Nelson Weekly - 12 July 2023

So far this

at the Avery Pavilion in the Saxton Field complex, which is jointly owned with Tasman District Council, there have

several windows broken by

paving stones, a fire lit in a toilet cubicle, a roller door caved in from a vehicle collision, and tampering with the gas unit. Tasman District Council’s reserves and facilities manager

Grant Reburn says the damage is frustrating for him and his team.

“Inevitably it impacts on the regular schedule of work which means that staff have to divert their attention to repairing dam-

age and making our reserves and facilities safe, clean and functional again. It is valuable time that is lost to this.”

SEE PAGE 2

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Sara Hollyman sara@topsouthmedia.co.nz

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Vandals cause $12,000 in damage since March

FROM PAGE 1

Grant adds that the gas unit vandalism specifically was a safety concern but adds that adjustments have been made to the cage so it is not so easily damaged in future.

He says the two councils are in conversations with security providers about potentially installing CCTV cameras at Saxton Field to try and curb the vandalism there – which is expected to cost several thousand dollars to repair. But cameras aren’t cheap and can cost $3,000 to be installed.

In March, the Nelson Weekly also reported that damage to the city’s public toilets alone had cost $27,000 since July 2022.

Nelson City Council’s acting group manager community services, Martin Croft says the ad-

ditional $12,000 of damage since March consists mostly of graffiti, smashed pans, broken toilet seats, broken or stolen soap dispensers, and broken hand dryer units. He adds that there has also

been a lot of damage caused by cars driving on sports fields.

“Vandalism continues to cost us as a community.”

Martin says new security cameras have been installed at the

entrances to Tāhunanui Beach and overlooking Tāhunanui Reserve in response to complaints about antisocial behaviour and vandalism.

The cameras positioned on Bisley Walk and Houndsell Circle, have numberplate readers, and a third camera looks out over the sports field. The cameras were installed on 3 July and cost $16,000.

Tasman has also been hit by vandalism recently with seats being removed, stolen, and burned at the Sports Park Motueka Grandstand in addition to the more frequent toilet and vehicle vandalism and graffiti. Repair and prevention across Tasman over the last year has cost $100,000.

A roller door was caved-in by a car at the Avery Pavillion in the Saxton Field complex. Photo: Supplied.

Fishers tip competition scales

GORDON PREECE

Record breaking snapper, kingfish and trevally were hauled in at this year’s D’Urville Island Fishing Competition.

The annual event, which is hosted by the D’Urville Island Fishing Club in association with the Wilderness Resort, reeled in about 57 vessels with about 200 anglers of all ages onboard from as far away as Christchurch and the North Island hoping to catch a Marlborough monster of the deep.

Organiser Cathy George says the “very busy” competition, held over the weekend, was split into nine different categories of fish species and prizes were allocated to the heaviest, longest and average sized fish. She says, among the many weighed in, three fish tipped the competition scales. These included a 26.96lb snapper caught by Blenheim fisherman, Greg Bennett, a 35kg kingfish caught by Phillip Steel, who is also from Blenheim, and a 7.9lb trevally caught by Nelson fisherman, Patric Lorandi.

Cathy says Nelson fisherman

Shane Harwood was the overall winner having caught eight of the nine species.

“He was the lucky person who managed to catch that extra fish that got him through, and

I heard that in the last hour or so he managed to catch that [eighth] species, and he was quite jubilant about that.”

Cathy says the competition was also hooked towards keeping healthy levels of fish in the local waters with kingfish entries based on length measurements before release. She says it was also about introducing fresh anglers to the sport.

“We’re trying to encourage the comradery of fishing, we’re not trying to encourage overfishing, we want the person who’s not too experienced in fishing to be able to win a really good prize as well.”

It was the first time the event was held over three days in-

stead of the traditional two, with fishing beginning last Thursday.

“The previous year, when it was a two-day competition, we had to postpone the dates due to weather,” she says.

“Although our bay was really sheltered and it was a very safe competition because of the wind direction [this year], it was challenging for them out there with a bit of breeze with a little bit of chop in some places. But even though that had happened, there was still some record fish caught, so it goes to show that the competition and the conditions were ok.”

Cathy says $1000 was also raised for Coastguard Nelson.

Shane Harwood with a snapper caught during the competition.

Photo: Supplied.

Flexibility needed to attract developer

MAX FRETHEY

Local Democracy Reporter

Nelson City Council has committed to doing what it can to help get two apartment complexes off the ground to deliver 175 social and affordable housing units in the city centre.

“With the deterioration in the overall building… market, without some flexibility, the risk for council is that this housing development does not proceed at all,” Nelson Mayor Nick Smith says. The apartment complexes are slated for 69 to 101 Achilles Avenue and 42 Rutherford Street and are intended to help ease the housing shortage in the city. Council has sold those sites to Kāinga Ora subject to conditions around the mix of social and affordable housing the proposed development would include, and the building design.

However, Nick adds that it will be difficult to achieve a financially-feasible outcome if council wasn’t open to the possibility of market housing being included “in the mix”. Elected members approved

his proposal that the council “supports… Kāinga Ora’s intention to include the possibility of the development having a portion of market housing” so it can achieve a “successful response” as it searches for a development partner through the tender process.

“We’re really keen to get investment, and we want to give Kāinga Ora the best chance possible of securing a good private sector partner to enable it to proceed,” Nick says.

Councillor Rachel Sanson, who chairs council’s Community Housing Acceleration Taskforce, says it was “appropriate” to broaden the scope of which kinds of housing could be included in the de-

velopment.

“There’s a lot of businesses in the community who are struggling to recruit because they can’t get accommodation for their staff, so hopefully it’s going to be a positive move.”

Councillor Pete Rainey thinks that including market housing in the development will make it “a more attractive proposition” for developers in a time where intensification is needed.n“I see this as a bit of a corner that we’re turning in Nelson City, I do hope this gets across the line,” he says. Nick says he is still somewhat nervous about whether the project was going to be able to be delivered, but says by signalling council’s support

for including market housing they are giving it their “very best shot”.

Julia Campbell, Kāinga Ora’s regional director Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast, says it’s still too early to confirm plans or development timeframes of the two sites.

“We are committed to continuing to work closely with the council throughout this process.”

A buyback clause was included in council’s sale of the properties if no construction occurred within three years.

Q Variety Store closes

The Q Variety Store closed on 24 June. The 590m2 space at 60 Achilles Ave is now for lease through Bayleys Nelson. Gill Ireland from Bayleys says there is still a demand for large format retail spaces in the city, and they have already had some interest in the lease.

Mango opens after renovations

After closing for three months, Mango Nelson has officially reopened with a new-look restaurant and menu.

Halifax St petrol station on hold

McKeown Petroleum have stated that they are not opening their petrol station on Halifax St in the near future. “This is partly because we can’t get consent to put the tanks underground, and partly because we have some more sites to build that have a higher priority,” says Mike Hoffman, business manager for Canterbury/ West Coast. “We will assess the sites viability sometime in the future.”

Amazon Surf closes

Amazon Surf in Morrison Square closed last week.

Cafes and restaurants for sale

Lombardi’s, The Vic Pub, and Red Cafe are among some of the cafes and restaurants currently for sale in Nelson on Trade Me. The Nelson Pita Pit store is also temporarily closed, as the franchise business is for sale.

The 175 apartments are planned to be just across the road from ANZAC Park. Photo: Supplied/Nelson City Council.

Crash survivor faces uphill battle

SARA HOLLYMAN

A Motueka woman who was driving to Nelson to have scans undertaken following a cancer diagnosis is now facing a long uphill battle to recovery after a serious crash on The Coastal Highway last week.

Leanne Smits is described by family and friends as someone with a heart of gold who is always looking out for others, but she now faces a long recovery from her injuries before she can begin to fight her recently diagnosed cervical cancer.

Her son Josiah Smits, who runs Motueka’s The Smoking Barrel, says the last two weeks have been rough for the family. “She found out a week and a half ago about the cancer, it was a bit of a shock to everyone,” Josiah says.

Leanne had her first set of scans in Nelson on Tuesday last week and was heading back to Nelson for further scans on Friday morning when a car she was following along the highway hit the side barrier.

Swerving to avoid a collision, she crossed the centre line, forcing her into the path of an oncoming vehicle.

A St John spokesperson says six people were injured in the four-vehicle crash – Leanne, along with five others were all taken to Nelson Hospital with injuries ranging from serious to minor.

Leanne fractured four ribs as well as her sternum, cervical spine and both ankles, which required surgical reconstruc-

tion. She also suffered a punctured lung and severe bruising.

Josiah says the priority now is her recovery from the crash, after which they will begin to tackle the cancer diagnosis.

He says the reality is she will need some form of treatment going forward and would like to see the community come together to help support his mum.

“It’s hard to explain, she’s one of those people… she’s quite exceptional the way she loves and cares for people. She particularly goes out of her way to encourage, message and call people who might otherwise fall by the wayside,” he says.

“The best way I can explain it is she’s everybody’s number one

supporter. She makes people feel like absolute gold.”

Leanne works fulltime as a dental assistant and Josiah says worst-case scenario is that she and his dad will end up losing their home.

“We would like to look at alternative cancer treatments if that’s an option, but they are often costly. They don’t own a lot… they do have their house but keeping up with mortgage repayments they may end up losing it, that’s a decision they will have to make down the line.”

Family friends have set up a givealittle page to try and assist financially. To donate visit https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/ love-for-leanne

Leanne Smits was driving to Nelson for a scan to further understand her recently diagnosed cancer when she was involved in a head-on crash on SH60 The Coastal Highway on Friday. Photos: Supplied.

