Nelson Weekly - 8 May 2024

Prizes

‘On edge’: Tāhuna

KATE RUSSELL

camp residents in limbo

ing designations and zoning in the Nelson Resource Management Plan.

extend the main existing runway to the north within the next 1015 years.

In June 2023, Nelson City Council accepted a private plan change request from Nelson Airport Ltd (NAL) which aims to alter exist-

More than 100 long-term residents at the Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park (TBHP) could be facing eviction over a resource consenting issue that could sway the way of Nelson Airport’s runway extension plan at a formal hearing next week.

Ruru brings the love to the library

KATE RUSSELL

When Ruru the spoodle walks into the Elma Turner Library every second Saturday, there is a wave of excitement - as if a celebrity had just entered the building.

Ruru, or ‘Ru’, as he is known to his family and friends, is a St John Therapy Pet.

He and his owner Elise Doyer visit the library once a fortnight to “hang out” and show people the benefits that dogs can bring to your mental health.

Elise says she was already volunteering with St John as a health shuttle driver when she heard about the pet therapy programme, which runs

across New Zealand in libraries, schools, retirement villages, and hospitals.

It has been shown that animals can reduce stress, give comfort to people who are sick or lonely, and help children with learning needs. Sometimes it can even help with physical pain.

“I thought Ru would be perfect for it,” says Elise. “He seems to be really tuned into people.”

During the one-hour sessions, which are held in the children’s section of the library, anyone can come and say hi and give Ru a pat or a tummy rub.

“He has incredibly soft fur, it is very tactile,” says Elise.

The changes would provide the necessary planning approvals to support the airport’s future operations - including the ability to

For the TBHP, that would mean almost the entire 22ha would be covered by the new Airport Effects Control Overlay, while a portion of the park would also be covered by the new Air Noise Boundary which would effectively prohibit activity in that area. However, it has been discovered

Elise Doyer with Ruru, aka ‘Ru’, who is a St John Therapy Pet. Photo: Jack Malcolm.

“Lambing and raising young chickens for the farm poul-

“My entire childhood, I think my mum was incredibly supportive… and a special memory recently was watching her become a grandmother for the first time.”

“The effort and time she put into Christmas dinners and decorations at home.”

“Baking the

‘Quiet’ changes to hospital rebuild

‘Quiet’ changes to the Nelson Hospital rebuild have left Nelson MP Rachel Boyack “deeply concerned” for the region’s patients. Documents revealed by 1News on Monday show Te Whatu Ora is now exploring options of a phased approach with a series of smaller buildings rather than a very large single building.

Rachel says it’s not clear what those smaller buildings would be, opposed to the one building that would “meet the needs of the community”.

Rachel says the option of a range of small buildings had already been ruled out by Te Whatu Ora last year.

Bed modeling from 2018 is also being reviewed.

“We approved a significant increase in the number of beds,” Rachel says of Labour’s 1.1b plan for the rebuild. “That would cause me deep concern if we ended up with fewer beds.”

A government review of clinical hospital facilities in 2020 found the George Manson Building to

be the worst in the country. The six-storey building and the adjacent Percy Brunette Building were deemed earthquake-prone by engineers, likely to be so damaged in a significant earthquake that they would be unusable. Both buildings were issued notices by Nelson City Council requiring remedial works, with a deadline of November 2028.

“They are incredibly cramped and dated buildings,” Rachel says.

“For the people who stay in them, it is not an experience where they are staying in an environment that can help them recover.

“I asked Shane Reti in Parliament last week if he would commit to the project and the full 1.1b cost,” Rachel says. “He could not commit which caused me great con-

cern.”

When questioned in a post-cabinet press conference on Monday, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the health minister has a “huge amount of complex pressures in infrastructure across healthcare” which he will be “taking advice” on.

The Government needs to be clear about the changes it is con-

sidering for the Nelson Hospital rebuild, Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall says. “After a period of work and research, Te Whatu Ora presented me with a range of options for use of existing and new buildings and selected the clinically preferred option, including a new acute services and inpatient care building,” she says. “I was advised that further review of options would only save cost if we compromised on the clinical capacity we were adding and reduced the clinical capacity of the building. National needs to come clean and state whether they have been advised otherwise, or whether this is just yet another cost-cutting exercise.

Nelson Mayor Nick Smith says the new phased approach could benefit the region.

“I’ve seen Dunedin Hospital has now taken 12 years with the big bang approach, our region can’t wait 12 years,” he says. “I’m assured there’s no reduction from the $72m for design, that money is still available.

