Jamie
and Reef
check out the picture perfect conditions at Totaranui on Friday. The boys were among the more than 850 campers staying at the popular campground.
Receiving Tapawera Area School’s 2020 Dux award was particularly emotional for Skyann Martin as she’s the first in her entire family to have completed NCEA and receive a school award.
“It was a surprise, I had come to accept that I may not get it, after having partly expected it throughout the year, but as it got towards the end I wasn’t so sure,” says Skyann.
Alongside the MW Cain award for academic excellence – Dux, Skyann also received the John Bird Memorial Award for achievement in English, the Prime Minister’s Vocational Excellence Award and the NMIT Dux scholarship.
Awarded first in Top of the South Trades Academy: arts and design, English and
Digital Technology she also received service awards for ‘The Rivers’ magazine, Senior Baton House Leader, Tui/Matariki Bus Monitor and the SVA Gold Pin.
Raised in the country Skyann says this has instilled a love of painting landscapes and led to painting being one of her favourite school subjects along with chemistry.
Her artistic talent led to her work featuring on the cover of the 2019 school magazine.
Citing the “amazing” support from the school’s teachers, Skyann says they’ve watched her grow up and they’ve been unrelenting in their encouragement of her.
This year will see her continue to focus on her creative talent as she embarks on NMIT’s art course.
Golden Bay Workcentre Trust’s general manager
Cait Tomlinson with Motueka Community Connector Maureen Urwin. Inset: Golden Bay Community Connector Tui Kraal.
The uncertainty Covid-19 has created around the world and here in Aotearoa sees people facing challenges that until now haven’t featured in their lives.
As part of the government’s Covid response they assure all New Zealanders should have the ability to access the services they need to support their individual and community recovery post Covid-19.
In response to the long-term recovery plan, the Ministry of Social Development has
invested in Community Connectors to provide direct support to people so they can access information and services in the community.
Maureen Urwin and Tui Kraal have been appointed as the Motueka and Golden Bay Community Connectors respectively, as two of the country’s 125 connectors nationwide. Their role is to work with people and families on an individual level, whether it is one off assistance or ongoing support.
As Community Connectors they can
provide tailored practical support, and assist with access to government agencies, and other local services. Effectively utilising networks, resources and support available in our community to enable people to create their own positive solutions to the challenges they are facing.
Regardless of age, race or level or type of help required by the women’s roles will be determined by the needs of the people.
“So many people’s situations have changed due to Covid, we’re here to help
bridge the gap and provide support,” says Maureen.
“Some people have never had to figure out how to use some of the services before, we can help make dealing with agencies more straight forward.”
People may be referred via government services, community agencies, or they can self-refer. The Community Connection Service is part of a government initiated community wellbeing package that supports the sustainability and effectiveness of social services.
With summer underway, Fire and Emergency wants people living with a risk of wildfire to act now and protect their homes from the wildfire hazard. This includes people living in rural communities, on lifestyle blocks and near town boundaries or large areas of scrub and bush.
Fire and Emergency
Wildfire Specialist
Graeme Still says identifying and removing fire risks around your home now will increase your property’s chance of surviving a wildfire.
“Everything within 60 metres from your house can determine how safe it will be in a wildfire.”
“Focus on any fire hazards in contact with your home first. Clear your gutters, get a non-flammable doormat and remove flammable materials like firewood stacked
against your home,” says Graeme.
“Once you’ve made your home safe, work your way outwards to the edges of your property and include other buildings and sheds”.
“Keep your lawns watered and greenthe greener the grass, the less likely it is burn in a wildfire.
“Remove long grass, shrubs, twigs and other fuels that are within ten metres of your home.
“Prune the lower branches on trees within 30 metres of your home to help reduce the intensity and spread of a wildfire.”
As well as making your home and surrounds fire safe, it’s also important to ensure firefighters can access your property if there is a fire.
“If we can’t get to you, we can’t help you,” says Graeme.
“Make sure your house or RAPID number is easy for emergency services to find and that your driveway has enough clearance for emergency vehicles. Fire trucks need at least 4x4 metres.”
Get more tips on how to keep your home fire
safe at https://checkitsalright.nz/reducethe-risk/safeguardingyour-property.
You can also contact your local Fire and Emergency Area Office for more advice on safeguarding your property or planning a burn for land management.
“Our aim is to increase overall community well-being by way of re-employment and strengthening integration between community and government agencies.”
Community Connector – Motueka
Maureen Urwin –027 257 7822, maureen@gbwct.org.nz
Community Connector – Golden Bay
Tui Kraal – 027 265 8537, tui@gbwct.org. nz
What do you love the most about camping trips?
Assaf Way is looking more attractive as a result of a joint project between Keep Motueka Beautiful (KMB) and the owner, Peter Assaf. New corten steel planter boxes
have been installed with dwarf lilly pilly trees to soften the streetscape.
“We see this project as a prototype of what can be achieved on a modest budget and
hope that other landowners on High Street might be inspired to do some landscaping,” says Isobel Mosley, Chair of KMB. Peter commented, “it’s
great that there are volunteers in town prepared to work together on projects like this”.
The project was funded jointly by Peter Assaf and KMB, which
used funds from a bequest from the estate of JD Kenen. Thanks are also due to CWS who are providing free labour to install the irrigation.
An injured little blue penguin/korora was found by beach-goers at Little Kaiteriteri on the afternoon of Saturday, 23 January. They called the DOC hotline (0800 362 468) and within 20 minutes the little blue was on its way to a specialist local penguin rehabilitation vet. Severe puncture wounds were clearly evident which caused internal bleeding. The little blue died a few hours later from its injuries.
“This is such a sad and preventable death,” says Linda Jenkins, local coordinator of penguin conservation group “Love Our Little Blues”.
