Nelson Weekly - 26 July 2023

Locally Owned and Operated

Job losses as forestry hit hard

Some forestry contractors are “up against the wall” as the industry goes through a major downturn, forcing layoffs and sending skilled workers overseas.

The downturn is the result of China’s economic woes creating less demand for logs for its construction industry.

At the same time, costs have sky-rocketed in the past few years and with reduced revenue, forest owners are reducing their harvest operations.

PF Olsen Nelson branch manager

Sam Nuske says many small-scale harvest contractors have stopped work completely and larger-scale contractors have slowed down, meaning many have been forced to reduce hours for employees or lay them off.

“Many contractors are up against

the wall. The question is how much equity they have and whether workers can find alternative jobs.

“The worry is the loss of talent going to Australia, and when work cranks up again we will be operating from a smaller pool of workers,” Sam says.

He says that has led to some contractors creating initiatives to keep employees in work, such as turning scrap wood into firewood, joining planting crews or pruning.

Sam says lending institutions are working with contractors to help them through the downturn and a look on TradeMe shows the financial hit on businesses.

“TradeMe sales for logging machinery is massive, but there are no buyers.”

However, he says people working in forestry tend to be resilient and

SEE PAGE 2

ANNE HARDIE

Joelle Noar is tossed in the air at the South Island Show Offs on Sunday. The event saw 500 athletes and 1000 spectators at the Trafalgar Centre, with 210 locals competing. Photo: Barry Whitnall/ Shuttersport.

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Job losses as forestry hit hard

FROM PAGE 1

passionate about their industry which will help many of them through the downturn.

Kim Bryant from Bryant Logging says the family business has been through ups and downs over the years, but this downturn coincides with huge increases in costs. In the past couple of years, wages, fuel and finance have eroded margins and the cost of new machinery has increased by 20 per cent.

He says it is “pretty bad” out there, with some crews not working at all or working less hours.

Even mills have cut back production and the downturn is affecting those businesses servicing the forestry industry.

“They’re struggling as well and have let people go. Some people

have gone to Australia, some are working in the mines or have gone to vineyards in Marlborough.

“In a nutshell, it’s all up in the air; God knows what is going on or when it’s going to come right. No-one really knows.”

The downturn is affecting every part of the forestry chain, including local sawmills and transport companies.

Stuart Drummond Transport managing director Brodie Drummond says business is down 30 to 40 per cent and drivers are only working four days a week.

“It’s impacting our business and impacting our staff, which is tough on everybody,” he says. “With the cost of living, you need to work more, not less. It’s definitely challenging times.”

The business ordered new trucks

during the delays caused by Covid-19 and he says they are arriving now at a time the business and industry are going through financial hardship.

Forest Owners Association communication manager Don Carson says the Nelson-Marlborough area is highly reliant on forestry for its local economy –second only behind Gisborne. About 10 per cent, or 170,000ha, of the country’s forest estate is grown in the Nelson-Marlborough area and he says the downturn in the industry will therefore have a big effect.

“We have every sympathy and support where we can for the workforce,” Don says. “Without that workforce, we wouldn’t have an industry, so acknowledge the difficulties many of them are having at the moment.”

Don says the downturn is part of ongoing fluctuations experienced by the industry due to market demand. Other complicating issues for the industry are the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) review and the uncertainty of if and how forestry can be used for carbon credits. “Not only do we not know what the price of carbon credits will be in another year, we have no idea whether there will even be carbon credits in another year.” On the plus side, he says there is the Government’s promise of the Forestry and Wood Processing Industry Transformation Plan (ITP), which looks at the potential of building partnerships with the industry to build more processing facilities in New Zealand and sell higher-value export products.

Geoa Geer The Brook

Ben Karl Tāhunanui

Susan Roberts US tourist

Romeo-Clarence Antoniano Annesbrook

Families fight for service recognition finally over

SARA HOLLYMAN

Almost eight decades after WWII ended, a Nelson family finally had their father and grandfather’s military service recognised with the presentation of his war medals.

Clarence Nilson, known as Clarie, joined the New Zealand Merchant Navy in 1943 at the age of 18 and spent the next two years, four months at sea in support of the country and her allies. However, upon the end of the war, he was not recognised as being worthy of receiving medals for his service, along with many others. This was because Able Seaman Clarence Nilsen’s service was titled ‘home service’ meaning he mainly sailed New Zealand coastal waters.

Had he died or been injured during his service, he would have automatically qualified to receive medals.

Clarence’s family says what is not widely known is just how hostile the New Zealand waters were.

“Dad didn’t say very much about what went on in the war, it wasn’t until his last couple of years that I got him to talk about it,” his daughter Trish Nuttall said when receiving one of her father’s medals on Friday night at

the Nelson Garrison Club.

“He spoke of seeing a periscope off Stephens Island on one trip, they didn’t know if it was friend or foe, but they had to just keep going,” she said.

Trish said the Merchant Navy ships would sail unescorted, with no protective support, unlike the ships overseas. They carted ammunition, explosives, and supplies up and down the countryside.

It was a dangerous task.

She says her father recounted times when an unidentified vessel was in the waters, so his ship was forced to wait outside harbours like Auckland and Wellington, until it was deemed safe to lower the nets, often floating like “sitting ducks”.

She says Clarence also spoke of being looked down on by Kiwis whose family members were overseas during the war. They didn’t think it was fair that he wasn’t serving his country, while their sons, husbands, and fathers were on the frontlines.

Clarence’s son Jeff says the general feeling of many New Zealand Merchant Navy personnel was that their service was never acknowledged as those in the Navy, Army, and Air Force were. There were no parades, no war pensions, no cheap housing or loans as the others all had access to.

Clarence was also later denied membership to the Returned Service Association (RSA), as

he didn’t leave the country to return. It’s something his family says Clarence carried with him till his death 12 years ago – he never felt like his service was valued.

Trish, Jeff, and their brother Kevin, first applied for their father’s WWII Military Service Medals about five years ago, but they were declined. It is an injustice that has taken decades to right, but on Friday Clarence Nilson’s three children were each presented with his medals – the 1939-1945 Star, War Medal 1939-1945, and the New Zealand War Service Medal 1939-1945. Nelson RSA president Barry Pont

also presented the family with an RSA badge and membership card in front of defense personnel, family, and friends.

“I just wish Dad was here to see it,” Trish closed.

“He deserves this as do all the other merchant seamen,” she said. “There are many other merchant navy families out there that know nothing about this.

“We hope that families out there will hear about this and know that they too can go through the process to get the recognition their family member deserves.”

Visit nzdf.mil.nz to see if your family member qualifies.

Kevin Nilson, Trish Nuttall and Jeff Nilson were presented with their father’s war service medals at a ceremony on Friday.

Photo: Sara Hollyman.

Rook sighting in Stoke

A rook has been sighted in the Stoke area. Rooks are not established anywhere in the South Island, and sightings are rare. They are a significant pest that can cause serious damage to horticultural crops and prey on native species, including small ground-nesting birds and their eggs, lizards and invertebrates. They are a noticeably large, glossy black crowlike bird that grows up to 450mm in length. Rooks have a distinctive grey bill with a pale area at the base of the beak. If you see a rook phone council on 546 0200.

2000 trees planted

More than 100 volunteers from Nelson’s multicultural community helped get 2,000 plants in the ground at the Global Forest in the Maitai Valley over the weekend. The Global Forest is an area along the Maitai River where new citizens are invited to plant a tree to help transform a boggy paddock into a native forest. The planting event sought to restore the area, which was badly damaged by the August 2022 severe weather.

