and board games. This month there will be trips to Picton, Motueka, Harwoods

Hole, as well as outings to play lawn bowls and croquet. Even some exercise classes are on offer.

“Some people just want to come and sit on the couch all day or use the internet and some people want to go out in the garden,” says

Cameron. “It’s a place where people can build their strengths and feel at home. They are safe and they are supported.”

President Phil Townshend says places like The White House - Te Whare Ma have become “unique”

in New Zealand.

“A lot of places like this haven’t survived. We have survived because we have a really helpful and supportive relationship with Te Whatu Ora and our contract managers there are magic, they are really good to us.”

He says it’s a place where people can “be at home”.

“We do over 8000 meals each year. You can come down here and sit in the sun in the garden and not get hassled by anybody, or you can come and mend your clothes or go on an outing.”

Warwick Jones became a member in 2016 and is now a peer support worker.

“You come here, and you are treated like an equal,” he says. “There are things for people to do, who don’t have much to do.”

One member, who goes by the name ‘Sarge’, sums it up as a “bloody excellent place”.

“I come here on and off. You can relax here, everyone is welcome.” Meanwhile, Cameron encourages people to come and try it out.

“It’s one of Nelson’s best kept secrets. It’s not for everyone, but it is for many.”

To find out more, contact ad min@thewhitehouse.org.nz

Peer support workers at The White House, Anna Mount, and Warwick Jones, cook up a storm on the BBQ at their open day last week. Photo: Kate Russell.

$2.5 million govt loan to scale up local tech business

MAX FRETHEY

Local Democracy Reporter

Nelson-based technology company SnapIT has received a $2.5 million investment from the Government to help the business scale up.

The investment comes in the form of a loan from the Regional Strategic Partnership Fund and will support SnapIT to manufacture and develop its live camera, AI hardware, and satellite communication system technologies. Chief executive Chris Rodley is “super excited” about the investment. “It’s incredibly positive. We have been working on this project for a while, and it feels very very timely,” he says. “It’s exciting to be committing to Nelson like we are… we have a mandate now to keep our manufacturing plant here, so I think that’s exciting for the region.”

As the business scales up, it will create at least 20 “high value” jobs in assembly and design work. Chris says SnapIT expects to hire as many locals as it can, and adds it has already brought on a num-

ber of students from the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology – Te Pūkenga tech department, which Chris describes as “excellent”.

He highlights the region’s ‘sunshine wages’ – lower pay com-

pensated by the privilege of living in a beautiful region – and hopes the jobs created at SnapIT can begin to turn that discrepancy around.

“There is a real opportunity, I think, to see the tech sector rem-

edy some of that.”

While some of the camera technology created by SnapIT is being employed in the construction, tourism, and local government industries, the bulk of their cameras are on fishing vessels to

Pedalling to empower

KATE RUSSELL

Nelson’s Bernie Whitaker is on a mission to help more women and girls around the world to own a bicycle.

The owner of The Gentle Cycle Company has organised a community cycle ride this Sunday as part of World Bicycle Relief’s annual ‘Pedal to Empower’ event from 2 - 5 June, which invites riders around the globe to help mobilise women and girls in rural regions with bicycles. Owning a bicycle can be a game-changer for women and girls in rural parts of the world, helping

them reach critical services and attend job training or school.

Every donation makes a difference and helps put a brand-new bicycle into the hands of a person in need.

Bernie says this Sunday’s ride will be around 20km and start from the Tahuna Holiday Park at 10.30am then head up the Great Taste Trail along the Nelson Tasman coastline.

“It’s very flexible, people can do more or less than that, or people can join in along the way.”

She says it’s a great cause for people to get behind.

“I want to help increase awareness of this great fund. I didn’t even

Update from Rachel Boyack MP

know it existed and when I came across it, I thought, ‘why not have a go and raise some money’.

“All the money raised goes directly to the fund and gives those who need a way to get around a set of wheels. We are very blessed in this country with access to bikes, especially in Nelson with the Bike Hub.” Bernie has a goal to raise $3000 but she says whatever the total is, it all helps.

The ride is free to participate in, but people can donate online at www. pedaltoempower.com/fundraisers/ pedaltoempowernelson

It was lovely spending all of last week in Nelson and being able to visit a number of people and organisations across the city I was able to visit all four of our state high schools - Nelson College, Nelson College for Girls, Waimea College and Nayland College All four of our schools are doing a fantastic job teaching and guiding the young people of Nelson My thanks to all four schools and their staff for opening your doors and briefing me on your challenges and opportunities

I was delighted that local business SnapIT received $2 5 million of funding from the Government to continue growing and developing their tech business SnapIT is exactly the type of business we should be supporting as we move towards a highly skilled high paid local economy I've been honoured to support them to secure funding, leading to more jobs and innovation in Nelson

Over the weekend I attended the fireworks for the annual Blessing of the Fleet the Labour Party Congress in Wellington and on Saturday night, NBS Dancing for a Cause - a significant fundraiser for Nelson Tasman Hospice I was privileged to dance the first time the fundraiser was held and I'm so proud of the dancers and volunteers who put on a spectacular show for such an important cause

Congratulations to you all!

monitor fishery compliance more cheaply than having a human involved.

“A camera allows a fisherman to just fish, he doesn’t have a person looking over his shoulder literally,” Chris says. “The adoption of digital technology is really important, and this data ensures that the resource that we have –the fish in the ocean – are managed in a sustainable way.”

Nelson MP Rachel Boyack worked alongside SnapIT and the Nelson Regional Development Agency to support the company with their successful bid.

“SnapIT are an innovative local company that are growing highly skilled jobs in our region,” she says. “This is exactly the type of business growth we need to continue supporting in Nelson, to move to a high-skill, high-paid local economy and away from traditional ‘sunshine wages.’”

Bernie Whitaker, Lily Whitaker (9), and Cleah Fuller (9) are organising a community cycle ride this Sunday to help raise money for World Bicycle Relief. Photo: Supplied.

The investment into SnapIT comes three months after parent company Snap Group won the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce Supreme Business Award. Photo: Tim Cuff.

Waimea Community Dam reservoir ready to fill

The Waimea Community Dam has reached a milestone with the closing of the reservoir, meaning it is now ready to fill.

The reservoir closed at 4pm on Friday and will eventually hold 13 million cubic metres of water to provide water security to the region. Subject to weather over

the winter, Waimea Water Ltd chief executive Mike Scott expects the reservoir to be filled for next summer.

The Waimea Community Dam, a public private partnership between the Tasman District Council and Waimea Irrigators, is the first large dam to be constructed

LEGAL LTD

in New Zealand in 25 years and the first publicly funded large dam to be constructed since the Clyde Dam was finished 30 years ago.

“This milestone of closure signifies completion of the dam and spillway and now allows us to fill the reservoir over this winter. The river will be diverted through a temporary pipe over the next six months, while the reservoir is being filled and the permanent pipework and systems installed and commissioned,”

Mike says.

The dam’s construction cost is expected to come in at around $198 million, up from the original approved budget of $104.4m in December 2018.

From this coming summer, the Waimea Community Dam will provide water supply and security to the Tasman District to support the fast-growing

and expanding Richmond and Waimea areas. It will also support the region’s primary sector and will improve river health in the Lee and Waimea rivers.

Mike says the dam provides regional water security in the face of the impacts of climate change.

“Scientists tell us to expect the warming climate to create greater storm intensities and periods of lower precipitation and dyer soils. Our dam will help mitigate these impacts by catching the storms and letting them out through the natural system in dry periods.”

Fulton Hogan Taylors Joint Venture project director John Roche, says the project has drawn on the collective capabilities of those involved.

