Nelson Weekly - 22 February 2023

Nelson

Locally Owned and Operated

Wednesday 22 February 2023

Opera hits right note

The biggest crowd in a decade turned out for New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty Opera in the Park on Saturday.

Nelson City Council manager community services, Andrew White, say 7300 tickets were sold for the event, that saw Kiwi heavyweights Stan Walker and Annie Crummer take to the stage in front of the packed crowd.

SEE PAGE 2

Drunk driver: ‘I won’t do it again’

TRACY NEAL

Open Justice Reporter

The sparkling future held by the young woman in the dock was left almost in tatters after just one night out drinking.

As she stood before the judge, waiting to hear her fate for driving drunk, not even the crisp corporate outfit could hide her crumbling pride.

“I just felt so embarrassed and nervous about what was going to happen. I’ve never felt that much anxiety,” the woman, who is in her 20s, told Open Justice outside court.

Sonia* escaped conviction for offences she had earlier admitted, including driving while more than four times the legal limit, resisting police and assaulting an officer.

The relief was evident in her quick step from the courtroom in Nelson last week.

She has agreed to share her experience in the hope it prevents others from drinking and driving, and also to explain how easy it can happen when you’re not thinking straight.

“I do think about what would have happened if I’d hit someone, and I can’t describe how it makes

me feel.

“I’ve learned a lot from this, and I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone else.”

A mix of shock, upset and alcohol was behind her impulsive decision to leave the bar where she’d been having fun with colleagues at an industry get-together on a night out last October.

Unwanted attention described as an assault by a man she didn’t

know, left her sobbing in the bathroom, trying desperately to reach her partner who was at the time out of town.

“I tried to call him but all I was thinking was that I had to get out of the situation I was in.

“I could have got a taxi, but I wasn’t thinking clearly at the time.

SEE PAGE 6

Chloe Loftus performs while suspended during Opera in the Park Photo: Evan Barnes .

“One thing I’d certainly take is my phone... and obviously a power bank along with it.”

“Maybe a book to read. A mystery murder is something I might be interested in.”

Opera hits right note

FROM PAGE 1

“We are so pleased to finally be able to deliver the show previously cancelled because

of Covid, and are thankful to all of our performers who put on a tremendous show,” Andrew says. He says the Opera in the Park provided a great opportunity for families to enjoy a picnic while watching entertainment.

“We are very happy to say that of the multitude of snacks consumed, all but one bag of rubbish was taken home or disposed of proper-

ly at the end of the night. A fantastic result, thank you, Whakatū.

“The hardworking team behind Opera in the Park should be congratulated for delivering another fantastic night for our community. He says, after a short break, they will soon begin planning for the next Opera in the Park, due to take place in 2025.

“My dog (Louie) because he’s my best friend.”

If you were stuck on a deserted island, what’s the one thing that you’d bring?

“If for enjoyment, it would be my son. But if I was stranded, my one thing would be livestock or something.”

Correction: In an article published on Wednesday, 15 February about Nelson’s new bus service, it was incorrectly printed that Nelson Mayor Nick Smith proposed delaying the launch of the new service. He did not suggest this. Nelson Weekly regrets the error.

Belinda

Above: Stan Walker performs on stage. Left: Annie Crummer was a hit with the crowd. Photos: Evan Barnes.

Mohit Chugh

Varja Viterwijk

Danial Puklowski

Libby Neill

National announces Nelson candidate for general election

National has selected Blair Cameron to be the party’s Nelson candidate in the 2023 general election.

“It’s a massive honour to be selected,” he says.

Canterbury-born, Blair gained a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Brown University in the United States before working as a senior research specialist at Princeton University.

More recently, he has held concurrent roles in research, consulting, and teaching for the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank with a focus on improving public sector performance.

“Like a lot of New Zealanders, I came back to New Zealand in March of 2020 and decided to stay.”

Blair’s mother moved from Canterbury to Nelson while he was overseas and so the region became his home base.

“It was a little bit weird for me when I arrived back and mum was cheering for the Mako when they played Canterbury, but I’ve very much come around to the idea.”

Currently working remotely as part of the teaching faculty at

the Leadership Academy for Development at Stanford University, Blair says Nelson is one of the best places to live in the country.

A self-described “big outdoors person,” he enjoys having access to the “incredible” national parks around the region. He also likes harness racing and rugby, though a knee injury a couple of years ago has stopped him from playing. But since returning from overseas, Blair says that he’s wanted to do something about the direction of the country.

“I’m aspirational for Nelson and will fight for the opportunity to make it even better

by electing a National government that will deliver for people.”

He says rising costs, fuelled by “wasteful” government spending, are hitting families hard, and with interest rates being hiked to keep a lid on inflation, he added that those with mortgages are facing increased repayments in the hundreds of dollars a week.

“The hard work starts right now,” Blair says.

“I’ll be meeting as many people as I can and campaigning hard to earn Nelson’s support so I can advocate for them as part of Chris Luxon’s National team.”

Blair Cameron has been selected by the National Party to contest Nelson in the upcoming general election. Photo: Supplied.

Pressure building on homes for elderly

ANNE HARDIE

The baby boomer generation and out-of-towners are beginning to put pressure on the region’s retirement villages and Nelsonians are being warned they need to get their name on a waiting list.

Coastal View Lifestyle Village salesperson Breffni O’Rourke says Nelson is a popular place to retire and it is increasingly important to plan in advance for those wanting to live in a village as they age.

The village will eventually have 179 houses and though people can move into some designs quickly, a few of the popular designs have a waiting time of a few years.

Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village has a two-year wait for some of its accommodation.

In other parts of the country, village waiting lists can be considerably longer and that is driving an increasing number of older people to places like Nelson and Tasman.

Breffni says she spoke with a man who faced a 13-year wait for a place in a retirement village in his North Island town.

It prompted him to consider Nelson where he could get into a village within one or two-years.

“You’re not just competing with people from your neighbourhood. Many can’t get into retirement villages in their own town

and they come to a place like Nelson.”

Residents generally purchase a ‘right to occupy’ homes in retirement villages and one of the drawcards is the preferential access that residents have into the village’s care facilities, including rest home care, hospital and sometimes dementia units.

New Zealand Aged Care Association chairman Simon O’Dowd says the baby boomer generation is now entering retirement villages and some areas such as Tauranga already have really high rates of occupancy.

He expects the Nelson-Tasman region will follow the same trend.

In the past couple of years, the construction of new and expanding retirement villages has been constrained due to supply issues and he says that has exacerbated the problem.

“There has been some response to demand in Nelson, Richmond and Stoke, but I suspect it won’t be enough.”

He says the consenting process needs to be re-evaluated to enable more retirement homes to be built to accommodate the ageing population.

The consent process takes time and then it takes a few more years to plan and build a retirement village.

In the New Zealand Retirement Village and Aged Care report released last year, nearly 350,000 people are aged 75 years and older and that number is expected to reach nearly 833,000 by 2048. That will increase demand for retirement villages which are working on expansion to keep pace.

About 50,000 people are estimated to be living in retirement villages and by 2033 that is expected to increase to more than 80,000 residents.

Figures in the report show an estimated 24,544 new units would be needed in retirement villages nationwide by 2033.

Simon says retirees need to think seriously about their future and make decisions while they have good health and are not under stress.

“Many people wait until something terrible happens before they make the move to a village and that can be stressful and may limit their choices on where they can go.”

Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village sales advisor Jacqui Clarke says some people book years in advance, while others avoid it until they have to make the move.

Jacqui suggests people should put their name on the waiting list and do it before their health forces them to make the decision for them.-

“You want to be making your own

New bilingual signs for Nelson Whakatū

MAX FRETHEY

Local Democracy Reporter

Two new bilingual signs now welcome travellers to Nelson. The new signs, reading ‘Welcome to Nelson – Haere mai ki Whakatū’ have replaced the older signs which only included the Māori welcome. The change was requested by Mayor Nick Smith following his election last year.

February Update

“I was concerned that as a tourist destination with very few international or national visitors being proficient in te reo Māori, the welcome signs needed to be in both official languages of New Zealand,” he says.

The new signs cost $4,795.25 and were installed on 17 December 2022, in time for the re-opening of State Highway 6 between Nelson and Blenheim on 18 December.

“I advised that I wished the welcome signs

The year has started with more challenging times for our country, with our friends in the North Island facing a massive clean-up and recovery effort after the devastating impact of the Auckland floods and Cyclone Gabrielle. While we were all relieved that the forecast wind from the Cyclone didn’t eventuate in Nelson, our community knows all too well how tough the effects of severe weather are on communities. Our thoughts are with all who are affected in the North Island, particularly the friends and family of those who have lost loved ones. My thanks to our Nelson first responders who have joined their colleagues in Hawkes Bay to assist with the response.

It was wonderful to attend Opera in the Park on Saturday night with thousands of Nelsonians. Thanks to Pete Rainey, Axel de Maupeou and their teams for a spectacular event that lifted all our spirits, and to Nelson City Council for continuing to support this important Nelson event.

This week I am back in Parliament, while also meeting with Nelson Marlborough Health for an update on the Hospital redevelopment, and attending a number of community events. On Friday it will be one year since Russia illegally invaded Ukraine, and our local Ukrainian community are organising an event to acknowledge this. Please join us on Friday at 12.30pm at the Church Steps.

to be bilingual, that any change should be consistent with Nelson City Council general branding but that the change was not urgent,” Nick says.

Three kaumātua were engaged with over the new design and they were supportive, he added. The original welcome signs in te reo Māori were installed in September 2020 for Te Wiki o te Reo Māori 2020 (Māori Language Week 2020).

decisions, so others aren’t having to make those decisions for you.”

When it comes to care facilities, the challenge is not just the number of rooms but also the lack of nurses.

Ultimate Care Kensington Court village coordinator Angela Pidgeon says the village has independent, rest home and hospital care available, with the latter caring for residents who have been part of the village.

But it cannot take on any more residents from the community for its care facility.

“We definitely need more nurses. We only have one nurse on at any given time.

“We need one for each shift, but we don’t have one for each shift. So, we have people on call and our manager is a nurse who is on call all the time.”

She says the problem for the community is when an elderly person goes to hospital and is told they can’t go back home because of their health.

They then need to get more care within their home or find a space in a care facility, which can be difficult.

She says there needs to be incentives from government or training facilities to encourage more New Zealanders to train as nurses, along with opening the borders more for nurses and making it easier for them to get New Zealand registration.

Adrienne and Duncan Lorimer planned their move into the Coastal View Lifestyle Village last year. Photo: Supplied.

200-year-old violin donated to NCMA

KATE RUSSELL

A 200-year-old violin that was donated to the NCMA has been celebrated with a memorial plaque. The violin dates from the 18th century and belonged to William Burns. Upon his wishes, it was donated to the NCMA in 2005 when he passed away.

“He played the violin for 65 of his 90 years,” says his son, Gary Burns. “The violin, to him, was like a child. He spent hours every day playing it and cleaning it.”

