Mahana School’s Mask Carnivale entry titled ‘30 Years of Pop Culture’ touched on crazes from Furbys and Emojis to Tik Tok and Tamagotchi. It was a true blast from the past (and present) as the children marched up Nelson’s Trafalgar St on Friday. Their theme fitted perfectly with the overarching Carnivale theme of ‘30’, a nod to the Nelson Arts Festival’s 30th Anniversary.
Photo: Evan Barnes / Shuttersport. See page 18 for more photos.
KATE RUSSELL
If you grew up in Nelson, you’re likely to have fond memories of school camps at the Mārahau Outdoor Education Centre – and next year it is due for a big upgrade.
The centre has hosted generations of local school students for more than 35 years, as well as organisations and private groups during weekends and school holidays.
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“Everyone has a Mārahau story,” Don McLean from the Mārahau Outdoor Education Trust says. Several years ago the kitchen and dining area were upgraded, and Don says it’s now time to give the dorms a “much-needed” makeover.
The camp can accommodate up to 69 people, with one double dormitory holding 44 bunk beds and three single beds, and the other dormitory with 22 bunk
beds. The upgrade is expected to cost just under $300,000 and will include new bunk beds, insulating and relining the walls, and new toilets at either end of the dorms so there will be no more middleof-the-night trips outside to go to the toilet.
There are also plans for new staff accommodation including a private shower and toilet, new windows, and heating so the camp
can be used all year round.
So far, they have raised around $130,000 with grants received from Network Tasman Trust, Lotteries and Tasman District Council. To help fund the shortfall they have set up a Givealittle page and are asking the community to help future-proof the camp by donating.
Don says the camp is volunteer-run and includes a “great team” of principals and teachers
from around the region who all pitch in at regular working bees. “It is run purely by volunteers, and we just want to keep it going.”
Don, who has been on the trust for 15 years, says the upgrades will be done in stages and they hope to start work in 2025. “It’ll be wonderful.”
To donate, go to www.givealittle. co.nz/cause/lets-give-our-favour ite-school-camp-an-upgrade
A warm welcome heralded the blessing, official naming and maiden launch of the new Tasman Harbourmaster vessel, Pūkāea last week.
Pūkāea is a 6.3m boat built by Tasman’s DNA Boats. She is designed to be a safe, versatile, community-focused asset for education, community events, and essential navigation safety work.
A council spokesperson says the new addition is a welcome upgrade for the former small boat Hydro and will join the Sentinel in helping to keep Tasman waters safe.
Harbourmaster Pete Renshaw, who is responsible for the safety of maritime operations and recreational activities, said the boat’s design is unique for our coastline and the role she will play in education and community focus.
“Whether it’s hosting educational programmes for youth, supporting community events, or serving as a reliable workboat, I believe this vessel is ready to meet the needs of our community.
“With its ability to be easily towed by road, she will be able to reach even more places where she’s needed most, increasing our resilience and offering greater public value for years to come.”
The name was given to the vessel by Sharlene Maniapoto of Te Ātiawa ki te Wakaā-Māui Trust and supported by the iwi advisory group to Tasman District Council on cultural narratives.
Pūkāea are traditional Māori instruments, long wooden trumpets normally sounded by the sentinels or watchmen of the pā as a warning signal.
They were also used in times of ceremony and to welcome manuhiri (guests).
Police have been making themselves highly visible on Tasman roads and the number of checkpoints will ramp up over the festive season to remind people to take care and get home safely.
The Government’s $1.3 billion Road Policing Investment Programme 2024-2027 kicked off in July, targeting drunk or drugged drivers, plus speed on open road and high-risk locations. It fits with Tasman road policing manager, Inspector Hamish Chapman’s focus on being highly visible on the roads.
“No matter where you are driving, we could be there.”
So far this year, there have been 21 deaths in the Tasman police region which ranges from just south of Kaikoura and down the West Coast to Haast. Four of those were in the Nelson-Tasman area and he says a couple of those accidents involved alcohol or speed.
Just recently, a police team set up a checkpoint in the middle of the day at Springs Junction where the public would not expect one and he says one driver was processed for having alcohol. They elected to provide a blood sample which is being analysed and were forbidden from driving for 12 hours.
Over five days, including the past weekend, police carried out
more than 5,500 breath tests in Nelson-Tasman and he says eight were above the alcohol limit for driving, with four recording over 400 micrograms of alcohol. One driver was caught speeding at 98kmh in a 50kmh area.
“These are very disappointing stats – people taking hugely unnecessary risks and we’re still, sadly, seeing far too much of that on our roads.
“The perfect game is catching noone speeding or drunk driving.”
He says a significant police operation is planned for the Christmas and New Year period, including more breath testing and checkpoints, to remind drivers of their obligations.
Early next year the police will be able to carry out oral fluid testing for drugs at roadsides and Hamish welcomes that because he thinks drugs are possibly underrepresented in road statistics.
“It’s another tool in our tool kit for road safety.”
One of his big concerns on the open roads is speed, often driving too fast for the conditions.
“People going too fast for the corners and they fail to stay in their lane and drift into the other lane and then it can be fatal.
“A real push of mine is to have staff on the highways at highrisk areas or where the speeds are higher.”
His message to drivers is to put
cellphones down, put seat belts on, drive at an appropriate speed for the conditions and stay off drink or take drugs before driving.
Automobile Association (AA) Nelson chairman, Kyle Lightfoot, says research shows that compared with other methods of encouraging drivers to comply with road rules, a police car on the road is among the most effective ways of achieving that.
“Police can’t be everywhere, but the AA strongly supports levels of funding that provides for highly-visible road policing so motorist believe there’s a realistic chance they could be caught if breaking the road rules.”
Kerry Templeton has cultivated a piece above his upper lip every November for the past two decades but will do so this year in tandem with fundraising.
The Plant and Food Research Motueka hop scientist is growing a ‘stache for Movember to raise funds and awareness for men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer or mental illness.