“The Fulton Hogan Taylors Joint Venture team have been living and breathing the construction of the Waimea Community Dam since 2018 and are delighted to mark the achievement of the dam’s inaugural filling. This milestone is a testament to the perseverance and expertise of all parties who have helped make

this possible,” John says. “We look forward to the successful completion of this project, and seeing the benefits it will bring to the community.”

Tasman Mayor Tim King said it is ‘brilliant’ to reach this stage in the dam’s construction.

“This project has been challenging for many reasons but we can now look forward to the dam delivering the economic, social and environmental benefits to future generations of Tasman and Nelson residents.”

“Knowing that the reservoir can soon start to fill is awesome as means the community is on track to having more water for summer,” says Waimea Irrigators’ chair Murray King. “Giving growers some assurance of water supply will inform their spring planting for the summer season, particularly important as we are expecting a windy and dry El Nino summer. I am sure there will be a lot of relief around the region that the dam is on track to replenish the Waimea River and aquifers at the end of this year.”

Schools compete in The Big Sing

KATE RUSSELL

The Big Sing regional festival is back for 2023 with five local secondary schools taking part.

The competition will be held in the ASB Theatre in Blenheim on 6 June at 1pm with a gala concert at 6pm, where choirs will present their two favourite songs and the awards from the competition will be presented.

Seven choirs from Nayland College, Nelson College for

Girls, Marlborough Boys College, Marlborough Girls College, and Motueka High School are participating in the event.

Organiser and chair of the NZCF Nelson/Marlborough, Lucy Rainey, says the gala concert will showcase one hundred and sixty-six talented young singers from these schools, singing a selection of different styles of music.

“An exciting new addition is the te reo award trophy which

has been introduced this year for the best performance by a choir singing in te reo.”

Of the two hundred choirs which will compete nationally, 60 choirs will have the chance to be selected to participate at either the South Island Cadenza in Timaru from 11 - 12 August or The Big Sing National Finale in Auckland on from 25 - 27 August.

Tickets for the evening concert are now on sale, phone (03) 520 8558.

The Waimea Community Dam reservoir is now closed and will begin filling during the winter. Photo: Supplied.

A cohesive collaboration within Richmond's newest business hub

iFigure Accounting • New Ideas Coaching • Helmore Stewart Lawyers • Preferential Limited

Located upstairs at 257 Queen Street lies the region's newest business collaboration of office spaces. Leading the charge are the directors of iFigure Accounting Nelson, John Baker and Stephanie Keys ,who have recently teamed up with fellow accountant Ian Parker and moved their operations to a Queen Street office space. Originally based in Tahunanui, John and Stephanie were first introduced to Ian by a mutual friend. “We had similar visions and goals and saw a wonderful opportunity for us to collaborate,” says John. “It was a nervewracking decision, but everything just fell into place and the change has really reenergised everyone. We were able to sub-let some of the space to other like-minded professionals who synergised with our business perfectly. We have a life development coach, lawyers, and an insurance broker, all helping to create a sort of hub”

“Our common goal is to serve our clients and create a great work environment. This new space has allowed us to do that by relieving the pressure from everyone's shoulders. Moving into the new space has been like a breath of fresh air and we are really enjoying what has been created here.” Ian says it was the similar styles and attitudes of John and Stephanie that resonated with him. “The starting point for

me was looking to get that extra support and I could see us working together in a really positive way.” Offering the same value of outstanding service, John says the new space has enabled the team to provide a better service to their people in a much more reactive, and faster, way. “On every level, when you are in business it is nice to share the load and bounce ideas off one another. This solution has given a new vibe and energy to everyone involved.” Covering a broad range of services, iFigure Accounting cater to clients all across the country. “We cover all industries,” says Stephanie. “Including farming, hospitality, retail and motels, a huge range of clients from literally all walks of life. We mainly provide services for small to mediumsized businesses, but welcome any enquiries.” Also based at the hub are Helmore Stewart Lawyers who have recently expanded into the region. Their origins began in Rangiora almost 140 years ago and they can assist in most facets of corporate and personal law. The Nelson team specialises in property, first home buyers, estate planning and relationship property. “Our tightknit team of switched-on, motivated and empathetic experts are here to assist the Tasman region and beyond,” says solicitor Alivia Nevin. Insurance Broker Siby Joseph, of

Preferential Limited, is a risk adviser who specialises in Personal, Business and group Risk Insurance. “I can help you understand your current policies, help keep

the premiums under control and assist with the claiming process. Being in the insurance industry for over 15 years has helped me understand people's needs

completely. Protection is what we do but relationships are what we build. With us you're not a number, you are our preference.”

Luke Koeford, a Wellbeing and Development Coach and the owner of New Ideas Coaching, has created a calm and soothing sanctuary within the new office space which is the perfect environment for his personal coaching and psychology teachings. A full sensory strengthbased, solution-focused coach, Lukes's trade and commercial background enables a deep understanding of people and helping them to discover their full potentials.

The iFigure Accounting team, from left; admin support Sandy Lochhead, client support Tania Stringer, director Ian Parker, receptionist Csilla Takacsne Nagy, and directors Stephanie Keys and John Baker.

Load control saves you money

Load control is a mechanism that Network Tasman and many other lines companies use to manage the demand that heating water places on the electricity network during ‘peak’ demand periods.

Load control allows Network Tasman to remotely shut off electrical hot water cylinders for a short time during the periods of highest demand. As a result, Network Tasman can keep costs down and pass those savings on to our consumers. Cheaper prices for water heating are shown on your electricity bill as a line called ‘controlled’ or ‘economy’.

Controlling the load in this way doesn’t impact the way you use hot water e.g. to wash dishes, do laundry or have showers. Our aim is to ensure that you don’t even notice that load control is being used.

11:08.15 32

Load control helps save consumers money because Network Tasman doesn’t have to invest as much money upgrading the capacity of its local network to cope with ever-increasing peaks during the network’s busy hours.

Network Tasman’s Regulatory and Commercial Manager, Daniel Vincent says “If we didn’t have load control, we would have needed to make a significant investment in the network to keep up with the ever-increasing demand some years ago, and consumers would already be paying for that investment in their power bill. Deferring investment keeps our network at a level that’s in line with what the community actually needs and, in turn, keeps electricity prices down”.

“Management of peak load through hot water load control by Network Tasman saves the company and its consumers a significant amount of money every year.”

Nelson hotel named second best in country

A Nelson hotel and eatery has something to celebrate after being named the second best hotel in the country.

TripAdvisor announced their Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards last week, naming Tides Hotel second top hotel in New Zealand.

Formerly known as Trailways, Tides Hotel Bar & Eatery general manager Toby Munro says the team are “extremely proud and equally humbled” to claim the title.

“Tourism in New Zealand is an extremely competitive market and to win an award which is decided by those who stay with us and experience our hospitality is truly rewarding,” he says.

The win also places them as the number 25 hotel in the South Pacific.

Having recently gone through a major soft refurbishment and full rebrand he says it’s great to see the hard work has paid off

through guests’ comments and heart-warming reviews for the transformation.

Toby’s grandparents purchased Trailways Hotel Nelson in 1993. After 28 years of manging the business, Toby’s parents, Garry Munro and Alexa Wilson, purchased the hotel along with neighbouring property, DeLorenzo’s Studio Apartments.

Toby says together, Garry and Alexa have moved Trailways Hotel into a new era - a rebrand to Tides Hotel Bar & Eatery with a modern vision and eccentric vibe in the heart of Nelson.

He says it appears that the updates are being well received by both their guests and the industry, with both Tides Hotel Bar & Eatery and DeLorenzo’s Studio Apartments also being awarded Qualmark Enviro Gold Sustainable Tourism Business Award.