‘Paintball without the bruises’ hits NCG

GORDON PREECE

Foam bullets flew across the Nelson College for Girls gymnasium for the opening shots of a new initiative.

The college became a Nerf Blaster battlefield venue on Sunday with the aim to promote fun and fitness for all ages.

Each Sunday, the gymnasium will again transform into a battlefield for the community, with guns, bullets and obstacles supplied free of charge.

NCG sports director Jon Routhan says the initiative, which he describes as “not like paintball where you get the bruises,” was struck up during a Hawaiian vacation in April.

“We’re always looking for new ways to get all sections of so-

ciety involved and active, and for a lot of people getting out and doing Saturday or weekday sport might not fit them,” he says.

“So, I had a look, and the idea came when me and my family [sic] were on holiday overseas and we came across laser tag but with Nerf guns… it was in this giant mall.

“I thought ‘what the hell, I’ll give it a go’, and after half an hour of running round and shooting up everything and crawling under various obstacles, we had an awesome time.”

Jon says he soon fired his idea to establish a local Nerf gun battle zone to Sport Tasman and received $9000 through its Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa Fund.

He says the funding covers the

cost of 30 Nerf guns, the foam bullets, safety goggles, obstacles for the battle zone, and four onsite staff each Sunday to ensure health and safety. Jon says the funding also enables people to enter the battle for free.

“Sometimes cost can be a bit of a factor with families getting active, so as long as they book, it’s free of charge and they can come and have as much fun as possible,” he says.

“We put [the message] out towards all the schools in the Nelson City area to see what sort of buy-in and feedback we get, and it’s been really strong.” Jon says 30 players will be locked and loaded for each shooting session. For bookings contact jon. routhan@ncg.school.nz.

Rapid-fire Nelson College for Girls sports committee members Giorgia Doblanovic, left, Isabella Doblanovic, and Brydie Paterson.

Photo: Gordon Preece.

Aimex Nelson workplace accident: One of two men guilty of lying sentenced to prison

TRACY NEAL Open Justice Reporter

One of two men who lied about a workplace accident that occurred a week before a similar accident left a worker with brain damage has been sentenced to nine months in prison.

The victim’s mother Paula Palmer shed tears in court and supporters appeared stunned as Judge David Ruth sentenced William Mansfield Trevor Sullivan to prison. Judge Ruth described the actions of the former health and safety manager of Nelson-based marine engineering firm Aimex as an “outrageous dereliction of duty”.

Sullivan was initially charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice following a police investigation into the company’s mishandling of a workplace incident.

Known as Bill, Sullivan initially denied intentionally misleading WorkSafe investigators but in March this year, he pleaded guilty to an amended single charge of making a false statement. It didn’t prevent him from going

to prison on Friday, but his lawyer Marcus Zintl said he planned to appeal and apply for bail pending an appeal.

Aimex managing director Ste-

ven Patrick John Sullivan was to be sentenced on Friday on a charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice, but sentencing was adjourned until this week when his lawyer was unable to make it to Nelson due to weather.

Name suppression for the pair lapsed at a hearing earlier this year, following their fight to keep their names secret.

The charges arose from evidence that came to light about a workplace incident that occurred days before a similar accident on July 29, 2019, that left a young employee brain-damaged after he was found unconscious in the hull of a boat. The worker, later revealed by Open Justice as employee Brook Palmer, was overcome by toxic fumes while using a brake cleaner in the engine bay. He was found by a colleague, unconscious at the bottom of the boat. Palmer recently broke his silence on the devastating brain injury he suffered as a result.

For this, Aimex was sentenced in July 2021.

It received a fine of $250,000 and was ordered to pay $65,000 in reparation and $1434 in costs after admitting a charge under sections of the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Brook Palmer was in court for Friday’s sentencing, flanked by his mother Paula Palmer and family support person Tracy Manning who read Brook’s victim impact statement to the court.

The statement revealed that of the many emotions Brook felt since the accident, the one that stood

out was anger, not only toward the men responsible for not taking action but the company as a whole.

“If they had done the right thing I would not have this life-changing brain injury.”

Brook also thanked the colleague who found him.

“This company would have taken my life at age 19 if not for that friend.”

Judge Ruth said the accident that left Brook Palmer with life-changing injuries was “entirely preventable”.

“This man has been damaged for

the rest of his life because you didn’t abide by your obligations.”

He said a strong message needed to be sent that Sullivan had to be held accountable.

From a starting point of 12 months in prison, and factoring in the lack of premises from where he could serve a sentence of home detention, the sentence was reduced to nine months’ jail.

Paula Palmer said in a damning victim impact statement to the court, that Aimex had “stolen her son’s aspirations” through an accident she believed was preventable. She was grateful the truth had come to light after several years, through the courage and integrity of former senior manager Martin Byrne who “did what was right” by coming forward once he knew what had happened.

The Crown described Byrne as a “case study in doing what’s right”.

Paula Palmer (left), Brook Palmer and family support person Tracy Manning outside the Nelson District Court after sentencing of Aimex’s William Sullivan. Photo: Tracy Neal.

Supporters bench touches down in Nelson

GORDON PREECE

Nelson is now home to a brandnew, handcrafted supporter’s bench, courtesy of the All Blacks. All Blacks and Tasman Mako teammates Finlay Christie, Leicester Fainga’anuku and Shannon Frizell unveiled the bench at Botanic Sports Field on Sunday. Nelson was chosen as one of 26 communities across the country to receive the gift from the All Blacks to acknowledge the public support ahead of the Rugby World Cup in France in September.

After a karakia and waiata, led by iwi representative Barney Thomas, New Zealand Rugby project director Lauren Vosper kicked off the first of the speeches about the bench’s significance. She says, while eight All Black reserves fill the bench at matches to provide a backbone to the starting line-up, the backbone extended far beyond.

“This year we really wanted to extend the bench and really get the whole of New Zealand to be part of this team… we want to say thank you for having the team’s back and we want to say that we’ve got your back too,” she says. “We hope that this bench in your

community can be a really powerful and special place and somewhere you can come and commiserate, celebrate, and really

treasure it.”

The bench, which is carved from native wood, has the inscription – Me Eke Mai – our bench is your

Have you got your Bee Card?

The Bee Card is a prepaid card that makes traveling on the bus easier! It’s the fastest and cheapest way to use the eBus in Nelson Tasman. Passengers tag on and off their bus with the e-reader system automatically adding any concessions, and zones to their trip.

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bench – thanks for all your support.

All Black and Tasman Mako winger Leicester Fainga’anuku

told the crowd it was an “awesome occasion” for him, Finlay and Shannon to be connected at their home turf.

“We’ve always got our own bench when we’re out on the field, but with these benches spread throughout New Zealand it reminds us when we’re over [in France for the Rugby World Cup], that we’ve got the whole of New Zealand on our bench too,” he says.

Mayor Nick Smith says the bench was a “real asset” for the community at the historic ground where the first rugby match in Aotearoa unfolded in 1870.

“It is that reminder of whether it be the players sitting on the bench, whether it would be those that are supporting our All Blacks or Mako at games or whether it is us at home watching our tellies nervously as our All Blacks take on the world, the bench is a place that brings us together,” he says.

