Nelson Weekly - 17 April 2024

Grandmaster aims to trump world’s best

JACK MALCOLM

Mani Gardwell has played card games competitively for over two decades and is on the cusp of battling to become a world champion.

As one of 16 players who have qualified for the Grand Archive trading card game World Championship finals in Las Vegas, he believes he’s in with a chance.

“The biggest thing from the weekend [qualifiers] was when

we finished, it gave me a sense of relief to back myself and be competitive at the top level,” he says.

“There’s a legitimate chance I could be the first world champion of Grand Archive.”

Grand Archive is a trading card

‘We’ve got to get out of here’

SARA HOLLYMAN

Nelson Provincial Museum’s collection has been damaged after its Research Facility in Isel Park sprung a new leak in heavy rain last week.

The team have been battling leaks in the building that has been “at the end of its natural life for a very long time”, according to chief executive Lucinda Jimson. But this is the first time the collection has suffered damage.

Every time bad weather is forecast, the team springs to action, moving items from problem areas and

covering others in plastic. “We’ve got to get out of here,” Lucinda says of the building.

During Thursday night’s heavy rain, a new leak burst through the ceiling and ran down a wall onto a table containing two boxes of historic papers. The damaged items, that had been moved from another problem area, consisted of books, pamphlets and other paper documents. Luckily, rarer, and more valuable items nearby were in plastic tubs or covered in plastic.

Lucinda says the facility, which is home to over

200,000 items and 1.5 million photographs, has become essentially like a ‘Whack a Mole’ when it comes to water leaking in. “You block it up in one point and it comes out somewhere else.”

Collections leader

Shae Trewin spent Friday morning in gumboots, on hands and knees, soaking up water from wet carpet using towels and sponges. Now, around 10 dehumidifiers and fans are drying areas throughout the facility.

“The team feels the responsibility of constantly See page 2.

game (TCG) similar to Magic the Gathering or Yu-Gi-Oh, where players build a deck to battle against an opponent and defeat their champion.

With countless variations of strategy and play styles, Mani says the game has rapidly grown in the region since its release less than a year ago.

Before the game had been released, the company sent out a

Nelson Provincial Museum chief executive Lucinda Jimson with some of the objects that were damaged in last week’s heavy rain. Photo: Sara Hollyman.

Josh’s King Scout Page 8

Sara Hollyman sara@topsouthmedia.co.nz

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‘We’ve

risk assessing where in the building is safe. We’re constantly doing this instead of what we’re meant to be doing,” Shae says. Lucinda says, they are so close to being able to get the new Archive, Research and Collections Facility (ARC) planned for Church St over the line, with hopes to apply for building consent in May, however funding the project remains a barrier.

“We’ve got commitments from our two councils, and we’ve had private benefactors and trusts come on board and support us so essentially to get started, we need to get the Ministry of Culture and Heritage on board to support this project and really to support Nelson Tasman heritage.”

Sophie White, a visiting researcher from University of Otago, was onsite on Friday morning and witnessed the storm damage.

“It’s sad to see the facility continually facing flood risk, a facility which houses major collections of national significance, and to see the ongoing challenges for collections staff protecting our

regional heritage. The ARC is of utmost importance for Nelson Provincial Museum.”

Lucinda says the new facility will bring life to Nelson’s CBD, safeguard the collection and greatly improve accessibility, enabling the community to connect directly with their heritage.

She says the project should be ready to begin construction be-

fore the end of the year.

“We just can’t do another winter in this facility. We were extremely lucky, it wasn’t worse this time. But we don’t know how long we can keep going with more of these weather events coming more and more frequently.”

To support the new facility head to givealittle.co.nz/cause/ arcproject

Maria

Kaynos

A book damaged by water, left, and an artist impression of the new facility. Photos: Supplied.

Five charged after deer struck with vehicle

Nelson Police have charged five people after their involvement in an incident where a mob of around eight deer were targeted with a vehicle in Marsden Valley. A stag was allegedly struck by the vehicle and then killed by those involved.

A police spokesperson says the deer were hit about 3am on 30 March, while two vehicles were driving on the Marsden Valley Road in Stoke.

Police allege the animals were targeted deliberately, while video of the incident was sub-

sequently uploaded online.

An SPCA spokesperson says many of the public would have found the footage deeply distressing and disturbing to witness.

Following a number of enquiries, police executed warrants at several Nelson properties and arrested three men.

A 20-year-old Nelson man has been charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice, reckless driving, reckless ill-treatment of a wild animal, and unlawful hunting.

A 19-year-old Nelson man has

also been charged with unlawful hunting and reckless ill-treatment of a wild animal. Both are due to reappear in the Nelson District Court on 29 April.

A 21-year-old Nelson man has been summonsed to appear in court on 20 May, charged with unlawful hunting.

Two 16-year-olds have been referred to Youth Aid.

Police would like to thank the members of the community who assisted the investigation and brought the video to their attention.

Reports of deer roaming the streets have surfaced online recently. Photo: DOC/Gordon Roberts.

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Victory villa finds new home in Brightwater

KATE RUSSELL

An old villa in Victory is set to move to a new home in Brightwater this week. Estimated to be more than 120 years old, the house will be departing 162 St Vincent St in several sections.

The house was put up for sale by tender in June last year by Fiona Newey and her husband Taakarei Ruha, who owned it for 20 years. Living in Golden Bay, the couple purchased the property in 2013 to be closer to college for theirson. They plan to build a

new duplex on the site, and if they hadn’t found someone to relocate the villa, it would have been demolished.

Fiona says they had interest from Dunedin to the Wairarapa, however, only four groups visited the house and only one tendered.

Grand Archive grandmaster aims to trump world’s best

FROM PAGE 1

set of demo decks to Nelson’s Card Merchant, which Mani owns and operates, to host a tournament for people to give it a go.

Since then, he says the game has continued to grow in popularity with the club hosting Grand Archive game nights and welcoming in new players every Friday evening.

Previously, Mani had been playing the New Zealand-made Flesh and Blood TCG, but he says it dominated his spare time, spending upwards of 20 hours a week playing and practising.

However, Grand Archive is more accessible, being approachable for new players while still maintaining the complexity and strategy that make a TCG unique.

“It’s taken over my time for playing cards. It just works for me. It’s a really fun game, even when it’s intense.”

Mani Gardwell’s experience in trading card games has seen him rapidly improve to be one of the best in the world at Grand Archive after it was released in April of last year. Photo: Jack Malcolm.

And Mani has tasted the intensity, qualifying for the World Championship by finishing second at the Oceania qualifiers in Melbourne.

Having had goals of just making the second day of play, it was a welcome surprise as he slowly worked his way through his games with dominating form.

He finished the tournament being the only player to beat the eventual champion, but flight scheduling meant he had to rush through the final. With their Uber arriving any minute and the F1 in town, he couldn’t rebook his flight for another four days.

“I didn’t have time to win, I just had to go all-in on one strategy.

“It was a bit anticlimactic for both of us. But it was good, the top four went to worlds so we were both in and going to Vegas.”

On top of winning qualification, Mani’s second place also earned him travel compensation, $2500 USD as well as several rare promotional cards with unique stamps from the event.

With three Kiwis in the top four at Oceania and off to the World Championships, Mani says Nelson has also built a strong scene.

“We’ve had about six regionals in New Zealand and Nelson has won a good number and make the top cut in every one we’ve been in.”

He welcomes anyone who’s interested to come in and give it a go, with starter decks available to use and people on hand to help out. They will also be at My Time, My Life on 27 April at Founders Park to showcase their hobby.

A prominent Victory villa is getting ready for her big move this week. Photo: Kate Russell.

UN expert visit shines spotlight on Nelson Tenths

STAFF REPORTER

A United Nations indigenous rights expert has visited the Top of the South to learn about the Nelson Tenths case and the Crown’s breach of its legal obligations to Māori.

Francisco Calí Tzay, The UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, met with representatives of the customary Māori owners of the Nelson Tenths Reserves last week at Te Āwhina Marae in Motueka, and visited several sites of significance in the region.

The Nelson Tenths is the longest-running property claim in the country.

In the 1840s, Māori landowners around Nelson sold 151,000 acres of land to the New Zealand Company on the condition that

New access for the Grampians

Work continues towards developing new access into the Grampians from the Brook, capitalising on new land purchased in 2020/21. New trails will access the reserve from Hinau St and Sowman St and connect with the remaining network. The coun-

10 per cent of their land would be reserved for Māori in perpetuity. That agreement was never upheld.

cil says the timing of opening for these new trails is yet to be confirmed but it is hoped to be during this calendar year.