Wakatu Lodge pieced back together again

ANNE HARDIE

It has been eight long weeks sitting in its sawn-through parts in a muddy paddock, but last week the 128-year-old Wakatu Lodge was put back together like a jigsaw puzzle on its new site.

Melissa and Simon Floyd say it has been a long wait to get their two-storied villa pieced back together since they carted it from its Waimea Road site in Nelson to their lifestyle block in the Moutere.

The plan had been to piece it back together immediately, but then it rained, the site turned to mud and Melissa says it was impossible for the crew to get the piles into the ground, so everything was put on hold while the ground dried out. Then last week the moving crew were back, lifting the base of the house to get a small digger underneath to dig holes for the piles and pour in the concrete the night before lifting the two sawn-

Nelson house prices fall

Nelson house prices have fallen by 1.1 per cent, according to the QV House Price Index for June 2023. The average house price in Nelson is now $779,468. Nationally, the average home decreased in value by 1.8 per cent this quarter, a smaller rate of decline from the 3.4 per cent decrease in quarterly value change back in May. The national average home value in New Zealand is now $891,585, which is 11.8 per cent lower than the same time last year and 5.6

through sections back on top to make the house whole again.

“It’s absolute relief,” Melissa said as the crane lifted sections back where they belonged. “I’m not nervous at all – just excited.”

The Floyds have shifted two small cottages in the past so know the process, but the sheer size of Wakatu Lodge posed new challenges. Even after splitting the two storeys, the roof still had to be lowered to meet height restrictions on the road, which then had to be lifted again before being lifted back onto the bottom storey.

“The house was slightly larger and more complicated, but we knew it was possible. It was on our radar that anything is possible.”

Eleven years ago the Floyds bought the villa from the then Nelson Hospital Board which had used it as a home for the aged and a rehabilitation centre. They have spent those years renovating it, before deciding to move it to the country.

per cent less than at the start of this year.

Uniquely Nelson’s latest campaign

Uniquely Nelson has launched a new campaign that aims to promote Nelson’s city centre and remind shoppers that the city is a vibrant and exciting destination. Uniquely Nelson general manager, Simon Duffy, says that through a series of videos they aim to showcase the experiences and opportunities the city has to

Some of their renovation work is a little worse for wear after rain found its way inside during the time it sat in pieces in the paddock. But Melissa already has plans to rectify the vintage wallpaper that they sourced from the United Kingdom.

offer. “We believe this revitalised identity will create a strong platform for Nelson City, attracting visitors and supporting our local businesses,” Simon says.

Three Waters bill “rushed”

Nelson Mayor Nick Smith has submitted on the Water Services Entities Amendment Bill. He says the short time frame hasn’t allowed Nelson City Council staff nor elected members to adequately consider the changes put

Update from Rachel Boyack MP

One of my priorities as the MP for Nelson is working to ensure we have excellent local health services. That’s what our community deserves. Our Government has significantly increased the level of investment in health services, which means we can prioritise the upgrade of Nelson Hospital. Progress towards our new Hospital is tracking very well, and Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand and Government Ministers will be making important decisions about the rebuild very soon.

Last week Health Minister Ayesha Verrall announced that a new pay equity offer has been made to Te Whatu Ora nurses. Nurses are the backbone of our health system and deserve decent pay. The offer includes a lump sum of $15,000 to address backpay issues and a further increase of at least 4.5% in base pay rates. Community and GP-based nurses have recently had an increase of 8% in their base pay rates, and last week Te Whatu Ora Midwives agreed to a 15% increase in their pay. Fixing longstanding pay equity issues is complex work, and while there is more work to do, I am proud of the progress our Government is making for health workers.

We are also working hard to lift the number of people working in the health sector. Last week New Zealand’s Health Workforce Plan was released, which sets out a number of steps to lift our health workforce. Training more health workers in New Zealand is a critical part of this plan, and the Government announced a further 830 nursing student placements last week. This will help reduce waiting times for students to enrol in nursing training, so that we can train more nurses faster. If you have any questions about any of this important work, please contact my office.

“My husband always accuses me of buying the wallpaper before the walls are built. I’m always way ahead.” Realistically, she says it will be a year before the house will be liveable and renovations will be ongoing. Though the house is still

forward. While he supports the move to introduce a Top of the South Water Services Entity, he is opposed to the introduction of Regional Representative Groups which will add an “extra layer of bureaucracy” and the southern borders of the entity which cut off Tasman’s Murchison, and Marlborough’s Ward and Seddon in-line with Ngāi Tahu’s tākiwa boundaries.

Matariki Festival

The Trafalgar Centre will host

ragged, she already has plans for the landscaping, with a cast-iron gazebo waiting on the sidelines. At some stage she will establish a Facebook page so those interested in the lodge can follow its renovation progress. “It will have a modern twist on an old house.”

the Matariki Festival, Te Huihui-o-Matariki 2023, this Friday 14 July. The event will start with Taka Kara Tīpuna, the Regional Secondary School Kapa Haka Competitions from 9am until 3pm. The event will also include performances by Pūaha Te Tai (Nayland College), Ngā Aho Rau (Nelson College for Girls and Nelson College), and other local kura.

The Matariki Market will open at 5pm - 9pm, offering a diverse range of food as well as Māori arts and crafts for sale.

Melissa Floyd says it has been a long wait to see her beloved Wakatu Lodge put back together again.

Photo: Anne Hardie.

Chaplain retires after nearly three decades

GORDON PREECE

Seeing people overcome their personal struggles and carry their lives “in a more positive way” had been the highlight for Jim Maguire in his near 30-year career as a local chaplain.

The Motueka resident retired from the role on June 30 after 28 years serving as one of the chaplains at organisations such as Nelson Pine Industries, Nelson City Council, ITM Frame and Truss, Nelson Fire Station and Alexander Hospital.

Jim says he was working at the Work and Income (WINZ) office in Motueka when he was offered the chaplain opportunity in 1995 from Workplace Support, which is part of the Inter-Church Trade and Industry Mission.

He initially declined, but upon completing its training programme, he never looked back.

“I always had an interest in helping people from previous training that I had in various jobs and knowledge, to some degree, of how to deal with people in crisis,” he says. “It became obvious that [a chaplain] was the path I wanted to take and [WINZ] were extremely good in allowing me

to work part-time and continue working as a chaplain at the companies that I went to.

“Eventually, when I finally retired from WINZ [in 2003], I then

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devoted more of my time to my work as a chaplain.”

Jim, who is also a registered marriage celebrant, says there had always been “very positive” out-

comes for his clients who visited him at their workplaces to resolve their personal issues.

“It’s quite useful to have someone who’s there on site who they can

talk to, who’s not their husband, wife, or partner, or boss, who is quite confidential,” he says. “Sometimes they need to talk to someone who is not directly involved with them, and we found that over the years that worked extremely well.

“The success comes from the personality that you have and the ability to get on with people whoever they are, and once they get to know you, they then feel confident that they can talk to you about anything.”

Jim says his retirement as a chaplain was marked at Nelson Fire Station with the unveiling of a plaque to honour his years of service to the organisation, and a morning tea at ITM Frame and Truss in Richmond.

“There were some very positive words from some of the guys that worked there about how much they appreciated my time, and that I would be missed,” he says. The 85-year-old says, while he still has the energy to continue as a chaplain, he now wishes to spend more time with his partner and visit family in Christchurch. He will also use the time to focus on his small market garden business in Motueka.

‘I’m proud to work at a school that’s making a difference to the young men in our community. Being a teenager keeps getting harder and it’s exciting to be at a school that’s leading the conversation around positive masculinity.

Young men today are diverse, intelligent, fun, and caring and they want to make a positive difference in our world. Through music, drama, sports, academics, kapa haka and so much more, and in collaboration with Nelson College for Girls, our young men are doing just that.’

nelson.school.nz

Richard Dykes - Principal, Nelson Colllege

Jim Maguire served 19 of his 28 years as a chaplain at Nelson Fire Station, but is now retiring from the role.

Photo: Gordon Preece.

Baton handover for Nelson New York City Marathon runner

One member of a four-person Nelson fundraising team set to run in the 2023 New York City Marathon is handing over the baton to a new runner.

Whakatū Marae Poutohuwhakahaere Kim Ngawhika will take the place of original team member, Tāhunanui School principal Barbara Bowen, for the event to be held on 5 November 2023. Barbara was injured in a fall from her bike on 5 November 2022 – a year to the day before the iconic US marathon – so when the opportunity arose take part in the 2023 event, it seemed like fate. “It was too exciting to turn down,” Barbara says. However, Barbara found the training too difficult, too quickly, for her recovery from injury so she made the tough decision to pull out.

Kim will take Barbara’s place, joining Nelson Mayor Nick Smith, Saint Paul’s Catholic School Board chair Lester Binns and Top South Media Managing Director Andrew Board to run the marathon and raise funds

for the delivery of Rod Dixon’s KiDSMARATHON programme in Nelson-Tasman schools.

Rod, a Nelson-born running legend, won the New York City Marathon in 1983 in a time of 2:08:59.

His in-school running and nutrition educational programme, which has already been used by more than 1.8 million children worldwide, enables the pupils to complete a full marathon of 26.2

miles (42.2km) over 10 weeks.

Together with fellow running legend Lorraine Moller, who won the Boston Marathon in 1984 in a time of 2:29:28, Dixon is helping the four Nelson runners prepare

for the 2023 event.