His colleagues Lawrence Graham, Alastair Currie and David Bellamy have also joined forces, and colleague Shona Seymour is participating in the Move for Movember initiative which involves walking 60km across November.
The 60km limit is in memory of the 60 men lost to suicide global-
ly, every hour.
Kerry says his annual new look each November had been a comical affair “to my wife’s disgust,” he laughs.
But the more he understood the reasons for Movember, he converted his growth into a charity case.
“Men are notoriously bad at talking about their health issues, particularly the ones that [Movember] is talking about like prostate and testicular cancer and just mental health in general,” he says.
“There’s no reason for the stigma to be there, there’s just this stupid culture we have where we don’t talk about certain things because it’s not deemed tough or cool but talking about this stuff should be cool.
“I think it’s quite good to raise awareness of what Movember do, it means men might talk about [their health] a bit more… and hopefully we can make a bit of money for these guys.”
Kerry says he’s clean shaven for 11 months and has traditionally sprouted a handlebar moustache in November, and he plans to sport a Tom Selleck mo for his inaugural go at fundraising.
To donate to Plant and Food Research Motueka’s Movember fundraising visit: movember.com/t/ plant-and-food-research-motueka
MAX FRETHEY
Local Democracy Reporter
Tasman finished the last financial year with both a lower surplus and debt level than it had budgeted for.
making up $100 million of the council’s total $228 million revenue.
Instead, the surplus was driven by assets being transferred to council ownership, such as when the council acquires roads and pipes from a new subdivision.
creasing trend in serious and fatal car crashes, resurface 6 per cent of the road network, issue no boil water notices, achieve near-total participation in kerbside recycling, and have an average of 9 library visits per resident.
The district council has now adopted its annual report for the 2023/24 financial year, which provides a rundown of the organisation’s performance last year.
The report shows a surplus of $26 million, almost $8m below what had been planned, largely driven by increased spending.
The higher expenditure was mostly due to interest and maintenance costs, forestry expenditure, and depreciation costs all being higher than planned.
The multi-million-dollar surplus doesn’t necessarily mean residents are being rated unnecessarily with rates
Council debt had been budgeted at $249.9 million but came in marginally lower at $247.8m instead.
Last year, Tasman had several achievements such as launching the new eBus service, purchasing land for the Motueka Community Pool, signing a relationship agreement between Te Tauihu’s eight iwi and three councils, and the Waimea Community Dam becoming operational.
Of the council’s 109 targets for the year, it achieved 74 and a further five were within 5 per cent of being met.
The council failed to oversee a de-
As for resident satisfaction, while the council’s recent residents survey highlights that three quarters of the district are satisfied with the organisation’s overall performance.
However, specific areas where the council failed to achieve high satisfaction include community events, road quality and safety for cyclists, the resource consent process, and building control works.
KATE RUSSELL
Peckham’s Cider has once again shown they make a hard drop to beat with several recent award wins on both the local and world stages.
The Upper Moutere-based cidery and orchard was awarded NZ Champion Cider Producer for a second consecutive year at the NZ Cider Awards last week.
“It’s truly an honour to receive this award again,” says co-owner and cidermaker, Jody Scott.
“We’re one of the few cideries in New Zealand growing our own specialist cider apples. It’s a challenging, hands-on process, and we put so much care into every step, from orchard to glass.
“Being recognised with this award reassures us that all that hard work is resonating with others, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see our passion appreciated.”
The awards were held at Founders Park in Nelson on Friday with a total of 29 producers entering the awards, up from 24 in 2023. With a total of 128 entries, 40 bronze, 50 silver and 17 gold medals, as well as 15 trophies, were awarded on the night.
The Neudorf Rd cidery’s success
doesn’t stop there, with their cider also being celebrated across the ditch.
Peckham’s picked up Best International Cider at the Australian Cider Awards last month for the
second year running with the top-scoring cider of the showPeckham’s Chisel Jersey 2023. It was the highest-scoring cider in the competition out of 190 entries, being awarded an unprec-
edented 97-point score from the judges and Best in Class for Medium Traditional Cider.
“The Australian Cider Awards are highly competitive, so earning this recognition two years in
Last week it was incorrectly stated that Nelson Intermediate School claimed three of the four prizes from the local Evolocity event. While they did win three awards, Lower Moutere School students Harrison King, Izrael Heathcarey, Tamai Goldsworthy, Bailey Angus and Arlo Easton also won three awards in a different catrgory. They won top prize for Vehicle Performance, the Racing Award and the Earthcare Award. The Guardian apologises to the students for not being aware of their wins.
a row is an amazing validation of what New Zealand cider can achieve,” Jody, who is also chair of the New Zealand Fruit Wine and Cidermakers Association, says. In addition, their Apple Zero Non-Alcoholic Cider also won Best in Class with a Gold Medal and 93 points with the highest scoring entry in the No/Low category, and barrel-fermented Knotted Kernel 2023 also won Gold with 92.5 points.
Peckham’s’ two other entries, Classic Apple and Hazy Apple, both came away with strong silver medals, with the Hazy Apple coming second in the Medium Sweet Traditional category.
“We’re excited to share the quality of our ciders with our neighbours and to show that New Zealand really produces some of the world’s best,” Jody adds.
Jody credits their success to the quality and variety of their cider apples, which provide distinctive, bold flavours in each of their ciders.
“While many New Zealand ciders are made from eating apples, we focus on cider apples specifically chosen for their depth and complexity. That focus on quality fruit is what makes our ciders special.”
There will be plenty of stocking stuffers on offer at this weekend’s handmade art and crafts fair in Riwaka (although perhaps think twice how you wrap the rose plants).
Locally crafted felting, jewellery, Christmas decorations and foodstuffs will be among the line-up at this Saturday’s rain-or-shine event.
The fair supports the upkeep of the 75-year-old bowling
club, where recent funds have helped with painting supplies, and organizers hope to be replacing the carpet soon. Fair organiser Bruce Heron notes that thanks to its dedicated volunteers, the club proudly boasts “one of the best greens around.”