Montgomery toilet upgrade paused

The Montgomery Square toilet

Rather than setting aside 15,100 acres, the Crown reserved less than 3000 acres.

Mr Calí Tzay was briefed on the

upgrade project has been put on hold.

Work was scheduled to start in July 2023 with 50 per cent of funding coming from the MBIE tourism infrastructure fund. However, Nelson City Council says, due to escalating costs, lack of detail around the scope of works and a marginal contingen-

case and its relevance to breaches of international law as it relates to indigenous peoples by Wakatū Incorporation, which is supporting the ongoing litigation against the Crown.

He learnt about the significance of the case within the regional, national, and global landscape.

Wakatū Incorporation chief executive Kerensa Johnston says that Mr Calí Tzay’s visit was an opportunity to “shine a light on the Government’s ongoing breaches of human rights in respect of the Nelson Tenths Reserves”.

“Seven years have now passed since the Supreme Court’s landmark decision that the Crown owes a fiduciary duty to the customary Māori owners of the Nelson Tenths. Despite this, no land has been returned and no compensation has been paid,” she says.

cy for a project that had a number of potential unknown costs, a decision was made to pause the project.

Heritage houses prove popular Nelson’s heritage houses were busy over the Christmas holiday

“By failing to work with us on a solution to resolve our case, the Government continues to deny the customary Māori owners of the Nelson Tenths the right to their land, territories and resources, the right to redress, the right to take part in cultural life, and the right to self-determination.

“These are breaches of human rights under the United Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

“We hope the attention of the UN Special Rapporteur will help to both realise the human rights of the Māori customary owners of the Nelson Tenths and remind the Government of the significance of the Nelson Tenths kaupapa as we continue our fight for justice.”

period, particularly on public holidays when cruise ships were in town. Visitors at Isel House were up 21.3 per cent to 1280 compared with the same period in 2023. Visitor numbers at Founders Heritage Park also increased and were 26 per cent above target over the six-month period.

Francisco Calí Tzay and Kerensa Johnston. Photo: Supplied.

Teens named as victims of off-roading crash

Two teenagers have been named as the victims of a crash in Nelson last Monday. They were Joanna Lois Beach and Bondi Reihana Richmond, both 18 of Waikawa, Marlborough. They died following a crash on an off-roading track in Mount Richmond Forest Park. Police said they extended their condolences to the family and friends of the pair “at this difficult time”. “An investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing.” Earlier, police said a helicopter was used in the initial search to find the teens after they received a crash alert.

search and rescue operation was then launched, involving LandSAR volunteers, to recover the bodies.

New home for Nelson Red Cross shop

Police with dogs also went into the forest on foot and found the vehicle down a steep bank. A

Nelson’s Red Cross op-shop is moving just up the road to the ex-Godfrey’s store on 52 Van-

guard St. The shop is currently located at 76 Vanguard St.

Crash closes Whakatu Drive

A multi-vehicle crash on Whakatu Drive closed the southbound near Annesbrook Drive on Friday.

The crash was reported around 3.45pm and a police spokes-

person says up to five vehicles may have been involved.

Hato Hone St John responded with one ambulance. One patient was assessed by the crew at the scene and was transported to Nelson Hospital in a moderate condition. The southbound lane was blocked with motorists forced to drive through Stoke to reach Richmond.

Members of the local Soroptimist International of Nelson and friends came together over the weekend to celebrate their 60th anniversary. The group, which works towards advancing the welfare and status of women, held a high tea at Broadgreen House to celebrate 60 years since the signing of their charter in 1964. Photo: Jack Malcolm.

Two-way layout for Bridge St confirmed

KATE RUSSELL

A new two-way street layout as part of the “tremendously exciting” upgrade of Bridge St has been approved by Nelson City Council, with the project now moving to the developed design stage.

At a meeting on Thursday, councillors voted eight to four in favour of a two-way road layout over a one-way layout for the Bridge to Better project, which aims to improve water, stormwater, and wastewater infrastructure, provide capacity for city homes, and revitalise the CBD.

Both road layout options were presented to the council after an extensive six-month engagement campaign with key stakeholders including iwi, Bridge St businesses, and community groups. Both options would increase the num-

ber of people-friendly spaces by reducing the width of the carriageway, increasing the amount of green space, and removing the kerb to create a flush surface.

However, 55 parking spaces would have been lost under the one-way option, with the two-way option seeing 38 removed. The street currently has about 91 parks, and a report to the council said offset parking could be provided at Paru Paru Rd. Survey results also showed that the preference for a two-way street was 58 per cent, over 42 per cent for a one-way.

Mayor Nick Smith says Thursday’s decision reflects this engagement.

“This is an ambitious project, there has been extensive engagement and communication… there is a huge level of excitement and expectation.”

Mel Courtney also spoke in favour of the two-way option. “If there ever was a street in our CBD that needed more love and attention, it is Bridge St,” he said.

Pete Rainey called it a “tremendously exciting project” that will make a “big difference”.

Aaron Stallard, Rohan O’Neill-Stevens, Rachel Sanson, and Matty Anderson voted for the one-way design, with Aaron encouraging the council to be “bold”.

He said the one-way option was “safer, more people-friendly, and will make a more vibrant street”.

The council has allocated $32m to the project, which is proposed to jump to $42m in the draft Long-Term Plan, with an additional $36m from the government’s Infrastructure Acceleration Fund.

A concept design for the two-way option, which got the tick of approval by the majority of councillors last week. Image: Nelson City Council.

Slice of school holiday heaven

GORDON PREECE

Up to 40 Year 7 and 8 gastronomes will mix and mingle and get a slice of the food business at The Food Factory school holiday programme this week. The programme at the Stokebased food producer first ignited its hob in April last year and served up a smorgasbord of positive reviews from parents.

The Food Factory general manager Olivia Martyn says the programme was designed to tickle students’ taste buds for a foodie career, and the main ingredient for its second course was ‘Scrummy Slices’.

“The children will be split into four small groups, they’ll have a person to help them, and they’ll be given a recipe that has no name whatsoever,” she says.

“They then need to follow the recipe, make the product, and as they’re working through that process, they will see what kind of ingredients and they’ll start to figure out very quickly what the product is.

“They need to think about what

they would name the product if they wanted to take it to market.”

Olivia says each group is also assigned a local brand to incorporate into their slice name, which includes New World Stoke, NBS, Pic’s Peanut Butter and The Food Factory.

“They then get designing with a whole lot of paper and pens to bring that name and that brand to life visually, and they also need to decide what is the serving size.

“Each group will also be provided with the cost of the ingredients and figure out how much money it needs to make to cover the labour and the power, to put back into the business to make it sustainable.

“Then they have to come up with unique selling points [USP] so they could think about the marketing aspect of it, before cutting their slices and present them to a panel of four judges who are representing the brands.”

Olivia says all participants will leave the kitchen with a bundle of donated food items, the slices they made, and the recipe for their new product.

King’s Award capped off

GORDON PREECE

A decade-long journey for former Nayland College stu dent Josh Dunn was saluted at Iron Duke Sea Scouts with the pre-eminent award for youth members of scouts in Aotearoa. The 18-year-old was award ed the King’s Scout Award last Wednesday, the first member of the Nelson group to receive the accolade in almost 80 years.

Josh, who was first invested in the group as a Cub around 2013 and became a Venturer in 2020, says the award represented many community service hours, a residential project, and an expedition.

“I had to put in about 50 plus community service hours, and I probably did closer to 100 at the time… I did a lot of plantings in the dunes at Tāhunanui Beach and planting poplar trees at Poplar Reserve,” he says.

“My residential project was going to Ignite’23 which is a jamboree for Venturers, there were 3000 of us from New Zealand and Australia who all met up at Mayfield [Mid Canterbury], and had a good time for 10 days.

“I had to make several levels of progression through my per-

sonal badges like my hiking badge, rock climbing badge, and the other main event was the expedition I had to do which was the four-day tramp up in the Richmond Ranges.

“The weather didn’t exactly play ball, so we had to adjust our plans on the fly, but it all worked out great.”

Josh, who is in the first year of his engineering degree at the University of Canterbury, says

he’ll continue navigating his scouting course.

“I might join a crew down in Christchurch… it’s always a nice place to meet some new people because they are always doing cool stuff,” he says.

“Back in Cubs I joined because I had a few friends who joined, but it was also a fun place to learn some new skills, and going out and doing outdoor activities was a big part of it.”

Josh Dunn says his hard work for the King’s Scout Award paid off. Photo: Gordon Preece.

