Best Life - January February 2024

JAN / FEB 2024

Firing on all

fronts

Walking and wilderness

Page turners

Bringing the outdoors on-line

Little Beauty.

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Contents

JANUARY / FEBRUARY ISSUE

6-7

6–7

11

Walking and wilderness Friends create Facebook page to encourage more people to try trail walking.

Passionate People One man’s passion for cars leads to fundraising for a range of community causes.

12-13 Firing on all fronts Businessman, fire chief and a pickleball champ, Philip Woolf is one of Golden Bay’s busiest men.

19-21

14-17 Page Turners Best Life speaks to four local book publishers about what it takes to write their own book.

19-21 Bringing the outdoors on-line “Probably New Zealand’s oldest YouTuber” documents his life of hunting, fishing and living off the land.

Grab your copy: Nelson City Council, Nelson library, Stoke Library, Greenmeadows Centre, Tasman District Council, Richmond Library, Alioke Eatery, Motueka Guardian office, Motueka Library, Rabbit Island Coffee Co, retirement homes, waiting rooms, cafés and various other locations.

14-17

JAN / FEB 2024

Firing on all

fronts

Walking and wilderness

Page turners

Bringing the outdoors on-line

On the cover Philip Woolf Page 12 - 13 Photo: Tessa Jaine

This publication is printed on environmentally responsible paper produced from FSC® Certified Mixed Source pulp from Responsible Sources.

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Editor’s note

Welcome EDITOR Karen Scott bestlife@topsouthmedia.co.nz CONTRIBUTORS Alistair Hughes, Adrienne Matthews, Judene Edgar, Amy Russ, Ro Cambridge, Patricia Pataki, Stella Chrysostomou, Tessa Jaine ADVERTISING Christine Hatton christine@topsouthmedia.co.nz Ph 03 548 5900 DESIGN Patrick Connor & Toni Woolf

50+ LIVING NELSON

TASMAN

PUBLISHER Top South Media 563 Main Rd, Stoke topsouthmedia.co.nz Read us on issuu

issuu.com/nelsonweekly

Happy New Year! The festive decorations are packed away, the fruit cake is but crumbs and 2024 slipped into a new day without much fanfare. I don’t make new year resolutions, I’m not that self-disciplined and they would be broken by the second day of the year. However, I do like the ending and beginning of seasons; it’s a natural time to set new goals: eat more chocolate, have more beach walks, make friend with my bike again, do more random acts of kindness, look after my mental health and make time for my tribe so we can be weird together. I love this from Winnie the Pooh, “I always get to where I’m going by walking away from where I’ve been.”

I hope you take the time to think about your new goals this year, to live your best life and enjoy the unexpected adventures as they make better stories.

Karen Scott

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5

Giving it a go

Walking and wilderness

Esther Rush and Wiebke Ashby both enjoy walking, and after moving to Nelson created the Facebook page Trail Walking Nelson as a way for people of all fitness levels to enjoy Sunday morning walks and build social connections, with a coffee afterwards. Esther shares what’s involved, and how to get started.

How did you get started?

What gear do you need?

Growing up in the 70s our family always went “bush-walking.” I used to be a long-distance runner and always preferred off-road on the trails – the scenery was just nicer and the underfoot surface softer.

As I got older and health issues prevented me from running, I found I could still walk and enjoyed getting back to nature on the trails.

That’s the beauty of it – you don’t need any expensive gear. A decent pair of shoes is a must and warm clothing and a waterproof jacket in the winter, but you don’t need to buy fancy equipment. Most people already have everything you need in their closet at home.

ABOVE: Esther Rush (right) with Wiebke Ashby on a trail walk. Photo Tessa Jaine

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Giving it a go

“We have different backgrounds but connect over a walk...”

What is your favourite walk?

There are too many to pick just one – but you can’t go past Abel Tasman and Queen Charlotte tracks for stunning scenery.

What is your favourite thing about trail walking?

The social connection it has given me. Our group (and a previous group in Manawatu) has brought people from all walks of life together. We have different backgrounds but connect over a walk – it’s so easy to talk to new people about a common interest and I enjoy being outdoors (even when the weather is awful – in fact, sometimes that is the best time).

What fitness do you need?

If you want to tackle major walks you do need to build up a bit of endurance, but you can start from zero and just do a couple of kms locally. There are so many short walks around the Nelson area so anyone of any fitness level can get out there and just do what they can. Also, it’s low intensity and low impact (easier on the joints than running), so a good cardio option for those who can’t do high intensity/impact exercise.

As someone new to Nelson, did it help you meet new people?

Yes! When I arrived in Nelson I joined a Facebook group for “newbies” and someone posted about a regular Wednesday walk. I wasn’t sure of the fitness level required so asked how fast they walked, and another

person (my now friend Wiebke) answered me and offered to meet up for a walk too. I didn’t end up going to the Wednesday walk but did meet Wiebke and we started walking regularly. I had moved from the Manawatu where I co-founded a trail walking group and mentioned to Wiebke that I thought there might be interest here too. Wiebke had also just moved from Wellington where she was a keen walker. We created “Trail Walking Nelson” together and put it out on Facebook – we now have over 1000 members! A regular group of us meet for a Sunday morning walk – usually around 5km but we have done some longer walks too, and we always finish with a cuppa at a local café to reward ourselves and enjoy some time socialising.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in trail walking?

Just do it – if you’re nervous about going alone join us for one of our Sunday walks – nobody gets left behind.

You can walk at your own pace and often the group splits into groups of varying speeds. There are some stunning places around Nelson to explore.

Trail Walking Nelson

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s e i t i v i t c A Summer ors for Seni

Singalong in the Park

Tai Chi Mon 18 Mar, 10am – 11am // War Memorial Park, Richmond // Meet near the archway Mon 25 Mar, 10am – 11am // Saxton Field, Stoke // Meet near the outdoor exercise equipment by the stadium

Croquet Wed 14 Feb & Tue 12 Mar, 10am – 11am // Richmond Croquet Club // 348 Queen Street, Richmond

Walking Tue 13 Feb, 10am – 11.45am // Inlet Walk, Motueka (4km) // Meet at the Motueka Recreation Centre, Old Wharf Road Thu 7 Mar, 10am – 11.30am // Guided Garden Tour at Gardens of the World, Hope // Corner of Paton Road and Clover Road, Hope // Please register for this event by phoning 03 544 7624 ext 5

Thu 15 Feb, 10am – 11.30am // Washbourn Gardens, Richmond // Meet at Fuchsia House

eBus Confidence with a Cuppa Wed 13 Mar // Departs 9.50am from the eBus Interchange on Bridge Street, Nelson, or meet at 9.30am at the Age Concern Office, 18 Bridge Street, Nelson // Return trip departs from Nelson Airport at 11.22am

For more information: Facebook.com/ageconcernnelsontasman Phone 03 544 7624 ext 5 Email ageconnect@ageconcernnt.org.nz

Find more events at www.itson.co.nz (search Age Concern)

TASMAN POSITIVE AGING FORUMS Regular meetings in Richmond and Motueka.

Richmond Constance Barnicoat Room, Richmond Library: • Tuesday 20 February, 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm • Tuesday 7 May, 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm • Tuesday 9 July, 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm • Tuesday 3 September, 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm • Tuesday 5 November, 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm

Motueka To be confirmed. For further information, times, location and venue please go to tasman.govt.nz and search Positive Aging Forum.

The Motueka Positive Aging Forum is looking for Steering Committee members. If you would like to play a role in the Forum, managing its activities and meetings, please contact yulia.panfylova@tasman.govt.nz.

If you would like to go on our database to receive information about both Richmond and Motueka Forums and related events please email yulia.panfylova@tasman.govt.nz.

www.tasman.govt.nz

8

The Grey Urbanist

The right dog for the job

By Ro Cambridge

I

was in my mid-fifties when I fulfilled a childhood longing and got myself a dog. Having deferred the moment so long, I was anxious to find a dog I’d get along with. Or who would get along with me.

And so, I completed an online questionnaire which promised to match dog and potential owner. Some of the questions – allergies, activity levels, sociability – were predictable enough. Other questions were rather more left-field. “What kind of amusement park ride best describes the energy in your home?” for example, and more disturbingly, “Does drooling bother you much?”

But food and fur are the least of it. The dog and I are both inclined to random bursts of activity, often involving the chasing of one’s tail. My most recent tailspin involved yet another bout of rearranging the furniture. Thank God the dog resisted the urge to join in.

In next to no time the house – in my case a mere 48 square metres – was a ruin of rumpled bedding, upended lamps and drawers, teetering stacks of books and trailing electrical cords. Boxes of unsorted rubble dating from the last great furniture rearrangement were revealed under the bed. Nothing was nowhere, except in the wrong place.

The results suggested that I’d be happiest with a Fox The challenge then became how to shift furniture A Terrier - “intelligent, outgoing, active, inquisitive and to position B, furniture B to position C, and furniture quite stylish (when groomed propC to position A with all that detrierly).” That sounded like me. And tus in the way. It was like that ridThe dog and I are both so it came to pass that I lived very dle about the boatman who has to inclined to random bursts of happily with my Fox Terrier, Pete, transport a duck, a fox and a pumpuntil liver cancer and the ministraactivity, often involving the kin across the river taking only one tions of a compassionate vet delivpassenger at a time. If he takes the chasing of one’s tail. ered him to the Great Bone Yard in pumpkin, the fox, left with the the Sky. duck, will eat it. If the boatman takes the fox, the duck will eat the pumpkin. If riddles The same questionnaire had also suggested a Jack Ruslike this don’t bother you, neither will a bit of furniture sell Terrier - “fearless personality, boundless energy, shuffling.

However, it makes me feel like checking into entertaining antics and portable size”. And so, my cura nice motel for the rest of my life, or perhaps joining rent dog is a Jack Russell. She is indeed entertaining a monastery. and remains portable in spite of an avid interest in all food, except dog food. On a walk, she’ll vanish into an unprepossessing bush and emerge triumphant with a piece of Kentucky fried chicken or a slice of pizza.

She’s even experimented with chewing gum. The only thing between her and a nasty gum-chewing habit is the foil wrapper. The questionnaire failed to mention a propensity to shed, which explains why I sometimes need snow-shoes to negotiate the drifts of dog fur in the house.

In the middle of this frenzy of domestic realignment it occurred to me that I could simply raze the house and flee with the insurance money. It was only the dog’s sang froid that halted my search for an incendiary device and brought me to my senses.

She was sitting very still, atop a pile of cushions, behind a barricade built of chairs, filing cabinet and coffee table, with one calm, dark eye focused on me, and the other on the refrigerator door.

9

10

Passionate People

Driving community causes As much as he is passionate about cars, a lot of what Peter Glue does is about community service and raising money to support worthwhile causes, as Judene Edgar finds out.

I

first got behind the wheel of a car when I was 15. I’d go into Wellington to meet my father and he’d let me drive him home in his Morris Minor.

My love of cars came from my mother. Mum would buy a new car every year, but my dad just liked his Morris Minor. My brother was a motor mechanic, so he was very handy for teaching me how to look after my cars. Half the fun of having a car was tweaking it or hotting things up.

I joined Rotary over 45 years ago. After retiring from teaching I started doing landscape gardening, but as I was working alone all day I wanted to meet and connect with people, so I joined the Rotary Club of Richmond. They’re all such genuine people.