A Gold Sustainable Tourism

Award identifies those businesses leading the way in making the New Zealand tourism industry a world class sustainable visitor destination. Toby says, changes aside, for over 25 years the Munro focus has been their guests.

“From booking to departure, our team work meticulously to ensure every customer has an easy, stress-free and enjoyable experience in the Nelson-Tasman region.

“To have this work acknowledged through such an award with TripAdvisor is the best reward for our small and dedicated team,” he says.

“We would like to take this opportunity to not only thank all our wonderful guests, but to thank our incredible team at Tides Hotel Bar & Eatery.

“Their diligence and attention to detail - without which, the reviews and in turn this prestigious acknowledgement wouldn’t happen.”

Tides Hotel Bar & Eatery’s Alexa Wilson, Toby Munro and Garry Munro, are proud to be named second top hotel in New Zealand. Photo: Jack Malcolm.

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Find your career path

Residents converge for transport

MAX FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter

Dozens of cyclists and pedestrians converged on the Cathedral Steps on Sunday at a Rally for Travel Justice.

The rally, the second such event organised by sustainable transport group Nelsust, called for a more accessible city with equally viable travel options for all.

“Cars have got carried away,” says Nelsust member and rally creator Elizabeth Dooley. “An awful lot of people are really being hampered by cars being given free range.”

She highlights the increasing size of cars becoming a greater hazard for cyclists, especially in places without cycleways and adequate facilities for disabled people.

“I feel it’s been very unjust for everyone outside a car.” Nelsust is calling for a range of measures to be introduced like reducing the speed limit to 30kmh on roads without cycleways separated by a barrier, and keeping cycleways on the inside of parked cars – measures which drastically lower the chance for cyclists to be injured by traffic or opening car doors.

“Streets are public property, they’re supposed to belong to everyone, not just those in

a car,” says the group’s convenor, Peter Olorenshaw.

Cyclist and Nayland College student Astrid Sayer, 17, echoes Peter’s sentiments and highlights the dangerous dichotomy of cyclists trying to keep left for passing traffic while also keeping enough space to avoid the threat of opening doors from parked cars – a daunting task for many, let alone school children.

“It’s not okay that our tamariki are scared to ride their bikes to school, and it’s not okay that our tamariki are therefore missing out on the benefits of riding their bikes.” While many of the rally’s speakers highlighted shortcomings of Nelson’s transport network, there were some success stories for local travel justice.

Wheelchair-bound Caleb Harcus says he can have problems navigating roads and crossings, especially where there are hard, sharp lips back onto the footpath. However, he thanked Nelson City Council for promptly fixing one particularly obstructive location after he raised the issue.

“Within two weeks, council got out with an angle grinder, grinding out those hard edges and smoothing it out.”

Elizabeth also adds that council staff “really listen to us,” and though she doesn’t think all elected members are on the same page as Nelsust, she found some quite helpful.

Deputy mayor Rohan O’Neill-Stevens understands the freedom private motor vehicles provide, but also highlights the social severance that increasingly large vehicles and congestion has done to the community.

“We have seen significant loss of public amenity and public space all towards private motor vehicle use… but we can dream of and deliver

a better city,” they say. “We deserve choice in how we get around.”

Rohan also took the opportunity to mention the new electric bus service launching on 1 August which will have greater coverage, increased frequency, and lower prices than the current bus service which they hope will help reduce regional greenhouse gas emissions and get people out of their cars.

Horticulture programmes get a (green) thumbs up

If you enjoy the outdoors, getting your hands dirty, and are interested in working with plants and crops then horticulture is a great industry to get in to. For Leeza Macmillan her love of soil started when she was five years old, and her grandparents put her in charge of their rose garden. However, it was many years later before Leeza was able to make the most of her green thumb.

“I spent 20 years in the corporate world, but after Covid hit I decided to slow down, study and pursue what I loved,” she says.

“I enrolled in the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Nursery Production) at Te Pūkenga NMIT because of the flexible learning options—it’s a mix of work experience, online and on campus.”

However, what Leeza really likes about the programme is the hands-on approach, personal feedback and tutor support for continuous learning.

“Everything is really joined up and connected and I feel I couldn’t be supported more.”

She says the programme is everything she thought it would be – and more, “You can go down so many avenues with horticulture.”

The Te Pūkenga NMIT horticulture programmes are a stepping-stone into a career growing plants and trees, or employment in horticulture, parks and recreation, revegetation projects, landscaping, plant nurseries, and flower, fruit or vegetable growing enterprises. The skills you learn can easily transfer to many jobs in our regional industries and may open opportunities to work year-round.

Apply now: nmit.ac.nz /study-primary-industries

“Every time I come to campus or go on a field trip, I feel the possibilities are endless.”

Wheelchair-bound Caleb Harcus joined dozens of residents calling for a more equitable sharing of road space for cyclists and pedestrians. Photo: Max Frethey.

Nelsust convenor answers some cycling questions

The Rally for Travel Justice is seeking to give residents better and more viable transport options that meet everyone’s needs. Nelsust convenor Peter Olorenshaw meets with Max Frethey to answer some common questions they get from people in the community about the changes they want to see.

Cyclists, pedestrians, and other active travellers don’t pay fuel excise tax or road user charges. Why should the money from those who do pay go towards facilities that aren’t for motorists, such as cycleways?

While the State highways are 100 per cent funded by national government, through fuel excise duties and road user charges, but with significant additional taxpayer funding (presently 2/3 additional taxpayer funding), local roads are only half funded from motorists. The other half is directly from ratepayers or indirectly from renters through their rent. But people on bikes take up much less than half the road do much less than half the road damage and so are already paying more than their fair share.

Many people live in the country out of reach of public transport and need their cars to get into town, or they have big families and can’t fit all their groceries on their bike. Why should we have to give up our cars which

are so convenient?

We are not asking anyone to give up their cars, just make it less scary for people living in towns to be able to bike or walk across roads. We think planning rules need to be changed to allow for more people to live close to town so biking or public transport becomes more viable for more people. We need townhouse zone donuts around town centres not more high rises. And ordering groceries online and having them delivered is becoming increasingly popular at least for people within the urban limits.

Removing parking for cycleways or wider footpaths makes it more difficult for me to pop into businesses and get what I need. Won’t removing parks impact the success of roadside businesses?

Cycleways don’t always have to replace car parking, but when they do, they enable easier access to the shops for people on bikes. There is a massive unmet demand

for biking and businesses have actually seen improved business from a cycle path outside. However, we can understand business owners fearing for customer patronage and this is why we call for temporary trials so businesses can go by results not reckons. Getting people out of their cars and onto bikes or buses to ease congestion will never work. We should be building another main road instead to ease the pressure.

While building more road capacity in the hope of easing congestion seems like the obvious solution, it is actually a proven failure. The more appealing you make driving compared to taking the bus, your bike, or walking, the more people will drive. The only way to ease congestion is to make other transport modes equally as appealing as driving.

It already takes ages to get around Nelson in peak traffic. Lowering the speed limit from 50kmh to 30kmh will make

our journeys even longer. Why should we have to have those sorts of delays on our journeys?

It only takes ages to get around at peak times in a car because we have made car driving the only realistic option for most people, most of the time. Paradoxically, slower speeds on quieter roads entices more people away from driving, opening up road space for those driving. And it is only proposed to lower the speed on those streets without protected cycle paths, so the more major roads will still be at 50kmh.

People don’t use the buses or cycleways. They’re always empty when I see them. Why should I have to pay for services no one uses?

