9 Housing advocate’s natural escape Nelson Tasman Housing Trust director Carrie Mozena balances the stress of her complex role with another passion which involves the simplicity of nature.
12 Mastering economy in overdrive Embracing thrift, skipping chores, and creative meals.
13 Reuniting families with lost medals Ian Martyn reunites families with medals awarded to their forbears who were veterans of war.
14 Making waves with radio sailing boats Nelson retirees race model yachts, fostering friendship, competition, and community fun.
17 Giving everyone a sporting chance Heather Walker has dedicated her life to making sports accessible for all.
Grab your copy: Nelson City Council, Elma Turner Library, Stoke Library, Greenmeadows Centre, Tasman District Council, Richmond Library, Alioke Eatery, Motueka Guardian office, Motueka Library, Rabbit Island Coffee Co, retirement homes, waiting rooms, cafés and various other locations.
On the cover
Basil Hart with his 1-meter design boat. Page 14-15.
Top South Media 563 Main Rd, Stoke, topsouthmedia.co.nz
issuu.com/nelsonweekly
Happy Birthday Best Life
What a fabulous first year we have had meeting amazing people from all walks of life in our region. Thank you to the advertisers, bookworms, businesses, community volunteers, creatives, gardeners, health experts, and sportspeople for sharing your passions. Thank you also to the TSM team; designers, writers and photographers who have woven these stories together which challenge us to ‘have a go,’ take risks, and inspire us to continue to live our Best Life.
As the warmer days arrive, along with the Christmas cards and confectionary, we know summer and the festive season is just around the corner. I’m very excited as five of our six children and 11 grandies are joining us here in Nelson. I can’t wait to show off our beach and Boulder Bank, have boat rides around our beautiful backyard of the Abel Tasman bush and walk the waterfront.
Happy festive and family celebrations from me to you and remember… unexpected adventures make better stories.
Karen Scott
Majestic Theatre: Nelson’s grand legacy
Story: Justin Eade
Anyoneborn in Nelson before 1995 may remember the old Majestic Theatre on Trafalgar Street, which certainly lived up to its name in every respect. Opening in 1929, the 1200 seater was marvelled at by Nelsonians, and was one of the grandest of old ‘movie palaces’ from that era. Indeed, the Nelson Evening Mail at the time proclaimed, “It can unhesitatingly be stated that the Majestic Theatre compares favourably with any theatre in the Dominion.”
The theatre was filled to capacity on opening night, with many scores of people having to be turned away, and the Mail breathlessly exclaimed, “The interior decoration and appointment of the theatre were undoubtedly a tremendous surprise to everyone and admiration of the furnishings, lighting and general appearance of the interior was expressed on all sides.”
With an orchestra pit, ‘ten star’ dressing rooms and two chorus dressing rooms, the theatre was lit with over 500 bulbs using colour effects, and its total cost was 40,000 pounds. Films were played there as well as live performances, for many decades.
In 1958 it was reported a performance of George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion was interrupted when two stage sets fell on the players ten minutes after opening. The curtains were drawn and thirteen minutes later they opened again with the stage set restored. The show went on, with none of the players injured.
The New Zealand Ballet Company visited in the 1960s with Alice in Wonderland, Façade and Nutcracker. Lo-
cal shows included the RSA Tin Hats Club’s Anzac Day Revues, the Nelson SPCA’s Pet Parades, a Mannequin Parade showing off the latest fashions, and the Coles Talent Quest, which once featured renowned guitarist Peter Posa.
In 1964 the Vienna Boys Choir visited, as did the New Zealand Opera Company with Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte And Billy J Kramer ‘and his long-haired associates’ played two packed-out shows.
The theatre hosted finalists in the Miss Zealand Pageants in 1966 and 1967, with performers like Howard Morrison, John Hore, Jerry Merito, Paul Walden, ‘The Māori Hakas’ and ‘The Quintikis’ playing to packed houses. The Māori Volcanics also performed at the theatre, and it was home to Anzac Day ceremonies.
However, by the late 1980s it seemed the theatre had fallen into disrepair, with the New Zealand Ballet’s Mark Keyworth saying the theatre was the worst in New Zealand in which the ballet had performed. “The facilities for the dancers, or for any performers on that stage, are to say the least, horrific.”
By 1996 the theatre belonged to the Apostolic Church, who had made a deal to sell it to developers, but a fire that gutted the building in early January meant the building was knocked down days later as it threatened other nearby buildings.
But certainly, from the 1930s to the 1980s the theatre holds great memories for many Nelsonians as a magnificent facility for concerts and films.
Majestic Theatre, interior seating. Nelson Provincial Museum, Geoffrey C Wood Collection: 209067
40 years of community support
In1984, Kiwis were horrified by devastating floods in Southland, then Wellington’s Trades Hall bombing. Auckland Harbour Bridge’s toll was abolished, New Zealand’s population reached three million, and we learned more people lived in Auckland than in the entire South Island.
A stunning 93.7% of us turned out to vote in Muldoon’s snap election, Poi E was our favourite song, and at 10am on 8 October 1984, Nelson Bays Citizens Advice Bureau proudly opened its doors for business!
The number 40 is significant historically: Noah’s great flood lasted 40 days and nights, Ali Baba clashed with 40 thieves, pregnancy lasts 40 weeks, and ships were held in port for 40 days during the bubonic plague, providing the basis for our word ‘quarantine’ (quaranta is 40 in Italian).
Long ago, 40 was considered old, but today, according to Dave and the Dynamos, “Life Begins at 40”! According to recent research, turning 40 encourages us to look back on our achievements, re-assess our lives, and consider future goals. 40 is a significant milestone.
Since day one, CAB has logged every query. The data we collect is shared with appropriate authorities in the hope that problems are better understood, anomalies fixed, and services improved.
Volunteers in Nelson answered 1,600 queries in their first six months, noting the main issues were consumer rights, housing, employment, finances, and concerns about old folk, ethnic minorities, and young marrieds, who all struggled with living costs. Some things don’t change! By the 1990s, we were dealing with around 6,000 queries annually.
CAB is unique. We’re the only organisation able to provide reliable statistics across every issue imaginable. For example, during Covid we provided stories and sta-
tistics to the government about what was happening in different communities, how various age bands and ethnicities were being affected, and what help was needed. Originally, most enquiries were face-to-face, and everything was paper-based. The office was bursting with files, manuals, pamphlets, handouts, and a complex, category-based filing system. Today, we access information digitally, with fewer paper options.
However, completing a form on a phone isn’t easy. CAB prints forms and information only accessible online, free of charge. Our volunteers happily help clients understand and fill them in too, and our increasingly diverse range of migrants appreciate our free phonebased translation service.
Because Google allows people to find answers to simple questions, problems are now more complex, averaging about 30 minutes each. In 2023/24, our top categories were: Conditions of Work, Relationships, Rental Housing, Consumer Law, and Citizenship and Immigration. Half of our clients are from Nelson, about 20% from Tasman, and the rest from anywhere in New Zealand. Interestingly, those aged 30 to 39 – our most digitally savvy – still remain the largest age group.
Over the years, CAB’s service delivery has changed, yet one thing remains the same: our wonderful volunteers’ ability to provide a listening ear, words of encouragement, and suggestions about what to do next. We believe no form of technology will ever fully replace a caring human being.
CAB Nelson Tasman
Paru Paru Rd Nelson TDC Richmond Community House Motueka Ph 03 548 2117 or 0800 367 222 cab.org.nz
Housing advocate’s natural escape
Known for her passion for providing housing, Nelson Tasman Housing Trust director Carrie Mozena balances the stress of her complex role with another passion which involves the simplicity of nature.
Interview by Judene Edgar
Sitting eating a bowl of the most sumptuous seafood chowder, I knew that I could live here. On my first visit to Nelson 25 years ago, my partner and I were sitting in The Boat Shed Café – the tide was in, the sky was blue, the sun high. Drawn to Nelson by its three national parks, the seafood chowder helped seal the deal.
I’d never tramped or camped as a child except for a short stint in Girl Guides. But at 18, I was living in Ohio and about to start at Duke University when I read about ‘Project Wild’, a pre-orientation programme for Duke students which included camping, hiking, rock climbing, and other wildness activities. There really was no competition… it was this or sororities.
After the 10-day programme I was hooked and became a Project Wild leader while studying. After graduating, I went on to work for the North Carolina Outward Bound School as an outdoor instructor and then as associate programme director for eight years, but even after I left Outward Bound for the corporate world, my love of the outdoors and adventures remained.
Preparation is the key. From planning routes to food supplies and equipment, there are a lot of skills required for long, remote tramps in areas without huts, flushing toilets or cellphone coverage. Good navigation skills are particularly important, as is the choice of tent – good shelter is critical.
Getting out there helps clear the mind and puts things into perspective. The day-to-day challenges of consents, construction, and funding, and working with people in dire housing need in my day job as director of Nelson Tasman Housing Trust, can become quite all-consuming, so a tramp over a long weekend or holiday is a refreshing change of pace.
Tramping is about simple decisions, whereas work is about multiple and competing complexities. There’s something about meeting the elemental challenges of nature and the simplicity of decisions like choosing tent sites, what time to start walking in the morning, or finding the best place and time to cross a river.