Saxton Creek upgrade complete after decade of work

SARA HOLLYMAN

Business owners in Wakatu Industrial Estate remember like yesterday when the area flooded a decade ago.

“It had such a huge impact, not just on us but our customers as well. It was horrific,” says one business owner. “I still think about it every time it rains heavily or there’s a weather warning.” But now they, and others in the surrounding areas, will be able to breathe a sigh of relief, with the completion of a $40 million, 2km-long upgrade of Saxton Creek.

The upgrade, which Nelson City Council group manager infrastructure, Alec Louverdis, says is one of the most complex and challenging projects council has

been involved in, spans from Champion Rd through to State Highway 6.

Split into four stages, construction began in February 2016 and has required 112,000 hours of labour from contractors and council staff. The creek will now be able to handle a 1 in 100-year flood event, up from a 1 in 5-year flood event. While stream upgrades usually start downstream and progressively work upstream, the work was reversed to cater for subdivisions at the upstream end and to dovetail with work Tasman District Council needed to do along Champion Rd. The early stages were especially challenging as council had to work with more than 40 individual residential landowners whose properties bordered the creek.

“Challenges presented themselves before diggers were even on site and continued throughout,” Alec says. “The creek travelled through residential areas with up-and-coming subdivisions, through reserves, across main roads, through industrial estates, compounded by the effects of some horrendous weather events, and a global pandemic thrown into the mix.

“Sometimes, we would be on the verge of concluding negotiations with a homeowner, and then we’d be required to start again from scratch.”

In the final stage, they literally had to move a building to continue work, as well as managing challenges with fluctuating tides.

Stage four saw a twin box culvert installed under Main Rd

Maitai school at risk

I am concerned that more than a dozen high needs students at Maitai School will have nowhere to go next year as the much needed rebuild of the school is on hold.

The National Government must commit to the Maitai School rebuild, announced and committed to by Labour, to ensure students with disabilities from the top of the South Island have somewhere to learn.

Maitai school is at capacity and has had to close its roll, which is putting pressure on local schools and creating stress for potential students and their parents. At a public meeting last week, parents and teachers were clear that the school rebuild is critical and should be a priority for the Government.

I am extremely concerned about the National Government’s lack of action for the disability community – which is now having an impact on our local community in Nelson and the entire top of the South Island.

Students with disabilities have just as much of a right to education as anyone else. It is outrageous to me that the Government would choose to fund tax cuts instead of a building project that will have such a positive impact on our community here in Nelson.

Stoke. The culvert is made of 68 individual pieces, each weighing 23 tonnes, that had to be first craned, and then slid into place, connecting like Lego. The open culvert saw another 129 L-shaped pieces of concrete manoeuvred into place.

The rock armouring along the creek in stages 1 – 3 used approximately 4,500 tonnes of rock and 3,000 tonnes of concrete for the pre-cast sections in the culvert.

Nelson MP Rachel Boyack says she is thrilled that the Saxton Creek Flood Protection upgrade is finally complete.

“This project was needed because the small, existing culvert was insufficient to cope with stormwater and flooding events, causing millions of dollars’ worth of damage when it flooded.”

“The Labour-led Government invested $7.5 million dollars to bring the project forward and provide a long-term fix for flooding on Saxton Rd.

Nelson Mayor Nick Smith says the investment is well justified given the strategic importance of protecting the road link between Nelson and Richmond and the scale of commercial, residential and recreational development in the area.

“I know firsthand of the devastation to businesses and homes from previous flooding in this area and heard the pleas for improved infrastructure. It has required a huge team effort of engineers, contractors, council staff and adjacent property owners to get this extensive project completed.”

Rachel Boyack and Brian McGurk with WSP’s Susi Solly, Tony Jemmett, Reuben Peterson and Holly Attwell at Friday’s opening. Photo: Sara Hollyman.

Brian Pollock and Robbie Burton

Clare Robinson, Helen Hoby and Susan Rooney

Libby Bowskill and Judy Rainey

Mary Cameron, Phillipa Muller-Pattison and Susannah Roderick

Wendy Barker, Deb Moore, Tom Brooker and Veronica Struthers

Emily Wragg and Jenny Pollock

Police Awards Ceremony

Angus Yeoman and Carter Illingworth

Darren Bryce and Matthew Crawford

Jarrod Illingworth and Chey Habib

Jimmy Hardy and Jonny Fris

Nelson charity rehomes 2000 bikes

SUPPLIED CONTENT

Bike Hub Nelson has re-homed its 2000th bike. The milestone comes less than two years after the launch of the charity that fixes up donated bikes and makes them available to the community on a koha-basis.

The 2000th bike went home with Phalla, a refugee from Cambodia who has been resettled with his family in Richmond. The charity’s 2001st bike went to his wife Siem. Phalla and Siem arrived in New Zealand two months ago. They do not have a car and the bikes will be their main form of transport.

Bike Hub Nelson coordinator

Matt Lawrey says Phalla and Siem were clearly “rapt” to get their bikes along with helmets and locks. He says the charity’s success is a tribute to the whole Nelson-Tasman community.

“What we’re doing is only possible because of people’s generosity. It’s all thanks to those individuals who donate bikes, our volunteers and our supporters, including local businesses, like NBS, and Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council. Without all of that awesome support, we simply could not do what we’re doing,”

he says.

Bike Hub Nelson is based at Saxton Field. In addition to being open to the public, the charity works with a diverse range of social services and schools to get bikes to people who need them. Bikes are provided to refugees and other high need customers for free.

Red Cross spokesperson Ngaia Richardson says one of the first

tasks that their “amazing” volunteers do to assist newly arrived refugees is to enable them to be mobile. She says Red Cross is “so grateful” to Bike Hub Nelson for helping to make this happen.

“Bike Hub Nelson is an amazing source of bikes for former refugees who otherwise would not be able to afford them. It enables them to attend English Language classes, to go shopping, visit the

markets, socialise in the community and be present at settlement appointments – all whilst getting fit and exploring Nelson, and at no cost,” she says.

Matt says the list of benefits that come with Bike Hub Nelson’s work is a long one.

“We’re keeping bikes out of landfill, helping people to save money, increasing people’s opportunities to participate in society, helping

to reduce congestion, helping to reduce emissions, fighting obesity and giving people something fun to do,” he says.

“I think we’re also making people feel really good about their community. It’s not uncommon to get a hug from our bike recipients and we’ve even had a few tears from people who are really grateful. The feel-good factor is huge.”

Matt says Bike Hub Nelson’s impact is also being felt in the number of people using the region’s cycling infrastructure.

“We reckon we’re getting well over 100 new cyclists of all ages on the roads and cycleways every month,” he says. With around 50 volunteers, Bike Hub Nelson is also giving people an opportunity to pass on and learn new skills “We’ve actually got a waiting list for volunteers at the moment. It’s brilliant the way all sorts of people want to be a part of The Hub. In fact, we regularly have three generations working on bikes alongside each other, which is particularly cool.”

Bike Hub Nelson’s Saxton Field base is open to the public on Mondays from 5.30pm to 7pm and Wednesdays from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.

Bike Hub Nelson coordinator Matt Lawrey with the 2000th recipient of a bike from the charity, Cambodian refugee Phalla, the 2001st recipient, Siem, and Red Cross volunteer Melanie Ophoff.

Photo: Tania Norfolk.

Nelson to trial kerbside soft plastic recycling

We started to drop our collection at the supermarket. Great idea to start the kerbside collection. I was surprised how much we collect once we started.

Pia Schroeter

I am so excited to see this. I bought a bin similar to the current recycling one but smaller, fill it up and currently take to The Warehouse in Richmond. It will save me a trip. It’s amazing how quickly it fills. My rubbish bin hardly gets out at all these days.

Bee Harte

Yes Nelson! Fantastic news!

Victoria English

Great idea.

Sue Gellatly

This makes me Muppet levels of happy!

Jessica Powers

Wonderful, I was just wondering where to deliver mine not too far away.

Lena Harrison

Good on ya, Nelson! People won’t bother recycling if it involves any extra effort. We currently recycle soft plastics at local supermarkets, but it annoys me that one must walk right through the supermarket to reach the recycling bin.

Jody Webster

Council to remove some park bins after spike in household rubbish dumping

You think that’s gonna solve the problem? No way, bad enough as it is.

Sandra Calder

Yeah, ‘cause that’s really going to solve the issue.

Jaynie Holmes

Not enough bins around as it is. Taking some away is not going to fix things.

Delwyn Curtis

Oh yeah, that’s gonna stop the dumping, I’m sure.

Beth Downer

Good people should have been taught at school to take back what you brought and leave it as it was when you arrived, but no, we are taught it’s someone else’s job they can do it.

