Nelson teen ‘lucky’ to be alive
SARA HOLLYMAN
At just 16-years-old, Elan Remnant thought he was going to die when he was overcome by waves while surfing on Boxing Day.
Enjoying the summer holidays, Elan, alongside his dad Dave, mum Esther, and older brother Idris, were spending time in Puponga, Golden Bay.
On Boxing Day, the family – minus Dave, headed to Fletchers Beach, just around the coast from
Wharariki Beach so the boys could hit the water. They knew the area, and had surfed it multiple times before without issue. They knew the dangers, including the safe points to enter and exit the water.
“Before we first went there we had talked to quite a few people to find out the risks and what to look for, so we were aware that there was a sideways current,” Esther says. Elan recalls the surf being “pretty big”.
“I’ve never really had an issue getting out, I just paddle out, get into the lineup and yeah, get on the waves.”
Nelson Surf Life Saving Club president Noah Hosie, pictured left with club team members Aaron Lyttle and Ben Clark, says last weekend’s carnival hosted at Tāhunanui Beach was “fantastic”. The Nelson club was joined by six others from around the South Island where they participated in inflatable boat races and other sport events on Saturday before doing further training around the Waimea Inlet on Sunday. The Nelson club did the city proud after its open women’s teams took out a couple of first places in the boat races, while numerous other top three places were scored across different teams and events. “It was a big weekend, it was great,” Noah says. Photo: Middle-Earth Media.
In light of the return to work, what’s the favourite thing about your job?
“I’m enjoying getting back into routine, spending time with my colleagues and reconnecting with people.”
“I’m my own boss so I have the freedom, and I co-parent a couple of children, so it gives me a lot of opportunity to have flexibility to see them more.”
At the mercy of the weather
ANNE HARDIE
Just nine hours of cloud can make the difference when it comes to winning the title for sunniest region, but Nelson and Tasman are still one of the best places to be if you want sunny days.
While wider Nelson chased at Marlborough’s heels to take second place with 2,760 hours and Tasman which is recorded at Tākaka took fourth place with 2,665 hours, the combined regions consistently enjoyed the sun.
Regions may battle for the sunshine title, but increasing temperatures is more sobering. NIWA’s annual climate summary revealed that 2024 ended up as New Zealand’s tenth warmest year since records began in 1909, with the nationwide average temperature ending up 0.51
degrees celsius above the 19912020 annual average.
Even more alarming is the fact that eight of the 10 warmest years on record have occurred since 2013. NIWA attributes this to the ongoing warming trend observed both locally and globally which is largely driven by human greenhouse gas emissions.
In Nelson and Tasman, 2024 threw in a drought and record temperatures. In March, the Ministry for Primary Industries classified drought in Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough as a medium-scale adverse event, which was then extended to parts of the North Island. Tasman never quite made up its rain deficit and ended 2024 with below normal rainfall for the year. NIWA climate scientist Gregor Macara summed up the year for the region as overall, “a relatively
$2,000
warm, dry and sunny year”. Annual mean temperatures were up to 0.6 degrees celcius higher than average, annual rainfall was around 80 per cent of normal, and annual sunshine hours were around 105-110 per cent of normal.
As the year came to a close, the country experienced its fifth warmest December on record and both Tākaka and Appleby recorded their highest temperatures for the month since records began with 31 degrees and 30.2 degrees respectively. Motueka reached 31.5 degrees, which was its second-highest December temperature on record. Countrywide, the highest temperature for the year was 37 degrees recorded at Hanmer Forest in early February. While the coldest point was minus11.8 degrees at Lake Tekapo in early August.
“I’m retired but I worked for Mondelēz New Zealand (owner of brands like Cadbury) and I liked meeting people and finding them new products.”
“I work for the Anglican Centre so I think (the best part is) showing the love of people to the world and facilitating help so we can help one another.”
Elaine Barling Nelson South
Cherise Moir Enner Glynn
Jason Shaw Nelson Central
Adam O’Loughlin Beachville
The sun was hiding, but the region’s weather makes it more appealing to get out and about at Rabbit Island for Hannah Randall from Upper Moutere with her young horse, Remi, 4, and daughter, Freya, also four.
Photo: Anne Hardie.
Nelson teen ‘lucky’ to be alive
FROM PAGE 1
The water was busier than usual, the busiest he’d seen it, and some were stuggling to get out, so were heading in and reattempting the process.
When it was Elan’s turn, he says it was difficult.
“I was paddling and paddling and the waves just kept coming, and it just slowly pulls you right. I actually thought it might be good, because in the middle it looked a bit calmer, so I was fine with going right,” he recalls.
In hindsight, he says he was perhaps a little too focussed on getting out that he wasn’t really looking behind him. He began to tire and realised he should head back. But when he looked back, he saw rocks and realised he had drifted too far.
His mum was watching from the shallows and saw how fast Elan was moving, something that was not noticeable in the water. She ran down the beach screaming to Elan, but the sound of the waves deafened her warning.
“I could see he was going past the point of no return, and then that was it, he was gone.”
Up against rocks and cliff faces, the waves kept coming.
“I was getting smashed by the waves, smashed into the rocks then the wave would suck you back in,” he recalls.
“I’m not on my board at this point, I’m just swimming trying to help myself. Eventually, I’m just running out of breath, I was just so tired I thought ‘this might be when I die’.”
It was at that moment he noticed the mouth of a cave, so he pulled himself back on his board and
the water pulled him in.
It got shallower inside, but the tide was coming in, and the cave would be filled in a few hours.
Elan managed to find some rock to get out of the water. He slowly walked around in the dark, and at the other end, saw a patch of light and some sand, so headed towards it thinking he could climb the rocks and raise the alarm.
But a seal with two pups had other ideas, charging Elan repeatedly, refusing to allow him to pass.
Despite using his surfboard, he couldn’t get past. He called for help, but nobody could hear him.
Back on the beach, Esther had raised the alarm.
“I knew he was gone and we were in big trouble.”
Zebedee Fersterer-Gawith (Zeb), who had also been surfing, saw what was happening.
Although he now lives in Wellington, Zeb grew up in Golden Bay, and learnt to surf on that very beach. He thought there was a strong chance Elan had gone into the cave. He and Esther made it to the mouth, calling and calling, but there was nothing.
They continued on to Pillar Point where Esther called emergency services and waited while Zeb continued through gorse and rock in bare feet to Fossil Point. From there, it’s a bit of a blur for Esther. In the distance she could see vehicles coming and going. Unknown to her, police had arrived and a helicopter was on it’s way.
Back in the cave, Elan had tried to swim out the way he came, but the waves were too strong. After what felt like hours in the cave, he decided to give it one more go. As he got in the water he saw
four people standing above the cave entrance waving. They had lowered a rope down which Elan managed to swim to, and was pulled to safety up the rocks. Esther got a phone call from emergency services: “he’s been pulled out of a cave, we don’t know what condition he’s in”. He had been missing for 1.5 hours.
“I didn’t want to make a decision, I just wanted to get back down there and and see whether he was dead or really hurt... we had no idea.”
“He was lucky to get in the cave. If he’d gone around the corner, it’s just cliffs for a few kilometres,” Zeb says.
The Remnant family say there were a lot of people involved in the rescue, and they are thankful to each and every one of them.
“They were amazing, they were all really well prepared. This has made me realise I really need to up my game. We carry a Personal Locator Beacon when we’re tramping, but I’m going to get one for the car, because you just push the button and help comes.”
Although they don’t know everyone to thank for helping with the rescue, they want to thank Zeb and the other surfers, Jono from police, Lucas from Christchurch and the man from Wharariki Camp who had come down with rescue gear.
And will Elan head back into the surf soon?
“Well, it kind of broke my board, but it didn’t break me - so yeah, I’m just going to be more cautious.”
Elan Remnant reunited with his mother Esther after being pulled from a cave. Photo: Shelley Illingworth.
Dude, where’s my summer?
ELISE VOLLWEILER
Those of us in the Nelson Tasman region are used to boasting about our high sunshine hours, but this summer has not offered much cause for smugness.
MetService meteorologist Alec Holden says that we can expect more of the same for the next couple of weeks, with the region sitting a little below its January average of 23°C. The month will also be slightly wetter than normal, although only by one extra bout of rain.
He reckons our underwhelming summer is due to the position of high pressure systems.
“Typically during summer we get large ‘blocking highs’ that form over the country, and keep areas of low pressure and their associated rainfall away. Winds also tend to be light under a high, which prevents southerlies and cooler temperatures from affecting us/Nelson. However, the highs have been weaker and not as slow-moving this summer, so rain and cooler temperatures have been able to sneak in.”
He says that because Nelson is reasonably sheltered, the region is not getting as bad a time of it as other more exposed locations, “but it’s still not very ‘summery’.”
The forecast offers some good news, however. Alec says that New Zealand’s early autumns tend to be better than expected, because our seasons lag slightly behind the calendar.
“We’re surrounded by ocean, which takes a while to heat up in the summer, so our Decembers tend to be cooler and our Marches warmer. So although we’re technically just under halfway through summer, there’s still plenty of time for good weather ahead. “
...End of Story
Final facts on some of our stories
Goodale’s gleam
18 December 2024:
Andrew Goodale’s Christmas lights display on Cawthron Crescent finished up for the season on 4 January with more than 30,000 people visiting. The busiest night was on 23 December with more than 6000 people. Andrew also managed to raise over $2000 for the Stoke Volunteer Fire Brigade, and thanked sponsors PBT, Nelson Pine, Classic Cabins Limited, Safe Hire and Stoke Mechanical. He plans to bring the display back for Christmas 2025.
Sew long and thanks for all the costumes 20 November 2024:
The Nelson Musical Theatre wardrobe department has found three new volunteers, thanks to the article in the Nelson Weekly late last year. Retiring volunteer Coral Haussmann will train the new volunteers when the wardrobe department reopens for the year later this month, then she will be able to retire.
If you go down to the park
GORDON PREECE
If you went down to the park on Sunday, you were sure of a big surprise - more than 500 people and their teddy bears having a picninc.
Event coordinator of the Teddy Bears Picnic at Isel Park, Nikkie Karki, says the family-friendly event had
an eclectic range of food and drink, live entertainment and activities, including some which intertwined with Nelson City Council’s 150-year anniversary.
The antics included a teddy bear school with chalkboards for teddies to learn their ABCs.
Nikkie says the outcomes
were family and community connections which had even proved to last long-term following the event.