“It’s so wonderful to have this native timber at this historic sight.” Nelson Rugby Football Club president Kerry Strange, New Zealand Rugby president as well as local Nelson resident, Max Spence, all delivered speeches to the crowd about the bench’s significance.

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All Blacks and Tasman Mako trio Shannon Frizell, left, Finlay Christie and Leicester Fainga’anuku with Nelson Rugby Football Club juniors and Nelson College rugby players.

Photo: Gordon Preece

GP pulses to WoW stage

GORDON

PREECE

A general practitioner who’s no stranger to stitching things together is one of six local finalists in this year’s World of Wearable Art (WoW) competition.

Ben Ng-Wai Shing first entered the annual event, which unites art, dance, aerial performances, music, stage design and effects, in 2018 with his Bizarre Bra entry, Step Right Up, which comprised of illuminated twin circus tent peaks. He says he had maintained his art passion for making jewellery, carving spoons and sketching ideas for the WoW competition, and decided to again “throw his hat in the ring” now that his medical studies have taken a back seat. “Art has always been a big part of my life, and from a WoW point of view, my mum and I used to watch it when they televised it and I always remember running up to the

screen to try to figure out how they made certain things and what materials they’d used,” he says.

“I have a gratitude diary and at the back is full of sketches… and if something inspires me then I’ll write it down, and I had a few different concepts for WoW projects.

“Because I’ve been training as a GP and the initial stage was working and studying, I didn’t really have much extra time but now that things have started to calm down a bit, I’ve been able to spend a bit more time on my hobbies and thought I would throw my hat in the ring again.”

While the name, appearance, and category of Ben’s 2023 creation can’t be revealed until after final judging in September, the second-time entrant says the inspiration for it was to celebrate diversity.

“The strength of communities and the strength of humans is that we are all individuals

who have our own strengths and weaknesses, and when we come together that’s when the magic happens,” he said. “The parts that I really wanted to shine were the playfulness and the texture of the garment, and I wanted to use materials that anyone would have access to.

“The materials I used can be found in most households or recycling bins.”

Ben said he was “stoked” to be name a finalist and hoped his creation would “bring a smile to people’s faces” when it hits the WoW catwalk in September and October.

Nelson residents Gill Saunders, Betty Ross and Keith Marshall, Motueka resident Peter Wakeman and Collingwood resident Christine Wingels were also named one of the 120 finalists in this year’s competition.

WoW runs from 20 September - 8 October at TSB Arena in Wellington.

Ben Ng-Wai Shing was “stoked” to make the World of WearableArt finals for the second time

Photo: Loren Pasquier

Rachel Boyack for Nelson

When Minister of Finance Grant Robertson visited Nelson a couple of weeks ago, he spoke about the Infrastructure deficit New Zealand has faced for a number of decades. The Labour Government is taking steps to address this, by lifting our investment in essential infrastructure, including our hospitals and schools

In Nelson we have some excellent local examples of where our Government’s investment is making a real difference We’ve contributed $7 5million to the Saxton Creek Upgrade, which will ensure local businesses don’t face devastating financial losses when heavy rainfall hits this area The Upgrade is on track to be finished later this year

A few weeks ago Port Nelson started their redevelopment of the Nelson Slipway, which is being supported with Government funding This project will create jobs and support the growth of our flagship Oceans and Fisheries sector while also protecting the environment

The Government is also investing in and building our new Nelson hospital I’m proud to have secured the first piece of funding for this critical project in Budget 2022, after years of uncertainty Labour is committed to investing in Nelson’s much needed infrastructure

Get in touch:

0800 4 RACHEL rachel boyack@labour org nz www labour org nz/rachelboyack

Preserving Marsden Valley’s biodiversity

GORDON PREECE

Eradicating Marsden Valley pests to create a haven for its birdlife and unique flora and fauna is the target of local volunteers who have initiated a project to set up traps aimed at eradicating rats and mustelids from the area

The Marsden Valley Trapping Group has received financial and physical support

from NBS to purchase and set ten large traps in the valley, which borders the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, which were carted into place on Thursday. The new traps, which will replace the temporary corflute traps previously used, are expected to be more effective in reducing the local pest population.

COME TO A TALKING CAFÉ

Group (MVTG) volunteer, Graham Pullyn, says the traps were set just below the ridgeline of the valley by himself and his fellow group volunteer Ian Mackay, alongside NBS staffers Anne Cox, Nic Foster and Howie Timms, and Tasman Mako first five-eighth Campbell Parata.

“Thursday’s event went really well, the first aid kit remained sealed, and no helicopters were required,” he says.

Connect with your community

“I gather it was the first-ever NBS community day where staff were given time off to be involved in a community

project, so it was a privilege for us to be the flag bearer for that.

“Feedback from the staff involved indicated they would be speaking very positively to their colleagues about the experience and recommending they take advantage of any opportunity to participate in the future.”

NBS general commerical manager, Howie Timms, expressed his admiration for the volunteers.

“It’s tough and steep terrain, but a rewarding experience for NBS staff to make a contribution to the valuable mahi of this community group,” he says.

Contact marsdenvtg@gmail. com if you are keen to get involved with the Marden Valley Trapping Group’s efforts.

Upcoming

Tuesday, 1st August, 10-11 30 am McCashin s Brewery, 660 Main Road, Stoke

Tuesday, 8th August, 1 30-3 pm Richmond Library, 280 Queen Street, Richmond

Tuesday, 15th August, 10-11 30 am

McCashin's Brewery, 660 Main Road, Stoke

Thursday, 17th August, 1 30 - 3 pm

NMIT Café Ake Ake, Student Centre (N Block), Nelson

Wednesday, 23rd August, 1 30-3 pm Halifax Café, 28 Halifax Street, Ne lson

For more details: wellby org nz or phone (03) 546 7681

/RachelBoyackNelson /rachelboyack

Marsden Valley Trapping

Anne Cox, left, Nic Foster, Ian Mackay, Howie Timms, Alana Moore, Campbell Parata, and Graham Pullyn prepare to set new traps in Marsden Valley. Photo: Supplied.

Better pay, aligned conditions for Top of South council staff

MAX FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter

More than 330 council staff across the Top of the South have successfully negotiated for more uniformity across their terms and conditions, as well as better pay.

The improvements are the result of the Public Service Association (PSA) union ratifying its second Multi-Employer Collective Agreement (MECA) which covers its members working for the Nelson City, Tasman and Marlborough District. councils.

The MECA is the only one of its kind in place in New Zealand’s local government sector. The newly-ratified agreement builds upon the one enacted last year that achieved increased pay for members.

“I feel quite good that we’ve got it through across the line,” says Mike Ogden, a PSA delegate and a geospatial analyst at Nelson City Council. “There’s been a lot of hard work to get

to this point.”

As a result of the MECA, union members will see more enhanced and aligned terms and conditions between the three councils and an increase on all rates ranging from 4.5 to 7.5 per cent for the first year of the two-year agreement.

The PSA and councils will then meet next year for a remuneration review for the second year of the MECA. If no agreement is reached, the current agreement will expire at the end of May 2024.

“It’s a good deal,” Mike says. But he adds that “there’s still a lot of work to be done in the future.”

The union wanted to achieve a full cost-of-living pay adjustment, but with the rate of inflation currently at 6 per cent, that means that some staff don’t achieve that milestone, which will undoubtedly be a focus of the PSA come the remuneration review next year.

PSA organiser Ian Hoffmann says that the councils must “do

better on remuneration” if they expect to fill vacancies and retain staff.