“Responsible dog owners know to keep their dog on a lead when walking our local beaches which are known habitat for little blues. Unfortunately a few ignore the advisory signs and the inevitable happens. A little blue simply can’t defend itself against a dog attack. As well as creating puncture wounds a dog will vigorously shake the penguin which severely damages internal organs which the penguin can’t survive.”
Advisory signage
is installed at local beaches to make locals and visitors aware of little blue penguin activity in the area. DOC says the Little blue penguins/ korora’s conservation status is “at risk – declining”.
“The beach goers did exactly the right thing by calling the DOC hotline, taking photos and staying with the little blue to help keep it safe until assistance arrived. They did an awesome job and gave the penguin a fighting chance of surviving. In spite of their efforts we still have such a sad and totally avoidable outcome,” says Linda.
Penguins are recognised as sentinels for the marine environment. Their population dynamics generally reflect the state of the ocean habitat they inhabit. Increasing pressure on their environment from climate change, human interaction, pollution and fishery activities threaten their ability to successfully thrive in New Zealand waters. Five of our six penguin species in New Zealand are in decline, including the little blue/ korora.
Beautifully designed enamel cups, tumblers, tote bags & gift cards. Luxury triple milled soaps all wonderfully scented & New Zealand designs.
Dear Editor,
I recently attended the farewell of Warren Webby; volunteer extraordinaire.
I reflected on our volunteer community. Ambulance officers and their volunteer’s work to a schedule.
Fire Brigade and Search and Rescue don’t have any warning of when the siren or call to “work” will come. Off they rush to the call; fire, accident, flood/hailstorm, illness, someone lost.
We need to thank
the Business operators whom allow these people to serve us; plus the partners and families when these volunteers leave meals half eaten, sleep disturbed, and family times disrupted. Aren’t we fortunate to have such a large band of volunteers who are prepared to drop everything and run!!
Thank you all.
Yours,
Mary LafrentzDear Editor,
Reading TDC’s “Newsline” article responding to climate change, it states among the goals for TDC on the climate action plan: The council shows clear leadership on climate change. Well, well. I marched with the students on High Street in protest of the inaction on climate change from national and local government.
At the opening of the Nelson/Tasman climate forum I told the
panel that Nelson will be the driving force as TDC lacks any progression.
To me the council is still stuck in the last century and there is not any urgency, which is badly needed. We need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions rapidly to meet our obligations to the Paris Climate Accord and on a large scale.
In our region we need to phase out burning coal and stop the horrible rural burn offs.
In Hawke’s Bay the council has stopped rural burn offs, but this Tim King/ Stuart Bryant’s led council has not done so, too afraid to upset some farmers who can burn everything including single use nylon string, to the detriment of the folk living nearby, who have to endure this toxic pollution and smoke.
If this council has any credibility it should show action.
The next generation deserve a liveable planet and we need to
change our behaviour. So far the leadership has been poor, time is running out!
TDC has to make strong decisions on climate change otherwise their rhetoric about showing “clear leadership” is just tokenism and meaningless. The scientists have been telling it for years and years, so take action!!
Regards,
Boris Leegwater Stanley BrookCOVID is here to stay
Many of us are struggling to come to terms with our new global reality since COVID.
We are indeed very lucky to be living in New Zealand, for so many reasons. Without community spread of COVID, we are the envy of friends and family living overseas where COVID
continues to impact their daily lives and businesses.
Can New Zealand stay COVID-free?
One has only to look at the different border biosecurity regulations for humans and animals to see that we follow the science more closely for animals than we do for human diseases.
For example, pets coming into New Zealand must have valid governmentissued permits demonstrating that they tested negative for important diseases, lived in managed isolation for specified periods of time before they left their home country and travelled under strict conditions of isolation enroute.
Restricting human movements into the country is far trickier. While the government struggles to keep down the numbers of new passenger arrivals at the border and improve testing for workers and postquarantine travellers, we will have to
adapt new standards to keep our borders safe. Current biosecurity at the border is unlikely to stop the import of community spread, as we have seen recently with the Northland case.
As an Island nation we can limit disease incidence at the border but we can’t seal our borders completely.
At an absolute minimum, we will always need people to run our trade vessels for exports and bring goods into New Zealand.
Population immunity at home will require at least 80% of our population to be fully vaccinated with a vaccine that confers longlasting immunity. Our current biosecurity system is providing slower exposure to COVID than the rest of the world, but not toward being COVID free.
- Motueka Library - 12 Pah Street - Phone 03 528 1047 -
BookArt Display at Motueka Library
Come and see the BookArt on display during February. Judged on 12th February & winners announced.
Scrabble@Motueka Library
Every Wednesday, 1.30-4pm
Do you enjoy this word game? Bring a friend or meet new people.
Chess, Yahtzee and Upwords at Motueka Library
Thursdays, 2pm-4pm
If you enjoy these board games, bring a friend and have a great game at the library.
Waitangi Day@Motueka Library
Check out the Pop-Up display for Waitangi Day Garden Gurus@Motueka Library
Monday 15 February, 11am-12.30pm Topic: Summer gardening
A project funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is helping to improve wellbeing outcomes for mothers in the rural settlement of Tapawera in the Tasman region.
The Tapawera Connect Trust has started a mothers’ group to strengthen connectedness and build social resilience in the community.
The trust was set up using $20,000 from MPI’s Rural Community Hubs programme fund to investigate initiatives to support the community.
MPI’s director of Rural Communities and Farming Support, Nick Story, says the programme aims to empower isolated communities to tackle challenges they face.
“It can be difficult for new mothers living in rural communities. Their partners are often on-farm all day, or working long hours as contractors, and this can leave mums feeling isolated.