Most of my favourite walks have been in New Zealand –The Douglas Range in Kahurangi National Park and Three Tarn Pass into the West and East Matakitaki, as well as The Five Passes Route in Mt Aspiring National Park. We really are spoiled for choice in the South Island.
Love life on your terms. At Summerset there are fewer chores and more choice. So if you’re done with gardening, you can hang up your gloves. But if you’re a big fan of getting amongst the flowerbeds, there’s a community of green-thumbs just waiting to meet you.
Love the life you choose.
Two Nelson villages 0800 SUMMER summerset.co.nz
Step into friendship
Trudy Holland shares her love for marching and suggests giving it a go! Enjoy fitness, friendship, and fun while building strength, posture, and teamwork in a welcoming and social environment.
How did you get started doing marching?
Many years back, when I was a young teen, I travelled to Blenheim with a friend who was taking part in a marching competition. I was really impressed watching how great they all looked marching together – so smart and disciplined. I wanted to be a marching girl. However, the opportunity wasn’t there at the time, and my life moved on with family and years of shift work. Marching didn’t really come up again until a friend gave me a copy of Best Life magazine and I saw the advertisement in the ‘What’s Happening’ pages. ‘Fun, Friendship and Fitness, a new marching team, was starting up.’ I thought about it overnight, then rang Margaret the next morning. I said I had never marched before, she was encouraging and suggested I come down that evening to watch what they do and meet the team. I went, watched, was impressed, and decided right then to give it a go. Now, I’m a team member.
What fitness do you need?
As long as you can walk, count, and swing your arms, you can learn to march. When I started, I didn’t even know how to swing my arms while walking. Apparently, most people do this naturally when they walk, but I didn’t.
What is your favourite thing about marching?
This was something new and challenging for me. I so enjoy being part of the Waimea Stars team. We have such a lot of fun. Everyone is allowed to make mistakes, and we do, and all laugh about it. Being new with no experience, I found everyone has been so keen to help me and make me feel included. I have enjoyed meeting new friends from all ages and different walks of life. We also have social gatherings where everyone has input into the team. We get to travel to other regions to participate in leisure marching competitions, as well as partake in local events, including the Christmas parade.
What are the benefits of marching?
Marching covers discipline, teamwork, good posture and keeps you fit in both body and mind. It can help you improve your body’s stability which is particularly beneficial for aging seniors. It strengthens the lower body muscles, promoting better posture and core stability without being hard on your joints. Marching is also good for your cardiovascular health. It helps us learn discipline as we have to follow the person in charge and work with the rest of the team.
What gear do you need?
Both the competition uniform and the practice and travel polo shirt are provided by the team. All you need to purchase is a pair of black trousers and black footwear.
Give marching a go. Join the Waimea Stars leisure marching team. Contact Margaret 027 251 9009.
Mastering economy in overdrive
By Ro Cambridge
I’mon an economy drive. Strictly speaking, as a women of very modest means, I’m never not on an economy drive, so it’s more accurate to say I’m currently on economy overdrive.
An epigeneticist would probably say I inherited thriftiness from my mother. Her anxiety about surviving as a single parent with two children before the DPB is writ large in the worn pages of her recipe scrapbook; it’s crammed with clippings from women’s magazines on how to live more cheaply.
For example, K.M. of Auckland explains how to stretch a bunch of celery – “second grade is satisfactory” – to make three meals. B.K. of New Plymouth eats low on the hog, favouring “pigs’ trotters, which are grand for a hot meal on a cold evening.”
There’s a lot of culinary sleight of hand amongst the recipes, which include mock whitebait fritters, mock mayonnaise, and mock raspberry jam. And of course, there’s the nifty trick of transforming one pound of butter into two by blending it with milk powder and gelatine.
DIY features prominently in recipes for cough syrup, health salts, and cleaners for ovens, baths, and windows. B.P. of Tauranga even claims that a sheepskin can be cured “for use as a floor rug without any bother.” However, the process seems to me to involve a staggering amount of bother, some of it of the stomach-churning variety, beginning with “scrape the flesh side.”
But wouldn’t it be great to be like G. Bourke (Mrs) of Dunedin, who boasts that although she’s spent the same amount on household expenses for five years, she still has her “chocolates and cigarettes and my husband goes to the hotel two times a week”?
I do not have the stomach for curing my own artisanal 100% merino floor rugs, nor the patience to concoct medicines and cleaning products in my home laboratory. However, I have enjoyed modest success with these approaches to my domestic economy:
Just Don’t Do It
I agree with the late Erma Bombeck on the futility of housework – and not just because we share the same birth date. Housework, she declared, “is a treadmill from futility to oblivion, with stop-offs at tedium and counterproductivity.”
While admittedly this is my primary motivation for reversing Nike’s injunction, Just Not Doing Housework also results in lower power bills. Try Just Not Doing any Vacuuming, Just Not Doing any Ironing, and Just Not Doing any Cooking, and watch your power bills plummet.
Nanook of the North
To keep winter power costs to a minimum, I eschew the heat pump in favour of self-insulation. In late autumn every year, after an exhaustive search of local op shops, I purchase a jumper which will be the lynchpin of my wardrobe for the coming winter. The look of the jumper is not very important; I’ve had jumpers as luridly patterned as those once favoured by David Bain, and jumpers the colour of mud. But the jumper must be wool and very large because it needs to fit over at least two sub-jumpers. When I must spend time immobile in front of the computer, I add fingerless gloves and a scarf to this ensemble. You’re right, this is sartorial suicide. However, I am careful not to wear my jumper outside the house; my dog, like all dogs, is basically colour-blind, and the saving on heating bills is significant.
Eat the Fridge
I apply this approach with impunity because I only have one hungry mouth to feed: my own. However, if you are imaginative and thick-skinned, it’s worth a try even if you have to satisfy the culinary tastes of a family.
The basic rule of Eat the Fridge is that you are only allowed to cook with foodstuffs that are already in your fridge or cupboard. For an intriguing low-cost meal, try combining a tin of sardines, a packet of corn chips and some fruit mince left over from Christmas, with a dried-up nugget of Parmesan, an unlabelled frozen lump of something from the back of the freezer, and a wizened carrot.
Reuniting families with lost medals
Ian Martyn voluntarily spends hours of time attempting to reunite families with medals awarded to their forbears who were veterans of war through his website medalsreunitednz.co.nz. As told to Adrienne Matthews.
Iamthe sole surviving descendant of my great grandfather and my passion for this work began with me trying to locate his missing medals. As a veteran myself, I understand the deep significance of medals. For many families, they are the only tangible evidence of their ancestor’s military service and an important link to the past. Although I haven’t yet found my great grandfather’s medals, I have managed to reunite over 550 medals with other families since May 2014.
I am shocked at how many medals have gone missing over time. Sometimes families have sold the medals, lost them, or they have been stolen. Some people don’t realise their significance and many families aren’t even aware that a military veteran ancestor was part of their family.
The job is fascinating but takes endless research. I could not do it without my military service background. You have to know how to read and interpret historic military personnel files and have a good handle on how to research a family’s lineage.
The most extraordinary stories are sometimes revealed through searches, and I write up as many histories as I can for the website. Sometimes the medals come with other military ephemera like photographs, letters, kit bags and the like. I’ll look at anything and everything that might help me identify a soldier, sailor or airman, provided it has a name or service number.
When researching a family, some extraordinary stories can come out about other family members who did incredible things, which is a bonus. Sometimes families are completely unaware of these stories and are as surprised as I am.
Medals turn up in many different places. Sometimes they arrive anonymously. Unfortunately, New Zealand and the United Kingdom did not engrave their World War II medals, which usually makes it impossible to identify the recipients, resulting in thousands being offered for sale.
I encourage people who suspect their forbears may have been awarded medals to do as much research as possible themselves. My priority is always to search for relatives of New Zealand war medals first.
Tracing descendant families has become much harder these days. We’ve moved on from phone books towards online platforms like Facebook, and so much more time is spent scrutinising these for clues.
I love what I do. There is tremendous satisfaction in finding a family or descendant and being able to personally hand over a historical treasure. It means their ancestors can be remembered and acknowledged more deeply by future generations.
Ian Martyn holds his uncle John Basil “Jack” Martyn’s World War II medals; he has yet to find his great grandfather’s.
Retirees make waves with radio sailing boats
While the America’s Cup has recently been in the headlines, closer to home, there’s a group of sailors with perhaps lower stakes who probably spend a lot less money but nevertheless generate just as much fun and excitement within their community. The Nelson Radio Sailing Club are an enthusiastic group of locals, mostly retired, who race model boats on a picturesque and custom-designed pond on Best Island. Justin Eade talks to a few of them about the scene.
Basil Hart, a retired boatbuilder, is the Commodore of the Nelson Radio Sailing Club and has been involved with radio sailing for about 12 years. He says radio-controlled yacht racing is becoming a very popular sport worldwide as the baby boomers, who have raced yachts during their lives, retire and find that they can have just as much fun sailing model yachts without getting wet.
Basil says Nelson is a strong club, which has been based at the pond on Best Island for the past four years. “The club was originally formed around 2006, and at that
time, we sailed at the Nelson Marina, then at various ponds, until leasing the pond on Best Island. The club presently has a membership of 45 mainly retired men and four women.”