Members also have a desire to further align clauses between the councils. Mike gives the example of penal rates being offered for weekend work in Marlborough’s libraries – an extra rate that’s not offered in Nelson or Tasman.

“That’s one of those alignments we would like to see in the future.”

PSA members rallied outside of Civic House last month over concerns about low wages and high staff turnover, with a specific focus on the city’s library staff who have been dealing with difficult working conditions in the decaying Elma Turner Library which has had varying stages of openness and repair for more than a year.

NELSON AUTO GLASS SPECIALISTS

THIS WEEK’S LOCAL LEGEND

Kay Guyton is a true ‘Angel in the Street’. Helping struggling locals with everything from acquiring birth certificates, donations of household items, personal items and food parcels, through to accommodation and connecting people with the right support network, Kay has worked tirelessly for decades to help people get back on track. Over the last ten years Kay worked in collaboration with the Nelson Tasman Charitable Trust to reach those in need through her charity, Angel in my Street.

Unfortunately, though Kay is now back working on her own since the loss of funding late last year. Despite this, she has continued to help people as much as she can in a voluntary capacity, with the distribution of donated goods. “I was already helping around the area for fifteen years before that. I would just notice things around the area. I am able to hone in on high-needs people that are living in our neighbourhood, break the ice with them, make a connection and build trust. These people are often very disconnected from the community. It is quite often the really simple stuff that they need but feel too embarrassed or ashamed to ask for help.”

With the help of other generous volunteers Kay continues to assist where she can. “It’s the love of the people that keeps me going. My grandma was very community minded, and I am too. I still do it because there is such a big need for it. People can be so generous with their donations, my van is always full, and I am always doing deliveries. I distribute these pieces to where they will be best utilised.”

“I find it hard to ask for things myself. I am not very good at putting myself forward. But I will move heaven and earth for other people.” Financially, Kay does everything off her own back but petrol vouchers, phone sponsorship or help toward the upkeep of her van will go a long way to help Kay continue to do what she does so well. Contact Kay via kay. angelinmystreet@outlook.com

Manaaki i te tangata. Manaaki i te whare

Toby Bowden & Francis Lagrutta leading the

team.

Nelson Auto Glass Specialists Toby Bowden presents local Angel Kay Guyton with flowers and a Prezzy Card, for being an amazing ‘Local Legend’.

PSA union members rallied outside Civic House last month in support of council staff dealing with low wages, poor conditions, and high turnover. Photo: Max Frethey.

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Too dangerous to shop in town

Little wonder that Nelson streets are beginning to look like a ghost town. While Rachel Reese ran with that “smart little city “ slogan used widely elsewhere, her council’s foolish policies of permitting skateboarders, cyclists and scooters on the footpaths have made the central city a dangerous place in which to shop. It is quite common to barely miss being knocked over by individuals doing just these things. This irresponsible policy needs to be reversed as retailers are suffering, with many older and even younger folk now dodging town, preferring to shop online, which takes business away from the CBD. The council needs to ban these wheels from what should be pedestrian-only footpaths.

Marianne

The Right To Dissent

Mayor Nick Smith proposes “allowing disagreement without being disagreeable”. What he is failing to see is that when he and Council elect to comply with this government’s dictate to medicate our water with fluoride, a neurotoxin that lowers children’s IQ, without consulting Nelson’s residents, it is quite understandable that people raise their voices, upholding our right to choose. Some of those attending the large public gathering at NCC on 6 July, and supportive of the Clean Water Coalition in their submission opposing fluoridation, momentarily expressed their disbelief at his solutions to either vote to change the government or take them to court. What does the mayor’s discomfort with brief vocal opposition reflect? Good chairing would have seen Nick open the floor to councillor’s questions or for clarification. Instead, they were silent. NCC’s own ‘Significance and Engagement Policy 2020’ requires it to consult Nelson residents about changes that significantly affect

strategic assets like our water supply, where it will “impact on the community, how many people are affected, and by how much.” Instead, he says NCC must obey the law. Why allow government to override local sovereignty, when NCC can apply for a judicial review based on the latest evidence showing fluoride’s long-term harm? If he values his and the Council’s reputation, we recommend the mayor genuinely walk his own talk and find the “common ground” he believes in, by consulting Nelson’s whole population on whether we want fluoride or not. He and NCC have an ethical responsibility to actively represent all Nelsonians, rather than obediently complying with government (whom he acknowledges has overreached before). Nick, you are employed by this community. Stand up for Nelson!

Dharan Longley, Judy Crowe, Zoe Byrne, Joe Rifici Convenors, Nelson Clean Water Coalition

Helping local Cinderellas get to the ball

Such a great idea and wonderful thing to do! Well done ladies.

Caroline Harvey

That’s amazing as it’s so hard for a lot of families specially to find the extra for such events, but thanks to people like this every girl can feel like a princess for the night.

Sharon Hewetson

What’s On!

Ballgown Bonanza

Thursday, 27 July, 5.30-7.30pm

Op Shop on Saxton – 3 Elms Street, Stoke

Your chance to get a good quality second-hand ball dress, suit, or outfit at a great price! Save money, shop sustainably, look stunning!

Winter Ceilidh Dance 2023

Saturday, 29 July, 7pm

Sun City Darts Club Hall, Nelson

Traditional ceilidh Scottish dancing. Musical performances from Pipe Band members. Live Music, licensed bar, our famous locally-made haggis, light supper available, whisky toss, raffles (bring coins).

Henry Ford’s – All Ford Birthday Event

Sunday, 30 July, 10am

Ford Club Nelson will celebrate Henry Ford’s 160th birthday with a picnic for all proud Ford vehicle owners and enthusiasts at the iconic Tāhunanui Beach Holiday Park’s Parkers Road entrance. Gold coin donation per person for Nelson Tasman Hospice.

Hon Dr Nick Smith

NELSON LEADS WITH NEW EBUS SERVICE

The new eBus service starting next Tuesday has Nelson leading New Zealand in the transition we need to make in electrifying transport.

I have long been of the view that the future of transport is electric. Auckland University’s ground-breaking engineering in the 1990s, developing the variable speed electric motor helped start the revolution to electric cars, bikes and now buses.

I trialled the first prototype electric car that used lead-acid batteries in NZ in 2008 when I was Minister of Climate Change. It was costly, unreliable and had a range of only 40km.

I purchased my second electric car in 2012, a MiEV that was powered by lithium-ion batteries and had a range of 120km. It is still going strong today. The last decade has seen huge gains in the range and affordability of electric cars. We should be proud that Nelson is leading NZ in their uptake.

It is the further development in battery technologies that now makes eBuses viable. The fleet of 17 new Foton eBuses are powered by lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries giving them a range of 400km. I took one for a test drive this week. The quiet, smooth ride and powerful acceleration make them a dream to drive. There is more to the new bus service than just being electric. There are new routes servicing Motueka, Māpua, Wakefield, Brightwater and Nelson Airport. The number of people within a 10-minute walk of a bus stop increases from 35,200 to 57,100.

The service is more frequent, with an eBus between Nelson and Richmond every 30 minutes from 7am-7pm, 7 days a week. The fares are reduced to $2 with a Bee Card within the urban area, lower for seniors, students and Community Service Card holders. There is free wifi, real-time tracking and e-readers at major interchanges.

This new bus service is only part of Nelson’s transport solutions. We need to invest in all modes to reduce congestion and improve choice.