The violin is the work of Johann Anton Gedler of Fūssen, Bavaria, and it is estimated it was made between 1780 and 1790.

Gary has recently added a plaque to the violin so the students using it would know the history of the

instrument.

“He was quite taken with the NCMA, and he was keen to see it be played and looked after the way he did, so it made sense for it to go somewhere it was going to be used.”

From Gary’s knowledge, William came to own the violin after it was gifted to him around 1940 when he married.

Walking tracks reopen

The Sir Stanley Whitehead Walkway from Walters Bluff through to the Centre of New Zealand reopened last week. The trail was closed to fix a 30m-long slip that occurred during the severe weather event in August at the northern end. The Maungatapu Track is also now open, for walkers and mountainbikers only, following works to protect exposed fibre optic cabling. Work to regrade the popular Ronaki Track on the Grampians, including new steps, drainage improvements, and resealing, is almost complete.

Cops with Cakes returns

Tasman’s community organisations, providing demonstrations, driver training, advice, and support.

Reduce fire risk

Fire and Emergency NZ are asking South Islanders to reduce the risk of fire while they are busy assisting with Cyclone Gabrielle aftermath. Parts of Nelson-Marlborough are in a prohibited season due to high risk and residents are asked to think before they light. Activities such as using lawnmowers, weed eaters, angle grinders and chainsaws, where there is a likelihood of steel creating sparks from contact with stones or other hard surfaces, can lead to unwanted fires.

“My father tried to get me to play it when I was four, but I only lasted a short time.”

NCMA funding and development manager, Jessica St Germain, says they are thankful for the donation.

“It means a great deal to us that we can fulfill William's wishes that this violin continues to be played and enjoyed by our students.”

Cops with Cakes, the police and safety expo, is returning to Saxton Field this Saturday, 25 February, from 10am to 1pm. The event combines road and community safety information with family-friendly activities, such as a cycle skills course, face painting and balloons, interactive displays, rides, games, a sausage sizzle, and bouncy castles. Local emergency services will be on-site, alongside many of Nelson and

Earthquake felt in Nelson

A magnitude 6.3 earthquake which struck at 7.38pm last Wednesday was felt across the Nelson region. The quake was centred 50km northwest of Paraparaumu, at a depth of 48km. GeoNet classed the shaking as ‘strong’ and more than 60,000 Kiwis reported feeling the quake.

Gary Burns with his father William Burns’ violin, which has been donated to the NCMA. Photo: Supplied.

William playing the violin that’s been donated.

Photo: Supplied.

House supply surges in Nelson Tasman

The country’s property prices continued a downward trend last month with Nelson Tasman having a record supply of properties for sale according to the latest Trade Me Property Price Index.

While every region saw a year-onyear increase in listings, Trade Me property sales director, Gavin Lloyd says the Nelson Tasman region was a standout with supply jumping by 83 per cent.

He says last month there were more properties listed for sale than in any other January on record.

“Nationwide supply spiked by 29 per cent when compared with the same month last year, as we have seen consistently over the past few months.”

Prices continued the downward trend with the national average asking price falling by 8 per cent yearon-year in January, to $878,800.

“This is the largest drop we’ve ever seen and puts the national average back where we saw it in September 2021.”

Looking at the South Island, Gavin says every region, with the exception of Southland (-1 per cent) saw prices climb last month when compared with January 2022.

“These increases are still far smaller than what we have seen in these regions over the past couple of years.”

Overall, he says the latest figures painted a drastically different pic-

YOUR SKILLS

ture to what we saw in the market this time last year.

“It’s almost unthinkable that in January 2022, we saw the national average asking price skyrocket 25 per cent year-on-year, reaching a then-record of $957,950.

“It’s clear that 12 months later the market is in a wildly different place, with property prices now falling year-on-year for three months in a row.

“Demand, however, went the other way and fell by 5 per cent nationwide last month when compared with January 2022.”

The only regions that did not see a dip in demand were Marlborough (+5 per cent), Otago (+4 per cent), Nelson Tasman (+1 per cent) and Taranaki (+1 per cent).

“We’ve now seen more than 12 consecutive months of sky-high supply combined with slow demand across the country. Going into 2023, prices are going to continue on a downward spiral unless we see market forces change.”

He says breaking down the listings by property size showed large properties (5+ bedrooms) were the most impacted by price drops.

“Small (1-2 bedrooms) and medium (3-4 bedrooms) properties saw their average asking price drop by 7 per cent, while those bigger property prices fell by 10 per cent.”

Drunk driver walks from court with clean slate: ‘I won’t do it again’

FROM PAGE 1

“It was so silly, but I was distressed.”

Sonia drove off; vaguely aware she was drunk, and having forgotten to switch on her headlights. The police soon pulled her over. Things went smoothly at first – the police let her phone her family when they claimed the breathalyser wasn’t working and she’d need blood analysis done.

She managed to raise her grandfather and the disappointment in his voice won’t be easily forgotten.

“I was frightened. At that point, I knew I was in trouble.”

The woman, who’s of Nga Rauru and Ngāti Apa descent, credits the love and sacrifices of her mother and grandmother, who steered her away from the influence of her father’s earlier Mongrel Mob connections, for the path she’s on.

She graduated from university several years ago and is now working towards a master’s degree which led her to Nelson and her current career path. “My mother worked hard to raise me and get me a good education.

“I’ve been trying hard to repay that, but I’ve had this slip-up and I’ve made this mistake.”

It was when the police took her phone she reacted, leading to charges of resisting police and assaulting an officer – something she says she has no memo-

ry of, but it’s possible she reacted out of fear.

She had laid down in the back of the police car and as the officer lent in to pull her up, the police summary showed she had kicked him in the chest.

Processing at the police station showed her blood alcohol level to be 234 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. The legal limit for people aged over 20 is 50mg.

Judge David Ruth, in weighing up whether or not to convict her, said her behaviour towards the police didn’t help her situation.

Despite police opposition to a discharge, they did however recognise the high level of support and the future she had which stood to be harmed by a conviction.

When considering lawyer Dave Holloway’s request for discretion, Judge Ruth regarded what happened as aberrant and out of character.

Holloway described events that led to the offending as “really unfortunate” while acknowledging there were other choices she could have made.

He added that she was incredibly well thought of by her employer. “She’s the type of person everyone would like to see succeed and become a leader.”

In reaching his decision Judge Ruth considered that because of her age and stage of career, a conviction would make life difficult.

She was instead made subject to an alcohol interlock order, followed by a zero alcohol licence. Sonia knows she’s lucky, and how significant her actions were, particularly that she had put others in danger.

ALLIANCE – SEASONAL TEAM MEMBERS

Are you looking to earn some good money while you learn new skills? Right now, our Nelson plant is gearing up for a big 2022- 2023 season with a number of opportunities available. If you’ve got experience doing the mahi - awesome, give us a shout, but if you’ll be coming in fresh and just keen to learn and earn - that’s good too, we can train you up! We’re recruiting Butchers, Boners, Halal Slaughterers, and Labourers.

Ngā painga - what’s in it for you?

• Butchers: potential to earn an average of $1,365 based on a 40-hour working week, exclusive of overtime

• Boners: potential to earn an average of $1,374 based on a 40-hour working week, exclusive of overtime

• Halal Slaughterers: potential to earn an average of $1,353 based on a 40- hour working week, exclusive of overtime

• Labourers: earn a minimum of $26.50 per hour across a day, inclusive of allowances

• Minimum of 30 hours a week, usually 45 hours a week

• Up to 7 months of full-time seasonal employment

• Upskill yourself with an opportunity to gain NZQA qualifications

• Receive ongoing training and support

• Access to free onsite health services including a nurse, physiotherapist, counsellor

• Access to our free employee assistance programme

Ō pūkenga - about you

• You are eligible to work in New Zealand

• You will pass a pre-employment drug test and medical assessment

• You are willing and able to follow and respect workplace health and safety

• You enjoy working within a team environment

• You are physically fit, committed, and reliable

Apply online at www.alliancejobs.co.nz, by emailing nelson.botas@alliance.co.nz, or visit us at the Nelson Plant, 910 Main Rd Stoke, 7011.

Judge David Ruth. Photo: Tess Jaine.

New memorial for service animals

SARA HOLLYMAN

A new memorial remembering animals who were lost in battle will be unveiled in an emotional ceremony on Friday.

Nelson RSA’s Brian Ramsay says Purple Poppy Day acknowledges the animals that served alongside our men and women, from the Boer War right through to Afghanistan and this year’s will be special for Nelson and Tasman.

Brian says the sunset service at Marsden Valley Cemetery will be completely different to other services such as ANZAC Day, and promises to be something memorable for all who attend.

“The way the whole thing starts and and finishes will be ‘wow’, it will be quite emotional.”

Brian encourages families, and

their well-behaved pets, to come along wearing something purple, bring a picnic and acknowledge the animals who served.

“Animals don’t volunteer, they are drafted,” Brian says.

During World War 1, 16 million animals, including horses, pigeons, cats and dogs, were deployed with eight million perishing in the conflict.

C ompounding the tragedy, a number of soldiers were also forced to make the decision to put their animals down once the war was over.

From cats being used to deal with rat infestations in the trenches, to camels carrying ammunition and dogs bringing aid to the injured, animals served a variety of purposes during times of war.

Brian says we also can’t forget

the police dogs on our frontlines every day.

“ They still serve the community and country.”

Brian says Friday’s unveiling ceremony is the first time Purple Poppy Day has been acknowledged in Nelson on this scale.

“So, we want to do it right and do it big, a king hit and make people aware.”

Brian says they are aiming for the younger generation to get involved because his generation won’t be around forever.

“We want this project to be able to go on through the generations to acknowledge the animals.”

He says the project has been well-supported by the local businesses, community groups and

Nelson Christian Academy. Nelson’s poster girl for Purple Poppy Day, Nova, will be making an appearance at the ceremony.

Nova first became the face of the memorial day while she was waiting to be adopted from the SPCA last year.

Two weeks after Nelson Weekly published an article featuring Nova, she was adopted.

Nova’s owners Chris and Marinka Vandenhof say they had no idea that she was “famous” when they chose to adopt her. After learning of her appear-

ance in the media alongside RSA members, they were more than happy for her to continue in her role.

“She has been the perfect dog.” The unveilling ceremony will begin at 6pm on Friday, 24 February regardless of weather. “If it’s raining, too bad, it’s only for an hour. For these animals - it was days, months, years in horrendous conditions that we can’t even imagine,” Brian says. He encourages those who are able, to park further away and walk up towards the RSA memorial area.