“It is vital measures exist to support the wellbeing of people in rural areas, or employers will find it difficult to attract and retain staff,” he says.
Tapawera Community Trust coordinator Phoebe Quinlivan says the mothers’ group has made a real difference for many women.
Prior to the group being established, new mothers in Tapawera had nowhere to meet unless they drove 45 minutes to Nelson.
“None of these women were connected before joining
the group. Now, they have an additional safety net of support around them, should they need it, as well as other mums to run things past as they navigate the various ups and downs of motherhood,” she says.
“Adult interaction is also really important for the mental wellbeing of mothers with babies and toddlers.”
Following the success of the mothers’ group, the Tapawera Connect Trust is working hard to identify other needs in the community.
“We sent 600 surveys out to local residents and are keen to engage with them about their ideas, and potential projects and initiatives to build community cohesiveness and social resilience,” says Phoebe.
Several community workshops are being held this month and throughout February to encourage people to come together, be inspired, and brainstorm ideas.
“There has been strong interest in the workshops. We are running a couple of the food and wellbeing workshops twice due to the demand.
None of this would have been possible without funding from the Ministry for Primary Industries and we are extremely grateful,” she says.
People wanting further information can contact tapaweraconnect@gmail. com
Employers recruiting for harvest 2021 will be hiring workers on the spot at a Harvest Hiring day, run by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) in Motueka on Wednesday, 10 February.
MSD’s Motueka service centre at 236 High Street will be transformed for the day to host
employers from local horticulture, agriculture and aquaculture industries looking to hire hundreds of staff for the coming season.
MSD staff will be on hand to provide job seekers with any assistance they may be eligible for in order to take up employment, including allowances.
MSD Regional Commissioner for
Nelson-Tasman, Marlborough and the West Coast, Craig Churchill, says the impact on travel and the border restrictions of COVID-19 meant local people now had opportunities to take up seasonal work that they may not have considered previously.
“Our team is working with local employers to provide every opportunity for our local job-
seekers to take up seasonal work,” he says.
“Staffing our seasonal industries will be an important step in our region’s economic recovery from the pandemic.”
Harvest Hiring will run from 9:30am to 3:30pm on 10 February at MSD, 236 High Street, Motueka.
On Saturday, 9 January a book was launched, ‘The History of Te Awhina Marae –He Rau Mahara’ at the marae.
Pohe Stephens who currently resides in Hamilton compiled the book which he says “has been a long time coming”.
“I thought it might be a good job for me to do, I’ve lots of childhood memories from the marae and had old records in my possession from my parents,” says Pohe.
Tasman District Council is inviting applications for the Tasman District Jobs for Nature Programme Supply Panel (contract 1238).
Council is negotiating funding from central government of up to $15 million, with $5 million already confirmed, for a five year environmental programme.
We want to create a diverse supply panel of large, small, generalist and specialist suppliers across the Tasman region to deliver the projects including:
Plant supply and restoration planting – approx. 200,000 plants for 50 sites
Weed control in targeted areas – approx. 90 sites, plus up to 12,000ha of Significant Natural Area Fencing waterways – approx. 5km
Creating and improving wetlands – 350m of streams, 10 constructed drains, 7 new wetlands
Assessment of 8,000 in stream structures and fish passage remediation in 1,500 structures
Ecological specialist advice – writing plans, peer review, monitoring trial sites
There’s an information session for anyone wanting to know more on Tuesday 9 February from 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm at the Ernest Loney Memorial Hall, Wensley Road, Richmond. Please email ProgrammeManagement.Office@tasman.govt.nz for more information.
Register your interest by 10 March 2021 at www.gets.govt.nz ID No: 23910889
With the book transforming a couple of times, Pohe says the first draft was between 150-200 pages, but was too detailed for what was wanted.
“After taking it to the marae board they suggested I simplify it so now it’s about 60 pages and there’s still a lot of information and detail in there.”
With the settlement having been there since 1850, Pohe says the book includes images from the 1800’s.
Around 450 people attended the book’s launch which Pohe says was “beautiful, couldn’t fault it”.
The makete po (night market) that took place that evening provided a highlight and it’s estimated 2000 people attended, with maori music award nominee
Ria Hall entertaining the crowd along with other esteemed musicians.
For anybody interested in purchasing ‘The History of Te Awhina Marae – He Rau Mahara’, you can visit the marae office to do so. Copies are $25 each.
Growers and businesses from across horticulture and viticulture came together to meet with school principals, teachers and career advisors at an event late last year show-casing enthusiastic horticulture role models in the Nelson Tasman area.
Speakers Amelia Marsden, Canaan Balck, Danielle Sakaio (Punky), Ryan Gaudin, Sue Lowe and Steve Thomas gave their personal stories about how they made careers in horticulture and viticulture and why
they love their jobs.
“No-one ever told me that horticulture was a career option when I was at school,” says Amelia Marsden.
Amelia, who has an Agriculture Science degree and careerchanged to horticulture after an injury, loves working with people, the technical decision making and everchanging nature of the seasons. She was employed directly into a supervisory role and is working towards her L4 NZ Apprenticeship in Fruit Production. She is also on the
steering committee for Grow NZ Women group locally.
Organisers say there was a real buzz in the room with both schools and industry discussing how they can work together and appreciating that there is so much good will in the region to provide great opportunities and pathways into the horticulture industry.
For anyone interested in a career in horticulture, contact hortnzcareersnelson@outlook.co.nz www.gohorticulture. co.nz
This is my first column for 2021, so I want to start by wishing everyone here in West Coast-Tasman a happy new year. I hope you all had a proper break, wherever you were. And to those of you who worked through, my sincere thanks for helping to keep us all going.