“Someone came up to me with a picture from nine years ago when I was [dressed as] a bear, and they were like, ‘this is you, and this is my child when she was a baby’, and that was amaz-
today
ing,” she says.
“Generations have had their teddies and shared memories with them, it’s quite a cute little idea, and doing all these little activities with their bears, it’s quite special,” she remarks. “I love that sort of creative imaginary, and having stuff that’s very old school.”
Ava Hall, 7, left, Dean Webster, 5, and Bentley Hall, 9 were bear hugging. Photo: Gordon Preece.
STORMWATER UPGRADE: Work has begun on the upgrade of the stormwater system around Strawbridge Square in Stoke. Phase one of the work sees one lane of Songer St closed, with a detour in place along Neale Avenue and Putaitai St. This phase is expected to take two weeks, with the whole project taking eight weeks. Strawbridge Square has long had issues with flooding during heavy rain events. Photo: Sara Hollyman.
The weeds that just keep on growing
GORDON PREECE
Whakatu Drive’s roundabout and traffic island weeds, which have returned to their viewing hazard status will be trimmed by contractors on Thursday evening –weather permitting.
It will be the prelude for a raft of Waka Kotahi NZTA maintenance work planned for Annesbrook Dr on State Highway 6 from 19 to 27 January.
Waka Kotahi says mowing and litter collection on the stretch of SH6 previously took place on 18 October which included the Whakatu/Annesbrook, Waimea/ Beatson and Whakatu/Salisbury roundabouts and various traffic islands.
However, Nelson Tasman system manager for the agency Rob Service says more permanent solutions remain at large due to funding shortfalls, three years after Nelson Weekly first enquired about the largely unresolved weeds issue.
It had first been investigated in 2022 following complaints from motorists.
“NZTA and our road maintenance suppliers use available funding as efficiently as possible. For example, we will carry out
Waka Kotahi NZTA funding shortfalls are continuing to hamper permanent solutions to weed overgrowth on Whakatu Dr roundabouts and traffic islands. Photo: Sara Hollyman.
litter collection and/or other services when lanes/roads are closed for other works,” he says.
“NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi will continue to assess the ongoing management of these roundabouts and look for more permanent solutions as funding becomes available.
“The frequency of litter collec-
tions and mowing align with the current Government Policy Statement on land transport.”
Rob says the 2024-27 National Land Transport Fund has allocated funding of over $4.3 billion for state highway maintenance and operations - over $2 billion of this funding is for State Highway Pothole Prevention.
He says this funding is ringfenced to be spent on rebuilding or resurfacing roads and drainage maintenance.
Nelson Mayor Nick Smith, who decried Waka Kotahi’s slow progress to maintain the roundabout weeds in October 2024, posted on social media in late December that the weeds were again block-
ing safe views for motorists and made Nelson look “scuffy”. He added Waka Kotahi’s excuse over cost “does not wash with me” and hoped for a sensible and sustainable solution in 2025.
Mayor Nick said in October last year that Nelson City Council (NCC) spent “tens of millions of dollars” trying to make the city look good.
Nelson Weekly readers have previously expressed their satisfaction with the Salisbury and Champion Rd roundabout upgrade with layers of decorative stones.
NCC acting group manager community services Martin Croft says council would usually mow its roundabouts twice a year and had upgraded the roundabout to reduce ongoing maintenance requirements and cost.
He says the project cost was $26,785.
Nelson councillor Mel Courtney has previously praised Waka Kotahi’s “good job” it had done with the roundabout at the intersection of Haven Rd and Queen Elizabeth II Dr. It is covered by stones and some plantings and doesn’t have the same weed problems as those on Whakatu Dr. Email your thoughts to Sara@top southmedia.co.nz
Nelson Tasman housing market bucks the trend
KATE RUSSELL
While some regions around New Zealand experienced record-breaking slumps in real estate at the end of 2024, Nelson Tasman bucked the trend.
Last week, Realestate.co.nz released their property market data for December.
It shows that asking prices in Nelson Tasman dropped 13.5 per cent in the year to December, from $957,684 to $829,412.
Eleven of 19 regions across the country saw an average asking price decline year-on-year, and Nelson had the second steepest drop, behind Central Otago/Lakes District.
However, some regions hit record-high asking prices in December, such as Southland, with a 15.3 per cent year-on-year increase.
Meanwhile, the national average asking price in December 2024 was $842,476, a level last seen before the market started to boom in April 2021, when it was $839,717.
Nelson Tasman also saw a 14.8 per cent increase in housing stock as well as an increase in listings, according to the data.
There was a 33.1 per cent increase year-on-year for the region, while many parts of the country saw new listings slump to record-breaking levels.
Vanessa Williams, spokesperson for realestate.co.nz says they often see stark regional differences across the country.
“This highlights how critical local market knowledge is when buying or selling.”
Wendy Pearson, owner and sales consultant at Welcome Real Estate,
believes one of the reasons Nelson Tasman saw a reduction in asking prices is because we were one of the regions where prices went “unreasonably high” post-pandemic.
“Also, Nelson Tasman has many people working in industries that have seen lay-offs, such as forestry, which impedes people’s ability to pay mortgages, so they have to sell.
“When people have to sell, regardless of the reason, they have to “meet the market” and sell for a price they may not be happy with.”
Tracy Beer from Summit Real Estate says the October-December quarter saw higher sales volumes than the past two years, driven by lower mortgage interest rates.
“Prices remain stable, with wellpriced properties generating strong interest.
She says supply and demand appear balanced.
“The year-on-year drop in December asking prices and the increase in stock likely reflect the seasonal unpredictability of December.”
Agents are still seeing plenty of firsthome buyers, with 27 per cent of nationwide sales last year going to those getting their foot in the property door.
Regarding the high number of listings, Wendy says properties are often taking longer to sell.
“There continues to be a disconnect between a homeowners’ price expectation and what cautious buyers are prepared to pay.”
Wendy says with interest rates falling, this should encourage more buyers to enter or re-enter the market.
“So, it is a fine time to sell if your price expectations are realistic.”
PARADISE LOST
Impossible choice leaves top award split
SARA HOLLYMAN
For Xanthe Banks and Stella Bloomfield, they didn’t quite realise how simliar their learning journeys were until they were announced as the joint recipients of the Palmer Cup for overall excellence at Nayland College.
The award is reserved for someone who has shown allround achievement in academic, cultural, sporting and citizenship areas
At just 18-years-old, the girls already have a pretty impressive résumé.
Xanthe already has a diploma in Mātauranga Māori from Te Wānanga o Raukawa in Otaki, and spent last year teaching local kaiako (teachers) te reo Māori through the Te Ahu o te Reo Māori ki Te Tauihu programme, while Stella is spending the summer getting a kick-start on her university education.
Xanthe, of Ngāti Rarua, Rangitāne, Ngāti Kuia, and Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō descent, was in the supermarket when she got the call revealing her as the recipient of the top honour.
“Ms Scott said ‘Are you somewhere I can tell you something private’, I replied ‘I’m in the supermarket, if that helps,’ she recalls.
After the news she walked through the store “smiling like a lunatic”.
Stella, whose mum works at the school as a kaiako, was in her class discussing with her mother how Xanthe would most likely be the recipient of the Palmer Cup.
No sooner had she left to walk down the hallway then she got the call.
“She told me I was sharing it with Xanthe, which I thought was hilarious.”
Stella had no idea that she had also been awarded Dux of the college.
The pair had already racked up a slew of other awards at the year’s earlier prizegivings.
Stella says, while she is proud of the trophy, she feels most proud of all the things that got her to that point.
Both girls will head to Welling-
ton this year to study at Victoria University.
Stella will study space science, law and international relations, while Xanthe is undertaking a double major in Māori Studies and Law.
“I’ve always had a passion for learning about indigenous cultures, especially my own,” Xanthe says.
“I want to learn about other indigenous cultures and then bring that back into te Ao Māori and bring it back home.”
She is spending the summer doing a research project with Ngāti Kuia.
“I’m really excited to learn about one of my iwi, and dive deeper into the past and then also about our significant sites, because that is part of one of the major parts of the research is learning about our significant sites and where our iwi stands with those sites.
Stella headed back to Chile this month to visit her host family that she met during her three month exchange there in 2023.
She says the exchange was the personal highlight of her schooling at Nayland, but her debating achievements are
what she’s most proud of.
This included heading to nationals three years in a row, claiming third place nationally as a Year 11.
“That was like insane as a year 11 to do that nationally.”
Acting principal Hannah Banks, no relation to Xanthe, says both girls have had a huge impact on the school
“Both in your different ways, have made our school more that lots of different students can connect and find their place here.
“I think you both left a significant legacy behind for the next year.”
Xanthe says, while she occasionally finds time to sleep, the teachers at Nayland were a huge support.
“It’s always hard to juggle everything and then also see other people hanging out and feel like you’re missing out, but then you’re doing all this amazing stuff. So it’s really conflicting.”
Both wāhine were described as talented individuals.
The pair gave a joint speech at the junior prizegiving as their final task at Nayland College.
featuring The Creation by Haydn
Teapot Valley Choral Camp Choir presents
Conducted by Ebbe Munk
With the New Zealand String Quartet and vocal soloists Moses Mackay, Rebecca Ryan & Theo Moolenaar.
Xanthe Banks, left and Stella Bloomfield were the joint recipients of the Palmer Cup for overall excellence at Nayland College. Photo: Supplied.
Unexplained death in Stoke
Police have completed their examination of the scene of an unexplained death in Stoke. On Friday, 10 January, police found a person dead the Suffolk Rd address. Detective Inspector Lex Bruning said the man’s body appeared to have been there for some time and the circumstances of his death were unclear. A neighbour said he returned home on Friday night to a heavy police presence in the area and was shocked to learn of the man’s death. He said the man had lived in the house for years. Police and ESR confirmed they have completed the scene examination at the address, and a post-mortem was due to be conducted on 13 January.
Funeral for Lyn Fleming
The New Zealand flag will fly at half mast across all government and public buildings this Thursday to mark the funeral of Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming. Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith has asked all government and public buildings and naval vessels to fly the flag at half-mast all day in her honour before being returned to full mast at the end of the work
day. Lyn’s funeral at the Trafalgar Centre will include a motorcade, honour guard, police piper, and flag presentation to her family. It will also be livestreamed on the police website. Nelson Cathedral will also be screening the funeral livestream at 1pm as a way for people to come together and remember Lyn. Police say Senior Sergeant Adam Ramsey who, alongside Lyn, was struck by the vehicle at Buxton Square in the early hours of New Year’s Day, remains in a stable condition and is recovering well.