I thank the NCC, TDC and Nelson Coachlines’ teams for the huge effort that has gone into getting the new eBus service ready for 1 August. There will be teething problems. Change is difficult but it’s the change we need to make for a more sustainable future.

Nelson Matters Nick Smith MAYOR OF NELSON

Specialists in their field, FFP Nelson Marlborough Fire have long provided the design, installation and maintenance of fire protection systems across the entire Top of the South. FFP understand it is a challenging and ever-evolving industry, and to ensure their team continues to provide efficient and up-to-date services the business has introduced regular ‘Professional Development Days’ alongside their Health and Safety checks. Health and Safety days happen every quarter at FFP. The company stops for a full day to complete a series of checks which include electrical tool tagging, first aid kits stocktake, ladder and vehicle checks, but more recently to also promote specially-designed professional development and mental health training exercises with the team. It is a full day dedicated to them and the team's environment. Continuing to be a trusted, repu-

table, leading company for fire protection services, the directors attribute their success to the strength of their team, which is why it is important to them to make sure everyone is doing okay both professionally and personally. The company’s last development day saw FFP host Manoli Aerakis, the founder of Malloch McClean Tasman, talk ‘Above

and Below the Line’ regarding individual professional behaviour and positive attitude towards everyday challenges.

Joy Sheehan from FFPN also organised a team group exercise called ‘Riders and Elephants’ working on individual and team values, their feelings on workplace and its reflection on the company culture. In another ex-

ercise to further boost team spirit, members were split into small groups and raced to put together children’s bikes which were later donated to a local organisation to distribute to families that need community support. The opportunity to support the Helping Nelson Families Organisation proved to be an extremely popular exercise for staff.

“We received a lot of really positive feedback from this one,” says Kirsten, FFP Director, “The team had a lot of fun and really loved doing it. The spokesperson for Helping Families Nelson gave a speech and we received letters from the kids who were gifted a bike, along with a few photos. It was a great opportunity for people to relax a little, help their community and open up.” Keen to implement similar initiatives in the future, Kirsten says the team are already brainstorming other ideas for their upcoming Development Days and the leadup to Christmas. The exercises are not only a great way for the company to build on an already strong team, but also align with their community values of serving the region and its residents. The Top of the South region is their home, they say, and holds a special place in their hearts - caring for the community and its people remains a top priority.

Galbraith Engineering Ltd is New Zealand’s leading provider of fire pumps and pump stations for industrial and commercial fire fighting systems. We provide a full design, manufacture and installation service, using best in class pumps backed by expert technicians with many years’ experience.

Galbraith Engineering Ltd is proud to supply and be associated with FFP Nelson Marlborough.

The FFP Nelson Marlborough Fire team recently enjoyed a new community initiative as part of their Professional Development Day.

BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE 2023 DRAW

Come have a go skating!

A modern look for an iconic building in Tahunanui

First built as an outdoor rink in the 1950’s, the Nelson Roller Sports rink has seen its fair share of transformations. Changing hands and becoming a member-owned sports club facility in 1957, new buildings and extensions were added, and the building fully enclosed by 1986, evolving into an all-weather, all-season facility. A part of the Tahunanui landscape for many decades, more recent upgrades have been taking place giving the building a more modern look. Chairperson Alethea Stove has been involved with the club for over two decades and says the upgrades are refreshing. “To enhance the safety of the facility we have replaced the nets that surrounded the rink with Perspex. This work was undertaken solely by the senior section of Whalers Inline Hockey Club, using their range of qualified tradespeople and helpers. We have also refurbished the toilet block. People will see a nice bright and clean new space. It was long overdue, and we are so grateful to have finished this project.” “We have a very proud and long

history. We had so much success over the years with all our sports and will continue to provide opportunities for everyone.”

The club can boast the beginning of quite a few stars who have perfected their sport upon the rinks surface. “I have been involved for 23 years and over that time I have seen some amazing achievements by our local skaters. Kids come along to a public session or a friend's birthday party and love it, so they join one of our codes. Some of these kids go on to represent New

Zealand. We have had Artistic skaters, Speed skaters and Inline Hockey players represent NZ on the World Stage. My two boys started skating with they were young, my youngest now plays for the Mt Wellington Premier Men's team in Auckland. And the oldest lives in the USA and plays in a pro league. Both have represented NZ numerous times all over the world and have just recently played together at NARCH in Los Angeles in one of the world’s biggest

Inline tournaments. Those opportunities all started from a friend's birthday party at the skating rink.” Speed Skating, Artistic Skating, Inline Hockey and Roller Derby are the four sports that train and compete at the facility. Each code is specialised and offers different things.

“It is a great environment to be involved in as we offer sports for all ages and abilities, from those just starting on skates through to an international level.” The rink is a space where families and friends, can ‘hang out’ and enjoy the space no matter the weather. “We host birthday parties, discos and public skating sessions on Friday nights from 6:30pm-8pm and 1pm3pm in the weekends. Throughout the year we also host various events for all of our codes, including tournaments and qualifying games. If people would like to learn to skate, we have classes on Saturday mornings for Quad skaters and Monday afternoons at 4:30pm for Inline skaters.” Please email the club: nrscrink@gmail.com for more information.

The rink’s newly refurbished toilet block was made possible through funding from The Rata Foundation and Givealittle –helping to cover 75% of the projects cost.

The new Perspex wall around the rink gives the indoor facility a more modern feel and enhances safety for visitors and players.

Nelson Roller Sports Club, Back Beach beside ProKarts E. nrscrink@gmail.com SkateNelson

Local trust to fly Tongan flag

GORDON PREECE

Nelson and Tasman’s “growing” Tongan community could anticipate more support and recognition after the launch of a dedicated community trust.

Trust chair Pita ‘Akau’ola says the Kainga Tonga Nelson Tasman Community Trust, which launched at Founders Heritage Park on Saturday, has 11 board members and will primarily focus on bolstering local Tongan’s access to their language and education and health services.

“We have a lot of Tongans who were born here, and we want to make sure they have access to learning and training to speak our language… then we will set up a plan for Tongan Language Week on the first week of September,” he says. “Most of our people who live

here in Nelson and Tasman mainly work in the primary industry, some of the women are working in aged care, and some of our young guys who grew up here are starting to work in areas like the trades.

“So that’s one of our purposes, to make sure that our people can have a good job, especially through education or some other training.

“We have a Nelson Tasman Pacific Trust here that we set up a few years ago and it’s mainly a service for health, but for us as a Tongan community to lead our own mission for our Tongan people, we are the ones who know how to do that best.”

Pita says there were about 100 Tongan families who call both districts home and about 800 seasonal workers annually.

“I remember when I first came

to Nelson in 1992 there were already Tongan families here, about eight of them, and now we have about 100 families in the Nelson and Tasman area, so our community is growing,” he says. “Those [RSE workers] who stay here and work in Nelson and our churches are supportive of them and they support us as well, because sometimes our churches invite them for some fundraising and at the same time our church ministers visit them to support them.”

Pita says the trust received $2000 from Nelson City Council, as well as financial support from Ministry for Pacific Peoples and Department of Internal Affairs for its launch. They will be seeking further funding to develop projects to put the local Tongan community in the spotlight.