RAI VALLEY A&P SHOW

RAI VALLEY A&P SHOW Enter

4 March 2023

4 March 2023

Fun for everyone - amusements, food stalls

Fun for everyone - amusements, food stalls

Rai Challenge - carry a pig around an obstacle course

Rai Challenge - carry a pig around an obstacle course

Really Young Farmer competition - kids give it a go

Really Young Farmer competition - kids give it a go

Equestrian events including show jumping

Equestrian events including show jumping

Wood chopping

Wood chopping

Vintage vehicles, trade sites

Vintage vehicles, trade sites

Want to enter? schedule on website

Want to enter? schedule on website

+ Loads more on the day

www.raivalleyshow.co.nz

www.raivalleyshow.co.nz

Ian Barker, Marinka Vandenhof, Nova, Chris Vandenhof and Brian Ramsay at Marsden Valley Cemetery, where a Purple Poppy Day remembering the service animals will be held on Friday. Photo: Jack Malcolm.

Nelson’s own Treasure Island contestant

Have you always wanted to be a Treasure Island contestant?

It goes back to the year 2000, the first year that Survivor was produced in the U.S. I was just like ‘that is amazing I need to do that, how?’ I was one of those geeky guys who started messaging Jeff Probst, the host, on Twitter, saying ‘hey, when are you going to do an international season?’ I just thought ‘that’s something that I reckon I might be reasonably good at.’ I loved the fact that it was all based on communication with people and relationships. Survivor just got better and better, some of the characters that came through were just huge and I thought if New Zealand ever does a version, then I need to put my hand up for it.

When did you first apply?

In 2016, Survivor NZ was announced so I applied, as did thousands of others. I made the shortlist of the last 20 or so but missed out on one of the final 16 spots. In 2017, I applied again and got cut three or four shy of the 18 spots. It was incredibly frustrating, but they said, ‘make sure you apply again next time.’ I was like ‘beauty, 2018 here we go, done’… and then they stopped making Survivor NZ. I thought, ‘I don’t know where to go from here’ but it was

never something I was going to give up on. It took 23 years to finally happen but that’s just testament to never giving up if you want something bad enough.

When did you find out you had made the show?

Last year, maybe August, I got the call from one of the executive producers saying ‘are you driving at the moment? You better pull over’. They said ‘welcome to the show’, I was in tears. I went dead silent, my face started leaking. It was such a feeling of triumph, I finally bloody did it.

How does Treasure Island differ from Survivor?

Treasure Island is not an alliance-based, numbers game. You actually have to win and be on side with the people that are winning as well. It’s not just a popularity contest because people that are watching now, if it was a popularity contest, then I probably would’ve been out really early. It was a huge amount of strategy and I aligned myself with strong players.

Filming wrapped up last year. Is it frustrating not being able to tell people what happened? Absolutely, I can’t tell you how hard that is. I had goals. I didn’t

want to be first out, I wanted to make the merge and then I wanted to start playing the individual game. For those that are fans will know that I betrayed Alex. I’m not going to not do what’s in my best interest for someone else’s gain. There are a couple of episodes coming up where peo-

bits and pieces but not anything that breaches the confidentiality. So many people message me asking questions. I’ll just say to people ‘tonight’s a good one’. The most common thing I get asked is ‘do you you go and stay in a motel at night?’ Absolutely not.

COME AND JOIN THE FUN

ple are going to understand the strategy, but not being able to explain what I was thinking at the time is really weird. My sons and my significant other, Helen, were great. I’ve told them

Have you seen the episodes and how they are put together before they air?

We are there for three weeks, I’m immersed in it and then we leave. The next time we see it is the

Showcasing a shared vision

Promoting safer roads and communities, New Zealand Police, Tasman District and Nelson City Councils, and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport will be joining forces to showcase what they are all about with an interactive family fun day on Saturday, February 25. Cops with Cakes will be hosted at Saxton Field from 10am to 1pm and organisers are excited to roll up their sleeves and enjoy a fun day of entertainment and games, while chatting with kids and their families.

This is the third event since 2019 and sees around 4000 visitors to the site each year. Located in front of the stadium, there will be stalls set up in the surrounding carpark, with games on the grass field, and a bicycle skills course on the netball courts. The event is a positive community experience in a relaxed environment with key organisations. There will be free bouncy castles, police games, a tug of peace, Flossy the Balloon Lady, the AMI fire truck, photo boards, a Sausage sizzle, and, of course, cops with cakes! There will be stalls with driving instructors, the popular Deceptacar, ACC, AMI, a virtual cop experience, and the launch of a passport treasure hunt! The idea is for kids

same time everyone else watches it as well. I’m sitting there shushing everyone trying to watch it.

Do you feel like you’ve been portrayed accurately?

It’s very difficult for production to pigeon-hole people and work the narrative around that so they film it, cut it and air it. How people perceive that is up to them. I’m learning at the same time as everyone else just how unpopular apparently I was with my teammates, especially in Vai. Am I fairly portrayed? Yes, of course, because that’s how it was filmed. I think I had a hell of a lot more tactics and strategy than what is being portrayed. For example, I didn’t sit out of a challenge because of sunburnt shoulders.

Was it all it was cracked up to be?

It was living the dream. It was surreal. Outside of having my two boys, Murphy and Mac, it was the best thing I’ve ever done. It was ticking the top thing off my bucket list, and I’d do it again tomorrow.

What was the hardest part?

The hardest part was being away from the boys and Helen, I wanted to be able to contact them and I couldn’t.

for a safer community

to be able to engage, and be educated on the organisations, in a fun and interactive way. There are also some awesome prizes up for grabs! There will be fifty local officers in attendance running a mini-physical competency test for the kids, complete with a speed radar to see how fast they can run. Organisers say it is vital that the community realise that community organisations all work together to create a safer environment and this event is one way that they can showcase that. It’s all about making our communities safer and happier places to live. Hosting the event at Saxton Field breaks down the barriers and is an opportunity to have a lot of fun. Teapot Valley Christian Camp kindly make all the cakes – 2000 of them decorated with red and blue jellybeans – every year and are absolutely brilliant at supporting the event in various ways say the team. The event is free, but there will also be some items available for purchase. Cops with Cakes is brought to you by New Zealand Police, Waka Kotahi NZTA, Tasman District and Nelson City Council. This is a low-waste event, and people are encouraged to bring their own reusable coffee cups and water bottles. Business Update. Adv.

Cops, cakes, games, prizes, food and fun!

A road safety expo that helps make our communities safer and happier places to live.

The very popular & beautiful Police dogs will be back again this year.

A dream that has spanned two decades, finally came true for Nelson super fan Dave Ward, aka, Wardie, when he got the call to say he would be one of the 16 contestants competing on Treasure Island: Fans v Faves. Sara Hollyman sits down with Wardie to find out about the experience and the journey that led him to Fiji.

Dave Ward, aka Wardie, says he has dreamed of being a Survivor contestant for more than two decades. Photo: Sara Hollyman.

BACK or NECK PAIN?

Then try a Teeter

WHY

Because they work! Spinal traction is the oldest recorded medical cure for back issues, rst documented by Hippocrates in 400BC, spinal traction was used successfully for many year’s in modern hospitals however because it was a slow process and tied up hospital beds for long periods, was dropped in favor of surgery, which is considerably faster.

A new study recently published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science brings good news to people struggling with sciatica and lumbar disc disease: surgery may not be your only option for relief. Researchers at Newcastle University found that inversion therapy with a Teeter inversion table o ers back pain and symptoms relief in sciatica patients and may even allow them to avoid surgery altogether.

The case-controlled study evaluated the e ects of regular inversion therapy on the pain symptoms of sciatica patients in line for surgery. The purpose of the study was to, “[measure] symptoms and [compare] the surgery rate following inversion for 85 participants with the surgery rate in 3 control groups.”

Researchers found that lumbar disc disease and sciatica patients in line for surgery who inverted with a Teeter inversion table regularly, were 78% less likely to need surgery than matched individuals who didn’t invert, even as far as two years after the initial trial period.

The study suggests, “…inversion therapy reduces symptoms and the rate of surgery in patients with lumbar disc disease and sciatica.”

Using a Teeter is gentle and relaxing if done properly

WHY TEETER?

Because they are unquestionably the safest, strongest, most comfortable (especially on the ankles) and easiest to operate, Inversion table in the world. Teeter are also the only Inversion tables to meet any and all safety standards for Inversion tables as well as being the only ones FDA approved.

A decision was made by U.L (the top testing facility in the U.S) to test the ve most common brands of Inversion Tables on the U.S market. Teeter was the only brand to pass all tests. All other brands structurally failed in all tests! In the strength test, the best of the cheaper brands structurally failed at only 40% of the test and the worst at 18%. In the endurance test (daily use) the best of the cheaper brands structurally failed at only 12% of the test and the worst at 7%. This is why we only promote Teeter, Inversion is for life, a few minutes of daily use long after your back issues have gone, will help to keep you t and healthy.

I T IS P UR E LOGI C AS TO HOW THE TEETER TABLE WORKS

Discs: It uses gravity to apply traction, the traction gently opens the discs and as they open up they create suction, this suction draws uid from the surrounding tissue back into the discs, re-hydrating them. This is the key! Discs do not have their own blood supply, they rely on trans fer of uid from the surrounding tissue to keep them healthy and hydrated and over the years as discs get thinner with age, they lose the ability to take on uid (just like squeezing a sponge) and they start to de-hydrate.

De-Hydrated discs are less exible, they are harder, more prone to injury, they interfere with nerve roots creating pain and ultimately the de-hydration causes degen eration. The Teeter Inversion table slowly and gently brings the hydration back into the discs, plumping them up. It separates the nerve roots far more e ectively and returns quality of life

Muscles: A lot of pain is muscular, when muscles are stressed they become tight which restricts the ow of blood and lymph through the muscles so toxins build up, Co2 and Lactic Acid. Traction opens up the muscles, Rhythmic Traction, is a gentle rocking motion that stimulates circulation and encourages blood ow through the muscles, which clears the lactic acid into your lymph system where it stimulates lymph ow and deals with it. Most people with serious neck issues see a large improvement after only one treatment.

Posture: Poor posture is one of the major cases of pain and is a major contributor to the deterioration of the body with age. A di erence in leg length causes most of the hip and k nee issues, as they continue to place uneven loads on the joints; similar to the wheels out of alignment on your car.

Trying to correct posture is extremely di cult due to muscle memory, as it constantly pulls the muscles back to where they were. At a level of 40 degrees or more on the Teeter, the muscle groups open up and eventually come back into alignment, using the table daily, does not allow the muscle memory to pull them back out of alignment and slowly the muscles start to lose their memory and go with the ow, allowing the body to come back into correct posture. Then using the table once a day will ensure it is kept there.

This is pure logic, if a machine is out of alignment it does not last long, the only di erence between the body and a machine is that the body is constantly repairing itself, however if the wear and tear on the body is greater than the body’s ability to repair itself, it is a slow decline. The Teeter slowly brings the body out of its decline and allows the body to repair itself, resulting in a far healthier life.

If you are serious about investing in your health and really sorting your issues out, come see us at one of our local roadshows, you have nothing to lose and chances are, a lot to gain.