The fair will be held at the Riwaka Bowling Club on School Road on Saturday, 9 November, from 9am until 2pm, with a donation bucket for entry at the gate.
ELISE VOLLWEILER
Rennie Pearson’s parents had an extensive CD collection, but there was one disc in particular among the eclectic mix that captured the imagination of the Golden Bay local. Rennie still remembers the feeling he got as a child when the music of Canadian flautist Chris Norman washed over him. The wooden flute entranced and calmed him, even as a very young boy.
When he was seven-yearold, he was taken to see the touring performer and composer in concert.
“I was just absolutely transported away,” Rennie remembers. “It really made such a massive impact.”
The very next day, he decided that he wanted to learn the wooden flute so that he too could play the traditional Celtic music that resonated so deeply.
The now-29-year-old says that the driving rhythms still lift his heart. He explains that the style of music spread throughout the world as the Celtic people travelled, and he is delighted to be “literally
on the opposite side of the world, keeping these traditions alive”.
Although he is currently residing in Melbourne where there is “so much opportunity for music”, Rennie’s family have lived in Golden Bay for about seven years. The family originally hails from Wellington, but they have a long-standing connection with the bay, as Rennie’s family holidayed on a bush block in the Kahurangi through his youth.
“I just feel very connected to the community and the land there,” he explains.
“When I think about going home, I think about Golden Bay.”
Although he has visited Ireland several times, he plans to move there next year, to “go tap in and live there for a little while and just fully immerse myself”.
“I think it’s very important, when playing traditional music, to go to the source.”
Before his big move, Rennie’s friends and family in the Top of the South will be able to see him in concert in several incarnations. First on the itinerary is Celtic Illusions, an
Irish dance and illusion show that has performed worldwide. Rennie is one of the musicians in the show, which will be held at Nelson’s Theatre Royal on Sunday, 17 November at 7pm, with a 4pm show already sold out.
Next is a duo with Golden Bay’s Colm McEnaney, where the pair perform as Forgotten Atlas on Wednesday, 18 December, at The Mussel Inn.
Rennie predicts the usual “big dance party”, saying that their gigs there always go off.
Rennie says he likes to be involved in different musical collaborations for the creative variety.
Another of these collaborations is Half Light, described as delivering “driving, hypnotic Celtic music from two of New Zealand’s top players”.
Rennie and lauded guitarist Bob McNeill will begin the South Island leg of their tour at the Ruby Bay Store on Monday, 6 January, with a concert the following day in the Murchison Theatre.
Ticketing information is available on Rennie’s website, renniepearsonmusic. com
Biddy Mason, a dedicated solo mum and mature student, is a second-year nursing student at NMIT, pursuing her dream of a healthcare career.
Begin study this Feb
Biddy’s journey is anything but traditional. After exploring careers in pharmacy, travel, and real estate across Australia and beyond, she returned to New Zealand, where she is raising her eight-year-old son, Blake. Driven by a long-held desire to care for others, she embraced the opportunity to study nursing close to home. Because she’d been out of education for a while, Biddy completed the Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways course before starting the Nursing degree programme. It was just what she needed to get back into the study routine.
lborough Scholarship, which alleviated financial pressures and allowed her to focus fully on her studies. She also values the support from NMIT’s learner services and SANITI, who have helped with everything from funding advice to fuel vouchers.
Nursing is not just shift work. With plans to specialise in mental health, Biddy finds joy in building relationships with whānau and patients, adding, “If I can do it, others can too! Nursing is a demanding yet rewarding career – perfect for those who like hands-on, meaningful work.” Unsure where to begin? Book a study navigation chat with our friendly and helpful team! They’re here to help you plan your future and set you up to succeed.
“I was hesitant about the prep course, wondering if it was just for younger people. But it helped so much in getting me focused on studying. It covered things like referencing and the science aspects of nursing. It gave me a real head start - I think it should be compulsory for everyone.”
This year, Biddy received the Zonta Club Mar-
With 2025 applications and scholarships now open, there’s no better time to take that first step towards realising your own dreams.
Begin your study journey at NMIT this February - Believe it, become it.
Find out more: nmit.ac.nz/nursing
Good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance? Yes please.
Multicultural Nelson Tasman is hosing its first Motueka-based Diwali event this weekend, complete with a morning tea involving lots of Indian snacks and treats, a steaming cup of chai and a hands-on craft activity.
Diwali is the annual Hindu festival of lights, cleansing and feasting, and Motueka’s event will be run by Nelson’s Anjali Puri, who has also led the hugely popular Diwali festival at Founder’s Park.
This free, family-friendly event is to be held at Te Noninga Kumu-Motueka Library on Saturday, 9 November, from 10am-12pm.
Nelsonians were dished out more than a million dollars in fines during the first six months of the year for driving violations, police data shows.
The fines include speeding tickets and infringements for using a mobile phone, not wearing a seatbelt, or driving under the influence.
Between January and June of 2024, 499 people were caught not wearing their seatbelts. Police dished out $69k in fines for the offences.
Thirty-six people were caught running red lights, collectively costing them $4350.
Driving under the influence of alcohol caught out 326 drivers, the most being in June when 69 drivers were caught over the limit.
Of the more than 300 drivers, 95 were caught driving within the lowered alcohol range of between 250-400mcg per litre of breath and 16 were under 20 years of age, so were required to have zero alcohol.
Using their phone while driving resulted in 768 drivers racking up a collective $111,450 in fines.
Of the 482,966 vehicles that drove past a mobile speed camera during the six-month period, 5607, or 1.1 per cent, were going too fast, which put $335,480 in fines in the post.
Police officers issued another half a million dollars in speeding fines during the first six months of the year, with 5792 drivers being posted a ticket for their driving ways.
In 2023, the Nelson Tasman district saw more than 1700 drivers caught using their phones, and nearly 16000 speeding tickets issued by a speed camera totalling $989k.
