ANNE HARDIE
Tasman has made big steps in home ownership, has the highest percentage of people working from home and has the lowest
More homeowners, less smokers in Tasman
proportion of regular smokers, according to new data.
Statistics New Zealand has just released more information gathered from the 2023 Census which shows 77.4 per cent of house-
holds in Tasman now own their own home. That was up 12.3 per cent, or 2,439 dwellings, since 2018 which was the largest percentage growth in the country.
Around two-thirds of households
in the country, or 66 per cent, now own their home or hold it in a family trust, compared with 64.5 per cent in 2018. The areas with the highest home ownership rates were districts close to
Christchurch such as Waimakariri and Selwyn, plus places close to Wellington including Carterton.
Statistics New Zealand identified
SEE PAGE 2
OPPONENTS FEEL
THE STING: Motueka AFC Stingers, back from left: Baillie Chisnall (assistant coach), Oli DoogeLeech, Mackenzie Robertson, Robbie Cornforth, Griffin O’Sullivan, Melchior David, Jack Lusty, Matthew Dooge-Leech, Manouk Fuercho, Mark McPherson (coach) Front: Alex Inglis, Lilja Campbell, Cosma McPherson, Dylan Smith, Orion Griffin, Olle Ros, Rocco McPherson (Mascot). Photo: Supplied.
Keeping our community connected with public opinion, human interest stories and sport. Delivered to 10,360 homes and rural mailboxes every Wednesday. Bringing the community together since 1992.
Contact us
News
Sara Hollyman sara@topsouthmedia.co.nz
Advertising Sales
Gary Haymes guardian.motueka@xtra.co.nz
Ian Bolton sales@guardianmotueka.co.nz
Editorial Features
Jennifer Ayers reporter@guardianmotueka.co.nz
Accounts Queries accounts@topsouthmedia.co.nz
19 Wallace St, Motueka (03) 528 2088 guardianmotueka.co.nz
100% locally owned and operated
More homeowners, less smokers in Tasman
FROM PAGE 1
a pattern where areas with older populations have higher home ownership rates.
Which brings us to age and the 2023 Census revealed Tasman and West Coast have the oldest median age in the country, at 46.8 years and 48.1 respectively. That means in Tasman, half of its population is younger than
46.8 years and half of the population is older.
The national median age of the population in 2023 increased to 38.1 years, from 37.4 years in the 2018 Census.
Tasman is also a region where people like to work from home.
The 2023 Census showed that 20.8 per cent of employed adults in the region mostly worked from home, which was the high-
est percentage in the country. Nationwide, the number of people who mostly worked from home increased by almost 60 per cent between 2018 and 2023. At the time of the Census, 17.7 percent or 464,130 employed people over the age of 15 mostly worked from home. When it comes to smoking, Tasman has the lowest proportion of regular smokers in the coun-
try, at 6.3 per cent. That refers to adult smokers over the age of 15 who regularly smoke one or more cigarettes a day. Nationwide, the number of regular smokers has halved since the 2013 Census.
In 2023, 7.7 per cent of the population or 310,809 people were regular smokers compared with 15.1 per cent or 463,194 people in 2013.
Opponents feel the Motueka sting
GORDON PREECE
Motueka has returned to a football tournament’s winning circle in style.
The Motueka AFC Stingers, have never won the Tasman Club Reps tournament, which began in 2020 and competed in the 13th and 14th grade this year, routed the Nelson FC Rebels 3-0 in Blenheim on Saturday to claim this year’s title.
Coach Mark McPherson, whose daughter Cosma co-captained the squad, says the result was “amaz-
ing” after twice succumbing to the Rebels earlier in the year and struggling with team numbers at registration.
“We had about eight signed up at registration and we ended up with a few kids that were formerly at Māpua, and a couple of new players that hadn’t played football before,” he says.
“We had mixed success through the season, but some of the losses were actually really useful from a coach’s perspective, and with some of the newer
players, I was able to add one thing per game to what they could do.
“Coming into the final we were underdogs in [the Rebels] eyes… the team passed the ball nicely and especially under pressure, not a lot of them have been in that situation of a final, and they didn’t think twice about it.”
Team member, Ollie Dooge-Leech also won Most Valuable Player at the tournament.
Mark says the Stingers will look to defend the title in 2025.
Motueka Stinger Ollie Dooge-Leech won tournament MVP. Photo: Supplied.
Motueka duo return from Canada’s mega bushfires
ELISE VOLLWEILER
Taking on the enormous wildfires in Canada was the experience of a lifetime for two firefighters from the Tasman fire brigade.
Father-and-son fire fighters, Mark and Kyle Wilson, have been back about a month after their epic 36 days in Alberta. They were part of the international relief effort that battled fires more than four times the size of this area’s catastrophic 2019 Pigeon Valley blaze.
Kyle and Mark were two of 20 New Zealanders who travelled together to Vancouver, before moving on to Peace River and later Grand Prairie.
Each day, the firefighters were helicoptered in their crews of five to a site near the fire, where they walked around the perimeter, using hand tools to dig
out hotspots and ensure that the fires were contained. The call as to whether the fires were extinguished or left to burn themselves out was often made by the Canadian First Nation crews.
Mark and Kyle say it was exhausting and relentless work – they walked up to 20km each day, with 20kg on their backs.
“It was just repeat, repeat, repeat, every single day. We had no time to think what we were doing, no time to relax,” Mark says. The pair is not complaining though – it is an adventure that they cherish, and as they talk about their experience, the stories and details spill out of them.
Kyle says the New Zealand contingent made a conscious decision to treat every day like day one, fighting against fatigue and keeping their enthu-
siasm and energy fresh.
One of the biggest threats as fire fighters in Canada was also one of the biggest learnings to bring back to their New Zealand force: dangerous trees. Canada’s spruces, poplar and aspen were prone to burning from the inside out, leaving a towering brittle column of hollow wood. A breath of wind could cause them to suddenly collapse.
“When they do come down, they come down silently,” says Kyle. A member of the Alberta crew was recently killed by this phenomenon, and while it is not as commonplace in New Zealand, Mark and Kyle say it is hugely valuable to have had first-hand experience of this threat.
Canada’s landscape also took some getting used to.