Our Back Pain Expos

We host a number of back pain expos throughout the country almost every weekend, these expos are a way for people to try out a Teeter Inversion Table and feel the bene ts for themselves in a way that is instructive and informative.

It is also a great way for people who already own a Teeter to come along and get a refreshment course on the use and operation of their Table and clear any questions they have about it.

Sessions run continuously from 10am to 4pm and there are no bookings required, just come along at a time that suits you. There may be a wait during certain times and in these instances chairs are set out for anyone waiting for a turn, or anyone who just wants to ask us a few questions.

We strive to cover the entire country and always try to book the most accessible venues we can. All our upcoming shows in the region are listed in the blue bar below, otherwise check out our website for more

www.inversionnz.co.nz/agenda

Thames Citizens Band Hall, 301 Queen Street

Saturday and Sunday 12th & 13th February 10am - 4pm

Frank Harwood (84 at time of picture) using his Teeter, Frank’s been Inverting for over eleven years and has found it keeps him young

Nicole Russell and Paul Deacon

Betty and Alex Lang

Chris Wensley and Diane Renwick

David Wheeler and Craig Holmes

Jane and Sim Besley

Brynn Brooks, Emlyn Brooks and Briar Rameka-Bates

Katrina Taylor-Hewiff and Susi Taylor

Jo Gould and Aroha Gilling

Jemma Read and Hannah Parker

Emily Whinney, Tuia Marama, and Patrick Docherty

NZ Sotheby’s International Realty Opera in the Park

AquaBot team takes on the world

KATE RUSSELL

Four Nelson students are set to represent New Zealand on the world AquaBot stage - but they need a bit of help to get there.

Ben Jordan-Eastlake, Jett Williams, Finn Harrington and Douglas Miller, also known as ‘Team Lello’, placed first equal in December’s national AquaBot competition in Tauranga against 26 other teams.

They have now been selected to compete at the World Aqua Robotics Championship in Maryland, USA, this May.

The Year 8 and 9 students attend Nelson Intermediate School (NIS) and Nelson College, but formed their team last year at NIS under the guidance of STEAM team leader Sarah Johns.

“It was this time last year that these guys started on this journey,” she says.

“When they first signed up to take part, they thought it might be ‘an hour off school doing reasonably fun stuff’, but it was definitely more fun than they expected.”

Once a week for a year the students met with the brief to design an AquaBot - a remotely operated

underwater vehicle that is guided through obstacle courses.

“There is a lot of trial and error,” says Sarah.

“They design it, build it - it’s all on them.”

Finn says they have learned not only some new skills but also how to work under pressure.

“In the middle of one of the challenges at nationals, one of the propellors fell off so we had to get a new one and glue it back on. But we still managed to come second in that challenge.”

Sarah says the opportunity to go to the world champs is an incredible one, but an expensive one.

“It’s about $7000 per student. We’re asking a lot from our families and community to get there, but we’re going to give it a good nudge.”

The team is going to do some of their own fundraising but has also set up a Givealittle page and would love some local sponsorship.

Sarah says the AquaBot programme at NIS has exploded in the last three years with three teams from the school competing at the last national competition.

“Three years ago we had three

people doing AquaBots, last year we had about 25, and this year 86 kids want to do it,” she says.

“These guys and the teams that were beside them have shone a

light on something that is fun, challenging, and can potentially take you to the world stage,” Sarah says.

To help Team Lello get to the

world champs go to https:// givealittle.co.nz/cause/nis-teamlello or if you would like to offer sponsorship, email sjohns@nelsonintermediate.school.nz

TEAM LELLO: Ben Jordan-Eastlake, Jett Williams, Finn Harrington, and Douglas Miller with their AquaBot, Lello. Photo: Kate Russell.

Article, Nelson Weekly, Feb. 15

Plan now for unexpected power outages

With a little planning, everyone can be better prepared to manage an unexpected power outage.

Cyclone Gabrielle has, all too catastrophically, demonstrated the damage and destruction a natural disaster can create.

Although Cyclone Gabrielle missed the Nelson Tasman region, we might not be so lucky next time. Network Tasman encourages everyone to look at how prepared they are for a crisis and ensure they are as ready as they can be when a natural disaster occurs.

As an essential service, Network Tasman has a comprehensive plan to ensure:

z Our network is resilient to natural disasters; and

z We are prepared to respond and restore power to our communities as quickly as possible should a natural disaster damage our electricity network.

Enhancing Nelson Tasman’s resilience

Many of our consumers live and work in rural areas. To enhance resilience following a disaster we have installed additional wiring at a number of rural schools that makes it easier to connect a mobile generator.

Check your supplies and form a plan

Now is a good time to check your emergency supplies at home. Ideally, everyone should have enough food/ water/ batteries for three days or more. If possible, keep a second full gas bottle at home for the BBQ.

Have a discussion with your family and form a plan for where to meet, who is picking the children up, etc. Talk to your neighbours and get to know your community. Your plan should include:

z An established network of people you can call on for help and their contact details, including contingencies if communications networks are out.

z An evacuation plan that includes where you will go, how you will get there, a pre-packed bag with the things you will need and if necessary, arrangements for your pet. Remember to notify family and friends who might be concerned for you.

z Instructions on how to manually operate an electrically operated garage door - if you need to evacuate, you may need to manually operate an electrically operated garage door to do so.

Visit: www.getready.govt.nz/prepared for more information about how to prepare for an emergency.

Two years ago a deputation from Cawthron Institute applied to Nelson City Council for financial assistance to acquire land at the port reclamation with the view of building a new scientific facility. After a threat to shift to Richmond if a sum of five million dollars asked for from the ratepayers of Nelson was not forthcoming, Nelson City Councillors acquiesced. With an announcement in late 2021 that the project was to start before Christmas, everything seemed to be in order but that was not to be. A media report stating that, because the site had public owned drains running through it, there would be a need to reposition the drains outside the boundary of the site in question. This was achieved with lightening speed to the tune of $3,400,000 of either ratepayer funds. In the process, major disruption occurred and several mature trees were also sacrificed, apparently all for nothing. We are now told that apart from costs ballooning out, Cawthron was to be the Port Company’s tenant. If this is the case, the ratepayers of Nelson deserve an answer. There may be reasons for all the above; if so we look forward to an explanation from all those involved in this confusing saga.

Dan McGuire

Mayor concerned by potential fare confusion for new bus service

Why is it a concern when the new bus service is to happen?

Kahurangi Hippolite

Blair Cameron announced as National candidate for Nelson

Congratulations Blair. Our New Zealand National Party team look forward to working with you.

Maureen Pugh MP

Sounds like he will bring great financial skills to the Nat party.

Marie Billington

Congratulations Blair.

Great that you were selected for National in Nelson. You will be great for Nelson.

Georgina McGrath

Congratulations Blair!

You’ll do amazing things for Nelson.

Janelle Hocking

Congratulations Blair, do Nelson proud.

Valda Holland

Metal detectorist finds two lost wedding rings

My husband says that I must be magic, because he knows that whatever it was that he couldn’t find wasn’t there when he looked, and that’s the only way to explain why it is ‘suddenly’ right there, lol.

Fiona Steffens

Awesome.

Kerry Atkinson

Union hoists battle flag in fight for workers

In business, reputation and trust is far more important than cashflow.

Robin Whalley

22-year-old ‘danger to women’ back in jail

TRACY NEAL

Open Justice Reporter

Carlos McRobert McGrath is just 22 but already has three protection orders against him.

Now he’s behind bars for the next 17 months for offences including those against his latest victim, whom he threatened to drag by the hair from his car and run over her head. The impact on her has been “life-changing”, the Nelson District Court heard on Friday.

McRobert McGrath had earlier pleaded guilty to charges including assaulting a person in a family relationship in March last year. Then in August while on bail, he discharged a firearm - a BB pistol on a road next to Nelson’s Tahunanui Beach.

The next day he threatened to kill the complainant involved in the incident which gave rise to the initial charge, and therefore breached a protection order.

Counsel for the police Abigail Goodison said at sentencing that it was going to be difficult for McRobert McGrath to avoid going to jail.

“He poses a risk to any future intimate partner. He’s a danger to women, in essence,” she said.

McRobert McGrath listened impassively via video link from custody where he has been for several months.

McRobert McGrath already spent time in prison in 2017 for similar offending then in 2020 he received a sentence of supervision in relation to family violence matters.

Goodison described the impact of his offending on the latest victim as “destructive” and “life-changing”.

His lawyer Dave Holloway focused on a comment made at a sentencing indication hearing when McRobert McGrath was told that “something needed to be done to re-programme you”.

Holloway said it seemed there were “significant” psychological factors contributing to his behaviour in relation to how he formed and engaged in relationships.

Expert reports noted he had witnessed aggressive behaviour as a toddler, which was a theme that had continued into his young adult years. Holloway told the court the young man’s relationship with his mother wasn’t good.

“She declined to have him home with her on an electronically

monitored basis and he didn’t want to go there.”

He also noted that McRobert McGrath’s last relationship was with a woman a few years older and who had a child.

“I’m no psychologist but there were different things going on in the mix which had contributed to his offending, including that his father died in unusual circumstances when he was nine years old.”

Holloway said it would have had a big impact on him, and he appeared to still struggle with it. He suggested drugs and alcohol had exacerbated the effects of early trauma, but whatever lay ahead in terms of engaging in help, he had “serious work to do”.

Judge Tony Zohrab noted that help had been made available the last time he appeared in court. Holloway said the difference now was that he appeared to be asking for help.

Judge Zohrab said the recent offending was serious and involved “really nasty threats” made to his former partner, including that he would “kill her and her family”, and that he had access to guns through gang associates.

On one occasion she became so

frightened by his threat to drag her out of the car by her hair and run over her head that she jumped from the vehicle as it approached a layby and hid for

them and discharged it multiple times.

The effects of McRobert McGrath’s troubled past were taken into account, but Judge Zohrab said that given his age and past conduct, he would undoubtedly seek another partner in future.

“There’s a real concern about the risk you pose to intimate partners but what I have to weigh up is how I may be able to help you,” he said.

some time in nearby bushes.

McRobert McGrath told police that while he admitted to having argued with the woman, he never threatened her.

Judge Zohrab said on August 6 last year McRobert McGrath was the front passenger in a car near the Tahunanui Beach Reserve, when he frightened people by repeatedly pointing the pistol at

McRobert McGrath was sentenced to 17 months in prison on the charge of threatening to kill and breaching a protection order, six months on the assault charge and two months for discharging the BB pistol, to be served concurrently. Judge Zohrab granted him leave to apply for home detention but only to an address for residential treatment when it became available. McRobert McGrath’s release conditions included that he attend Stopping Violence programmes and alcohol and drug counselling.

www.nelsoncivicchoir.com

The Nelson Civic Choir is pleased and proud to present the following review of their last Christmas concert:

Community Choral at Christmas

Reviewed by Lyndy Sparrow, a Nelson-based writer supporting the arts, music and dance scene

Community Choral at Christmas Making Music & Joy an Annual Tradition – Nelson’s Best Community Concert Nelson Civic Choir and Orchestra –‘Joy To The World – A Seasonal celebration’ Saturday December 3rd 2022, Nelson Cathedral.