“I just want a good outcome for the region.”

Ray Barratt Toi Toi

try.”

Tyler Brimacombe Maitai

Alesha Pyers Atawhai

Suzie LeCran Glenduan

most epic date scones, she nailed it.”

What is your favourite memory of your mother?

SARA HOLLYMAN

Rachel Boyack is concerned about changes to the Nelson Hospital rebuild plan. Photos: Supplied.

Bus stop move infuriates parents

SARA HOLLYMAN

Parents of children travelling on a bus to north Nelson have been left “furious” after they say a bus stop has been made more dangerous than it was before they began campaigning for it to be changed.

Local parents Miriam Woon and Allison Daughtrey contacted the Nelson Weekly in February, concerned about the bus stop at Todds Valley, that children as young as 12 use to get to school in Nelson.

In the morning, the bus picks them up at Todd Bush Rd on SH6 heading into Nelson, a perfectly safe stop according to the pair. However, in the afternoon, the bus pulls into a stop on the opposite side of the highway, leaving students to run across the highway –a stretch of road that is in an 80kmh speed zone.

The pair said the intersection is not safe for children to cross, claiming that visibility of cars coming from the direction of the Glen is well outside Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency’s safety guidelines.

The couple enlisted the help of Nelson MP Rachel Boyack who took their concerns to the Minister of Education Erica Stanford.

At the time, Ministry of Education group manager school

transport James Meffan said the bus stop had recently been reviewed by both the school bus provider and the ministry to ensure that it is consistent with Waka Kotahi’s safe siting guidelines and found that it was safe to use.

However, following a meeting between parents and local ministry staff on 12 April, ministry staff and the transport provider visited the bus stop on SH6 and conducted a review, which found that the stop is “not consistent” with safety guidelines.

In a letter sent to meeting attendants on Monday, MOE regional liaison lead Tracey Tupi-Rewi said they have made the decision that, from Monday 13 May, the bus will now stop further down the highway at the Wakapuaka Sandflats.

“I understand that this may impact the convenience of the service for some caregivers,” she said in the letter.

She reiterated that caregivers maintain the responsibility of getting children to and from bus stops safely, including “supervising road crossings where necessary”.

The change means that, if students aren’t collected from the bus stop, they will need to walk more than 550m along the highway against the flow of traffic, and cross the road at the same point as before.

“We’re trying to prevent something from happening but it feels like more things are going to arise,” Miriam says.

“We’re furious because we approached the ministry because it’s so unsafe, and this isn’t a solution.”

Rachel Boyack, Allison Daughtrey and Miriam Woon at the intersection of SH6 and Todds Valley. Photo: Sara Hollyman.

‘On edge’: Tāhuna camp residents in limbo

FROM PAGE 1

that TBHP park does not actually have resource consent to have its 115 long-term residents, despite trying to obtain it from council for the past four years, and a letter was sent on 19 April to inform them that they may be required to move if the plan change occurs.

Chief executive of TBHP, David Pattinson says they have been informed by their legal adviser that it will not be possible for the council to grant resource consent after the hearing if it goes in the airport’s favour.

“We know this is distressing news to many, including ourselves, and it is not definite but a possibility,” David said in the letter.

Until mid-2020, the park operated in accordance with the Tāhunanui Reserve Management Plan of 2004, formally adopted by the council in April 2004. This plan recognised the presence of long-term residents but limited their number to no more than 100 sites.

In 2019, the council determined that, because the Tāhunanui Reserve has never been vested as a reserve under the Reserves Act 1977, the management plan was of no effect.

Consequently, council staff identified that the ‘permanent’ village at the park was operating without a necessary resource consent.

After meetings in early 2021, David says they were “unhappy” with the council’s approach and took charge of the process.

In July 2021, the park submitted a resource consent application and a cultural impact assessment report.

Peter and Margaret Calvert have been living in their relocatable home at the Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park for 10 years. Photo: Kate Russell.

They were also asked to provide an impact report on residents of the noise of aircraft flying overhead, in which TBHP says no issues were identified.

In April 2023, David says the park was told that as long as they complied with the provisions in the Tāhunanui Reserve Management Plan, resource consent was not required. However, upon the park requesting a Certificate of Compliance from the council, he says they were told a resource consent was still needed.

“Since that time TBHP has been providing additional information requested by NCC to progress the resource consent.

“It does not appear likely that NCC will be issuing a resource consent any time soon,” David says.