Kim says she has always wanted to participate in the New York City Marathon but this event would be extra special as she would be running in memory of her brother Mason who died on 7 November 2022.

“He was really fit and healthy and did a lot for his community. He died of a heart attack.”

Kim says she enjoys running for fun and fitness and has competed in events such as the Abel Tasman Coastal Classic and a couple of half-marathons, but the New York City event will be her first full marathon.

With the four-person team now confirmed, a website and Givealittle page has been set up to allow people to donate to the team. All money raised will go directly to subsidise local students taking part in Rod Dixon’s KiDSMARATHON as the participants are paying for all costs to travel and run in the New York City Marathon.

To find out more, or to donate to the team, visit: kidsmarathon.nz

Kim Ngawhika, third from left, is taking the baton from Barbara Bowen and will run in the Rod Dixon KiDSMARATHON team at this year’s New York City Marathon. They are pictured with Nelson mayor Nick Smith, left, and former New York City Marathon winner, Rod Dixon.Photo: Andrew Board.

Nayland College student buzzing with insect tale

GORDON PREECE

A lifetime zeal for insects, volunteer work at Natureland Wildlife Trust, and putting pen to paper, inspired 17-yearold Ashley Welsh to write her first children’s novel, Tasman Zoo: The Bug House.

The Nayland College Year 13 student said she began weaving together her tale in 2021 with the help of her classmate Emily Heeg, who designed its illustrations. Ashley now hoped the book would attract swarms of young bookworms.

“When I was a little girl, I always dreamed of owning a zoo when I was older, so I thought that writing a book about a girl who lives at a zoo kind of was close enough to that,” she says.

“I really liked insects when I was younger as well so I can relate to this book quite a lot.”

Ashley, whose favourite insect is the praying mantis for its “dangerous” and “cute” nature, says Kiwi kids aged between six and 11 could also relate to the novel’s characters as they flit through the pages.

“I hope that the children can relate to the characters that are in the book a bit more because it’s New Zealand-based instead of being based in Britain or America, which a lot of books are,” she says. “[The plot is that] Tasman Zoo is going to have a bug house opening day, but then the bug shipments are cancelled, and that’s probably going to ruin the zookeeper’s reputation.

“So, Maia the main character

goes out and looks for bugs in the backyard to fill the spots.” She says it could be pre-purchased on Trade Me before it takes flight on the RealNZBooks and Fishpond websites on 19 July.

Ashley says the money she earns from the book purchases will go towards Tasman Zoo sequels. “[The book] will hopefully be the first in a series, I have started writing the next one,” she adds.

Ashley Welsh hopes swarms of young bookworms will enjoy her new book. Photo: Gordon Preece.

Arko and Smita Biswas

Grant Pyne, Sam Eid and Lukas Sivak

Tina Hanrahan, Nick Priest, Marine Conrad, Agathe Porlier and Finnbarr Hanrahan

Ruby Best and Arya Biswas

Lorraine, May, Grant and Sam Armstrong, 6

Gary Walton and Sam Fitzgerald

Marama Stanbridge, Ruby Cunningham and Emilyjean Waite

Seth Watson, Joe Robertson and Isaac Taylor

Will Murphy and Robert Myers

Zachary Wistrand and Justin Smith

Kidney donor says more are needed

GORDON PREECE

Relieving the “huge impact” of a family member’s dialysis treatment was the motivation for Rachel Bartlett to donate one of her kidneys.

The Best Island resident and former Nelson Hospital theatre nurse’s cousin, Ben Bartlett, who is originally from Nelson but currently resides in Brisbane, was diagnosed with microscopic polyangiitis in 2007.

Rachel says the disease has gradually caused permanent damage to his kidneys and has taken dialysis to treat since 2021.

Ben currently spends nine hours on dialysis each day, while still working five days a week.

“[Ben] came home in October and we caught up with family and he showed me his dialysis, and I thought ‘oh man, this is just no good’, so I offered to donate [one of my kidneys] to him,” Rachel says.

“If I was in that situation, I would want someone to donate to me because there’s not a lot of organs around and people don’t realise how safe it actually is [to donate] if you meet the criteria.”

According to Kidney Health NZ

there are currently around 600 people on New Zealand’s kidney donation waitlist, many of whom could remain on the list for up to five years before a transplant.

Rachel, who is a registered nurse at the Skin Institute in Richmond, says she underwent scans in October last year to determine if her kidney was suitable for donation.

“Once the scans had all been tested and done, they then went to Australia in January and they looked at all my tests, and then there was about a three or four month wait once I had been cleared from Australia’s end.

“They did the matching at the same time to see whether we were a match or not, and we are a match, but if we weren’t, there’s a process called [the Australia and New Zealand Paired Kidney Exchange Program],” she says.

Living kidney donation accounts for over a third of all kidney transplants in Australia and New Zealand. However, up to 30 per cent of living kidney donors who want to donate directly to their loved one are found to be incompatible.

The ANZKX program matches incompatible donor and recipient pairs with other incompatible

pairs across Australia and New Zealand so they can donate to each other.

Rachel will travel to Brisbane at the end of July where medical staff will assess whether she and

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Ben are in good health, before she goes under the knife at Princess Alexandra Hospital for the kidney removal on August 1. Her kidney will be implanted in Ben’s body on the same day.

“They say that with a live donor, as soon as they hook up the blood vessels, [the kidney] starts working immediately, whereas a deceased donor could take two or three days to work,” Rachel says. She says there shouldn’t be too many long-term risks for her after losing a kidney.

“I shouldn’t be anymore prone to potential problems; it would only be trauma to the one kidney if it were an accident or something like that or if I developed an autoimmune disease attached to my kidney.

“That’s about the only risks really, which is the same risk for everybody else.”

Rachel says bodies could start rejecting a donated kidney after the procedure, so her cousin will take anti-rejection drugs for the remainder of his life to combat the risk.

“Hopefully he won’t need to do dialysis again, and hopefully he’ll get longevity out of the kidney,” she says.

“With the number of people on dialysis, [hospitals] just can’t keep up… people need kidneys big time, and it would be great if [my case] gave [the public] something to think about.”

Rachel Bartlett said it was “safe” for people to donate an organ if they met the criteria. Photo: Gordon Preece.

Nelson Matters

125 years of golf course ‘up in smoke’ if Airport Plan proceeds

Needs of the many over the wants of a few. Economically, Nelson needs to keep.our infrastructure up-to-date. We need the Airport extension far more than a select few want the Golf Course..

James Burke

Winter woes in CBD

A recent headline was ‘Winter woes in the CBD’. Yes, Trafalgar St is becoming the CTD (Central Temple of Doom).Though the Ma tariki and Te Ramaroa festivals, also the Masked and Santa Parade, are good community events, they cannot stop the rot - only a mall could do that.

Anton Hyman

Te Ramaroa lights up Nelson

Absolutely amazing. Is it possible to keep some of the displays up through the winter?

Carol Falloon

We went twice and loved both days. The entertainment on the stage was great and one of the highlights was the bird lady on the zip wire, that was amazing. Also, the vibe at Kirby Lane was great and lovely to get food afterwards.

Lorna Johnston

Thanks to Te Ramaroa, Nelson was bright and felt abuzz - a real vibe for the city! I came back a second night cause I didn’t make it all the way ‘round on my first night. So much talent on display and an awesome atmosphere with a safe, fun community feel. Thanks.

Violet-Rose Palmer

Loved it. I love the imagination, vibrancy, colour, work and com-

event and taking time and finding out the message in some of the art was enlightening. Too bad more retailers didn’t make any effort and even have some fairy lights in window displays at evening. Well done on those at Morrison Square who made an effort, but Trafalgar St shops had little effort. Loved the edible cup, hot chocolate drinks!

Diane Chandler

We had such an awesome time at Te Ramaroa!!!! Watching Bo perform while our little dude rocked out was cool! The church steps were amazing, the laughing tree was a crack up and we thoroughly enjoyed the silent disco in Morrison Square!!! We walked around Queens Gardens and saw some of the cool displays done by tamariki at Victory school. There could have been a few more lights up around Queens Gardens, like the previous years with the rain on the bridge was so cool! Overall, it was such an amazing effort made by all to make this a fun and exciting event for the Nelson community!! Thank you to all the event organizers and volunteers who made it possible.

Was so good to see the city humming five nights in a row. We need more things happening in Nelson city.

Steph Davis

Great to see town buzzing and families out together.

Patsy Mike Anderson

What’s On!

Matariki MTB Shuttle celebrations

Friday, 14 July, 2pm

Cable Bay Adventure Park

Shuttles from 2pm - leaving Base Café and then from lower skid site. Shuttles will be initially on the hour but then will shift to “When full”. Last shuttle at 7pm.

Celebrate Matariki 2023 – Matariki SUP

Friday, 14 July, 08:45-11am

Tahunanui Beach BBQ area

Celebrate Matariki with a fun paddle around Urenui (Fifeshire Rock). Bring your enthusiasm, grab your brightest attire. Meet at the covered BBQ area located at the western end of the Lions playground.

A Song In Your Heart With Kath

Bee

Friday, 14 July, 10:45-11:30am

Morrison Square Nelson

Kath’s live performances are interactive, fun, thought-provoking and uplifting. Suggested donation $5-20 per person.

Hon Dr Nick Smith

DEFICITS A RISK TO OUR FUTURE

I am more concerned about our economy today than at any time in my 30+ years as an elected representative for Nelson. I am reminded of Charles Dickens, who in 1850 wrote that if annual income exceeds expenditure “result happiness” but if annual expenditure exceeds income “result misery”. Our Council, Government and NZ are all running deficits with spending exceeding income.