When was the last time you felt pure joy? The sustained kind that gives you happy feelings for days. For me it was December 3rd, when I attended the Nelson Civic Choir and Orchestra’s Christmas concert at the Nelson Cathedral. Perhaps the holiday season glee was heightened by the foyer’s blingy Christmas trees. Maybe it was the flurries of families, or how the evening sunlight filtered through the stained glass windows throwing rainbows everywhere. Whatever combination was casting its spell, we were ready - our internationally renowned musical director Jason Balla opened a bag

of musical magic and let it loose. ‘Joy To The World - A Seasonal Celebration’ was divided into two parts. The first showcased cleverly chosen excerpts from Handel’s ‘Messiah’. Balla, an Oxford University music graduate with a wealth of global experience, introduced it with a brief history lesson. Did you know that ‘Messiah’ has only one named character in it – The Angel? I didn’t! Balla explained that in 1741, librettist Charles Jennens gave Handel a biblical story with only one identified character..a radical idea! From this, Handel set to, producing one of the world’s most beloved oratorios. The choir and orchestra deftly executed 10 excerpts including overture, choruses and solos. After intermission the second music selection transported us through Mozart’s ‘Laudate Dominum’ with our Angel soprano soloist Caroline Burchell sending silvery sounds throughout the cathedral. Then it was time for some

old-fashioned everybody-join-in Christmas carols. Encouraged by Balla, the audience lost any inhibitions and sang its heart out! The choir, aided by City of Dunedin organist David Burchell, gave its all too, lifting collective voices into a crescendo that carried down the cathedral steps to Trafalgar Street. Nelsonians are lucky! The Nelson Civic Choir and Orchestra, under Balla’s direction, has found a fresh, exciting voice. The kind of fun intriguing musical programmes typically found in Europe’s cultural centres are now available to us right here. Let’s support these game-changing musical experiences. Some exciting concerts are planned for 2023 so get yourself on the Nelson Civic Choir mailing list www.nelsoncivicchoir.com Bring the kids. Make some memories. Feel the joy.

A victim has described the impact of offending as “life-changing”. Photo: File.

22-year-old ‘danger to women’ back in jail

TRACY NEAL

Open Justice Reporter

Carlos McRobert McGrath is just 22 but already has three protection orders against him.

Now he’s behind bars for the next 17 months for offences including those against his latest victim, whom he threatened to drag by the hair from his car and run over her head. The impact on her has been “life-changing”, the Nelson District Court heard on Friday.

McRobert McGrath had earlier pleaded guilty to charges including assaulting a person in a family relationship in March last year. Then in August while on bail, he discharged a firearm - a BB pistol on a road next to Nelson’s Tahunanui Beach.

The next day he threatened to kill the complainant involved in the incident which gave rise to the initial charge, and therefore breached a protection order.

Counsel for the police Abigail Goodison said at sentencing that it was going to be difficult for McRobert McGrath to avoid going to jail.

“He poses a risk to any future intimate partner. He’s a danger to women, in essence,” she said.

McRobert McGrath listened impassively via video link from custody where he has been for several months.

McRobert McGrath already spent time in prison in 2017 for similar offending then in 2020 he received a sentence of supervision in relation to family violence matters.

Goodison described the impact of his offending on the latest victim as “destructive” and “life-changing”.

His lawyer Dave Holloway focused on a comment made at a sentencing indication hearing when McRobert McGrath was told that “something needed to be done to re-programme you”.

Holloway said it seemed there were “significant” psychological factors contributing to his behaviour in relation to how he formed and engaged in relationships.

Expert reports noted he had witnessed aggressive behaviour as a toddler, which was a theme that had continued into his young adult years. Holloway told the court the young man’s relationship with his mother wasn’t good.

“She declined to have him home with her on an electronically

monitored basis and he didn’t want to go there.”

He also noted that McRobert McGrath’s last relationship was with a woman a few years older and who had a child.

“I’m no psychologist but there were different things going on in the mix which had contributed to his offending, including that his father died in unusual circumstances when he was nine years old.”

Holloway said it would have had a big impact on him, and he appeared to still struggle with it. He suggested drugs and alcohol had exacerbated the effects of early trauma, but whatever lay ahead in terms of engaging in help, he had “serious work to do”.

Judge Tony Zohrab noted that help had been made available the last time he appeared in court. Holloway said the difference now was that he appeared to be asking for help.

Judge Zohrab said the recent offending was serious and involved “really nasty threats” made to his former partner, including that he would “kill her and her family”, and that he had access to guns through gang associates.

On one occasion she became so

frightened by his threat to drag her out of the car by her hair and run over her head that she jumped from the vehicle as it approached a layby and hid for

them and discharged it multiple times.

The effects of McRobert McGrath’s troubled past were taken into account, but Judge Zohrab said that given his age and past conduct, he would undoubtedly seek another partner in future.

“There’s a real concern about the risk you pose to intimate partners but what I have to weigh up is how I may be able to help you,” he said.

some time in nearby bushes.

McRobert McGrath told police that while he admitted to having argued with the woman, he never threatened her.

Judge Zohrab said on August 6 last year McRobert McGrath was the front passenger in a car near the Tahunanui Beach Reserve, when he frightened people by repeatedly pointing the pistol at

McRobert McGrath was sentenced to 17 months in prison on the charge of threatening to kill and breaching a protection order, six months on the assault charge and two months for discharging the BB pistol, to be served concurrently. Judge Zohrab granted him leave to apply for home detention but only to an address for residential treatment when it became available. McRobert McGrath’s release conditions included that he attend Stopping Violence programmes and alcohol and drug counselling.

www.nelsoncivicchoir.com

The Nelson Civic Choir is pleased and proud to present the following review of their last Christmas concert:

Community Choral at Christmas

Reviewed by Lyndy Sparrow, a Nelson-based writer supporting the arts, music and dance scene

Community Choral at Christmas Making Music & Joy an Annual Tradition – Nelson’s Best Community Concert Nelson Civic Choir and Orchestra –‘Joy To The World – A Seasonal celebration’ Saturday December 3rd 2022, Nelson Cathedral.

When was the last time you felt pure joy? The sustained kind that gives you happy feelings for days. For me it was December 3rd, when I attended the Nelson Civic Choir and Orchestra’s Christmas concert at the Nelson Cathedral. Perhaps the holiday season glee was heightened by the foyer’s blingy Christmas trees. Maybe it was the flurries of families, or how the evening sunlight filtered through the stained glass windows throwing rainbows everywhere. Whatever combination was casting its spell, we were ready - our internationally renowned musical director Jason Balla opened a bag

of musical magic and let it loose. ‘Joy To The World - A Seasonal Celebration’ was divided into two parts. The first showcased cleverly chosen excerpts from Handel’s ‘Messiah’. Balla, an Oxford University music graduate with a wealth of global experience, introduced it with a brief history lesson. Did you know that ‘Messiah’ has only one named character in it – The Angel? I didn’t! Balla explained that in 1741, librettist Charles Jennens gave Handel a biblical story with only one identified character..a radical idea! From this, Handel set to, producing one of the world’s most beloved oratorios. The choir and orchestra deftly executed 10 excerpts including overture, choruses and solos. After intermission the second music selection transported us through Mozart’s ‘Laudate Dominum’ with our Angel soprano soloist Caroline Burchell sending silvery sounds throughout the cathedral. Then it was time for some

old-fashioned everybody-join-in Christmas carols. Encouraged by Balla, the audience lost any inhibitions and sang its heart out! The choir, aided by City of Dunedin organist David Burchell, gave its all too, lifting collective voices into a crescendo that carried down the cathedral steps to Trafalgar Street. Nelsonians are lucky! The Nelson Civic Choir and Orchestra, under Balla’s direction, has found a fresh, exciting voice. The kind of fun intriguing musical programmes typically found in Europe’s cultural centres are now available to us right here. Let’s support these game-changing musical experiences. Some exciting concerts are planned for 2023 so get yourself on the Nelson Civic Choir mailing list www.nelsoncivicchoir.com Bring the kids. Make some memories. Feel the joy.

A victim has described the impact of offending as “life-changing”. Photo: File.

SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC

Designs to suit every lifestyle

Designs to suit every lifestyle

Designs to suit every lifestyle

At Versatile we understand how Kiwis live. We know that everyone’s the same when to comes to a desire to be warm, comfortable, and safe from the elements. And we know that everyone’s different when it comes to personal taste, stage of life and living circumstance.

At Versatile we understand how Kiwis live. We know that everyone’s the same when to comes to a desire to be warm, comfortable, and safe from the elements. And we know that everyone’s different when it comes to personal taste, stage of life and living circumstance.

At Versatile we understand how Kiwis live. We know that everyone’s the same when to comes to a desire to be warm, comfortable, and safe from the elements. And we know that everyone’s different when it comes to personal taste, stage of life and living circumstance.

We’ve designed our plans accordingly, with four different ranges catering to every lifestyle imaginable.

We’ve designed our plans accordingly, with four different ranges catering to every lifestyle imaginable.

We’ve designed our plans accordingly, with four different ranges catering to every lifestyle imaginable.

Find out more about our ranges today

Find

0800 837 728 versatile.co.nz

versatile.co.nz

to comes to a desire to be warm, comfortable, and safe from the elements. And we know that everyone’s different when it comes to personal taste, stage of life and

Nelson-based fringe festival superhero finds fame, gets cancelled

Following on from the breakout success of his superhero-themed show ‘Hawkman’ at last year’s Nelson Fringe Festival, local comedian James Murray is heading to the metropolis: Wellington. Crowned Nelson’s second-best comedian during Nelson’s fringe award season, James is keen to go one better this year.

“For that reason, I am not just appearing in Wellington Fringe. There is also a brand-new show for Nelson Fringe – Hawkman 2: Walking on Eggshells,” says James.

“I am absolutely determined to win best comedy show this year. I have made a habit of lightly roasting Nelson Fringe director Giles Burton each time I’ve gone on stage and I wonder if that impacted last year’s decision-making process.

“Giles gets a mention in the new show, I can’t stop myself, but I am much nicer to him this time round and I hope that will sway things my way.”

Hawkman 1 is a show about men and their feelings, which was written as a result of James being diagnosed with ‘moderate to severe depression’ and being told that he had ‘neglected his creative side’.

“I tried poetry first, but that was a horrible mistake. It turns out that I find people laughing with me, at me, or even near me slightly therapeutic.

“My school nickname was ‘unfunny Murray’, which may or may not have something to do with that.