Paubro Ankids

Not cool, but you might find it’s because of the price of council rubbish bags etc.

Rachel Ricketts

All aboard muzzled and leashed

Great incentive! Hope the rest of the country follows suit.

Rock’t McKenzie

Adventure to the Borneo jungle

Oh wow, I was born in North Borneo. I’d love to go back. What an adventure.

Suz Phibbs

Nelson takes first steps to establish cat bylaw

Yes, about time, people need to take more responsibility for their cats.

Carmen Sherwin

I’ve always had my cats desexed over the years and I de-flea and de-worm as needed along with vetcare etc, although I’m totally not keen to microchip.

Adrienne Chisholm

Maybe look at what they have done in parts of the U.K where they caught the stray cats, neutered them, and then released them to live out their days. It’s had a huge impact. More so perhaps than insisting on neutering all already homed kittens.

Suzy Andrew

All well and good except who is going to police it and what happens to the ones that aren’t?

Janine Brennan

Good on the council for a change. As dog owners we pretty much have to use leads everywhere now.

Nick Ferrier

BIG STEPS ON INFRASTRUCTURE

Council’s most important role is providing our community with good infrastructure. There are areas of the city that are growing and need new infrastructure but also older areas that need upgrades to support redevelopment. Last week, we made progress on both by completing the Saxton flood resilience project and kicking off the design on the next big project, Bridge to Better.

Saxton Creek has been vulnerable to flooding for decades. It was particularly hammered in 2011 and 2013. The flooding not only caused havoc for businesses such as the Alliance meat works but also disrupted Main Road Stoke to Richmond.

This upgrade was also required to protect the massive development that has occurred in this area with the Wakatu Industrial Estate, Saxton Field sport facilities, Hill Street North housing subdivisions and the Summerset Richmond Ranges retirement village. The $40 million investment, of which $7.5 million came from Government, improves the flood capacity from a 1 in 5-year event to a 1 in 100-year event. I encourage ratepayers to check out the new walkway and wetland to appreciate the scale and quality of these completed works.

Council last week also progressed the Bridge to Better project by approving the street concept layout, which enables work on the developed design to commence. This $78 million project, of which $36.4 million is Government funded, is to facilitate new development. It involves a new flood gate at Saltwater Creek to prevent flooding of Wakatu Square during king tides and an extensive upgrade of the wastewater, stormwater and drinking water networks.

It also involves transforming Bridge Street into an attractive people-friendly retail and hospitality precinct. The street surface will be flush, there will be urban greening, wider footpaths and space for outside dining and seating areas. There will be the opportunity for public feedback on the design. Construction begins in 2025 with a new pump station on Paru Paru Road. We will need to work closely with Bridge Street businesses on the design and managing the disruption. Completion is due in 2027.

These infrastructure projects are all about improving Nelson’s resilience to storms and climate change and revitalising our city centre.

National accolade for Cawthron marine research

A five-year Cawthron Institute research programme to sanction regulators, industry, Mana Whenua, and the community to stamp out biosecurity risks has been nationally recognised.

The Marine Biosecurity Toolbox, which the institute received a $10.5 million grant from the government to develop, was launched in 2019 to transform the way marine pests are managed to protect New Zealand’s marine environments.

The research programme took out the Biosecurity Science Award at the Ko Tātou This Is Us 2024 New Zealand Biosecurity Awards, which were held at the Beehive on 8 April. Cawthron Institute marine ecologist and senior biosecurity scientist in the coastal and freshwater group, Dr Ian Davidson, says while the award was “unexpected”, the team were “delighted”. He says some of the tools had been developed through work at Port Nelson and Nelson Marina.

“There’s a team of people working on various types of paints and coatings, and surfaces that help prevent invasive species and pests essentially colonising and inhabiting our marine spaces, especially our ports and marinas,” he says. Ian says the research programme also included work with nationwide regional councils.

“One of the things we’re really keen on and we develop here, which might be a world first really, is a network of understanding the movements of

ships and boats throughout New Zealand’s coastline and that helps us because they can often spread invasive species invertedly,” he says.

“Having this sort of computerised model... allows us to predict where the next pest might show up or where an existing pest might spread to.”

Marine biosecurity group molecular scientist, Ulla von Ammon, says the programme also developed online tools to handily communicate invasive species DNA test results to the Department of Conservation, iwi and hapu.

Biosecurity New Zealand deputy director-general, Stuart Anderson, left, Dr Ulla von Ammon, and Dr Ian Davidson. Photo: Supplied.

Once a month Nelson Weekly has a yarn and some lunch with an interesting Nelsonian doing something interesting. This week journalist Jack Malcolm chats with RSA Nelson’s ceremonial and memorial liaison, Brian Ramsay and Culture Burger Joint ahead of ANZAC Day.

Q: How long have you been involved with the RSA and how has it changed over the years?

I’ve been involved since I was a little ankle-biter. Dad is a returned serviceman from WWII, so on ANZAC Day and Poppy Day as kids we were all part of the package. My work with the RSA, that goes back a good 20 years. It’s changed in the fact we get older and less able, both physically and mentally.

Q: As the veteran population ages, how has the RSA changed with them?

The RSA locally, as well as nationally, are having difficulty encouraging the younger veterans to become members. They’d rather do what we’re doing and catch up for a meal and a beer. For the old regime on Wednesday night at the RSA HQ, the numbers are getting thin on the ground.

Q: What does the future of the RSA look like?

The future would be we’ve got to get the younger veterans involved. Regular force, reservists and out-of-service members need to be aware that the RSA is

the first port of call for support. Our three local cadet units, TS Talisman, Nelson Cadet Unit and the Air Training Corp 23rd Squadron, those three cadet units and their officers are really important for their support of the RSA. . . they’re the ones on the ground and they’re the ones who will take it forward to the next generation.

Alternatives to Pine on your farm

Free field day

Want to grow some trees on your farm, but not pines? Come and see some great examples at free field day in Balclutha. Learn about the benefits of planting alternative species. NZ Farm Forestry members will share their experiences of what grows well and where, success and failure, costs and returns.

Date Thursday 14 March

Time 1.30-3.30pm

Location Balclutha

Enrol on our website nzffa.org.nz/events or scan this QR code if you want to attend the field day. It will take you to more information and the registration form. Everyone is welcome.

Q: How important is passing down the memories to future generations?

It’s very important. We must never forget the young fellas and women who signed on the dotted line, served their country proudly, and some unfortunately never came home. Today’s younger generation wouldn’t be living the lifestyle they’re accustomed to if it wasn’t for their fathers, grand-

What’s On

Sun City Soul

Friday, 19 April, 8pm 326 Wakefield Quay, Nelson

fathers and great grandfathers before them who served this country.

Q: Is there anything people are surprised RSA does when you tell them?

Poppy Day is our main means of fundraising and that the money that comes in stays within the community. . . in our Poppy Day fund that’s for any veteran. We should make mention of our patron for Nelson RSA, WWII veteran John Beeching. He was a pilot in the Royal Airforce with the Mosquito RAF, and he’s 101 years old.

Q: Other than ANZAC Day, what other major ceremonies and memorials are on the RSA calendar?

We start the year on the 24th of February with our Purple Poppy Day for service animals. Obviously, then we have Poppy Day and then our biggest day on the RSA calendar would be ANZAC. We also have Merchant Navy Day, they played a huge role in both world wars, Battle of Britain Day, Armistice Day and the Boer War Memorial.

Who’s in need of a night of soul classics? We bring you two vocalists, two horns and rhythm to burn! Early bird tickets $20 available until sold out, all other tickets $25. https://events.humanitix.com/sun-city-soul-the-boathouse to get tickets.

Community Acupuncture Clinic

Friday, 19 April, 9am – 11.30am

Victory Community Centre

There are no bookings, wear comfy, loose clothes, bring exact change, minors need a guardian present (kids and animals welcome). The Clinic is designed to make treatment affordable & accessible for all. Cost: Sliding Scale - $5 - $40

Nelson Repair Café

Saturday, 20 April, 10am – 1pm Nelson ReStore.

A monthly event helping you to repair your household items, save resources and build community – brought to you by the Nelson Tasman Climate Forum. Run with the support of the Nelson City Council and the Rethink Waste initiative. No Charge, but Koha appreciated.