“Should NAL succeed in

gaining approval for its Notices of Requirement, our legal adviser’s opinion is that NCC will then be unable to issue TBHP with a resource consent.

“That would mean that the residential village as a whole would be non-compliant, and we would have no option but to cease occupation,” he says.

David says they will be doing “everything we can” to present a strong case at the hearing, which is being held from 13-17 May.

Long-term residents Peter and Margaret Calvert say they are all “on edge”.

The couple have called the TBHP home since September 2014 and live in a relocatable home on Beach View, which runs along the edge of the back beach estuary.

“This is our retirement home. We could uplift the house,

but where do we go and how do we pay for the transportation and a section? The other option is we walk out of here and have nothing.”

David says some long-term residents have been living there for up to 25 years. He says he is also “deeply concerned” about the noise effects on the park should the northern extension go ahead.

“We already receive complaints about the aircraft noise and conversation often has to cease when aircraft fly overhead,” he has said in his statement of evidence.

“My fear is that for an increasing number of guests, this may force them to consider other destination options.”

He believes that that a southern expansion option has been dismissed without adequate explanation, however, NAL has said that extending to the south would require reclaiming the seabed and would have a range of environmental effects.

The council’s chief executive, Nigel Philpott, says while he can’t expand on the outcome of the resource consent application until that process is complete, he is “confident” a solution can be found that works for all parties.

“I want to make it really clear that council has no intention of making anyone at the campground homeless,” Nigel says.

“A resource consent has been applied for and our regulatory team is working on it as a priority.

“I empathise with the campground and its residents, they want some certainty around the status of their homes and that’s very understandable.”

Nelson at your fingertips

Ruru brings the love to the library

FROM PAGE 1

“He is there for kids, but adults can come and relate to him or ask questions. It’s very lowkey.”

Elise says Ru, who has just turned two, is the perfect dog to teach children just how gentle they can be.

“One day, two girls, who were a bit scared of dogs, came over with their dad and they slowly patted him. He picks up on how people are feeling and how confident they are.”

Ru, who is named after the morepork/ruru, “adores” soft toys and also loves shredding up paper.

“So, I was a bit anxious about how he would deal with being in the library with books everywhere, but he’s fine.”

She says he is very popular with both visitors and the library staff.

“Sometimes I feel like a minder for a minor celebrity. One day he came through the door and some kids were waiting who had been dying to meet him,”

Elise says. “He brings a smile to people’s faces. I know for me, he has been good for my mental health. My husband and I find that every day we are laughing because of Ru.

“It’s nice to be able to share him with people who might not have a dog. It feels like a really positive thing to do that engages with the community.”

You can find Ru and Elise at the Elma Turner Library every second Saturday from 1-2pm. Their next session will be on Saturday, 18 May.

Councils are seeking feedback on whether to amend the Saxton Field Reserve Management Plan to permit temporary alcohol advertising for international cricket. The current plan was adopted in 2021 and does not permit commercial advertising of alcohol at Saxton Field (apart from price and product schedules at point of sale). The purpose of the amendment would be to enable alcohol advertising to occur for international cricket matches where a contractual sponsorship commitment is in place. The amendment would also signal an expectation that alcohol advertising would be phased out by the time of the next plan review. Submissions can be made at shape. nelson.govt.nz and close on Friday 24 May, and a hearing is scheduled for Friday 7 June at 9:30am. Photo: Supplied.

Double shots served prizes neat

GORDON PREECE

The reputation of a Nelson cocktail bar isn’t on the rocks after a duo with a spirit for spirits recently tasted national success.

Kismet Cocktail and Whisky Bar co-owner Nick Widley and bartender Swanny Monthuit took home awards in The Perfect Blend Cocktail Competition in Auckland, which was held on 15 and 16 April.

The competition was hosted by spirits behemoth Beam Suntory which produces spirits such as Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark. Nick won the Professional Award and Swanny came away with the Apprentice Award for their inventive cocktails which had to represent either the maker’s own tradition or personality, product knowledge, research, and blind tasting of raw spirits produced by Beam Suntory.

Nick says he missed his winning announcement over his delight for Swanny’s win.

“I was a little bit shocked really, and it’s really cool because for the first time in the competition’s history two awards have been won by bartenders from the same bar,” Nick says.

“But what I’m really happy about is the fact that you don’t need to be in a big city to be an amazing bar.”

Entrants were also tasked with

social media engagement before the competition.

Swanny is currently in New Zealand on a working holiday from France.

She says that entering the compe-

tition and to be served an award after just eight months behind the Kismet bar, was a “great experience”.