I’m particularly interested in projects that support young people. We’re currently raising money to support anti-bullying education, Helping Families Nelson, Days for Girls, student scholarships and the FENZ Community Rescue Caravan. Over the years we’ve worked on so many amazing events and projects together.

We ran the Wine and Food Festival for 12 years raising over $360,000 for the community.

In my spare time I plan car tours. I’m Club Captain of the Classic Motoring Society of Nelson Marlborough. We have “wind in the hair” tours – named because we used to drive in our classic cars with the tops down – but now the range of cars has changed and it’s more about the fun and just getting out in your car.

Sometimes we have up to 50 cars on a trip.

Last year we ran our first Car Show. Covid made us re-think what we were doing, and the opportunity to join with Nelson West Rotary to run the Top of the South Motor Show came up and we jumped at it … and now we’re planning bigger and better. It’s quite exciting planning a new event and coming up with lots of innovative ways to engage with people.

It’s lots of work and there are lots of tired people at the end of the day, but it’s such a good day out. This year the motor show is on 10 February at the A&P Showgrounds. There’s really no better place. There will be cars from many different clubs and lots of competitions and activities are being planned; it’s not just your standard show and shine.

Photo Tessa Jaine 11

Firing on all

fronts A businessman, fire chief and a pickleball champ, Philip Woolf has plenty on the go. Alistair Hughes catches up with one of Golden Bay’s busiest men.

Photos Tessa Jaine

I

f there is any truth in the adage that you get out of life what you put in, then Philip Woolf embodies that ideal.

The successful company director, local fire chief and pickleball club president learned the value of giving from his parents, and it has taken his life in some unexpected directions.

“My dad was a WWII returned serviceman and my mother was in the Australian Army,” recalls Philip. “I took many years to understand the challenges and tribulations that soldiers faced when they went to war, but it helped shape my future.”

His parents' dedication to the community, volunteering their time and skills, was a formative influence. “In those days there was no such thing as cellphones, and I think working more closely with your neighbours and friends achieved something pretty special.”

Helping his mother with Saturday morning tennis coaching, Philip describes his childhood growing up in Tākaka as a lot of fun. Possibly too much fun, as upon reaching his teens he was sent away to boarding school in Christchurch in an attempt to curb some increasingly wild behaviour.

However, the much-needed discipline, and lifelong friendships formed there, helped him scrape through School Certificate. But on returning to Golden Bay in 1976 he discovered that his education was only just beginning.

12

“My dad encouraged me to become an apprentice builder to my brother-in-law, Mike Hodgkinson, and that was the start of my trade.”

Young Philip had long looked up to Mike, and after boarding school was enamoured with working outside in the fresh air and sunshine. He completed a carpentry apprenticeship and some of his returning friends also took up trades. Admitting they were never going to become varsity scholars, Philip and his friends had enrolled in the university of life instead.

“We worked on some fantastic projects including the school gymnasium, which was a combined community and school-funded project.”

He also found himself crawling under sagging, leaking 120-year-old houses, but gained satisfaction from at least finding solutions to people’s problems. Attitudes which were to serve him well in life were beginning to coalesce, but first there was the question of a return to previous wayward ways to address.

Philip employs 129 full time staff across his ITM stores.

“Although my mates and I now had job commitments, ‘the pack’ was starting to reassemble over weekends and after hours,” he ruefully admits. “My dad told me: 'We need to find you a challenge, and you need to start doing something for the community’.”

This led to Philip being sent to the fire station to enquire about joining the Tākaka Volunteer Fire Brigade.

The chief fire officer at that time was also a tradie, and he gave it to the errant teenager straight.

“This is what we expect: a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year commitment. The siren will go and the expectation is that you get to the station within five minutes, because someone needs our help.”

Deciding to sign up for this badly-needed discipline, Philip couldn’t have foreseen this would lead to a lifetime career with the fire service, becoming fire chief himself in 2003.

But in the meantime, he was also learning leadership skills in his trade.

“My employer Mike was fortunate enough to have multiple gangs and had enough work to split between them, and I went on to become a foreman of one of them.”

With new responsibility came an awareness of an obstacle to their access to constantly needed materials.

“A lot of the building supplies were brought in from over the hill from Nelson, including wooden joinery.

So Mike had a vision to establish a joinery shop here in Golden Bay, which would also allow us to offer employment and better services for locals. He corralled myself and another joiner, Kerry Snowden.”

But by this point the three tradies were all married men, and had additional ‘stakeholders’ to consult first.

“We had to convince our wives that we needed to borrow money at the then 24% interest rates. They told us we were crazy, but after a few wines, we convinced them. Ten years later, we were running five joiners and three administration people, and we had a lot of fun.”

Philip will always be grateful to the support they received from the local community, and this led to the fulfillment of Mike’s next vision in the early 1990s, a Tākaka-based building supply company. An immediate hit with Golden Bay’s rapidly multiplying building contractors, it wasn’t too long before they were approached by an independent group of timber merchants, eager to have them come on board.

Philip employs 129 full time staff across his ITM stores.

“So we became the second ITM centre in the South Island, with five operating units across Tākaka, Motueka, Nelson, Greymouth and Havelock at the peak of our operation.”

These days Philip sits on a board of directors, and employs 129 full-time staff. This is balanced with his lifelong commitment as chief fire officer of the Tākaka Volunteer Fire Brigade, and executive responsibilities for Golden Bay Returned Services Association.

In the past he would also fit refereeing into his weekends, but now in his mid sixties, how does he still keep so many balls in the air? One answer is to literally do just that, and his ‘downtime’ is spent in the enthusiastic pursuit of one of the world’s fastest growing sports – pickleball.

“I’m still a reasonable tennis player, but as the body gets a bit older the court gets a bit bigger, and hitting the ball becomes even harder. Pickleball is played with a carbon fibre paddle and a plastic wiffle ball on a badminton-size court – the first thing which attracted us!”

A club was formed which meets three times a week, and Philip believes the sport’s emphasis on strategy rather than power creates a level ‘playing field’ for all ages and genders.

Although seemingly a long way from slowing down yet, Philip will be prudently looking at succession planning in both his ITM and emergency service careers.

“Looking back on anything I might have achieved, the only reason I've been able to do it has been the support of my family, friends and work colleagues”, he concludes. “I’ve been very fortunate to be able to enjoy what I’ve done and it’s always been about the people around me.”

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Page turners A UK study found that writing a book is in the top ten challenges that people aged 50 and older would like to tackle. Best Life spoke with four people in Nelson/Tasman who have taken on that challenge and succeeded, from professional writers to those self-publishing for the first time.

Photos Tessa Jaine

Hours spent researching lead to Geoff Cameron’s first book which he wrote to leave the legacy of his father’s army story for family and future generations.

Tell us about your book.

Initially I had proposed to write a simple article on my father’s war years. However, early on it became apparent his story could not be told without including his life before and beyond the army. With my analytical mindset it became a journey of discovery, the brief article taking a quantum leap into a seventy-page book.

I spent many hours researching, taking pictures of personal photographs and electronically processing these. So, in writing the story, the book is very much centred around photographs of memorabilia supported by written material from my research and own knowledge. From the memorabilia and research, it was then a matter of joining the dots to create the story.

What made you want to write a book?

On my father’s death in 2001 and his sister in 2009, I took ownership of a lot of army photos and other memorabilia they both left behind, including his army uniform, kit bag, backpack, medals, photographs and newspaper articles. It was this taonga that motivated me to write Avon’s story as a soldier in the NZ Army during World War II.

How long did it take you?

I worked on the book during a period of four months in 2023 and estimate it took over 300hrs of work on research, narration, photographing, formatting, design and publication. In addition to visiting the National Army Museum in Waiouru, I also spent many hours doing research which included reading the Official History of New Zealand in the Second World War, 19391945, 23rd Battalion, writing to the NZ Defence Force (Personnel Archives and Medals), and on-line searches.

What’s been the hardest part of the process?

Having developed a good skillset of investigation and report writing over my career I found the process reasonably straight forward, a highly interesting and enjoyable challenge.

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Geoff Cameron with his book ‘The Army Story of Sergeant Eaton Avon Cameron, No. 459663, NZASC.’

Who did you write it for, and why?

I primarily wrote the book for family, but during the narration, front of mind was to tell the story in an easily readable manner so that anyone could pick it up and read it.

What do you want to achieve from writing this book?

I wanted to leave the legacy of my father’s army story for family and future generations. A small piece of history of the Cameron heritage hopefully to be kept in perpetuity.

What advice would you give to people who are thinking about writing their own book?

If you have the passion, drive and time, go for it. If you lack these qualities and type with two fingers (like me), then forget it!

How do people get a copy?

A copy can be found at the Richmond library. It can also be read online at the Auckland War Memorial Museum - On line Cenotaph to soldiers.

Tania Norfolk rediscovered the love of picture books after reading to her two boys when they were younger, and says despite there being less words, being able to speak to young minds whilst also capturing an adult’s imagination can be challenging.

Tell us about your latest book.

We follow a small girl and an old man taking a walk together. They share the world around them through her big eyes and his large ears. So-called ordinary things become magical – a ladybird, a tiny turtle in fancy dress, a scarf, a dragon's tongue. It's a celebration of the senses and the wonder in the everyday.

What made you want to write children’s books?

I rediscovered the magic of picture books through reading to our two boys when they were small. I love the unique interplay of word and image, and the power of picture books to speak to all ages. I collaborated with my brother Chris who illustrated my first book, Grasshopper’s Week, published by Potton & Burton. Since then, I’ve had lots of other ideas for stories and was thrilled when Scholastic wanted to publish this one.

What’s been the hardest part of the process?

Being patient! The children’s book market is highly competitive and there’s no guarantee of getting published. Regardless of whether a book is well written or illustrated there can be many factors that will influence whether a publisher is interested. I tried lots of publishers with Look! Said The Little Girl and happily heard back from Scholastic six months after sending it to them.

What’s been the best part of the process?

Scholastic have been great to work with, and Aleksandra Szmidt has done a beautiful job with the illustrations. I was also rapt to learn The Listener included Look! Said The Little Girl in their top children’s books for 2023.

What do you want to achieve from publishing this book?

Sharing a story that connects children with the world around them, noticing and celebrating the small things we easily overlook. It’s also about the special connection between the very young and old.

Tania Norfolk with her children’s book ‘Look! Said the Little Girl’ she wrote.

What else are you working on?

I’m in the middle of pitching new picture book stories.

I also write for adults and am now working on a second novel – my first novel is currently under consideration for publication, so more waiting!

What advice would you give to people who are thinking about writing their own picture book?

People often assume picture books are easy to write, since there is so little text, but the words have to be just right. It’s definitely a case of less is more, being able to speak to young minds whilst also capturing an adult’s imagination. Keep paring back words to the essence of something, and avoid rhyme, unless you’re really good at it (like Lynley Dodd)! You don’t have to submit it with illustrations – you are best not to unless you are also a professional quality illustrator. There are also trends and waves in the industry. Don’t be disheartened if the first one you try doesn’t find a publisher, it’s not necessarily an indication of the book’s quality – though do your homework too, read lots of picture books, see what works and what doesn’t, study publishers’ websites, and learn about the industry. The Children’s Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook is a great resource.