Winter is a time when many households consume more energy to stay warm and cozy. However, there are some simple ways to reduce your power usage and save money during the colder months.

z Use curtains and blinds to trap the heat inside your rooms. Open them during the day to let the sun in and close them before it gets dark to avoid heat loss.

z Switch to LED bulbs. They use less electricity and last longer than incandescent or halogen bulbs.

z Wash your clothes in cold water, and wash full loads rather than several smaller loads.

z Dry your clothes outside when possible, but if you need to use a dryer, make sure it is vented to the outside so the moisture doesn’t make the house damp and harder to heat.

z Choose energy-efficient appliances. Look for the Energy Rating Label and the Energy Star mark when buying new products.

z Insulate your ceiling and underfloor to reduce heat loss and lower your heating bills.

z Switch off your TV, computer, speakers and game consoles at the wall when you’re not using them.

z Check your hot water system and fix any leaks or drips. Install a cylinder wrap, pipe lagging and a lowflow showerhead to save water and energy.

For more useful tips and ways to keep your home warm, dry and healthier check out these websites:

z genless.govt.nz/for-everyone/at-home

z save500.org.nz

Plunket volunteer Margaret Bishop celebrated 10 years of running the High Five Playgroup at Stoke’s Christfirst Church last week. “I set this group up a decade ago and it’s been running every Wednesday ever since,” she says. The group marked the occasion with cupcakes, face painting and a party with mums and bubs enjoying the festivities. “The main highlight for me has been providing a safe space for mums to come and connect and feel they aren’t alone, as motherhood can be so isolating. A lot of the mums have made lifelong friendships here and now go camping or holiday together years later. I’m so proud to have helped to make that to happen.” Photo: Jo Kent.

Kainga Tonga Nelson Tasman Community Trust Board members along with special guests at the Trust launch.

Photo: Supplied.

Passionate about building decks

Mike Cornelissen, owner of DECKS4U, is passionate about quality carpentry. This shines through in the consistent attention to detail in his work. Learning his craft from ‘a legend’, Mike says that seven years as a deck specialist allows him and his team to fine-tune their skills as qualified carpenters and constantly strive for perfection with every project.

“We won’t build a project that is not suitable or appropriate for the situation. We are the region's only genuine deck-building specialists who are all qualified at what we do.”

What is unique about your services, in comparison to others in the industry?

“DECKS4U have a full-time sales manager. Sarah’s job is to meet clients, design decks and deliver clients a full plan and quote within a week. Our three crews of tradequalified carpenters follow on with the same level of service.

Our clients are dealing with a genuine family business that have more years of combined experience at building decks than anyone else in the Top of the South.

We care for clients like they are part of our family throughout the process, we are always available for any questions, no matter how minor.”

Where do most of your enquiries come from?

“We often build decks on new or existing houses and can do this via their building company or with clients directly. Some of these are for a new outdoor living space or the resurfacing of an existing deck.”

What finishing options are there to choose from?

“Anything on the planet! We are basically a building company that specialises in decks. If you can imagine it, we can build it. We have built decks from Plastic, Modwood, Millboard, Pine, Kwila, Purple Heart, Garapa, Vitex, Eucalyptus, Bamboo, and even recycled old decking.”

Do you offer a warranty for your work?

“It is very rare that we need to go back to address any issues. If we ever get a call with a concern of any type, we certainly act on it as quickly as possible and do what we can to rectify whatever the issue is. We always use the best materials available, nothing is galvanized, always stainless steel. Our work complies with the NZ building code. I am also a licenced building practitioner and follow all rules and regulations.”

Staying in the sport you love by coaching

JACK MALCOLM

Nelson’s newest kickboxing gym, Kia Kaha Combat, is preparing to open their doors for the first time in August.

Josh Clarke has always dreamed of opening his own gym in town, having had almost two decades of involvement with the sport. Having teamed up with the Tahunanui Community Hub as a non-profit club, he plans to keep costs low at just $5 a class, with proceeds reinvested into gear and renting the space.

“I want to have a place where I can build people’s confidence.

“My goal is pretty much to promote good mental and physical health. I like helping people. . . while also making it legit, so I can take students through if they want to fight.”

With previous experience running a kickboxing gym in Hamilton and with a wealth of international fighting experience, he’s eager to transition into the next

stage of his combat career.

“I’ve been fighting since I was 18, off-and-on.

“I’ll be 38 in August, so it’s almost 20 years.

“I won’t be looking at fighting, and if I want to stay in the game, I should open a club.

“It turns into a lifestyle or an addiction. . . You kind of become a family.”

While Josh had to part ways with his gym in Hamilton, having passed it down to a friend, he says the desire to coach has always been there.

He’s also taught one-on-one and small classes off-and-on at home for a while, but says he wanted to make it more legitimate again.

“My wife Kauri has been pushing me to do it for a while.

“You change people’s lives.”

Josh’s passion and desire to help people through the sport is worn on his sleeve, with his eyes lighting up when he starts talking about it.

He got into the sport after watching it on TV and deciding to give it a go, saying he jumped in the

ring pretty quickly and “got an absolute hiding”.

While his coach jokingly asked him if he was going to come back in the next week, Josh was hooked.

Having since fought internationally multiple times, including as part of the New Zealand team, he says he wants to give back to a sport that has given him so much.

Josh has previously held the IKO full contact national title and the light contact WAKO national title.

His most recent fight, in 2022, was under the tutelage of Nelson’s SMA gym and Sallie McArdle. With first-hand knowledge of just how much help the sport can give people who are struggling at their lowest points in life, he’s excited for the opening of his own place to teach and train.

“I’m pretty keen on people who are just starting up, but I’m open to anyone.”

Classes kick off on Friday August 4 at 5:30pm, with plans to also run a Tuesday night class every week.

Josh Clarke is opening a new kickboxing gym at the Tahunanui Community Hub, offering affordable classes for everyone from experienced fighters to first-timers.

Photo: Jack Malcolm.

NELSON SUBURBS FC UNDER 13’S

The Nelson Suburbs FC U13 team made the trip down to Christchurch to compete in the 2023 Christchurch International Cup.

The tournament was hosted by Christchurch United and Selwyn United football clubs at state-ofthe-art facilities and games were all played on artificial turf, which was a fantastic experience for the players. The team were well prepared and raring to go and challenge themselves against the best teams in New Zealand. Their first game was one that on a different day could have been a win, however, a couple of mistakes resulted in a 0-2 loss to Ferrymead Bays. In the second pool match the players gave it everything to get a 2-1 win against Nomads. 3 points secured them a place in plate competition.

The plate ¼ final was another tight game and unfortunately the team lost 0-1 to Waimak United. Following that game the team struggled against

Whitmarsh Academy, losing 0-5. With confidence knocked they had to dig deep and in their last game put in an amazing shift, playing well. They

managed a 0-0 draw at full time and then lost their penalty shootout to Nomads United. The team finished 16th out of 22 teams. Coach Phil Williams said “With a focus on development the players took valuable lessons from the experience, that no doubt will help them improve as individuals and as a team. The experience was fantastic for everyone involved and the players all showed what they are capable of against very strong competition.”

Before the tournament all the players obtained sponsors to help with the costs, from amazing local businesses, so the team and club would like to thank them for their invaluable support.