When the bus service is relatively inconvenient compared to taking a car we should not be surprised uptake is poor. When it is made more frequent, cheaper, convenient – and ideally as fast as car commuting – many more people use them. This is what has been

found in Auckland with the popular North Shore busways - people have found that it is faster and comes with no parking hassles, they can read a book, the morning paper, access social media in a no-stress commute. Presently we have a few isolated cycleways with scary, dangerous connections between them. Until we have a complete network uptake will be limited. Currently, some cycleways are less convenient than using the road with some people risking life and limb biking on the road. Until cycle journeys are made as safe, pleasant, and convenient as taking a car, we should not be surprised at limited uptake.

Why do people keep trying to take my car away? It serves me perfectly fine, and I don’t want to use a bus, bike, or walk.

We are not trying to take peoples’ cars away from them, just giving people equally attractive options to make some of their journeys by other modes. This is actually the only

Parallel Park reigns supreme at regionals

STAFF REPORTER

Nelson band Parallel Park have taken out first place at this year’s Nelson regional Smokefreerockquest final.

The band, consisting of members from Nayland College, Nelson College, and Nelson College for Girls, were crowned winners at the Theatre Royal on Friday night.

The programme, which is now in its 36th year, is held nationwide with events held in venues in 21 regions from Whangarei to Invercargill - hosting thousands of young musicians every year. Parallel Park drummer Maise Lucus from Nelson College for Girls, described her band’s win as “surreal”.

“[The win] feels great. It’s been five years of hard work, so it’s nice to win it on the last year of us being together.”

The band has seen a few combinations of members over the years, starting in 2017 with Florence McNabb (vocals), Kahu Sanson-Burnett (guitar), and

Ethan Carde (guitar) competing together in Rockshop Bandquest.

The current line-up now also includes Maisie Lucas (drums) and Zac Irving (bass).

Second place in the band category went to Tangent from Nelson College for Girls.

Tangent is made up of Georgie Levien (vocals, guitar), Emily

Preston-Thomas (backing vocals and bass), Shayla King (rhythm guitar and backing vocals), Roarna Knowler (keyboard), and Kasey Brydon (drums).

They join solo-duo winners for Nelson, Mia Grace, and Oscar Walsh, both from Garin College, with the opportunity to submit a video of their original material for selection as one of the top 10 national finalists to play off at Auckland’s Q Theatre on 16 September.

The Rockshop Best use of Electronic assistance Award went to Leve from Garin College.

Smokefreerockquest founder Pete Rainey says participating in the arts can have a big positive impact on young people. “The arts in education play a huge role in helping our young people to face the future with a set of skills that give them flexibility, creativity, ability to cooperate and work in groups. Skills they can apply in life wherever it takes them.”

Musical successes from Smokefreerockquest over its 30-year history include Broods, Kimbra, Aaradhna and Opshop. Parallel Park will compete againt other regional winners in the finals next month.

COUNTDOWN STOKE

12 Putaitai Street, Stoke, Nelson

2,659m2,

Brice Clark M +64 21 133 6171 brice.clark@whillans.co.nz

COUNTDOWN BLENHEIM

51 Arthur Street, Central Blenheim

3,136m2,

Brice Clark M +64 21 133 6171 brice.clark@whillans.co.nz

Parallel Park took out the regional Smokefreerockquest final on Friday night.

Photo: Charlie Parker.

Join our Stoke and Richmond open days

If you’ve ever been curious about village life, now’s the time to get in touch to see the lifestyle that our wonderful Stoke and Richmond villages have to offer.

Summerset in the Sun and Summerset Richmond Ranges have homes available,* from two-bedroom independent villas to spacious serviced apartments, all safe and secure within our fully gated village communities.

To see plans and pricing, and hear about our latest offers, get in touch today, or join us at our upcoming open days, each Thursday in June between 10am and 2pm.

We’d love to show you around.

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Stoke and Richmond Open Days

Every Thursday in June, 10am - 2pm

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

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Stoke Volunteer Fire brigade tackle Sky Tower

Stoke Volunteer Fire brigade tackle Sky Tower

SARA HOLLYMAN

SARA HOLLYMAN

Stoke Volunteer Fire Brigade have successfully raised more than $7000 by pushing their bodies to the limit for the annual Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge. The challenge sees hundreds of firefighters from around the country don their gear and hike the 51 flights of stairs to reach the top of the Sky Tower to fundraise for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand.

Stoke Volunteer Fire Brigade have successfully raised more than $7000 by pushing their bodies to the limit for the annual Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge. The challenge sees hundreds of firefighters from around the country don their gear and hike the 51 flights of stairs to reach the top of the Sky Tower to fundraise for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand.

This year the challenge has raised more than $1.5 million collectively for the charity, which helps support families going through cancer, and funds research into blood cancers.

This year the challenge has raised more than $1.5 million collectively for the charity, which helps support families going through cancer, and funds research into blood cancers.

Stoke team leader Jamie Foskett says the event is the largest single fundraiser for the charity, and the team are proud to support it.

Stoke team leader Jamie Foskett says the event is the largest single fundraiser for the charity, and the team are proud to support it.

“Its such a great cause and it’s so well supported and embraced by the firefighting community. He says it’s also a good day out, providing the opportunity to catch up with firefighting friends from around the country too.

“Its such a great cause and it’s so well supported and embraced by the firefighting community. He says it’s also a good day out, providing the opportunity to catch up with firefighting friends from around the country too.

The team of six put in the effort in the lead up to the event in Auckland on May 20, but even hiking the Tamaki Steps repeatedly can’t quite prepare them for the challenge.

The team of six put in the effort in the lead up to the event in Auckland on May 20, but even hiking the Tamaki Steps repeatedly can’t quite prepare them for the challenge.

“Tamaki is the biggest stair climb you can do around here, but you still have to complete it 3.5 times to be the equivalent of the Sky Tower,” Jamie says.

“Tamaki is the biggest stair climb you can do around here, but you still have to complete it 3.5 times to be the equivalent of the Sky Tower,” Jamie says.

Jamie and a couple of others were also training in combat challenge – something he describes as crossfit on steroids, which he says helped.

Jamie and a couple of others were also training in combat challenge – something he describes as crossfit on steroids, which he says helped.

On the day he says it’s a different

On the day he says it’s a different

pace for everyone.

pace for everyone.

“You see some people that are really fit and they just fly up there, like Murray from the airport team, then a lot of us just make our way up there and get the job done,” he says. “There’s a few people that don’t do a great deal of training or it just isn’t their cup of tea, or it’s their first time and you see a few of those people keeled over not doing so well at the top.”

“You see some people that are really fit and they just fly up there, like Murray from the airport team, then a lot of us just make our way up there and get the job done,” he says. “There’s a few people that don’t do a great deal of training or it just isn’t their cup of tea, or it’s their first time and you see a few of those people keeled over not doing so well at the top.”

He says everyone from the Stoke team reached the top and finished, which was the main achievement aside from the fundraising.

He says everyone from the Stoke team reached the top and finished, which was the main achievement aside from the fundraising.

“But I think most of us beat our previous time which is also positive.”

“But I think most of us beat our previous time which is also positive.”

Every day eight people in New Zealand are diagnosed with a blood cancer or associated blood condition and Jamie says the Stoke community really jumped

Every day eight people in New Zealand are diagnosed with a blood cancer or associated blood condition and Jamie says the Stoke community really jumped

on board to help with their fundraising efforts.

on board to help with their fundraising efforts.

“The local supermarkets, Scott Construction, South Pine who always donate a trailer load of wood for us to auction off, there’s so many local businesses that support us.”

“The local supermarkets, Scott Construction, South Pine who always donate a trailer load of wood for us to auction off, there’s so many local businesses that support us.”

As for next year, Jamie says he’s keen to return to climb the tower again.

As for next year, Jamie says he’s keen to return to climb the tower again.