How do people get a copy?

Look! Said The Little Girl is available in all local bookstores.

15

With nothing to lose except “self-esteem and sanity” Chris Bently decided to challenge himself and publish a collation of his short stories from his bi-monthly writers meetings.

Tell us about your book.

My book consists of a collection of 50 short stories and assortments that I collated while attending the bi-monthly STEM Writers meetings at the Elma Turner Library. We write to a theme monthly, and so I found myself earlier this year steadily approaching 50 pieces of writing that I thought I could present as a collective work.

I tend to be inspired by my observations on human behaviour, either from first-hand experience, through books and the media or through what people have told me, and initially considered calling the book ‘Nowt So Queer As Folk’. However, during the process of preparing the book for publication the title ‘50 Shades of Weird’ became more appealing and seemed to fit better with the cover design that I had in mind.

Chris Bentley self-published his first book 50 Shades of Weird.

What made you want to write a book?

The idea to publish the collection of writings, that were inadvertently accumulating themselves on my hard drive, did not occur to me until earlier this year when I suddenly felt that it would be an interesting challenge to attempt to self-publish 50 of them under one title, particularly as I had nothing to lose other than my self-esteem and my sanity.

How long did it take you?

It has actually taken me five years to curate the book, and approaching four months to get all 50 pieces re-edited and presentable for public viewing.

What’s been the hardest part of the process?

Having no knowledge or experience of self-publication meant that it was quite a daunting task at first to get my head around all the information and details of the process at the outset. However, once I’d decided to deal with the less complicated issues first and found I was beginning to make progress, the confidence and momentum I had gained enabled me to deal with the matters I considered more complex. In truth, there are a multitude of videos on YouTube, and other supporting online information, to provide all the assistance you require to deal with every stage of the process.

16

Who did you write it for, and why?

I suppose, as they say, you write to be read, so the book is written for anyone who happens to come across it on their way, picks it up, examines it, and finds it intriguing enough to delve into its pages.

What do you want to achieve from writing this book?

Having now published my first book, I find to my surprise that I have acquired the motivation to write a second book, which will hopefully be a novel based on a film script I completed in my first year of arriving in Nelson which is, amazingly, six years ago now.

What advice would you give to people who are thinking about writing their own book?

I would recommend that they consider joining a writing group, either locally or online, as personally, I found the experience of reading my stories to a group of fellow writers and receiving their feedback invaluable.

How do people get a copy?

The book is also available locally at all good bookshops, and online at Amazon.com both as an eBook and in paperback.

Alison Ballance has spent her career sharing stories about the natural world through TV wildlife documentaries and on radio, and she says adding books was a natural fit.

Tell us about your book.

‘Takahē – Bird of Dreams’ is a celebration of one of New Zealand’s unique flightless giant birds, the takahē. Efforts to save this remarkable creature started 75 years ago, when a small remnant population of the supposedly extinct takahē was rediscovered in remote Fiordland. That rediscovery made headlines around the world and was called one of the ‘greatest ornithological moments in history.’ Since then, it’s been a conservation roller-coaster ride as hard-working Department of Conservation rangers have tried to wrestle this endangered species back from the brink of extinction. And all that effort has paid off – in late 2023, exactly 75 years after that momentous rediscovery the takahē population reached 500 for the first time in several centuries. Takahē are very photogenic and live in some dramatic locations, so it was great to be able to include plenty of photos in the book.

What made you want to write a book?

I have been writing nature books for 25 years, and ‘Takahē – Bird of Dreams’ is my 30th book. I’m passionate about nature and conservation, and writing books is a way of sharing remarkable stories that I hope inspire people. My career has seen me telling stories about the natural world through TV wildlife documentaries and on radio, so adding books was a natural fit that allowed me to go into more detail.

How long did it take you?

It took about six years to write ‘Takahē – Bird of Dreams’ from the time I began research until I held a copy in my hands for the first time – but I wasn’t writing fulltime! Writing is a labour of love that happens alongside my day job and this book was written in short bursts. At times life got in the way, and I missed one submission deadline, but luckily, I have a very supportive publisher in Nelson-based Potton and Burton.

Alison Ballance with the 30th book she has written, ‘Takahē – Bird of Dreams.’

What’s been the hardest part of the process?

The hardest part is always deciding ‘how’ to tell the story. I begin by gathering as much information as I can, from scientific papers, technical reports, newsletters and interviews with experts, and then I let it stew away in the back of my brain for a while. The brain is amazingly creative when given some subconscious thinking time.

Who did you write it for, and why?

I wrote ‘Takahē – Bird of Dreams’ for the many nature nerds out there who love learning about our amazing natural world.

What do you want to achieve from writing this book?

Takahē are not as famous and well-known as their fellow flightless giants, the kākāpō (and yes, I’ve written a book about them as well!) so I wanted to shine an overdue spotlight on them and on New Zealand’s longest running conservation programme.

What advice would you give to people who are thinking about writing their own book?

There are times when you’ll get in the flow of writing and words will just pour out. But then there will be other times when you feel stuck. The trick is to just keep writing. Don’t get stalled trying to write the perfect sentence – you can come back and improve it later. Oh, and find a good editor – they are the magic ingredient in any book.

How do people get a copy?

‘Takahē – Bird of Dreams’ is available online and from all bookstores– if you don’t see it on the shelf just ask for it.

17

18

Story Amy Russ

Bringing the outdoors on-line A Tasman man has built a career as ‘probably New Zealand’s oldest YouTuber’ shooting videos of hunting, fishing and living off the land. Alistair Hughes had a chat to the man himself to learn more about Clay and his tall stories.

A

local YouTuber created his channel, Clay Tall Stories, over ten years ago, after realising his videos about bush lore and wilderness adventuring were steadily gaining a dedicated audience. A decade later, the channel now boasts outdoor survival videos with well over two million views each, a remarkable achievement on a crowded platform seldom in sync with the hunter/gatherer lifestyle. Aimed at ‘like-minded people who like to hunt, fish, harvest, pick and gather their own food’, over a thousand videos explore every aspect of living off the land.

But the only real ‘tall story’ here is that Clay, as he likes to be known, is not the channel creator’s real name.

He might have become a YouTube celebrity, but is also keen to maintain as much privacy as he can.

“The channel was originally about taking young men who didn’t have fathers out hunting and fishing,” Clay begins. “When I brought young people into that environment they became happier and those with ADHD or depression seemed to function a lot better.”

He began filming their outdoor adventures together, editing and uploading to share the mental benefits of returning to nature and learning the ways of the bush.

“I grew up in TŌtaranui because my father was the Abel Tasman National Park Ranger. So I spent a lot of my early life outside developing the outdoors skills that I use in my videos.”

Leaving home at 15, Clay literally survived using his accumulated knowledge of fishing, hunting, trapping and

ABOVE: Clay, where he feels most at home outdoors in Tasman Bay.

19

foraging, before picking tobacco in Motueka. But by his late twenties, his life had taken a very unexpected turn.

“I became an entertainer in Europe for 13 years,” he recounts. “I was playing guitar and harmonica and other instruments as well, working mostly in clubs and pubs with a little bit of television work. As a solo performer I played at festivals and other venues, playing 3,159 concerts during that time.”

Clay’s musical talents can now be heard as the soundtrack to his many videos, another aspect of the care and effort that he puts into crafting his YouTube content.

“Some of them are my songs which are published and homesteading, DIY, hunting and fishing, mentoring some I will just make on the day like my Crazy Horse young men, but the big videos that have gone viral are Island video. This delightful short features Clay taking the survival videos.” his young daughter Hana and dog Bob on a fishing and camping trip to a Tasman Bay Island. A spontaneous In 2022 Clay challenged himself to live by the sea for sing-song and unexpected encounter with a mother seven nights, using ancient Māori tools and the barOrca feeding her calf illustrate the est minimum of modern survival simple joy of interacting with the equipment. Building his own hut “What I hope the channel does natural wonders literally on our is encourage people to get out and camp, a flax raft and primidoorstep. tive fishing set line, this video and really become involved has amassed over two and a half Eventually returning to New Zeawith the outdoors, no matter million views. (7 Day Solo Primland to raise his children, he soon what their age.” itive Survival Challenge.) The realised that he would need to dichannel content is diverse, but versify his skills to make a living. what does he most hope to achieve with his growing “I created a limited liability company in 2007 called online presence?

Super Child Music Productions, making children's mu“The objective is mainly to educate young men. And to sic as a fun thing for the kids. But also trying to make inspire and motivate people to venture outside their something that was going to be financially viable. So I comfort zones. This is a country with so many natural also sell a lot of music online, and thirty percent of my resources and amazing things to do, and yet we have a income comes from that. We’ve just built a brand-new very high rate of suicide and bad mental health, particstudio, so we’re going to be creating and recording muularly amongst men.” sic again as well.”

But not long after his return to New Zealand, Clay sustained a hunting injury which meant he needed to pull back on his performing career. “I damaged my arm and found I couldn’t play as hard as I used to, although I still perform in Nelson and around the country, but not to the same degree. So I was pushed into becoming a YouTuber.”

A donation platform called Patreon allowed the Clay Tall Stories audience to contribute monetarily, and so with it becoming financially sustainable, Clay could now focus his considerable energies towards building the channel up.

“It’s difficult to put Clay Tall Stories into a single category" he explains. "It has a wide variety of content:

20

The man who returned to New Zealand to raise his children believes we are blessed to live here.

“What I hope the channel does is encourage people to get out and really become involved with the outdoors, no matter what their age. A lot of young people are just at home gaming, but we’ve got the best mountainbike parks in the world, ski fields, water sports, and beautiful national parks to enjoy.”

Personal tragedy tinged Clay’s desire to improve the lives of our youth when a young man he was working with took his own life a few years ago. “So I started a second channel, The Bro Check Club. We address the issues, pressures and anxiety that a lot of young men, and young women, face.”

Clay uploads shorter, more spontaneous content to this channel almost daily and some of the comments his subscribers leave best sum up its true benefits: “Do what you're passionate about in every moment to the fullest with no expectations of what the outcomes should be. Love to you and all the brothers and occasional sister on this channel,” reads a typical post. A shorter attention span seems to be a symptom of modern life for many of our young people, but subscribers are full of praise for Clay’s ‘yarns,’ however long they run.

Directing his own life experiences towards helping others is clearly a driving force.

And between music and video production, youth mentoring, and actually spending time in his beloved outdoors, Clay is a very busy man. “I do a lot of hours," he agrees. “I was up at 5am this morning after getting home at 11pm last night from hunting. I’ve been editing all day and will probably finish around 11pm again.

But anything you enjoy is sustainable. It’s the quickening, the sap that runs through your tree.”

Clay takes a lot of satisfaction from the circuitous route his own life has taken.

“After playing the city lights of Europe from 1991 to 2005, I’ve come back to the grounded part of myself, where I’m from – and this is where I’m at my happiest.

I’ve had some health challenges in the past few years, probably not surprisingly due to my previous lifestyle.

But I have my health back now, have adjusted my diet and am back in the hills. I’ve come full circle, to become probably the oldest YouTuber in New Zealand.”