“Men are notoriously bad at talking about feelings and emotions, so I guess in some way this show is about people looking at me – 42, a bit overweight, poorly dressed – and saying to themselves ‘well, if nothing terrible happened to him when he spoke out then maybe nothing terrible will happen to me either.’”

Hawkman 2: Walking on Eggshells is the sequel.

“If Hawkman 1 was the origin story, this next instalment extends the character of Hawkman and imagines what would happen if the show became internationally famous for a fleeting moment, before inevitably flying too close to the sun and bursting into flames.

“There’s a lot of very popular comedians out there at the moment who are mysteriously concerned about their freedom of speech, or that they have been cancelled. They often use their own Netflix

show to let people know this. The new show imagines how Hawkman would react to being cancelled himself, and asks the question – is it really that bad? Perhaps we don’t need to have our voices heard by millions to make a difference.”

Hawkman is part of the Nelson

Fringe Festival which sees artists perform between Thursday, 3 March and Saturday, 1 April. A full schedule can be found at www.nelsonfringe.co.nz

Hawkman 1 returns to Nelson on Sunday 26 March (6pm) at Studio One: www.eventfinda.

co.nz/2023/nelson-fringe-festhawkman-1/nelson

Hawkman 2: walking on eggshells debuts in Nelson on Wednesday 29 March (6pm) at Studio One: www.eventfinda.co.nz/2023/nelson-fringe-fest-hawkman-2-walking-on-eggshells/nelson/tickets

James Murray is Hawkman in his comedy show as part of the Nelson Fringe Festival. Photo: Supplied.

Local History

How rabbits made their way to Nelson

MARG FARRELLY

An article titled ‘The Effects of Acclimatisation’, printed in the Colonist in March 1869, expounded on the plague of rabbits in Australia.

Rabbits, being prolific breeders, were also one of the most destructive animals.

It was calculated that if a single pair were allowed to breed unmolested it could be expected that in four years the progeny would number 1,250,000.

Unfortunately for New Zealand, early settlers brought rabbits with them and released them into the wild, wishing to surround themselves with familiar sights of home.

The rabbits would provide both food and sport.

The arrival of the vessel Eagle in Nelson with a cargo of animals in June 1842, mentions Mr Duppa bringing rabbits, along with fowls, guinea-hens, pigs and cattle.

Advertisements in September

1842 for Bethune and Hunter, Auctioneers in Wellington, often included a number of rabbits for sale, usually in pairs.

An excursion taken by Fox, Renwick, Jollie, and Wells through the Queen Charlotte Sound during March 1845 observed goats, sheep, rabbits, and pigs on the islands near the entrance to the Sounds.

These animals belonged to whalers living in the area.

Nelson settlers liberated rabbits

as early as 1845. Evidence of this can be found in two entries in August in the Ward diary: —25 ‘Uncle and Henry were gone to try to kill a rabbit at top of Dick’s Valley’; 29 ‘Turned out 7 rabbits up Valley.’ Captain Keene liberated 12 silver grey rabbits in the Nelson area during the 1850s.

In 1847 at the Nelson Agricultural and Horticultural Exhibition held on 7 March, a prize was awarded for the best buck and doe (rabbits).

This was the second year that the prize was offered. The prize money of 5 shillings was provided by Mr Fox. Mr Moulder was the proud recipient.

A rumour existed in Otago that the goldminers deliberately spread the rabbits in the region so that they would have fresh meat available near their camps. No exact date appears to exist for their arrival into the country, but it is thought that the first rabbits probably arrived with the early whalers and were definitely established in Southland in the 1840s.

An early December issue of the Otago Daily Times provided readers with advice on how best to raise young rabbits that had been bred in captivity. The selling of rabbits was fetching between 4 and 12 shillings per pair.

The Canterbury Acclimatisation Society had distributed rabbits to its members who, in turn, bred and released them into the wild.

The Otago Society liberated rabbits over three years from 1866.

By 1870,

hillsides were alive with rabbits. The land was riddled with burrows and eaten bare. Vegetation was very slow to recover which then led to soil erosion. Rabbits became public enemy number one. Rabbits were still being imported to New Zealand from overseas.

By the mid-seventies rabbits were proving to be a menace across the land. The ‘Rabbit Nuisance Act’ was passed in 1876, giving the Government inspectors powers to instruct landowners to destroy all rabbits.

By this time the rabbits had multiplied to such an extent it was like trying to shut the stable door after the horse had bolted.

The Acclimatisation Society reaped the wrath of many as it had encouraged the initial importing and releasing of rabbits.

An export trade in rabbit skins began with 3,000 skins exported in 1873, the number rising to about 1,000,000 some four years later.

A hat and cap factory in George Street, Dunedin

belonging to G. H. Glover & Co, made good use of rabbit fur and wool in the felting process. By 1880 the Kaiapoi Woollen Company was also producing felting for hats made from wool and rabbit fur. In 1893, 17 million rabbit skins were exported. Rabbit numbers exploded and the damage they caused to grazing land meant fewer sheep could be run. Station owners employed Small gangs of rabbiters. These gangs would go to sheep stations, staying for some weeks to kill the rabbits by poisoning or shooting. Ferrets, weasels and stoats were imported and released into the wild with the intention that they would kill the young rabbits in the burrows and help reduce the rabbit population. Unfortunately, these predators became responsible for a serious decline in the native bird population.

Throughout the 1870s numerous advertisements appeared in the newspapers, predominantly in

Southland, seeking rabbiters with guns to be employed killing rabbits on the many sheep stations. Each skin would earn the rabbiter 2½ pence.

The rabbit problem was much more severe in the southern part of the South Island than anywhere else in New Zealand. Populations of rabbits were well established in the Invercargill and Riverton areas in the 1860s.

During the 1870s the rabbits from this area began moving along the banks of rivers to spread into Central Otago.

By the early 1880s they had begun to invade Canterbury. The years between 1877 and 1884 saw farmers abandon 75 runs in Otago due to the impact of rabbits. The Mackenzie Country was overrun by rabbits in the 1890s.

Source: Historic Stories from Nelson’s Wakapuaka Cemetery Team. Every effort has been made to guarantee the accuracy of the researched content.

Fairey’s shooting party 1904. Photo: Supplied.

The first few years of your child’s life are some of the most critical, that’s why so many Nelson families trust Paula’s Preschool to look after their children in their most formative years.

Paula’s Preschool is a home away from home for your tamariki. Warmth, trust and aroha are woven into the fabric of their philosophy.

Their trusted team of teachers strive to provide an extension of the home by offering a holistic and nurturing environment. Relationships are the heart of

Paula’s Preschool’s philosophy, through these relationships they support children to grow as “competent learners, and communicators, healthy in mind, body, and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging and in the knowledge that they make a valued contribution to society” (Te Whariki).

Paula’s Preschool is open from 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday. It has a high teacher ratio and is licenced for 22 children aged between 2 and 6. Full time or part time spaces

available. Contact Heidi (owner) on 03 546 4321 or paulastahuna@ gmail.com for enquiries.

Nelson Young Parents’ School is located at Auckland Point School, and is where trained teachers and support staff can help you achieve NCEA, through an individual learning programme, as well as your driver’s licence, parenting, budgeting and other life skills. They also provide career and transition advice and learning experiences that will enrich your well-being.

Your child/ children attend the onsite kindergarten where they are cared for by trained, early childhood teachers. Lunch is provided for students and their children and there is a free pick-up and drop-off transport service available.

Students say “it is non-judgemental and welcoming” and “work at your own pace, in a supportive environment”.

Hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3.10pm, term time only. For more information visit the Nelson

Young Parents’ School on Facebook or phone 03 545 6800.

Jumpin’s Preschool time is lots of fun and a safe place for kids to run free inside. No problem with the weather at Jumpin! Our kids’ areas are always open and ready for fun.

The playground with tunnel slide and bouncy castle has a preschool party area right beside it to have

your child’s party in, all fenced and secure. We have an under-8 trampoline area with their very own foam pit, and they are also allowed on any of the other trampolines if supervised, so can really get rid of that excess energy. Our SPECIAL preschool price of $8 from 10am to 2pm during the school term, excluding holidays, is also an opportunity for parents to have a bouncy with their child for free.

Great meet-up place for preschoolers to have a play time together while parents/caregivers sip on one of our Barista coffees from our snack bar. Come check us out.

The Children’s Garden is a unique nature and Pikler inspired, early learning and care environment for infants through to starting school. Celebrating and recognizing the

importance of ‘Well-being’ has become a very important and integral focus for this early learning team. ‘ We have been recognized by ERO for our unique key features – specifically our commitment to creating a calm, peaceful and respectful environment for young children and also our passion for nurturing high quality learning’, says principal Natasha Kibble.

The Children’s Garden is ‘spacious, natural, open and homely, and the curriculum is driven by the children's own fascinations and curiosity; we focus on the children’s natural urges and desires to play, imagine and be curious of the world around them’.

We believe the possibilities for children to thrive are endless when child-led play is valued as meaningful for growing their love of learning and being with others. We believe childhood is a magical time that deserves to be wondrous in every possible way!

Enquire now about our openings for infants, toddler and young children (0-6yrs).

Phone 03-553-0665 for more information or check out The

Children’s Garden, Aotearoa on Facebook.

Specialising in care for infants, BabySpace is Richmond’s early childhood centre that caters for young children all the way from birth to getting them ready for their first day of school. The family owned and operated business by Lynda Richards and Chris Barnett has been providing a safe space for the communities’ infants and toddlers to flourish since 2008.

Acknowledging that choosing the right place for your children is one of the most important decisions people will ever make, Lynda, who has 35 years experience in Early Childhood Education, and her team welcome anyone looking into childcare options to come down and see why so many families speak so highly of BabySpace. Open from 7:45am to 5:15pm

Looking for a fun and educational experience for your little ones? Come visit Natureland Wildlife Trust!

Our park is the perfect place for children to learn about animals and nature in a safe and

interactive environment.

Recently, we had some exciting events at Natureland! We welcomed some adorable new arrivals, including yaks and goat triplets. Kids can also get up close and personal with our resident rabbits and feed our alpacas and goats. Plus, our staff are always on hand to answer any questions and provide fascinating insights into the wonderful animals here at Natureland. With plenty of outdoor space to run around and explore, Natureland is the perfect destination for a family day out. So why not come and see for yourself? We can’t wait to welcome you and your little ones to our wonderful park!

Learn to swim through New Zealand’s largest swim school at Richmond Aquatic Centre

SwimMagic is a revolutionary swim school programme designed to give children the best chance of progression in the shortest possible time. Magic Moments aims to teach the valuable life skill of swimming, through a simplistic, positive and fun approach. SwimMagic has developed

its programme with the intention of nurturing through participation in a range of safe and enjoyable activities. The classes are a fun way to spend some quality time participating in a range of fun and stimulating activities designed to gain confidence in the water, teach water safety and

emergent swimming skills. All activities are based around each child’s current development and are also designed to help enhance their development in the three key areas: physical, cognitive and emotional.