Last year, NZ had the worst Balance of Payments deficit ever recorded of $33.8 billion ($17,500/household). This is the balance of how much we export and import as well as what we earn and spend on services such as tourism. We are living off other countries’ savings and piling up debt.

Stats NZ last week published figures showing New Zealanders’ total net worth declined over the past 18 months by 10% or $230 billion ($120,000/household), due to the decline in asset values and increased borrowing from overseas.

The Government’s finances also took a turn for the worse last week with debt $5 billion worse than the May Budget. Net Debt has gone from $16 billion ($8000 per household) in 2017 to $73 billion ($37,500/ household). The Government ran a deficit of $7 billion last year and is budgeting another $8 billion this year. The problem is the 68% increase in Government spending from $76 billion ($39,000/household) in 2017 to $128 billion ($66,000/household).

Nelson City Council has also been running deficits. Last decade, spending and rates grew by more than double the inflation rate. I have worked hard with the new Council to keep the rate increase to no more than the inflation rate of 7.2% this year. We also reduced the Council deficit from $3.1 million last year to $0.9 million this year.

We must get these deficits under control. Increased spending is not the answer to every problem. My goal next year is to balance the Council’s books. We must rebuild Nelson’s tourism and international education industries. We need a renewed focus on growing Nelson’s export industries such as horticulture, forestry and seafood, and developing new export earners. We need to earn more and be more disciplined in our spending or we will put our future at risk.

MAYOR OF NELSON

Council chamber overflows as residents oppose water fluoridation

MAX FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter

A crowd of residents opposed to the mandatory fluoridation of the city’s drinking water packed out Nelson City Council’s public gallery on Thursday.

About twenty-five people filled the seats in the gallery and a similar number gathered in the foyer outside the council chamber in a show of support for Zoe Byrne and Dharan Longley from the Nelson Clean Water Coalition who presented to council on the risks they say fluoride poses to human health.

Nelson City Council was directed in July 2022 by then-Director-General of Health, Ashley Bloomfield, to fluoridate its water supply. Not complying with the directive would constitute an offence.

At the time, he said that fluoridating Nelson’s water would be “an important step in improving the oral health” of the city.

Zoe cited several studies – including a report by the National Toxicology Program (NTP), run by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, that concluded fluoride was a neurotoxin – and says it is “dubious” that fluoride helps to prevent

tooth decay and claims that the chemical is “incredibly toxic”.

Peer reviews of the study stated that the NTP has not adequately supported its conclusions that fluoride was a neurodevelopmental hazard for humans. The NTP subsequently stopped classifying fluoride as a hazard.

Dharan called on Nelson City Council to “strongly reject the mandate to fluoridate our water”.

He says the justification for rejecting the directive includes a lack of individual choice, local decision-making being overridden by central government, and the low-level of fluoridation practised in Europe.

“We will not accept the compulsory medication of our water. We

will continue to uphold our right to choose.”

However, Mayor Nick Smith said in response to the presentation, that there were only two lawful paths that would allow Nelson not to fluoridate its water. The first was the Ministry of Health’s directive being challenged and subsequently overturned through the courts by a group like the Clean Water Coalition, and the second was voting in parliamentarians during the upcoming general election who would reverse the decision that allowed the Director-General of Health to mandate fluoridation. However, his response drew vocal opposition from the public gallery who called for the council

to mount a legal challenge itself.

“You must consult with the community on significant assets. The number one asset is our water supply,” Dharan replied. “We do not see a democratic process being respected by the Government.”

Nick tried to ask Dharan and Zoe why they thought Parliament’s Health Select Committee had unanimously supported shifting the responsibility of water fluoridation away from councils despite hearing submissions that included concerns similar to those of the Clean Water Coalition, however he was drowned out by complaints from the gallery which prompted Nick to bring the public forum to a close. The presentation from the Coalition was already overtime. The select committee’s commentary on the bill Nick referred to noted that “medical and dental associations and representative bodies, and most doctors and dentists, spoke in support of fluoridating water”.

A Ministry of Health spokesperson says it’s important to consider individual studies within the broader body of scientific research.

“There is strong international evidence that there are no adverse

health effects of fluoride of any significance arising from fluoridation at the levels used in New Zealand,” they say. “The analysis of evidence requires an assessment of all relevant information available and should not be based on a single study or opinion.”

They add that water fluoridation is considered the most effective public health measure to prevent dental decay and is recommended by key public health agencies around the world, including the World Health Organization, as an important contributor to health equity.

“It is beneficial to New Zealanders of all ages. It is especially beneficial for Māori and Pacific people, and vulnerable communities.”

Reports published by the Office of the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor in 2014, jointly with the Royal Society Te Apārangi, and again in 2021, have both concluded that there are no adverse health effects of any significance arising from fluoridation at the levels used in New Zealand.

Dozens of residents called for Nelson City Council to oppose the mandate to fluoridate its drinking water. Photo: Max Frethey.

Vouchers donated for flood affected

The Tindall Foundation has gifted $10,000 of grocery vouchers to help those still affected from the August 2022 weather event.

Nelson City Council’s Recovery Navigators received the Countdown supermarket vouchers which they will distribute to those who are still significantly impacted following the weather event nearly a year ago.

“Our aim is to provide a little extra support to those who are facing the greatest challenges and are in more urgent need of assistance during this time,” says Navigator Coordinator Katie Sellars. “We’ve selected the recipients from a group of families and individuals who continue to be significantly impacted by the ongoing effects of the weather event.”

The vouchers were presented to the Navigators by the Top of the South Community Foundation, acting in an advisory role for The Tindall Foundation, which donated the funding used to buy the vouchers.

Top of the South Community Foundation chair Dave Ashcroft says The Tindall Foundation donated $10,000 each to the Marlborough and Nelson regions to support relief from the storm in August 2022.

“At the time, funders in Nelson agreed emergency funding could be distributed quickly but there could also be a ‘long wellbeing tail’ from flood impacts. What would happen after emergency funding was exhausted,” Dave says.

Top of the South Community Foundation decided to hold the Tindall donation until an appropriate time.

Dave says the Recovery Navigators recently suggested that some people are still feeling the long-term impacts just wanted to put food on the table. The idea of vouchers was born,” Ashcroft says.

design print deliver.

From left: Top of the South Community Foundation chair Dave Ashcroft, Recovery Navigator Annie Leather, Navigator coordinator Katie Sellars and Nelson Mayor Nick Smith.

Photo: Supplied.

New homeless seek help every week

ANNE HARDIE

The cost of living is making it harder for people to find affordable accommodation and the Male Room is working with three to five new people each week who need a roof over their head.

Manager of the support centre, Louis Chapman, says there is already a waiting list for the different types of emergency accommodation and “it is tough out there” for many people.

The centre is just one of many groups and agencies working with people seeking somewhere to live or in need of support.

Though the centre is primarily aimed at men, it is open each weekday for anyone who needs support, food, a kitchen to cook a meal and somewhere to have a shower if they don’t have a home. Between 25 and 40 people pass through the Male Room every day for either food or support with homelessness.

Each week, between three and five of those people will be newly homeless, while others are on waiting lists for accommodation, he says.

Louis says there have been about 80 rentals on Trademe ranging in price between $450 per week through to $800, which is unaffordable for the people who walk through the door seeking accom-

modation.

The cost of living is a relatively new reason for pushing people into homelessness, he says.

Often it is an increase in rent of maybe $50 per week that is “the straw that breaks the camel’s back” and forces them into living in cars, couch surfing, on the street, or needing food which they can no longer afford.

Men are usually the face of the homeless on the street, but he says homeless women are less vis-

ible because they are couch surfing or living in their cars.

“A lot of people do a good job of hiding their homelessness.

“They come here and have a shower and get dressed up. But they tend to be the recently homeless.”

He says people who never thought they would end up homeless can find themselves without a home and unable to find somewhere to live.

“Some have had a partner and

kids, then the relationship breaks up and they don’t get to see the kids.

“That leads to drinking and that leads to drugs and that can lead to mental health. Then they end up on the street.

“Then there are those who grew up in a boys’ home, always been in trouble and never really known mum or dad. A lot of us have been through tough times but have family around us for support. But not everyone has

that support.”

Louis says released prisoners often end up homeless as well. Main centres have wrap-around services to help them back into the community, but not regions such as Nelson-Tasman.

He says it makes it challenging for them securing rental accommodation or going into a flatting situation, especially if they have electronic bracelets.

When someone turns up at the Male Room looking for a bed for the night, Louis says they call backpackers looking for space and get a quote for the Ministry of Social Development.

“If you get lucky you can get in the same day or if you present really poorly, they can say no. Then we give them tents and sleeping bags.

“Council can be really understanding if someone is in a tent and not causing trouble. Otherwise, they just become a problem somewhere else and someone will take pity on them and give them another tent.”

Louis says social housing for single people has been really lacking in the region and many of the homeless are single.

For that reason, he hopes the proposed social housing development on the former Wakatu Lodge site will help some people as it includes one-bedroom units.

Louis Chapman from the Male Room sees three to five new homeless every week as the cost of living crisis continues to put pressure on locals. Photo: Anne Hardie.

You are welcome to visit my office at 544 Waimea Road every Wednesday from 1-5pm or reach me by email anytime: blair.cameron@national.org.nz.

Over the next 3 weeks, I am hosting 15 further events where you can meet me at a café or bar near you.