ClayTallStories | thebrocheckclub1777

WIN

AN EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME! To be in with a chance to win a kayaking and fishing mission with Clay, along with a hoodie, t-shirt and CD, email bestlife@topsouthmedia.co.nz

21

22

Historical tales

Moller Fountain, Nelson. Nelson Provincial Musuem, Kingsford Collection: 155050

Moller’s gift to Nelson Story Amy Russ

M

oller Fountain was established in 1940 as the region’s very first light display and has become a now revered local landmark. Donated to the city through an initially anonymous bequest, planning for the location of the fountain was originally met with some pushback by the local community. First intended to be sited at the top of the church steps, intense debate forced councillors to provide a voting form for alternative sites including Anzac Park, Church Hill, Haven Road, Miller’s Acre and Queen’s Gardens. Ultimately settling upon the current Haven Road location, Moller Fountain was built from Takaka marble and cast iron, and was unveiled on the evening of August 7, 1940, where its benefactors were identified.

Dorothea and Bernhard Moller were upstanding and active members of the local community. Bernhard Henry Moller was a well-established trader specialising in seeds, fruits, and potatoes and sourced his products from growers across the globe. He was deeply involved in his community, serving as a Justice of the Peace and holding prominent positions in the Masonic and Oddfellow organisations. He also played a significant role in the Nelson Horticultural Society, The Prince Albert Football Club, and Nelson Bowling Club.

Dorothea Louisa Moller (formerly known as Sigglekow) was also actively engaged in various civic and political endeavours. Thought to be ahead of her time, Dorothea had the distinction of having been appointed Sister Moller, the first chief ranger of the Women’s Catholic Order Female Foresters, worldwide - a group of women devoted to offering wisdom, strength, support, and protection to those less fortunate.

Upon performing the unveiling of the fountain, the identity of the donors was revealed. The dedicated couple considered Nelson to be one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand. Upon his death in 1933, and with no heirs, Bernhard chose to bequeath a memorial gift to the city and Dorothea set about to ensure her husband’s legacy would come to fruition. Having undergone many transformations over the years, in 2010 the fountain was restored back to its former glory thanks to the work of local community volunteers and given another lease of life in 2021. Guardianship of the fountain is now in the form of students from Auckland Point School who take great pride in displaying artworks amongst the daffodils in the surrounding reserve. Located near the ‘entrance to the city’ Moller Fountain is a welcoming sight for many who drive past and remains a lasting legacy to a couple who felt so passionately about their beloved home.

23

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Citizens advice

Summer entertaining made easy Check out Nelson City Council’s website for a list of edible walk maps to download.

Living in the Nelson region almost guarantees a visit from a variety of family and friends at some stage over summer! But suddenly becoming activities coordinator for a wide range of interests, ages and budgets, as well as being chief-cook-and-bottle- washer can throw you into a spin! So who can help you plan some fun-filled, realistically priced and memorable adventures this summer?

Finding things to do

Entertaining visitors cheaply

Tourism Nelson Tasman’s website (nelsontasman. co.nz) isn’t just for out-of-town-tourists! There’re heaps of suggestions, listing commercial operators, events, markets, places to eat, cycle trails, and even 100 things to do recommended by locals! Things like berry picking, sampling craft beer, visiting different beaches/river spots, trying star gazing, or disk/frisbee golf, taking a self-guided history/art tour, archery, or picnicking on Haulashore Island!

As well as books, libraries loan games and puzzles and hold craft mornings for the littlies. Why not take a trip to Wakefield, Mapua or Motueka with your ‘Bee Card’? Or catch the double decker bus to discover the new Te Pa Harakeke playground, BMX track, exercise equipment, volleyball, roller skating, boules, tennis courts, BBQs, and a lovely boardwalk at the back beach? Riding the model trains is a favourite for all ages! (Mostly weekends).

The Summer Events Guide, jointly produced by Nelson and Tasman councils, is bursting with activities, and can also be found on the Nelson App. Stroll through Golden Bay’s freebies like luscious bush at The Grove, make amazing discoveries with the kids at Labyrinth Park, view artists galleries, and the southern hemisphere’s largest freshwater springs.

DIY ideas

Expanding your local knowledge You’ll find recreation maps on both council websites, listing parks, reserves, playgrounds, sportsgrounds, picnic facilities, cycle trails and more. Historians may enjoy the printable walking maps (nelson.govt. nz/recreation/heritage/heritage-places-to-visit) explaining bits of Nelson City’s past, or explore an ‘Edible Walk’ to forage for a picnic! It’sOn (itson.co.nz) lists a whole heap of organised events, and check out the ‘To Do’ section of The Nelson App for plenty of other happenings.

Be creative! Ask everyone to write different ‘instructions’ on two or three small cards, collect, shuffle, then use them to do what’s asked, before reading the next instruction. Some ideas to get you going: Find four orange items; Go to the next intersection, stop and sing a song: Spot five things beginning with B; and so on. Great fun, and easily done in your neighbourhood, especially if you all end up with ice creams! A simplified version is to walk and flip a coin anywhere there’s a choice, letting ‘heads’ send you left and ‘tails’ send you right!

03 5482117 nelsontasman@cab.org.nz cab.org.nz 25

What’s On during January and Feburary 2024 Date

Event

Venue

All month - To Sunday 14 January

Christmas Tree Festival

Nelson Christ Church Cathedral

Thursday 4 January, 10am-12pm

Library Knitters

Elma Turner Library

Saturday 5 January

L.A.B. and Sublime with Rome

Trafalgar Centre

Sunday 7 January

Christmas Tree Takedown

Church Steps – time TBC

Saturday 13 January, 10am-4pm

Art in the Park

Queens Gardens

Every Sunday from 14 January until 31 March, 1pm-3pm

Jazz on the Village Green

Founders Heritage Park

Monday January 15, Wednesday 24, and 31 January, 1pm-4pm

Nellie Knitters

Nightingale Library

Saturday 20 – Sunday 21 January

Summer Kite Festival

Neale Park

Thursday 18 January, 2pm

Device Advice

Elma Turner Library

Friday January 19, 10am -12pm

Tea and Talk by Age Concern

Elma Turner Library

Wednesday 24 January, 1.30pm - 3pm

Wellby Talking Cafe

Halifax Street Cafe

Thursday 25 January, 9.30am -11am

Device Advice Age Concern

Bridge Street office

Sunday 28 January, 5.30pm - 7.30pm

Pipes in the Park- highland Pipes

Fairfield house

5, 14, 19 & 28 February, 1pm - 4pm

Nellie Knitters

Nightingale Library

7 February

Opening Doors - Demonstration on the art of Ikebana

by Lois Roadley from Waimea Floral Art Group

Refinery Artspace, 114 Hardy Street

Wednesday 14 February, 7pm

Baroque Arias with Pepe Becker

Christchurch Cathedral

Monday 12 February, 10am – 11am

Tai Chi

Victory Square

Monday 19 February, 10am – 11am

Tai Chi

Botanical Reserve, Nelson. Meet at Milton Street next to the clubhouse.

14 February

Opening Doors - Pottery demonstration / Kiln Studio

Refinery Artspace, 114 Hardy St

21 February

Opening Doors - Presentation on picture framing at The Framing Rooms

Refinery Artspace, 114 Hardy St

Thursday 22 February, 10am – 11am

Spi Poi

Isel Park, Stoke. Meet in front of Isel House

Friday 23 February, 10am – 11am

Tai Chi

Werneth Reserve, Atawhai, Gipps St. Meet near playground

Friday 23 February, 8pm

80’s nostalgia music

Boathouse

Saturday 24 February, 10am - 3pm

Summer Sing Fest celebration of multicultural community choirs

1903 Square, Trafalgar St

Monday 4 March, 10am – 11am

Tai Chi

Burrell Park, Tahunanui. Meet near Taoist Tai Chi Society of NZ Muritai St

Tuesday 5 March, 10.30am - 11.30am

Bowls

United Bowling Club, Nelson

Thursday 7 March, 10am -11.30am

Heritage Walk

Miyazu Gardens. Meet at the car park off Atawhai Drive

Monday 11 March, 10am – 11am

Tai Chi

Isel Park, Stoke. Meet in front of Isel House

Wednesday 13 March, gather at 9.45am

E-Bus Confidence with Cuppa

Nelson E bus Interchange to Nelson Airport, depart 9.50am - Nelson interchange, return 11.22am

Friday 29 March, 10am -11.30am

Sing-a-long in the Park

Anzac Park, Nelson. Meet by the ANZAC Cenotaph

For many other events see itson.co.nz

26

Nelson’s the key to unlocking creativity After the Bhutanese government declared their ethnic group illegal, Bhoj Subba and his family spent the next 20 plus years as refugees in Nepal before finally finding their new home in Nelson. “Life was a lot more difficult in Nepal,” says Bhoj who shifted here with his wife and son eight years ago. “The people here are very friendly and so helpful. We like it so much. It’s calm, peaceful, and very very green.”

The former teacher who speaks five languages works part-time at English Language Partners as a Cultural and Language Assistant and Bilingual Tutor. He’s also Chairperson of Nelson’s Bhutanese Society, helping others who have shifted here, organising cultural festivals, providing opportunities for connection among older community members, taking first language courses, and mobilising youth to keep the support going. “We’re very fortunate to be here and to be supported by Council and other funders to preserve our culture.”

Bhoj is also enjoying spending time painting landscapes, playing the tabla (hand drums), madla (flute), guitar and keyboard and is currently learning the violin at the Nelson Centre of Musical Arts (NCMA). “I’m enjoying a more relaxed life and being able to spend time being creative,” he says. And despite playing tabla at civic and community functions around the region, he admits being nervous playing violin in a concert at NCMA later this year.

Last year he helped create ‘Knock’, a Nepalese language narrative film exploring the challenges that New Zealand’s Bhutanese communities face. Following the success of ‘Knock’ working with former refugees across Nelson, Palmerston North and Christchurch, this year he’s planning on making a short documentary. As the new year starts, Bhoj says that he has a lot to look forward to and much to be happy about.

Our walkers share their thoughts Nelson is spoiled with many fabulous walking tracks and picturesque trails. We caught up with three residents who regularly enjoy getting out and about on local walks.

Going for a walk makes Deb McConochie’s day

Colin Duncan gets taken for walks

by Hoppy

Jen has made a lot of good friends walking

A demanding miniature schnauzer and regular walks with friends gets Deb out walking every day.

Hoppy, a two-and-ahalf-year-old Border Collie, is bright as a button and full of energy, and loves going for walks. He likes to take Colin with him.

She has a regular walking group of six to eight friends who like to go different places each week – the airport loop, Monaco, Maitai, Orphanage Stream, the marina. And then other friends who like to tackle the hills – Centre of New Zealand, the Grampians, Day’s Track.

“I love going to Brook Waimarama Sanctuary and doing all the treks there,” she says. “There’s just so much there – the flora and fauna, hearing the introduced birds, reading about the history of the water works.”

While Deb finds all of Nelson’s walking tracks accessible, she really enjoys the hills and being able to fossick through the plant life.

“Come rain, shine or even a foot of snow, every day we go for a walk,” says Colin.

They go to the Centre of New Zealand, the Grampians, the beach, Cable Bay, Founders, The Glen … anywhere. “I do the lot,” says Colin, “but I try to mix them all up, so I don’t get bored.”