Moana Ave reseal
Council contractors will be resealing Moana Ave for three days starting today, Wednesday 15 January, requiring a partial road closure. Resident access will be maintained when possible, however there may be periods of time when access to driveways is unavailable, council says. For those that usually take Moana Ave to travel between Nelson and Tāhunanui, the Rocks Rd/Haven Rd route is instead recommended for the duration of the works. eBus route 4 will be detoured for three days and the bus stops between St Vincent St and Rocks Rd will be closed for the duration of the works. Works will take place between 7am and 6pm.
Boulder Bank fire
KATE RUSSELL
One of the last remaining baches on the Boulder Bank has been all but destroyed by fire.
The Harbourmaster vessel was assisting fire crews at the bach fire on Monday afternoon.
Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) received reports of the blaze from several members of the public at
2.50pm on Monday.
FENZ shift supervisor Simon Lyford says that due to the location, a crew of four travelled to the scene on the Harbourmaster vessel with a portable pump.
“The single-level, 8x7m bach was fully involved when crews arrived. They are still working to extinguish it,” he told Nelson Weekly on Monday afternoon.
Start The Year Fresh
There was no other risk to moored vessels, however people were asked to stay clear of the location. Fire investigators were at the scene on Tuesday morning. There are several baches on the Boulder Bank, which were recognised by Heritage New Zealand/Pouhere Taonga in 2013. One of the baches was set on fire in 2021 and burnt to the ground.
One of the baches on the Boulder Bank was destroyed by fire on Monday. Photo: Nelson City Council.
‘Humbled’ health stalwart honoured
GORDON PREECE
John Peters has been dynamic in better healthcare channels for Nelson Tasman for more than 20 years.
They include senior roles with the region’s hospice and an eightyear term in the top job at Nelson Marlborough District Health Board (DHB).
He was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2025 New Year Honours for services to governance and palliative care, an honour he says was dedicated to all local hospice workers.
“I was somewhat surprised and very humbled by it, but I have to say, I was delighted to be selected as one of the representatives of such an amazing organisation,” he says.
“Every one of those people who work within hospice, both volunteers and those employed, do stunning work on a day-to-day basis for all of those people in the Nelson Tasman region, and I felt that accepting this was a bit like accepting on their behalf,” he remarks.
John was first elected to the Nelson Tasman Hospice board in 2013 and became its chair a year later after the retirement of the
late Elspeth Kennedy, and has held the position since.
In the pivotal role, he oversaw the fundraising of nearly $13 million for the Nelson Tasman Hospice building, which was opened by then Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in May 2019.
The service has gone from strength to strength under John’s
watch.
“We have 280 people receiving end-of-life care in the community, 10 inpatient beds, most of the people who go in come out again after having their symptoms controlled or their pain managed,” he says.
“The majority of people actually choose to die at home, and we
provide care for them at home, and that care can include pretty intense nursing care, even things like helping them go out to the gardens if they’re not able to do it.
“We’ve got 520 volunteers who work for us, about 105 staff, so it’s quite a sizable organisation,” he says.
John was the Hospice New Zealand deputy chair in 2014, was re-elected in 2017, before stepping down in 2019, but is still a member of the organisation.
John’s health posts also included Nelson Marlborough DHB’s chief executive from 2004 to 2012, during which time Golden Bay’s integrated health facility was constructed.
“There has always been a local hospital in Golden Bay, but it was very run down, and there was a private rest home in Collingwood, which was having to close because of lack of funding, and it was just too small to survive,” he says.
“That would have meant that anybody who had reached the age of going into a rest home would not have been able to do so in Golden Bay.
“So, when we were planning for the refurbishment of the hospital, I managed to persuade the Health Minister at the time to allow us
to extend and put a 20-bed rest home into that hospital, which is still there today.”
The Nelson Hospital’s cardiology unit was also established during John’s DHB tenure.
“That specialised cardiology unit is typically a tertiary service… and we were extremely lucky to have two very good senior cardiologists from the UK which meant that we were able to establish what’s called the cardiac cath lab in Nelson,” he says.
“What it meant, was that people who had suffered severe cardiac events like heart attacks previously had to be choppered either to Christchurch or to Wellington, and what we were able to do was avoid that by getting treatment some hours earlier.”
Johns’ other plaudits include independent chair of the Nelson City Council’s Audit Risk and Finance Committee and Strategic Development Committee between 2014 and 2022, and global director of information for the New Zealand Dairy Board from 1998 to 2001.
While he moved permanently to Waitārere Beach near Levin in 2022, the “Nelsonian at heart” will remain involved in Nelson Tasman’s palliative care in the years to come.
Nelson Tasman Hospice chair John Peters devoted his New Year Honour to the region’s palliative care workers. Photo: Supplied.
Sea lice warning after ‘horrific’ bites
KATE RUSSELL
“It just wasn’t worth it”, says a local boy after being bitten by what is likely to be sea lice at a popular beach.
Bodhi Sissons, 7, and his cousin Tully, 14, spent the first week of January battling nasty bites on their legs and feet after what was meant to be an enjoyable paddle at Mārahau on New Year’s Day.
Bodhi’s mum, Kate, is now warning others to be vigilant at beaches around the region after what she says was a “horrific” week.
“Unless he was sitting with his legs in cold water, vinegar and salt, he was screaming. The worst day was day six and we had three sleepless nights.
“And this is a kid who usually isn’t fazed when he gets itchy bites.”
Bodhi also had a bout of diarrhoea and vomiting on the worst day – symptoms which are “unusual” for him, she says. Kate initially thought it could have been hand, foot and mouth disease, or even chickenpox.
“The doctor was stumped –even a second doctor looked and could not figure it out.” They were given antihistamines which “took the edge off” and creams which “did nothing”.
“We tried everything... even a pet cooling pad… the only thing that really worked was water, vinegar and salt.”
The bites finally started feeling better by day eight, she says.
“We have a family bach in Mārahau and we’ve never had this happen. It’s horrible as a mum - for me it was worse
than him being sick.”
Bodhi reckons it won’t deter him from swimming, but he will stay out of the ocean until he is all healed.
“It just wasn’t worth it,” he says.
NIWA crustacean biologist Dr Rachael Peart said this year’s warmer waters made for ideal conditions for sea lice and other “biting creatures”.
“The ocean is quite warm at the moment, so I feel a lot of people are actually swimming and hanging out in the water this summer.
“And also, warm water currents and wind patterns can
also bring some of these organisms closer to shore.”
Rachael says it’s not necessarily an “influx”.
“We get heaps of reports around January and February every year… it’s a dual effect of more swimmers in the water, plus warm surface temperatures.”
There, of course, could be other creatures causing an itch or bite while at the beach, such as little black flies/midges.
Rashes can also be caused by nematocysts (stinging cells) of certain sea anemones and thimble jellyfish.
LOCAL LEGENDS
Advice to swimmers if you get bitten or stung
• Make sure you remove your swimwear after taking a dip
• Shower in freshwater straight away
• Do your best to avoid scratching
• Treat itches with antihistamine, calamine location, icepacks and time
Louise Holley has spent over seven years tirelessly contributing to the Stoke Toy Library, creating a space for families and children to learn, play, and connect within their community. What began as a visit with her six-month-old child turned into a lasting commitment to help shape and sustain the library’s essential services. “When I first joined, the committee was very small and in need of more hands to keep things running smoothly,” says Louise. “It felt important to help with fundraising and daily operations to ensure the library could continue to serve the community.” Today, Louise serves as the Treasurer of the Stoke Toy Library, a role that has fuelled her passion for supporting families across the Nelson region. Her work involves overseeing the financial aspects, ensuring the library remains accessible and well-stocked with resources to enrich children’s early learning experiences. “The joy of seeing children discover and explore through our resources is a major motivation,” she says. “We provide learning opportunities and fun activities that many children might not have access to otherwise. This keeps me passionate about the library’s mission.” Beyond the satisfaction of seeing the library thrive, Louise has found personal growth and connection in her volunteering journey. The friendships she’s built with other committee members have been a meaningful bonus, making her commitment even more rewarding. “The team’s dedication is inspiring and together, we’ve seen the library grow and flourish. It’s amazing to see what we can accomplish as a community.” For Louise, the significance of volunteering runs deep, a value instilled by her mother’s own dedication to community service. “Volunteering is essential for so many local services. From sports clubs to libraries like ours, volunteers make things happen,” she explains. “Without them, these spaces and opportunities might not exist.” Louise’s advice to those considering giving their time is simple: “Just go for it. The feeling of giving back, the joy on the children’s faces, and the sense of achievement is unlike anything else. You’ll leave each day feeling happy and fulfilled.”
Sponsored by Nelson Auto Glass Specialists
Local Legend sponsor, Polly Bowden from Nelson Auto Glass Specialists with our January winner, Louise Holley on left.
The bites of Bodhi’s Australian cousin, Tully. Photo: Supplied.
Breffni O’Rourke and Heather Kelling
Chloe Guy and Imogen Vlugter
Ginny and Pat Higgins
Hugh and Judith Neill
Rene and Maxine Hylkema
Billy and Zico Scott, 1
Isabella Naves, 3, and Heather Hardwick Kylie, Reuben, 3, and Ethan Edwards, 5
Myra, 2, Anne-Lise and Natalia Coll, 4
Sharon Stermer, Otto Gorman, 2, and Alex Gorman
Early start pays big dividends
PETER JONES
An early morning alarm call and drive over the Whangamoas paid off royally for Nelson athlete Patrick Dravitzki on Saturday morning. His bold decision to take on the daunting King and Queen of the Withers course for the first time was rewarded when he won the King of the Withers title in the smart time of 45 minutes 15 seconds.
Patrick lined up alongside 36 other runners at the start of the iconic 10km event on the Wither Hills Farm Park and ultimately made no race of it, coming in over two minutes ahead of second-placed Alex Roberts (47.41).
“I had a free weekend so thought I would come over,” says Patrick, “I have been looking at a few events to do and saw that this one was on, so just drove over this morning.”
A keen mountain biker, Patrick says he is beginning to focus more on running.
“I have only really begun to get into [running] over the last year or so. I like the hilly stuff, and I do a lot of hill running in Nelson, so this is quite similar. I’m really enjoying it actually.”