On April 25, 1915, around 20,000 New Zealand and Australian troops embarked on a joint mission to seize control of the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey during the First World War, aiming to secure the crucial passage of the Dardanelles. Landing under fire, these dedicated volunteers battled alongside other allied nations through harsh conditions for eight long months. By the end of the campaign, more than 130,000 soldiers had died. Among the dead, 2,779 were New Zealanders. The combined Australian and New Zealand troops came to be known as ANZAC’s and were esteemed throughout military camps for their unwavering courage, camaraderie, and noble character. The inaugural Dawn Service in 1923 marked the beginning of this solemn tradition, with the

Encouraging a special tribute to our Veterans with a public salute

haunting notes of the 'Last Post' echoing as a poignant tribute to those who have completed their duty. Performing the ‘Last Post’ for over 40 years, the last 25 in Nelson, Sgt Mason Robinson has been congregating weekly at the Nelson RSA, meeting with the Veterans and other RSA members to enjoy each other's company. Each week at 1800Hrs the members reflect and remember those who are no longer with them by ‘the playing of the Last Post and reciting of the Ode’. “Remembering” is a value that is core to the RSA and one that is emphasised on Anzac Day, says Mason.

“The Nelson RSA would like to thank the public for all of their support. Nelson’s ceremonies start at dawn with an Anzac Day Dawn Commemoration.”

Of particular note this year is a new parade

route starting from the Trafalgar Centre car park on Paru Paru Rd where everyone needs to muster at 530Hrs. “This year, along with the normal format of a Dawn Service, the Nelson RSA would like to incorporate a special tribute to our veterans, with a featured salute to the veterans at the end of the parade route. The tribute will involve the veterans halting at the end of the parade march off and then the remaining parade will march past the veterans and undertake an ‘Eyes Right’ command and salute all the veterans who have servedincluding veterans, contemporary veterans and all family members marching on with their family's medals. This is simply the parade’s way to say thanks to those who have served abroad.”

In addition, the public of Nelson who are

attending the event can Paru Rd to watch the themselves along the the veterans as they time on Anzac Day. Sgt there happened to be cheering that would Integral to our remembrance support and care for these organisations today.

Zealand Returned and (RNZRSA) prepare for Poppy Day appeal. Nelson advisor Barry Pont says Appeal encourages raises funds for NZ War dependants. “Here, in Poppy Day help us to

SCHEDULING FOR PUBLIC SERVICES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

Parade muster - Trafalgar Centre carpark on Paru Paru Road

Parade stepping off

ANZAC Day Dawn Ceremony in Anzac Park

Wakapuaka Servicemen’s Cemetery

Wreath Laying and small commemoration

Queens Garden's Boer War Statue

Wreath Laying and small commemoration

Pikimai War Memorial (Cathedral Steps)

Wreath Laying and small commemoration

Marsden Valley cemetery - full commemoration

Stoke civic service at Nayland College Small parade in front of hall

can also move to Paru salute and position the roadside to thank march past one more Sgt Robinson says, “If be rousing applause and be extremely fitting!” remembrance is the ongoing those presently serving today. The Royal New and Services Associations for the significant annual Nelson RSA Support says the RNZRSA Poppy Remembrance and War Veterans and their in Nelson, donations on to improve the health and

well-being for NZ veterans of all ages. For people wishing to make contributions and purchase their poppies in time for Anzac Day, volunteers will be out collecting on Friday, April 19. Nelson RSA will have 19 collection tables around the Nelson region, at Nelson Airport, in the Nelson CBD, and outside all supermarkets, including Stoke. We will also be at the Saturday Market, Bunnings, and Mitre 10 Mega on Saturday, 20th. Please give generously!”

For those wishing to donate via online banking they can do so via the Poppy Trust account: NBS 03 1354 0038318 01

Nelson Mayor Nick Smith will be in attendance to lay wreaths at the Dawn Service at Anzac Park, at Pikimai (Cathedral Hill) and at the Civic Service at Nayland College. “Recognising ANZAC Day shows respect for the thousands

of Nelsonians who served our community and country at war, particularly the hundreds killed,” he says. “It’s about reinforcing the values they fought for – freedom, democracy, respect for human rights and the value of service to one’s community. It is also an annual stark reminder of the cost of war and why we need, as a community and country, to be advocates for conflict resolution and peace. I also see ANZAC Day as an opportunity to champion the current people in our Defence Force, police, fire brigades and other emergency services, who continue to make sacrifices for the safety and well-being of our community.” Please refer to the new parade route. There are five other Commemorations and Services after the dawn commemoration, highlighted on the schedule above.

New role for arts fest as event marks 30 years

KATE RUSSELL

The Nelson Arts Festival Trust has appointed a new general manager as the event moves into its 30th consecutive year.

Ruth Roebuck has moved into the role, bringing “extensive” commercial experience, both in Aotearoa and internationally.

Ruth spent four years as general manager for the Spirit of Adventure Trust and three years as manager of The Suter Art Gallery Te Aratoi o Whakatū.

Ruth will report to the board and has responsibility across the trust while working alongside artistic director Lydia Zanetti.

Lydia started with the trust in 2021 and has very successfully held both

the executive and artistic director roles since the beginning of 2022. They have led the team to deliver two hugely successful festivals with over 110 events, increased festival partnerships and revenue streams, and attracted new audiences through progressive and diversified artistic programming as well as initiatives to increase event accessibility.

Lydia will now concentrate on the artistic director function while Ruth will lead the executive director aspects.

Chair of Nelson Festivals Trust, Ali Boswijk, says the new structure will give them “total focus” on the programme as they prepare for their 30th festival.

“We have recently undertaken a strategic review to ensure that we are in

the best position to deliver for the next three decades, and this new structure and appointment of Ruth is key to

making that happen.”

The 30th Nelson Arts Festival will take place from 24 October - 3 November 2024, with

the Mask Carnivale returning on 1 November. The full festival programme will launch in late August.

The Mask Carnivale will return on 1 November this year as the Nelson Arts Festival celebrates 30 years. Photo: Steve Hussey.

Long Term Plan 2024-2034

Visit nelson.govt.nz to read Nelson’s Long Term Plan Consultation Document 2024-2034 and make a submission. We have eight key issues for the community to provide feedback on, take a look at two of these issues below.

Marina CCO Proposal

Nelson has an opportunity to support the success of the Nelson Marina by moving to an Asset-Owning Council Controlled Organisation.

Background

Council aims to strengthen Nelson’s links to the ocean and grow the city’s standing as a centre for marine industries and activities. We see the Nelson Marina’s development as an important next step on the way to achieving this goal.

Council plans to invest $60 million to implement the Nelson Marina Masterplan over the next 10 years. This will greatly enhance this valuable asset and destination for the whole community and provide modern facilities to meet the changing needs of boat owners, commercial operators, marine contractors and sea sport participants.

In 2023, Council established a Management Council Controlled Organisation (Management CCO) to manage the Nelson Marina. Now it is time to give the CCO the tools it needs to take the Marina into its next phase, where it can, in effect, operate as a social enterprise, maximising benefits to users and the wider community.

Our proposed approach

Council wants to continue the Marina’s transformation and set it up in a way to best deliver the Masterplan. Our proposal is to move to an Asset-Owning Council Controlled Organisation (Asset-Owning CCO) by 1 July 2025 to provide a better structure which will help navigate its development into a thriving, communityaccessible Marina. When considering the Council’s proposal and other options below, it’s important to know that the Marina’s operations are self-funded (from a closed account) and do not draw on rates –and none of the options involve changes to this system.

The Asset-Owning CCO would operate much like a social enterprise – enabling a sound commercial approach and more business-like manner, while factoring broader community values into decisionmaking and reinvesting commercial returns to achieve social outcomes including the implementation of the Masterplan.

Council would maintain 100% ownership of the AssetOwning CCO and have oversight through standard CCO monitoring practices.

Why do we want to change the CCO model for the Marina?

The existing Management CCO is well set up to support the Marina’s success. However, it has the following limitations:

• Debt – The Management CCO is required to borrow exclusively from Council. This will significantly increase Council’s debt levels as the Marina is developed.

• Decision-making – The Management CCO Board’s decision-making is constrained because its delegated powers from Council are limited.

• Efficiency – There is some overlap between the functions and roles of Council and the Management CCO, which can lead to inefficient use of time and resources.

Moving to an Asset-Owning CCO will overcome these limitations and provide several other benefits, including increased financial flexibility, business agility, operational expertise and a longer-term focus.

With all three options, Council will retain 100% ownership of the organisation.

All-weather sports turf

Nelson has an opportunity to install an all-weather sports turf in one of its reserves.

Background

Over recent years, we have received feedback from football and rugby sporting codes expressing concern about the availability of quality playing fields to train on. So, in May 2020, Council prepared a feasibility study on the development of an artificial turf.