“I’ve always enjoyed walking,” says Jen. “It’s the thing I like to do more than anything else, and Nelson is such a great place to walk.”

27

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Manuka Street Hospital is Nelson Tasman’s only accredited, private specialist surgical hospital, with skilled surgeons and state of the art theatres and equipment. We provide the speciality and care you deserve.

36 Manuka Street, Nelson Phone: 03 548 8566

www.manukastreet.org.nz

28

Well-being

Thriving in retirement Retirement marks a new chapter in life, brimming with opportunities for personal growth and well-being. As we step into the golden years, it's essential to prioritize our mental health, ensuring a fulfilling and enjoyable retirement. Patricia Pataki from PP Therapy shares some tips to help you thrive during this phase of life.

Stay socially connected

Seek professional help

Maintaining an active social life is crucial for mental well-being. Engage in local clubs, community events, or start a hobby group to share your interests. If you have ever wanted to try volunteering, now may be the perfect time to do so! Volunteering is a great way of meeting new people and making friends while contributing to the community, which can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment. VolunteerNelson.org.nz has a great list of volunteer roles available within our region right now.

If you find yourself struggling with your mental health, don't hesitate to seek professional support.

A mental health professional can provide guidance and strategies to cope with challenges and maintain well-being.

Explore creative outlets Engaging in creative activities like painting, writing, playing a musical instrument, or gardening can be incredibly therapeutic. These outlets allow you to express yourself, alleviate stress, and find joy in the creative process.

Maintain a routine Creating a daily routine adds structure to your retirement life. Consistency in activities like waking up, exercising, engaging in hobbies, and spending time with loved ones can instill a sense of normalcy and stability.

Nurture relationships Strengthening connections with family and friends is essential. Plan regular gatherings or video calls to maintain these relationships, fostering emotional support and shared experiences.

Prioritize physical health A healthy body supports a healthy mind. If you are capable of doing so, engaging in some form of gentle physical activity, such as: short daily walks, yoga, swimming or dancing, may improve your mental well-being substantially. This is because physical exercise releases endorphins (aka. ‘feel good hormones’), which are natural mood lifters, and can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Thriving in retirement involves nurturing both your physical and mental well-being. By staying connected, adopting a positive mindset, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and fulfilment, you can make the most of these precious years. Remember, it's never too late to invest in your mental health and create a retirement that is truly enriching and meaningful.

Patricia Pataki is a board-registered psychotherapist and counsellor, working in private practice.

She has offices in Stoke and Nelson Central. pptherapy.co.nz

29

Healthy & happy

"In 4 months I’ve experienced such a transformation - more flexibility and strength and now bounce out of bed in the morning with minimal back pain."

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Convenient Location & Flexible Scheduling Small Classes with Individualized Instruction Special Introductory Package Available Call today to learn how you can reduce pain and feel fantastic!

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30

Healthy & happy

Move your way to a stronger and more balanced you with Nelson Bays Primary Health ‘More Stable More Able’ falls prevention sessions and Green Prescription ‘KickStart’. Photo Supplied.

Falls prevention and physical activity go hand in hand A

s we age falling over can become scary, perhaps embarrassing and often dangerous. All it takes is a slight bump, a misjudged seat or a foot out of place and... whoopsie, you’re down! Following a fall, it is natural to worry and fear that you may fall again. Confidence can be impacted which may lead to less physical activity, decreased muscle strength and balance, and an increased risk of falling again. It is a vicious circle.

Consider this - Have you tripped or slipped in the last 12 months? Felt unsteady when standing or walking?

Or have difficulty getting out of a chair without using hands to assist? If the answer is ‘Yes’, then it's time to take action.

Establishing a regular exercise routine is not always easy to do, that’s where Green Prescription can really help. Green Prescription is a free service that supports people to make small, achievable changes to improve their quality of life and health.

Attending a ‘More Stable More Able’ falls prevention session is a great option, says Angela Baker, the Community Falls Prevention Coordinator for Nelson Bays Primary Health. “The sessions provide all the information needed to keep you on your feet. Learn about causes of falls, the importance of strength and balance exercises and how to access them through ACC-approved Community Strength and Balance classes. Visit livestronger.org.nz. You will meet skilled instructors who ensure that you spend time building leg strength and practising balance. There are a wide variety of exercise classes to choose from so find one that is enjoyable and really suits you. Move your way back to a stronger, more balanced, you and continue living independently for as long as possible.”

• Increased flexibility, mobility and reduced pain of arthritis

Attending Green Prescription Kickstart is a good way to get started. Kickstart is one-hour long and runs once-a-week, for eight weeks. It includes a brief lifestyle discussion followed by physical activity, either in a warm pool or gym, supporting and reducing the risk of falling. People might also find: • Confidence and energy levels improve

• Improved cholesterol and blood sugar levels • Weight managed better when combined with healthy food choices Kickstart sessions resume in February 2024. Use the New Year to Kickstart your way to a stronger more balanced you and reduce your risk of falls.

Falls Prevention / Strength and Balance class info, Ange Baker 021 790 415 | angela.baker@nbph.org.nz Green Prescription and Kickstart enrolment grx@nbph.org.nz | 0800 731 317 31

Money Matters NBS Term Investment clients Kyra and Jim.

Cultivate your cash with attractive savings and term investment options. nbs.co.nz | 0800 101 700 NBS is not a registered bank

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32

Money Matters

How to plan, save and invest for retirement A

sk anyone who's retired, and they will say to start saving for retirement as soon as you can!

Even if it seems a long way off, it pays to start planning for retirement as early as possible. How much you need to save will depend on your own circumstances, but the sooner you start, the better the position you’ll be in when you eventually stop working. While New Zealand Superannuation (the government pension) can help get you by, it's your own savings and investments that will help to make retirement more comfortable and enjoyable.

Calculate how much you will need to retire Everyone’s retirement needs are different. To work this out, think about how long you might have in retirement, what sort of lifestyle you will want, and where you will live.

You also need to think about what your goals might be in retirement – travelling to new places? Joining clubs, going out to dinner and shows? Much of this depends on what’s on your ‘bucket list’.

Will I rent, still have a mortgage or own my home outright in retirement?

If you rent, you’ll need more savings to cover the cost – but on the other hand, you won’t have money tied up in a home. If you end up retiring with a mortgage, there will be that to plan for as well.

Owning the place you live in debt-free reduces the risk of rent increases or being asked to find a new place to live. You'll have more control over your finances, but you will have to take care of maintenance, insurance and rates.

How many years of retirement should I plan for?

People are living longer these days. On average, 80% of 65-year-old men can now expect to live until they're 90, and 65-year-old women until they're 94. These figures are based on the latest Statistics New Zealand cohort life tables. There is no set ‘retirement age’ in New Zealand. NZ Super is paid from age 65, but you don’t have to stop working to get it. More and more people are working beyond 65 either full time or part time.

Let’s say you plan to retire at 65. You would need to save and invest, or have another plan, to provide the income you want for 25–30 years or more, and make sure your money lasts as long as you do.

What sort of retirement lifestyle do I want?

What will your cost of living be in retirement? Some costs may go up (like healthcare) while others (such as education, clothing, housing, work-related travel) may go down. If you have children, they will probably be financially independent.

Sorted’s Retirement Calculated (sorted.org.nz/tools/ retirement-calculator) includes figures for more of a ‘no frills’ lifestyle, or one with a few more ‘choices’, based on what retirees are spending these days. The first is pretty basic; the second is more comfortable with some luxuries and treats. For example, a lifestyle with more choices for a couple living in the major cities might be $1423 a week, while it might be more like $1137 if they are living in the regions.

You also need to think about what your goals might be in retirement.

Being mortgage-free by retirement is a great goal to aim for. The reason many people currently in retirement are able to manage financially is because they no longer have the burden of mortgage repayments.

Figure out where your retirement money will come from Seeing that you could be retired for 30 years, you’re going to need money coming in. From the age of 65 most New Zealand residents receive NZ Super every fortnight. Close to 40% of New Zealanders over the age of 65 rely on NZ Super alone. However, most retired New Zealanders also live off their own savings in addition to NZ Super. Most likely, there will be a gap between the income NZ Super provides, and the income you want in retirement. So you’ll need to have other sources when planning for retirement needs.

NZ Super New Zealand Superannuation is the pension paid by the government to most New Zealand residents from age 65. Any eligible New Zealander receives NZ Super regardless of how much they earn through paid work, savings and investments, what other assets they own, or how much taxes they have paid.

33

Money Matters

Savings and investments

Paying off the mortgage… or not

You may plan to spend money you have saved and invested to fund your retirement years. Setting your long-term goals can help you make decisions on how to invest. Once you have built up a nest egg for retirement, you’ll need to make savvy decisions on how to stretch it over what can be 30 years or more.

Paying off the mortgage before you retire is the next priority – but it shouldn’t be your only retirement plan.

The more dependent you are on your savings, the more careful or 'defensive' your investment approach should be.

Working in retirement There are a variety of reasons why people keep working in retirement – many enjoy the work or may need the money, but others may need to step back entirely because of their health. Around a third of Kiwis continue some form of paid work past age 65. You may continue working as you are or do so in a different way – such as with flexible hours, part-time or casual work, consultancy or mentoring.

Income from paid work will not affect your entitlement to NZ Super. However, it may affect your eligibility for income-tested benefits such as the Accommodation Supplement or the Disability Allowance. Senior Services has more information on 0800 552 002.

Should I get rid of debt before retirement?

Paying off debt in retirement can be difficult so it’s a good idea to make it a priority to be debt-free before you retire.

If you have any expensive debt (high-interest credit card or hire purchase debt), the first step in your retirement plan should be to pay that off as quickly as possible.

On paper, the interest you pay on your mortgage can be higher than any after-tax return you may earn on your savings (with the possible exception of KiwiSaver because of the incentives). And that ‘return’ (interest saved) is guaranteed. That’s something few investments can offer.

But there are risks in leaving serious retirement saving until after you’ve got rid of your mortgage. You may end up having a mortgage for longer than you expect, due to changes in your circumstances such as ill health or loss of work that reduce your ability to make repayments. Or a life shock like separation could upset your plans.

The short of it is: it’s best to get rid of debt, pay off the mortgage and invest for your retirement as well.

Are trusts worth it?

People usually set up trusts so they no longer legally own their house or other assets, but can continue to use and enjoy them as ‘beneficiaries’ of the trust. The most common types of trusts used by retirees are family trusts and funeral trusts – both are worth exploring thoroughly beforehand to make sure they work as you need them to.

Family trusts Family trusts involve the sale to a trust of your house and perhaps other assets. Family trusts can be complex and time consuming to administer. It costs money to set them up and there are ongoing legal and accounting fees.

Prepaid funeral trusts Prepaid funeral trusts are a way to pay funeral expenses in advance. Funeral trusts worth up to $10,000 are not considered to be assets when Senior Services is assessing eligibility for a Residential Care Subsidy.

Sorted.org.nz

34

Members of HomeShare for Her, Liz Price, Kindra Douglas, Chloe Howorth, Lindsay Neumann and Brylee Wayman.

Addressing the housing crisis through home sharing T

here is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to housing; not when you’re young, and definitely not when you’re older, either.