Another 11,000 speeding tickets were issued by policers totalling more than $1m. More than 1300 tickets were also issued for being unrestrained.
Motueka Rotary’s third annual Great Tasman Primary School Quiz was held on Wednesday, 16 October, at the Motueka High School hall in front of an enthusiastic group of supporters.
Nine of Tasman District’s 14 primary schools contributing to Motueka High School battled it out over four sections of 10 general knowledge questions. It was a close-run contest with only one point separating the top three teams.
The winning team of Sophia and Malachi de Vries from Tasman Bay Christian School correctly scored 28 out of the 40 questions. Second was Fynley Ison and Sonny Asquith of Māpua School scoring 27. Third place with a score of 26 was Tapawera School’s Jack Thomas and Xander Barlow. These podium finishers received cash prizes and books. All other students received certificates of participation, a copy of the illustrated dictionary and cash prizes funded by Motueka Rotary. Quiz convener, Paul Heywood, said that Rotary’s objective was to give the students and their supporters a fun night out while testing their general knowledge.
It also provided students with a taste of their new high school when they graduate. Supporters were also invited to informally undertake the quiz.
Motueka Rotary thanked Image Creators who provided the printing of certificates and school labels.
The Warehouse provided books and PaperPlus provided spot prizes. They also thanked Motueka High School principal John Prestidge and staff for the venue, particularly IT support by Paul Crofsky. Principals and teachers of the primary schools who got behind
the quiz deserve a big thank you. Also, thanks was given to the Rotary team for the smooth running of the night. Most importantly, they thanked the students who participated. In addition to the podium finishers the teams were: Zeppelin Charles and Tilly Rodwell - Dovedale
School, Genevieve McGill and Azaria Gardiner- Mahana School, Abel Madigan and Paul Buenz - Motueka South School, Zeph Jackson and Marias Dendonecker - Ngatimoti School, Nixon and Marcus Bell - Parklands School, and Payton McBeth and Eden MacDonald – Riwaka School.
ELOISE MARTYN
Over the past three months, the Motueka Catchment Collective, along with local community groups, have made significant strides in combating the hard-to-control weed Old Man’s Beard in several areas of Motueka.
Old Man’s Beard is an invasive vine that poses a serious threat to our local forests, growing rapidly in large clumps and smothering native plants, from the highest trees to the little seedlings on the ground.
In August, the Motueka Catchment Collective kicked off its first ‘BIG’ community weeding event, where volun-
teers, including members of the Nelson Trout Fishing Club and members of the Brooklyn BOMB Squad, participated in weeding, poisoning, and cutting Old Man’s Beard to curb its growth and aggressiveness at a site near native bush in the Motueka Valley.
Encouraged by their progress, the Motueka Catchment Collective is organising a second ‘BIG’ community weeding event on Sunday, 10 November, which will continue efforts to remove Old Man’s Beard from native trees near Haycocks Bush and are looking for volunteers to support their efforts.
Notably, some areas in Tas-
man, such as Golden Bay/ Riwaka and the St Arnaud/ Upper Buller regions, remain largely free of this invasive weed. This initiative not only aims to restore native flora but also promotes the health of local streams and rivers, enhancing community well-being.
“It’s wonderful to see such proactive community action at our first event” Bruce Stare from the Motueka Catchment Collective’s Pest Management Group says.
“While many vines have been cut and treated, there is still much to be done. We would love to see more volunteers at our second event to help tackle this major weed problem.”
Dave Win and Johnny Ritchie
Hannah Stevenson and Megan Hendren
Kerry Muddle and Wayne Rothwell
Lex Taylor and Johno Webb
Mark Allinson and Norton Feasey
Mike Dixon and Roger Tait
Neil Wilson and Stuart Machin
Nick Boyer and Brendon Robinson
Sam Briggs and Ben Coman
and Gary
MAX FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter
The words “plan change” might be scary for some in the region. Nelson’s council surprised many when it notified Plan Change 29 which, in its original iteration, could have seen six-storey buildings built without resource consent across swathes of the city. Opposition to the plan was widespread and strong, with many concerned about the loss of daylight and the city’s character.
But Tasman District Council’s proposal – Plan Change 81 –isn’t seeking housing density of that magnitude and will allow ample opportunity for community feedback before its notified. The plan would rezone areas of many Tasman settlements to ensure the district has the residential and business capacity for the next decade.
Housing intensification specifically is slated to be largely focused on the State Highway 6 corridor, in Wakefield, Brightwater, and Richmond.
A new medium density residential zone would apply to large portions of all three towns, with parts of central Richmond also having a higher-density overlay.
It’s hoped the zone would enable a greater variety of affordable houses, both in terms of style and size, rather than just more of the typical three- or four-bedroom detached homes.
Plan Change 81 also builds off more than a year of work on the Richmond on the Rise spatial plan, which has been described as the town’s equivalent of a
neighbourhood plan.
Neighbourhood plans are one of the critical missing elements of Nelson’s plan change process, which would have allowed suburbs to work with the council to develop a vision for each specific area before the plan change but have instead been left until after due to time constraints.
“Instead of just launching into a
plan change, it was, ‘let’s talk to the people of Richmond,’” says Jeremy Butler, the council’s team lead for urban and rural policy.
“We did a lot of work around that, and we got really, really strong support for it.”
Tasman’s current thinking is that the medium density zone would allow for three-storey buildings, with Richmond’s higher density
zone potentially enabling an extra storey or two.
However, a lot of the details are still being developed and there’s still plenty of opportunity for residents to have their say. Currently, the council is simply raising awareness amongst the community that the plan change is coming, but a draft is expected to be put out for public feedback in the first quarter of 2025.
“That’s extra time to make sure we get it right,” Jeremy says. The feedback from that engagement period will then be used to alter Tasman’s draft plan before it’s publicly notified and goes through the formal consultation process and hearing – which is where Nelson began with its plan change.