He described the Withers course as “good fun”, although mentioning the steep inclines at the top were “as hard as it gets” and it was tough to get up to full speed on the long downhill to the finish.
“But I’ll definitely come back next year,” he promised. “I love speed stuff like this … it’s a great course.”
While Patrick joins an illustrious list of Marlborough running royalty for the first time, the Queen of the Withers needs no introduction.
Megan Graham has won the
event so many times she is hard pressed to remember exactly how many.
General consensus puts the figure at 11, the mother-ofthree winning the women’s title in imperious fashion again on Saturday.
Megan finished third overall in a time of 48.12, the former national squash champion gliding over the course in typical fashion, although not threatening her best time of 44.22 set in 2014. The hybrid winner was youngster Jack Cutts, who completed the course in 1.00.10.
New Year’s resolutions
Is deciding not to make a New Year resolution, the only one you’ve successfully kept? One survey revealed less than a third of New Year resolutions last beyond January. Failure is often caused by how goals are set, or not adapting to obstacles.
For 40 years, CAB Nelson Tasman’s goals have remained the same: We help people find the information they need, and use insights gathered from our clients’ experiences to improve society for everyone.
Most cultures celebrate New Year by looking back, considering the present, and planning for the future. In NZ, New Year is celebrated by Maori with Matariki, early settlers brought European traditions, while newer arrivals have introduced Lunar New Year (Chinese), Diwali (Indian), Rosh Hashana (Jewish) and more.
New Year and a census are similar, because a census is also a kind of country stock-take, so government, businesses, and community organisations can plan for the future.
CAB takes stock constantly too, recording client queries, information shared, and noting demographics like age, gender, ethnicity, etc. This helps us understand who uses our service, and any changes we need to make to remain relevant.
Last year, CAB’s national data showed the top 5 enquiries were about work, rental housing, relationships, legal services, and
citizenship and immigration. We personally helped 336,155 individuals, and nearly 40% were aged between 30 and 49. While 54% of clients were NZ European, 17% identified as Asian and 13% Maori. NZ’s 2023’s census, showed 30% of NZ’s population were born overseas, bringing traditions from well over 200 different birthplaces.
More than 150 languages are spoken, and 4% of us can hold a conversation in te reo Maori.
In 2013, 74% identified as ‘European’. This dropped to 68% in 2023. Acknowledging Maori heritage increased by 14%, Pacifica by 16% and Asian by 22%. India overtook China as our Asian newcomer’s country of origin, but Filipinos are the fastest growing group, increasing by 49%!
If you’re looking for something new, keen to continue learning, want to discover more about your local community and enjoy working with people from all walks of life, make it your New Year resolution to join our team of volunteers! 2025 Training starts early March, so phone or email for an information pack now.
CAB Nelson Tasman: Paru Paru Rd Nelson, TDC Richmond, Motueka Community House. Email: nelsontasman@cab.org.nz; Ph: 03 5482117, www.cab.org.nz
Megan Graham and Patrick Dravitzki were crowned 2025 King and Queen of the Withers on Saturday morning. Photo: Peter Jones.
Rough seas cause travel chaos
The cook strait is known as one of the most notorious stretches of water that ferries use in the world. Weather related events have happened for decades and will likely happen more often with climate change. It’s just unfortunate when it’s at peak holiday season and ferries are all booked.
We were impressed with the interislander service when we went on return ferry sailings in November and December with a vehicle - and in all cases even left early and arrived in port early.
Diane Chandler
Sooo when’s the bridge being built??
Frances Minogue
‘We’ve got you’ – Nelson stands with police
Lyn was loved, honoured and respected. She did a lot for a lot of people. The police shouldn’t have to go through losing one of their own while they are out there protecting us. I just hope that Adam Ramsey is doing ok now.
Marion Maxwell
Deserving of a State Funeral.
Pugsy Beau Jangles
Sub-union defends push for clubs before college
Good news. Giving players a choice. Chris Bensemann
In South Africa high schools take responsibility for coaching and managing
rugby for their students. All students are expected to participate in sport and as a result most schools have up to five teams in each grade ie U14 A to U14 E. The interschools rivalry at all levels is intense and fosters a tremendous sense of pride in school.
Hector Urquhart
Why do guys from country areas chose to go NC? Are they offering something other schools are not?
Chris Harvey
How is it that Nelson College can dictate how age grade rugby is run when the vote was put to the delegates and is was overwhelmingly for moving the age grade rugby back to the clubs. Think the college need to take heed of what the majority are saying. The current course that Nelson c are proposing would end
Have your say: sara@topsouthmedia.co.nz facebook.com/nelsonweekly
up with them having the only teams in the competition. Is this what they want and how is this to the betterment of rugby in Tasman. It counter productive to what the union are trying to achieve. Take it back to the clubs.
Waz Curtis
Gymnastics Nelson leap forward to new floor
Well done team, I can remember the first sprung floor at the club.
Lee Corlett
Wow, this is awesome news.
Ngaire Warner
New Cat bylaw approved
In the 18/12 Nelson Weekly, ‘New cat bylaw approved’ was printed in bold type. It specified that microchipping and desexing of Nelson’s cat population was now compulsory and cats could only be got from breeders. It is hoped that this will reduce feral cats and protect native birds. That could be right, but with less cats means more rats - lots more.
Anton Hyman
James bonds with new status
Outstanding young man with a huge future.
Sue Dahlberg
Congratulations, James.
Julie Bensemann
Great write up James, well deserved.
Cilla Tanoa
Nelson Matters
Hon Dr Nick Smith
HONOURING SENIOR SERGEANT LYN FLEMING
The tragic death on New Years Day of Senior Sergeant Fleming from injuries while working in Buxton Square in the early morning hours to keep our city safe was the worst way our city could begin 2025. It is the first time in Nelson a Police Officer had been killed on duty and the first loss for New Zealand of a woman officer.
Tomorrow I will join Lyn’s family, her Police colleagues, the PM, Police Commissioner & Minister, Nelson’s MP, Council CEO and Councillors at her funeral at the Trafalgar Centre. She will appropriately receive full Police honours with a motorcade, piper and flag presentation to her family.
Nelsonians wishing to honour Lyn may observe her motorcade along Halifax St in the section adjacent to Anzac Park between 12.30 & 1pm. The funeral service will also be livestreamed at the Cathedral from 1pm. Lyn gave extraordinary service of 38 years to our Police as an intelligent, caring and genuine officer. She also gave wider community service as a netball coach at Nelson College for Girls for a decade. I grieve for her family at the loss of a wife, mother, sister and daughter.
I am proud of the way Nelson has responded to this tragedy. The flowers outside our Police Station and in Buxton Square, the hundreds of signatures in the Book of Condolences at the Cathedral and the 2000+ who gathered on the Church steps following the tragedy shows the depth of respect for Snr Sgt Fleming and our Police.
The community is also wanting to wish Senior Sergeant Adam Ramsay a full recovery from his serious injuries. We are fortunate he too was not killed given the speed, direct hit and use of a car as a weapon.
We will rely on the courts to hold the offender to account for this attack on our Police. We will in time also need to reflect on whether there are steps we can take to improve safety in our central city. However, our focus this week needs to be on supporting Lyn’s family, her Police colleagues and honouring her service to our city.
Nick Smith
MAYOR OF NELSON
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Waitī, Waitā, Waiora: Millers Acre mural unveiled
A
new Toi Māori mural at Millers Acre celebrates the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Whakatū.
The stunning Kāruhiruhi (pied shag) mural, Waitī, Waitā, Waiora by toi Māori artists Charles and Janine Williams was completed over four days and officially unveiled with karakia by kaumātua on Saturday 21 December, 2024.
The ceremony was attended by the artists, iwi, elected members, council staff, and members of the community.
The mural is situated in the Millers Acre car park on the Glasgow Harley building, alongside the Maitai River. Work at Miller’s Acre to create a new bus hub will get underway this year and the mural’s theme was chosen to reflect this exciting new gateway location for WhakatuNelson.
Iwi provided a whakataukī (proverb) Waitī, Waitā, Waiora, which was used by the artists to create a concept design. Waitī, Waitā, Waiora symbolises the interconnectedness of fresh and sea water, and their vital role in sustaining the wellbeing of our community.
Waitī and Waitā are also referenced in the Matariki star cluster.
Collaboration and engagement between the artists, iwi and Council via Te Ohu Toi Ahurea, Council’s iwi cultural engagement panel, was integral to the mural’s creation with a strong emphasis placed on the importance of ensuring the finished product was deeply rooted in local narratives.
Charles and Janine began their artistic journeys during the 1990s, each developing a passion for street art. Since then, they have worked collaboratively, bringing together their unique strengths to create large scale murals.
“We have different parts that we tend to concentrate on, Charles works on the birds and all the detailing, and I tend to focus on the backgrounds and symmetrical patterning work,” says Janine
“We make sure our work speaks to the land, to the people, to the communities that live there. So, it has a connection,” says Charles Williams.
“We had an open conversation with iwi so they could share stories or history they feel are important to say in the mural,” says Janine Williams.
To complete a mural of this scale within the short timeframe, the artists used a doodle grid to sketch the design and relied on a scissor lift to complete the work. Acting Group
Manager Community Services Martin Croft says Council is pleased to see an increase in the representation of toi Māori in Nelson’s public art collection.
“Over the past five years, council has tripled the number of toi Māori artworks in Whakatū, this has largely been due to an increase in partnerships with iwi,” says Martin.
“The artists have already created two beloved murals in Nelson - Rise Up in Stoke and Sky Tūī in Neale Park - and this new mural will be their largest piece yet in Whakatū.”
Council would like to acknowledge the building owner Peter Rait and tenants Lawyers Glasgow Harley for their ongoing support of this project and public art in Nelson.
The mural is partially funded through Nelson City Council’s annual public art budget and Capital Projects as part of the City Revitalisation project, with a total cost of $43,000.
This mural marks a significant achievement, reflecting the successful collaboration between Nelson City Council, iwi, artists, the building owner and tenant to deliver a culturally meaningful addition to Whakatū. It reinforces the council’s commitment to celebrating Māori heritage and enhancing the city’s artistic landscape.
Teddy Bears' Picnic
Teddy Bear had a great time catching up with friends and whānau at the Teddy Bears’ Picnic on Sunday, “It was great to get out of the house and catch up with the other bears over some tasty cream scones,” says Teddy. “Looking forward to next year already!”