HomeShare for Her Trust founders Kindra Douglas and Chloe Howorth share a passion for housing. They met in 2020 when Community Action Nelson set up a community space in central Nelson inviting people to come and share their innovative housing solutions to help address the growing housing crisis. The ‘What is a home?’ exhibition drew in hundreds of people to share their ideas, stories, and experiences.

Both Kindra and Chloe had been working in the housing space and knew there was a high need for housing for single women and women with children.

“Building houses is one solution, but what we wanted was a solution that used what’s already out there more efficiently,” says Kindra.

“We were inspired by women who had been sharing their homes, and it gave us a solution,” says Chloe.

And soon the idea of HomeShare for Her was born.

HomeShare for Her is about supporting women with homes to find other women for company or to help share the costs, and in doing so, finding an affordable home for someone looking for a house to share. While they emphasise that it’s not a crisis housing service, they note that any extra housing options reduces the demand for public and social housing.

Initially the matching was done manually, but they’ve recently launched their new HomeShare for Her website to be able to speed-up the process. The website provides a safe, welcoming platform for women to find and share a home. It offers a ten-step process for home seekers and homeowners, plus all the resources to support the creation of a sharing arrangement.

“We wanted to shift the power dynamics, as first and foremost it’s about relationships, and then the property,” says Chloe. “We wanted to be able to support them to ask all the right questions and with a process and resources to set up a mutually beneficial relationship.”

“We know that housing costs are becoming increasingly unaffordable, and people may not be able to afford a retirement village or may want to stay in their own community,” says Kindra. “Sharing a home to support long-term, stable housing and long-term friendships provides a real win-win.”

Both homeowners and home seekers can list their (confidential) home-sharing profiles on the HomeShare for Her website – for free – to help them connect with each other to address their housing needs and forge social connections. There is also the opportunity for home seekers to connect to find accommodation together.

“Sharing is such a simple solution, but people need some support and the confidence to be able to do it,” says Chloe.

HomeShareforHer.nz 35

Trusted tradies

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36

Trusted Tradies 3.indd 1

6/12/2023 3:55:05 pm

Trusted tradies

The Edwards & Hardy Roofing Nelson team.

A legacy of excellence and unmatched service

T

he operations of Edwards & Hardy Roofing have roots in the industry that date back six decades.

First established in 1959, Edwards & Hardy Roofing initially focused on roof moss treatments. But over time, the company has expanded its services, and are also renowned for their re-roofing expertise.

As the manager of the Nelson branch, Chris Thorn reflects on the company’s journey and values, emphasising a commitment to customer service and unmatched workmanship. “We first started out 65 years ago with roof moss treatments as the main focus, but with the company’s growth, we have had the capacity to add other services along the way. This includes roof cleaning, repairing and protecting, guttering, exterior cleaning, brick and stonewall sealing and re-roofing.”

Now operating across 16 branches throughout the country, Edwards & Hardy is one of the largest roofing companies around. All work is undertaken by experienced operators, accompanied by the Edwards & Hardy Guarantee and Manufacturer’s Warranty. The company’s local influence extends across the top of the South Island, covering areas such as Nelson, Richmond, Blenheim, Golden Bay, and Murchison and their commitment to excellence is further validated by winning the Roofing Association of New Zealand (RANZ) Training Company of the Year Award for 2023.

“The whole business is built on a reputation of customer service and guaranteed workmanship. This is what

I attribute to our long-standing success and what truly makes us, in my opinion,” says Chris proudly. “We have been around for over 65 years. We love what we do and we are here to stay.”

What sets the business apart is its loyal customer base, with some spanning decades. “We have a lot of regular customers that have been with us for many years.

Edwards & Hardy is not just about roofing. We place immense value on customer relationships, providing continuity of service, and building long-lasting relationships. We do our very best to exceed customer expectations, and that is the key driver for us. We are fully committed to supporting our customers in maintaining their properties. When the time comes to replace your roof, Edwards & Hardy Roofing ensures it is done quickly, professionally, and cost-effectively, adhering to the highest Environmental and Health & Safety Standards.”

For expert advice on roof maintenance or re-roofing, Edwards & Hardy Roofing stands as a beacon of reliability, dedicated to protecting your property and ensuring a warm and dry home. Their legacy of excellence continues, promising not just roofs but enduring relationships built on trust and quality service.

140 Pascoe St, Nelson edwardsandhardyroofing.co.nz 37

Shade Sails

Extendable Arm Awnings

Shade 7 Cantilever Umbrella

Still one of our most popular shade solutions. Shade Sails offer an architectural look that enhances your home and instantly creates a cozy outdoor space. Shade Sails can also be attached to an existing pergola, and removed in the cooler months when you want to enjoy the sun. There are a multitude of colours to choose from, as well as a waterproof option. We can take care of everything, including the measuring, manufacturing, installation of posts, and installing the Shade Sail.

Retractable arm awnings have been growing in popularity as a versatile outdoor shade solution. Enabling you to control the amount of shade and shelter you require in your outdoor living area. When the awning is retracted it is completely protected by a fully enclosed cassette, ensuring a longer product life and superior functionality. Custom-made to your width and extension requirements, they come in an extensive choice of colours and optional extra’s, such as motorization and wind sensors.

This elegant cantilever umbrella is the ultimate choice for outdoor living and entertaining for both residential and commercial environments.

Combining style and strength, with a tilting adjustment for low sun and a 360° rotation, the Riviera Cantilever Umbrella provides complete shade flexibility and a 60kph wind rating. The umbrella can be installed into a wooden deck or a concrete patio or there is a free-standing base option. The frame is available in silver or a sleek matt black, with a range of canopy colours.

nelsonshadesolutions.co.nz

These are just three of our many outdoor shade solutions, call us now for a no obligation free consultation and quote.

44 Beach Rd, Richmond • 544 6352 • Locally Owned

38

Gardening

Managing your summer garden In Your Garden with Philippa Foes-Lamb

I

hope you all had a lovely Christmas and New Year. Summer is now in full flight and this can be a stressful time for our gardens. Here are some of my tips to help keep your plants happy and healthy.

I mentioned wool mulch in my last column. A thick layer surrounds some of my vegetable crops and they have never looked so healthy. The wool is holding in the moisture exceptionally well, which is fabulous.

Plants in containers benefit from having a saucer under them over the summer. The saucer helps to conserve precious water especially during water restrictions, and rainwater is caught, too. Wool mulch placed in the saucer will also hold moisture, making a difference to your plants’ health.

Plastic water bottles act as perfect water reservoirs for container plants or special treasures in your garden. Fill the bottles then up-end them next to your plants; the water will be released gradually. Tomatoes or other vegetables in grow bags will be well-established now. They tend to dry out quite quickly, so the plastic bottles work brilliantly here. You could also place wool mulch underneath the grow bags.

Collecting grey water from washing machines, dishwashers and showers is a good way to help conserve water. Grey water is best used on ornamental gardens rather than vegetable gardens or fruit trees. Washing vegetables in a basin of water rather than under a running tap is a great idea too.

In mid-summer I treat my ornamental garden to a hefty layer of fish compost and sheep manure pellets. Doing this helps to retain precious moisture and gives the garden a boost. If anything is wilting badly, the compost and sheep manure pellets will really help. Hellebores (Winter or Lenten roses) hold their foliage throughout the season. They tend to wilt badly when it is hot and dry so applying a thick layer of sheep manure pellets around them will really help. I do this every summer.

To keep this gardener happy at the height of summer, I love to take some time each day to sit in the shade, either in my tiny summer house or under my favourite English Oak. If you would like more information about anything I have covered here or any other gardening questions, please do not hesitate to email me at heirloomperennialplantnursery@gmail.com.

I’d love to help.

Green beans with wool mulch.

39

W ne e h w Lo o ave Po we ffic a b p i r Q e a ran n t ue t 4 d o s en 40 ee St us . !

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The Bookshelf

Stella Chrysostomou of VOLUME reviews four new books.

Prophet Song Paul Lynch $37

Oneworld

The 2023 Booker Prize-winner is furious in tempo and content. From the knock on the door to the final moment, this novel is breathless, heart-wrenching, and brutal. Eilish is a mother, a wife, a daughter, someone’s sister. She is a desk-bound microbiologist, harrying her children into the car to get to school on time, coaxing her husband, a school teacher and union delegate, for an answer to a question when he is miles away in his own thoughts, and wondering what her teenage son sees in that girl. She could be your neighbour.

The book is set in an alternative Ireland, where nationalism is on the rise. Larry is warned to call off the strike. People are wearing party pins on their lapels.

The police are knocking on the door. And then…

Larry is arrested. People are leaving the country.

Flags are flying from homes in the street and if you don’t have one, you’re against them. You’re a traitor.

And then… the rebellion begins and you are at war.

Your father’s mind is slipping, your eldest son needs to leave the country, your husband has disappeared, your daughter won’t eat and your baby is teething, while your 12-year-old has become an enigma. And then… food is scarce, bombs are falling, sometimes the electricity comes back on and you bake bread and do the washing on the fast cycle.

Prophet Song is an urgent critique of brutality and power, and what it takes to remain in the world even when you are disorientated and disconnected from everything that keeps you safe. The language is bundled together, the sentences almost stepping on each other, as claustrophobic as the situation Eilish finds herself in.

This is a brilliant novel that needs to be read for its beauty of language and structure, as well as its haunting content.

volumebooks.online

The Untamed Thread: Slow Stitch to Soothe the Soul and Ignite Creativity Fleur Woods $50 Koa Press Local fibre artist Fleur Woods shares her journey from the corporate world to rural Aotearoa. Her love of nature, stitching, colour, and texture is alive on the page with her inspiring words and the lush images of her work. For anyone who would like more creative space in their world.

Patu: The New Zealand Wars Gavin Bishop $40 Penguin Books This book needs to be on everyone’s bookshelf.

A masterpiece of illustration, it gives any reader, child or adult, an understanding of the struggle between tangata whenua and settlers that underlies all of Aotearoa’s subsequent history.

The large-format book covers all phases and aspects of the conflict, viewpoints of participants, and contexts for the events.

Why Women Grow: Stories of Sisterhood, Soil, and Survival Alice Vincent $40 Canongate Alice Vincent suspected that the histories of women who gardened had been buried, so she set out to dig them up. On the way, she met some interesting people (including Ali Smith and Cosey Fanni Tutti) and began to discover a timeless relationship between women and the soil. Beautifully presented and a joy to read.

41

BOOK N O FOR YO W UR

FREE MEASU R

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42

Reader recipe

Pavlova roll Jan Winter

This recipe has been a go-to for years and is perfect for summer entertaining.

I just love having people around for dinner and I love sharing food with family and friends. Living on a busy working farm, we have people drop in all the time and the pavlova roll is simple and quick to put together, you can have it in the oven in half an hour, it never fails, and always impresses for minimum effort!

INGREDIENTS 4 egg whites 1 cup castor sugar 1 tsp vanilla essence 1 tsp vinegar 1 tbsp vinegar 1 tbsp cornflour

Gradually beat in castor sugar 2 tbsp at a time until stiff and glossy.

Filling Whipped cream (about 4 tbsp) Delicious with kiwifruit, blueberries, strawberries, or whatever you like!

Meanwhile, fold through whipped cream and strawberries or whichever fruit you’ve selected.