The pond and its surrounding area are leased from the Nelson Tasman Sewerage Business Unit, which has assisted them to develop the area from a scrubby wasteland to the smart, landscaped area you can see today. The pond has an ‘isthmus’ in the middle of it for racers to congregate and control their yachts during races.
Commodore Basil Hart with his 1-meter design boat (IOM), handcrafted from wood and named Privateer.
The club put a lot of volunteer hours into developing their sailing area, with members volunteering their time to achieve the changes, but with generous support from Goldpine, Higgins Concrete, Fulton Hogan, Tasman District Council, Tasman Bay Jewellers and Build It Better.
The boats themselves are controlled by a hand-held battery-powered transmitter which has one lever for the rudder and a second lever to let the sails in and out. A yacht’s forward motions are solely provided by wind power; the radio-control is only for the yacht’s direction and sail adjustment.
“People join our Radio Sailing Club for various reasons. Some have been flying model planes and get fed up fixing them up after crashing, so they come sailing. Our boats have a rubber buffer on the bow, so when we hit each other (unintentionally, of course) we don’t do any damage,” Basil says.
Some members have had very successful yacht racing careers in New Zealand and overseas and are keen to continue the competitive racing this sport offers, especially as they get older and can’t compete at the same physical level they used to. Others have never sailed before but see the camaraderie amongst the members and want to be part of the sport.
“The competition is amongst friends, but once racing starts it becomes serious as everyone wants to win. Then we go back to being good mates after racing,” Basil says.
There are four different classes of yachts sailed, with the IOM or one-metre-long boat, being the most popular design. Costs for the yachts can vary from $700 to $5,000 for a professionally built IOM.
Linley Morten, assistant race officer and the secretary of the club, says if you’re wondering what to do as a hobby, you can visit Best Island and watch these mostly semi-retired yachtsmen and women sail their radio-controlled yachts.
“If you make yourself known, there’s a good chance you’ll be asked if you would like to try. You’ll then be handed a transmitter, along with advice on how the yachts are controlled. This is how it happens for people sightseeing at the venue. From then on, you’ll be hooked as you’ll have been made so welcome at the club.”
Every effort is made to set you up with a yacht that’s ideal for you and your experience, and members go out of their way to assist you in setting up the new boat that you might eventually purchase. If you are a little hesi-
tant about sailing amongst the other yachts, basic tuition is offered by top-class sailors until you’re confident enough to sail on your own, either socially or in regattas.
Linley says when national regattas are held at Best Island, club members volunteer to assist with running the event. “New friends are made from all walks of life, and the social get-togethers with sailors and their partners are amazing.”
The Nelson Radio Sailing Club puts a big emphasis on the social side, building camaraderie amongst members and partners, as well as helping each other out setting up and tuning the boats.
The club sails on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, but Basil says members also can sail outside these competition days as long as they comply with the health and safety rules. Regattas are held around New Zealand for Provincial, South Island, North Island and National Championships for all classes. Top sailors also travel to world regattas; the 2024 World Champs were held in Gladstone, Queensland, in October. For beginners, they have handicap racing so everyone has a chance of winning, and this encourages the new sailors to join in. They also have training and tuning days for new members.
“Sailing keeps you young; our oldest member is 94 and still winning races! Some sailors have joined our club to find friends they sailed against 40 years ago in other parts of New Zealand. We welcome people to come along to Best Island. Make yourself known and ‘have a go’ with a yacht. You will be hooked in no time,” Basil says.
nelsonradiosailing.com
Almost 50 sailors visit Best Island pond on a regular basis to sail and compete with their model boats.
Giving everyone a sporting chance
Heather Walker has dedicated her life to making sports accessible for all. With decades of experience as a coach and volunteer, she’s worked tirelessly to ensure young people, including those with disabilities, have the same opportunities to play, connect, and thrive in sports environments, as Alistair Hughes discovers.
Inclusive Sports Trust board advisor Heather Walker grew up in a time when sport was an intrinsic part of New Zealand life.
“Kids always had some sort of activity going on, like backyard cricket, so getting involved in organised sports was just a continuation of that. It was a really important part of school in those days, which encouraged active lifestyles.”
Growing up in Nelson, Heather found herself drawn to a relative newcomer in the New Zealand sports scene - basketball. Although it didn’t really begin to grow in other parts of the country until post WWII, Nelson had established a YMCA basketball league as far back as 1925. Heather discovered that she loved it, and formed a team with her school friends.
“We never played in a really competitive way, I think it was the team spirit as much as anything. Our peer group just banded together and away we went.”
In a familiar pattern, study, work and family life often occupies post school life to the detriment of sport. Heather became a registered nurse but her interests in physical activity and volunteer work remained until she returned to sport as a coach.
“I’ve now had 40 plus years of coaching at various levels and that's something I became passionate about and still enjoy.”
This included coaching and committee work with Special Olympics Nelson for around ten years.
“I went as the New Zealand team nurse to North Caro-
Heather Walker is breaking barriers in sports, making it accessible for all young people.
lina in 1999. That was the Summer World Games, and was a great experience, but my base is really here with young people and local sports.”
Working as a health professional had made Heather even more aware of the benefits of sport.
The advantages to physical health and wellbeing were obvious, but she could see that it went deeper.
“Team sport also provides a sense of belonging and the enjoyment factor. Social connection is key.”
She acknowledges that schools are under more pressure with current curriculums but also believes in the importance of instilling physical activity early to avoid health issues in later life.
As Heather coached sports in schools it became clear to her that students with special learning needs or extra challenges deserved the same opportunities as everyone else. She envisaged a basketball league which would give young players every chance to participate, despite their personal challenges.
“I felt really strongly that it wasn't to be a disability league, it would be just like any other.”
Finding a naming rights sponsor willing to give her a chance proved to be an enormous undertaking, but Heather was spurred on by a chance conversation she had with a parent of three teenagers.
“They told me that their family would sit down at the tea table, two of them would talk non-stop about their sport in college, and the third had nothing to say, wasn't included in teams or any other way, because they had a disability. And I decided that's not okay. That's not acceptable here in New Zealand, in this day and age, to have a child excluded on the basis of their disability.”
“It probably helped that my husband worked for them,” laughs Heather, “but they also genuinely believe in what we’re trying to do.”
This happened in 2006 and the league has gone from strength to strength in the years since. Heather’s hope is that this model of making sport available to everyone can be widely adopted and accepted everywhere.
“Sports can be the perfect medium for introducing young people to each other and creating a social connection, giving everyone the opportunity to participate, belong and achieve.”
Heather often thinks back to that conversation as one of her driving forces, an absolute belief that everyone should be welcomed into sports.
Meanwhile a breakthrough was finally made with getting a sponsor to come on board and the Fulton Hogan League was born.
“If someone builds the skills and confidence to move into another basketball league or sport, then that's fantastic. But if they choose to stay with the league and are enjoying it, that's also a success.”
The Inclusive Sports Trust followed a couple of years later, setting up equal opportunity multi-sports and junior sports programmes for children 5-12 years of age along the same lines. The Trust’s players use the same courts and sports fields as everyone else, where the heart of sport is with the same visibility as other competitors.
“The multi-sport groups are designed for young people who are in the later years of their secondary education, or who have left college”, she says. “Leaving school can be challenging for anyone, and it's even harder for someone who has the extra challenges of disabilities. Employment is often harder to obtain, transport can be a barrier. So feelings of isolation can be an issue for
Lawn bowls at Tahunanui Bowling Club with coach Val Smith.
young people when they leave the safe and supportive environment of college.”
She admits that schools are better at helping these young people to transition now, but also sees sport as the ideal way to ‘get out there and break down barriers’.
“I used to feel apprehensive approaching sports organisations, hoping they’d give us a chance,” she recalls. “But now we have them contacting the Trust to offer to help, so it's come a long way. But change does take time, obviously.”
Heather was aware that financial difficulties could be an obstacle for many families.
“As things become more expensive, sport becomes less accessible. So we work really hard as a Trust to try and keep things affordable and not another barrier to participation,” she says.
“Another incentive to set up the multi-sports group was the realisation that it wasn’t so much a case of organisations not wanting to include people with disabilities, but uncertainty about how our multi-sport group joins a different community based sport organisation each week. It might be victory boxing one week, or outdoor bowls, or zumba, a massive variety of activities.”
Heather recalls one sports organiser's initial anxiety because she had never worked alongside people with disabilities before.
“This young woman admitted she was really quite nervous, and didn’t know what to expect, and that's under-
standable, but afterwards she said ‘as soon as we started, I knew this was going to be fun. What an awesome group of young adults - I can't wait to see them again.’”
Heather has always believed in sports as a great vehicle to bring change, especially in an active nation like New Zealand.
“Sports can be the perfect medium for introducing young people to each other and creating a social connection, giving everyone the opportunity to participate, belong and achieve.”
Heather notes that it has been around 24 years since hospital institutions with the ‘old out of sight, out of mind’ attitude closed in Nelson.
”That's just our history and I don't dwell on it, but recognise it for what it was, and know that things had to move forward.”
Having returned from the Paralympic Games in Paris as a spectator, her enthusiasm remains as strong as ever, but she does have an unexpected goal.