“I just couldn’t get over how
flat it was,” Mark says. “As far as we looked, it was just wheat fields or native bush.” They also encountered some of the local wildlife, including white tail deer, caribou, squirrels and beavers, as well as moose, which Mark describes as “a Clydesdale on steroids.”
It was a relief to return to New Zealand and their own beds, and Kyle reckons that on the first night back, he slept for 14 hours straight.
Their experience is still vivid, however, and they have found that they approach their Motueka fire fighter training with a new vigour. After all, after jumping out of a Canadian helicopter into waist-deep swamp water, they have found that getting their feet a bit wet in the Motueka River is a perfectly manageable challenge by comparison.
Mark, second from right, and Kyle Wilson, left, were helicoptered to site each day, before spending 12 hours assisting with the fire-fighting effort in Canada’s Alberta. Photos: Supplied.
Generosity blooms in Motueka
ELISE VOLLWEILER
The flowers may have peaked a little earlier than was ideal, but the Motueka community was still right behind
this year’s Daffodil Day, with more than $18,000 raised for cancer sufferers’ support within the local community.
Motueka Daffodil Day organiser Megan Strong says that
after a busy week and with the weather not always on their side, the team was thrilled to exceed their fundraising expectations for the late-August event. “We would like to say
a huge thank you to our community for supporting this significant fundraising effort. All money raised stays local so together we have helped friends and whānau.”
CAPITAL VISIT - Parliament was included in Brooklyn School’s Senior Camp in Wellington recently. West Coast-Tasman MP Maureen Pugh was unable to be in Wellington that day, so her colleague Stuart Smith MP spoke to the Year 7 & 8 students about his role in the Debating Chamber and his Kaikoura electorate. Pictured in the Beehive Education Centre, from left, Kat Rayson (principal), Rua Davis, Stuart Smith MP, Hugh Robinson, Carter Cullen, Adele Caird, Nakau Cullen, Chris Kemp, Frankie Love and Lennon Davis. Photo: Supplied.
Fergus Holyoake’s legacy of strength
SUPPLIED CONTENT
This bicycle and crutch on display once belonged to Fergus Holyoake, a lifelong resident of Motueka, born in 1911.
Fergus was a familiar figure, seen riding his bicycle around town, using the top of his crutch to pedal in place of his missing leg. At just 11 years old, Fergus stepped on a boxthorn barb, which led to a severe infection.
His reluctance to let his mother remove the barb resulted in the need for an amputation at the age of 12, leaving him without a leg high above the thigh.
Although fitting a prosthetic was difficult, Fergus adapted so well to life without it that he chose not to use one. Despite losing his leg at such a young age, Fergus remained active in his favourite pastimes, including riding horses and bicycles.
Over the years, he owned many bikes similar to the one now on display at the local museum, which was the last he rode. Fergus’s quiet perseverance and ingenuity inspired many, even beyond Motueka.
One visitor from England captured a photograph of him riding his bike, using his crutch to assist with the pedals. That image was later displayed in a British hospital, where amputees drew strength from the sight of a onelegged man on the other side of the world who had found his own way to thrive. Fergus Holyoake’s life continues to serve as a symbol of resilience and determination. Holyoake was also deeply committed to preserving local history, believing that understanding our heritage is crucial to understanding ourselves. His tireless efforts in collecting historical information have left a lasting legacy in the community.
Motueka’s Fergus
found resourceful ways of overcoming the
and
Holyoake
challenges of his leg amputation,
his bicycle is still on display at the Motueka District Museum a century later. Photo: Intrinsic Images.
Senior students Francesca, Abi, Taei and Laila with the daffodils that St Peter Chanel School sold at their gate on behalf of the Cancer Society. Photo: Supplied.
There were some unusually wonky creations being nibbled at Motueka’s Smoking Barrel last week, but there was a good reason for the sudden change in aesthetic direction. The restaurant’s decorate-your-own-donut session provided a bit of school holiday fun for more than 150 children on Thursday. The event saw a steady stream of kids loading up their treat with their choice of icings, marshmallows, candied popcorn, and an absolute deluge of sprinkles. Pictured are donut fairies Vienna Smits, Niamh Martin and Naya O’Donohue, as well as their young understudy Aubrey Smits, all of whom helped to facilitate the budding pastry chefs on their decorating endeavours. Photo: Elise Vollweiler.
Inspiring forestry education
ELOISE MARTYN
Dan Lane, employed in the forestry sector, reflects on the impact of the recent ‘Wood is Good’ programme at Motueka South School where his three children attend.
“Seeing kids realise how often we use forestry products every day, like our Weet-Bix boxes, was the best thing. Often the wood industry is unheard of and never seen, yet we are out here pumping millions of dollars into the economy every
year.”
The programme, that educates children about forestry’s role in daily life, includes a forestry session and a session out at a loaded log truck for every classroom, as well as activities, videos and activity books.
The sessions give a detailed background to where and why log trucks are on the roads we travel on. Topics covered include carbon storage, using drones as tools, and road safety, whereby students get to sit in the driver’s seat of the
log truck and gain an understanding of blind spots. “It was a great day; the programme was well-received, and our three kids loved it,” Dan adds.
Supported by the Wood Industry Development and Education Trust and the Forest Growers Levy Trust, ‘Wood is Good’ not only highlights the forestry sector’s importance but also aims to inspire future generations to consider involvement or careers in this important industry.
With endless travel options available, it can feel overwhelming to choose the perfect adventure. That's where we come in! Let our travel experts guide you through the maze of choices and help you navigate this exciting new era of travel. From flights and coach tours to cruises, walking and cycling holidays! Let us inspire you!
Refreshments and nibbles will be provided. Seats are limited.
Dan Lane with his daughter Rylee, 11, taking part in the Motueka South School ‘Wood is Good’ programme, which educates children about forestry’s role in daily life. Photo: Supplied.
Appeal for critical care takes flight
SARA HOLLYMAN
Jeff Hughes feels lucky to call Nelson home and feels like his job on the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter has helped him become a part of the community, and a valuable one at that.
Speaking to Waimea Weekly as part of the NBS Rescue Helicopter Appeal, Jeff knows all too well the importance of the funds that will be raised through the community during October.