RYAN WILLIAMS

LIENE SCHULZE-STEINEN

ELI BOUZAID

RUBEN KOCH OLIVER PERSICO

ALEXANDER GRAY

WINSTON PALMER LUCAS MCPHERSON

HARRISON LEE JOEL REIMANN

CAM HARRISON CALLUM COLES JOEL STOBIE

STIRLING SCOTT LACHLAN WHEELER

NBL BASKETBALL TIPPING

Second division rugby semi-final spots secured

JACK MALCOLM

It was all to play for in the final week of the senior rugby second division regular season as multiple teams had make-or-break affairs in the final week of play. Stoke have booked a home semi against Collingwood, while Riwaka will play hosts to Huia as local club rugby begins to wrap up. While Stoke and Riwaka had already secured their spots, there were still multiple teams in the hunt for the final two places.

Huia came into the final round sitting third on 31 points, followed closely behind by Wanderers in fourth on 29, chased by Collingwood on 28 and Waimea Old Boys on 26. With four points on the line for a win alongside bonus points on offer, it was all to play for as Huia and Collingwood scraped their way into the two spots. Collingwood’s path was a little easier of the two, with their game against Nelson defaulted to secure their spot.

For Huia, they had a winner-takesall encounter with Wanderers, which they clawed back from the brink of defeat to win 18-7. In front of their home fans at Sports Park Motueka, they scored

10 points in the final 10 minutes to come from a one-point deficit to snatch defeat.

The two games eliminated Waimea Old Boys, who needed results to go their way to find themselves in the playoffs.

Their 28-24 win over Tapawera turned out to be for pride instead, as they gritted out the win after conceding late to bring it back to a one-try game.

In other results from the final round, Stoke took a welcomed bye to come into the semis fresh and ready as the top seed, while the Marist Saints finished on a high with a 17-9 win over Takaka and Riwaka continued their strong march with a 55-10 win over Murchison.

While Stoke are the clear favourites, they proved they are not infallible after losing their first game in two seasons against Riwaka earlier in the month.

They will still be the team to beat, while Riwaka will come in as clear second favourites with only two losses and a draw as blemishes on their record.

Huia and Collingwood have each won the same number of games as Riwaka and have the firepower for it to be their day in knockout rugby.

James Fitchett

Shaun Thomason

Scott Bradley

Craig Hamilton

Jeremy Richards

Blair Cameron

Brendan Hodgson

Tony Bowater

Stoke has some experienced players like Craig Groome that have seen them only lose one game in the last two seasons as they eye up another second division title. Photo: Evan Barnes/Shuttersport.

Local gymnasts Millie Brooker (15), Elise Morton (15), Ashton Calveley (13), Naleah Tamou-gebert (12) and Ashlee Reddecliffe (16) picked up 12 medals from the recent National Championships in Tauranga. With a smaller than usual contingent of 11 competitors from across the Tasman region travelling for the competition, women artistic gymnastics coach Karyn Brown says their expectations were exceeded. It was also a younger squad than previous years, with ages ranging from 11 to 17-years-old.Absent: Logan Mosey-Reid. Photo: Jack Malcolm.

Community Notices

MONDAY

HAVEN GAMES - Mon, 1.30-3.30pm. Nelson Baptist Church, 193 Bridge St. Join us for Board games, cards, puzzles, cuppa and chat. All Welcome. Koha appreciated.

TEA AND TALK – Mon, 10-1.30pm. Victory Community Centre. Join us for a cuppa tea and a wee treat. Meet new friends and enjoy morning tea served on vintage China with occasional entertainment and guest speakers. Ages 60+ COST: $2.

ACTIVE STRENGTH/BALANCE CLASS: Also seated options presented. Mon, 1pm. Tāhunanui Community Hub, Muritai St. ACC accredited provider. Get fitter to great music. Ph: Shirley 035471433 / 0211218023.

SENIOR 3D FLOW FITNESS WITH COACH D: Mon, 1pm. Come join in and improve your health and fitness, including strength, coordination, balance, mobility, and agility. Tāhunanui Community Hub. Ph: 021411700. $5 per session.

HIRA COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP Mon during term time, 1-3pm. Hira Kindergarten. Cost $5 per term, includes children's afternoon tea. Ph: 035450224.

TUESDAY

LAUGHTER YOGA 1st Tues of month, 9.30-10.30am. Victory Community Centre. Laughter is good for you! Laughter Yoga combines laughter with yogic breathing exercises to provide an aerobic workout and the perfect antidote to stress. Bring something to lie on for relaxation at the end. For info Ph: 035451207. COST: $3.

NELSON 50+ WALKING GROUP Tues, 1 Aug. Kina Peninsular. Meet 9.45am at Baigent Reserve. BYO lunch. Ph: Ruth 0275471359.

SPRING IS COMING, celebrate with laughter. Laughter Yoga. Tues, 1 Aug, 9.30am, Victory Centre. Bring something to lie on. Ph: Cath 035451207 or 0220829779. Cost $3.

HOPE TENNIS CLUB. Tues morning Social Tennis from 9.30am. Courts in Hope Domain, Main Rd Hope. All abilities most welcome. Queries Ph: 0211729257.

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

STOKE INDOOR BOWLS CLUB meet Tues, 7pm. Warnes Stadium, Songer St. New member’s welcome. Please wear flat-soled shoes. Ph: Lynn 035477112.

WEDNESDAY

WOMEN’S MULTICULTURAL MEAL Meet 1st Wed of the month, 12-1pm. Victory Community Centre. A “pot-luck” group lunch for women from all cultures to share kai (food) and meet new people. Bring some food from your own culture to share with the group but please don’t worry if you’re unable to bring food, just join us! Free!

VOLUNTEER GARDENING Wed, 9.20-12pm. Waimarama Community Gardens Tantragee Rd, The Brook. Tools provided on the bus stop. Ph: 0211709443.

NELSON NEWBIES coffee morning every Wed, 10.3011.30am. Deville's Cafe, 22 New St. Want to get out and meet people? Join us for coffee and chat. New people always welcome. Ph: Clive 0212054731.

INDOOR BOWLS - Come and join us for social indoor bowls and a cuppa every Wed and Fri afternoon, 1.15 -4pm. Beginners welcome. Trafalgar St Hall. Ph: 035476066 or 0274979330.

SING YOURSELF WELL – Wed, 10 -11am. Age Concern Nelson Tasman Nelson Office. 18 Bridge St, Nelson. A fun and relaxed singing group where the focus is on wellbeing. You don’t need to be a great singer to join. Ph: Marnie 035447624 ext 5. $3 per session.

NELSON RSA members and visitors please feel welcome

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

to join our weekly social every Wed, 4-6pm. Greenmeadows Centre, Cnr Songer St and Main Rd Stoke.

ALZHEIMERS NELSON TASMAN monthly Library sessions provide opportunities for information, advice, and support around memory Loss. Nelson Library, every 4th Wed, 9.3010.30 / Stoke Library every 4th Thurs, 9.30-10.30am.

THURSDAY

LEGO @ VICTORY COMMUNITY CENTRE Meet Last Thurs of the month. 3.30-4.30pm. Get creative, playing with Lego. Free Event, All ages. Ph: 0211069000.

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. 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.

THE FUTURE OF BRAIN RESEARCH Thurs, 10 Aug, 10.3011.30am, St Barnabas Anglican Church, 523 Main Rd Stoke. Join Neurological Foundation’s CEO, Rich Easton, as he chats about the impact of neurological conditions on our community, exciting developments in neurological research and the profound implications they hold for so many. Free event.

FRIDAY

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

COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE every Fri, 9-11.30am. 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

SENIOR 3D FLOW FITNESS WITH COACH D Every Fri,

1pm. Come join in and improve your health and fitness, including strength, coordination, balance, mobility, and agility. Tāhunanui Community Hub. Ph: 021411700. $5 per session.