“We’re bridging a gap, I guess, but I don't see that it will continue. It has always been my dream that the Inclusive Sports Trust will make itself redundant. We simply won't be needed anymore, because our young people will automatically become included as peers and members of the family in all sports organisations”.
Playing disc golf at the Isel Park Course with coaches from Nelson Disc Golf.
A multi-sport session with Nelson Cricket coaches at Saxton Indoor Centre.
From models to memories
The Port Museum at Founders Heritage Park contains a record of Nelson's extensive maritime legacy and boasts superb models of many of the boats which once came and went from our shores. Peta Raggett has played a huge role in establishing the museum and has meticulously hand-built many of the models displayed there from scratch. Justin Eade talks to Peta about her interesting life and how she came to be involved at The Port Museum.
Peta was born Peter Raggett near Guildford, England, and moved to New Zealand in 1966 at age 23, living in Invercargill for 18 years before moving to Nelson in 1984. In 2005, Peter changed her gender and became Peta. However, before that, she was working in joinery and furniture stores in Nelson, making bespoke antique furniture pieces.
Peta had made models as a youngster in England, but it wasn’t until a few years after moving to Nelson that her interest in model-making was rekindled. “I’ve always been interested in ships. I was making model boats way back in the 1950s,” Peta says.
After relocating, Peta was a Cub Leader for seven years and got involved in the Air Training Corps, where she taught model-making. Then, in 1993, she decided she’d start on a model of the Edwin Fox, now located in
Picton, and built two models of the Janie Seddon – one when it was being used as a minesweeper and the other when it was being used as a fishing boat by Talleys.
Peta has been involved with Founders Heritage Park since 1986 when she began volunteering there. Eventually, she ended up doing a lot of the maintenance there and setting up the displays.
“All the different shops and stuff we fitted out… I did all those. My father was a shoe repairer, so it was no problem for me to do the shoe repair shop. We had no money, so we just used what we could find from the tip, or people donated stuff, and we did the whole place up like that. One shop in Montgomery Square donated a lot of cabinetry, they brought it all down to Founders and we reused it, made shelves and cabinets, and fitted out the whole Apothecary shop like that.”
Peta Raggett with a model she crafted of the SS Oriana, a ship she travelled on in 1982.
The Port Museum at Founders is something Peta is passionate about, having put so much work into it. It is made up of two buildings near a small jetty at the edge of the Founders pond.
A theatrette in one of the buildings plays a short film on the history of Port Nelson (1841-1980) and the making of the ‘Cut’ in 1906, which has seen a steady stream of impressive shipping in and out of the harbour ever since.
Other exhibits at the museum include part of Captain Ricketts’ collection of bottles containing ships, including models of the Awaroa, Edwin Fox, and Janie Seddon. There’s also a figurehead from the bow of the ship Messenger, which ran aground off Farewell Spit in 1879.
There are also paintings of the harbour entry and Fifeshire Rock, including one from John Saxton, from a time before Rocks Road was cut out of the foreshore. There’s a model of the old harbour made by John Turner, with a display of the saltwater baths. Elsewhere there are displays of rare coral, nautical flags and knots, and D.N. Frost's model of the HMS Victory
Peta finds Nelson’s maritime history particularly interesting and has built two models of the Fifeshire. She has also made a model of the Wellington, the last big ship to come into Nelson around the side of Haulashore, before the Cut was made.
She says this museum is unique because there’s nothing else in the country that features the immigrant ships that came here, and she built eight of them, including the Fifeshire, Lord Auckland, Bolton, Prince of Wales, and St Pauli, a German ship. (The Fifeshire and Lord Auckland were early migrant ships that departed for Nelson in 1841.)
Another of Peta’s models is the Mataura, built in Glasgow in 1868, and fitted with a dry air refrigerator. It was used to successfully transport frozen meat to England in 1882.
Most of the models are self-made, not kitset, and Peta has to do a lot of research about the ships overseas, which can be expensive. As well as the models in the Founders Maritime Museum, Peta has others scattered around, including one commissioned by Wellington City Council, three at Picton, another three over at the Motueka Museum, one in Isel House, and one with the Sea Cadets.
Peta draws up all the plans herself, usually taking a year to do that and another year to build the models themselves on a scale of 1:48 or 1:96. She says there are a lot of details on her models, like sailors climbing
the rigging and adjusting the sails on the yards, tidying ropes on the belaying pins, officers giving orders, and sailors scrubbing the decks with buckets of water, as well as manning the wheel and keeping lookout on the bow.
“On one ship, they are using the capstan to bring up the anchor; on another, one seaman is showing two others how to splice a rope. On another, there are three passengers sitting on deck in their top hats, reading books, just like the sketch done by a fellow passenger in 1841. Then we come to the pig and sheep pens and fowl cages, which were dismantled for fuel when not in use. Each ship had spare masts and yards bolted to the deck. And lastly, the lifeboats and dinghies are all clinker-built with oars, just like the real ones. You won't find anything like it anywhere else.”
Peta’s hopes for the future are that someone else will come along to keep the museum alive and perhaps even try and make a proper building out of it, as “it’s pretty ad hoc, the way it’s been done. I’m full of enthusiasm but suffering many health problems now. My brain works really well, but the rest of me is falling apart.
Peta has put in over ten thousand hours of community service for various organisations, and she has written three books, Square Rigged Sailing Ships Visiting Nelson, An Unusual Life, and Heard at the Hangar Door.
All in all, it has been a remarkable life, well-lived. So far. Peta considers it would be nice though if someone would come along and help with curation of the museum going forward.
If you are interested, please contact Peta on 03 539 6188 or email petaraggett@gmail.com
Photos of some of the model ships Peta has made are published in her book Square Rigged Sailing Ships Visiting Nelson.
Sticking to history: the enduring value of stamps
Story: Alistair Hughes
Two of local philatelist (stamp collector) David Loe’s worlds collided when he worked on the 2017 Kaikōura earthquake rebuild, as a civil engineering project director. Not only did NZ Post release a commemorative set of stamps celebrating the ‘grit and determination’ of North Canterbury Transport Infrastructure Recovery in a series titled Reconnecting New Zealand, but for David, this happy crossover became personal.
“Bless their cotton socks, New Zealand Post reproduced the same set with a caricature of myself added to the stamps and presented them to me,” laughs David. “Not many people get to see those.”
Actually appearing on stamps might seem like the peak of a life-long collector’s life, but in retirement, David is possibly more active than ever.
“I wouldn't say that I was the best competitive philatelist in New Zealand by any stretch, but I do compete every year somewhere in the world, and enjoy it.”
David’s involvement has extended to chairing juries at major shows, and he recently held the position of president of the Association of New Zealand Philatelic Judges.
Like many in this field, David’s passion began when he was young, with a collection his father passed on to him. “He had ended up in Ceylon towards the end of the war, and collected George VI’s Ceylon stamps. I will say though, I didn't find them terribly interesting.”
But they were still enough to ignite the young David’s enthusiasm, particularly for the stamps of a very different island, far to the north in the opposite hemisphere.
“I found Iceland to be a fascinating country, simply because my mother bought me a packet of stamps with volcanoes on them when I was a schoolboy, back in the day. They're pretty attractive, and that's what got me started. Iceland is kind of a living history book, reflected in its history and its stamp issuing, and I've been there quite a few times.”
Stamp collector David Loe with one of his treasured stamp albums.
David and his family immigrated from Britain in 1996, drawn here by the outdoors lifestyle.
After twenty years in Auckland, they moved to Nelson, where he is an active member of local tramping and cycling clubs.
“It probably all began when my wife spent a year in a pharmacy in Queenstown as part of her overseas experience, and then wanted to bring me out here. It was a good outcome.”
Upon arrival, David found the philatelic scene in New Zealand very similar to what he had left.
“I suppose the only big difference for me is that I think, as a nation, New Zealand is quite competitive, and it's the same in stamp collecting because we like to take on the world.”
David’s own collection has developed to the extent that he now enjoys the intellectual challenge of trying to beat the Icelandic collectors at their own game in international competitions.
But exactly how does one philatelist compete against another, and how are exhibits judged?
“There are about seven criteria to be judged against, a bit like a business case,” David explains. “One category is ‘treatment’ (defined as ‘the organisation and development of the exhibit subject’). For example, if an exhibit relates to the development of the Nelson district postal service, how well has that story been told?”
There is also a rarity category, and marks are awarded for the condition of the collection.
“So don't put in a tatty postcard with its corners missing. Get the best quality Frederick Nelson Jones postcard of Tākaka or whatever you're trying to show, and mount it carefully, because you also get marks for presentation.”
Marcophily is an adjacent discipline which deals specifically with the collection of postmarks.
“And with a marcophily exhibit, you're trying to display a very clear postmark where you can read the date and office and things like that. Another criteria is knowledge: how much information you display without writing too much.”
David also stresses that his own collecting interests expand beyond stamps.
“Much of what I collect is material that's gone through the post, but doesn’t necessarily have stamps attached. Some of my earliest Icelandic items are from before they even had a postal service.”
He explains that mail was carried privately, often entrusted to ship’s captains to be carried where it needed to go. Nine times out of ten, he says, you can even find out what was in the letter or parcel. These windows into the past create much of the interest for David, including the history of postal services here.