Californian-born Jeff has been a paramedic in some form throughout the U.S and other parts of the world for more than 20 years before arriving in Nelson and taking up a dual-role as crewman/critical care paramedic. With a wealth of experience under his belt, working on ambulances, in the military, for one of the 10 richest families in the world on their superyacht, he has even been posted to the presidential motorcade protecting former US President Barack Obama in Hawaii. However, Jeff, his fiancée, and young daughter now call Nelson home.
Jeff says, while he never had a pivotal childhood moment that pushed him into medicine, as a lad he always had a strong desire to want to be involved with the
emergency services. Working a 24-hour shift from 6pm for the rescue helicopter, life can be a little hectic, and sometimes tiring, but the close-knit team are always there when needed.
“We will do a mountain top side rescue, and then immediately after that roll into a critical level emergency interfacility transport, taking a stroke victim to Christchurch to get clot retrieval so that they can hopefully have their event reversed, to then getting a tramper who’s broken their ankle and is a couple days away in agonising pain, they could proba-
bly make it out, but they’re going to be uncomfortable.”
He says one of the greatest parts of the job is that it’s so varied.
“We generally don’t go home feeling poorly, you feel pretty good about yourself, even on heavy calls you know ‘I did the best I could for that person’… it makes you feel privileged to be a part of that.”
Jeff’s is a unique dual role, having both the skillset to operate the winch and manage safety aspects of a moving helicopter, and the medical expertise to fulfil the critical care paramedic role, he
Nosey Parkers’ visit to the recycling centre
Have you ever wondered what happens to the recycling you put out in those yellow-topped bins every fortnight? Well, last month, nine curious members of the Nosey Parkers Group from Motueka SeniorNet decided to find out. We headed to the Smart Environmental plant in Richmond, where we were greeted by the plant’s operations manager, Andy Cardwell. With a friendly smile, Andy gave us a quick rundown on how recycling works and the areas the plant serves, covering Nelson, Richmond, Golden Bay, Hira, and even Murchison.
After donning our bright HiViz visitor vests, we were ready to explore. First stop – the truck unloading area, where the day’s collection was dumped and loaded onto a conveyor belt by a front-end loader. They process around 16 tonnes of material daily, although in the busy summer months, that figure rises to 25 tonnes! The recycling process was fascinating to watch. Everything starts with a rotating drum that separates the larger cardboard from the smaller bits and pieces, sending them off onto their respective conveyor belts.
Plastics are sorted automatically by a clever system involving cameras and computers, with an old apple-sorting machine tossing the various plastics into their designated bins. Tins, on the other hand, are pulled out by a giant electromagnet (and those of us with pacemakers kept a respectful distance!). Once sorted, the materials are baled and prepped for their journey, whether that’s within New Zealand or overseas. Andy was brimming with enthusiasm as he showed us around, and it was clear how much he values the work his team does.
switches hats depending on the shift. He says the readiness to use the rescue helicopter to help anyone who needs it is very different to places like the U.S.
“There, it’s quite expensive, there’s insurance involved, and government officials have red tape to cut to even let the thing get loose. Here, we’re off and running in 10 minutes max. We got off the ground yesterday four minutes after an alert. We’re literally coiled springs ready to go.”
Jeff says community donations and the NBS Chopper Appeal help the team stay up to date with the latest equipment.
Two pieces of equipment have recently been upgraded to industry-leading versions – the monitor defibrillator and the CPR machine, which speak to each other via Bluetooth to enable continuous CPR.
“The CPR machine only interrupts compressions long enough to deliver a defibrillator shock, which means that the effectiveness of the CPR never really stops,” he says of the life-saving equipment which removes any form of human delay.
“Everything that the emergency department can do or will do for the first instance of care, outside of direct imaging by X ray and
CT scan, we can do in the back of the helicopter, it’s pretty impressive.
“So, we can use surgical level anaesthesia and paralyze you, put a tube in and put you on a ventilator, we can breathe for you, we can deliver all the same medicines, we can counteract the clot-forming aspects of a heart attack. We can deliver that sort of point of care at an extremely high level in an extreme rescue environment.”
But, that type of care, comes with a cost, and NMRHT manager Paula Muddle urges people to jump on board with fundraising throughout the month of October.
“We are so grateful to NBS, local businesses and community members for their unwavering commitment to the rescue helicopter. The rust requires ongoing funding to keep our crew working at the top of their game, which is often in rugged terrain, to ensure they operate a world-class service for our community,” Paula says. NBS is a major sponsor of the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter and hosts the annual appeal so that communities have the chance to get involved and give back. Visit nbsheli copterappeal.nz for info.
He even shared some insights into the plant’s latest projects, like cameras on the trucks and experiments with builder’s scrap
materials. He happily answered our barrage of questions, making the whole tour both educational and fun.
Jeff Hughes knows how critical the NBS Rescue Helicopter Appeal is. Photo: Sara Hollyman.
Terry Smith, left, Trudy Culling, Elaine Taggart, Paul Trewavas, Gail Ridell, Norah Morris, Jean Wolfe, Clive Dyson and Andy Cardwell. Photo: Polly Dyson.
Bainham Rural Women celebrate 90 years with “Slice of Life” calendar
ELOISE MARTYN
Bainham Rural Women have united to mark their group’s 90th anniversary with a special calendar celebrating decades of friendship, empowerment, and community service. Each month showcases unique themes reflecting their lives, traditions, and aspirations.
The calendar, titled ‘Slice of Life,’ reflects the diverse rural roles of these women within their families and communities. It’s not just a marker of time but a tribute to their community commitment and achievements. Through this initiative, they showcase unity, creativity, and the enduring legacy of women shaping rural landscapes with grace and determination.
“Instead of dredging up our long history of 90 years of community service, support, and camaraderie, we thought a calendar portraying our Rural “slice of life”, a history in the making, was appropriate,” Fiona Newey Bainham Rural Women’s driving force behind the calendar explains. “The women grouped, juggled their lives, regrouped and professionally photographed by Bainham Rural Women member Di Mackey – turns out you can herd cats.”
The calendar covers 16 months from Oct 2024 to January 2026 and boasts 120 interesting photos of the group’s 57 members, their children, and many of the locals.