“It’s being very carefully thought through to ensure that we get the best of the benefits and avoid the worst of the negative effects that can occur from intensification that’s badly done.”
Residents can visit shape.tasman.govt.nz/urban-growthPC81 for more information, or to keep up to date on the process.
Wed 8th Jan
Sat 11th Jan
Sat 8th Feb
Mon 10th Feb
Sun 16th Mar
Tue 18th Mar
Fri 21st Mar
ODI2.00pm Blackcaps v Sri Lanka Seddon Park, Hamilton
ODI2.00pm Blackcaps v Sri Lanka Eden Park, Auckland
ODI6.00pm Blackcaps v Pakistan Multan Cricket Stadium Pakistan
ODI6.00pm Blackcaps v South Africa
T202.15pm Blackcaps v Pakistan
T202.15pm Blackcaps v Pakistan
Multan Cricket Stadium, Pakistan
Hagley Oval, Christchurch
University of Otago Oval, Dunedin
T207.15pm Blackcaps v Pakistan Eden Park, Auckland
Sun 23rd Mar T207.15pm Blackcaps v Pakistan Bay Oval, Dunedin
Wed 26th Mar
Sat 29th Mar
Wed 2nd Apr
Sat 5th Apr
T207.15pm Blackcaps v Pakistan Sky Stadium, Wellington
ODI11.00am Blackcaps v Pakistan McLean Park, Napier
ODI11.00am Blackcaps v Pakistan Seddon Park, Hamilton
ODI11.00am Blackcaps v Pakistan Bay Oval, Dunedin
New speed limits hit road block
The councils were told this would happen when the Government was elected but they still carried on changing speed limits.
Norman Stringer
So blimmin typical of this govt to complicate everything.
Sue Wilson
Tasman cuts road safety spending after NZTA funding gap
Streets for People feedback for Queen St, Hill St, Champion Rd and Salisbury is between 65 and 78% against the changes. Huge negative impact to residents and businesses for very little, if any, improvement in safety for cyclists. Is Wensley feedback collated yet? Is there any modelling done on property values yet?
Carolyn Woolf
That’ll mean even more potholes - coalition getting us back on track!
Peter Blasdale
Let’s fix that headline…
‘Just a year after being asked what they think of lower speed limits then having the answer completely ignored, Tasman
residents may be asked all over again and ignored a second time because Council are pack of grifters just wasting rates money on sending out surveys that none of them pay attention to’.
Emma Marshall
So, 2200 people voted to reduce speed limit. How many people in Tasman? It seems that most want the speed limit to stay the same.
Karl Griffith
If NZTA are not doing safety work, shouldn’t they be liable for crashes? Plus how much has it cost to repair shoddy road works on roads like Wensley?
Andrew Lindsay
Unfortunately we don’t always get what we ask for because it’s not possible, but there’s been a huge increase in funding despite the shortfall of what was planned on…..
The numbers don’t show the South Island, or more specifically Tasman, have been forgotten.
An NZTA spokesperson said that the Top of the South had received 66 per cent more funding for local road operations and pothole prevention in the 2024-27 period than in 2021-24, a $190 million increase.
Tasman specifically requested $76.3 million for 2024-27 and received $73.9 million from NZTA, up from $50.7 million in 2021-24. Of the $73.9 million allocat-
ed to the district, $50.7m can only be used on pothole prevention.
Tracy Manning
It doesn’t help in any of the towns, just a bloody joke.
Marty Reid
Local teachers wow at awards
Beautifully stunning from story to stage
Sheralee Taylor
Beautiful work!!
Vonnie Turipa
Tasman’s trailblazine wāhine toa
Well done and keep going. You are making a difference!
Donne Oosthuizen
Brooklyn’s bridge to 150 years
I remember this as a kid... We’d take a mug and maybe 50 cents, something like that.
Christie Williams
Diwali Talk with Anjali Puri
Saturday 9 November, 10am-12 noon
Learn about spice, chai and what makes the Festival of Lights special. In partnership with Multicultural Nelson Tasman.
Age Positive Series
Healthy Hearts –Wednesday 6 November, 10.30am-11.30am
Eating Well– Wednesday 6 November, 1.30pm-2.230pm
Advance Care Planning– Thursday 7 November, 10.30am-11.30am
How to get Active with Green Prescription – Friday 8th November 10.30am-11.30am
Babbling Books
Thursday 7 November, 1pm-2pm
Bayleys Motueka
208 High Street, Motueka www.rwmotueka.co.nz
208 High Street, Motueka www.rwmotueka.co.nz
Therapy Dog, Lacy and Claire
Thursday 7 November, 10.30am
Board Games
Friday 8 November, 3.30pm-6pm
Garden Gurus
Monday 11 November, 10.30am12pm
Show and Share an Object
Monday 11 November, 1.30pm3pm
The Holyoake name harks back to the early days of settlement in Nelson when Richard Holyoake emigrated from England, settling in Riwaka in 1843.
Holyoake’s parents, Henry Victor and Esther lived for some time in Mangamutu where they ran a general store, and it was there that Keith Jacka was born on 11 February 1904. When Henry’s father died in 1913, the family relocated back to Riwaka to take over the family’s farm.
Young Holyoake received an education until the age of 12, and while at school gained the nickname ‘Kiwi’, the reason being that there were two Keith Holyoakes at the school and to differentiate the two the teachers called him ‘Kiwi’ and the other child Keith.
becoming Prime Minister again, a position he held until February 1972.
His youth was spent on the farm and in 1927 his father took him into partnership with the business name changed to V. Holyoake and Son.
Being an active young man, he played rugby, was president of the Golden Bay-Motueka Rugby Union, became a referee, played representative tennis and engaged in cycle racing.
With a growing interest in politics, he put himself forward as a candidate for the Motueka Electorate as a Reform Party member in June 1931 running against George Black.