My Labour team reunited in Nelson last week for our ‘away caucus’. That’s something Labour MPs do every year to kick things off – but our families join us there too, which makes it particularly special.
In Nelson the Prime Minister’s focus was on the very issues I spent my summer discussing with friends and family around the barbecue: COVID-19 and housing.
She updated us on the Government’s COVID response, including our vaccine roll-out plan. There is plenty to look forward to this year, but, as the recent Northland case reminded us,
we aren’t out of the woods yet and cannot become complacent.
The Prime Minister also revealed where the 8,000 extra public and transitional housing places announced in Budget 2020 will go.
Since taking office we’ve added 4,579 newly built state homes across New Zealand, and the Government is committed to continuing our public house build programme at pace and scale.
I’m excited to relay that, according to our new Public Housing Plan, by 2024 the total number of public and transitional housing places in West CoastTasman will have grown by 543 since 2018.
That means by 2024 this Government will have delivered 18,350 new public and transitional housing places across the country.
It’s easy to lose sight of what these extra places will mean.
Ultimately, each is another family that doesn’t have to sleep
in a car or a garage; another family with a place to call home, even if only for a short time while more sustainable accommodation is arranged.
Plus new builds will boost economic activity, creating employment and apprenticeship opportunities for people all over New Zealand.
Historically, Labour has led the charge in supplying public houses for the most vulnerable in our communities. I am proud to be a member of this Labour Party that is once again bringing much needed housing support to people in need.
There is no silver bullet to fixing the
housing crisis we inherited. Our work on public housing is just one piece of the puzzle.
We’re also preventing homelessness by expanding the Housing First programme, modernising tenancy laws to give renters some security, making it easier to build houses by
replacing complex planning laws and investing in infrastructure, and helping more families into houses with our progressive home ownership scheme. There is more to do, and it’ll take time to solve a problem that’s been decades in the making, but we’re
committed to tackling New Zealand’s housing crisis. I can’t wait to share more good news with you as the Government rolls out further initiatives to support this work in the coming months. There is certainly plenty to look forward to.
A huge thank you to the Motueka Hospice volunteers for making the Motueka Hospice Pop-Up shop successfully open its doors to the public on Friday, 29 January. The pop up shop is situated on 79 High Street next to the Motueka Hotel.
Shop Manager Jacinta Olykan says she is grateful to the volunteers who helped with signwriting, organising displays, pricing, cleaning, and preparation for their opening with this pop up shop.
“Thank you to the 300 plus customers who shopped with us over the opening weekend, and for the thoughtful donations that we have received. We are now able to make sales again, turning second-hand goods into first-class care for the Nelson Tasman Hospice,” says Jacinta.
Volunteer Pat Walker says volunteering at the Motueka Hospice Shop is a lot of fun, “You meet so many people from different walks of life and you
make new friends.”
Pat has been volunteering at the Motueka shop for two years, and before that ten years with the Hospice in Christchurch and would highly recommend it. “I’m passionate about the work they do and how they help not only the person suffering but also their family. It’s an incredible place.”
The pop up opened just a month after the existing shop was damaged in the Boxing Day hailstorm. For the opening weekend, the shop held a massive sale with everything half-price, raising much-needed funds for the services provided by the Nelson Tasman Hospice.
“The pop up shop has been a great opportunity for us to catch up on lost sales over the last month. The closure of the Motueka shop due to the hailstorm has affected our income and going forward we need the community to support us in the new pop-up shop. Any support the com-
munity can continue to provide the Nelson Tasman Hospice will be much appreciated,” says Frans Dellebeke, CEO Nelson Tasman Hospice.
The pop-up shop will be open seven days a week until the existing shop is repaired. “If you didn’t manage to come in over the opening weekend, please come in and shop with us where you are bound to find a bargain or that special item you never knew you needed,” says Jacinta.
For those who would still like to support the Motueka Hospice Shop by volunteering please contact Jacinta Olykan, Shop manager on 03 528 1178 or motuekastore@nelsonhospice.org.nz.
All other volunteer inquires for Nelson Tasman Hospice with a few hours of volunteering a month please contact Volunteer Programme Manager Krisca Gould on Krisca.gould@nelsonhospice.org.nz or 03 546 3912.
Final preparations are being made by a dedicated committee for the Big Tiny House Expo taking place in Motueka from this Saturday, 6 February through until Monday, 5 April at 76 Old Wharf Road.
“Over eight big weeks this summer we’re going to demonstrate living with a lighter more sustainable footprint,” says event organiser Julie Jacobson. “It’s an outdoor showcase for builders, designers and suppliers of Tiny Homes and innovative, renewable and off-grid power, water and waste management systems.”
The small group of independents, passionate about solving the ongoing housing crisis in New Zealand hope their Big Tiny House Expo will serve to showcase to the public the environmental benefits and person-
al advantages of Tiny Living.
“We hope to allow developers to create Tiny communities by providing a point of focus and a platform for meaningful discussion, collaboration, and ultimately action, to amend land use regulation to allow temporary land use for transportable dwellings,” says Julie. “The purpose of the event is to amplify our Tiny voices, with a calendar of events in the Hui centre encouraging public participation.”
The mini pop-up village will include premium display home-sites, along with a variety of vendor displays and speakers and working groups discussing Tiny Homes, land use regulation reform and an affordable housing action plan.
Organisers are adamant Tiny Homes are the “common sense solution to our housing crisis” and to “housing security in the face of climate change”.
“Tiny Homes provide warm, safe and dry accommodation outside the traditional real estate model. Homes are not fixed to the land. Home ownership is separate to land ownership and home are easily transported by road for relocation,” says Julie.