Council considered constructing the artificial turf through the last Long Term Plan in 2021, but decided not to proceed with it at that time. Instead, Council decided on a programme of work to upgrade the existing sports fields as the best approach to improving capacity.

Our proposed approach

We are now proposing to build an all-weather sports turf in 2025/26 and 2026/27 to support our football

and rugby sporting codes. An all-weather sports turf would provide an alternative playing and training field for sports codes in wet conditions and help minimise disruption to playing seasons. It is likely to make Nelson a more attractive venue for sports tournaments.

Constructing an all-weather sports turf has an early estimated cost of $2.7 million (this figure is subject to change through further scoping, site selection and design work). The project would only proceed on the basis that sports codes fund 50% of the total construction costs (including the turf and lighting), commit to ongoing fees for use of the turf that would recover 10% of ongoing maintenance costs (estimated at about $36,000 per year) and cover the depreciation costs on the same basis as other similar facilities.

As this project provides additional capacity, Council will cover some of its share of the costs by rephasing and reallocating some existing capital budget earmarked for sports field improvements such as lighting and drainage.

Remember to get your feedback in by 28 April 2024.

What are the options for the Marina?

Option 1

No change. The Management CCO would continue to oversee and manage the assets which are owned by Council.

Option 2 (Council’s proposal)

Asset-Owning Council Controlled Organisation. An Asset-Owning CCO would oversee and manage the Marina, and Council would transfer both the assets and liabilities to it.

Option 3

Asset-Owning Council-Controlled Trading Organisation (CCTO). An Asset-Owning CCTO would oversee and manage the Marina, and Council would transfer both the assets and liabilities to it and receive a dividend.

What are the options for sports fields?

Option 1

Retain our current approach of continuing an upgrade programme of improvements on existing sports fields.

Option 2 (Council’s proposal)

Construct an all-weather turf and reduce the current upgrade programme.

Hunting & Fishing unite under one roof

In the ever-evolving landscape of retail, change is not merely inevitable; it is essential for growth and adaptation. It is with great excitement and a tinge of nostalgia that the local Hunting &

Fishing team announce the merging of their two locally owned stores into a new flagship mega store at the Nelson Junction. Marking the beginning of a new era, managing director Mike

Darling says their one-store strategy is aimed at elevating the customer experience. “We are thrilled to co-locate with national and Australian brands at Nelson Junction, seizing an opportunity that aligns with our commitment to providing top-notch products and expe-

riences.”

Locally owned and operated, the Nelson Hunting & Fishing store was originally established over 30 years ago as ‘Tony Entwistle’s Hunting and Fishing. Michael Darling and his brothers David, Andrew and Pete acquired the Richmond and

Nelson CBD sites in 2017, with both stores thriving under their leadership. The creation of the megastore at 99 Cadillac Way in Annesbrook brings together two dynamic teams, uniting staff to work collaboratively at the new location. “This move not only ensures

The team getting the new store ready for the Grand Opening this weekend. Back row; Kevin, Carl, Sam, Lance and Brad. Middle row; Aurum, Anna, Laura-Alice, Eiji and Nigel. Front row; Warrick, Cindy and Oliver.

Driveway Specialists Nelson - Your trusted provider of asphalt solutions

Locally owned and operated, the team at Driveway Specialists Nelson have been providing highquality asphalt resurfacing services for a number of years. Established in the region in 2020, their primary focus is driveways, but the team have specialised in all aspects of asphalting projects, both big and small.

Owner Abe Lee and his team of highly skilled professionals boast a wealth of experience in the industry, and they are dedicated to providing each and every one of their clients with the highest level of service and quality.

The experienced team are able to revive aging driveways back to their former glory, whether it's an original or new design, and can craft bespoke tailor-made driveways from scratch. “From start to finish, we work closely with each client to ensure that their resurfacing project meets their exact needs and requirements.”

Driveway Specialists Nelson offer a comprehensive range of resurfacing solutions to ensure durable, slip-resistant surfaces that are ideal for carparks, paths and driveways. They use only the best materials and cutting-edge techniques to resurface asphalt surfaces, providing a cost-effective alternative to full replacement. Alongside this, they also offer a range of repair and maintenance options, including

timber formwork and small concrete pours, to help keep existing asphalt surfaces in top condition. From residential services to commercial and landscaping work, Driveway Specialists Nelson are equipped with an 8-ton tipper ‘on hand and ready for operation’. The team can take care of any excavation and complete remedial work on footpaths, courtyards, yard patchwork, and potholes. “We can repair cracks, chips, and holes in asphalt surfaces, as well as remove and replace damaged sections of asphalt.”

Whether enhancing the functionality or elevating the aesthetics of your driveway, path, yard or carpark, look no further than Driveway Specialists Nelson to transform your outdoor space.

“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!” Committed to client satisfaction and catering to most places in the Nelson Tasman region, their hours of trade are Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm. For more information email drivewayspecialistsnsn@hotmail.com or visit www.drivewayspecialists.nz

Cheeky wekas thriving in Nelson

Like many Nelsonians, journalist Kate Russell is familiar with weka roaming her backyard. She talks to Department of Conservation Motueka biodiversity ranger Leon Everett andTe Tauihu/Top of the South regional conservation manager at Forest and Bird, Scott Burnett, about their cheeky presence in our city gardens.

They are giving household cats a run for their money, digging up gardens, stealing food, and even jumping on roofs.

Scott Burnett, Te Tauihu/Top of the South regional conservation manager at Forest and Bird, says that the weka population in Nelson has increased dramatically in the last 20 years from near zero to today’s relatively high population density.

“Twenty years ago, weka were uncommon across Nelson Tasman, however, by 2010 weka were becoming much more numerous across the region.”

Predator trapping, good breeding, and foraging conditions have helped populations to flourish and spread out in recent years. There are four subspecies of weka and those found in our region are western weka.

Department of Conservation Motueka biodiversity ranger

Leon Everett says residential areas of Nelson have a lot of vegetation and gardens which provide shelter for weka and opportunities to feed.

Weka are known as being “capable scavengers” and this can cause issues if food is left out, for example, in rubbish bags.

Leon says weka are not reliant on supplementary food or scraps. “We ask that people do not feed weka as it can cause health and behavioural issues.

“If they find food around your property or are fed, then they might learn that it’s a good place to visit which can cause issues for householders.”

While searching for invertebrates, Leon says they may also dig up gardens. They are also good climbers and can jump around a metre high.

Scott also says weka can be “annoying” and has had them doing “enormous messy poops” on the floor of his central Nelson home.

“There are also large bush areas around the edges of Nelson city, such as the Grampians, which provide a large amount of suitable habitat.

exploring once they leave their parents’ territories.”

“In late summer, many younger birds will start spreading out and

Their diet is primarily invertebrates, fruit, and seeds, and they play an important role in distributing native plant seeds.

“They can retain seeds for almost six weeks, which is the longest avian seed retention period ever recorded. This gives them the potential to disperse seed over one kilometre,” says Leon.

“I’ve had them pulling seedlings from our vege beds, and breaking into our chicken run to get at the chicken feed and bossing our chickens around.”

However, he says it is a “privilege” to have them around and implores Nelson residents to look after them.

A food-stealing weka runs through a Nelson garden. Photo: Kate Russell.

Weathertightness woes for pavilion

KATE RUSSELL

A “number of issues” with weathertightness have been discovered at the Trafalgar Park Pavilion, Nelson City Council has confirmed.

A report to a council meeting on 4 April said the issues are “likely to result in unbudgeted costs” to council.

“These include issues from the time of construction in the mid-90s, and some stemming from repairs made in

later years,” says group manager community services, Andrew White.

The pavilion was built in 1996. Areas of concern include the blockwork on the lower level, fibre cement cladding on the upper level and the glass reinforced acrylic membrane on the terrace.

Andrew says that work is scheduled to undertake a more in-depth assessment of the building.

“This assessment will not be

confined to the known issues.

Following the assessment, council will look to develop a long-term asset management plan. This plan will look at repairs, renewals and upgrades that may be needed.”

Andrew says that council is aware of the weather tightness issues of the building, which is regularly maintained, and areas of concern are repaired or patched when necessary to minimise any impact.

Snippets of history

The inaugural entry in the Nelson City Council minute books captures the goings-on at a meeting on 5 January 1877, the first held under the Municipal Corporations Act 1876. In handwritten script, the minutes outline a decision by councillors to visit and report back on a proposed location for a fellmonger on the banks of the Maitai, and an offer of land for depositing night soil (no sewerage system back then). This first entry also records that the mayor was to tackle an issue of gorse on land adjoining the property of a Nelson resident. Pictured are city council offices, Trafalgar St. Photo: Nelson Provincial Museum, Tyree Studio Collection: 51724

Weathertightness issues have been discovered at the Trafalgar Park Pavilion. Photo: Tim Cuff.