CULTURAL SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Fri, 10-11am. Come along and share morning tea & a cuppa with Victory’s friendly multicultural roopu. Volunteer opportunities for all people to participate

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

SATURDAY / SUNDAY

PRETTY CRAFTY Mid Winter Christmas Market, Sun, 30 Jul, 10-2pm, Richmond Town Hall. Spread the cost of Christmas and shop from a variety of crafts whilst supporting local artists. Refreshments, live music & kids activities. Gold coin entry or food donation to the Nelson Community Foodbank welcomed. Ph: 02102465396.

VARIETY ENTERTAINMENT CLUB of Nelson Concert- Sat, 12 Aug, 2pm, Whakatu Presbyterian Hall Songer St. Ph: Ken 035474301 Robyn 035473231. All Welcome. Free Admission.

HAVE TYPE 2 DIABETES & want to improve your health?

Sat, 5 Aug, 16 Sept, 28 Oct, 09 Dec. 9-1pm, Nelson Bays

Primary Health. Free lifestyle & medical information group session on type 2 diabetes. Includes a free lunch/light dinner. Ph: Celeste 021790894. E: celeste.keesing@nbph.org.

nz.

GENERAL GROUPS

ART EXHIBITION. During 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. Until 30 July. All Welcome.

SUTER ART SOCIETY, MCKEE GALLERY. Mags Meechang with Alison Horn exhibition “Discoveries” colourful diverse impressionist works combined with Plein air works direct from nature. 31 Jul – 20 Aug.

RICHMOND INDOOR/OUTDOOR MARKET – Every Sun, 10-2pm. Richmond A&P Showgrounds. Food & drink, local & exotic products, fresh fruit & veges, wellbeing practitioners & products, jumble sale, hairdresser, kid's play equipment, picnic tables. Dogs on leads welcome.

NELSON SPIRITUALIST CHURCH weekly service Sun, 7pm-8pm. Corner Tipahi and Motueka Sts. FALLS PREVENTION. More Stable More Able, FREE 2 hour session for anyone who has fallen or is at risk of falling. Relaxed & informal setting. Book in with Ange 021790415 Nelson Bays Primary Health.

WAIMEA HARRIERS running and walking Club Winter season. Events every Saturday. We welcome everyone of all ages and abilities. See the website for details.

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 info@cancernelson.org.nz.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for our day programmes for the elderly. Serve refreshments, join in singing, games, chat or assist on vans. Ph: Maaike 032655224, E: maaikef@psusi. org.nz.

FREE FITNESS FRIDAYS – PT in the Park. Bringing communities together for fun and fitness. Free fitness with your neighbours, family, and friends in a local park near you. Become active in our local parks. E: Nicola@bfit4ever. nz for dates and park locations or look on Facebook Bfit4everNZ.

FREE FUNCTION ROOM HIRE to all community groups. Avail 7 days. Wakatu Hotel 83 Collingwood St. Ph: Craig 035484299.

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.

PUBLIC NOTICE

GRANTS OPEN

The Peter Malone Community Grants Scheme is now open for applications

Applications are now open for grant applications from individuals or organisations whose members are predominantly electricity consumers in the Network Tasman district.

Online applications can be completed at www.networktasmantrustgrants.org. nz or you can download and complete a hardcopy application form and post to P.O. Box 3164, Richmond 7050. Details of eligibility criteria are available online. Applications must be received by FRIDAY 25 AUGUST 2023, 5.00PM.

SITUATIONS VACANT

WANTED

Part time Carer to assist with elderly man, and able to use a hoist. Phone 0275789716.

PROPERTY WANTED

Kia Ora, Looking for a long term land lease in Nelson/Tasman, fee to be negotiable, for selfcontained and off-grid tiny home. I will consider as far south as Wakefield, Brightwater, Hope, and outer Richmond. West to Motueka, North to Todds Valley. Land space must provide privacy, a sunny and sheltered aspect, level ground with some elevation, and no flood zone. Please contact Liz on 0210 319 386.

Mini

SITUATIONS VACANT

Advertise your situations vacant here. Ph 548 5900

Reporter Wanted!

Do you like to know what’s going on in your community?

Do you like writing and taking photos? Are you looking for part-time work?

Then we have the perfect job for you!

Top South Media is looking for a part time reporter to work in Motueka. We’re after someone who is passionate, connected, not afraid to ask questions and someone who enjoys writing.

You don’t need journalism experience but it would be an advantage.

Hours are negotiable and pay reflective of experience.

If this sounds like a good role for you, please email: sara@topsouthmedia.co.nz with a cover letter and CV. www.topsouthmedia.co.nz

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of weed spraying and no spray application form

Nelson City Council hereby gives notice of its ongoing chemical control of vegetation, pests and fungi on all Nelson parks, reserves and walkways (Resource Consent number RM135024v1).

Chemical control rounds are programmed dependent on growth, weather, pests or fungi present and plant cycles at any time of the year. The following areas below will be treated with some or all of the listed chemicals:

Rural and Urban Reserves - includes Conservation Reserves, Landscape Reserves, Esplanade and Foreshore Reserves, Cemeteries, Community Housing, Walkways and Neighbourhood Parks: Glyphosate, Triclopyr triethylamine, Dicamba, Metsulfuron-methyl, Haloxyfop and Picloram.

Applied with knapsack or low-pressure hand lance. In some Conservation and Landscape Reserve areas, boom spraying may be used.

Horticultural Parks

Glyphosate, Triclopyr triethylamine, Haloxyfop, Triforine, Chlorothalonil and Taufluvalinate.

Applied with boom, knapsack or low-pressure hand lance.

Sports Parks

Glyphosate, Triclopyr triethylamine, Picloram, Haloxyfop, Ethofumesate, Paclobutrazole, Mancozeb, Propiconazole and Chlorothalonil.

Applied with boom, knapsack or low-pressure hand lance. Residents living adjacent to the above Council parks and reserves may register their properties as a “No-Spray” property. Applicants for No-Spray areas will be required to maintain their boundaries to control all unwanted weeds or organisms in that area.

Residents who have previously made a No-Spray application for their property do not need to register again.

Application forms to register as a “No-Spray” property may be collected from the Customer Services desk, Ground Floor Civic House, Trafalgar Street, Nelson. For more information on the ‘No Spray Register’ contact the Customer Service Centre Tel: (03) 546 0200.

Nelson City Council’s policy is to use the least toxic chemical necessary to destroy unwanted weeds or organisms. All chemical applications are carried out by Growsafe certified staff.

ARTHRITIS

HIP OR KNEE ARTHRITIS?

New Physiotherapy-led small group class starting in August in Nelson

An affordable and effective solution to help manage your arthritis. For info or to sign up contact:

BARB at 020 4070 3109

PUBLIC NOTICE

Passed away 25-07-2022

Dearly loved sister, sister in law, aunty, great aunty and friend.

It’s been one year since you left us. We all miss the special lady you were.

Gone but not forgotten.

Memories last foreverthey never die.

Gerrit, Brenda, Jacquie, Carla and Family’s

CHRISTADELPHIANS

We warmly welcome you to hear Justin Alderson

Tuesday, 1st August 2023

7.30pm Richmond Library, Constance Barnicoat Room, Queen Street Entrance www.nelsonchristadelphians.nz

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