Mayor Tim King will open the event that kicks off at 12pm this Saturday. Buoyed by the support from the Tasman District Council (TDC) for the event, Julie says the TDC has requested to be in the Hui Centre “to offer information, listen to public feedback and hold workshops to work with local people, industry suppliers and landowners, to find a land use solution”.
The Hui Centre is the heart of the event, bringing voices from all sectors of the Tiny Home industry and the community. Hosting speakers, public meetings and workshops on a range of topics; from sustainable land
use to providing an affordable legal path to home sites to rent.
“We hope by the end of the event the Tasman District Council will be able to announce some common sense regulations that will see Tiny transportable homes become mainstream – an affordable 21st Century way to live and be able to adapt location as needed in the face of climate change,” says Julie.
“We kiwis can build 100,000 Tiny Homes in just a few years. We cannot build enough traditional homes fast enough to meet the current and future housing shortages.”
Big Tiny House Expo 2021
Feb 6 – April 5 76 Old Wharf Road, Motueka
Observing pollution in China and Europe first hand has prompted the 2020 recipient of the Project Janszoon Conservation Education Scholarship to study for a degree in Marine Biology.
Ph. (03) 548 1478
admin@nelsondentureclinic.co.nz
19-year-old Hana Mason-Williams will use the $1,000 scholarship towards gaining her National Certificate in Diving which is part of the New Zealand Diploma in Environmental Management which she is currently studying at Toi-Ohomai Institute of Technology in the Bay of Plenty. She then plans to study for a degree in Marine Biology.
Hana attended Golden Bay High School and was the Manawhenua ki Mohua and Onetahua Marae Abel Tasman Youth Ambassador (ATYA) representative in 2016.
She says being part of ATYA prompted her to plan pathways for her future and travel on a four-month overseas holiday to China and Europe which was an eye opener.
“Even in some small towns in Switzerland where it seemed so clean, there would be rubbish floating down rivers where we would be swimming. Being in China was a complete shock as I had never experienced such bad air pollution. It made me realise how lucky I am to have grown up in New Zealand where it’s clean, unpopulated and green. I never want New Zealand to become like the rest of the world and I want to
help in any way I can,” she says.
This is the second year of the scholarship which was launched for students involved in ATYA and Project Janszoon and DOC’s education programme to further their learning in the conservation, ecology or leadership fields.
ATYA iwi representative Beverley Purdie says Hana’s experience with the Project Janszoon’s Student Advisory Group (as ATYA was known in 2016) provided the avenues and opportunities for her to learn new skills and knowledge as she grew in confidence as a leader.
“I believe Hana’s family, her outdoor experiences and her involvement in the
youth advisory group gave her the strength and the confidence to go overseas. Everything came together and the love of the environment and the experiences she had with Project Janszoon came right to the front of her thinking and allowed her to follow her dream,” says Beverley.
Abel Tasman Youth Ambassadors are chosen from schools who are part of the Project Janszoon / Department of Conservation education programme. Currently Motueka High School, Golden Bay High School, Motupipi Primary School, Lower Moutere School and Ngatimoti School are involved.
“These students
are the future champions of the park. It is wonderful to see how Hana plans to use the scholarship in the field of marine environment,” says Project Janszoon’s Education coordinator Brooke Turner. Hana says she doesn’t have a specific career path in mind but wants to utilise the skills and experience she gains to help New Zealand’s marine environment and contribute to iwi and their marine business operations.
The Abel Tasman Youth Ambassadors and education programme is also supported by Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle which provides transport into the park for the students.
From Friday, 15 until Sunday, 17 January 162 members of the Horrell family enjoyed a family reunion in our district.
“It was very, very good. There were no real glitches and everyone had a great time,” says Motueka’s Richard Horrell.
The family members
came from Napier, Wanganui, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, Ashburton, Southland and a number of places in between.
With most of the event based at the Lower Moutere Hall, there was plenty of opportunity for catching up at their first reunion in seven
years.
On Saturday, 125 of the group headed into the Abel Tasman National Park on a Sea Shuttle launch where they enjoyed a visit to a family member’s Torrent Bay bach.
A bus tour of the district on Sunday had them take in some of the family’s history with
a visit to Waiwhero Valley where two of the original Horrell brothers lived when they first arrived in the district around 1935. The brothers came here to help build a timber mill for what was then one of the area’s largest forestry companies.
“We took in the
sights of where the brothers lived and also the district as a whole. It meant people could also check out the hail damage and get to grips with the scale of the storm,” says Richard.
Richard’s classic car collection was also on the itinerary as was his
sister’s teddy bear and doll collection.
The weekend that reunited the Horrells had members from 2 months-old to 86-years-old and was faultless says Richard while providing an excellent opportunity to showcase our district.
“We’ve had no negative feedback at all, they really did just praise it. The area helped with the national park and our warm climate, they couldn’t believe the heat,” says Richard.
Ashburton will host their next reunion in five years.
There are numerous benefits to having an animal companion, this week take a quick look at the mental benefits that come from having pet.
Pets rely on you and trust you to care for them. It is a huge commitment and one that should not be taken into lightly. Consider the life span when choosing your pet, a turtle for example can live for at least 25 years. In fact some people even bequest their pet turtles in their will. A lack of commitments lead to inhumane outcomes for animals, for example the rooster we often see roaming that have been dumped at rest areas.
If you truly are committed to loving and nurturing a pet, consider a rescue animal. Rescue animals often come neutered, wormed and house trained, brilliant! Just like us animals all have their own different personalities. It’s a lot of fun getting to know each other.
The mental health implications of having an animal companion in person’s life are fascinating.
The bonds between humans and animals are powerful. And the positive correlation between pets and mental health is undeniable. Children, adolescents, adults, and seniors all find joy in their pets. Animals help with depression, anxiety, and stress, they provide companionship and ease loneliness, and pets bring us joy and unconditional love.