“It really has quite a life of its own,” Fiona adds.
“Since June, our membership has risen from 43 to 57 members, so we chose a project to engage all,” Bainham Rural Women chair Carolyn McLellan says.
Calendars are $20 can be purchased online at www.healthpost.co.nz.
“We have been supporting the community for the past 90 years and we really hope the community will now get behind us and support this fundraiser and piece of history,” Carolyn adds encouragingly.
Fiona Newey, project manager of the Bainham Rural Women calendar, joins Lucy Butler, owner/operator of Healthpost NZ, and Carolyn McLellan, chair of Bainham Rural Women, as they proudly hold their “Slice of Life” celebration calendar marking 90 years of community spirit.
Supplied.
Photo:
Eat that broccoli stalk to curb food waste
JOANNA SANTA BARBARA
Supplied Content
There are some brilliantly frugal households in the Nelson Tasman region. Not a gram of edible food escapes to the garbage.
Leftovers become part of the next meal, and the ends of the loaf of bread are turned into croutons or breadcrumbs. Nothing goes bad at the back of the fridge or in the fruit bowl. And the unavoidable food waste – the apple cores and coffee grounds -- go to the compost pile or the neighbours’ chooks.
And then there are the rest of us... A recent survey carried out by Rabo-
bank and Kiwi Harvest showed that 100,000 tonnes of potentially edible food in Aotearoa is wasted every year. This represents roughly $1510 of food per household. It would look like three big supermarket trolleys of food per person. Food is wasted at several points of production. In households, it’s wasted because we cook too much and throw out the leftovers, and we leave food in the fridge or freezer until it goes off. We throw out tonnes of bread, leftovers, fruit and veges. We also throw out chips, as most servings exceed our appetites. Lunchbox sandwiches of school-kids are another big point of waste. Why is this a problem? Food waste is
a waste of household money, straight and simple. It’s also a waste of Earth’s resources of land and water, which are already strained to feed us.
It seems disrespectful to the forests lost, the creatures who have lost their habitat to agriculture and horticulture, to waste what is given to us in food. Worse still, food waste in landfill generates methane, a highly potent greenhouse gas heating the Earth.
Then there is the packaging for all that food – the plastic, card-
board, glass and aluminium that we throw away, forgetting that there is no ‘away’. So how do the households that minimise waste manage to do that? They make a lot of their meals at home, buy carefully, store their food thoughtfully, have organised fridges where leftovers don’t get lost, use every edible bit of what they buy, save and use leftovers. They find ways to minimise packaging.
Lots of tips can be found online on the Love Food Hate
Waste website. Come to a short workshop on Minimising Food Waste on Saturday, 19 October, from 11am-12pm at Te Noninga Kumu/Motueka Library, in association with the Motueka Repair Cafe, and led by Joanna Santa Barbara. You may have tips of your own to share!
Santa Barbara is cochair of Nelson Tasman Climate Forum and a member of the Motueka Repair Cafe.
Volunteers get their hands dirty
Spring is in the air, and nowhere is that more evident than at Motueka’s community gardens. The gardens, located near the skate park on Old Wharf Road, are being readied for spring planting, with volunteers getting potatoes and spring onions in the ground as well as spreading sawdust on the pathways. There are both communal gardens and private allot-
ments at the site, the latter allocated at a cost of $2 per square metre. Committee members says that the average allotment size is 30m2, with about a third currently vacant and awaiting new, green-thumbed community members to take them on. The volunteers are also ramping up their compost-making, following the organic principles that guide the Motueka Community Gardens Trust, which was estab-
lished in 2012 – two years after the original communal garden beds were started on council land.
Working bees are held each Friday from 9am-12pm, and gardening novices and experts alike are welcome to attend. Donations of tools and plants are also welcome, but the volunteers ask that contact is made first, to establish if they are appropriate. For further information, text Sue on 021 203 5147.
ELISE VOLLWEILER
Graham Peacock, Stuart Curtis and Kevin Smith dig over a community garden allotment, preparing it for hire. Photo: Elise Vollweiler.
Joanna Santa Barbara is running a free workshop on Saturday, 19 October, to offer ideas on reducing food wastage – including how to salvage the ends of a stale loaf of bread.
Joanna
Motueka fruit growers’ syndicate
ROBYN PARKES
The suitability of the soil in Motueka, Riwaka and surrounding areas for growing small fruits such as raspberries, currants, gooseberries and other berry fruit had been made evident and landowners extended their acreage to get bigger crops.
However, with the increase in fruit supplies came the difficulty of selling it at what was considered to be an acceptable price for the growers.
After a number of months of discussion, it was decided to secure a plant to pulp the fruit, so arrangements were made to rent the machinery and buildings belonging to F. W. Thorp.
Subsequently, the Motueka Fruit Growers Syndicate established a much-needed industry on a small scale at the Burton Fruit Canning Works under the management of Robert Dunkley.
The initiative was, at first, looked upon with some distrust by some growers, but there was hope that in time all would support it as being beneficial.
In all, sixteen people were employed at the pulping factory with another handful of people working in a voluntary capacity.
The operations of the pulping
West Coast-Tasman
MP on compassionate leave
“Some of my constituents may have noticed my absence from Parliament and electorate events in recent weeks. In order to support a seriously ill close family member, I have been granted compassionate leave from Parliament until Christmas. With the help of my National Party caucus colleagues, we will ensure both my select committee responsi-
began with casks containing ripe raspberries, currants, etc., being placed on a platform where, after inspection, it was weighed with the weight recorded and a copy given to the grower, showing gross and tare quantities.
The fruit then emptied from barrows into the shoot and ran down
bilities and electorate events are covered. Constituent cases in the electorate will continue to be managed by my office as usual.”