Wallace Edward Rowling was born in 1927 in Motueka to Arthur and Agnes. Like Keith, his heritage went back to the early days of the settlement with his great grandfather, Thomas arriving in Nelson on one of the expedition ships in 1841. Thomas settled in the Riwaka district where he farmed the land. Wallace’s father Arthur was a strong Labour supporter and was at one time the Chairman of the Motueka Labour Representation Committee. Arthur was also on friendly terms with high-ranking Labour members, including Michael Joseph Savage and Peter Fraser who would at times visit the family home. Wallace attended Lower Moutere school and then Nelson College where he was a boarder, after which he attended university, obtaining a master’s degree in economics and also qualifing as a teacher at Christchurch College of Education.
Following his father’s love for politics Wallace became a member of the Labour Party, and in 1960 won the Buller seat at 35 years of age. He suffered a heavy blow in November 1963 when he lost both of his parents within a few days of each other.
When Black died in 1932, Keith contested in a three-way race for the seat and won becoming Parliament’s youngest member.
Forging ahead with his career, he quickly moved up the ranks and became the president of the Labour Party and won the Tasman seat in 1972.
He lost the seat to Labour in 1938, and with few prospects in Nelson, he and wife Norma moved to Pahiatua where he won the seat for National in 1943. Keith was named as successor to Sidney Holland following his retirement in 1957 and led the country for 84 days with Labour winning the next election. After three years of opposition the National Party successfully won the 1960 election with Keith
Following the death of Norman Kirk in 1974, Wallace became Prime Minister at just 46 years of age. His tenure as PM was short-lived after Labour lost the next election. He remained as Leader for the opposition until 1981 and in 1984 retired from politics.
The similarities are striking – both men came from old settler stock, both raised in the Riwaka/Motueka community and both rising to the highest position in the country.
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Hayden Squance wasn’t planning to contest last Sunday’s Nelson half marathon but ended up schooling the 360 runners.
Last year’s runner-up put in a late entry on the eve of the race after driving past the registration venue.
“In the end I couldn’t resist,” says the Tasman School teacher who promptly ran the 21.1-kilometre Nelson Half two minutes quicker than last year.
“The conditions were perfect. I made my move at Monaco Point and was out on my own after that,” reports Hayden, who went on to win by more than three and a half minutes.
Another Tasman athlete, Zefa Fa’avae, finished third in the event which started at Saxton Field and headed out along the Waimea Estuary to Sandeman Reserve before doubling back.
Another ‘local’ runner Max Barnett shook off jetlag to run away with the 10km race.
Max was representing Ngatimoti having only arrived in the country five days earlier to work on a television show Noel Edmonds is putting together on New Zealand.
Max’s mother Angela is employed in Noel’s media business.
“I am from Bath and took up running during Covid.
“I fell in love with the sport and started to do a few races,” says Max, who breezed through the 10km in 37 minutes and 25 seconds.
A perfect result really as a televi-
sion crew was following Max for the show he’s involved with.
“I will be here for another 25 days doing more filming around New Zealand,” confirms Max who has known the Edmonds family for about nine years.
Noel was part of the River Haven crew at Saxton Field too and quick to point out he was no runner.
“That is why you see me walking perfectly normally. Have you seen some of the people
limping around here today?” observes the 75-year-old.
More than 1100 people turned out for half,10k and shorter distances
“That is a record. We had 900 last year and were hoping for a
thousand this time,” beams Athletics Nelson president Stu Hague, who reckons running is making a comeback.
The flat and scenic course is probably a big reason for the bumper crowd, too.
ELISE VOLLWEILER
A 30-year-old tennis competition between Richmond and Motueka was held last week, with Motueka taking the win in the hard-fought tournament.
The annual Richmond Mid-
Week Ladies v Motueka MidWeek Ladies Doubles Competition has been running since 1993, with Richmond organiser Leona Ellis keeping the competition alive. This year, it was Motueka’s turn to host. The Motueka tennis club reports that there
is a spirit of friendly rivalry between the clubs, with the competition being eagerly anticipated by both. Each club provides eight players for the competition, who are seeded (or ranked). Richmond have been the winners for several years, but this year the
Motueka ladies managed to scoop victory against a very competitive Richmond side.
The Motueka team is: Jackie Anderson, June Tippett, Gayle Clark, Jan Siemens, Alison McMillan, Kath O’Regan, Robyn O’Gorman and Carol Johnston.
MONDAY
MOTUEKA ELYSIUM Mon, 9.30am, Muses Café. For Widows and Widowers. Join us for coffee and chat, friendship, and support. Ph: Carol 035285027.
WOULD YOU LIKE A BIKE? Bike Hub Nelson accepts donations of good used bikes, fixes them up and gives them away for a small koha. 142 Saxton Rd. Mon, 5.30-7pm. For other opening times and a map e: bikehubnelson@gmail.com.
MOTUEKA BETTER BREATHERS, Mon, 11.30am, Brass Band Hall, Old Wharf Rd. A 60-minute series of guided exercises done seated or standing, specifically designed to help those with breathing difficulties. Ph: Jess 0275467675.
MOTUEKA HIGHLAND PIPE BAND, Mon, 7pm. Band is located beside Motueka Recreation Centre. Promoting Scottish tradition and culture. Look forward to your participation. Info: Ph: 027284 8361.
MAPUA FRIENDSHIP CLUB. Indoor bowls, 1st & 3rd Mon. Mapua Bowling Club rooms. 2pm, Bring a plate of afternoon tea. Lots of laughs. Ph: Val 035403685.
TUESDAY
MOCKINGBIRDS MUSIC GROUP, Tues, 2-3.30pm, Senior Net, Pah St. If you enjoy some fun singing/playing music, come along with your instrument, we’d love you to join us. Beginners welcome. Ph: Sue 02102416155.
HOPE TENNIS CLUB SOCIAL TENNIS, Every Tues, 9.30am, Hope Tennis Courts, Hope Domain. All abilities most welcome. Queries Ph: 0211729257.