Stoke back in the premier picture

JACK MALCOLM

Premier netball will have a new team after Stoke edged out Prices Waimea Pango to earn their promotion to the region’s top league. The 45-36 win sees Stoke graduate to the premier division with a team full of fresh and returning faces to the competition.

While Prices Waimea Pango have been relegated to Senior 1, they will have a chance to earn their way back into the top division at the end of this season’s second round of action.

Stoke earned their challenge through their performance last season, but they have added to their ranks through the summer to make a strong squad for the competition.With just four players with premier division experience, returning coach Priyani DeSilva-Currie says the squad still has the makings of a strong team. Having returned to the region, Priyani has a wealth of high-performance netball which she wants to bring to the team.

Priyani has been involved in netball as a player, bench official, selector, and administrator at different levels, having spent the past decade in the Manawatu.

Prior to leaving, she had spent five years with Stoke Netball, having also had experience with

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER!

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a number of other clubs around the Nelson region. She says it’s exciting to be back in the local netball space, with a desire to incorporate some of the high-performance nature of Manawatu netball into Stoke.

“We want to be in the top four of

the premier grade. “Without a doubt, we’ve been training like mad.”

With the team coming together just two weeks before the promotion/relegation game, she says it’s been exciting to see the team start to bond and gel together.

Prices Waimea Pango looked to throw everything they could at the opposition, but it may have been a case of trying too hard as they looked to hold onto their premier division spot.

Scoreboard pressure started to creep in as they struggled to mount a comeback, and errors began to infiltrate their game as they looked to push to create an advantage.

But Stoke held firm in the face of the growing pressure and pace, with their defensive end having an impressive performance to shut down the Pango offence. Anna Bill in GK and Phoebe Bardoul in GD were impressive, as were the Stoke shooting pair of Jarrah Solly in GA and Rebecca Dudley in GS. While Pango watched the score slowly slip from their grasp, they deserve commendation for sticking with it. They threw everything they had at their opposition, but Stoke held firm to win the match and their promotion. Premier netball gets underway in early May.

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Stoke GA Jarrah Solly helped guide her team to promotion to the premier league. Photo: Jack Malcolm.

Nelson at your fingertips

Touch community champion honoured for their contribution

JACK MALCOLM

Jemma Taikato burst out crying when she was surprised with $5000 to spend on her touch community.

“I had no idea that I was nominated at all, no inkling, nothing,” she says.

“I was told we had a [Nelson] Touch meeting at Sport Tasman, so I turned up at the meeting which wasn’t a meeting and there everyone was. That completely blew me away.”

The money, which comes from Bunnings Home Ground Heroes in collaboration with Touch New Zealand, awards five local community organisers around the country with $5000 to reinvest in their local community.

Jemma was one of the lucky recipients from almost 200 nominations who were acknowledged for their integral contribution to the game and who have helped to foster many New Zealanders’ first experiences with community sport.

Bunnings Home Ground Heroes Ambassador Peter Walters and local touch hero Jemma Taikato. Photo: Supplied.

“Touch is sort of a third or fourth job of mine, but it’s the one that takes most of my time and the one I’m passionate about,” she says.

“Takes up a fair bit of time, but I love it. I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t.”

Alongside managing multiple representative teams across two different national tournaments, Jemma runs three touch tournaments for juniors and is also heavily involved with weekly local touch leagues.

Results from this week:

Giants: NBS Nelson Giants 88 - Auckland Tuatara 84

Rugby: Tasman Trophy: Kahurangi 36 - Waimea Old Boys 18

Central 15 - Marist 14

Moutere 8 - Nelson 5 Stoke - Bye

Football: Suburbs:

Men: Selwyn United FC 0 - Nelson Suburbs 5

Women: Nelson Suburbs 2 - NW United 3

Premier men: Smith & Sons Richmond 1 - FC Nelson Karenni 6

Forestry is a significant part of our region, providing a range of opportunities to our people. Nominations close: May 2024 Awards Dinner: 19 July 2024 The Top of the South (TOTS) celebrates the Forestry Awards and look forward to recognising their top performers, the heroes of the industry in a range of sectors across the industry and the TOTS Skilled Professional of the Year.

She is unsure how the $5000 windfall will be spent, with upcoming meetings now including a section on how they can best utilise the money into the agenda.

“It’s through a great bunch of volunteers that just give so much, and sometimes it’s for little reward. We love the game, we love the culture that we’re trying to get in Nelson Touch and we’re starting to see them pay off.

Despite some hard running by the likes of Netani Baleisomosomo, Marist’s curse of falling just short to Central added another chapter over the weekend as the green machine fell just short in a 15-14 loss at Lansdowne Park, with a late penalty sealing the deal. Photo: Gavin Hadfield/ Shuttersport.

With over 100 swimmers in action over four sessions, it was a big weekend of junior swimming at the Richmond Aquatic Centre. Photo: Supplied.

Junior swimmers race South Island’s best

JACK MALCOLM

Richmond Aquatic Centre was abuzz with activity earlier this month as over 100 young swimmers looked to make their mark. Representatives from 16 clubs looked to impress at the South Island Junior Swimming Championships, with four sessions and 33 events over the weekend of 6 and 7 April. Swimming Nelson Marlborough was helped in the hosting by both Nelson

South and Tasman Swim Clubs. It is a large swimming event to be hosted in Nelson and hasn’t occurred in recent years as there are many larger swimming venues in the South Island. With a mix of individual events and medleys, there was also a kickboard team race which was fiercely contested. With 17 swimmers in 157 races, Nelson South Swim Club had the largest local representation and came away with 22 golds,

25 silvers and 12 bronzes, while earning a silver and a bronze in the relay. Henry Jones impressed in the boy’s 11 year-old category for the club with a big haul of nine golds and three silvers.

Tasman Swim Club saw 16 swimmers in 139 races, with 10 golds, six silvers and 11 bronzes, picking up two additional bronzes in the relays.

Charlotte Tuthill in the female 10&U category picked up all of the club’s

golds as she topped the podium of every individual event she raced in.

Waimea Swim Club saw two swimmers earn a gold and two bronzes, while Motueka Swim Club took home two silvers from their two swimmers. On top of the podiums, a lot of local swimmers came away with personal best times.

The juniors had a lot of fun and laughs including a fun flower power dress up parade before the last session.

The Nelson Magazine is growing! So we need another sales person to help take it to the next level.

Are you a people person with good communication skills, confident, flexible, and work well in a fast paced environment? Then this is the job for you!

Responsibilities include developing and maintaining relationships with advertising clients and increasing sales through new initiatives.

Full time, with the opporunity to also be part time. This role is results-driven, therefore you will be paid a retainer, plus commission.

If you’re ready to start a new career with a growing company, please email your CV to editor @ nelsonmag.co.nz by Wednesday 24 April.

DEATH

LLOYD Bella

nee Arabella

Neill-Fraser

Mercifully passed in peace and with no pain, close family were at her bedside during her last night, in the early morning of April 9, 2024 at the Nelson Tasman Hospice after many struggles with illness. Dearly beloved wife of Adam (for 35 years), mother and mother-in-law of Phoebe and Danny, Olivia and Michael, Flora, and Leo and grandmother to Amelie, Henry, and Raya. A private nondenominational service will be held at the Hope Gardens of Remembrance Crematorium, on Saturday, April 27, commencing at 1pm.

Messages to the Lloyd Family C/- Marsden House, 41 Nile Street, Nelson, and if you wish, it can be included at her commemoration event which will be live streamed, link available on request please email support@daysfuneralservices.co.nz

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Nelson Hospice: https://www.nelsonhospice.org.nz/supporthospice/donate-funds/” in Bella’s memory.

N.Z.I.F.H. www.marsdenhouse.co.nz

ANNIVERSARY

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NOT GETTING THE NELSON WEEKLY DELIVERED?

Call 5485900 Ext 4. Leave a message with your address, the date the delivery was missed & when you last received a paper or visit topsouthmedia.co.nz/ delivery/

DEATH

GARDINER

Janice Marguerite (Jan) nee Baker-Delaney

Passed away peacefully on 9th April 2024 at Nelson, aged 84 years. Dearly loved wife of the late Peter. Much loved mother and mother in law of Tony (dec), Leanne and Brian Hind (Benalla, Australia), and Daniel. Loved Nana of Aaron and Lisa, Matthew, Nathan and Riley, and Nana Jan of Kelsie, Elyse, Mitchell, Georgia, Levi and Olivia. Many thanks to Jan’s Access girls for all their care and support over the years. Jan will be sadly missed by many, and never forgotten. A celebration of Jan’s life and farewell for Jan and Pete will be held at Beachside Conference Centre, Beach Road, Tahunanui on Friday 19th April 2024 at 11.00am.