The 0800 MAUREEN free-calling number remains the best initial contact point. “I look forward to returning to represent the people of West Coast-Tasman as soon as I am able. In the meantime, I will not be commenting further and I would ask that our family’s privacy please be respected.”
into copper jacket pans. After being boiled for a specified time, during which time all scum was removed and thrown away, the pulp was tipped into receivers and then poured into the tins, which, when filled, were capped by soldering them on. The tins are placed in the trays, hermeti-
Tasman projects to be fast-tracked
Of the 149 projects picked by the Government to be fast-tracked through new legislation, two are in Tasman. The first is the Māpua Development which will be a new mixed-use and community development off Stafford Drive. The development is expected to contain about 320 homes, a recreation reserve, community amenities, and includes extensive wetland and restoration work of the Seaton Valley Stream. The
cally sealed, and lifted by means of a pulley into the pans. Once the pans were filled with tins, they were subjected to a steaming process creating the vacuum within. Once this was finished the filled tins were removed to the testing room, remaining there for around six days to identify
Hope Bypass is the second project slated to be fast-tracked. The new 4.2km highway would bypass Richmond and Hope with the aim of reducing congestion in Richmond, increase efficiency and travel time reliability, and unlocking more land for housing.
Digital billboard proposal goes to hearing
A proposal that would see a dig-
any bad ones. The final process was to label, lacquer and box the tins ready for market.
The tins were made in a building close to the factory, cut out by guillotine and notched by machine, eliminating the need to notch them by hand.
A patent folder was used for folding bodies of square tins and also one for tops and bottoms.
Other machines involved in the tin-making process were several double crimpers, rollers and a wing press. Already there were plans to extend the operations for the following year with a bigger building instead of the current position of several buildings used which was making it harder for the manager to oversee the work. By January 1902, over 60 tons of fruit had been canned with the pulp considered to be of absolute pure quality and of a very rich colour. The projected target for the following years was the have the capacity to handle around 1000 tons annually.
In looking to the future, the New Zealand Government agreed to send a ton of raspberry pulp overseas to test the English market. With this success, the founders of the syndicate were congratulated for their forethought and hard work.
ital billboard erected above one of the region’s busiest and most dangerous intersections will go to a hearing. The hearing will be overseen by independent commissioner Dean Chrystal. A total of 27 submissions were made on the proposal, all opposing the billboard, and nine submitters requested to present at the hearing. The hearing will begin at 9:30am on Tuesday 5 November, and is scheduled to spillover onto Wednesday 6 November.
Raspberry picking. Photo: Nelson Provincial Museum, Kingsford Collection: 161680.
Craig Martin, Rona Gooch and Bruce Reid
Ella Gane, 9, and Lily Bro, 8
Graeme McNaughton, Jane O’Connor and Rose Franz-Mrożek, 12
Rachel Eyre, John Adams and Christine Grove
Sarah Cloughley-Dalzell, Craig Dalzell and Chami Hutterd with Magnus Hutterd 10, and Zeb Mahony, 10
Darren Martyn and Bruce Waterreus Eddie Falwasser, 1, and Montanna Falwasser
Geoff Webby and Denise Palmer
Nea, 6, Rene, and Natalie Damerow
Louie Marr Bridge, 8, Nicole, Darryl and Lyla Bridge, 4
Abel Tasman Coastal Classic’s final run
SUPPLIED CONTENT
After filling around 40,000 cups during more than 200 events the Abel Tasman Coastal Classic returns for the final time this Saturday.
The classic began in ‘94 in more than mean weather but a forecast 6-knot sea breeze on the boat journey to Awaroa on Saturday, coupled with warm spring 16 degree running conditions, will be more than welcomed by the 350
competitors.
Sure, some won’t show to the 33km trail race that sold out months ago, but there will be more than one ready for an extra Subway lunch once they have crossed the Marahau Finish Line.
Vajin Armstrong will be keen to add to his 2017 and 2019 victories, as will last year’s women’s winner Hannah Oldroyd.
She posted 2.47.59 for the Women’s Course Record and could have déjà vu with Havelock
North’s Nikki Everton and Christchurch’s Julia Grant chasing. Vajin’s quest for honours in “the final fling” could be erased by either Auckland’s Tommy Hayes or another Cantabrian, William Lindscott.
Always hard to predict who will stand on the podium, all have to provide a half marathon estimate, even with many modern-day trail runners not having run one, and a lot only worried if they will miss mid-point cut off times and “cry
in their cups” rather than enjoy a post run beer or wine at the prize-giving buffet.
Nelson’s Chris Gates will line up again to cement his “Survivor Status” having finished every edition.
Canterbury provide 130 competitors, Wellington 74, with the rest scattered from all around the country and a few from Australia, Germany and United Kingdom. Obviously, it will be mixed emotions for the West family organ-
isers, Averil, Abbe, Amanda, Greg and Graeme, plus their loyal NBS Strider Hands Helpers who have given their all to everyone who has participated in their events over the last three decades. But everything and everyone has a life…
Nelson Events and their team can stand proud that they have delivered a quality product at the Top of the South and can “head to the Grandstand,” mission accomplished.
CONQUERING THE CLUES AT TDC RIDDLE RACE
Tāwhiri Duncan, Pīata Duncan and their cousin Alasdair Peacocke took advantage of a rare sunny day last week to try their hand at the Tasman District Council’s Riddle Race, a Family Event Series adventure that had them running around Memorial Park to find hidden clues and crack the code at the end. There were plenty of outdoor games to keep them entertained afterwards, with the giant jenga, cricket and inflatable frisbees proving popular among participants. Photo: Elise Vollweiler.
Architectural elegance meets rural tranquility
Architectural elegance meets rural tranquility
Discover
pantry, and the master suite offers a private ensuite and study. On the ground floor, a third living area opens to the outdoors, along with two additional bedrooms, each with an ensuite. A laundry room and double-car garage add convenience, while a smaller garage provides extra storage. This home perfectly blends luxury, convenience, and rural serenity—ideal for families looking to elevate their lifestyle. Schedule a private viewing today! bayleys.co.nz/4052085
Love life on your terms. At Summerset there are fewer chores and more choice. So if you’re done with gardening, you can hang up your gloves. But if you’re a big fan of getting amongst the flowerbeds, there’s a community of green-thumbs just waiting to meet you.
the life you choose.
Summerset Richmond Ranges is a modern, established retirement village offering a relaxing and low-maintenance lifestyle, resort-style facilities, and a renowned continuum of care (Care is subject to availability and eligibility criteria).