AI Sandbox now at the Elma Turner Library
The Nelson AI Sandbox, a unique non-profit set up to demystify artificial intelligence (AI), is partnering with Nelson Public Libraries.
The Sandbox will be hosted in the Elma Turner Library Discovery Room until midMarch 2025.
Since its launch in March 2024, some 8,000 people have delved into AI at the Sandbox.
“The AI Sandbox is for people of all ages and stages; a safe, discovery space where you can learn more about AI and how to make the most of it, and what to be careful of when using it,” says co-founder Richard Brudvik-Lindner. "The library is the heart of community learning and discovery, making it the perfect partner for the AI Sandbox."
Group Manager Community Services Andrew White says the library is a techforward organisation, adapting to the fastchanging digital landscape.
“The Elma Turner Library is a great space for people to learn about AI tools and software,” Andrew says. “By partnering with the AI Sandbox, we’re making these technologies freely accessible to the public.” For the AI Sandbox’s opening hours, go to www.aisandbox.org.nz
Strawbridge Square upgrade
Work began this week to upgrade the stormwater network around Strawbridge Square, as flooding can occur in heavy rainfall in the corner of the carpark. Upgrading the size of stormwater pipes will reduce the chance of flooding occurring, protecting properties in the area and making sure water flows where it needs to go. There will be varying traffic management plans in place as the work progresses.
Experience a classic Nelson summer evening of music, food and fun at Tāhuna Summer Sounds!
Join us on Friday 17 January, from 4pm to 8pm at the scenic Tāhunanui Beach Reserve for a FREE community event for all ages. Wet weather date: Saturday, 18 January 2025.
Thursday 6 February, 9am – 3pm
Waitangi Day
Inspiring people – Nayland College
Nayland College has been serving the Nelson community for nearly 60 years, being a leader in developing inspirational learning programmes and nurturing students to reach their potential. Our dedicated teaching staff provide an innovative curriculum, authentically engaging students in learning that is responsive to both place and culture. Nayland College continues to provide state of the art, modern learning facilities, including a high-performance, multisport turf and specialised performance arts centre. We are committed to our vision of ‘toitoi manawa;’ inspiring, engaging and empowering learners to soar high and reach their full potential with resilience, perseverance and determination.
Nayland College believes strongly in a holistic education, placing a deliberate emphasis on supporting students to excel across a wide range of academic, social, physical and cultural activities. Our range of new and innovative
modules continue to engage and inspire young learners. Included in this are the highly successful Institute of Sport and School of Music programmes. The quality of a school reflects the quality of its relationship with the community it serves. At Nayland College we strive to have a genu-
ine partnership with our families, whānau and iwi. If you would like to know more about our innovative learning programmes or the highly successful sporting, arts, cultural, outdoor and leadership opportunities that are offered, please visit our website at www.nayland.school.nz or phone
Start fresh this summer – NMIT
Take the leap into a brighter future this summer and unlock your potential at NMIT.
Whether you’re exploring your options after school, looking to advance in your career or simply keen to learn something new, we are here to help you make it happen. Every journey begins with one step, and we’ll be with you every step of the way. NMIT is more than a place to study – it’s a place to grow. Think flexible study options, real-world learning and a holistic support environment, all designed to empower you to believe in your potential and to equip you with everything you need to reach your goals. From business to winemaking, NMIT have over 100 programmes available, from certificate to master’s level. With 2025 applications and scholarships now open, there’s no better time to take that first step towards realising your own dreams. Let this be the year you say yes to embracing challenges, taking the leap and turning aspirations into reality.
Nelson College for Girls Tēnā tātou e te whānau, Ki ngā uri o ngā maunga whakahī, ngā uri whakatipu o ngā moana
First day of school for year 7s is 4th February. First day of school for year 8s is 5th February. Friday 7th February years 7 and 8s together for a mihi whakatau.
junior
03 547 9769. Join us in this exciting period in the history of our school!
Nayland College
me ngā awa tapu o Te Tauihu o Te Waka-a-Māui, kei te mihi, kei te mihi, kei te mihi.
Whether you are returning or joining us for the first time, nau mai ki Te Kura Tamawāhine o Whakatū - welcome to Nelson College for Girls. The whakatauki below is one we shared at the beginning of 2024: Manaakitia te tangata, ahakoa ko wai, ahakoa nō hea Treat people respectfully, irrespective of who they are or where they come from. It still resonates with our way of being as a community and reminds us that at the heart of success lies a commitment to uplifting others. Our students, whānau, kaiako, and kaimahi all contribute to the strength of our community, and we look forward to continuing to develop relationships with each of you in 2025. There are many people at our kura who can support you with answering questions so please make sure you reach out if there is anything you are unsure about. We look forward to beginning a positive and busy 2025 with you all!
Clifton Terrace School
Come and expand your horizons in the beautiful environment that is Clifton Terrace School. Clifton Terrace prides itself on opportunity and positive learning experiences. Whether it’s academic success, sport, great friends or an envi-
PREPARATORY SCHOOL SECONDARY SCHOOL JANUARY
Mon 27 Staff Only Day – no students at school
Tues 28 Staff Only Day – no students at school
Wed 29 Senior Re-enrolment Day 10:00am – 12:00pm: Year 11 and Year 13 1:00pm – 3:00pm: Year 12 and Year 13
Thurs 30 School buses will run at normal times from today. Bus students are welcome to go to the library until school starts. All students in uniform. 10:40am: All Year 7 and any new Year 8 students assemble in the Preparatory School
12:00pm: All Year 8 students arrive at Prep 3:10pm: School day finishes for Prep students
9:15am: Head students meeting 10:00am: Year 13 to the New Gym Mezzanine floor 10:40am: Year 7, 9 and ALL NEW students and staff assemble on the front lawn in preparation for the Mihi Whakatau 11:00am: Mihi Whakatau begins in hall 3:00pm: New students to buses
Fri 31 9:20am: All Year 7 and Year 8 students start school 3:10pm: School finishes for all students 9:20am: All Year 9 and Peer Support Leaders arrive at hall 10:50am: Year 13s arrive 3:10pm: School finishes for
Mon 3 Nelson Anniversary Day (school closed)
Tues 4 8:50am:
400 Trafalgar Street South, Nelson, 7010 ph: 03 548 3104 | admin@ncg.school.nz www.ncg.school.nz HINE T Ū
ronment that lends itself to leading the way, Clifton Terrace has it all. Our physical environment is literally stunning with so many different aspects. Come and experience ’the hill’, our own mountain bike track, pump track, wide open grass spaces, trees to climb, a lovely
warm pool, a library that is full of the most wonderful books, and a staff that has children’s best interest at heart.
We are super proud to be part of the CTS legacy so why not come and join us. We look forward to seeing you on The Terrace in 2025!
Nelson Central School
“Kia matomato te tipu i te aoFlourishing in Our Learning, Flourishing in Our World” Nelson Central School provides exceptional teaching within a supportive community environment. A special place located in the heart of Nelson City; Nelson Central School is a large contributing school offering both English and Māori medium learning pathways, catering to new school starters at five years old through to Year 6 students.
“We see ourselves as whānau - we have highly skilled, caring teachers who are leaders in their field, and an amazing school community,” says principal Pip Wells. “Every child comes with their own strengths and potential. We live and breathe our vision of empowering each other to be our best, by focusing on equity, excellence and belonging... and we have a bit of fun along the way”. School starts for new enrolments, and Whānau Connect Hui, on 4 and 5 February, and then for all children on 7 February.
Nelson College for Girls
Nelson College – Inspiring Young Men Through Education
Welcome to Nelson College, New Zealand’s oldest state secondary school, founded in 1856. With over 168 years of history, Nelson College has a proud tradition of providing boys with a supportive, purpose-driven environment to succeed academically, personally, and socially.
At Nelson College, we specialise in boys’ education, tailoring our approach to meet the unique needs of young men. From our curriculum to our pastoral care, every aspect of our school is designed to engage boys in meaningful learning experiences that prepare them for life in a rapidly changing world.
While we strive for academic achievement, we also want our students to be happy, stimulated, and engaged. By combining traditional values with modern teaching methods, we create an environment where boys can pursue their passions and discover their potential.
A sense of belonging is at the
heart of our approach. Our boys enjoy a vibrant school life, with a wide variety of lunchtime and social clubs to join. We also prioritise the development of leadership skills through opportunities like peer tutoring, our academic committee, and a student council.
Our Student Leaders are role models who embody the school’s values of manaaki-care, pono-integrity, and kairangi-success, setting a positive example for their peers.
Our campus is a true highlight. With a combination of natural beauty and modern amenities, it’s
a unique place for boys to thrive. We frequently gain national attention for outstanding achievements in sport and music, placing us alongside the best schools in New Zealand.
Our strength is our focus on values-based education, and a support system that provides every
boy with the opportunity to overcome barriers to success and leave his mark.
At Nelson College, we prepare young men for a future of success and resilience.
When you join our community you’re joining a place of potential and possibility.
Nelson College
Stoke-Tāhunanui Kāhui Ako
Stoke-Tāhunanui Kāhui Ako Welcomes New and Returning Students to 2025!
The schools and early childhood centres in the Stoke-Tāhunanui Community of Learning welcome new and returning students and whanau to the 2025 school year.
Our cluster of schools are aligned to each other through Te Kāhui Ako o Ōmaio ki Tāhunanui . The Stoke-Tāhunanui Kahui Ako has worked closely together for a number of years sharing our collective strengths and resources and supporting the learning pathway of all children from ECE through to Year 13.
Cluster hui and staff only days provide rich professional learning opportunities for staff while sports and cultural events and celebrations bring students and whanau together and help to streamline transitions across and between our educational environments. Our current Strategic Plan is focused on meeting the needs of all akonga by creating inclusive and enriching learning environments, providing an engaging and responsive curriculum and reducing any barriers to attendance and participation. Our work is informed by local iwi aspirations, Ministry of Education initiatives and by the data and voice we collect from our children and whanau. The learning and well-being of our Stoke-Tāhunanui Community is important to all of us. We take great pride in the achievements of our children in and out of school and staff work tirelessly to make everyone’s educational journey as smooth as possible.
Attendance Focus
Regular attendance established from early childhood, through school to tertiary providers
“I
and on to employment is a key indicator of positive life outcomes. Every day really does count, especially in these times of more choices and higher anxiety.