“Especially when you consider that every post office was also effectively the local bank, social credit agency and fulfilled so many other needs of the local community. So, trying to discover photographs that match in with the dates and then linking them to the postmark is pretty interesting.”
Promoting our region's local history, the Philatelic Society joined forces with the Genealogical Society and Waimea South Historical Society to hold a ‘Collecting History’ event at Founders Heritage Park in October.
“We exhibited collections, but not for competitive judging, we were really showcasing the sorts of things that we do. We got quite good numbers through, and everyone had a fun time.”
A side interest of David’s has become military mail, and specifically that of a local unit: the 12th Nelson/ Marlborough regiment.
“They gathered at Tapawera Military Camp every year for training. Trying to recover mail from that training camp has become one of my challenges. And when on active service, overseas soldiers could send their mail free of charge, and that was one way of keeping people sane - to send letters.”
This coming March, there will be a national show in Palmerston North, with around 120 collectors from around the country competing.
As interest in history sometimes increases with age, perhaps newer generations will discover philately eventually?
“I think that's certainly true. For a lot of people, it starts with personal family history, and then off you go, chasing whatever that leads you to. For an older generation, it's actually a really good hobby to have, because you can do it from home regardless of what the weather's doing, and it needn't cost a fortune. The internet certainly helps in searching for material, regardless of it leading to the demise of stamp collecting.”
Every email may replace a mailed letter, but David takes some comfort in the fact that New Zealand Post are still producing stamps, even if other postal administrations no longer do so.
“Enthusiasts such as me are still out there, doing our bit, and still making new discoveries.”
Upcoming events
LIFECYCLE - BIKE FESTIVAL
Fun event for all the family and all ages and abilities to celebrate cycling and encourage more people to ride bikes.
Come to the Nelson Cathedral Steps and sing along! Silent Night, Holy Night - supported by NBS Nelson City Brass Band.
24 December, 8:45pm Christ Church Cathedral
17 November, 4pm Celtic Illusion-Dance
THE SPECTACLE
Whether you’re after an electrifying road race right through the centre of Whakatū-Nelson, or you want to take to the trails and test your endurance amongst the tranquil native forest, The Spectacle has an option for everyone!
December 13–15
Upper Trafalgar Street, Nelson
Event Hub: Trafalgar Square | Finish Line: Christ Church Cathedral steps (except 10km) Tickets from $5 from eventplus.net/SPT24
Theatre Royal
22 November, 8pm Midnight Swim Live music The Boathouse
23 November, 7.30pm Nelson Symphony Orchestra presents: Inspire ME
23 November, 2pm and 7pm Chroma Capella Christmas- choir directed by Pete Rainey
24 November, 9-4pm The Great Christmas Market
27 & 28 November, 8pm Dancing Queen: A Tribute to ABBA
28 November, 12.30pm Lunchtime Concert with Mike Ford, current champion of champions (Nelson’s own)
Nelson Centre of Musical Arts
Nelson Cathedral
Founders Heritage Park
Theatre Royal
Nelson Centre of Musical Arts
29 November, 8pm La Mer Live diverse ensemble of musicians The Boathouse
29 November, 5pm NBS Summer Lounge: Tea Tree music
29 November, 7pm, Diwali, a Hindu celebration with food stalls and performances
30 November, 2pm Joy To The World- A Kiwi Christmas
1 December, 1pm NBS Santa Parade
5 December, 12.30pm Lunchtime Concert: I celli- cello music
7 December, 7pm Christmas at the Cathedral
13 & 14 December. Performances at 7pm and then 2pm and 7pm The Nutcracker-ballett
Nelson Centre of Musical Arts
Founders Heritage Park
Nelson Christ Church Cathedral
Nelson CBD
Nelson Centre of Musical Arts
Nelson Christ Church Cathedral
Theatre Royal
18 December, 7.30pm Barden Party in concert, live music to Shakespeare The Free House
31 December, from 6pm Nelson New Years Eve Countdown to 2025 Upper Trafalgar Street
2 January, 1.15pm BLACKCAPS vs Sri Lanka third T20 Saxton Oval
3 January, 3 - 8pm 30th Nelson Jazz Summer Festival 2025
For many other events see itson.co.nz
Founders Heritage Park
Discover, learn, and create at Nelson Public Libraries
Libraries are hives of activity offering a range of services and activities for community members to be involved in.
Nelson Public Libraries – Elma Turner, Stoke Library and Nightingale Library Memorial – have a range of activities available for people of all ages to enjoy. These include, amongst many others, Tots & Tunes, a children’s programme along with a children’s book club; Kōrero te reo Māori, an opportunity to practise Te Reo with others; Live Music; Book Clubs for adults; Tea and Talk; knitting and craft groups; and even visits from Ruru and Franky the Therapy Dogs. It is worth keeping a close eye on the library’s What’s On page on its website or the calendar in the library itself to see what is coming up as there are also many one-off events.
In today’s digital world, many individuals find themselves struggling with technology. Librarians can offer assistance with basic computer skills like searching the web, sending emails, or setting up your smartphone. Staff also can offer guidance on online safety, and help for job seekers who need assistance updating their CVs.
A very valuable service offered by Nelson Public Libraries is “Book a Librarian,” where librarians can also guide you in accessing a wealth of online resources, including newspapers, eBooks, e-audiobooks, movies, music, and magazines. If you’re interested in family history or other research topics, they can help you get started with those, too. Plus, if you’re unsure what to read next, they offer personalized reading recommendations and can teach you how to use the library catalogue or app to keep track of your loans.
The service is offered at all three library locations, and for those who cannot visit in person, assistance is also provided via email, and phone.
In addition to scheduled sessions, free drop-in Device Advice sessions are also available. These first-come, first-served opportunities allow you to bring your de-
vice or IT problem and receive immediate help. They are held at the Elma Turner Library, Thursdays 2pm3pm; Stoke Library, Tuesdays and Wednesdays 2pm3pm; and the Age Concern Office in Bridge Street, second and fourth Thursdays of the month 9.30am11.00am.
Library staff strive to create a neutral, comfortable space where everyone is welcome. Library services are largely free, ensuring that access to information and assistance is available to all.
nelsonpubliclibraries.co.nz
1. Elma Turner Library. 2. Michelle Bryant, information librarian helps a library user with an inquiry.
Putting joy back into people’s smiles
Sue Merrick, the dedicated and passionate force behind The Denture Clinic, brings her wealth of expertise in dental prosthetics to the community. With more than 30 years of experience in the field, including 15 years working as a dental technician before undergoing advanced training in Dunedin, Sue has honed her skills to provide the best care possible. Her career, which she describes as both rewarding and sometimes challenging, is one she loves deeply. “Clients need dentures for so many different reasons,” says Sue. “I love being able to help people regain their confidence and self-esteem through a smile they can be proud of.”
Sue and her husband discovered their love for the Nelson region 12 years ago during a visit. Captivated by its natural beauty and the friendly community, they knew it was only a matter of time before they would call it home. With the family now living in the area, the couple decided to make their dream of relocating to the region a reality. In February, Sue and her husband moved to Tākaka from the North Island, where she has been able to offer her renowned services across the district.
“Dentures are more than just a functional appliance – they need to fit well, work well, and seamlessly integrate into a person’s face,” Sue explains. “It takes time, skill, and care to get that right.”
The Denture Clinic is conveniently located in Nelson’s Montgomery Square, Motueka’s High Street and at Golden Bay Health Centre by appointment only, and offers a comprehensive range of services.
These include full and partial dentures, denture repairs, custom-made mouthguards, and much more.
Whether it’s a minor adjustment or a complete smile transformation, Sue’s commitment to each client is evident in every step of the process. From the first consultation to the final fitting and detailed aftercare, Sue ensures that her clients receive the highest standard of care. Her goal is to help people look and feel their best, all while providing a compassionate and understanding approach.
What truly sets Sue apart is her warm personality and the genuine care she extends to each of her clients. She treats everyone like family, ensuring that every experience at The Denture Clinic is comfortable, supportive, and tailored to meet individual needs.
“Every smile is unique,” says Sue. “I take the time to listen to my clients and understand their goals, making sure the final result is something they are completely happy with.”
Whether you’re in need of a denture repair, a new set of dentures, or a custom mouthguard, Sue Merrick is ready to help you rediscover the confidence that comes with a beautiful smile.
The Denture Clinic 0800 295 900 Clinics at Montgomery Square, High Street Motueka and Golden Bay Health Centre
Sue Merrick of The Denture Clinic has 30 years experience in dental prosthetics.
Hire everything your youngest grandchild will need while they stay.
4 Akersten Street, Por t Nelson. Tel 03 547 2555. ww w .babyont h emove . co.n z
Kristin Nimmo, managing director of the Integrity Care Group and village manager at Olive Estate, developed a love for caring for others at a young age and was involved in her extended family’s residential care businesses for a number of years.
How did the Olive Estate come about?
It was a long-held dream to create something different from other facilities in New Zealand for those nearing and in retirement. People want different things than they did ten years ago, and I wanted to create a lifestyle that reflects this – an environment appealing to those aged 55 and over. Many are very active but want lowmaintenance properties and the freedom to live the way they want while enjoying the camaraderie of village life, if they desire that.