“I’m not a competitive person, but Nick really insisted for me to

enter this competition with him to learn so much and discover so much,” she says.

“In Auckland, there were so many amazing people and some amazing bartenders with a lot of experience.

“I just wanted to do my best and try not to stress too much as it was my first competition.

“I was even more happy when Nick won [an award], I didn’t want to do the rest of the adventure without him. If I win he had to win as well.”

Swanny says her winning cocktail was called ‘Spring in Tokyo’, which was stirred up by her upcoming travels to Japan.

The drink combines Roku Japanese Gin, cherry blossom liqueur, yuzu, sake and soy.

“The way that we presented our drinks in new and creative ways really got us there. I was very pleased to hear that when they were judging the cocktails,” Nick says.

“One of the judges said there was no way of making my drink any better.”

His winning cocktail was called the ‘Islay Hold Up’ which blends his affinity with the white sandy beaches on the Isle of Islay off the west coast of Scotland.

The drink combines Laphroaig 10-year-old single malt whisky, Italian bitters, apéritif, malic, citric, passionfruit, along with pineapple.

Nick and Swanny will soon shake and stir in the grand final in Queenstown in June against mixologists from New Zealand and Australia.

Local business introduces cutting-edge technology

A foundation of innovation and reliability in Nelson’s industrial landscape, Heslops Engineering proudly unveils its latest addition to the workshop: the Arcbro Stinger Pro 5100 CNC Cutting Table. Designed with precision and productivity in mind, Glenn Turner says the stateof-the-art plasma cutting table promises to revolutionise manufacturing processes across various sectors within the business. Capable of handling the most intricate designs, the robust CNC cutting table is the ideal choice for both small-scale projects and large-scale production runs.

“This robust, industrial table is built with production in mind. The plasma table can handle the rigours of continuous production runs with industry-leading repeatability and reliability.”

Offering ‘unlimited potential’, one of the most impressive features of the Stinger Pro 5100 is its ability to pierce through formidable materials

with ease. From stainless steel to aluminium and mild steel, it can pierce up to 20mm of stainless steel and 25mm of mild steel and aluminium, while also providing precise edge cuts of up to 40mm thickness across all materials. Compared to traditional flame cutting methods, the Stinger Pro 5100 boasts a cutting speed that is three times faster, allowing for quicker turnaround times without compromising on quality. Whether you’re in need of precision parts for industrial machinery or decorative elements for architectural projects, the Stinger Pro 5100 delivers impeccable cutting quality across all thicknesses.

Heslops Engineering is a division of Lloyd Heslop Motors Ltd, a renowned name in the automotive, road transport and engineering sectors. Proud to deliver a timely service, cost-effectiveness, and safety, on all projects, the team have been serving the transport industry for decades. Over the years, the company has expanded its services, employing skilled professionals and embracing community initiatives. Now, as the team introduces the Arcbro Stinger Pro 5100 CNC Cutting Table, it marks yet another milestone in the company’s history of innovation and service excellence. With this cutting-edge technology at their disposal, customers can expect nothing short of exceptional results for their manufacturing needs. If you have a job, big, small or even decorative, that you would like done then give Heslops Engineering a call on 03 543 9404 for a free quote.

Business Update. Advt.

Kismet Cocktail and Whisky Bar co-owner Nick Widley and bartender Swanny Monthuit recently poured in national awards for their mixology. Photo: Gordon Preece.

Fierce climb stokes their fire

GORDON PREECE

A Stoke firefighting duo will scale the second tallest building in the southern hemisphere on 18 May for a flaming good cause.

The annual Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge is the optimum challenge for firefighters across Aotearoa to burn through the pain, ascending the 51 flights of the tower’s stairs to fundraise for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC).

LBC provides essential support for patients and their families, as well as funding research into blood cancer, raising awareness and advocating for patients.

The event marks its 20-year climb this year, and the Stoke Volunteer Fire Brigade has participated for roughly the last 15 years.

Jamie Foskett has captained the Stoke team for around three years and will attempt to conquer the 328m tower for the fourth time with sec-

ond-year entrant for Stoke, Lindsay Kelly.

Stoke deputy chief fire officer

Matt van der Heyden is also suiting up for the climb with the Nelson Airport Fire Service team.

Jamie says the worthy cause the challenge presents sparked his and Lindsay’s interest.

“Blood cancer and leukaemia affects so many people and it’s great that we as firefighters can do something that keeps us fit, but it also helps us raise a little bit of money for such a good cause,” he says.