Coffee Catch-Ups

Nelson

Thursday 20th July, 10-11am Zumo Coffee House, 42 Rutherford St

Friday 4th August, 10-11am Victus Coffee, 111 Bridge St

Stoke - Tāhunanui

Thursday 13th July, 10-11am Little Engine Eatery (formerly WOW café), 1 Cadillac Way

Wednesday 2nd August, 10-11am Greenmeadows Café, 491 Main Road Stoke

Richmond

Wednesday 19th July, 10-11am Vanilla Bean, Lower Queen St

Friday 21st July, 10-11am Gloria Jean’s Coffees, Richmond Mall

Thursday 27th July, 10-11am Alioke Eatery, Central Park Lane, Berryfields

Beer with Blair

Nelson

Friday 14th July, 5.30-6.30pm The Free House Pub, 95 Collingwood St

Thursday 27th July, 5.30-6.30pm Sprig + Fern Hardy St, 280 Hardy St

Stoke - Tāhunanui

Thursday 13th July, 5.30-6.30pm Turf Hotel, 228 Songer St, Stoke

Friday 28th July, 5.30-6.30pm Smugglers Pub, 8 Muritai St, Tāhunanui

Richmond

Thursday 3rd August, 5.30-6.30pm

Joe’s Garage, 405 Lower Queen St, Berryfields

Women’s Football Watch Parties

Blair is hosting watch parties for all the Football Ferns matches. Come along to meet Blair, talk football, and support our awesome New Zealand women!

Thursday 20th July - Kickoff 7pm, Turf Hotel, 228 Songer St, Stoke New Zealand vs Norway

Tuesday 25th July - Kickoff 5.30pm Star & Garter Tavern, 252 Queen St, Richmond New Zealand vs The Philippines

Sunday 30th July - Kickoff 7pm Lone Star, 90 Hardy St, Nelson New Zealand vs Switzerland

I pride myself on being easily accessible and on my ability to solve problems.

Authorised by B Cameron, 544 Waimea Rd, Nelson

GROUP

GROUP C

GROUP

GROUP F

GROUP

Sweden

Italy

GROUP A Switzerland Norway

GROUP B Canada Nigeria Ireland Australia

GROUP D

GROUP E

Portugal Netherlands

GROUP G

South Africa

Argentina

GROUP H

Morocco Germany

South Korea Colombia

PETE

Women’s

I t’s important to realise that sexuality needs to be nurtured, and a healthy sex life has a positive effect on people’s relationships.

Until you have a conversation you may not even be aware of what you want. Don’t be shy, call in and say hi.

Remembering the ploughing of Nelson’s first furrow

MARG FARRELLY

On the south side of Buxton Square in Nelson, there is a plaque commemorating the ploughing of the first furrow in Nelson in 1842.

This plaque is at the carpark entrance of the walkway beside what used to be the Public Trust building and is now known as The Buxton. It reads: “On this site, Town Acre 170, John Kerr ploughed the first furrow in the Nelson settlement 25 May 1842.”

John Kerr, his wife Janet, and six sons, arrived in Nelson on board the Fifeshire, 1 February, 1842.

John was born 22 November 1795 at Newbattle, Midlothian, Scotland. In May 1814, he married Janet Ramage at Humbie East in East Lothian, Scotland.

The Kerr family sailed from London 17 September 1841 and after 4 months at sea arrived in Nelson.

There is some confusion over John Kerr’s age as the 1841 Scotland Census records it as 40, as does the passenger list on the Fifeshire. However, if that is correct then it would have him aged 14 when he married Janet in 1814. A birth record gives the year as 1795 which would have him aged 19 when he married, a much more likely age. One source of information stated that he gave himself a younger age so as to benefit from free or assisted immigration passage. Having been a ploughman from an early age, he certainly matched the occupation criteria for free passage offered by the New Zealand Company to the early immigrants.

The bullocks were kept in the area now known as Kerr St, off lower Hardy St. The question still remains to be answeredwho owned the plough and the bullocks? With no direct source

stating where or how he obtained the bullocks, one might speculate that he acquired these via Australia or Port Nicholson (Wellington) or did they belong to the New Zealand Company? With Kerr on record as a Farm Servant (on his marriage record) it would

appear that he was working for a landowner in Scotland. Three of his sons were also agricultural labourers. Could they have saved enough funds to bring out their own plough or did they purchase one in Nelson? The Colonist reports 17 bullocks were landed at Nelson in mid-April 1842 after a ten-day voyage from Twofold Bay in New South Wales, Australia. By July that year, working bullocks were selling for £60 per pair. Town acres were not allocated until two months after Kerr’s arrival in Nelson. Suburban sections were not distributed until August 1842 and January 1843. Land still had to be found for 150-acre rural sections. Arthur

Wakefield chose Kerr to establish and farm a section in Waimea West, near Aldourie Rd. He was given the lease of Section No. 129, the owner being the New Zealand Company. Kerr moved his family

from Nelson to the property at Waimea West in July 1842. The fern and scrub had been burned off by the surveyors making the ground ready for ploughing.

It is interesting to note that the first Anglican church service was held in John Kerr’s barn, 6 November 1842.

Kerr died of an apoplexy in 1863, aged 68. He is buried in St Michael’s churchyard, Waimea West. In the 29 August 1857 edition of the Nelson Examiner, the editor referred to him as “the Patriarch of all our agriculturists.”

A mural painted on the wall overlooking the small park depicts John Kerr with his bullocks and plough at the Hardy St site. It was painted in 2010 by Steve Pike. Source: Historic Stories from Nelson’s Wakapuaka Cemetery Team. Every effort has been made to guarantee the accuracy of the researched content.

Find your career path

John Kerr Senior. Nelson Museum collection #72849

Summerset Richmond Ranges new homes selling now*

At Summerset, our retirement villages are designed to make sure you get the best out of your retirement. Summerset Richmond Ranges is no exception, with a range of brand-new two-bedroom villas available now.

Our single-storey homes are warm, modern and designed with everything you could need for the perfect retirement lifestyle. We have two-bedroom villas available now at a reduced up-front price, with flexible pricing starting from $634,201* and different pricing options available.

Plus, let us help take the stress out of your move with our Moving Made Easy offer. This includes help with your legal fees, a complimentary moving package, no weekly fees for six months, and six months to sell your home.*

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Open Day

Wednesday 19 July, 10am - 2pm

Summerset Richmond Ranges

1 Hill Street North, Richmond 03 744 3432 | summerset.co.nz/richmond

This means most prescriptions will now be free for you to collect.

You may still have to pay to collect some prescription items, for example for medicines prescribed by private specialists and private dentists.

Any family which pays for 20 prescription items in a year is eligible for a Prescription Subsidy Card, which means they won’t have to pay for any more prescription items until 1 February the following year. A family includes a person’s partner and dependent children aged from 14 to 18.

Collecting prescription items for children under 14 is already free.

For more information please visit www.nmhdb.govt.nz/Prescription-Subsidy-Scheme

Arts

Dog-inspired exhibition raises funds for SPCA

KATE RUSSELL

Dogs of all shapes and sizes are being portrayed in an exhibition at Quiet Dog Galley, and all of the profits are going to the SPCA.

‘Best in Show’ has already raised $4000 for the cause since it opened on 1 July.

The Wakatu Lane gallery owner, Gill Starling, says there are more than 80 artworks on show, ranging from paintings, ceramics, screen prints, and woodcuts.

“The generosity of the artists has been amazing, everyone I asked said they would love to help.”

Gill says, so far, the exhibition has been a hit with locals.

“We’ve had heaps of people into the gallery every day since it opened - lots of children and dogs. We had more than 100 people at the opening - one of the busiest we’ve ever had.”

She says the exhibition has been a fun way to encourage people into the city during the middle of winter.

“It’s bringing in people we see all the time but it’s also bringing in people that have never been in. It’s a nice accessible show.”

Local artists were quick to get behind the cause and have some fun. There are even paintings by some of the five-year-olds of Appleby School.

Wakapuaka-based artist Serena Buonaguidi-Haynes has contributed several sketches.

“There are no style restrictionsit’s just dogs,” says Serena. “Dogs just have such quirky expressions with lots of movement, and that is what I wanted to capture.”

Serena says she created some dog sketches last year which she sold for the SPCA as a Christmas fundraiser.

“I love drawing, I paint full-time, so it’s been really nice to do something in my style. This is me having fun and enjoying myself.”

Nelson City-based artist Wendy Lineham has also painted three artworks for the exhibition.

She says it was an image online from Forage and Hound that sparked the idea for her paintings.

“They had photographed their dogs behind a fire screen that they were selling. The image resonated with me. After contacting them to use the images of their dogs, it developed into the basis for my works in the exhibition.”

Wendy describes herself as an “animal lover”.

“It’s lovely knowing the work is for something and it has been wonderful to meet the other artists. It encourages collegiality among artists, and it’s so important to support each other, particularly in these tough times.”

Local artists Serena Buonaguidi-Haynes and Wendy Lineham are exhibiting their dog-inspired artwork in the ‘Best in Show’ exhibition at Quiet Dog Gallery. Photo: Kate Russell.

The Fifeshire Foundation –Celebrating thirty years of supporting local families

The Fifeshire Foundation –Celebrating thirty years of supporting local families

A local organisation, built on supporting the community, Fifeshire Foundation will celebrate their 30th anniversary this month with a public event at Fairfield House on July 22.

A local organisation, built on supporting the community, Fifeshire Foundation will celebrate their 30th anniversary this month with a public event at Fairfield House on July 22.