MOTUEKA BRASS, Tues Evenings. Discover your musical talent with us! Join our lively brass band for an unforgettable experience to join Ph: 021728168 or come along.
YOGA. If you have or have had cancer, we offer restorative yoga classes. Tues, 12.30pm. To Reg, Ph: 5287669.
WEDNESDAY
NEW TAI CHI CLASS, Wednesdays, 1-2:30pm, Mapua Hall. Experienced and beginners welcome. Info 021 1441 791
AGE CONCERN TEA & TALK, Wed, 10.30am, The Shed, 24a Tudor St. More info Ph: 0279214074.
KNIT & NATTER Wed, 10-12pm, Motueka Over 50s Social Hub, 10 Pah St. Friendly group for all ages. Includes refreshments. All welcome.
WALK 4 HEALTH, Wed, 9am, Motueka Community Garden. 3050 min walk at your own pace, for any age, any fitness and size. Ph:0273015598.
TOASTMASTERS MOTUEKA meet 1st & 3rd Wed of month, 6.45pm start, St John’s rooms, Jack Inglis Hosp, Courtney St. Gain speaking confidently, friendly environment. More Info Ph: Peter 0277468311.
MOTUEKA SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLUB, Wed, 7.30pm, Lower Moutere Hall. Keep fit while having fun. All ages, no partner needed. First time free. Enq Ph: Fay 0210393559.
SHARLAND CYCLES 5k Fun Run & Walk from Club Waimea. Series starts Wed 6 Nov for 7weeks. Registration 5.30 pm. Race briefing 6pm. More info www.waimeaharriers.nz
DEATH CAFÉ, 2nd Wed of month, 10-11.30am. Revite Café, 256 High St. An open space for people to talk about death and dying. e:margaret@margaretmccallum.com
THURSDAY
MEDITATION, Weekly meditation sessions open to all. Thurs, 12.15-12.45pm, Te Noninga Kumu - Motueka Library. During term time. No registration needed. Just come along. Info: Ph: Louise 0278789240.
NELSON BAYS HARMONY CHORUS, (women’s choir), is seeking new members to join our happy group. Thurs evenings, Club Waimea, Richmond. Ph: Carole 0274360910.
MOTUEKA 50+ WALKING GROUP Thurs. More info Ph: 0212640403 e: secretary50pluswalkers@gmail.com, or www. motueka50pluswalkers.org.nz.
RUMMIKUB Thurs, 1-4pm, Motueka Over 50s Social Club, 10 Pah St. Friendly group, includes refreshments. All welcome. Ph: Keith 0274516422.
THE DOCTORS MOTUEKA – Walking Group, Thurs, 9am, by the Janie Seddon Shipwreck carpark. Walking for 30 mins, suitable for
DEADLINE: 10AM FRIDAY
50 WORDS OR LESS BY EMAIL ONLY SEND TO: office@topsouthmedia.co.nz
all fitness levels. Make your daily walk more fun and meet new people. Ph: 035288358.
NVC PRACTICE GROUP (NONVIOLENT / COMPASSIONATE COMMUNICATION), Every 2nd Thurs, 7-8.30pm, Motueka. In school term. For info e: margaret@margaretmccallum.com.
PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP meet 1st Thurs of month, 1.30-3.30pm, Broadgreen House, 276 Nayland Rd. Ph: Bill 035448635 or 035391137.
MOTUEKA G.R.G 2nd & 4th Thurs, 1-3pm, St Andrews lounge, 64 High St. Support group welcomes grandparents/kin raising/ supporting grandchildren. Join us for a confidential relaxed and supportive time with others. Ph: 0211337299.
SENIORNET MOTUEKA. 2nd Thurs of month, 2pm. Hear all about a different country in our Countries & Cultures Interest Group. Join SeniorNet. Ph: Maureen 02102600432
FRIDAY
SENIORNET MOTUEKA, The Genealogy Interest Group meets 2nd Fri, 2pm. Ph: Maureen 02102600432
SENIORNET MOTUEKA, The Smartphone, iPad, iPhone and Tablet Interest Group meets 3rd Fri, 2pm. Ph Maureen 02102600432
SATURDAY / SUNDAY
TREWAVAS ST ART WALK. Sat, 30 Nov, 10- 3pm. Artists selling their creations direct to you! On rain or shine.
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE Sat, 10-12pm, Motueka Library. Free services, including copy certification and witnessing signatures are available.
MOTUEKA REPAIR CAFE 10am-1pm Sat 16 Nov, Motueka Library. Free assessment and repair if possible of household items which would otherwise be thrown away. Refreshments provided on the house while you wait.
NELSON BRANCH OF ROYAL NZ AIRFORCE ASSOCIATION
Meet 2nd Sat each month, 12pm, Club Waimea, Richmond, Phil’s Restaurant. Interesting speakers, raffles and members interested in Aviation Ph: Trever Squires 039706644 or John Bethwaite 035476634. Cost of meal $25
HOUSIE: 1st and 4th Sat of month, 10 Pah St. Over 50s Social
Hub. Ph: Jude 0273244226. All Welcome. Afternoon tea included. Cards $4. Raffles available.
CREATIVE COMMUNITIES SCHEME Funding for arts activities, events, & training for groups or individuals. Close 10 Nov. Application forms online at TDC funding/Tasman Creative Communities Help motuekaartscouncil@gmail.com
MOTUEKA MENZSHED, Tues, Wed or Thurs 9-12pm, MenzShed, Marchwood Park, College Rd. Give the missus some space, come to the menzshed. Just turn up or e: secretarymotmenzShed@ gmail.com.
MOTUEKA RED CROSS. Open Mon – Sat, 10-2pm, Community House. Donations of clothing, books, shoes, linen welcome.
MOTUEKA TRAMPING CLUB, A diversity of weekend day walks and multi-day trips suitable for a range of fitness levels. Visit www.motuekatrampingclub.org to learn more about your local Club, or e: membership.motuekatc@gmail.com for info on joining.