METHOD Preheat oven to 180 deg C. Line base of baking tray with baking paper.

Beat egg whites until peaks just fold over when you lift beater.

Fold in vanilla essence, vinegar and cornflour.

Turn onto baking tray and spread evenly.

Bake for 15 mins.

Lightly dust baking paper sheet with extra castor sugar.

Turn meringue onto paper and leave to cool.

Make a shallow cut along one side of meringue about 2.5cm in from edge. Spread filling evenly over meringue.

Roll up meringue from edge with cut. It’s easier if you use paper to help with rolling, then place on dish and dust with icing sugar.

Sometimes I substitute raspberry jelly for filling, then cream outside and place fruit on top.

43

Wine & dine

44

Wine & dine

The Ugly Dog and Kitchen owner Olivia Anderson (second from left) and her friendly team.

Ugly dogs, delicious food B

ringing with her many years of experience, the owner of The Ugly Dog and Kitchen, Olivia Anderson, brings good wholesome comfort food to Richmond’s main street. Located next to the police station on Queen Street, Olivia’s inspiration for the business stems from a genuine life-love for food. Having trained in Christchurch as a chef in 2004, the hardworking businessowner has worked in every sector of hospitality from pubs and industrial cafes to fine dining restaurants, with the dream of one day opening her own establishment. “I just love making food, it’s very satisfying! I love how people appreciate good honest, simple food. Sometimes it really doesn’t need to be complicated - just the old classics done well! My family and I particularly enjoy eating spicy food,” says Olivia.

A family affair, three of Olivia’s daughters and son also help out at the restaurant. “My daughter Mikayla and I have discussed turning the dream into a reality for many years, and that one day they would help me.”

Since opening in August business has been steadily growing, says Olivia, who is thoroughly enjoying the journey. “It still feels surreal that people are coming here for our food. It is wonderful having regular customers who keep coming back and seeing customers really enjoying their food. Every day we have loads to

do, as it keeps getting busier. Being licenced, I think, is a definite advantage for us.”

Naming the restaurant after her two hairless Chinese Crested dogs, Manny (aka Phat Dog) and Missy (aka Little Dog), sets the theme for the titles of their menu dishes, cocktails and salads, including the ‘In the Doghouse’ breakfast, the ‘Ugly Salad’ and their ‘Ugly Longboard’ platter which includes a selection of meats and seafoods. Their intriguing cocktail list includes The Dirty Hound, Ugly Rita, The Cheeky Dog, and The Beef Cheek.

With an ever-evolving seasonal menu for dine-in or takeaway, the team at The Ugly Dog and Kitchen cater to every age group with portion sizes to suit all people.

“We have tasty cabinet food along with small, medium and large portions to suit all budgets and appetites. We have everything from coffee to cocktails, and cheap eats from the humble scone to a 300g Ribeye steak.

Come and join us for good food and good times in a welcoming warm space and get your taste buds around our delicious menu!”

The Ugly Dog and Kitchen 186 Queen St, Richmond | 45

Set in the beautiful Waimea Inlet on Best Island, Richmond. We offer everything required for a great day of golf in the sunny Nelson Tasman region.

46

What’s happening NELSON SUMMER SINGFEST Come and enjoy the beautiful, colourful, diverse voices of community chiors from around Nelson. Sat 24 Feb, 1903 Square, Upper Trafalgar St. 10am - 3pm.

NELSON ANTIQUE BOTTLE AND COLLECTABLES CLUB First Tuesday of each month, 7.30pm, Broadgreen House, Nayland Road, Stoke.

Informal, informative, friendly and fun. Bring along your treasures. 03 545 2181 (Judy) randjpittman@gmail.com.

NELSON CITY PROBUS CLUB Welcomes men and women as new members. We meet on the second Thursday of each month (Feb through to Nov) at 10am, at The Nelson Golf Club, 38 Bolt Rd, Tāhunanui. Our programme varies monthly. nznelsoncitygroup@gmail. com.

NELSON ELECTRONIC ORGAN AND KEYBOARD CLUB Meetings first Sat of each month (except January) at 1.30pm, Stoke Baptist Church Hall, Main Road, Stoke. Listeners and players are welcome. Visitors $2, afternoon tea provided.

03 540 3288 (Valerie).

NELSON HINEMOA CROQUET CLUB Saltwater Lane (off Halifax St, beside squash and tennis courts). Give croquet a go: friendly supportive club, for competition or just fun.

Coaching and equipment available. Individuals or groups catered for. 03

546 6227 (Alan) or Nettie nettiebarrow@gmail.com NELSON MALE VOICE CHOIR Rehearsals: Reformed Church, Enner Glynn, Monday, 6.45pm.

03 548 4657 (Dick).

NELSON ORCHID SOCIETY INC. Cultural talks, repotting demonstrations, visiting speakers, problem plants discussed. Meeting each month at the Le Cren Room,

7.30pm, at Haven Hall, 34 Collingwood St, Nelson. You don’t need a partner, no charge for your first visit.

021 173 9642 (Kelly).

NELSON PHILATELIC SOCIETY Stamp collectors meet second Tuesday of the month (summer) 7.30pm. Second Sunday (winter) 1.30pm, Stoke School. 03 547 3554 (Ross). nelsonphilatelicsociety@ gmail.com

Nelson Community Potters, 132 Rutherford Street, Nelson.

Social group; Thursday mornings or Twilight Pottery; Mondays, 7pm–9pm. Free to members, $7 casual. 03 548 3087 (Annie) or 03 548 1488 (Elizabeth). ncpotters@gmail.com Broadgreen Historic House.

All welcome.

027 818 1458 (Gaile).

NELSON PETANQUE CLUB Wednesday and Sunday 1.15pm. Behind the Trafalgar Park grandstand, off Trafalgar Park Lane. Boules and tuition provided. 03 546 6562 (Roger or Shirley).

NELSON SCRABBLE CLUB Meet every Wednesday, 7pm at the Nelson Suburban Club/ Nelson City Club, Kinzett Terrace, Nelson. No charge for playing, but please buy a drink at the bar. Beginners welcome and we will train you to play competitive Scrabble.

03 545 1159 (Tony).

NELSON SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING CLUB If you’re interested in fun, fitness and friendship join us on Thursday nights (Mar–Nov)

COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE Fri, 9am - 11.30am. Victory Community Centre. Designed to make treatment affordable

and accessible for all. Dress comfortably in loose fitting clothing. Cost, sliding scale, $5 - $40.

NELSON SENIOR CITIZENS SOCIAL INDOOR BOWLING CLUB Come and join us for social indoor bowls and a cuppa every Wednesday and Friday afternoon, 1.15pm–4pm.

Beginners welcome. Trafalgar St Hall in the City.

03 547 6066 (Erea).

NELSON SOCIAL DANCE CLUB Meets the second Saturday of the month, live music, 7.30pm–11pm, venue advertised on itson co.nz and in community papers.

Ballroom, Latin and New Vogue. Members $10, nonmembers $15. 027 647 8827 (Bernard).

NELSON TABLE TENNIS CLUB Saxton Stadium, Monday and Friday 9am–12pm.

03 544 8648 (Glenda).

NELSON-WHAKATŪ MENZSHED We are a group of mostly retired men who enjoy getting together, making stuff, contributing to the community and generally having a good time. Meetings Tuesday and Thursday from 9am, 236 Haven Road, Nelson.

027 608 0377 (Robert). robertshade@hotmail.com. menzshed-nelson.org.nz NELSON 50+ WALKING GROUP Come along for a walk with a friendly group, every Tuesday at 9.45am. Location varies each week, we visit all sorts of

Think ahead for peace of mind

Bring comfort to your family during challenging times.

Share your wishes through our pre-planning service to create a farewell that celebrates life your way.

We are available 24 hours PH 544 4400 24 Champion Rd, Richmond wrfs.co.nz

47

What’s happening interesting places. Bring lunch to eat on the walk.

027 496 5724 (Haydn).

NEW ZEALAND SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS Nelson Branch, meetings held monthly at either St Barnabas Church or Elma Turner Library. 67 Trafalgar St, Nelson: Mon, 1pm–4pm.

Thurs, 10am–4pm. Sunday, 2pm–4pm. All welcome. nelson@genealogy.org.nz.

PHILOSOPHY GROUP Meet second and fourth Mon of the month, 10am.

Trafalgar Hall, 67 Trafalgar St. All welcome. TXT Zoe 0279741758.

POP-UP PSYCHODRAMA Monthly group psychodrama is a lively spontaneous method of exploring personal, political and community issues. Find spontaneity and find new ways to respond to old situations in your life. Led by experienced psychodrama practitioner, no acting experience required! Third Wednesday of the month, 7pm–9.30pm at Victory Community Centre, 2 Totara St, Nelson.

027 276 5992 (Ali). awatersong@gmail.com.

STOKE TĀHUNANUI LADIES CLUB Meets third Wednesday every month. 03 547 5238 (Pauline).

Super Seniors (65+) meets third Friday each month, 10.30am– 12.30pm. All Saints Church Foyer, 30 Vanguard Street, Nelson. Suggested koha of $10, includes morning tea, either a speaker or activities, and a light lunch.

03 548 2601 (Gillian or Lisette).

VICTORY SENIOR SUPPORT Cards and games. Meet every Tuesday at 1.30pm at Anglican Church, 238 Vanguard Street, Nelson. 03 546 9057 (Jan).

RICHMOND CLUB 60 Senior adventures (under 60s welcome too) active fun, social recreation with weekly planned outings

Church on the Hill, 27 Dorset St, Richmond offers coffee and lunches. 11.30am coffee, lunch served at 12pm, first and third Tuesday of each month.

POTTERY Tutored classes at Craft Potters, 202 Ranzau Rd, Hope.

All welcome. No experience needed. info@craftpotters. org.nz PROST-FIT Exercise class for men living

HOPE– RANZAU WOMEN’S INSTITUTE First Wednesday of each month, 1.15pm. Age Concern Hall, 62 Oxford St, Richmond, visitors welcome. 03 544 5872 (Brenda).

LUNCH ON THE HILL Looking for food and friends?

RICHMOND BOWLING CLUB Club Waimea – A roll up, Tuesdays 1pm. Bowls provided. 03 544 8060 (Jean).

GOOD CRAFTERNOON Bring your craft project and work on it in the company of other crafters. Bring your own materials and lunch.

Free. Richmond Library.

Wednesdays, 12.30pm - 2pm.

RICHMOND CREATIVE FIBRE GROUP Meets at Birchwood Hall, Richmond Showgrounds.

9.30am every second, third and fourth Thursday of the month. Learn to spin/knit/ weave/crochet/felt and meet others who enjoy working with fibre. 03 544 3315 (Sandra).

Nelson Camera Club, Meet second and fourth Monday of each month, 7.30pm, Methodist Church Hall, 94 Neale Ave, Stoke. noeline@nelsoncameraclub.co.nz and activities. Meets every Wednesday, 9.30am at Sport Tasman, Richmond Town Hall, Cambridge St. All sessions $5.

03 544 3955. stadium@sporttasman.org.nz

and unlimited parking.

03 544 5563 (Kath).

with prostate cancer. All levels of ability and great camaraderie. 021 547 811 (Leigh). leighsdream@gmail. com RICHMOND BRIDGE CLUB Sessions Monday and Thursday, 1pm (be seated by 2.45pm). Wednesday 7.10pm (be seated by 7pm). For lessons ph 027 407 0274 (Leigh).