What does your daily job look like?
It’s always different. I’m the facilitator, collaborating with residents to help make their ideas a reality and offering any support they may require.
Why do you love your job so much?
I really enjoy the people interaction. I enjoy learning from the residents and they inspire me constantly. I love
that what’s been created here is a good, old-fashioned neighbourhood but with all the modern conveniences and variety of living environments.
What’s next for the Olive Estate?
Apart from the new care facility being built, I’m really excited about the Central Park area, which will feature orchard trees along with flower and herb gardens, outdoor exercise equipment, and seating areas. We also have many more homes to build, which is exciting too.
AstrongStrengthen your core
Brianna Wehner from Align Functional Fitness
shows how to master the ‘Deadbug’
core is essential for nearly every movement we make, from bending and lifting to standing up from a chair or getting out of bed. Beyond aesthetics, core exercises are key to maintaining independence and functional movement. The core includes not just the abs, but also the lower back, hips and pelvis. A stable core improves posture, reduces back pain and enhances movement. On the other hand, a weak core can place stress on other parts of the body, potentially leading to compensatory movement patterns, pain or injury.
The Deadbug
The Deadbug is one of the most effective, low-impact exercises for building core stability, and is one of my favourite exercises to prescribe to clients. It teaches you how to stabilise the core while simultaneously moving the arms and legs – a key skill for functional movement. Other benefits include training the core without putting excess strain on the spine and activating deep core muscles, like the transverse abdominis, which is often underactive in those with lower back pain. Plus, there’s the added challenge of coordination!
Deadbug Variations
Modified Deadbug / ‘Supine Marches’
• Start by lying on your back with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle, so your thighs are vertical.
• Slowly lower one leg toward the floor while keeping your back pressed into the ground.
• Return to the starting position, then repeat on the opposite side.
• Tip: Focus on keeping your lower back flat against the ground and avoid arching as your legs move.
• Progression: To make this exercise more challenging, extend your leg and tap your heel further away from your body.
Classic Deadbug
• Start in the same position as modified deadbug, but now also extend your arms toward the ceiling.
• Slowly lower your right arm and left leg toward the floor while keeping your back pressed into the ground.
• Return to the starting position, then repeat on the opposite side.
Deadbug with stability ball
• Start in the same position as Classic Deadbug but hold a stability ball between your hands and knees.
• As you lower your right arm and left leg, keep the ball in place with the remaining limbs by pressing into it slightly.
• Return to the starting position, then switch sides.
• Tip: This variation adds an extra challenge by requiring you to maintain pressure on the ball, engaging the inner core muscles even more.
Deadbug with resistance band
• Attach a resistance band to a sturdy object behind your head.
• Hold the band with both hands, arms extended, while lowering one leg at a time.
• This variation increases the challenge by adding tension to your upper body, requiring even greater core stability.
• Tip: The added resistance will engage not just your core but also your shoulders and arms. alignfunctionalfitness.com
Trusted experts in property care
Since its establishment in November 2019, Prime Services has quickly grown to become a trusted name in property maintenance across the Nelson Tasman region. Founded and owned by Joel Riki Paraha, the business is celebrating its five-year anniversary this year and recently rebranded to Prime Service Group.
Joel says the decision to rebrand reflects the company’s evolution into a comprehensive property maintenance provider, offering a wide range of services under a single, reliable banner.
“We wanted to create a brand that could serve as a one-stop-shop for all things property maintenance. Rebranding as Prime Service Group gives us the flexibility to offer specialised services while maintaining the quality and professionalism our customers have come to expect.”
Prime Service Group now operates four distinct divisions, each designed to meet the varying needs of its clients. Prime Lawns and Gardens focuses on all aspects of lawn and garden maintenance. From regular upkeep to one-off cleanups, the team ensures that properties look their best year-round.
“We understand that maintaining a garden is about more than just mowing the lawn,” Joel says. “A scheduled maintenance plan can make all the difference in keeping your lawn healthy and vibrant.”
For those seeking new turf installations or lawn renovations, Prime’s Turf Management division offers comprehensive solutions. Whether prepping and laying natural or artificial turf, or breathing new life into
neglected lawns, the team ensures that every project is completed to a high standard.
“There’s more to a lawn than meets the eye! We handle the entire process to ensure your lawn looks good and stays that way.”
The Landscape and Design division focuses on creating functional, low-maintenance outdoor spaces.
“People are busier than ever,” Joel points out, “and the last thing they want is to spend hours maintaining their garden. We design spaces that are easy to manage, yet still look great, giving our clients more time to enjoy their homes.”
Prime’s Pressure Washing and Waterblasting division specialises in cleaning and maintaining the exterior of properties. Regular maintenance helps keep surfaces free from moss, mould, and debris, which not only enhances the look of a property but also improves safety.
“During the winter months moss and mould can become a hazard, making paths slippery,” Joel says. “We’ve got the tools to keep your property looking sharp and safe.”
With summer around the corner and the growing season well underway, now is the perfect time to book with Prime Service Group to get your property looking its best for the holidays.
“We may be a small team, but that allows us to work on a personal level with our clients, ensuring they get the care and attention they deserve.”
primeservices.co.nz
Joel Paraha and Luke Ross from Prime Service Group are a one-stop-shop for property maintenance.
Celebrating 20 years of perennials
In Your Garden with Philippa Foes-Lamb
In September, we celebrated 20 years on our beautiful spray-free property. We were originally looking for half a hectare but fell in love with two. Even though it is a lot of work and will never look perfect, I cannot imagine living anywhere else.
Discovering we had Moutere clay was a bit perturbing, but now I am so thankful for it. Over the years, regular dressings of gypsum, along with big amounts of compost and sheep manure pellets, have resulted in humus-rich soil that is beautiful to work with. The clay base means my trees and other plants can cope with the driest summers.
I have several large, established perennial gardens. My passion for perennials began in the mid-1990s when I left the corporate world to work part-time in garden centres. They captured me with their vast variety of foliage and flowers, plus their ability to come back year after year, sometimes under adversity. My perennials really come to the fore in November, my favourite month in the garden. We have a lot of established trees, so most of the underplanting thrives in partial shade. Interestingly, some perennials that normally prefer full sun do very well in partial shade because of the strength of New Zealand’s sun.
When asked, ‘’What is your favourite perennial?’’ my immediate reply is ‘’hardy cranesbill geraniums.’’ This genus of plants is exceptionally popular in the UK, and I am doing my best to encourage gardeners here to recognise how wonderful they are. My garden is home to a large collection of these treasures. Cranesbills are nothing like their pelargonium or zonal geranium cousins. They come in varying heights with flowers in shades of white, soft pink, rich magenta and blue, including some with deep-coloured veins. There are evergreen, semi-evergreen, and winter dormant varieties, and many will tolerate very cold temperatures, thriving in frosty zones and even under snow. Their foliage alone makes this genus a musthave in the garden.
A massive plus is that there is a variety to suit every garden situation, from full sun with sharp drainage to damp partial shade and dry shade. They are also fabulous in containers.
One favourite of mine is G. phaeum ‘Mourning Widow’, the first cranesbill I bought in 1995. Her flowers are deep velvety purple, almost black, hence her name.
I planted G. phaeum ‘Alba’ here a few years ago, and now my garden is full of lots of different seedlings in shades of plum, purple and soft mauve.
I could wax lyrical about cranesbills for hours. If you would love more information about them or have any gardening questions, please do not hesitate to email me at heirloomperennialplantnursery@gmail.com. would love to help.
Geranium phaeum ‘Mourning Widow’ flowers.
Fruit and capsicum salad
Karen Scott
INGREDIENTS
This summer salad is a perfect accompaniment served warm with the Christmas ham or cold with a BBQ sausage. Packed with colour and flavour, this is a family favourite and has become a Christmas competition, with the kids sending in their photos from wherever they are around the country and beyond.
10 peppers – red, yellow, orange
1 tsp sugar
5 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper
10 fresh stone fruits – peaches and nectarines
1 ½ teaspoons toasted cumin seeds
1 tsp lemon juice
Mint to garnish
METHOD
Quarter peppers and spread into a roasting dish, coat with olive oil.
Bake at 190 degrees for about 30-40 minutes, or until some of the edges are brown and crunchy.
Sprinkle with the cumin seeds, salt and pepper and lemon juice. Garnish with mint and serve as a delicious accompaniment to lamb or ham.
Get event ready
With Suzanna Pearson Suzanna completed her colour and wardrobe training in the late 1990s and has provided her style consultancy expertise while working in retail across the USA, Auckland, and currently Nelson. Suzanna is dedicated to sharing her knowledge, empowering women to feel confident, and helping them define their unique personal style.
If, like me, you’ve seen a few seasons come and go, figuring out what to wear for an upcoming event may be the last priority on your ‘to do’ list. There’s an outfit somewhere in your wardrobe, right?
But when you finally do rummage through the back of your wardrobe, hoping the perfect outfit will magically appear, you quickly realise no miracle is at hand. Meanwhile, certain body parts have shifted into new territory, without your permission, and things don't fit like they once did.
So, how do you simplify the process of event dressing? Start by considering these questions.
Do you have a dress that can be styled in a new way?