While we understand this isn’t always easy for everyone, attending school is a legal requirement and there are a number of ways we can support this. Our goal in the next few years is to have 90% of our Stoke-Tāhunanui Kahui Ako attending over 90% of the time. Please talk to the staff at your Kura if you do have any difficulties supporting your children getting to school.
Curriculum Pathways
Our New Zealand Curriculum focuses on a broad education building the skills and knowledge we need to navigate a changing
world, however, some things are more important than others and cannot be left to chance.
The Stoke-Tāhunanui Kahui Ako Curriculum Pathways highlights these aspects.
Relationships Based Learning Profile
Relationships Based Learning or RBL is a proven framework that transforms classroom, leadership and system practices. We train and coach RBL across our Kahui Ako and regularly seek student, whanau and staff voice to ensure it continues to meet the needs of our community.
While we look forward to welcoming you back to your individual Kura, please do stay connected to the wider educational community through our shared website, which is a one-stop shop for all our key documents, shared stories and news.
Tahunanui School
Tahunanui School Kapa Haka performing at combined Stoke-Tahunanui Matariki celebration
Local History
Nelson’s war memorial decided at last
ROBYN PARKES
In May 1919, discussions began on a suitable war memorial site and design.
A memorial committee was formed and canvassed for ideas which included; a mausoleum of marble in Anzac Park, monument on the church steps, swimming baths, a monument in the Cemetery, a piece of art, a miniature Statue of Liberty at Anzac Park, damming the Maitai to make a lake for boating purposes with a monument at the mouth, a circular lake at Queens Gardens, a boat harbour and baths off Weka St, a column on Botanical Hill, an equestrian statue, a stone pavilion with seats, a drinking fountain, and a pyramid. By June, three options remained, these being; Botanical Hill, Cathedral Steps and Anzac Park but all were ruled out as being unsuitable.
An alternative suggestion was an arch over the bridge across Maitai River on Trafalgar St, but with many still interested in the Botanical Hill site, the council was approached to reconsider, but this was denied. The RSA then suggested a statue of a ‘Digger’ in trench kit at the Church Steps.
In an attempt to settle the issue, another round of proposals were submitted by ballot, with three to be ruled out; (1) the ‘Digger’ on the Church Steps. (2) Extension of Anzac Park and memorial gates. (3) Obelisk on Zig Zag. (4) a garden memorial at the west end of Wakatu Lane. Proposal one, the ‘Digger’ in front of the Church Steps was the most popular but the mayor was opposed to council money being used for this site.
With no decision made by May 1922 it was back to the drawing
board, and another site on Trafalgar St was suggested, but some were not ready to give up the fight for the foot of the church steps. The mayor indicated he would oppose “tooth and nail” the proposal to put the memorial at the foot of the steps because if there was an accident due to the memorials position in obstructing movement of people, the council would be liable.
Out of the blue, another proposal was placed before the mayor to construct a 13-chain remembrance avenue of trees from Auckland Point to meet at a point in Waimea St (now Rutherford St) about 10 chains north of Anzac Park with blocks of marble, inscribed and placed on each side of the entrances. This was approved by the council, but disagreements continued and by August 1922, there was still no consensus on the site, so the
Statue of a ‘digger’. Nelson Provincial Museum, miscellaneous collection.
committee again requested that the council agree on Trafalgar St but this was again turned down.
Within a month the avenue option had been dropped as, in September 1922, a tender was accepted for the erection of a base
for the memorial on the Church Hill, not at the base of the steps but further up to be accessed by a path and a flight of steps. The memorial was of a life-sized soldier in full field kit, mounted on a granite pedestal, supported by four marble columns and a granite shaft, upon each side of which was inscribed by statements; “Greater love hath no man than this that, a man lay down his life for his friends,” “Lest we forget,” ‘‘To our glorious dead”, and “Their name liveth for evermore.” The space from the outer edge of the base to the foot of the pedestal was to be filled with a rockery to grow ferns, creeping plants and flowers. After almost four years of to-ing and fro-ing the memorial was unveiled on 11 November 1923, (Armistice Day) by his Lordship the Bishop of Nelson in the presence of a very large crowd.
Transforming outdoor spaces with Driveway Specialists Nelson
E: drivewayspecialistsnsn@hotmail.co.nz
educational sectors, their comprehensive services include durable, slip-resistant surfacing options for all kinds of outdoor spaces including carparks, paths, and driveways, using only top-quality materials and methods to guarantee top tier results. In addition, they offer a range of edging such as timber or concrete etc, concrete formwork and concrete applications also. Driveway Specialists Nelson is also equipped for excavation work, with a number of trucks ready to cart. “We can also take care of anything from driveways to patches to pathways carparks and potholes,” Abe adds. Whether your project involves enhancing functionality or boosting curb appeal, the team is ready to transform your outdoor space into something both beautiful and long-lasting. The company’s commitment to quality service extends across the Nelson Tasman region, with operating hours from Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. “Contact us today for a free quote for your resurfacing project. Let us help you transform your outdoors into a beautiful, durable, and safe area that you can enjoy for years to come. At Driveway Specialists Nelson we are committed to providing our clients with the best possible experience!” Driveways,
Driveway Specialists Nelson is a locally owned resurfacing company committed to enhancing the appearance and functionality of outdoor surfaces. Since their establishment in 2020, they have earned a reputation for delivering high-quality services across Nelson Tasman. With over 20 years of industry experience, owner Abe Lee and his skilled team take on projects of all sizes, including asphalt, concrete, and chip seal surfacing. From small residential paths to large commercial carparks, Driveway Specialists Nelson is known for revitalising aging surfaces. “We pride ourselves on working closely with clients to ensure their resurfacing project aligns perfectly with their needs,” Abe explains. The team’s expertise includes designing bespoke driveways from scratch to restoring damaged and worn-out surfaces, offering a cost-effective alternative to complete replacement. “Over time, asphalt surfaces can become worn, stained, and cracked, which can lead to a range of problems, including water damage, tripping hazards, and reduced curb appeal. This is where our resurfacing services come in.”
Specialising in projects across residential, commercial, retail and
Shane Harwood back on the podium
JODY SCOTT
The DC Equipment NZ Super Stock Championship concluded on a sunny Sunday afternoon with 100 of the best drivers in the country battling it out for national supremacy at Milestone Homes Top of the South Speedway in Appleby.
The weekend’s racing began with qualifying races on Friday night to find 25 of the 26 cars to contest the title on Saturday, with one more going though after a last-chance race to make the final group.
Three local drivers qualified –former NZ Champion Shane Harwood, Alex Hill and Brett Nicholls.
The drama started on the first lap and continued throughout the qualifying night. A couple of cars ended up on top of each other along the back straight with the speed of the racing electrifying.
The Championship night unfolded with a blockbuster final chance race. A regular visitor from Napier, James Buckrell, sneaked in on the final laps, and Palmerston North driver Scott Miers ended up on his side in the dying laps.
The first championship race got underway and open club champion, Tim Ross from Gisborne, was the big mover. So was Shane, while Brett and Alex struggled on a dry track.
The rain came in as they were gridding up for their second heat and the rest of the meeting was put off until Sunday afternoon.
It was another solid race for Shane as racing commenced on Sunday. Brett helped his club mate out by stopping a block car trying to slow Shane, while Alex ended up parked on the grass
with a broken gearbox. Threetime current champion 1nz Asher Rees was a target early in the race. He was caught sideways near the wall and the car ended up upside-down on a momentum roll. James couldn’t avoid the car and ended up putting it back on its wheels leaving the car too damaged to continue.
The race was full of huge hits as the Gisborne cars were pitted
against the rest of the field. It was a battlefield from top to tail. Brett and Alex did their best to support Shane as he made his way up from the rear of the field. With 11 cars failing to finish the race, this aided his chances as the hits kept coming.
The race winner, Ethan Levien, did enough to tie with points leader Todd Hemmingway from Tauranga, ensuring a run-off was
needed to decide the NZ Championship. Shane kept out of trouble to secure the 3nz spot, to return to the podium after winning the title in 2016. His retirement a couple of years ago was shortlived, to help the club secure hosting rights, and his third placing was great reward for his continued support of the club.
The run-off between the two former NZ Youth Ministock team-
mates ended with Todd grabbing the lead from Ethan on lap two to win the four lap dash. Todd is the first driver in 50 years to claim the title for the Tauranga Club and Ethan will defend the 2nz at his home track in Wellington next year. The club did a sterling job hosting the championship over what turned out to be a very busy and challenging three day weekend. weather-wise.
Back from left: Dale McKenzie, Luke Higgins, Anthony McKenzie and Bryce Lindup. Front: Jake Stewart, 3NZ Shane Harwood and son Max, Jayla Lindup and Shane’s dad Charlie Harwood. Photo: Rebecca Connor Maling.
Croquet star completes double in Nelson
STEPHEN STUART
Nelson croquet fans were treated to top level play by the game’s elite young players last week.
The Nelson Hinemoa Croquet Club staged the annual New Zealand Golf Croquet Championships with 19 players vying for the title.
Golf croquet (GC) is the quicker version of the mallet, balls and hoops game as opposed to association croquet (AC).
Not that it made much difference to Logan McCorkindale who claimed both titles last year.
The 25-year-old, originally from Ashburton, started a busy week in Nelson by taking out the doubles with his younger brother, Reece 7-3 7-3. He finished that final in style with a shot enthusiasts were still talking about four days later.
“I was off the boundary on hoop nine and I ran the ball at the hoop. It went through and proceeded to hit the next hoop as well. So, two hoops in one shot,” Logan recalls. It is that pace, power and precision which has taken him to a -5 handicap, just one short of the highest in the game.
Logan has made a habit of coming from behind in his matches and trailed another Cantabrian,
Josh Freeth, 2-1 in the best of five games singles final. Josh, 28, was coming off winning the South Island AC Croquet Championships in Christchurch last month.
Logan dominated the final two games 7-4 7-2 to win 3-2 and retain his crown. Again, he produced a stunning finish on the
ninth hoop, driving the ball from off the edge through the hoop. The match lasted more than five hours and the threatening rain stayed away.
“I have come from behind in best of five finals before. I have always managed to pull it out in the biggest moments.
“I played in an New Zealand Open final that took 11 hours. I love that it is drawn out and technical. It is a mental game because you have enough time to consider every possible outcome,” declares the former basketball player, who won his first GC national title in 2019.
“These tournaments take a lot out of me,” confirms Logan, who is taking a year off from his bachelors and masters sports science studies at Canterbury University. As one observer commented, it is like bowls with weapons as you aggressively take out your opponent’s balls to improve your own position.