MOTUEKA DISTRICT TOY LIBRARY, Tues, and Thurs, 9-11am, and Sat, 10-12pm, 44 Pah St. Annual membership $30. Hundreds of toys for all ages.
MOTUEKA RIDING FOR THE DISABLED We need more volunteers to help with therapeutic riding sessions. Tues, Wed, Thurs, 8.30-1pm. Ph: 0211151720 or e: info@motuekarda.nz.
MOTUEKA TENNIS CLUB. INC. Social Tennis, Tues & Thurs, 9.30am, Sun, 2pm. Courts behind the Memorial Hall Pah St. Racquets available to borrow for new Members. All welcome.
NEED A LIFT? Mapua Willing Wheels Volunteer Drivers Service, affordable transport around Mapua, Motueka, Richmond, Nelson (no airport runs). 24 hrs’ notice req. To book Ph: 0226822373. mapuawheels@gmail.com.
NELSON HOSPICE The Motueka shop needs volunteers! If you would like to volunteer for us, please enquire at the shop or Ph: 035281178.
MULTICULTURAL MOTUEKA welcomes migrants and refugees every Tues, 8.30-1pm, Fri, 8.30 -2pm, Community House, Decks Reserve. We provide connection and practical assistance for newcomers to our region as well as support for all cultural activities happening in our community. Ph 027 5286744 or sez@multicul-
turalnt.co.nz.
NEED AFFORDABLE COUNSELLING? Life Linc Nelson has been serving the region for 50 years and has rooms in Nelson, Richmond and Motueka. We provide low cost counselling up to 10 sessions and for anyone ages 12+. Couples counselling also avail. Contact us at www.lifelinc.co.nz or e: clinical@lifelinc.co.nz.
RUM MORRIS DANCERS. Musicians and dancers but mostly friends. Slightly random - mostly Tues evenings, sometimes Wed. Get yourself a second favourite form of aerobic exercise. Ph: Dorris 02040618088.
RADIO CONTROL SAILING Wed and Sun, 1pm onwards, Best Island. Weather permitting. IOMs and Dragon Force etc. New members welcome. Info Ph: Peter 0275443923.
RIWAKA CROQUET CLUB, do you and a group of friends/family/ workmates want to spend a fun few hours learning to play croquet? Min. of 8 players, $10 each, all equipment provided and someone from our club to help you learn the game. Full access to the clubhouse kitchen. For info Ph: 0276308910.
SALT WATER BATHS Lots of people swimming through the winter. You should give it a go.
SUSTAINING TENANCIES Having trouble with your Tenancy? Need help working things through with your landlord or tenant? Gateway Housing Trust. Info E: housing@ght.co.nz or Ph: 035457100.
SURVIVORS AND THRIVERS GROUP, if you have or have had cancer, or supported someone else, come and connect. Ph: Maureen 5287669.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS. Is alcohol causing problems for your life? Want to stop drinking but can’t? we can help. Support meetings every day. Ph: 0800aaworks, 08002296757.
BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP, If you have or have had breast cancer, come along to this friendly atmosphere. 102 Hardy St, Nelson. Reg: 035391137 or E: info@cancernelson.org.nz.
GATEWAY TO YOUR WELLBEING, Wellbeing is important for all of us to thrive. The shed is a safe place to meet new people in a supportive and caring environment. We can connect you with other agencies for the right support needed. More info Ph: 0279214074, E: admin@ght.co.nz or pop in 24a Tudor St, Motueka.
Community notices are free to community groups, schools, churches, gold coin donation events and fundraising only. For classified ads and public notices please call
528 2088. Due to the popularity of this column, while every effort will be made, inclusion cannot be guaranteed for free ads.
Have you always fancied the idea of being an everyday hero? If so, you might be just who we are looking for to be the next Caretaker at Māpua School! Our current everyday hero (Caretaker) is leaving at the end of this year and we need to find a new one!
This position is 22.5 hours per week and involves keeping our school environment safe, welcoming and inviting. You’ll need to have a range of handyperson skills and enjoy keeping things working and looking great.
Our Caretaker is employed under the School Caretakers’, Cleaners’, Canteen and Ground Staff Collective Agreement.
If you think you’d like to be our next everyday hero/caretaker, please email Denise Cuthbert at dcuthbert@mapua.school.nz for an application pack.
Applications close at 3pm on 18 Nov 2024.
NB: Successful Applicant will be police checked in accordance with our child protection policy.
11 Sep 1941 - 31 Oct 2024
Our beloved Dad passed away Thursday 31st October on the Gold Coast. He passed peacefully, in the presence of family.
Precious Husband of Jan (deceased), Father of Leanne, Melissa, Felicity, Rhys, Luke, Sarah and the late Stefan. Brother to Brodie, Pam and Gary. Loved and respected by partners and spouses. Treasured Pop Rog to his many grand-children and great grand children. We thank everyone who has supported Rog during his final years and loved him in his former years. The funeral will be on Saturday, November 9 at 2:00pm, at Somerville Funerals (Allambe Memorial Park). Nerang, Gold Coast. The service will be live streamed (2pm AEST or 5pm NZDT). Details to come on Facebook.
Roger Clive
Formally of Drummond’s Pharmacy Motueka at Brisbane Australia on 31st October 2024.
Dearly loved brother & brother inlaw of Brodie & Judy, Pam, Gary & Maria loved uncle of all his nieces & nephews. So dearly lovedmemories are forever.
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1,023 sqm 4 2
For Sale offers invited over $1,149,000 + GST (if any)
View 12.30-1pm Sun 10 Nov or by appointment
Graham Fielding 022 021 1019 graham.fielding@bayleys.co.nz
UNDER
ACT 2008
VINING REALTY
3,326 sqm 3 2
For Sale offers invited over $1,265,000 View by appointment
Matt Galvin 027 768 6288 matt.galvin@bayleys.co.nz
VINING