SOCIAL CARDS 500 Waimea Lounge A&P Showgrounds. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1.30pm – 4pm. $2 covers afternoon tea, prizes

RICHMOND CROQUET CLUB Join us at 348 Lower Queen St, Richmond. Have fun, learn a new skill. We play both Association and Golf Croquet.

021 958 447 (Rhonda).

RICHMOND SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING CLUB Tuesday evening, 7.30pm.

Methodist Church Hall, Neale Ave, Stoke. 03 544 0902. cstanton@actrix.co.nz RICHMOND TENNIS CLUB Social tennis Tuesdays 9.30am and Saturdays 1.30pm. All abilities welcome. Beside the Badminton Hall, Gladstone Rd. richmondtennisclub.co.nz SIOUX LINE DANCING Wednesday – Club Waimea, Richmond. Beginner Class, 6pm – 7pm. Improver Class,

Your hearing is unique. For personalised hearing care, talk to Tasman's independent audiologist, Ed Thynne.

Local. Independent. Trusted.

“Ed is very attentive and patient and makes us feel like we are his special clients” -M.D, Motueka

171a High Street, Motueka. 03 526 8221 www.edthynnehearing.co.nz

48

Jan / Feb 2024 7.15pm – 8.30pm. 03 528 6788 (Sue). sioux.wilson@yahoo.com.au TASMAN AQUARIUM CLUB Meetings held second Monday of the month at 7pm.

Keeping tropical freshwater, aquatic plants, marine fish and corals. Everyone welcome. 03 544 3116 (Robin).

WAIMEA MUSIC CLUB Meets fortnightly on Sundays 1.15pm– 4pm at Stoke Methodist Hall, Neale Ave Stoke. Anyone is welcome to join in with a song or just come along and listen.

03 544 5766 (Pat) or 03 544 9446 (Jim).

LINE DANCING Routines set to great music.

All ages/genders, bring cup and pen, wear soft soled shoes.

Free morning tea. Tuesdays: 9.15am beginners, 10.45am experienced. Warnes Hall, Songer Street, Stoke. Session times can change.

027 449 1569 (Diane) dianeneil6@gmail.com SENIOR WALKING GROUP Tuesday and Thursday, 9.30am–10.30am. Walk

STOKE OLD TIME COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB Stoke School Community Hall. Every second Sunday, 6.30pm. All welcome to a lovely evening of singing, and musical instruments. 03 542 3527 (Dick Knight).

TAI CHI CHU’AN AND QIGONG Thursday mornings: beginners 10am, intermediate 11am, at Saxton Netball

ACTING UP DRAMA GROUP Meets each Monday 10.30am–12pm at Whakatū Presbyterian Church Hall Lounge, Upper Songer Street, Stoke. No previous experience necessary! 03 538 0400 (Anne) BENCHREST SHOOTING CLUB Meets every Tuesday at Saxton Field Range, 1pm–3pm.

03 544 7138 (Graeme).

SONGBIRDS LADIES CHOIR Fri morning Rehearsals in Stoke. New female singers welcome. If you enjoy singing and can hold a tune, give me a call. 035448232 or 0211334805 (Mary).

HOPE

STOKE FRESH FOCUS NELSON Mondays 10am–11am at Elim Christian Centre, 625 Main Rd Stoke. Speakers talk on a wide variety of subjects that provide education and entertainment. A number of series occur throughout the year during term time. All welcome. ffnelson2021@gmail.com or visit Facebook – Fresh Focus Nelson 2021 for news and updates.

entertainers. Variety concert held 1.30pm–4.30pm on the second Saturday of every month between March and October, Whakatū Presbyterian Church Hall, 271 Songer St, Stoke. 03 547 4301 (Ken Holmes) or 03 547 3231 (Robyn Walsh).

HOPE MIDWEEK BADMINTON CLUB Wednesday mornings.

03 541 9200 (Carolyn).

Central Garden Club, Meets every second Wednesday of each month, 1.30pm, Methodist Church Hall, Neale Ave, Stoke. Guest speakers and afternoon tea. New members very welcome. 03 541 8646 (Rob or Lynn).

HOPE SOCIAL INDOOR BOWLS CLUB Hope Recreation Hall, Tues 1.30pm – 3.30pm. $3 per session. We are a fun, social group catering for everyone.

03 544 3116 (Robin).

for the full hour or choose to do the Shape Up class at 10am. Walking and exercises followed by a cuppa. 03 538 0072.

MĀPUA

STOKE CENTRAL COMBINED PROBUS CLUB Welcomes both men and women as new members. Join us on the fourth Tuesday of each month (except Dec and Jan) at 10am, at The Stoke Methodist Church Hall. 94 Neale Avenue, Stoke.

03 970 6872 ( Rosemary).

Pavilion Stoke. 03 545 2960 or 027 271 3323 (Anne-Marie).

STOKE TĀHUNANUI MEN'S CLUB A club for active retirees.

Activities include a regular monthly meeting with guest speaker on the third Tuesday of every month, plus outings and activities each week. 021 148 2580 (Ian).

VARIETY ENTERTAINMENT CLUB OF NELSON A social club for all

NELSON VETERANS TENNIS CLUB Hope Tennis Courts, every Thursday. 03 547 6916 (Leona).

MĀPUA CRAFT GROUP Enjoy simple crafts, sharing, caring and morning tea.

Plenty of materials and guidance. First and third Fridays of the month 10am –12pm (term time only). Hills Community Church, supper room. $3 per session. 027 741 8575 (Julie Cox).

49

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

2

3

4

8

HOW MANY? 5 9

6

7

10

11 12

16

_L_P_

15

17

20

18

21

How many five-letter words can you make?

The answers are words widely known; no words can begin with a capital; no hyphenated words.

Today there are 15 possible words

13 14

PUZZLED

22

23

19

24

25

26 27

28

Numbers have been substituted for letters. Use the letter(s) given to work out the rest of the puzzle.

29

30 31

32

SUDOKU

33

Across 2. Pudding (colloq) (6) 8. Therefore (Latin) (4) 9. Funeral speech (6) 11. Many (colloq) (7) 12. Excessively quaint or sentimental (4) 13. Singe (6) 14. Usual (6) 16. Military attack (6) 18. Deteriorate (6) 20. Braids (6) 23. Black eye (colloq) (6) 26. Courtiers’ dance (6) 27. National song (6) 28. Money for the poor (4) 30. Every evening (7) 31. Afternoon nap (6) 32. Eye part (4) 33. Poster or sign (6)

Fill the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9

Down 1. Fatalities (6) 2. Fever (4) 3. Stir up trouble (6) 4. Whole (6) 5. Teeter (6) 6. English dance (6) 7. Punctuation mark (6) 10. Strip (8) 15. Balm (8) 17. Night bird (3) 19. Spin out, make do (3) 20. Acclaim (6) 21. Deer horn (6) 22. Ape-like (6) 23. Solar protector (6) 24. Slanted writing (6) 25. Defy (6) 29. Ancient harp (4) How Many

50

Quick crossword

Across: 2. Afters, 8. Ergo, 9. Eulogy, 11. Umpteen, 12. Twee, 13.

Scorch, 14. Normal, 16. Sortie, 18. Worsen, 20. Plaits, 23. Shiner, 26. Minuet, 27. Anthem, 28. Alms, 30. Nightly, 31. Siesta, 32. Iris, 33. Notice.

Down: 1. Deaths, 2. Ague, 3. Foment, 4. Entire, 5. Seesaw, 6. Morris, 7. Hyphen, 10. Unclothe, 15. Ointment, 17. Owl, 19. Eke, 20. Praise, 21. Antler, 22. Simian, 23. Sunhat, 24. Italic, 25. Resist, 29. Lyre.

Sudoku

blips, claps, clips, clops, elope, flaps, flips, flops, glyph, plops, slaps, slept, slips, slope, slops.

Puzzled

JIGGERED G E N E E

Y M N I E L L

T

P O T W O

I P H

U I I N

E T S A O L

N O B T X P

E I E S

E D I L O R

R E R

R A I M

A S C L O L A R

G I G E N G A K S A N E T A G R C O N O N Y

J A O S Y C

A S T A I T E

E G R A I G

E N T E Y N X

A G R A S A T

U L F U V E N

N S U

P G E E I M I R G D U P O

E E D I N

S E P D

G U A R H E

The challenge is to rearrange a crossword which has been broken into 25 sections. One letter has been given to get you started. Work out which 3x3 square fits in with that letter and

I

T

E

G

F U V E N

N S U

U L

G M I D U

E R

S A T

E P O

I

E E D N

write in the letters. You can also shade the black squares.

After completing the first 3x3 area, work out which square joins on to it, and continue until you have made a complete crossword.

QUICK CROSSWORD

1. The Yarra River flows through which Australian city?

2. After the break-up of The Beatles, George Harrison had aDNo.1 hit in 1970 with which song?

3. The National Trout Centre can be found 4km south of which North Island township?

4. What were female players allowed to wear at Wimbledon for the first time in 1934?

5. How is 59 written in Roman numerals?

Across 1. Get back (6) 3. Likelihood (4) 7. Brimming (4) 8. Go over (6) 10. Show (7) 13. Seducer (anag) (7) 16. Misgivings (6) 17. Hoodlum (4) 18. Balanced (4) 19. Spanish city (6)

Quick Quiz 1. Melbourne, 2. My Sweet Lord, 3. Turangi, 4. Shorts, 5. LIX.

Y N X

D

QUICK QUIZ

Jiggered

P I G

H E

Down 1. Prevalent (4) 2. Milky Way, e.g. (6) 4. Affair of honour (4) 5. Shunting track (6) 6. Died out (7) 9. Quandary (7) 11. Place of worship (6) 12. Slight wind (6) 14. Naked (4) 15. Matured (4)

1

2

3

4

5

6 7

8 9 10

11

12 13 14

15 17

16

18

19

Across: 1. Regain, 3. Odds, 7. Full, 8. Exceed, 10. Exhibit, 13. Rescued, 16. Qualms, 17. Thug, 18. Even, 19. Madrid.

Down: 1. Rife, 2. Galaxy, 4. Duel, 5. Siding, 6. Extinct, 9. Dilemma, 11. Mosque, 12. Zephyr, 14. Bare, 15. Aged.

The challenge is to rearrange a crossword which has been broken into 25 sections. One letter has been given to get you started. Work out which 3x3 square fits in with that letter and write in the letters.

You can also shade the black squares if you find it helpful.

After completing the first 3x3 area, work out which square joins on to partmade crossword, jigsaw it, and continue until It’s you have a completepart crossword.

E N G U L F E D A S C E N T E U I L L O E N L A R Y N X C O N V E N O R U G G E E G T I I M I N E R A I S E P H I N D U E G P E E E A G Y M N A S T T S A R A I A R P O O L S A T E L L I T E G I G E E N P P S A E D D I E S I O G R I N S U G T W O K N O B J A G U A R R A A T O R E A T P S Y C H E R I M O N Y X

JAN / FEB 2024

Firing on all fronts

Walking and wilderness

Page turners

Bringing the outdoors on-line

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