Born through Fifeshire FM to assist local families and set up by Sir Wallace Rowling, Kevin Ihaia and Digby Lawley in 1993, their work continues to support people in crisis and hardship to help them make longer term changes in their lives.

Born through Fifeshire FM to assist local families and set up by Sir Wallace Rowling, Kevin Ihaia and Digby Lawley in 1993, their work continues to support people in crisis and hardship to help them make longer term changes in their lives.

Executive Officer, Shanine Hermsen, works alongside Programme Coordinator Emma Bennett and Fifeshire’s Trust Board and says the local charity has seen steady growth since its first year.

Executive Officer, Shanine Hermsen, works alongside Programme Coordinator Emma Bennett and Fifeshire’s Trust Board and says the local charity has seen steady growth since its first year.

“We’ve gone from $6,600 allocated in our first year, to a current allocation over $200,000 in

“We’ve gone from $6,600 allocated in our first year, to a current allocation over $200,000 in

grants helping around 400 local families each year, plus supporting families at Christmas with over 300 parcels estimated at a value of over $50,000.

grants helping around 400 local families each year, plus supporting families at Christmas with over 300 parcels estimated at a value of over $50,000.

“Over the years we have allocated over $2,800,000 in grants. That is a huge amount of support for our local community. In the early days it might have been providing support for things that a family couldn’t afford or was struggling to get help with, recently we’re more likely to cover costs of everyday items that a family can’t access due to their current situation or hardship.”

“Over the years we have allocated over $2,800,000 in grants. That is a huge amount of support for our local community. In the early days it might have been providing support for things that a family couldn’t afford or was struggling to get help with, recently we’re more likely to cover costs of everyday items that a family can’t access due to their current situation or hardship.”

Shanine, Emma and the Board work hard to get support out to the community, as well as ensuring they have enough donations coming in to cover the growing need.

Shanine, Emma and the Board work hard to get support out to the community, as well as ensuring they have enough donations coming in to cover the growing need.

“We have a strong Trust Board

“We have a strong Trust Board

of 10 amazing trustees who drive our organisation forward strategically and back the staff to achieve our objectives. We have an amazing network of local volunteers who help us out with events like

of 10 amazing trustees who drive our organisation forward strategically and back the staff to achieve our objectives. We have an amazing network of local volunteers who help us out with events like

the Big Give, helping people with their applications and at our Golf Tournament. Then there are all the agencies we work with to support local families, we have over a hundred local contacts with

the Big Give, helping people with their applications and at our Golf Tournament. Then there are all the agencies we work with to support local families, we have over a hundred local contacts with

Foundation

30 years of supporting local people in need.

Homes Nelson

continuously inspired by Fifeshire Foundation’s mission of locals looking out for locals, and we take great pride in supporting the Fifeshire Foundation each year with our Make a Difference Christmas Appeal.

agencies and social workers who come to us for support for the people they are helping.”

agencies and social workers who come to us for support for the people they are helping.”

Providing support to locals in crisis or hardship and assisting with personal needs, household costs,

Providing support to locals in crisis or hardship and assisting with personal needs, household costs,

Milestone Homes Nelson Bays

Milestone Homes Nelson Bays

Your

nelson@milestonehomes.co.nz

www.milestonehomes.co.nz

Your fixed price building partner

Your fixed price building partner

Milestone Homes Nelson Bays

The team at Milestone Homes Nelson Bays are continuously inspired by Fifeshire Foundation’s mission of locals looking out for locals, and we take great pride in supporting the Fifeshire Foundation each year with our Make a Difference Christmas Appeal.

Milestone Homes Nelson Bays

Fifeshire Foundation's Trustees Board, November 2022. From left: Robert Grant, Sally Hetzel, Angela Ricker, Ruth Easther, Emma Ihaia, Andrew Clarke, Elizabeth Owens, Peter Verstappen (chair), and Mark Sheehan. Absent is Richard Adams. Set up in 1993, the Trust has been able to operate because of the vision and generosity of a great many local businesses, councils, grants and individual donors. They also run fundraising events and continue to look out for locals in Nelson Tasman.

The team at Milestone

Bays are

Fifeshire Foundation's Trustees Board, November 2022. From left: Robert Grant, Sally Hetzel, Angela Ricker, Ruth Easther, Emma Ihaia, Andrew Clarke, Elizabeth Owens, Peter Verstappen (chair), and Mark Sheehan. Absent is Richard Adams. Set up in 1993, the Trust has been able to operate because of the vision and generosity of a great many local businesses, councils, grants and individual donors. They also run fundraising events and continue to look out for locals in Nelson Tasman.

critical bills, health costs and children’s needs, Shanine says the Fifeshire Foundation have always stood by, ‘Locals Looking out for Locals’. “It really drives us to keep going. The need in the community is huge and the people we help come from all walks of life.

“We assist with several regular grant categories and get some far-fetched requests for support when people have nowhere else to go. But the demand and need out in our community is increasing and exceeds the amount of support we can give out. It’s a constant balance ensuring we have enough resources and donations to support the need.”

In celebration of the Foundations anniversary, and in recognition of their decades of hard work, the team will be setting up an Endowment Fund to ensure they can continue to do what they do. “Donations toward this would be gratefully received.

“We’re also holding a public event from 2pm-5pm, on Saturday, July 22, at Fairfield House. There will be live music from local band Sukalita Beats, Te Mana Hā and DJ

Tunesifter, a sausage sizzle, a restore fashion show, and, of course celebratory cake!

“We’ll have a raffle table and silent auction with some neat items up for grabs, donated by local businesses. It’s a family-friendly event, everyone is welcome, and entry is by koha.”

Southwater

DREDGING & WATER TREATMENT

“There are so many people and supporters to thank, it’s one big family making it happen at Fifeshire Foundation.

“We’d like to thank everyone who has donated over the years, big or small, it all goes a long way. Our wonderful team of volunteers and trustees, our sponsors and

supporters, local businesses who help out with in-kind support, our Charity Golf Day supporters, grant funders, all the local agencies who help us get the support out to those who most need it. Our key Foundation Partners keep things rolling and we couldn’t do what we do without

Mediaworks, NBS, New Zealand King Salmon, Lonestar Farms. It continues to be a privilege to make a real difference in the lives of local people in need.”

Looking to the future, Shanine says, “Long-term, our focus on a ‘hand-up’ will continue to be important for our work, as well as ensuring we continue to work closely with local agencies to meet the needs of our community and adapting to the changing landscape to support the need. I’d like to see our Endowment Fund operating successfully, allowing us to have a strategic and longterm approach.”

Donations can be made in a multitude of ways, from one-off payments and regular giving to endowment donations and bequests. “People can do fundraisers, run a mufti day, donate to the Big Give or Golf charity auction, or donate their time and help with events. They can even pay forward their winter energy payments so we can pass this on through winter grants to families needing support to stay warm over winter.”

Executive Officer for the Fifeshire Foundation, Shanine Hermsen, at Nelson’s Volunteer Expo. “It continues to be a privilege to make a real difference to the lives of local people in need.”

Taking the stress out of property maintenance

The experienced team at Manor Property Services Ltd (MPS), located on Tahunanui Drive, are committed to helping make your home look as presentable as possible before going to market, but Mark Forbes says not everyone has the time to get their homes up to scratch.

“When selling a property, you want prospective buyers to see a well maintained and immaculatelooking investment. There are lots of things we can do that will give your home a great first impression. It could be as simple as a house wash or gutter clear, or the trimming of trees and shaping of shrubs to expose edges of the lawns and tidying up overgrown gardens. You want more of a wow factor than for people to say, ‘oh dear, I’m not so sure’. Having this type of work done takes away all of those objections on first impressions that we all know are so important.”

ways. It’s all to do with maintenance and protecting your investment to get the best possible price.”

A one-stop shop for property maintenance, MPS offers a wide range of services carried out by fully qualified and trained staff.

Manor Property Service’s waterblasting truck has been set up with everything needed to clean your driveway, paths, house, roof, fences or anything else.

“All MPS staff go through a rigorous induction and training programme. All our painters and builders are qualified tradespeople conducting high standards of workmanship.” Services include house and roof washing, gutter cleaning, roof treatments for moss, lichen and mould, hedge and tree work, fencing and landscaping, general gardening, arborist work, rubbish removal, house cleaning, window and carpet cleaning, water blasting of pathways and driveways, painting and decorating, asbestos removal, cabinetry, joinery and general carpentry renovations and repairs.

During winter, moss and lichen build up which is pretty unsightly and damage the surfaces of the underlying materials, whether it’s cladding, roofing, paths or drive-

To make a booking or obtain a quote, visit www.mpsnelson.co.nz or phone 0800 677 005.

“Give us a call today and let us take the hassle and worry out of looking after your property investment.”

Marist and Central prepare for battle

FROM PAGE 1

JACK MALCOLM

Marist have a date with Central for Tasman Trophy glory after a rain-soaked set of semi-finals over the weekend.

At Motueka’s Sports Park, Marist were too strong for Kahurangi in the rain and thick mud as they came away with a 18-11 win, while Central outmuscled Stoke with a 34-22 win to set up their chance for back-to-back titles. With conditions the worst they have been all season, the Marist forwards were in heaven as they had the run of play and dominance over Kahurangi, redeeming themselves in the rematch after losing the weekend before. They will rely on their big pack again this weekend as they travel over the hill to Lansdowne Park in search of redemption following a tight loss to Central in the regular season.

The 24-22 defeat still hangs over Marist, who were so undermanned their coach, Seta Sariua, nearly stripped up for the team. He says they’re eager to redeem themselves after the loss, with a hunger to bring the trophy home for their fans.