“A few of us are keen to go back

“A few of us are keen to go back

and do it again, some want to let some of the new people come through, we’ve got some new blood coming into the brigade so I think a few of the youngsters are keen to get involved,” he says. “Some of us are happy to carry on for a bit longer but some are definitely happy to have rest,” he jokes.

and do it again, some want to let some of the new people come through, we’ve got some new blood coming into the brigade so I think a few of the youngsters are keen to get involved,” he says. “Some of us are happy to carry on for a bit longer but some are definitely happy to have rest,” he jokes.

If anyone’s interested in joing the brigade, reach out to the team.

If anyone’s interested in joing the brigade, reach out to the team.

Katie Woller, Simon Rees, Lindsay Kelly Jamie Foskett, and Vinny Hitchcock prepare for their climb. Photo: Supplied.

Katie Woller, Simon Rees, Lindsay Kelly Jamie Foskett, and Vinny Hitchcock prepare for their climb. Photo: Supplied.

SYP Cafe gets new artwork

SARA HOLLYMAN

The Stoke Youth Park Cafe is getting a makeover thanks to one of the youth who work in the space.

As part of Youth Week 2023, 17-year-old Stevie Burke was asked to decorate the outside of the SYP Cafe’s container.

Stevie has been working in the space, receiving barista training from Maz Kirkham. Having previously painted a mural on Karaka St, the team knew she was the right person to ask.

Stevie says it’s nerve-wracking to have her artwork on public display.

“Especially when people walk past and see me painting it, I think people are watching me and they’re going to watch it progress, it’s just going to be there so I don’t want to stuff it up. Stevie is now working fulltime so the piece had been slowly coming together as she’s able. She put a lot of thought into what to paint and is happy with what she’s come up with. “I wanted to base it off the vibes we have inside - it’s fun, happy playful and bright colours -.I want to incorporate that into what’s going to be outside as well,” Stevie says.

“It’s almost psychedelic sytle which I like to do anyway.”

Stevie has also incorporated a nod to Fleetwood Mac – her favourite band - with the words ‘Go our own way’.

“Maz and I listen to it together a lot when I’m in the space, so I thought I’d add my little touch to it.”

While its not done yet, she’s looking forward to adding the colour.

“That’s going to be my favourite bit.”

When planning the mural, she was instantly drawn to incorporating both eyes and colour. “I love drawing eyes, I’ve always liked it and always knew I was good at doing them and I love flowers.”

She says the feature of the artwork could be interpreted as a flower with petals or an eye with eyelashes, one of the things she loves about art.

“They gave me free range on what I wanted to do so I was like ‘hell yeah’, it’s basically a blank canvas.

Stevie says her love for art came from her mother.

“I like creating things, I definitely get it off my mum, she got me into it and I just fell in love with it.”

Stevie Burke has been slowly creating the new artwork on the outside of SYP Cafe’s container. Photo: Sara Hollyman.

Weekly reporters recognised among best in country

Nelson Weekly publisher, Top South Media, was acknowledged as having two of the best reporters in the country on their team at the New Zealand Community Newspaper Association Awards held in Auckland this month.

Reporter Jack Malcolm was runner-up for Best Sports Journalist of the Year, while Jo Kent was awarded runner-up in Best Senior News Journalist of the Year.

Publisher Andrew Board says it’s great to have two of the team recognised in such prestigious awards.

“It’s well deserved. They were up against some top-quality journalists from around the country, so to come home with an award is recognition for them but it’s also great for our readers, having two of the very best in the business covering our region.”

Editor Sara Hollyman says she is proud that the pair were rec-

ognised for their consistent hard work.

“It goes to show the standard of journalism we have at the Nelson Weekly. I’m proud of the entire team who work hard every week to give the Waimea community a voice and share their stories.”

She says Jack and Jo’s entries showcased the passion they both bring to their jobs and the articles helped bring about real change.

Judges said that Jack’s work provided a look into not just the players, but also some of the organisations and local identities that support development of sport in the region, which provided a “great variety” of sport for the newspaper’s sports section.

The New Zealand Community Newspapers Association is the industry organisation of weekly newspapers in New Zealand, delegated with the responsibility to improve and regulate conditions.

Local choir hits high note at national competition

Making wonderful music in fourpart a capella barbershop harmony is the reason 40 local women from around Nelson and Tasman come together every Thursday night at Club Waimea in Richmond, but coming away with a bronze at the National Barbershop Contest is pretty good too, they say.

The Nelson Bays Harmony choir has achieved a lot together in recent years and their most recent performance enabled them to walk away with third place in the AA (midsize) chorus category, and even better, the highest score they have ever achieved in their 30-year history.

“Singing is good for the soul,” says choir member Carole Brown.

“We love being together, working to improve our personal vocal skills, helping others learn and most of all we love to sing together. Singing together as a team we create a whole other exciting energy and that connects us with the audience. It is exhilarating for us. We love to see the joy our music brings to people in our audience.”

Although the a capella group takes its singing seriously and often competes at a national level, it also works in an encouraging and supportive way.

Easy auditions are held for anyone wanting to join, but Carole says you don’t need to be a ‘pro’ to take part.

“Those who would like to sing are invited to come and find their voice with us, and we provide heaps of support for novice or first-time singers.”

Nelson Bays Harmony often hold workshops and open nights for those interested to be able to come along and check out what this musical buzz is about.

They are holding their next sixweek singing workshop starting 1 June and are inviting anyone to come along if they want to sing, love to sing, want to improve vocals, or just meet new friends. For more details or to book a space contact Carole on 027 436 0910 or visit www.nelsonharmony.org.nz

The Nelson Bays Harmony choir hit the right note at the National Barbershop Contest recently.

Photo: Supplied.

Health Beauty andWellness

Feel empowered at Connect Centre Pilates

A traditional Pilates studio located in the heart of Nelson; Connect Centre Pilates is proud to uphold Joseph Pilates’ legacy of ‘Contrology’ and continue to teach his methods as they were originally intended. Using a range of sophisticated and authentic equipment, owner Lisa understands that everyone's body and needs are different, and she is passionate about providing a workout that is right for each individual. “We have beautiful high-end, handmade equipment as originally created by Joseph Pilates. The beauty of true Pilates is that by utilising these, we can have people of different levels of fitness, challenges, injuries and goals working out individually, right next to one another” Pilates is for everyone, and to show this Lisa will be running an open day on Saturday 24 June, between 10am and 12pm. “Clients are invited to come in and do their workouts and we’re inviting the Nelson community to come see what we do and enjoy the space we have created. The studio has a wonderful energy and

is a very uplifting space to be in.

"With classes having a maximum of four people, the space created is quite special. Clients know one another by name, the space is friendly, supportive and fun. This community feeling is part of what Connect Centre stands for.

"Each client is focused on their goals, they are well supported, appropriately challenged and leave the studio feeling empowered that they’re taking charge of

their own well-being.” Through personal experience, Lisa discovered the life-changing affect that Pilates can have on the body. Having endured many years of pain and limitations due to a twisted pelvis and scoliosis, Lisa discovered traditional Pilates and has never looked back. She committed herself to the traditional teachings of Joseph Pilates and completed a 600-hour comprehensive course to become

a Classical teacher. Learning from some of the most revered Classical teachers in the world, Lisa continues her learning and practice with Lineage Pilates. Connect Centre offers classes on a membership basis or the option to take private sessions. The introductory package is two private sessions.

“From here, with your goals, aspirations and current challenges in mind, a programme is specifically

created for you.”

“My passion comes from helping people, knowing that what they learn and do here transforms their everyday life experience. It gives people body awareness, strength and mobility so they can be out in the world doing what they love doing, without soreness and restriction, and with more vitality.