The sensory act of stroking a pet lowers blood pressure. Studies have shown that dogs can help calm hyperactive or aggressive children. Caring for another living thing gives us a sense of purpose and meaning.
Pets help distract teens from what’s bothering them. And spending time with a pet helps teens remember how to be playful and carefree.
Playing with a dog or cat raises our levels of serotonin and dopamine, the hormones that calm and relax the nervous system. When we smile and laugh at our pets’ cute behavior, that helps stimulate the release of these “happiness hormones.” Interacting with a friendly animal reduces levels of cortisol, the stress hormone; and it increases the release of oxytocin—another chemical in the body that reduces stress naturally.
No matter what kind of pet you have or are looking at getting, the most important thing to remember is to care for your pet and create a happy, healthy environment. What you will get in return is unconditional love, one of the greatest treasures of all.
The Motueka Senior Citizens Assn Inc are mindful that their membership is low and current members are of an age where they have diminishing energy to want to manage club activities or upkeep the hall, so the committee is calling for community ideas and feedback. They are welcoming younger seniors and older seniors alike to be part of the club. The club has thrived in years passed and will do again! You are welcome to join in one of two workshops to be held at the club rooms next week. The workshops are designed to not only engage our local community, but also to recruit new members as well as committee members.
There are many mature active citizens such as grandparents caring for grandchildren, those recovering from an illness or in between jobs. Younger seniors may like to have their own interest group or activity. Anything is possible! Your participation is vital to shaping the future of this wonderful club.
It’s interesting that when we are thinking about ourselves, age becomes just a number and feels somewhat meaningless. However, the positive way we tend to see our own age, doesn’t always translate to how we perceive, or even judge the age of others and this needs to change.
Did you know that some people in their 70’s are more active than the youth of today? People reach ‘senior’ status through sports and work all through their life and more and more people are active in age these days.
The club’s constitution has always included junior members from fifty years of age, a mix of young and old make for a healthy club community.
The committee is mindful that coming into a new club can be difficult so this year several small introductory afternoon teas will be offered with no more than 4 to 6 new people at a time.
Interested people can view the rooms, hear what is on offer and enjoy a chat. People can attend any activity provided by the club three times before deciding to join.
Find out more about the Motueka Senior Citizens, attend one of their workshops!
• TUESDAY 16th Feb 1pm – 4pm and SATURDAY 20th Feb 1pm – 4pm at the Clubrooms, behind the library in Pah St.
• Register your interest, afternoon tea provided
• Come check out our cosy club rooms
• Bring yourself, a colleague, relative, client, neighbour or friend
• Bring your ideas for 50plus activities
• Join us – help the committee to
We already know that staying both physically and mentally active in your autumn years offers a variety of health benefits, like lessening chronic pain, delaying and preventing certain diseases, and helping you recover faster from an illness or injury. While exercise is important for a high quality of life, the connections you make with others and the relationships you continue to build also have a major impact on your overall wellness.
Studies show that seniors who stay socially active and engaged experience a variety of benefits, including:
• Better cognitive function. Social activities keep us sharp and mentally engaged, and this is important to prevent the onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
• Maintaining good emotional health. Connecting with others helps keep you in a positive mood, which in turn wards off depression.
• Improving physical health. Socially active seniors tend to be more physically active, too. Plus, you tend to eat more and make better food choices when you eat with others.
• Boosted immune system. Studies show that seniors who stay engaged with others, and life around them, have higher levels of immune-system functioning.
• Enjoying restful sleep. If you have difficulty sleeping at night, it could be that you’re feeling isolated and lonely. Research shows that people who have more fulfilling relationships in their lives tend to sleep better than those who don’t.
• Increased longevity. Live a longer, happier life by keeping your social circle strong. Friends and loved ones help you deal with life’s daily stresses, and are often key to encouraging you to live a healthier lifestyle, too.
Two activities that are well established at the club are Indoor Bowls and Rummikub. Most club activities are open to the public before so people can decide if they’d like to join.
In past years, the club has enjoyed line dancing, art lessons, cards, over 80 dinners etc. What type of activities and events would you like to see at the Motueka Senior Citizens? With your support it can happen.
Before confirming activities and events for 2021 the committee would love to hear what you, the Motueka community suggests. Folk may contact the numbers below for a general chat and/or everyone is invited to come and have their say at either of the two workshops.
The workshops will be held on Tuesday 16th Feb 1pm to 4pm or Saturday 20th Feb 1pm to 4pm, at the Motueka Senior Citizens Club Rooms (behind the Motueka Library) with afternoon tea provided.
Register your interest with Chris Hickson President text or call 021 251 4359, or Mavis Win Secretary 03 526 8796.
Come and join the Motueka Senior Citizens Inc, make new friends, discover new interests and help bring our community even closer together.
Join
With little club cricket on last weekend Wanderers and Motueka cricket clubs were closely following the performance of key club players in the Griffins team as they battled Canterbury Country for the Hawke Cup.
The WanderersMotueka premier team contributed two players to the squad with Harsh Visavadiya playing in all games and Motueka teenager Logan Ogilvie gaining selection as 12th man for the final, all important match last weekend.
Harsh’s credentials are well known having represented Southland and Otago in previous Hawke Cup challenges and victories, this win being his 3rd time in a victorious team, but for Logan this was his first journey to the Big Dance and both Motueka and Wanderers clubs applaud Brady Barnett
and his selectors on blending the youth group in to the squad.
WanderersMotueka Captain Hayden Ingham was very pleased to see Logan’s name in the team and commented that “it is well deserved as Logan has worked very well both seasons in the Premier grade”.