Their defeat to Kahurangi had seen them slip to fourth on the competition table, while if they had won that game they would have finished on the top spot and secured home playoffs at Trafalgar park.

“We owe the fans and supporters heaps because now they have to travel.

“Again, it’s redemption for us. It was a close game last time, and it’s

even better that it’d be the finals.”

With Central the reigning champions, Marist have their work cut out for them as they look to come away with the win.

With it all still to play for, either team has the players in their ranks to turn the game on a dime. In what is expected to be an arm wrestle, it will be interesting to see how much the big day of travelling over the Whangamoas impacts the visitors ahead of the game.

Having lost in last year’s semi-finals to runners-up Kahurangi, the table has now turned for Marist as they look to challenge Central’s dominance. But, it’s been a different team for Central this season as they have looked much more fellable than last year, having lost to Stoke and Kahurangi in the regular season.

That has set the stage for what will be an exciting final, with Marist’s keys to success being their ability to control the game through their forwards and creating space out wide for their quick men on the flanks.

For Central, their keys to success are accuracy and territory. Led by the veteran Quentin Mac-

Donald, they have a strong game sense and are quick to capitalise on mistakes and turn them into points.

With a forecast for sun all week in Blenheim, the pitch will have a good chance to drain and dry before the weekend and set the stage for some exciting running rugby.

Marist’s Liam Boshoff dives for the line, scoring the first try for his team as they came away with an 18-11 win over Kahurangi on Saturday.

Photo: Chris Symes/Shuttersport.

Local team dominates basketball nationals

JACK MALCOLM

Nelson’s U17 boys basketball team are national champions after going undefeated last week in Wellington. After a dominant 87-64 win in the semi-final over Waikato, Nelson were given a run for their money in a 78-71 win over Canterbury to lift the title.

Adding to the celebrations, Waimea College student Hayden Jones was named the tournament MVP, joining Kaden Bracey and Jonty Bond in the tournament team.

It was a fitting end to what had been a nearly half-decade long comradery for the team, says coach Phill Jones.

During the week, he says, they had counted nine players from their U13 squad who were still in the team for this campaign.

“We did talk about that a little bit going into the semi and the final, that this would likely be the last game this group played together in an age group tournament.

“Something we really discussed and a bit of a motivation factor for them, I think.

“It’s pretty cool for them to do something special for the group who have been working really hard. “A good reward for everyone that’s involved to get a championship. It was a culmination of all the hard

work they’ve put in.”

It wasn’t all easy sailing for the Nelson team, facing adversity in the semi-final as they found themselves down by 17 going into the halftime break.

A 13-0 run at the end of the third saw them retake the lead before a 36-15 final quarter saw them solidify their final’s spot, with Hayden picking up an impressive 33 points and 13 rebounds.

“We probably played the best half of basketball that I’ve seen a team play which I’ve coached, possibly ever,” Phill says.

“They just went out and defended like crazy.

“They put 61 points on in the second half and the way they just defended, they were unreal.”

That booked Nelson’s date with Canterbury in the final, having already played them earlier in the season in qualifying tournaments. While they had come out on top in previous games, Phill says their opponents had been missing a few players and were now a “different team”.

Undeterred, Nelson came out swinging as they built a 28-14 lead into the first quarter break, but slid in the second to trail by three points at the half.

He finished with 30 points, as the team capped off an impressive tour-

nament run with a impressive win against adversity.

“Something I’ve said to these guys for a very long time is free throws win you games, and Jonty hit two with 19 seconds left.

“It was the two clutchest free throws we had in the tournament, Canterbury had to score twice in 19 seconds to get back in the game,” Phill says.

He was impressed with the team’s effort, saying they all stood up at different times when the team needed them.

“Jordy Moore, who didn’t play at all in the final or much in the semi, came out in the first game and put up 21 pts.

“Hayden Jones was MVP of the tournament and it was well deserved, because he was tough and the best player there,” he says.

Phill also wanted to give a nod to the team’s sponsors, Nelson Pine Industries, Signature Homes and NBS, saying their support made the tournament that much easier.

“At the end of the day it’s not so much about the travel, it’s about the cost, it’s a decent amount of money to outlay to send these kids on these trips

“But it’s nice to have that option. . . the difference between a 25 minute flight and a 5-and-a-half to six hour trip.”

Gardening tips for July

July is the optimum month for planting barerooted trees. We have a lovely range available now, including apricots, cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums and more. We also have some gorgeous ornamental flowering cherries. There is something magical about eating sunwarmed fruit, straight from your garden. Here are a few tips that will help ensure you have strong, healthy fruit trees for many years to come. Choose a site that gets plenty of sun with shelter from very strong winds. If you are in a frost-prone area, try to find the most sheltered spot especially for stone fruit which are susceptible to late frosts.

TASMAN BAY ROSES

It is vital to ensure the roots of the trees never dry out before planting. When purchasing your trees, it is a good idea to bring a large bin liner as some root balls can be too large for our bags. If you’re not planting the tree straight away, you can ‘’heel’’ it in. A temporary spot in your vegetable garden is perfect.

If you want to incorporate some fish compost before planting, mix it through the soil thoroughly before digging the hole. Placing compost in the bottom of the hole is not a good idea as this can make your tree roots lazy. They are

less likely to go vigorously hunting for food. Dig a wide, deep hole and make a mound of soil in the centre of it to ensure there will be no gap beneath the root ball. Also ensure there is enough room width wise, so the roots are not being squashed against the edges of the hole. Bare-rooted trees are lifted by machine and this causes some root damage. Check for any ragged edges and snip them off with sharp secateurs. Place your tree in the hole, spreading the roots out over the mound. If the root ball is sitting above the surrounding soil, make your hole deeper. When backfilling, firm the soil down as you go. This will help stop any air pockets forming around the roots.

If you are using stakes to help support your tree, place them in the hole on opposite sides then backfill. Use wide ties and make a figure of eight between the stakes and the tree. There needs to be some room for movement. Give each tree approximately 30-40 litres of water. Placing rocks around your tree will also help keep the root ball secure while it is becoming established. Getting the planting just right is the first step towards years of bountiful fruit.

Gardening Column by Bay Landscapes & Garden Centre’s Philippa Foes-Lamb

Tournament MVP Hayden Jones is flanked by Jonty Bond and Kaden Bracey as they watch a team mate go to the free throw line. All three were named in the tournament team.

Photo: Basketball New Zealand.

Kicking the competition to the curb

JACK MALCOLM

Nelson’s S.M.A. kickboxers have continued to reach new heights after their most successful medal haul to date.

Fighting in the WAKO New Zealand National kickboxing championships, the club’s nine fighters came away with 15 gold medals, seven silvers and a bronze.

With most fighters competing in light contact, kick light and semi contact, they were having to run from one fight to another, says coach Sallie McArdle.

With kickboxing shortlisted to become an Olympic sport, the nationals have grown year-onyear with over 100 fights on the day. Sallie says the growth of the sport has given her high aspirations for the S.M.A fighters.

“There is no reason why we can’t have Olympians from this club. Every time we go up north to compete we come back with medals, learnings, and confidence.

“This club is getting stronger and stronger. We are going only two years, imagine what we can do over the next six.”

With the national championships also coming with ranking points, the local fighters fought

in all three disciplines, which is uncommon.

Sallie believes it’s important to train all three, giving more options when they start progressing through the ranks.

It was also an important competition for four of the fighters who are heading to the WAKO World

Championships in Portugal in November.

Aaron Thomas, Sarah Randall, Lily Sinclair and Miiguel Nunez all came away with gold medals in what will likely be their last big event before they travel at the end of the year, with Aaron winning gold in all three sections.

The juniors in the club also had a fantastic performance, with Niyah Takao showing incredible skills against a strong fighter and joining Aaron in taking gold from all three divisions back to the club.

Joseph Hill stepped up to fight and win the open U18, and Jesse

Newton fought for the first time in the under U16 open, narrowly missing out the gold in the finals to a far more experienced fighter. Summer Puklowski had a walkover as nobody turned up in her section and, as a junior, entered into the seniors. Facing off against the overall winner, Summer dug deep and displayed great technical ability but will have to beat her another time.

Proving that you can start at any age, Lisa Johnston entered for the first time and took two golds and a silver in the veterans division in her 40s.

Sallie says she couldn’t have asked for more from her fighters, having done exactly what they set out to do.

“The medals are great but my personal sense of achievement is when I look around at them supporting each other, warming each other up, celebrating their wins and feeling their losses together as if they were their own.

“I’m always, always proud of my team. They are respectful to officials, fighters, coaches and each other. They take their wins and their losses with integrity and humbleness. That’s what our club is about...”

The S.M.A team were in top form as they crushed the competition to come away with 15 golds from nationals. They are Joseph Hill, Lily Sinclair, Sarah Randall, coach Sallie McArdle, Aaron Thomas, Niyah Takao and Lisa Johnston (absent: Miiguel Nunez, Jesse Newton and Summer Puklowski). Photo: Jack Malcolm.

NBL BASKETBALL TIPPING

Schoolboy seeks soccer sponsors

JACK MALCOLM

While it’s perfectly normal for most sports teams to have sponsors, the job of getting them to come on board isn’t usually done by one of their young players.

But for Nelson Colllege’s first XI footballers, that’s exactly what 17-year-old George Thompson is doing for his team.

The Year 12 student has taken it upon himself to find sponsorship for the team, having set up a new structure for local businesses to get behind them.

“We’ve priced it enough for it to go into the cash flow (for businesses).