"It is very common to hear people say that they wish they had started true Pilates training years ago. Every day I have comments from clients about how much better they feel and how they can do things now that weren’t accessible to them before.” connectcentre.co.nz

Lisa Taylor

Kicking and punching their way to the top

JACK MALCOLM

After 50 rounds of sparring over two days, four local kickboxers have been selected for the national team to travel to Portugal later this year for the WAKO World Championships.

Sarah Randall, Aaron Thomas, Miiguel Nunez and Lily Sinclair were all selected in the 30 strong team after taking part in the trials in Auckland earlier in May.

Local kickboxing gym SMA had eight fighters attending the gruelling trials as they accumulated over an hour and a half of total ring time in front of selectors on top of competing in the Grassroots National League. Facing off against all weights, fighters were watched for their fitness, skill level, how they reacted under pressure, if they backed off when it got tough, and how coachable they were.

Head coach Sallie McArdle says it wasn’t a surprise the fighters earned selection, but there had

been questions about their readiness before the trial.

“I knew they were capable of it but was unsure if their lack of experience would be a factor.

“I am always super proud of my fighters. They train really hard and are so supportive of each other.

“They show respect and face off against anyone, without complaint.”

The clocks are already ticking before their flights to Europe in November, with a training camp with several of the world’s top coaches taking place in Slovenia the week before.

Sallie says it’s going to take a lot of work to help get the fighters up to a world-class standard, but she has first-hand experience of what it takes.

With over 10 years experience at the highest level of international fighting, along with coaching many international athletes to success, she knows what is needed to win and is confident she can

raise the fighters’ level in the next six months.

“The main concern is the lack of top sparring partners, as (we) are isolated in Nelson and don’t have the luxury of Auckland clubs, to meet weekly for interclub sparring sessions.”

The other concern is the costs, with Sallie saying they have budgeted that it will cost each fighter about $7500 to make the trip over.

She says they have already started fundraising efforts that are only going to ramp up, but are also eager to take on some new spon-

sorships.

On top of the trial, six of the eight fighters fought in the Grassroots National League, with the other two competitors pulling out at the last minute.

All of the local fighters won their fights and took gold back for the club, except Summer Puklowski who was awarded a unanimous draw against her opponent after more than five minutes of deliberation from the judges. With ages ranging from 15-yearsold to veterans in the O41 division, the club is represented throughout the grades.

Locomotive yet to leave the station

JACK MALCOLM

FC Nelson Locomotive are still in search of their first win after a tough 4-1 loss to Richmon over the weekend.

Despite starting several young players in their squad, Fresh Choice Richmond were a step ahead of the Loco’s as they raced out to an early 3-1 lead going into the break.

Although they didn’t have the early run of play, Locomotive kept themselves in the hunt and never gave up on their chances.

While they were unable to find the back of the net after their first goal, they will take positives out of a momentum swing in the final 15 minutes of play that saw them take a stranglehold of the game.

While they were unable to find the finish, veteran Andy Weaver says it’s what they’ll be working on at practice this week. He was proud of how

his team kept their heads up, having been promoted to the Nelson Pine premier grade this season and having a tough time of it. Through their first six games they have conceded 27 goals, while scoring their

second of the season during the game.

“It’s not really where we want to be, but we’re giving it a go. We just try to play some good football and have fun.”

He says the Richmond squad

were well-drilled and played as they expected, with a lot of balls through the centre of the pitch.

“We were a little bit slow on it in the first half. Then the superior fitness there started to kick in.”

For Richmond head coach Dean Cruise, he says it was an essential game to win to keep their season’s hopes alive.

“We needed to win, we’d taken one (competition) point in the last three games. It was quite important to get back in the winning column.”

He was impressed with how their “promising youth” players stepped up for the team, saying it was impressive to see the depth of talent in the club’s ranks. In other results Nelson Suburbs FC Seals and FC Nelson both won 3-1 over Garden Motel Motueka and Sprig & Fern Tahuna respectively, while the Rangers beat the Suburbs SPL Reserves 4-2.

Sallie says that the club’s culture was also on full display, with one of her proudest moments being the compliments she received on their friendly and supportiveness.

“While winning medals and titles are nice, how everyone feels within our team and club is what’s more important to me.

“Everyone is on their personal journey and we all have a fight going on, whether it’s in the ring or in life,” Sallie says.

“It’s connection and support that gets us through and that’s what our club is really all about,” she says.

Giants: Despite holding a small lead into the halftime break, the NBS Nelson Giants were unable to seal the deal against the Franklin Bulls in a 80-71 away loss. Despite a 22 point performance from Matua Maker and a 21 point contribution by Avery Woodson, a blowout third quarter saw the visitors outscored and unable to mount a comeback.

Rugby: It was a week of predicted results in local premier grade rugby as the top teams in the region faced off against the competition’s cellar dwellers. Stoke notched up a 4610 win over Nelson at Greenmeadows, while Kahurangi held onto the John Goodman Trophy with a 31-13 win over Waimea Old Boys at Sports Park Motueka. On the other side of the hill, Marist travelled to Awarua Park and built a strong lead to win 80-10 over Moutere, while Central kept their unbeaten streak alive with a 25-17 win over Waitohi.

Rowing: Rowers Murdoch Smith and Lucy Munro have been awarded Nelson Rowing Club’s Most Outstanding Male and Female Rower awards respectively at the club’s recent end of season prizegiving. Full results of the awards can be found on the club’s Facebook page.

Kickboxers Sarah Randall, Aaron Thomas, coach Sallie McArdle, Summer Poklowski, Baylen Banfield, Joseph Hill, Lily Sinclair and Miiguel Nunez travelled to Auckland to trial for the national team and fight in the Grassroots National League (Absent: Hamish Smith). Photo: Jack Malcolm.

Despite a late swing in momentum, Richmond’s defence held strong to keep FC Nelson Locomotive scoreless in the second half despite some good attacks, like that from Nick Croswell.

Photo: Jack Malcolm.

Matua’s dreams of a championship and the NBA

JACK MALCOLM

Matua Maker has big dreams for his basketball career, with ambitions to make himself a household name in the NBA.

The 208cm tall centre has been making waves with his recent performances with the NBS Nelson Giants, posting a 22-point, 11 rebound and four steals double-double in their game on Sunday against the Franklin Bulls.

Coming back from a season-ending injury last year, he says the Giants team is the ideal place for him to relaunch his career ambitions.

“I came back again and went with a good opportunity in Nelson. Just to get to the next level, this is perfect.

“When I was eight or nine years old, I knew I was going to be a pro. I knew I was going to do something big.

“My goal is the NBA. Whatever it takes.”

Having been born in South Sudan, Matua moved to Perth when he was four while his father stayed back in his homeland due to his love of the country.

He was raised by his mother, siblings and wider family but by 13, Matua had already been discovered by scouts and began living in Sydney before moving to the United States.

Having spent the last 10 years in America, he calls it another home away from home.

“I feel like I’m half American, half Australian and half Sudanese.”

When the opportunity to come back to Australia to play with the Sydney Kings presented, Matua and his cousin Makur Maker, who now plays in the NBA’s feeder league, the G-League took it.

“He said, ‘why don’t we both go to Sydney’ and the rest is history. We won a championship.”

Suburbs: Both Suburbs teams have recorded wins in their respective South Island competition leagues over the weekend. The women’s team were in top form as they posted a 2-0 win over Halswell Christchurch United at home, while the men’s team were on the road as they notched up an impressive 6-0 win over FC Twenty 11.

Matua comes from a family of accomplished sports stars, with his brother, Thon Maker, drafted at pick 10 in the 2016 NBA draft, another brother, Maker Maker, in South Melbourne FC’s under-20 team and another cousin, Aliir Aliir, playing in the AFL for Port Adelaide.