We have a range of brand-new homes available with flexible pricing including our two-bedroom villas starting from $666,100 and our three-bedroom villas starting from $769,300.*
Open Days
Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 October, 10am - 2pm
Thursday 24 October, 10am - 2pm
Summerset Richmond Ranges 1 Hill Street North, Richmond 03 744 3432 | summerset.co.nz/richmond
EASY
Pop along to one of our upcoming Open Days and see for yourself why our residents love the Summerset life.
Plus, for a limited time, we’ll help you every step of the way with $2,000 towards your legal fees, a moving service package, and no weekly fees for six months. Simply sign a sales application for a selected home between 01 October 2024 and 31 December 2024, and then settle by 31 March 2025.#
Love the life you choose.
Relaxed retirement living right in the heart of Richmond
MAD E MOVING MA DE
Trampers reunite for ping pong success
There’s some familiar faces. Well done, Brian and Lawrie, that’s awesome news.
Amber Jane Rowland
Go Lawrie!
Sarah Scammell Barker
Cats disappearing around Upper Moutere
As a cat owner I do not condone this but be a responsible cat owner. Just spent $200 at vet on my inside cat as someone else’s came into my home and attacked her. Long haired black cat in Upper Moutere. If it’s yours, lock it up at night.
Maxene Grewar
The cost of a catico is less than a couple of vet visits
Dot Schwass
Imagine having to be a responsible pet owner and having to keep your pet on your property...
Li Ry
Actually disgusting! Leave the poor cats alone!
Sarah Forsyth
I just don’t get how people think it’s OK to kill another’s pet
Annastasia Fredrica Beatrice Ellery
Free-for-all firewood axed
This is probably a more manageable way to do it, although it was great to get something tangible from TDC and I applaud them for the idea of free firewood last year, it was much appreciated. Scott Donaldson
Such a good idea. Glad to see it back Nicky Woodbury
but for a lot of people $25 is more than they have spare.
Augustine Mathews
I for one don’t need wood but for those above complaining of the price for others but you are in a position to donate the $25 then that would be a better idea. I’m contacting Fifeshire today to see if they have a separate account of sorts just for the firewood.
Tess Curry
Should also be only one standard trailer full not a caged one and not a small truck as happened last year.
Norman Stringer
THE ROCK FELLA
I don’t understand. Last year it was free but now those most in need, as selected by a community group, have to PAY to get it? It’s great that it goes to those in need
Phone: 022 137 4574 The Rock Fella@facebook
My Question is how do you know which group is in need these days? I know a lot of people are gonna assume it’s those that are only on the benefit, but reality it’s not just those on the benefit that are struggling. The ones I know that were struggling alot and can’t even afford to put $25 a side are actually the ones that ain’t even on the benefit, it’s those that are working and paying taxes and ain’t entitled to any help from WINZ that are struggling. With the cost of living being so high, power, petrol, rent, food, gas, water pretty much takes all their wages, their wages ain’t even putting them in credit or covering them to make food last a whole entire week. Gone are the days where it was just those that were on the benefit that struggle, it seems like pretty much everyone is struggling one way or another.
The Rock Fella
Tanita Harrison
THE ROCK FELLA
“Living
“Global
a concern for the next couple of generations.”
Are you concerned about climate change, and if so, what part concerns you the most?
“I came from Sri Lanka and due to climate change sea level is going up and islands are going to be affected.”
“The
Te Noninga Kumu - 32 Wallace St - 03 528 1047
School Holiday programme –Discover Papatūānuku
Lego Fun –Thursday 10 October, 10am12pm
Board Games – Fridays 11 October, 3.30pm-6pm Enjoy Catan, Chess, Cluedo, Battleships, Risk, Dragon Realm and more.
Shocktober – Friday 11 October, 10.30am-12pm
3 Steps for Life training and learn CPR at Motueka Library.
Book in for this free training nelsonbays. admin@stjohn.org.nz
Garden Gurus – Monday 14 October, 10.30am-12pm
Step Out – Motueka Kiyosato Garden walk
Tuesday 15 October, 1pm-2.30pm Meander in the garden then create a Mini Zen Garden at the library.
Book in for Zen Garden - Ph (03)528 1047 or pop in, Free.
Qigong Tasters with Ali KayMonday 21 October, 1pm-2pm Learn a few simple qigong exercises and explore REN XUE Yuan Qigong. Please wear comfortable clothing.
Bargello Bookmark activity–Tuesday 22 October, 2pm-3pm Stitch a bookmark, no experience needed.
Mini Health & Wellness Expo –Wednesday 23 October, 1pm-4pm
Hannah Burrows Redwood Valley
Jorja Lloyd Redwood Valley
Piper-Mae Walker-Wilkinson Motueka
Darshana Wijesinghe Richmond
Jazz trio to return to Motueka after a decade
ELISE VOLLWEILER
Auckland jazz entertainers ‘Nairobi Trio’ reckon that they will be fully warmed up by the time they reach Motueka’s Chanel Arts Centre later this month.
The trio, consisting of John Quigley on guitar and vocals, Richard Adams on violin and vocals, and Aaron Coddel on bass and vocals, is touring the country in October. They have 10 albums under their belt, and John describes their set as a mix of original music and reimagined jazz favourites. Their tour started in Whangarei, and this week they are heading to
the bottom of the South Island before beginning to wind their way back up to the Top of the South.
He says that concert-goers can expect “a lot of musicality, a bit of humour, and it’s intimate, because they are not big venues.” He describes Motueka in particular as “a nice intimate concert town”, speaking with enthusiasm about the Chanel Art Centre’s acoustics and atmosphere.
It has been at least a decade since the trio were last in Motueka, and they are looking forward to returning here for the South Island’s penultimate concert. This is to be followed the next night by a per-
Public holidays
October marks 40 years since Nelson Bays CAB opened its doors, five years after Marlborough’s office opened in Blenheim.
A common question over the years from both employees and employers is about our rights and responsibilities around our 11 public holidays, and the complexity of our laws.
Many Kiwis look forward to Labour Weekend’s holiday, our first since June.
Labour Day marks carpenter
Samuel Parnell’s successful struggle for an eight-hour working day in 1840. Among the first in the world to gain this right, our first holiday held in October 1890.