Consider altering the hem length of a longer gown, shorten the sleeves, or add a cropped bolero or vibrant silk scarf to a sleeveless dress.
Do you have a pair of pants or a skirt you could pair with a new top? Consider a floral or printed top and add silk or satin pants as these materials offer a dressier option.
Can you elevate an existing outfit with new accessories? A statement necklace, bold earrings or standout clutch can transform your look. Adding shoes in soft metallics, such as brushed gold or silver will immediately elevate a simple ensemble.
If you are savvy with online shopping, browse local websites and search specific terms like ‘event dress’, ‘formal dresses’ or ‘Mother of the Bride’. Keep in mind, though, buying online can be risky - check your measurements and, if possible, call the store to ensure accuracy since sizes vary between brands. Always review return policies, especially for sale items.
Is your event formal, semi formal, dressy casual or beachy? The vibe of the event will heavily influence your outfit and shoe choice. Personally, I like to plan my outfit from the shoes up. With super high heels now relegated to the ‘extinct’ corner of my wardrobe, I prefer to wear open toe, kitten heel height shoes, and swap to a dressy wedge for less formal or beachy occasions.
Trying outfits on remains the best way to know what styles work for you, it may be time to hit the local stores. Be adventurous as clothes sometimes have no hanger appeal but come alive once on. I can’t count how many times I have heard someone say, “I would never have tried that on, but I love it!”. The foundation of a good outfit is often what's underneath. Take some shapewear or nude seamless underwear to ensure smooth lines and a polished finish.
Finally, try on your entire outfit a few days before, including shoes, to ensure everything works together. Now, there is nothing left to do, enjoy your event!
Add a scarf to your daydress for a more formal evening look.
Layer bold necklaces to make a statement.
Accessorise an outfit with gold jewellery and heels for an evening look.
OPEN for breakfast, brunch and lunch, sweet treats, real fruit ice cream.
HIGH TEAS from 2.30pm daily.
Availableforeveningprivatefunctions.
OPEN Mon-Thu 6.30am - 4.30pm, Fri 6.30am til late All weekend 7am to 4pm
Keep an eye on our page for updated information and events.
Beloved local café celebrates two years
Alioke Eatery in Richmond’s Meadows recently marked two years of creating special moments for the community. Owned by Ali Kerridge and Marc Hunter, Alioke quickly became a hub for locals to relax, catch up, and enjoy delicious food. From the outset, Ali and Marc’s journey has been a personal one. “We always wanted a place where people could feel at home, where there’s no rush, just good food, good company, and a friendly smile,” says Ali. From real fruit ice cream to their cosy, dog-friendly atmosphere, Alioke offers a little something for everyone. With decades of cheffing experience under her belt and a passion for hospitality, Ali pours her heart into every dish, every interaction, and every event they host and cater for.
From functions and family gatherings to birthdays and baby showers, Alioke is very much the community café it set out to be. Making every event memorable, Ali’s creative flair shines through in everything from the décor to the food. “We offer a variety of options to cater for all groups, including grazing boxes for two, large grazing trays for 30 people and grazing tables. We love being part of people’s special moments,” she says. “Seeing them smile and relax —it’s what makes all the hard work worth it.”
Along with their ‘Swap a Book’ area, an exciting development is their new Friday night offering. Now open until 9pm during summer, Alioke is the perfect spot to unwind after a long week. And with the addition of a liquor licence, diners can now pair their meals with a refreshing beverage, creating the ideal evening out. For a more intimate experience, Alioke’s high teas have also become a local favourite. Their elegant spreads are a great way to celebrate special occasions or just
enjoy a quiet afternoon with friends. "We cater to all dietary needs," Ali shares. "We have lots of gluten free and vegan options on our menu and in our cabinet. It’s important to us that everyone feels included and can enjoy the experience."
Alioke’s success comes down to the love and effort Ali and Marc have put into every detail. “We’re so grateful to the community for their support,” Marc reflects. “It’s been incredible to see how much people enjoy what we’ve created here.” As they continue to grow, Alioke remains a heartfelt reflection of their family values— warm, welcoming, and always looking to bring joy to those who walk through the doors. With summer on the horizon and exciting new offerings like evening dining and private functions, Alioke Eatery is ready to welcome even more friends, old and new. Stop by and experience the magic that Ali and Marc have created— you’ll be treated like family.
alioke.co.nz
Alioke owners, Ali Kerridge and Marc Hunter. Alioke are open until 9pm on Fridays over summer.
The Bookshelf
Stella Chrysostomou of VOLUME reviews four new books. volumebooks.online
The Empusium: A Health Resort
Horror Story
Olga Tokarczuk
(translated by Antonia Lloyd-Jones)
$40
Text Publishing / Fitzcarraldo Editions
It’s 1913. Mieczysław Wojnicz has been sent to the Silesian resort of Gorbersdorf for fresh air, cold baths, and medical attention. At the Guesthouse, after a day of health procedures, his fellow guests sit down to dinner together and pass the evening discussing existence, human behaviour, psychology, and politics – and their flawed but common views on the inferiority of women. The gentlemen also tease young Wojnicz. The timid Wojnicz is unnerved, and this is not helped by the house’s strange creakings, the cooing in the attic, and the whoosh of that new thing, electricity – not to mention the horror chair upstairs, the dates on the gravestones in the cemetery, and the odd behaviour of the charcoal burners. Secrets abound (and Wojnicz has several of his own).
Tokarczuk builds this multi-layered tale from snippets of Greek mythology, horror tropes, the new ideas of the period, and as a response to Thomas Mann’s The Magic Mountain (published 100 years ago). She provides both black humour and a deadly serious exploration of ideas, lambasting the misogyny of the 20th century canon and the continued influence of these writers, philosophers and psychologists. There is also an uncanny sense of being watched, that things are not what they seem, and that justice will somehow be done.
As Wojnicz finds the Guesthouse increasingly repressive, the rigours of treatment intrusive, the effects of liquor to be avoided, and the tragic decline of a fellow guest unbearable, he also finds in himself a strength as yet untapped. He explores the depths of the house and the village in an attempt to discover what drives the men of this village to act as they do. Reading The Empusium is like looking through a telescopic lens, one that fogs over but is repeatedly cleared by a whisk of a cloth, bringing everything into sharp relief. If you haven’t read Tokarczuk, it’s time to start.
The Garden Against Time: In Search of a Common Paradise
Olivia Laing
$50
Picador
Laing’s restoration of an old walled garden in Suffolk raised a crucial question for our age: who gets to live in paradise? Moving between real and imagined gardens – from Milton’s Paradise Lost to John Clare’s enclosure elegies, from a wartime sanctuary in Italy to an aristocratic pleasure ground funded by slavery – Laing interrogates the costs of paradise on earth and introduces us to visionaries and idealists who believed that a garden could make life better for all.
COMFORT
Yotam Ottolenghi and Helene Goh
$70
Ebury Publishing
With over 100 flavour-forward recipes alongside stories of childhood and home, Ottolenghi transforms simple food into something entirely delicious.A bowl of pasta becomes Caramelised Onion Orecchiette with Hazelnuts & Crispy Sage, a warming soup is Cheesy Bread Soup with Savoy Cabbage & Cavolo Nero, and a plate of mash is transformed into Garlicky Aligot Potato with Leeks & Thyme.
The Gavin Bishop Treasury
Gavin Bishop
$45
Puffin Books
This beautiful hardback collection features ten enduringly favourite tales: Mrs McGinty and the Bizarre Plant, Bidibidi, Mr Fox, Chicken Licken, A Apple Pie, The Three Little Pigs, Little Rabbit and the Sea, Stay Awake, Bear!, The Three Billy Goats Gruff, and Rats! Bishop’s quirky illustrations and crisp text make this the perfect book to share.
The Heron
By Emma Carruthers
Sitting alone on the Boulder Bank I watched the sea roll stones with its ample hands back and forth; birds catching gusts of wind. A quiet moment alone with the birds and the lolling waves lead to this poem and a gentle reminder just to slow down and watch. Beauty endlessly unfolds before us. The Heron beats its wings above the earth provoking gravity creating unseen a shallow shadow of itself of distant pasts of beating wings and an infinite arc through time. I watch my own arc created through awareness of myself, the bird. The heron sees me watching. And thus we exist in an infinite loop.
If you have a poem you’d like to share with our readers please email it to bestlife@topsouthmedia.co.nz
Across
1. Depiction (9)
7. Watchful (5)
9. Insipid (5)
11. Archaic word of assent (3)
12. Vegetable oil (6)
13. Male former pupil (3,3)
14. Spread through (5)
15. Bear-like (6)
17. Catch (3)
20. Throw (3)
22. Move slowly (6)
24. Reject (5)
25. Berate (6)
27. Visible, but distant (6)
29. Become older (3)
30. Harden (5)
31. Not as good (5)
32. Say again (9) Down
1. Fisticuffs (colloq) (5-2)
2. Devastation (4)
3. Burning (6)
4. Large spoon (5)
5. Electronic instrument (8)
6. Remains (5)
8. Voice, speech (Māori) (3)
9. Jewellery (colloq) (5)
10. Word for people, places or things (4)
16. Exaggerated respect for high social position (8)
Fill the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9
The answers are words widely known; no words can begin with a capital; no hyphenated words. bevvy, delve, heave, heavy, leave, nerve, nervy, peeve, pervs, serve, servo, verve, weave.