“There is a common perception that club croquet is dominated by older women and that is true. But it is the younger male players who feature at elite level,” Logan comments.
As he was reflecting on the week, one of the other 18 singles players walked by - 89-year-old Doug Nottage was one of four Nelson entries.
“I would probably like to play at that age but I would also like to take a break over the years, here and there,” concludes Logan.
Tournament manager Annie Henry, a former croquet champion herself, says the sport is rebuilding after losing its momentum during the pandemic.
“There was a very strong secondary schools programme.”
Nelson-based Annie proclaims the host club is in great shape with nine lawns and the rain made for ideal playing conditions.
Nelson Regatta returns with five days of thrilling competition
Bringing an exciting competitive edge to our waters, the annual Nelson Regatta kicks off on Friday, January 17, sailing through to its event finale on Tuesday, January 21. As the biggest yachting event on the region’s calendar, fleets include Trailer Yachts, Sports Boats, Keelers and Cruising Boats. The Invitation Rum Race, open to all entrants, gets scheduling underway on Friday evening.
Day One of the Elliott 5.9 Southern Circuit and the Trailer Yacht Regatta take place on Saturday, with a practice day for the keelers and the cruisers while, also on Saturday, the annual Wellington to Nelson race will bring visiting keelers.
Sunday is Day Two of the Southern Circuit and Trailer Yacht Regatta and the start of the official Nelson Regatta which begins with three ‘Round the Cans’ races for the Romeo and Juliet divisions, and a coastal race for the cruising boats.
On Monday trailer yachts join the keelers and cruisers as they set off across Tasman Bay for two days of coastal racing which will include a night in Anchorage in the Abel Tasman National Park.
Tuesday sees the boats racing back to Nelson and the evening’s prize-giving is always a great time thanks to the generous sponsors. Hosted by
Tasman Bay Cruising Club (TBCC) Regatta Committee Chair, Alister Morison, says the event is open to members of sailing clubs affiliated with Yachting New Zealand, and their guests are all welcome to head to the club and join in the fun after sailing. There is a range of local and national entrants, says Alister, including those from Christchurch and Wellington, who come to enjoy the five-day event.
“The addition of the Elliott 5.9 Southern Circuit brings a good number of competitors to the region, and the
Nelson Yacht Club’s Laser Nationals from January 15 to 19 makes for a spectacular sailing showcase.”
The Wellington to Nelson race can be followed by using the Marine Traffic App or the RPNYC website, as many boats broadcast their position using AIS (Automatic Identification System). Registrations close at 4pm on Friday, January 17. For more information, contact Tasman Bay Cruising Club on 03 546 8251, email tbcc@xtra.co.nz, or visit the website tasmanbaycc.
The ‘Same Cafe’ crew, from left: NZ representative sailor Noah Malpot, Jacob Halliburton, Hannes Hilles, Irena Kennedy, Steve Foote and Alister Morison - chilling between races at the 2024 Evolution Nelson Regatta. Photo credit: Alex Pirie @apirie_photography
Logan McCorkindale on his way to defending his New Zealand Golf Croquet singles title in Nelson on Saturday. Photo: Chris Symes/Shuttersport.
Olympic sailor headlines ILCA nationals
STEPHEN STUART
Fresh from competing in the Australian and Oceania ILCA Championships in Brisbane, Olympian Greta Pilkington will be the star turn at the nationals in Nelson this week.
The 22-year-old Aucklander finished eighth and will back up in the ILCA 6 open grade, which has attracted up to 50 entrants, most of whom are youth sailors and female Olympic aspirants. Greta and her family’s border collie puppy, Mickey, flew to Nelson on Monday, a day after her parents drove down from Auckland with three yachts and an inflatable RIB.
“They left at 2am to catch the midday ferry across Cook Strait. The conditions could have been a bit rough for Mickey, so he came with me,” says Greta. It will be a family affair on the water this week as her 16-year-old brother Tom is also competing in the ILCA 6, while 19-year-old George Pilkington is in the ILCA 7’s.
“I wouldn’t call it sibling rivalry as we are very supportive of each other,” declares the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron sailor. She started out in the Optimist
class, enjoyed single-handed racing, and so graduating to ILCA big fleet competition was a natural progression for the recently graduated architecture student.
After finishing 34th in Marseille in her Olympic event last year, Greta is eyeing another huge season.
“Spain, France and then Chi-
na for the world champs before checking out the Los Angeles venue for the 2028 Olympics,” concludes Greta. Her toughest competition at
this week’s nationals could well come from former-ILCA 6 world champion, George Lane. The event was last held in the South Island three years ago, and ILCA.nz chairman, Nick Page, says total numbers of almost 100, across three classes, are on a par with that.
“Nelson is certainly shaping up to be another great contest,” Nick says.
“The ILCA class, formerly lasers, has undergone an international resurgence and continues to be far and away the most popular youth and adult racing dinghy in the world,” enthuses Nick.
The other two fleets are the ILCA 6 Masters and the ILCA 7 Combined Open and Masters. The first has about 20 competitors expected with ages ranging from 30 to 65 plus with at least half a dozen sailors.
The Nelson Yacht Club is hosting the five-day Scott Construction NZ ILCA Championship with first of the 10 races starting tomorrow. Tim Pitcaithly is seen as the best local hope.
The ILCA fleets will have company on the water with the Tasman Bay Cruising Club also staging its annual Nelson regatta between 17 and 21 January.
NELSON
Greta Pilkington competing for New Zealand at last year’s ILCA 6 Women’s World Championship in Mar del Plata, Argentina. Photo: Supplied.
Challenging cricket season for nelson twins
It proved a frustrating return home for the Gaging twins, Kate and Anna, as their Central Hinds T20 cricket side was beaten twice at Saxton Oval this month.
Kate got the team off to the best possible start against the Super Smash Dream 11 defending champions, the Wellington Blaze. It was a rematch of last year’s final The wicketkeeper snared a slick catch to dismiss the Blaze’s captain and superstar Melie Kerr.
“It was just a feather,” Kate says modestly.
A real talking point was the 23-year-old standing up to the stumps to Nelson Nyxons’ swing bower Claudia Green.
“I always wanted to do it at Hinds level but didn’t quite have the confidence before. Her hooping inswinger is harder to keep to than pace. Claudia now has a bouncer too so that might throw a spanner in the mix,” Kate reveals.
Watching from the sidelines, Anna was suitably impressed.
“I rate her keeping pretty highly. She’s probably one of the best in the country,” enthuses the medium fast bowler, who was carrying
the drinks for the match.
Kate completed a slick display to pull off an underarm run out to end the Blaze’s innings.
“She’s cheeky like that,” Anna confirms.
The pressure was on Kate when she came in to bat at No.9, with the Hinds struggling to chase down a target of 115.
“You have got to find a bound-
ary, but it wasn’t the greatest shot from me,” Kate admits, after her two ball duck.
The Hinds lost by 25 runs and then two days later were completely overwhelmed by the Northern Brave.
While they finally managed to post more than 100 runs, their usually potent fast bowling attack was taken apart as they suffered a
crushing nine wicket loss.
“At least the Nelson weather was good. It was nice to be home for those two back-to-back games as it is such a busy schedule,” comments Kate.
It was easy to identify the twins as Kate had a graze on her chin.
“I wasn’t wearing a helmet for once, in fielding practice, and took one to the chin.”
Bowls
Stoke pair Kirsten Edwards and Amy McIlroy reached the quarter-finals of the New Zealand Bowls Championships in Auckland last week.
But they were then eliminated 23-9 by Kaye Bunn and Janeen Noble.
After making the last four of the men’s pairs, Amy’s husband Shannon was knocked out of the singles 21-16 in the second round of post section by Papanui’s Joseph van Pennen.
Horse racing
Former Richmond owner-trainer, farrier and publican Tim Trathen is making a habit of winning at his old stamping ground this time of year. In January 2024, the now West Melton-based horseman produced the smart mare Ooga Chaka to win on the second day of the Nelson Harness Racing Club meeting and last week he went one better. Trotter Nellie Doyle triumphed on Friday and again on Sunday after only qualifying to race two months ago. Making it even more satisfying, it was his 50th training success since he started out in 1990.
STEPHEN STUART
Kate Gaging, left, and her twin sister Anna at Saxton Oval after the Central Hinds went down to the Wellington Blaze. Photo: Stephen Stuart.
STRAWBRIDGE
Bill (George Wilson)
9.9.1931- 12.01.2025
Bill passed away surrounded by love in his own home, as was his wish. Husband of Margaret (D), dearly loved Dad to Paula (D) John, Juilia Wendy and Deane and he was a respected Father-in Law. Family meant everything to Bill, and he was especially proud of his Grandchildren and their partners; - Adam, Martyn (D), Sally & James, Amelia & Louw, Rosie & Luke, Ella & Marc, Mark & Pam, Jared & Zoe, Sophie & Giulio, Todd and Kim. Bill currently has 13 great grandchildren to carry on his legacy. Please join us to celebrate Bills’ life. Club Waimea 11am Friday 17th January.
A life well lived. A man well loved.
Community Notices
DEADLINE: 10AM FRIDAY
30 WORDS OR LESS BY EMAIL ONLY SEND TO: myevent@nelsonweekly.co.nz
MONDAY
DIVORCE CARE COURSE starting 3rd March, 13week course. For divorced or separated. Richmond New Life Church side Room 7pm -9pm. 0274193035 Divorcecare.org, Divorcecarenn@gmail.com
SURVIVOR & THRIVERS GROUP. If you have or have had cancer or supported someone else, come and connect. Register: info@cancernelson.org.nz or Ph: 035391137.
WOULD YOU LIKE A BIKE? Bike Hub Nelson accepts donations of good used bikes, fixes them up and gives them away for a small koha. 142 Saxton Rd. Mon, 5.30-7pm. For other opening times and a map e: bikehubnelson@gmail. com
COULD YOU VOLUNTEER on a Thurs? 2.30-4pm to assist elderly people on and off our van? And take them to our day activity programme in Annesbrook Drive. Please Ph: Maaike 032655224 or e: maaikef@psusi.org.nz
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING The Nelson Club dance. Thurs, 7.30pm. Haven Hall, 34 Collingwood St, Nelson. New dancers welcome, no partner needed. More info: Ph: Kelly 0211739642 or nelson@dancescottish.org.nz.