“We’re looking for a shirt sponsor for the next three years, as well as gold, silver and bronze tiers of sponsors.”

With the tier’s costs ranging from $2000 to $750, George says they hope to get a wide range of people in behind the team.

“Last year… no one stepped up and I thought I had to do it, or it wouldn’t get done.”

Having been involved in raising money for his various sporting clubs in the past, he says he has

some experience in getting locals’ support.

But he also says this is a little bit bigger than doing the odd sausage sizzle or car wash to raise money for the collective.

While he might be new to seeking sponsors, he says the response has been positive while they’re still in the early stages of approaching potential businesses who might be interested.

“In terms of social media, there’s been a lot of feedback, but no one has stepped forward yet.

“Anyone can sponsor. It’s pretty good exposure too. We’ll play in front of 1600 groups of parents and go away to tournaments.”

His desire is to be able to help use the funds to not just support the team, but also players who struggle with the continued costs of travel.

“In terms of funding. I want it to be the best players are able to play and there’s no limits on anyone. Having the financial strain and people can’t play, it’s just too hard. “I’m just passionate about College and want it to be the best it can be. I want to leave a mark.”

Your name could be on the front of Nelson College’s top football team’s kit as George Thompson (pictured) has taken it upon himself to find new sponsorship for his team this season. Photo: Abs Snaps.

Nelson’s James Mollett looks to offload to Kingston Walker as rugby players from across the region came together last week at Sports Park Motueka for the oldest primary school rugby tournament in the country. For the last 89 years, with small gaps from Covid-19 and the war, players representing the various sub-unions of the region have battled it out for the Seddon Shield, with Marlborough coming away the eventual winners this year. Photo: Scott Kilmore.

Community Notices

MONDAY

MONDAY FOOTBALL Come and join our friendly social football (Soccer) group in Tāhunanui. Anyone welcome. Weekly from 6pm opposite Sprig & Fern. Just turn up.

OSTEOACTIVE fitness and education for participants with osteoarthritis. Mon, 9.30am, Holy Trinity Hall, 27 Dorset St. ACC approved community strength and balance class. Ph: Nicola 0210788609 or nicola.rae.11@gmail.com. Cost: koha.

ME/CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) + FM (Fibromyalgia) gettogether. Mon, 17 July, 2-3pm, Broccoli Row, Collingwood St. Nelson Bays ME/CFS FM Support group strengthtogethernelson@gmail.com 03 546 8485.

NELLIE KNITTERS GROUP. Every Mon, 1-3pm. Nightingale Library in Tāhunanui. Come along and join our super friendly group of knitters and create garments for donation to community groups. All materials provided. Donations of wool gratefully accepted. Ph: Jillian 035395546.

COMMUNITY GARDEN WORKING BEES Mon, 1-2pm. Victory Community Centre. Regular free working bees. Learn from other experienced gardeners. A dedicated team of volunteers are making the garden into a beautiful and productive space. Ph: Nadia 035468389.

TUESDAY

KIDS-N- KOFFEE - a Free Playgroup recommences for Term 3 on Tues, 18 Jul. 9.45 - 11.45am. All Saints crèche, 30 Vanguard St. Indoor / outdoor play areas, crafts, music session, fun, and fellowship. Come and see. Ph: Lois 0274331213.

WELLBY TALKING CAFÉ: Tues 18 Jul, 10– 11.30am, McCashins, Stoke. Wellby Talking Cafés are about social connection and finding out about groups, activities, and services. www.wellby.org.nz 035467681.

NELSON 50+ WALKING GROUP Tues, 18 Jul. Hope - Great Taste Trail. Meet at 9.45am at the Hope Recreation Reserve. BYO lunch. Ph: Sally 02102694610.

STOKE TAHUNANUI MEN’S CLUB welcomes new members. Meet 3rd Tues of month, 10am. Reformed Church, Enner Glynn with guest speaker. Regular outings and activities. Ph: Ian 0211482580.

ASTRONOMY: Nelson Astronomical Society/Nelson Science Society, joint meeting. Tues, 18 July, 6pm, Putangitangi Greenmeadows Centre. Dr Ryan Ridden, University of Canterbury, delivering the annual BHT Lecture. "Cosmic Cataclysms: A Dynamic and Changing Universe". All welcome. Ph: Dennis 0276125830. Small koha appreciated.

YOGA for people who have or have had cancer. Mon Afternoons, and Tues Evenings. Reg info@cancernelson.org.nz or Ph: 035391137.

VICTORY SIXTY PLUS Tues, 1.30 -3.30pm. 238 Upper Vanguard St. Join us for cards, games, and a cuppa. More info Ph: Jan on 035469057 or 0274577955.

SIT AND BE FIT Tues, 11-11.45am. Victory Community Centre. Enjoy exercising sitting down. Keep your heart healthy with low-impact activity while listening to some great music! A fantastic way to make friends and meet new people. COST: $4.

PILATES Tues, 5.30-6.30pm. Victory Community Centre. Pilates teaches you about breathing with movement, balance, coordination, positioning of the body, spatial awareness, strength & flexibility. Try before you buy! Your first session is free! Blocks of 6 sessions through the year. COST: $50 per six session block.

WINTER CARDS euchre has started again. Tues 1pm for 1.30pm start. Stoke Bowling Club, Ranui Rd, Stoke. Warm, friendly atmosphere. All welcome. Enquiries Ph: Lesley 0210407768. $4.00 per person for cards and afternoon tea.

WEDNESDAY

FOREST & BIRD - Wed, 12 Jul, 7.30pm, Tāhunanui School Hall.

Evening talk by Paul Fisher about Fernbirds.

STOKE TAHUNANUI LADIES’ REBUS CLUB welcomes new ladies to come along and enjoy fun fellowship and friendship.

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

3rd Wed of the month, 9.45am, Nelson Golf Club Bolt Rd. Ph: Diane 035476331.

POP UP PSYCHODRAMA 3rd Wed of the Month. Victory Community Centre. Come along and experience this lively spontaneous method exploring personal, political and community issues. Increase your spontaneity and find new ways to respond to old situations in your life. Led by an experienced psychodrama practitioner. No acting experience required! Ph: Ali 0272765992 for info. COST: Koha

CAKE DECORATORS - Wed, 19 Jul. We are decorating a 6 inch cake in chocolate ganache. Cake is called pigs in a mud bath. New members are welcome. Ph: Desiree 0276302359.

RADIO CONTROL MODEL PLANES at the Wakapuaka flying site on Wed & Sun. 10am to midday, weather permitting. New members welcome. For Info Ph: Murray 021457663.

HOT LUNCHTIME MEALS on Tues & Wed at noon. Sit in the warmth and be served by the Loaves & Fishes team in the hall behind the church at 30 Vanguard St. $3 cash or buy a prepay card, two meals for $5 or five for $10. Enquiries Ph: 0272977383

THURSDAY

WEEKLY PERSONAL GROWTH GROUP for Women. 27 Jul, and Aug. 10 –12.30pm, Nelson Women's Centre. Discover ways to live your life with more authenticity and spontaneity. Develop your ability to respond effectively to old situations or new challenges. Psychodrama will be used to explore relevant themes. Ph: 035467986. Led by Ali Watersong.

NELSON CITY PROBUS CLUB welcome both men and women. Meet 2nd Thurs of the month (Feb thru to Nov), 10am. Nelson Golf Club, 38 Bolt Rd, Tāhunanui. Programme varies monthly. E: nelsoncitygroupgmail.com.

BACKGAMMON NELSON. meets every 2nd Thurs upstairs at The Buxton, 223 Hardy St. All welcome anytime from 5.30. More info Ph: Tony 0220130384.

FITNESS & FRESH AIR FREE supervised exercise sessions for

seniors. Mon Saxton & Thurs Tāhunanui, 12pm. 30 mins walk & learn to use the outdoor exercise equipment safely. Ph: Ange 021790415

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.

EHLERS-DANLOS SYNDROMES and hypermobility coffee meet. Thurs, 20 Jul, 12.15, Kush café. Join us. Look for the Zebra table.

FRIDAY

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

COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE every 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

SATURDAY / SUNDAY

WAIMEA HARRIERS Richmond Sprig + Fern 10k. Sat 15 Jul. Runners and walkers of all abilities welcome. See website for details. Queries Ph: 0223729432.

NELSON DANCE ALONG, Sat, 15 Jul, 7.30-11pm, Richmond Town Hall. Plate for Supper, Music by Warren Fenemor. $6 pp. Everyone Welcome. Ph: Rosalie Winter 035380133.

RADIO CONTROL SAILING at Best Island on Wed & Sun, weather permitting, usually 1pm onwards. IOMs and Dragon Force etc. New Members welcome. Ph: Peter 0275443923 for info and times.

GENERAL GROUPS

ART EXHIBITION. During the month of July. Nelson Golf Club Cafe, 38 Bolt Rd, Tāhunanui. A stunning display by Watercolor Artist, Michael Doyle. Open to the public daily.

SUTER ART SOCIETY, MCKEE GALLERY. New Grads exhibition, “Eclectic Eclectic” showing three artists, three styles, three perspectives. Opens 12 Jul – 30. All Welcome.

LUNG CANCER CONNECT for those who are going through or who have gone through lung cancer. Ph: 035391137.

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: Allan 021543345.

KIDS YOGA 6-12 years old in bright new studio in Tāhunanui. Book Ph: 035458289.

GROW Needing help? Use a Program and Method. We are here for your mental health. Ph: Patricia 035476120. Koha appreciated.

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.

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.

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