Bring comfort to your family during challenging times. Share your wishes through our pre-planning service to create a farewell that celebrates life your way.
Sudoku
The challenge is to rearrange a crossword which has been broken into 25 sections. One letter has been given to get you started. Work out which 3x3 square fits in with that letter and write in the letters. You can also shade the black squares if you find it helpful. After completing the first 3x3 area, work out which square joins on to it, and continue until you have made a complete crossword.
JIGGERED It’s part crossword, part jigsaw
The challenge is to rearrange a crossword which has been broken into 25 sections. One letter has been given to get you started. Work out which 3x3 square fits in with that letter and
QUICK QUIZ
1. How many New Zealanders have won a F1 race: none, two, or five?
2. What new invention was unleashed on Oklahoma City motorists in July 1935: traffic lights, roundabouts or parking meters?
3. What word is both a rare silvery-white metal and a London theatre used for Royal Variety shows?
4. The constellation of Gemini includes twin stars: what are their names?
5. Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti were two of the three tenors. Who was the third?
write in the letters. You can also shade the black squares. After completing the first 3x3 area, work out which square joins on to it, and continue until you have made a complete crossword.
1. Two (Bruce McLaren, Denny Hulme), 2. Parking meters, 3. Palladium, 4. Castor and Pollux, 5. Jose Carreras . Quick Quiz
NELSON CITY PROBUS CLUB
Welcomes men and women as new members. We meet on the second Thursday of each month (Feb through to Nov) at 10am, at The Nelson Golf Club, 38 Bolt Rd, Tāhunanui. Our programme varies monthly. nznelsoncitygroup@gmail.com
NELSON COMMUNITY POTTERS
132 Rutherford Street, Nelson. Social group; Thursday mornings or Twilight Pottery; Mondays, 7pm–9pm. Free to members, $7 casual. 03 548 3087 (Annie) or 03 548 1488 (Elizabeth). ncpotters@gmail.com
NELSON PETANQUE CLUB
Wednesday and Sunday 1.15pm. Behind the Trafalgar Park grandstand, off Trafalgar Park Lane. Boules and tuition provided. 027 495 6711 (Alan)
NELSON HINEMOA CROQUET CLUB
Saltwater Lane (off Halifax St, beside squash and tennis courts). Give croquet a go: friendly supportive club, for competition or just fun. Coaching and equipment available. Individuals or groups catered for. 03 546 6227 (Alan) or Nettie nettiebarrow@gmail.com
You’ll never be bored if you join U3A. A selection
of sociable groups for the over-55s ranging from birdwatching to mah-jong, walking to gardening, etc. u3anelson.org.nz
NELSON SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING CLUB
If you’re interested in fun, fitness and friendship, join us on Thursday nights (Mar–Nov) 7.30pm, at Haven Hall, 34 Collingwood St, Nelson. You don’t need a partner, no charge for your first visit. 021 173 9642 (Kelly).
NELSON TABLE TENNIS CLUB
Saxton Stadium, Monday and Friday 9am–12pm. 03 544 8648 (Glenda).
NELSON SCRABBLE CLUB
Meet every Wednesday, 7pm at the Nelson Suburban Club/ Nelson City Club, Kinzett Terrace, Nelson. No charge for playing, but please buy a drink at the bar. Beginners welcome and we will train you to play competitive Scrabble. 03 545 1159 (Tony).
NELSON 50+ WALKING GROUP
Come for a hike with a group of active men and women, every Tuesday at 9.45am. Different destinations each week, a great way to explore our region. Bring lunch in a backpack. Average walk is 10kms. 021 059 1667 (Noeline)
VICTORY SIXTY PLUS
Tues, 1.30 -3.30pm. 238 Upper Vanguard St. Join us for cards, games, and a cuppa. More info phone Jan on 03 546 9057 or 027 457 7955.
NELSON PHILATELIC SOCIETY
Stamp collectors meet second Tuesday of the month (summer) 7.30pm. Second Sunday (winter) 1.30pm, Stoke School. 03 547 3554 (Ross)nelsonphilatelicsociety@ gmail.com
NELSON SENIOR CITIZENS SOCIAL INDOOR BOWLING CLUB
Come and join us for social indoor bowls and a cuppa every Wednesday and Friday afternoon, 1.15pm–4pm. Beginners welcome. Trafalgar St Hall in the City. 03 547 6066 (Erea).
NELSON-WHAKATŪ MENZSHED
We are a group of mostly retired men who enjoy getting together, making stuff, contributing to the community and generally having a good time. Meetings Tuesday and Thursday from 9am, 236 Haven Road, Nelson. 027 608 0377 (Robert). robertshade@hotmail.com. menzshed-nelson.org.nz
PHILOSOPHY GROUP
Meet second and fourth Monday of the month, 10am. Zumo Coffee House, Rutherford St. All welcome. Text Zoe 0279741758.
STOKE TĀHUNANUI LADIES CLUB
HAVEN QUILTERS
Friendly group meets every Mon, 9.30am in Nelson. Bring hand or machine work. More info phone Lesley 027 295 4986. $5 per session.
COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE
Fridays, 9am - 11.30am. Victory Community Centre. Designed to make treatment affordable and accessible for all. Dress comfortably in loose fitting clothing. Cost, sliding scale, $5 - $40.
Meets third Wednesday every month. 03 547 5238 (Pauline).
SUPER SENIORS
(65+) meets third Friday each month, 10.30am– 12.30pm. All Saints Church Foyer, 30 Vanguard Street, Nelson. Suggested koha of $10, includes morning tea, either a speaker or activities, and a light lunch. 03 548 2601 (Gillian or Lynley).
VICTORY SENIOR SUPPORT
Cards and games. Meet
every Tuesday at 1.30pm at Anglican Church, 238 Vanguard Street, Nelson. 03 546 9057 (Jan).
HOPE– RANZAU WOMEN’S INSTITUTE
First Wednesday of each month, 1.15pm. Age Concern Hall, 62 Oxford St, Richmond, visitors welcome. 03 544 5872 (Brenda).
POTTERY
Tutored classes at Craft Potters, 202 Ranzau Rd, Hope. All welcome. No experience needed. info@craftpotters.org.nz
Senior adventures (under 60s welcome too) active fun, social recreation with weekly planned outings and activities. Meets every Wednesday, 9.30am at Sport Tasman, Richmond Town Hall, Cambridge St. All sessions $5. 03 544 3955. stadium@sporttasman.org.nz
RICHMOND BOWLING CLUB
Club Waimea – A roll up, Tuesdays 1pm. Bowls provided. 03 544 8060 (Jean).
RICHMOND CREATIVE FIBRE GROUP
Meets at Birchwood Hall, Richmond Showgrounds. 9.30am every second, third
and fourth Thursday of the month. Learn to spin, knit, weave, crochet, felt and meet others who enjoy working with fibre. 03 544 3315 (Sandra).
RICHMOND CROQUET CLUB
Join us at 348 Lower Queen St, Richmond. Have fun, learn a new skill. We play both Association and Golf Croquet. 021 958 447 (Rhonda).
TASMAN AQUARIUM CLUB
Meetings held second Monday of the month at 7pm. Keeping tropical freshwater, aquatic plants, marine fish and corals. Everyone welcome. 03 544 3116 (Robin).
RICHMOND GARDEN CLUB
Meets first Wednesday of the month at 1pm, Whakatū Church, Champion Road,
FREEDOM RIDERS
A women’s riding group who meet every month at Filco Farm & Sport. All details of the rides are posted on the Filco Farm & Sport and Freedom Riders Facebook pages. 027 3534 735 (Debbie)
Meets each Monday 10.30am–12pm at Samoan Congregational Christian Church Hall, 271 Songer St. Stoke. No previous experience necessary! 03 538 0400 (Anne)
BENCHREST SHOOTING CLUB
Meets every Tuesday at Saxton Field Range, 1pm–3pm. 03 544 7138 (Graeme).
TAI CHI CHU’AN AND QIGONG
Thursday mornings: beginners 10am, intermediate 11am, at Saxton Netball Pavilion Stoke. 03 545 2960 or 027 271 3323 (AnneMarie).
LINEDANCING
Tuesdays at Warnes Hall, Songer St, Stoke, 9am. All levels, just arrive. Free morning tea. 0274 491 569 (Diane).
SENIOR WALKING GROUP
Richmond. Guest speakers, sales table, afternoon tea. New members welcome. 021 0541 998 (Paula).
NELSON CAMERA CLUB
Meet second and fourth Monday of each month, 7.30pm, Methodist Church Hall, 94 Neale Ave, Stoke. noeline@nelsoncameraclub. co.nz
Tuesday and Thursday, 9.30am–10.30am. Walk for the full hour or choose to do the Shape Up class at 10am. Walking and exercises followed by a cuppa. 03 538 0072.
STOKE CENTRAL COMBINED PROBUS
Welcomes new members. Meet every 4th Tuesday of the month, 10 am, Stoke Methodist Church Hall, 94 Neale Ave. Interesting speakers, outings and lunches. 03 9706872. (Rosemary).
Nelson Junction
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