Government employees had the day off to attend big parades organised by trade unions and supporters in our main centres, with many businesses partially closing.
The Labour Day Act of 1899 declared a statutory public holiday each second Wednesday in Oc-
formance at the Nelson Centre of Musical Arts.
“We used to play often in Nelson in places like the Boathouse and the School of Music.”
When asked about the band’s name, John laughs that it is a long and complicated story that “came via many sources”, but he promises the tale is unravelled at their performances.
Nairobi Trio will be playing at the Chanel Arts Centre on Saturday, 19 October, at 7.30pm. Tickets are available at www.nairobitrio.co.nz and cost $40. The event consists of two concert brackets with an intermission.
tober, which was shifted to the fourth Monday in October in 1910.
Some jobs require people to work on public holidays, causing uncertainty over entitlements. CAB resources and volunteers are kept up to date as regulations about employment and labour laws change, and anyone can access this information from our public website.
The government is currently looking at simplifying the laws, but right now, employees working on public holidays receive time and a half plus another paid day off later, called a “day
in lieu” where employers and employees agree to transfer the public holiday to another day.
Casual employees who work a public holiday are entitled to be paid time and a half.
If the holiday would be a normal workday, they’re entitled to a day in lieu.
‘On call’ employees who go to work on a public holiday are entitled to time and a half plus a day in lieu. This also applies if the employee is on standby, but not called in, but doesn’t apply if they’re only ‘on call’ for the public holiday. When a workplace closes for a
period including public holidays – for example, over Christmas and New Year – employees are entitled to a paid public holiday if they would have worked that day if the business was open. Public holiday payments don’t apply if an employee is taking leave without pay.
CAB Nelson Tasman TDC Richmond, Community House Motueka) Ph: 03 5482117 / 0800 367 222, email: nelsontasman@cab.co.nz, Website: www. cab.org.nz
Jazz entertainers ‘Nairobi Trio’ will be playing at Motueka’s Chanel Arts Centre on Saturday, 19 October. Photo: Supplied.
Tasman orienteerer beats Australians on their own turf
STEPHEN STUART
Tide Fa’avae has upstaged top state competitors at the Australian Secondary School Orienteering Championships in Armidale, New South Wales.
In a thrilling finish, the 18-year-old won the senior girls’ premier long distance event by just four seconds.
The Motueka High School student was eligible to compete in the Australian event by way of representing New Zealand at the world junior champs in the Czech Republic earlier this year. Tide also featured in the
strong girls’ team that won the relay event.
Her school mate Nika Rayward was a creditable sixth in the long distance event. Keeping it in the family, Tide’s older brother Zefa Fa’avae returned from the Orienteering World Cup in Finland and battled jetlag and time zone changes on his way to second place in the open men’s elite grade in Australia. The winner was another of the Kiwi juniors, Felix Hunt from Christchurch. And how’s this for trans-Tasman bragging rights, the New Zealand juniors also beat the senior Aussie open men.
NBS Motueka Golf Club Results
Tide Fa’avae, above, after winning the senior girls’ relay section at the Australian Orienteering Championships. Pictured right with fellow Kiwis. Photos: Supplied.
Astrolabe Fashion winners Jocelyn Thomson, left, John Inglis and Ian Rowling. Photo: Supplied.
The Club would like to thank the team at Astrolabe for their continued support of this tournament
Lower Moutere Store Closest to the pin
Men Robin Nicholls
Ladies Shona Johnson
Tasman’s glittering prize snatched away
PETER JONES
It was fun while it lasted.
The Tasman Rugby Union’s first Ranfurly Shield era came to a grinding halt at Trafalgar Park on Sunday, defending NPC champions Taranaki venturing south for yet another successful raid, the third in their past four challenges. After claiming the Log o’ Wood off Hawke’s Bay it has been an exciting month for the country’s newest union.
It began in Napier. After failing in their four previous challenges the Mako men finally got the job done, albeit in dramatic fashion, a last-gasp Campbell Parata penalty sparking delight in the Top of the South.
Nelson airport was packed as skipper Quinten Strange, and his merry men proudly carried the prized trophy back to the city where New Zealand rugby began in 1870, completing a unique rugby circle.
Official welcomes were held on both sides of the Whangamoas, plus a string of social gatherings, club and school visits, providing multiple opportunities for the public to get their hands on, and have selfies taken with, what remains the biggest prize in NZ
provincial rugby.
As shield fever spread, attention quickly turned to the first defence, a week later at Lansdowne Park against an unbeaten Wellington side.
The ‘sold out’ signs went up before Sunday kick-off in Blenheim and the Mako did not disappoint the packed and boisterous park faithful, a late surge getting them home 28-15.
Two away games followed. With the pressure of defending the shield removed, Tasman scraped a vital 27-25 win against Waikato then sent a below-strength side to Otago for the first ‘Storm Week’ match, the rookies showing their
promise with a gutsy effort despite a 47-31 defeat, Tasman’s first of the season.
Auckland’s midweek challenge was next, on a rainswept Wednesday evening at T-Park. Although both sides initially struggled in the tough conditions, Tasman managed the second half masterfully, scoring 19 unanswered points to put the game to bed 3117, providing Nelson’s first successful Shield defence.
Sunday’s match offered the opportunity to tuck the shield away for the summer, as well as to top the NPC table leading into playoffs, but ultimately it proved a bridge too far, Tasman’s initial
shield era lasting just 29 memorable days. However, they can have few complaints about how their reign was ended.
Despite Sunday’s 42-29 scoreline Taranaki appeared the better side from the get-go. They showed more enterprise, more discipline and more composure than the home side, who came out flat, dragged themselves back into the contest, but were too often disjointed and inaccurate to build consistent pressure.
The physical toll of playing their third match in ‘Storm Week’ could be put forward as contributing to their defeat, although none of the players or management are likely to use that as an excuse.
The absences of the talismanic Timoci Tavatavanawai, injured skipper Quinten Strange, the unavailable Levi Aumua and the ever-reliable Quentin MacDonald were keenly felt, although it would be hard to suggest that quartet would definitively have turned the tide against such a well-organised, motivated Bulls side.