“It’s also such a great environment catching up with all the firefighters that you get to train with over the years, doing courses and challenges.”

The challenge requires firefighters to be in full structural firefighting gear, with a breathing apparatus, and carrying a carbon fibre cylinder, which weighs around 25kg.

Jamie says he and Lindsay have been regularly training, including racing up the Tamaki Steps and competing in the

National Firefighter Challenge in Wellington on 3 and 4 May. He says grit and determination, and keeping leukaemia and blood cancer patients at the front of their minds, gives them the push to the Sky Tower summit, which takes between 10 and 20 minutes.

Jamie says the Stoke brigade raised around $10,000 last year for LBC and the duo hope to raise as much as they can in 2024.

“We tend to go to local events with our gear and [donation] buckets, and talk to people about the event,” he says. “We also approach local businesses, and we get the word out through people that we know via social media.

“I appreciate all the support anyone can offer us, it’s such a good cause, we love doing it every year and enjoy the challenge.”

To help the Stoke Volunteer Fire Brigade in their fundraising efforts visit firefighterschallenge.org.nz/ stoke-volunteer-fire-brigade

Stoke Volunteer Fire Brigade firefighters Jamie Foskett and Lindsay Kelly will burn through the pain on 18 May as they attempt to conquer the Sky Tower for a cause. Photo: Gordon Preece.

New sites sought for red-stickered houses

ANNE HARDIE

For more than a century, the character villa at the bottom of the hill on Brook St in Nelson has housed various families, but it has stood vacant since the 2022 flood due to the threat of landslips and now it has the chance of a fresh start with a new view.

It has already been shifted once when it was relocated to Brook St a couple of decades ago and now it might get the chance to be loaded onto a truck and go for another ride.

It is one of 10 properties on the street that have been purchased by the Nelson City Council at a cost of $6.7 million after the council-owned hillside became unstable following the August 2022 flood and then more heavy rain a few months later.

Now the mix of houses, that range from the early 1900’s villa to a three-storied alpine-style home, are for sale to potential homeowners who are prepared for a project once they have been taken apart, trucked and pieced back together.

Chaneys Real Estate principal, Grant Chaney, says all the homes have stories behind them and while it has been a hard process for the homeowners who can no longer live in them, there are potentially positive outcomes for the houses.

“The owners can move on and

it’s positive in that respect and positive for someone else who can get a good house at a good value.”

Grant says, all the houses are being sold by tender with no reserves and the aim is to find buyers who can shift the houses off the land so council does not have the cost of removing them.

“There are some quite cool houses that will relocate really well. It’s amazing what they can do these days and programmes on TV have made people more aware of the possibilities.”

Real estate consultant Krystal Henderson says there has been considerable interest and

An old villa is one of 10 houses looking for a new site to call home. Photo: Supplied.

quotes have been sought from relocatable housing companies.

On Brook St, she says the villa is the firm favourite for relocating, but there is interest across the board.

“Most people have their own land and some are looking at the houses as a project and a more affordable option than building.”

Council’s acting group manager infrastructure, David Light, says that once the houses are removed, a bund will be installed with stormwater controls at the bottom of the properties to protect services, the road and properties across the street.

The land will be returned to its original state and he says there is potential for it to be vested as part of the Tantragee Reserve. Originally, the council had planned to remediate three slips that affected the properties as part of the $17.3 million slip-repair package approved in May 2023. Further rainfall and geotechnical investigations meant the proposed work was no longer fit for purpose as there was an increased risk of future landslips. Money from the sales will be used to offset the cost of deconstructing any remaining houses and remediating the land.

Nelson Airport chief executive resigns

Nelson Airport’s Mark Thompson has resigned from his role as chief executive and will leave the airport this July to move into consultancy work and spend more time with family. Mark joined the airport in 2021 and has overseen its recovery from the Covid-era travel decline to once more being a thriving regional gateway. The Nelson Airport board will soon begin recruitment.

Medical students get stuck in at Kellys

Kellys Conservation Forest held a successful working bee on Sunday, 28 April, thanks to a group of 37 medical students from Otago and Auckland. The students spent the morning weeding in the bush with gardening gloves and tools kindly donated by Mitre 10 and Placemakers.

Trafalgar Footbridge to be replaced

The Trafalgar footbridge, which spans Saltwater Creek between the Trafalgar Centre and Haven Rd, is nearing the end of its lifespan and will be replaced this month. Work will begin on 20 May and is expected to finish in early June. The replacement bridge has been designed by an artist who has other pieces of work around Nelson, including at Broadgreen Intermediate and Birchwood School.