NELSON LIONESS - Seeking new members to join our service club. We are very social and active in our community. Meet 1st & 3rd Thurs of the month. Ph: Jillian 0272782743.
BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP Cancer Society Nelson, 102 Hardy St. If you have or have had breast cancer come and connect. Reg 5391137 or info@cancernelson.org.nz
COMMUNITY SUPPORT GROUPS are avail in Richmond and Nelson each month for people who have+ ME/ CFS,FM,POTS or Long COVID. Ph: CCI Support 0800224787 or e: nelson@ccisupport.org.nz for info.
ACTIVE STRENGTH/BALANCE CLASS: Mon, 1pm. Tāhunanui Community Hub, Muritai St. Also seated options presented. ACC accredited provider. Get fitter to great music. Ph: Shirley 035471433 / 0211218023.
OSTEOACTIVE, exercise class for participants with osteoarthritis. Mon, 10am, Holy Trinity Hall, 27 Dorset St, Richmond. Seated and Standing exercises. Exercise tips for osteoarthritis self management. Nicola 0210788609. Koha $5-$8.
TUESDAY
YOGA for people who have or have had cancer. Mon Afternoons, and Tues Evenings. Reg: info@cancernelson.org.nz or Ph: 035391137.
NELSON 50+ WALKING GROUP Weekly walks average 10kms. Tues 21 Jan, Rabbit Island beach walk. Meet at the Old Domain Carpark at 9.45am. BYO lunch. Contact Kevin 022 5279809.
KIDS-N-KOFFEE PLAYGROUP term time. Tues, 9.4511.45am. All Saints crèche, 30 Vanguard St. Indoor/outdoor play areas, crafts, toys, music session, fun and fellowship. Ph: Lois 0274331213.
LA CORALE - COMMUNITY CHOIR Tues, 6.15-7.45pm. Victory Community Centre. Open to all! Coordinated by Alvaro Moreno, this choir enables involvement and inclusion no matter the level of musicianship. There’s an eclectic “world music” repertoire reflecting the diversity of members. alvarosmoreno.7@gmail.com
NOHO PAKARI (SIT & BE FIT) Tues, 10 -1pm. Tāhunanui Community Hub. Run by Shanesse from Te Piki Oranga, she is providing exercises that are fun while you’re sitting. More info e: Shanesse.Collins@tpo.org.nz.
STOKE TAHUNANUI MEN’S CLUB welcomes new members. Meet 3rd Tues of the month, 10am. 5 Burrough Pl, Enner Glynn. With guest speaker. Regular outings and activities. Ph: Ian 0274281606.
WEDNESDAY
PLOTS AVAILABLE FOR GROWING VEGS/FLOWERS. Wed, 10-12pm. $5 psqm. Fresh air is free. Tools provided. Volunteer sessions incl cuppa. Get your hands in the dirt and learn to grow your own food. Ph: Sally 0211709443.
BEGINNER BRIDGE LESSONS. Wed, 7pm. Nelson Bridge Club. To book Ph: 035481999. e: contact@nelsonbridge. co.nz. First “taster” session. FREE.
EMBROIDERY Wed, 3-5pm. Victory Community Centre. Spaces available for children of school year five and up. No experience necessary, expert tuition provided by the team from the Nelson Embroidery Guild. Includes afternoon tea. Ph: 035468389. COST: $20 per term.
ISEL LADIES PROBUS CLUB Welcome to our friendly club, 4th Wed of the month, 10am. Baptist Church, Stoke (also coffee, lunch & book groups). Ph: Gill 035472134 or Sue 035486062.
THURSDAY
PILATES 4 EVERYBODY, Thurs, 6-7pm, Tāhunanui Community Hub Improve posture, mobility, strength, balance, and body awareness. Exercises can be modified to suit all fitness levels and abilities. 021 0839 9290.
WAIMEA COMBINED FRIENDSHIP GROUP Meet 3rd Thurs of the month, 9.45am, Hope Church, Ranzau Rd. For Friendship, Fellowship & Learning. Ph: Denise 027765000 or Rosalie 0272491080.
FRIDAY
WAIMEA LADIES FRIENDSHIP CLUB 3rd Fri monthly, 9.45am, Richmond Church of Christ. Welcomes new members. Interesting speakers, MT, dining out, outings. Ph: Bev 035441469.
FREE FITNESS FRIDAYS PT in the Park. Bringing communities together for fun and fitness. Free fitness with your neighbours, family, and friends in a local park. e: nicola@ bfit4ever.nz for dates and park locations or look on Fb
Bfit4everNZ
KIA KAHA KICKBOXING, Tues and Fri, 5:30-6:30pm, Tāhunanui Community Hub. Josh Clarke's gym classes are designed to be inclusive for all skill levels, helping people through the sport.
SATURDAY/SUNDAY
33RD ANNUAL NELSON SUMMER KITE FESTIVAL 18 & 19 Jan, Neale Park, 12-5pm. Koha welcome.
HIGGINS HERITAGE PARK 222 Pigeon Valley Rd, Wakefield museums open day Sun 19 Jan 10am - 3pm. Bring a picnic & enjoy a pleasant relaxing day, jigger rides, children's preloved books. 027 6316786.
QUALITY CRAFTS NELSON Richmond Baptist Church lounge, 123 Salibury Rd, Sat 18 Jan 8am-12pm. Unique local handmade crafts with something for everyone. Contact Kay 0275476777 kaypeterson147@gmail.com
MOTUEKA LIGHTHOUSE HEALING EXPO Sun 19 Jan, Motueka Memorial Hall, 9.30am - 4.30pm, free workshops & presentations.
RADIO CONTROL MODEL PLANES at the Wakapuaka flying site on Wed & Sun. 10am-midday, weather permitting. New members welcome. For Info Ph: Murray 021457663.
COFFEE AND CHAT GROUP supporting people with Cardiovascular problems. Meet 3rd Sat each month, 10.30-noon. The Honest Lawyer. Ph: Lynne 0272603485.
BOWLS TAHUNANUI CLUB - Tues, Thurs, Sat from 12.30pm. Mufti attire. Friendly supportive club supplying free equipment and coaching for beginners. Gentle exercise, Vitamin D and social. Ph: 0211323990 / 035473151.
AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE PUBLIC TRANSPORT btwn Motueka and Richmond. Departing Sat, Motueka isite/library 9:30am, returning from Richmond Mall/E-bus interchange 2pm. Departing Sun, Motueka isite/library 1pm, returning from Richmond Mall/E-bus interchange 5pm. Can carry bicycles. Book to confirm your $6 (one-way) seat with isite Ph: 03 528-6543.
GENERAL
FREE TRAINING: New Citizens Advice Bureau Volunteers! Training starts March. Qualifications Needed: Common Sense, Some Life Experience and Computer Skills, Enquiring mind! Info pack available from Citizens Advice Bureau Nelson Tasman, 03 548 2117, nelsontasman@cab.org.nz
NELSON BUDDHIST CENTRE: Discover the benefit, practicality, and relevance of Buddhist understanding and meditation. Full programme at nelsonbuddhistcentre.or,nz. 11 Buxton Square. Enquires: nbc@rigdzin.org
TAHUNANUI LAWN BOWLS Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, 12.45am - 4.15pm. Super friendly club, free coaching if required & equipment loaned, licenced bar. Ph 027 479 5480. More details on our website bowlstahunanui.co.nz. SURVIVORS & THRIVERS GROUP If you have or have had cancer or supported someone who has, come and connect. Cancer Society info@cancernelson.org.nz or ph: 5391137.
FEELING SAD, STRESSED, DEPRESSED, OR STUCK? Identify and explore new ways to move forward with a Life Linc Counsellor. Up to 10 face to face counselling sessions available now for individuals and couples. Ph: 035482400 or lifelinc.co.nz
ART EXHIBITION During December and January, in the Nelson Golf Club Cafe, 38 Bolt Road, Nelson, there is a stunning display of Landscapes by local artist, Alice McKeown, entitled "Outside Air". Open to the public daily.
LUNG CANCER CONNECT for those who are going through or who have gone through lung cancer. Ph: 035391137. RUTHERFORD ROTARY. New members welcome. Ph: 0211475357.
NELSON WOODTURNING CLUB. Join us at our club rooms for Turning, camaraderie and sharing of knowledge. New Learn to Turn classes starting soon. More Info TXT or Ph: Michael 0212098311.
NELSON HINEMOA CROQUET CLUB Saltwater Lane (off Halifax St, beside squash & tennis courts). Give Croquet a Go: Friendly supportive club, for com Petanque clubition or just fun. Coaching and equipment available. Individuals or groups catered for. Ph: Nettie 035488432 / 0276828168 e:nettiebarrow@gmail.com
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS to support Nelson Hospital. Social opportunity for people to donate their time to a 3-4 hr shift. Support patients, visitors, whānau and staff while receiving sense of purpose, enjoyment and more. Visit www.nmdhb. govt.nz and search ‘volunteering with us’.
PETANQUE IN THE CITY Pétanque, an easy game to play, but hard to perfect. Suitable for young and old. Trafalgar Park, Wednesdays & Sundays. 1:15pm-3pm Ph. Roger or Shirley 546 6562.
OPEN HOME FOUNDATION Are you a Christian wanting to make a difference in the life of a child? We are looking for caring Christian people who are willing to open their home to care for a child/young person. Ph: Mika 0274610497 mika.ito@ohf.org.nz
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for our day programmes for the elderly. Serve refreshments, join in singing, games, chat or assist on vans. Ph: Maaike 032655224, e: maaikef@psusi. org.nz.
ENLIVEN DAY PROGRAMMES for the elderly – could you give a few hours one day a week to help in our kitchen during lunch service? Please phone Maaike 032655224 or email maaikef@psusi.org.nz
THE NEW ZEALAND RED CROSS supports families of refugees as they settle into a new life in Nelson. Volunteers wanted - make a real difference in somebody’s life. Full training provided, time commitment flexible. John 0272235972 or migration.volunteers@redcross.org.nz
YOGA If you have or have had cancer, we offer restorative yoga classes on Mondays and Tuesdays. Register Cancer Society info@cancernelson.org.nz or ph: 5391137.
U3A – Interest groups and social activities for the over-55s. From quiz mornings to walking groups, digital photography to wine appreciation. Find like-minded inquisitive people who share your interests. www.u3anelson.org.nz
BLOOD CANCER SUPPORT GROUP meets monthly. Information phone Heather 0274444708.
Trades&Services