Matua has travelled the world playing the game but says his spiritual home for the game is in America.

“My home base is California, working with my coach, who I’ve been with my whole basketball career.

“Being able to compete at the highest level. All of that money and taking care of my friends and family is a dream for sure.

“I’ve got unfinished business. . . After this (season), it’s just get to the NBA. I have nowhere else to look.”

Having gone undrafted in the 2019 NBA draft, Matua spent time with the Houston Rocket’s G-League team the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

He says that experience was invaluable to the ongoing improvement of his playing career, as was the experience of playing a pickup game with seven-time NBA All Star and 2021 finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is also of African descent.

“I got the chance to play him in high school. We played 2-on-2 with him and my cousins. I’ve always followed his story really closely.”

For Matur’s time with the Giants, there’s only one goal. A championship.

He says the culture of the team has been incredible, calling them “a big family” both on and off the court.

“There’s not a better opportunity than this.”

Volleyball: Volleyball Tasman’s Draft League’s winners have been decided in a series of straight set finals. In the men’s side of the draw, it was the Sharks who came up from the depths to topple the previously undefeated Bears (2518; 26-24; 25-22), while the women’s draw saw an opposing result as the Bears beat the Sharks (2516; 26-24; 25-15).

Matua Maker has been a commanding presence on the floor for the Nelson Giants as he gets back in the flow of things after spending over nine months off the court with a torn meniscus. Photo: Evan Barnes/Shuttersport.

Rising dressage star’s breakout season

The walls of McKenzie Burrell’s room are lined with so many ribbons and trophies that you can’t see the wallpaper underneath.

The young dressage competitor has made such a name for herself in the sport that there’s even

more accolades which don’t have space and are stashed away in a drawer.

At 13 years old, she has quickly risen up the ranks with her pony

Pine Eyre Dash Light, who she describes as a very sassy princess and a bit of “plain Jane”.

“Dash plonks around as a level

one pony. It’s like we’re installing a new software update. You’ve just got to repeat it.

“Dressage is my favourite because the amount of trust and connection you and your horse go through is awesome. It’s such a beautiful discipline.”

Competing against adults on ful-

SUPER RUGBY TIPPING

ly grown horses, McKenzie and Dash finished third overall in the South Island’s preliminary graded horse and pony in the VETPRO Super 5 dressage series. She was the only pony rider to earn a placing. She finished first overall in her South Island age-group event at the Equimatch Pony and young rider Rising Star competition. She also cleaned up the local prizegiving with the first overall pony with Nelson Dressage for the season, first overall graded points for the season, a 70 per cent test score trophy, and the Nelson Dressage Rising Star award for the season. Her success has seen her selected for training camps in Canterbury as well as qualification to the Horse of the Year show, and she has been a regular competitor at A&P shows around the South Island.

It’s also seen her picked up as a model and brand ambassador for one of the country’s biggest horsewear brands, Punk Ponies.

“I have been really pushing myself towards it, hoping to get a lot further,” she says.

“It’s nice a little Nelson girl got the opportunity to go and compete.”

McKenzie is ambitious, saying her goal is to compete in the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane, with plans to attend the Paris Olympics next

year as a spectator.

With her coach, Melissa Galloway, predicted to make the New Zealand team to compete in Paris, she says she’s been lucky to have some great people behind her, helping to guide her through the process.

“I really like pushing myself to push past the top-notch level pony.

“You’re teaching the horse fancy dance moves, all with help from Melissa.”

McKenzie was introduced to riding while at kindergarten, where she went on lessons with ponies and never looked back.

Living outside of town, she now has two competition horses, with a jumper called Lucky as well as Dash, and two other horses she’s raising.

She trains multiple times a week, on top of riding for fun with some hacking or going to the beach. Having learnt the ropes from Edencourt Equestrian Centre’s Callum Gibson, McKenzie says it’s been a blessing to have someone so talented to learn from.

“He’s taught me from day one.” Her mum, Sarah Burrell, says that it’s people like Callum who have helped mould the sport into such a passion.

“We’ve been a part of his life for nine years.

“That’s where she started and learnt everything,” Sarah says.

McKenzie Burrell has big dreams in dressage, with ambitions to compete in the Olympics in nine years when she’s 22.

Photo: Supplied.

Community Notices

MONDAY

PHILOSOPHY GROUP Meet 2nd & 4th Mon of the month, 10am. Trafalgar Hall, 67 Trafalgar St, Nelson. All welcome. TXT Zoe 0279741758.

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

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

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

TUESDAY

WELLBY TALKING CAFÉ: Tues, 6 June, 1011.30am. McCashin’s, Stoke. Wellby Talking Cafés are about social connection and finding out about groups, activities, and services. www.wellby.org. nz. Ph: 035467681.

TUESDAY MUSIC Tues, 6 June, 10am. Richmond Town Hall Meeting Room. Vivaldi: "Spring"(set in Japan), "Summer" (Australia). Very interesting and scenic! Then my "pick & mix"! Bring a friend. Ph: Christine 035442375 or 0212486038

IT'S TIME TO LAUGH AGAIN. Tues, 6 June, 9.30am. Victory Community Centre. Please join us. Laughter Yoga, laugh for no reason, wellness, fun. $3. Bring something to lie on. Ph: Cath 0220829779.

NELSON 50+ WALKING GROUP Tues, 6 June. Sandeman-Greenacres. Meet 9.45am at Sande -

man Reserve. BYO lunch. Ph: Jenny 0273463319.

NELSON CREATIVE FIBRE GROUP Welcome you to friendly fibre craft meetings. Meet 2nd & 4th Tues each month. 9.30am, Nelson Golf Club, 38 Bolt Rd, Tāhunanui. Ph: Lesley 035765654. $2 for members, $4 for non-members.

WEDNESDAY

COMMUNITY SING A LONG, Wed, 7 June, 1.30pm, Stoke Methodist Church lounge, 94 Neale Ave. Afternoon tea. Gold coin donation for Nelson Hospital Chaplaincy appreciated. All Welcome.

CENTRAL GARDEN CLUB - Meet 2nd Wed of the month, 1.30pm. Methodist Church Hall, Neale Ave, Stoke. Guest Speakers and Afternoon tea. New members welcome. Ph: Bob or Lynn 035418468.

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

BETTER BREATHERS CLASS is now on! Wed, 1-2pm. Reformed Church, 15 Burrough Pl, Enner Glynn. Ph: Sue at Nelson Asthma Society 035441562 or E:asthma.nelson@xtra.co.nz. $5 per class.

THURSDAY

WEEKLY PERSONAL GROWTH GROUP for Women. 1, 8, 15, 22 June. 4.30-7pm. Nelson Women's Centre. Develop your ability to respond effectively to old situations or new challenges. Increase spontaneity and creativity in all areas of your life. Psychodrama will be used to explore relevant themes. Ph: 035467986. Led by Ali Watersong.

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

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

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

COMMUNITY BOOK GROUP 1st Thurs of the month booking of the boardroom. Tāhunanui Community Hub. Ph: Natalie: 021320819. hortenseb11@gmail.com. $2 pp donation.

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

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING The Nelson Club dance. Thurs, 7.30pm. Haven Hall, 34 Collingwood St, Nelson. New dancers welcome, no partner needed. More info: Ph: Kelly 0211739642 or nelson@dancescottish.org.nz.

OFF YOUR ROCKERS CHOIR Thurs, 2pm. Baptist Church Hall, Bridge St. Invites new singers and instrumentalists, 60 plus, to join our fun choir. No auditions. More info Ph: Jan 035450434.