Contact Richmond Aquatic Centre on 03 543 9755 to find out more.

Nelson College players earn major Crusaders representation

JACK MALCOLM

Nelson College’s rugby program

me is celebrating its success after making almost a quarter of the Crusaders U20 squad.

Twelve current and former players from the school were named in the squad, which first XV head coach Jono Philips calls a testament to the work they have been doing.

He believes the ‘rugby programme’ which they have implemented as a subject option at school is paving a way forward for the sport.

“As a model, this should be looked at nationally. . . the school’s bucking the national trend.”

The rugby programme has grown year on year to now encompass hundreds of students at the school, with over 200 students signed up to play this year.

Jono says the programme isn’t all about making the next crop of All Blacks and instead focuses on helping young men find their way in the world.

“It’s helping boys into individual and tertiary education and

linking with local businesses. . . looking to connect some of those career paths.

“The rugby programme, for people to get that sense of belonging, is awesome.”

While he always hopes that people from the programme excel, it was a surprise to see how well represented they were in the U20 squad.

Netani Baleisomosomo, Tylah Blake, Cooper Grant, Ollie Inch, Dylan Irvine, Hunter Leppien, Matt Lowe, Nelesoni Malaulau, Nic Sauira, Timoci Sauira, Jordan Smith and Wil Thornalley were all named in the squad.

“Now there’s some progression links to the programme,” says Jono. “They now become aspirational for our players.”

He says there’s been a clear pathway established through the school, into the Mako programme and to the Crusaders.

The Crusaders U20 squad of 53 players will be narrowed down as the team approaches Super Rugby Aotearoa U20 in March, with the squad training together for the next few weeks.

SUPER SALOON CHAMPIONSHIP

Hundreds of paddlers take to Lake Rotoiti

Conditions were perfect as more than 200 paddlers made their way out onto Lake Rotoiti for the annual Tuna e Hoe Ana regatta organised by Nelson’s Maitahi Outrigger Canoe Club earlier this month. With competitors ranging from eight-years-old to paddlers in their 70s, this year’s event saw a record number of rangatahi and tamariki crews. Motueka Waka Ama Club’s Olle Ros was awarded the prize for the best youth steerer with fellow club member Bailea Hahn getting the award for outstanding young paddler. Trophies in the adult races were spread around the clubs from the South Island, with Christchurch based Te Waka Pounamu landing many of the prizes.

Whakatu Marae’s Whae Works crew took home the prize for the fastest women’s waka, followed

by Te Tai o Aorere’s Atawhai. In the men’s divisions, Maitahi’s Krakenz 50 crew, many of whom competed at last year’s sprint World Championship, were the fastest canoe with the joint Hawaiian/New Zealand waka from Anuenue/Waitaha showing many of the younger crews a clean pair of heels. The event ended with a mixed crew event and Waikawa were the standout winners, with some of the crew members battling through after having completed about 36km of paddling over the weekend in the various races. Unlike last year’s event, which was run under Covid-19 restrictions and subjected to flooding and heavy rain, paddlers were treated to perfect conditions on both Friday for the single and double waka and on Saturday for the six person canoes.

Nelson College’s co-captain from 2022, Nelesoni Malaulau, is one of 12 former Nelson College players named in the U20 Crusaders squad. Photo: Barry Whitnall/Shuttersport.

Lake Rotoiti was full of action and energy as over 200 Waka Ama paddlers competed in the annual Tuna e Hoe Ana regatta organised by Nelson’s Maitahi Outrigger Canoe Club earlier this month. Photo: Supplied.

Skate community chips in to get the job done

JACK MALCOLM

Skate Nelson has undergone a serious refit over summer as club members pitched in to upgrade their rink.

Spearheaded by the inline hockey players, the Nelson Whalers, clear perspex panels have been installed and the corners of the rink have been completely remodelled to act more consistently.

Club president of both Skate Nelson and the Nelson Whalers, Alethea Stove, says the work has been done entirely by their members, saving substantial amounts of money.

“We’ve got builders, we’ve got engineers and we’ve got welders.” “It couldn’t have been done without a group of super passionate guys.”

The refit cost $33,000 in materials, with massive savings in

labour as she estimates a minimum of 1000 hours has been donated by club members, with everyone pitching in to get the work done as quickly as possible.

“There’s lots to do, but it’s safe for the public now. We’ve just been cleaning it, the whole place was covered in dust.

“We’re a member-owned facility. People think we’re a council building, but the way we fund it is public skating.”

Previously the corners of the rink wouldn’t act predictably and would squirt the puck out in random directions, which took away a big part of the game’s strategy.

Teams often use the boards to ‘sling’ the puck around the back of the net, but the previous configuration had meant they had to find other ways to play the game.

“When we went away, we’d have to get used to playing on proper

boards,” says Alethea.

“Netting and carpet covered half the walls. It’s never been the regulation height. . . hockey just had to make do.”

Senior player and junior coach Andrew Friesen says they’ve been putting in massive hours to get the project done.

“You come in and there’s so much more light. It looks completely different.

“It’s been about three times a week, there’s a couple of guys who have been to pretty much every session.”

He says the response from the community to get the job done has highlighted the need for the work in the first place. The club will look to recover some of the costs of the instalment by selling sponsorship advertising on the new boards, as well as continuing to run public sessions now they can open again.

Cycle trail welcomes new crusher

The Coppermine bike trail has been given a new lease on life with the arrival of its new $45,000 crusher. Unofficially named ‘Crusher Collins’ after former National Party leader Judith Collins, the new machine will provide much needed aggregate to keep the trail riding smoothly.

Nelson Tasman Cycle Trails Trust trail manager Belinda Crisp says the machine will help with much needed maintenance to the remote parts of the ride. While there had been irregular work done to keep it up and running, the cost of transporting material out to site was becoming too burdensome. “It’s currently a grade three or four (ride). . . but it’s riding like a grade five after the extreme weather event. “Works were always planned for this Autumn on water erosion, drainage and resurfacing to return it to its former glory.”

Belinda says the trail is a popular favourite among riders who like to have extended rides, with almost 5000 users in 2021. Log books from riders completing the trail are full of praise for the trail, with visitors commenting on everything from the “spectacular scenery” to the “great history lesson from sign boards along the way”.

The fact the five-hour ride starts and ends in the city but takes you into remote New Zealand landscapes makes it highly regarded as one of the best single-track loops in the country, she says.

“It connects the city, the mineral belt, rivers, forest and bush. It has this real journey.

“Reading survey comments just makes your heart so proud of having it in the community.”

The Whangamoa

When it was acknowledged the Maungatapu Track was too steep for a practical road to Marlborough, interest returned to the old Māori track from Happy Valley, over the Whangamoa range. James Mackay had explored it in 1867, but funding

and construction delays meant it was 18 years before it was opened in 1885. Three young men on pennyfarthings tackled the new mountain route. One crashed and returned to Nelson while the other two arrived in Blenheim two days later.

Twins Olivia and Emily Smith (13) are just two of the hundreds of inline hockey players who are set to benefit from a massive community effort to improve their rink. Photo: Jack Malcolm.

The new ‘Crusher Collins’ will make work improving the isolated parts of Coppermine much easier and cost efficient to service. Photo: Supplied.

As parts of the country were being devastated by the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle, Nelson surfers found the silver linings from the storm. Nelsonbased photographer Greg Monahan was on location at the Boulder Bank early on Monday morning last week to capture all the action as the best waves in months rolled into Schnappers Point.

SUPER RUGBY TIPPING

PETE JONES

The Tasman Rugby Union will need a new board chair after the resignation yesterday of Scott Ford, who has held the position since February 2022.

Scott resigned from his roles as both chair and independent director of the board, effective immediately.

The Christchurch-based company manager said there were “a couple of reasons” for his departure after seven years on the board.

“I pretty much went onto the Tasman board when I was living in Nelson and as soon as I finished playing rugby over there,” he said. “Then I subsequently moved to Christchurch.”

Scott says he stepped into the chair’s role because it was felt as “being the best thing for the union for me to take over the role at that time”.

“I only planned to do it for a certain amount of time because it is a bit hard being remote … this was probably going to be my last year [on the board] anyway. I was keen to set it up so I could hand it over in a good state.”

However, a recent difference of opinion with fellow board members saw Scott make the decision to step aside now, rather than later.

“I put a motion to a resolution through with strong recommendations from Tasman ops with real good rationale why they needed it a certain way – backed up by the high-performance team and backed up by the commercial team - and the board largely didn’t support it.

“So I basically said I am going to leave now because I don’t want to be a part of driving a wedge between governance and operations. Simple as that really.

“I am a man of principle and I couldn’t stand up and look in the mirror knowing I had stayed at the helm and let that potential wedge get driven.

“In my day job I run a big contracting operation and I never undermine my operations by going against them by saying I know best, as the manager, so I am not going to

do the same in governance.”

Scott was reluctant to provide more details on the actual sticking point, not wanting to exacerbate the situation.

He described his seven-year stretch with Tasman rugby as “bloody great”.

“There is no doubt that we had a bit of a fairytale story for a few years and boxed well above our weight on the high-performance side of things.

“I guess we always want to do better in the community space and we haven’t always got it right … it is hard to satisfy everyone, but we have got some really good plans and strategy going forward. It is about getting a good balance between the high performance and community spaces. You don’t want to throw the baby out with the bathwater.”

Tasman rugby CEO Lyndon Bray announced Ford’s resignation in a letter to stakeholders yesterday, adding, “I wish to reflect on the fact that Scott … has been with the TRU Board for over seven years as a director and has provided a sterling service to the region of Tasman.

“Scott has also fulfilled the role of director on the Crusaders’ board, as the Provincial Union Stakeholders’ elected director. He will continue to focus on that role on our behalf.

“The Board wishes to thank Scott for the incredible commitment he has given to Tasman Rugby, and as the CEO I personally would like to thank Scott for his support and guidance during 2022.”

Scott, originally from Marlborough, is the son of former All Blacks winger and Red Devils centurion Brian Ford.

Lyndon said the board would likely announce an interim chair, while the appointment process is worked through for a replacement independent director.

The TRU Annual General Meeting is expected to be held towards the end of April.

vs REBELS

Photo: Greg Monahan, Whistling Frog Media.

Tasman rugby chair steps aside

Community Notices

MONDAY

ACTING UP DRAMA GROUP Mon, 10.30-2pm. Whakatu Presbyterian Church Hall, 271 Songer St. Stoke. New members welcome. Ph Anne 03 538 0400.

HAVEN QUILTERS Friendly group meets every Mon 9.30am in Nelson. Bring hand or machine work. $5 per session. For more information Ph Lesley 027 295 4986.

OSTEOACTIVE – Mon, 9.30am, Holy Trinity Hall, 27 Dorset Street, Richmond. Exercise class for those with osteoarthritis. Exercise reduces joint pain and stiffness. Ph: Nicola 021 078 8609. Cost: Koha.