FDANZ www.simplicity.co.nz

CHURCH NOTICE

Community Notices

DEADLINE: 10AM FRIDAY

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

SOUTH

Douglas (Doug) Hosking

5.11.54 – 17.4.22

It broke my heart to lose you.

Part of me went with you.

Wherever you may roam.

Saluting you

Ph.

Ph.

But you did not go alone.

- The last Mohican.

Eve South, Wakefield.

MEMORIAL

MEMORIAL BOURKE Dawn

In memory of our mother Who passed 20 April 2014

Loving thoughts of you today. Memories held forever. Always in our hearts. Love from all your family, Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.

Flexible

03

MONDAY

NAVIGATING THE TURNING POINTS IN

YOUR LIFE, Mon, 6 May, 6-9pm, Victory Centre, 2 Totara St. Discover your life’s direction. Explore how significant moments and people have influenced the path you're on today. Using psychodrama, you will gain an understanding of your life's trajectory and your aspirations. Info e: nelson@psychodrama.org.nz or Ph: Cher 0272266408. Cost: Koha

PHILOSOPHY GROUP Meet 2nd & 4th Mon of the month, 10am. Trafalgar Hall, 67 Trafalgar St. All welcome. TXT Zoe 0279741758.

TUESDAY

NELSON 50+ WALKING GROUP, Tues, Apr 23, Cullen Point Lookout. If carpooling meet at Kinzett Tce (off Trafalgar Street/ QE11 Drive roundabout) at 8.45am. Alternatively meet at Slogan St, Havelock 9.45. BYO lunch. Ph: Angela 0274441546.

ENJOY AN AFTERNOON of light classical piano with Andrew Divett. Tues, 30 Apr, 1.30-3.30pm, Victory Community Church, 238 Vanguard St. Also, an interlude of performances by various artists. RSVP Traceylynn Ph: 546 9057 or e: seniorcare.victory@ gmail.com. Gold Coin Donation.

NELSON CREATIVE FIBRE GROUP Welcome you to friendly fibre craft meetings. Meet 2nd & 4th Tues each month. 9.30am, Nelson Golf Club, 38 Bolt Rd, Tāhunanui. Ph: Lesley 035765654. $2 for members, $4 for non-members.

STOKE CENTRAL COMBINED PROBUS welcomes new members. Meet 4th Tues of the month, 10am. Stoke Methodist Church Hall, 94 Neale Ave. Interesting speakers, outings, and lunches. Ph: Harold 035449931.

HOPE TENNIS CLUB SOCIAL TENNIS every Tues, 9.30am, Hope Tennis Courts, Hope Domain. All abilities welcome. Queries Ph: 0211729257.

WEDNESDAY

SPIRITED CONVERSATION, Wed, 24 Apr, Yaza Café, dining/drinks, 6pm, conversation, 7.30-9pm. Max Rashbrooke, Senior Research Fellow at Victoria University on 'Luxon at the helm: What's happened so far, and what to expect'. Bring a friend! More info Ph: Barry 5440409.

WELLBY TALKING CAFÉ: Wed, 24 Apr, 1.30- 3pm, Halifax Café. Wellby Talking Cafés are about social connection and finding out about groups, activities and services. www.wellby.org.nz, or Ph: 035467681.

POP-UP PSYCHODRAMA, Wed, 17 Apr, 7-9.30pm, Victory Centre, 2 Totara St. Come along and experience this lively method exploring personal, political and community issues. Increase your spontaneity and find new ways to respond to old situations. Led by an experienced psychodrama practitioner. No acting experience required! More Info: Ph: Ali 0272765992. Cost: Koha.

LA LECHE LEAGUE NELSON Last Wed of the month 9.30-11.30am. Richmond Plunket, Oxford St. All welcome. Support and info also available by Ph/txt: Ruth 0272433469.

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

HIRA CHURCH & NORTH COUNTRY CLUB are organizing the Wakapuaka Community ANZAC Memorial Commemoration. Thurs, 25 Apr, 10am, Memorial Hall. Inquiries Ph: Christina 0210552297 | Chris 02764858. atawhaihira.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.

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, morning tea, dining out, outings. Ph: Bev 035441469.

COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE, Fri, 9 -11.30am, Victory Community Centre. Designed to make treatment affordable and accessible for all. Dress comfortably in loose fitting clothing so you can roll up your pants and sleeves. Cost: Sliding Scale $5 - $40.

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

DROP IN AND OP SHOP Fri, 9am-1pm. St Stephens Community Church, 61 Tāhunanui Dr. Join us for delicious food, browse through our preloved clothing collection and stay for a chat.

CULTURAL SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Fri, 1011am. Come along and share morning tea & a cuppa with Victory’s friendly multicultural roopu. Volunteer opportunities for all people to participate.

SATURDAY/SUNDAY

WAIMEA HARRIERS, Sat, 20 Apr, 1.45 registration, Rabit Island. Welcome all abilities for running & walking to join us for the 2nd Wallace Shield event. See website for info, waimeaharriers.nz.

QUALITY CRAFTS NELSON, Sat, 20 Apr, 8am-noon, Richmond Baptist Church, 123 Salibury Rd. Walk through the Boot Market to the Church Lounge to find us. We have a wide selection of quality local handmade crafts with something suitable for everyone. Ph: Kay 0275476777 for info.

HAWAIIAN FUN & FILM EVENING, Sat, 20 Apr, 6.30pm, Victory Community Centre. Fundraiser for Waka Ama Women's 70+ Team to go to World Championships. $25pp to 12-3165-0375883-50 Rubys account, your name.

HIGGINS HERITAGE PARK & Community Rural Resilience Expo. Sun, 21 Apr, 10-4pm. Traction engine steam up, jigger & honey barrel rides, model trains, sheds open AND Expo presentations, food & soft drinks with the 'village green' of exhibitors. Something for everyone young & older. Ph: 0276316786.

CALLING ALL WEST COASTERS

A special West Coast themed worship service will be held on Sun, 19 May, 10am, Nelson Tasman Methodist Parish Church, 94 Neale Ave Stoke. Guest Speaker Ian Davidson ex Hokitika. If you wish to attend e: shona. mclean138gmail.com or Ph: 5464358.

COFFEE AND CHAT GROUP supporting people with Cardiovascular problems. Meet 3rd Sat each month, 10.30-noon. The Honest Lawyer. Ph: Lynne 0272603485.

ADULT LEARN TO SKATE, Sun, 6.30pm Tāhunanui Beach Skate Rink. Come learn the 101 of roller skating and then the art of roller derby. Ph: 0274882296 or e: angelayoungnz@yahoo.co.nz. $5 incl pads & skate hire.

GENERAL

ART EXHIBITION. During April, Nelson Golf Club Cafe, 38 Bolt Road, Tāhunanui. A varied display of acrylic paintings by Jackie Sherwood, an artist new to Nelson. Her work features scenes from the Greek Islands and local Nelson estuaries. Open to the public daily.

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 competition or just fun. Coaching and equipment available. Individuals or groups catered for. Ph: Nettie 035488432 / 0276828168 E nettiebarrow@ gmail.com

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS to help support Nelson Hospital. Social opportunity for people to donate their time to a 3-4 hr shift during the week in a variety of roles. You’ll be supporting patients, visitors, whānau and staff while receiving sense of purpose, enjoyment and belonging to a group. Visit www.nmdhb.govt.nz and search ‘volunteering with us’.

THE NEW ZEALAND RED CROSS supports families of refugees as they settle into a new life in Nelson. We are looking for volunteers who would like to be part of the team and make a real difference in somebody’s life. Full training provided and time commitment is very flexible. e: migration. volunteers@redcross.org.nz or TXT John 0272235972.

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

THE NEW ZEALAND RED CROSS supports families of refugees as they settle into a new life in Nelson. We are looking for volunteers who would like to be part of the team and make a real difference in somebody’s life. Full training provided and time commitment is very flexible. e: migration. volunteers@redcross.org.nz or TXT John 0272235972.

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP. Cancer Society Nelson, 102 Hardy St. If you have or have had breast cancer, come along to this friendly atmosphere. Register Ph: 035391137 or e: info@cancernelson.org.nz.

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