FRIDAY

WAITAKI OLD GIRLS'S SOCIAL GROUP Nelson. Fri, 2 June, 10am. Melrose House, Cnr Trafalgar and Brougham St. Pop in for a coffee and chat. All Oamaruians welcome. Queries Ph: 0276731145. NELSON NEWBIES WALKING GROUP welcomes new people. Every Tues & Fri, 10am in Nelson, Stoke, Richmond. Ph: Karin 0221529963.

STOKE SENIOR CITIZENS is a Friendship Club accepting all indoor bowling beginners and players. Mon & Fri 1:30-3:30pm. Annual $5 subscription and a $2 mat fee covers costs levied for the after-

noon. Mats and bowls are provided by the club. Ph: 035479814 or 035473052

AIKIDO Want to learn self-defence and become more confident? Do AIKIDO Japanese Martial Art. We have children’s classes from 8 -16yrs Wed & Fri 5pm – 6pm. Check out www.aikidonelson.nz or Ph: Callum 0210694211.

SATURDAY / SUNDAY

ARMCHAIR TRAVELLERS Sat, 3 June, 7.30pm. Whakatu Presbyterian Hall, Upper Songer St. Speaker Harold Mason presents 'South America including a Brazilian Wedding'. Entry donations support Nelson Coastguard. Supper.

STOKE MONTHLY MARKET, 3 June, 9.30-noon. Methodist grounds, Neale Ave. Ph: 039276130 to book site. Supporting Nelson Hospital Chaplaincy and Lifelinc.

THE NELSON INSTITUTE PRESENTS ‘Tales of a Rocket Scientist’, a talk by Bruce Moon. Sun, 4 June, 2pm, Nelson Public Library. Cost $3. HIGGINS HERITAGE PARK Sun, 4 June, 10-3pm. 222 Pigeon Valley Rd, Wakefield. Park open day & museum sheds open, bus & jigger rides. A great place for a picnic. www.higginsheritagepark.co.nz

NELSON PHILATELIC SOCIETY MEEETING

Sun, 11 June. Doors Open 1.30pm, Stoke Baptist Church. display from Len - Military Mail Mitchener Cup –Letter “B” Ph: Robin 0275442518. HAVE TYPE 2 DIABETES & want to improve your health? Sat, 24 June, 5 Aug, 16 Sept, 28 Oct, 09 Dec. 9-1pm, Nelson Bays Primary Health. Free lifestyle & medical information group session on type 2 diabetes. Includes a free lunch/light dinner. Ph: Celeste Keesing 021790894. E: celeste.keesing@ nbph.org.nz.

GENERAL GROUPS

SUTER ART SOCIETY McKee gallery. Until 18 June. New working artists exhibition, “Contrasts “. Seven new artists showcase their works. All welcome.

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS to help support Nelson Hospital. 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. E: migration.volunteers@redcross.org.nz or TXT John 0272235972.

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.

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.

FREE FITNESS FRIDAYS - PT in the Park. Bringing communities together for fun and fitness. Free fitness with your neighbours, family, and friends in a local park near you. Become active in our local parks. E: Nicola@bfit4ever.nz for dates and park locations or look on Facebook Bfit4everNZ.

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.

16 Strong rope (5)

18 In private conversation (4-1-4)

Across contd.

21 Thorough (9)

24 Concise and to the point (5) 25 Take as a model (7) 26 A ban (7) 27 Lack of proper care (7) 28 To raise (7) Down

1 Without enough room (7)

2 Very prosperous (7)

3 Every other (9)

4 Remove errors from (5)

5 Prescience (9)

6 Indian currency unit (5)

7 Ordinary (7)

8 To pervert (7)

14 Harm (9)

15 Quick-tempered (9)

16 Largest inland sea (7)

17 Relevance (7)

19 Northeast African country (7)

20 Investigate (7)

22 A mania (5)

23 Large web-footed birds (5)

Classifieds

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR SALE

Wire Haired Pointer X Bully type puppies

Six weeks old, wormed and booked for vaccination. Eating solid food. Ready to leave home at 8 weeks. $150.00.

Text or call Lyn on 02102324092.

WANTED TO BUY

CLASSIFIED DEADLINE - 5PM FRIDAY PH 548 5900

sales@nelsonweekly.co.nz

PUBLIC NOTICE

INSTANT CASH FOR

GOLD AND SILVER

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

COLLECTION & DOWNSIZING

PH TIM GLADSTONE

PUBLIC NOTICE

Out Of Zone Enrolment Applications

The Clifton Terrace School Board of Trustees invites applications from parents who wish to enrol their sons and daughters for 2023/24 who live outside the enrolment zone. Enrolment at the school is governed by an enrolment scheme, details of which are available on the school website www.cliftontce.school.nz.

Families who wish to apply should do so in writing addressed to Rob Wemyss stating the child’s full name, date of birth and current address.

The deadline for receipt of applications for out-of-zone places is Fri 23 June.

Parents of students who live within the home zone should also apply by this date to assist the school to plan appropriately for next year.

The board has determined that 20 places are likely to be available for out-of- zone students during the next year. Preference will be given to those in the Year 1 - 2 age group (those born 2018 – 2019). The exact number of places will depend on the number of applications received from students who live within the school’s home zone. Please note that other age groups will be considered as well. If the number of out-of-zone applications exceeds the number of places available, students will be selected by ballot. If a ballot is required it will be held on Mon 26 June.

Parents will be informed of the outcome of the ballot within three school days of the ballot being held.

Rob Wemyss - Principal Clifton Terrace School

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

ART

ART/PAINTINGS

New shop opened. Lovely selection of NZ & Overseas originals. Easy access & easy parking. Open 6 days. Sell-Buy-Value, with 30+years experience.

Souchebys Antiques, 92 Bateup Rd, Richmond.

(Formerly Happy Z Cafe, Next to MacMillans/ Alchemy Pottery) Open 6 days. Ph 5440723 or 021417413

FUNERAL SERVICES

PUBLIC NOTICE

PH T&B VINTAGE 0800 653 935 or 548 5235

ANTIQUES

ANTIQUES

COLLECTABLES

New shop now open. Huge stock inc fresh stock arriving from all over NZ. Easy parking & easy peaceful access at our lovely new location. Sell-buyvalue, with 30+ years experience.

Souchebys Antiques, 92 Bateup Rd, Richmond.

(Formerly Happy Z Cafe, Next to MacMillans/ Alchemy Pottery) Open 6 days. Ph 5440723 or 021417413 www.antiquesnewzealand.co.nz

Ink Creative specialises in creating brands for businesses, building websites, copywriting, photography, graphic design and launching marketing campaigns across digital and print.

create@inkcreative.nz inkcreative.nz

563 Main Road, Stoke, New Zealand

CHURCH NOTICES DEATH Pamela Shaw

CHRISTADELPHIANS

Our beautiful and amazing mother, Pamela Shaw, of Nelson, passed away on May 17, 2023, whilst tap dancing, which was her life-long passion.

Pam was a rare, lovely and caring mother whom we adored. She was a cherished, devoted parent and precious friend; a shining light, full of joy, and a true inspiration, being active and full of life into her remarkable 90th year.

Her joyous sense of humour was a delight, her warm, sunny smile lit up the room. She was intrinsically motivated, possessing a gift to see the goodness in people and had a heart of gold. Her gentle unconditional love, kind compassion for people, endeared her to so many.

Pam’s vibrancy, positive energy, pure pleasure and fulfillment while sharing her talents, was aweinspiring. She profoundly touched and uplifted people in: tap dance, tai chi, choir, ukelele, charity groups, and theatre spanning over 55 years.

A private cremation has been held. The Shaw family thanks all those who have shared their lives with Pam.

N.Z.I.F.H.

www.marsdenhouse.co.nz

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