Headliners

What made news in our region...

Tūmanako murals brighten walkway

Eight new tūmanako (hope) murals are now brightening up the previously bleak corridor adjacent to Trafalgar Park at the Maitai River footbridge. The murals were completed by a team of rangatahi (youth) with Tauranga multidisciplinary Māori artist Graham Hoete aka “Mr G”. Leighton Ngawaka from Te Puni Kōkiri is thrilled to see the murals completed and says, “Mr G did an amazing job listening to the korero of local rangatahi, capturing their stories, realities, and experiences, and bringing them to life through each of the murals.”

Plan for Nelson’s library

Spending on the proposed new Nelson library has been put on hold. The unanimous decision was made last month in Nelson City Council’s first ordinary meeting with mayor Nick Smith stating, “The $46 million library proposal is unaffordable for our community in the current economic environment.” With $40-$60 million needed to repair council infrastructure after the August weather events, funds have needed to be reassessed. Instead, council will focus on strengthening and reopening Elma Turner Library, regardless of whether a new library is pursued in the future. New adventure for Waimea College deputy

After 23 years at Waimea College, deputy principal Graeme Smith is moving on to his next adventure. Although he doesn’t know yet what that adventure will be, he’s adamant he’s not retiring. “Let the new adventure begin, and I can only tell you later what I have done, when it’s no longer the future,” he says. Graeme is leaving with fond memories and a parting gift from the Year 13s – a framed poster with the words ‘It’s a good school’, the tagline he has become known for.

New MTB park for Wakefield

The first trail in Wakefield’s hotly anticipated bike park is set to open on December 3. Buckwheater Bends is the first of five trails to be completed at Kainui bike park and is ideal for beginners. Organiser Kate West says while the other trails are still a work in progress, riders of all abilities will love Buckwheater’s trail, with 1.6km of uphill, followed by 3km downhill. Head along on opening day to enjoy a sausage sizzle and a fun family day out. One missing water dragon found, one to go

One of the two water dragons missing from Natureland has been returned to his home. Senior keeper Alix Rimmer says male water dragon Scauldron was found just a few streets away from the wildlife park on Sunday evening. “A member of the public rung and said he could see Scauldron on the fence outside his house and we were there within five or ten minutes,” she says. Alix says it was sheer relief to have Scauldron home and has renewed hope that female Marge may still be found. 24 years scone

Nelson’s iconic Yaza café is up for sale after 24 years under the same ownership. But the question on everyone’s lips, ‘what about the scones?’ The Nelsonfamous scones have been popular since day one when the café first opened in 1998, a record day now sees up to 240 scones being baked. The secret recipe will go to the new owner, with co-owner Kelly Malone saying they want the business to go to the right people and they look forward to seeing its continued success.

Things we love

We love the Christmas spirit of those decorating their homes for the Nelson Tasman Christmas Lights trail. Every year homes around the region light up for Christmas, it’s always a fun evening out driving around the streets admiring the homes. See the Nelson App for a full list of homes lighting up for Christmas.

Pictured is Ruth and Terry Sutton’s famous Tory Street home.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“His Holiness is someone who is incredibly realised. There’s wisdom and there’s compassion. He has the ability to see right through you. An incredible humility, a real selflessness. Just through being in his presence it touches your being.”

Lea Godfrey Pages 25 - 27