Returning All Blacks Ethan Blackadder, David Havili and Noah Hotham, who had played little or, in Blackadder’s case, no part in the NPC campaign so far,
worked hard to spark the home side. However, with so many attacks involving individual carries rather than clever interplay, Taranaki’s renowned defence was able to handle the battering-ram approach and force errors or poor decisions.
On the other hand, the challengers, although being gifted their second try when the Mako lost the plot near their own line, offered some superb attack, highlighted by midfielder Daniel Rona’s second effort, sparked from in front of their own posts and clinically executed. For most of the season Tasman have found a way to get out of tight corners, to win when the odds looked stacked against them, but this time there was no reprieve.
The shield reign may have been short, but it was certainly sweet. I can’t wait for the next one. Now attention turns to the NPC quarterfinals, with Canterbury coming to Lansdowne Park on Sunday, intent on dealing a double knockout blow to the third qualifiers. The Red and Blacks are always a major threat, especially with their All Blacks back, but Mako fans will hope their team have shaken off the ‘Shield Loss Blues’.
Nelson turned out in force to support their Mako on Sunday. Photo: Barry Whitnall/Shuttersport.
Community Notices
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, Motueka Recreation Gym ‘Functional Fitness Room’, Old Wharf Rd. A 60-minute series of guided exercises done seated or standing, specifically designed to help those with breathing difficulties. Ph: Jess 0275467675.
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
MOTUEKA ARTS COUNCIL office at Community House, Decks reserve. Wed, 11-3pm. Inquiries about art activities; funding
for Art; Art ideas for Motueka. Ph: 0210589388. AGE CONCERN TEA & TALK, 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. 30-50 min walk at your own pace, for any age, any fitness and size. Ph:0273015598.
MOTUEKA ARTS COUNCIL invites all folk interested in community arts in Motueka, to their monthly meetings. 2nd Wed of month, 7pm, community house.
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.
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
MOTUEKA LIGHTHOUSE, Thurs, 26 Sept, 7-9pm, Motueka Community House, Decks Reserve. Insightful presentations/ workshops. Donations appreciated. All welcome. Tarot Card Reading. e: angel3000.h@gmail.com.
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.
DEADLINE: 10AM FRIDAY
50 WORDS OR LESS BY EMAIL ONLY SEND TO: office@topsouthmedia.co.nz
RUMMIKUB Thurs, 1-4pm, Motueka Over 50s Social Club, 10 Pah St. Friendly group, includes refreshments. All welcome. Ph: Keith 0274516422.
THE DOCTORS MOTUEKA – Walking Group, Thurs, 9am, by the Janie Seddon Shipwreck carpark. Walking for 30 mins, suitable for 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
MOTUEKA REBUS CLUB, Fri, 20 Sept, 10am, The Bandrooms. Great speakers, good fellowship, all welcome. Ph: John 0274082206.
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.
NELSON RAILWAY Founders Park. Railcar is running Thurs, Fri, Sat this week, weather permitting. Train will run Sun, Both start 11am. Follow us on Facebook.
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE Sat, 10-12pm, Motueka Library. Free
services, including copy certification and witnessing signatures are available.
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.
GENERAL GROUPS
ENCOURAGEMENT GRANTS of upto $500 for groups & Individuals with an art project involving our local community. Contact: motuekaartscouncil@gmail.com
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@multiculturalnt.co.nz.
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.
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? You need a minimum of 8 players, $10 each, all equipment provided and someone from our club to help you learn the game. Full access to the clubhouse kitchen. For info Ph: 0276308910.
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.
GREYPOWER MOTUEKA welcomes visitors at the Community House office, Decks Reserve on Wallace St. for ongoing service requests. Discount provider list available. Ph: 035289076 or e: greypowermot@gmail.com.
INDOOR BOWLS, Mon & Wed, 1.15-3pm, Motueka Over 50s Hub, 10 Pah St. All abilities welcome. Ph: Jude 0273244226. MOTUEKA DISTRICT BRASS Do you want to be part of a fun, social and competitive band, who make players welcome? e: motueka.brass@gmail.com or Ph: 021728168
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.
ENTERTAINMENT
By Sue Merrick
GIBBONS
Marcia
(nee Diserens)
Aged 83 years. Passed peacefully with family at Woodlands Rest Home on Tuesday October 1st, 2024, after a long battle with dementia. Dearly beloved friend and wife of the late Jim. Dearly loved and very proud mother and motherin-law of David and Fleur, Sharon, Jenny and Gino. Cherished nana of Cameron and Sarah. In accordance with Marcia’s wishes, a private cremation has taken place.
Twins full of cheerleading
STEPHEN STUART
All the long haul trips are set to pay off for Motueka 14-yearold sisters Ava and Elyse Karetai.
The twins are part of a five strong group from the Nelson-based Electrix Cheersport group who have been selected to go to the Summit Championship in Orlando, Florida, next year.
The Karetai’s and another Motueka athlete, 15-year-old Clara Kristoffersen, travel to Nelson three times a week to train with Electrix Cheersport which was invited to send five cheerleaders to the Summit under the umbrella of the Tauranga-based Bay Twisters team.
“We had to try out to win those spots and for those five to be selected shows how far our home grown talent has come since our club was set up in 2015,” Electrix manager Maxine Noar declares proudly. That means even more travel to Tauranga every three weeks to train with the other 11 members of the Bay Twisters who won the
right to go at a competition in Sydney.
Next are the national championships in Auckland next month with the Motueka trio and the two other Florida-bound pair, Nelson girls Milly Roberts and Chelsy Anderson, part of an 80 strong group Electrix is sending to compete.
Even though they are staying at the Motu Moana Scout Camp in Blockhouse Bay, it is still an expensive business.
“Luckily, the girls have a super work ethic,” the twins’ mother Vicki Karetai says.
The cost of getting to the champs, at Disney World in Florida, is estimated at $6,000 per competitor so Vicki confirms fundraising ideas are being worked through.
“Look out for a ‘got your back’ campaign. You choose a number from one to 100 and that is the dollar value you would like to donate. Then your number will be printed on the back of the t-shirts that girls will wear when they are travelling and competing,” she explains.
Ava Karetai being hoisted by her four Electrix Cheersport teammates who are preparing to head to the USA next year. Photo: Supplied.