He added that Logan is a talented player and the selection is also a reflection on how the team has played since returning to Premier, especially this season.
Motueka Cricket
Club President Gary Agnew was also extremely happy to have another Motueka representative player, “It is so pleasing as Logan started with Motueka as a 6-yearold playing Hardball, and we are so proud to have our first rep again after dropping out of Premier Grade. This is exactly what we had hoped for from the collaboration with Wanderers and is fully merited.”
The Griffins will now defend the trophy against North Otago during a 3 Day match on 12-14 February.
Nelson
Tuesday 9th February: 1 pm - 5 pm
Wednesday 10th February: 1 pm - 5 pm
Moutere Community Centre
Central Otago; Ettrick
Thursday 11th February: 3 pm - 7 pm
TBC
A BBQ lunch/dinner & drinks will be provided at all events.
Please contact Erin Simpson at erin@applesandpears.nz if you want to talk more about this.
Otherwise please RSVP your attendance to summer@applesandpears.nz .
Results of the Oceania Woodlands Retirement Village sponsored Women’s Invitation Triples bowling tournament held on Wednesday, 27 January 2021.
Women from United, Stoke, Richmond, Wakefield and the local club participated in this tournament. The day was hot but that was a good excuse to quench the thirst at the end of play. The excellent sponsorship from Woodlands was much appreciated especially by the winners.
Results:
1st Leslie Morris, Eluna Ulugia, Rae Peterson from the Stoke Club with 4 wins, 28 ends, 64 points
2nd Lynnette Cook, Jeanette Pauline, Colleen Kempton from the Richmond club with 4 wins, 23 ends, 47 points
3rd Julie Hall, Carolyn Mason, Pam Bonis from the Wakefield club with 3 wins, 24 ends, 48 points
Brooklyn Handicap
North/South
1st Carolyn Gatenby & Malcolm Macleod 62.5%
2nd Maxine Carrington & Karen Logan 59.64%
3rd Martin Thompson & Justine Thompson
53.93%
East/West
1st Diana Whitten & Brian Field 65.42%
2nd Mary Hamilton & Julia Armstrong 59.58%
3rd Bet Glengarry & Ruth Field 54.17%
Handicap Results
North/South
1st Maxine Carrington & Karen Logan 61.24%
2nd Carolyn Gatenby & Malcolm Macleod
57.62%
3rd Diane Stuart & Dawn Bensemann 50.01%
East/West
1st Diana Whitten & Brian Field 63.27%
2nd Mary Hamilton & Julia Armstrong 57.52%
3rd Faith Jackson & Linda Thurow 55.17%
A worrying new study has highlighted that up to 78% of beachgoers in Aotearoa New Zealand are unable to spot rip currents (rips) in the surf, increasing the risk that they may inadvertently end up caught in one.
On average, five people fatally drown in rip currents on our beaches each year and a further 700 people require rescue.
The study, conducted as part of a collaboration between Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) and beach safety experts at the Universities of Canterbury, Auckland, Waikato, and UNSW Sydney, found that most beachgoers were unable to accurately identify rips.
“What we observed was a dangerous and well-established rip current moving quickly offshore from the beach, and when we asked beachgoers to point it out to us, the vast majority were unable to do so,” says Dr Seb Pitman, a coastal geomorphologist from the University of Canterbury.
The study was conducted at Muriwai Beach on Auckland’s West Coast, well known for its energetic surf conditions.
“Rip currents are
like narrow rivers of water that start near the beach and flow offshore various distances beyond the breaking waves. They commonly occur in deeper channels that are cut between sandbars, which means waves don’t break as much in the rip current – this means that beachgoers often mistake them as the safest areas to swim because the water looks so calm when compared to the breaking waves either side,” he says.
One of the study collaborators, Professor Rob Brander from
UNSW Sydney believes that teaching people to understand and identify rip currents is “extremely important,” as many people continue to swim at non-lifeguarded beaches and outside of patrol hours.
SLSNZ’s Chief Operations Officer, Adam Wooler, agrees.
“Rip currents account for about 80% of the rescues our lifeguards perform each year,” says Adam, who believes many of these rescues are the result of people not knowing how to spot a rip.
The researchers
also looked at whether people were better able to identify the rip current in a static photograph, as this was the main way many Kiwis are taught about rips – and these sorts of images feature prominently on warning signs. The study found two thirds of people that could see the rip current in the photographs could not pick one out in real life.
“This finding is a real concern and has implications for how we should educate people about rip currents in the future,” says Adam.
“It also reiterates that the best way to stay safe at the beach this summer is to choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the flags.”
RELAX and float to conserve your energy RAISE your hand to signal for help
RIDE the rip until it stops and you can swim back to shore or help arrives
Ref Alan Stephen Brady
Ref Rob Stephen
Fowler Mens A
Community Notices are free to charitable trusts, gold coin entry where any monies gained go back into a community project. Notices for businesses and organisations who charge for courses or events cost $12.50+gst. No AGMs, sports notices or church notices.
DEADLINE: 12 NOON MONDAY. 30 WORDS OR LESS BY EMAIL ONLY guardian.motueka@xtra.co.nz
We regret if your community notice ad has not made this week’s column, it is due to the popularity of this column and inclusion cannot be guaranteed for free ads.
ART APPRECIATION Learning about art and art history. Group meets fortnightly on Wednesday mornings in Motueka. For more information phone Sandra 528 4616 or 027 328 4386.
ART - MANDALA ART THERAPY - a journey to the spiritual self. Every Wednesday 4pm - 6pm at Community House. Bring your drawing supplies. $4 koha for the room. Maddy 027 336 6300.
BENEFICIARIES & UNWAGEDWORKERSTRUST (BUWT) is available to give free advice and support if you are having problems with WINZ, ACC or IRD at Motueka Community House on Thursday mornings.