WOULD YOU LIKE A BIKE? Bike Hub Nelson accepts donations of good used bikes, fixes them up and gives them away for a small koha. Come and see us at 142 Saxton Rd Mon 5.30-7pm. For other opening times and a map E: bikehubnelson@gmail.com

TUESDAY

NELSON NEWBIES WALKING GROUP welcomes new people. Every Tues & Fri, 10am in Nelson, Stoke, Richmond. Ph: Karin 022 152 9963.

NELSON 50+ WALKING GROUP – Maitai Valley. Tue, 28 Feb. 9.45am meet at Botanics. BYO lunch. Ph: Sally 021 026 94610.

STOKE CENTRAL COMBINED PROBUS welcomes new members. Meet every 4th Tues of the month, 10am. Stoke Methodist Church Hall, 94 Neale Ave. Interesting speakers, outings, and lunches. Ph: Rosemary 03 970 6872.

WELLBY TALKING CAFÉ: Tues, 7 Mar, 10 -11.30am. McCashin’s Stoke. Wellby Talking Cafés are about social connection and finding out about groups, activities and services. www.wellby.org.nz 03 5467681.

COFFEE & CROSS Want to talk to someone about God, church, Jesus? No catch - join me for coffee at YAZA, 11-

12 Tues. I'll listen. Rev. Gordon, wearing a Cross & Collar. FRIENDLY SIXTY PLUS GROUP. Play Five Hundred and Rummikub. Tues 1:30 - 3:30pm. Victory Church, 238 Vanguard St. Ph: Tracey-Lynn on 022 099 6556 or 546 9057. Gold Coin entry.

WEDNESDAY

WAIMEA HARRIERS: Sharland Cycles 5k fun run and walk. Wed, 22 Feb. 6pm start from Club Waimea, Richmond. Everyone and all abilities welcome. See website for details. Ph: 022 372 9432.

COMMUNITY SING A LONG Wed 1 Mar, 1.30pm. Stoke Methodist Hall 94 Neale Ave. Afternoon tea provided. Gold coin donation for Nelson Hospital Chaplaincy. All Welcome.

POP-UP PSYCHODRAMA Wed, 15 Mar, 7– 9.30pm. Victory Centre, 2 Totara St. Come along and experience this lively method exploring personal, political and community issues. Led by an experienced psychodrama practitioner. No acting experience required! More info Ph: Ali 027 276 5992.3rd Wed of month. Cost: Koha

RADIO CONTROL SAILING at Best Island on Wed and Sun, weather permitting, usually 1pm onwards. IOMs and Dragon Force etc. New Members welcome. Ph: Peter 027 544 3923 for information and times.

AIKIDO Want to learn self-defence and become more confident? Do AIKIDO Japanese Martial Art. We have children’s classes from 8 -16yrs Wed & Fri 5pm – 6pm. Check out www.aikidonelson.nz or Ph: Callum 021 069 4211.

SCRABBLE CLUB meet every Wed, 7pm, Nelson City Club

1 Kinzet Terrace. Ph: Tony 545 1159 or Genie: 021 214 1270. All ages welcome.

MASSAGE THERAPY Wed, 9 -12pm. Victory Community Centre. Remedial massage is used to relieve tension in specific muscles that have built up due to injury or stress

DEADLINE: 10AM FRIDAY 50 WORDS OR LESS BY EMAIL ONLY SEND TO: myevent@nelsonweekly.co.nz

& may be causing pain & dysfunction. Contact us to make an appointment. Times available 9-9.45am, 10.3011.15am. Cost: Sliding Scale - $5 - $40.

THURSDAY

LEGO @ VICTORY COMMUNITY CENTRE Last Thurs of each month. 3.30-4.30pm. Come and get creative, playing with Lego. Free Event, All ages. Ph: 021 106 9000.

WELLBY TALKING CAFÉ: Thurs, 9 Mar, 1.30 -3pm. Nightingale Library Tāhunanui. Wellby Talking Cafés are about social connection and finding out about groups, activities, and services. www.wellby.org.nz 03 5467681.

OFF YOUR ROCKERS CHOIR Thurs, 2pm. Baptist Church Hall, Bridge St. Invites new singers and instrumentalists, 60 plus, to join our fun choir. No auditions. Further information Ph: Jan 03 545 0434.

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP meet 1st Thurs of the month, 1.30-3.30pm. Broadgreen House 276 Nayland Rd. Ph: Bill 03 544 8635 or 03 539 1137.

FRIDAY

FR CHRIS SKINNER IN CONCERT 25 Feb, 7pm. St Francis of Assisi Church, Songer Street, Stoke. Door sales on the night also available from: Richmond Mall Kiosk Desk or Ph: Margot: 027 4448 398.

SONGBIRDS LADIES CHOIR, Fri morning Rehearsals in Stoke. New female singers welcome. If you enjoy singing and can hold a tune, please give me a call. Ph: Mary 03 544 8232 or 021 133 4805.

AMPUTEE SOCIETY Top of the South meet last Friday of the month for coffee and a chat at the Honest Lawyer around 10am. Outside if sunny –inside if wet. Bring a friend or support person. Look forward to seeing you there.

COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE every Fri, 9-11.30am. Vic-

tory Community Centre. Designed to make treatment affordable and accessible for all. Dress comfortably in loose fitting clothing so you can roll up your pants and sleeves. Cost: Sliding Scale - $5 - $40

SATURDAY / SUNDAY

WALK THE RUNWAY @ NELSON AIRPORT Sat 25 Feb, 8pm. Meet inside airport terminal. Bring the family, Gold Coin Donation and all funds go to Leukaemia and Blood Cancer NZ and the Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge. NELSON DANCE ALONG Sat 25 Feb, 7.30-11pm. Richmond Town Hall. Plate for Supper, Music by Warren Fenemor. Everyone Welcome. Cost $6 pp. Ph: Rosalie Winter 03 538 0133.

NELSON RAILWAY Founders Park. The Railcar will run from 11am Sat & Sun this weekend, weather permitting. Check our facebook page and website for updates.

FR CHRIS SKINNER IN CONCERT Sat 25 Feb, 7pm. St Francis of Assisi Church, Songer Street, Stoke. Door sales on the night also available from: Richmond Mall Kiosk Desk, or Ph: Margot: 027 4448 398. Raffle tickets sold will be drawn on the night.

THE NELSON INSTITUTE PRESENTS a talk by Nelson publisher Robbie Burton on his memoir Bushline. Sun 25 March, 2pm. At the Nelson Public Library. Cost $3. NELSON SPIRITUALIST CHURCH weekly service Sunday 7pm-8pm. Corner Tipahi and Motueka Sts.

GENERAL GROUPS

ART EXHIBITION. During the month of Feb. 38 Bolt Rd, Tāhunanui (The art corner of the Nelson Golf Club Cafe). A colourful display of works by Local Artist Shirley Crampton. Open to the public daily.

FREE FUNCTION ROOM HIRE to all community groups.

Available 7 days. Wakatu Hotel, 83 Collingwood Street.

Craig 548 4299.

HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT OF BECOMING A VOLUNTEER? Are you a community organisation looking for volunteers, training, info, or advice? Check out our website www.volunteernelson.org.nz Ph 546 7681.

BLOOD CANCER SUPPORT GROUP meet monthly for more information Ph: Heather 027 444 4708.

ENLIVEN DAY PROGRAMMES for the elderly. Could you – could you give a few hours one day a week to assist with activities or on van pickups? Full training is provided. Ph: Maaike 03 265 5224 or E: maaikef@psusi.org.nz

ENLIVEN POSITIVE AGEING social and activity groups. Looking for volunteers to help on vans or chat, make tea, help games etc. Phone Maaike 03 265 5224.

NELSON TASMAN HOSPICE Need volunteers to help in Nelson, Richmond, Motueka and Takaka Hospice Shops. Volunteering is a great chance to meet new people, gain new skills and help your Hospice. Morning or afternoon availability appreciated. Ph: 03 546 3912 or Email Krisca.gould@nelsonhospice.org.nz

GROW Needing help. Use a Program and Method. We are here for your mental health. Koha appreciated. Ph: Patricia 547-6120.

ASTHMA? COPD? Nelson Asthma Society offers a free eight-week Pulmonary Rehab Course - Nelson course in August, and Motueka in November. This course can help you improve your respiratory self-management skills and shortness of breath. Phone your medical centre for a “Pulmonary Rehab course referral” or contact asthma. nelson@xtra.co.nz

CAKE DECORATORS are inviting new members to join. You don't need any skills. Come and learn how to work with fondant, sugar paste and chocolate. Creating flowers, figurines and covering a cake. Phone Desiree 027 630 2359.

Community notices are free to community groups, schools, churches, gold coin donation events and fundraising only. For classified ads and public notices please call 548 5900. Due to the popularity of this column, while every effort will be made, inclusion cannot be guaranteed for free ads.

4200 890

Ph 5440723 or 021417413

FOR SALE

Viking Espire Kayak and push bike.

Kayak comes with oar, life jacket and wheels.

Total cost $700. Call 027 814 7805

GALBRAITH

Helen Janet

26/11/1962 - 21/2/2003

In our hearts a memory will always be kept of one we loved and will never forget.

Love Mum, Dad, Baz, Nicky, Dean & Natalie.

MEMORIAL

Andrew and Ellie Mitchell welcome with much love, IVY

Thanks very much to Morgan and Casey for a wonderful home birth.

MEMORIAL JORDAN

Karin Joena

Now 5 years since you left us, you gave us, your friends and family so much pleasure. We will love you forever.

Dad, Bevan & Reece

BRUNELL Aileen

2/3/1938 - 23/2/2022

Some days move slow while others move fast. But one year has flown since you have passed. The memories are sharp and the pictures are clear. We remember you with smiles and laughter, no need for tears. You were a great mum surely one of the best. Now you are at peace a time for a rest. We all miss you dearly and wish you could come back but maybe we will meet a little further down the track.

Love you Terry.

Dorothy Annie (Dot)

Died peacefully at Summerset Richmond Ranges on Tuesday February 14, 2023, aged 100 years young. Adored mother of Ian & Jocelyn and Jan & the late Pete Blackmore and grandmother of Scott & Sarah (USA). Loved by all her family and many friends. May her incredible life be a reminder that one person CAN make a difference. A private cremation has been held. Special thanks to the wonderful staff at Summerset Richmond Ranges Care Centre for their loving support.

DELIVERERS WANTED

For further details please email: deliveries@thedeliveryguy.co.nz

Notice to all Advertisers: By placing your advertisement you agree with the terms and conditions of the Nelson Weekly Ltd. Payment is due by the 20th of the following month. All debt recovery costs will be on-charged to the customer. Interest will be charged on overdue debts greater than 90 days. Cheques are no longer accepted. Should you require any further information please view our Terms of Trade at https://topsouthmedia.co.nz/terms-of-trade/ or call 548 5900 option accounts.