BLOOD CANCER SUPPORT GROUP meet monthly for more information phone Heather 027 4444708
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 539 1137 or info@cancernelson.org.nz
CARERS SUPPORT GROUP For Partners / Family. Encourage-Hope-Share. Register 539 1137 or info@cancernelson.org.nz
COLORECTAL CANCER SUPPORT GROUP, Cancer Society Nelson, for those who are going through or who have gone through colorectal cancer, and their carers/support people. Register 539 1137 or info@cancernelson.org.nz
EDDYLINE 5K WALK/RUN Summer Series
Starts Wednesday 10th February for 8 weeks. Registration from 5.30pm under the big tree on Champion Rd opposite the swimming pool.
MOTUEKADISTRICT BRASS A new year challenge. Learn to play a brass instrument free of charge with instrument provided at Motueka District Brass. Email motueka.brass@gmail.com or phone 02102233244
MOTUEKA GRG S U PPORT GR OU P Welcomes Grandparents/Kin raising/supporting grandchildren. 2nd & 4th Tuesday every month 1-3pm St Andrew’s Lounge 64 High Street. Join us for a confidential, relaxed & supportive time with others. Phone 0211337299.
MOTUEKA MENZSHED Want to be involved in one off community projects? Join MenzShed. Email SecretaryMotMenzShed@gmail.com or just turn up at MenzShed, Marchwood Park, Wednesdays or Thursdays 9-12pm
MOTUEKANEWCOMERS New to Motueka? We’re a social group, mostly retired (50+) who meet regularly and welcome newcomers. For further information about regular meet ups and social get togethers, phone Mary 5284531.
MOTUEKA REBUS CLUB Next Coffee and Chat will be held at The Pah St Cafe at 1.30 on Friday 5th February.
NEED A LIFT? Mapua Willing Wheels Volunteer Drivers Service, affordable transport around Mapua, Motueka, Nelson, Richmond, 6 monthly subscription $25 + mileage. Contact Rachel on 022 6822 373 / mapuawheels@gmail.com
PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP meet 1st Thursday of month Broadgreen House 276 Nayland Road 1.30 to 3.30pm contact Bill phone
at Best Island on Wednesdays and Sundays, weather permitting, usually 1pm onwards. IOMs and Dragon Force etc. New Members welcome. Contact Peter
Twilight Games 5.30pm onwards starting 9th February. First night to have a go no green fees, mallets provided. Interested, phone 021 1122178 or just turn up. No age limit.
every Thursday 1-4pm at 10 Pah St all new players welcome Contact Mavis 5268796
SeniorNet Motueka runs a wide variety of courses for computers, laptops, tablets and phones in Apple, Windows, Android & iOS Phone Kay on 021 109 5902 or go to www.
. If you have or have had cancer, supporting someone with cancer come and meet others in this friendly atmosphere Register info@cancernelson.org.nz or phone 539
$$$ for your antique furniture, paintings, china, clocks and jewellery. Plus quality restoration & reproduction service. Call at Mariri Gallery, Coastal Highway, Mariri, or telephone 027 448 4430 (weekdays 9am - 4pm).
arborist
ALL T R EE CA Pruning, Trimming, Removal, Chipping, Hedge trimming. Professional insured Arborists. Ph: Al 0277 808 344 (AH) 03 5278 426.
TA SMAN CA RP ET C LEANIN G - Great service, eco-friendly, great value, for a free quote ring Greg 0274 300 626.
crossword results
church services
entertainment
health & fitness
Garage sales are free for up to 16 words and must be either emailed or brought into the office. Phone calls not accepted. Businesses will incur normal charges.
garage sale
TAHI STREET, MAPUA Fri 5th - Mon 8th Feb. 9 a.m. - DUSK. Retro & Vintage goods circa 1940’s - 90’s. Signs Out.
N EW DENTU RES, relines, repairs. Phone Daniela at Bays Dentures 546 4455.
Fill the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9. 8 1 915 8 24 97 3 2 7 1 1 7 3 4 2 6 4 5 3 2 3 41 8 2 5
2 BEDROOM FLAT
Central Motueka. Fully insulated, with heat pump & log burner. References required.
$285 pw. Ph 03
5286351.
public notices thank you
raffle results
MIDSUMMER Festival of Quilts. All prize winners have been notified. Thank you for your support. Proceeds to St John.
storage
HANDYMAN Storage. Motueka's newest most secure storage unit. Security cameras. Insurance approved. 26 Huffam St, Motueka. Ph 0274 344 254. Courtesy trailer available.
STORAGE Systems Motueka. Secure self storage available from $6 a week. Ph 528 4060.
TASMAN Storage units available from $5.90pw. Clean, dry, secure units. Insurance approved. 24/7 access. Ph 528 0071.
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
T&B VINTAGE
0800653935 OR 5485235
wanted to buy
SHED ITEMS, garden tools, wheel barrow, estate, house clearout/ downsizing items. Ph Matt 021 178 2346
window cleaning
WINDOW CLEANINGSERVICE Good rates. (Per hour). Indoors and ourdoors. Police vetted. Reliable. Brian @ CLEANWINDOWS. 02102251221
Experience is a wonderful teacher.
With 140 years of helping New Zealanders with their legal and financial matters, there’s almost no situation we haven’t studied or solved. From wills to family trusts, we can o er expert advice and tailor made solutions to any family situation.
The team at Public Trust Nelson can visit your home in Motueka, or meet you at Morrison Square, Level 1, Suite 3/244 Hardy Street, Nelson 7010. Give us a call on 0800 371 471 to book an appointment or for more information.
publictrust.co.nz
situations vacant