Gardening tips for May

This month we want to focus on glorious garlic. Growing your own garlic can be very rewarding but it can also be frustrating because it is very susceptible to rust, an airborne fungal disease. We wanted to share some tips that will help ensure you get a gorgeous, healthy crop.

Traditionally garlic is planted on the shortest day and harvested on the longest day. In our district it is best to plant anytime from April onwards, ensuring it is well-established by Spring. Wet, humid Spring weather is when rust is most likely to attack.

We have two garlic varieties in-store; NZ Printanor and Elephant. Printanor forms the lovely white cloves we know and love whilst Elephant forms huge cloves with a much milder flavour. It is also more rust resistant. Why purchase ‘seed’ garlic? The bulbs have been specially selected for their health and vigour. Also, supermarket garlic could have been chemically treated to prevent it from sprouting.

Garlic detests wet feet so choose a sunny site with friable (loose), well-drained soil. If you are on heavy clay soil, it is best to plant your garlic on high mounds of soil or in grow bags. Good airflow is also extremely important because this will help prevent rust from becom-

ing established.

Digging in plenty of fish compost and sheep manure pellets will provide valuable nutrients for this very hungry crop. Our premium potting mix, mixed with some fish compost is the perfect combination for grow bags. When planting Printanor garlic, break it into cloves, choosing the biggest ones. Make holes approximately 20cm apart and pop the clove in, pointy end upwards, so the tip is level with the top of the soil. Small cloves can be potted up to be used as seed garlic next season. Elephant garlic cloves are already separated. The planting method is the same but it is worth noting that it can take two seasons to produce a big bulb of large cloves. Sometimes it will happen in the first season but it is something to be aware of.

As with any member of the onion family, it is very important to keep weeds at bay. If applying mulch, wait until your garlic has sprouted and keep mulch well away from the stems as it can cause them to rot.

The nursery is looking fabulous with so much to choose from. Come in to our onestop shop for your garden and landscape supplies. We also have firewood available for a limited time.

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

$36k fees for managing estate a ‘farce’

When Steve Page’s mother died last year, the family sold her house and he says it should have been a simple process, yet Public Trust still charged $41,000 for managing her estate.

Steve says Public Trust’s fee is a “farce”. He says it charged $10,000 for “clipping the ticket” for the sale of the house, even when the family had done most of the work to sell it. When one of the grandkids sent several texts to Public Trust about money that their grandmother had intended for the grandkids, their enquiry added $2,000 to the costs.

“It’s a croc, a scam. You aren’t after anything for free – you just want a reasonable deal.”

He was the executor of his mother’s will and says he has been told by one local lawyer that his mother’s estate would have cost between $10,000 and $12,000 in total if it was dealt with through a lawyer.

Steve’s experience with Public Trust got off to a bad start when it emailed him about the death of his wife, rather than mother, and it went downhill as charges mounted. He says the public need to know about the cost of getting Public Trust to administer their estate when they die.

“They’ve taken their money out by the time the estate hands out dividends to the family.”

Public Trust’s final charge for the family was $36,000 as it has a maximum charge of 5 per cent of the estate, but he says that is still excessive and if his mother’s estate had more value, it would have charged the full $41,000.

Steve says Public Trust wanted a $2,200 health and safety paper for the sale of the house and attempted to enlist an Australian company to value the house at a cost of about $2,000, when it had already

been valued by a local agent. When he complained about costs getting out of control and wanted to see the breakdown of those costs, he was told it was a “modular cost system” which he says is probably used to hide overcharging. He says many of the people using Public Trust are elderly and he suspects they believe it is Gov-

ernment-run and so therefore trust it to administer their estate when they die and may even think it is free.

Public Trust was a government department for 125 years but became an autonomous and self-funding Crown entity in 2002. It is now one of the country’s largest charitable trust administrators and advisors.

In a statement, a Public Trust spokesperson said estate administration involves legal, property, financial and tax matters, as well as family dynamics, so it can get complicated. Each estate is unique, and the cost depends on the services people need and the time it takes.

“We are sorry Mr Page is unhappy about how elements of his late mother’s estate were handled. In this case, there were complexities to work through, involving not just Mr Page but others provided for in the will. We consider the fees charged were fair and reasonable.

“Public Trust has engaged

constructively, answering Mr Page’s questions and providing a detailed breakdown of all fees and charges. While he didn’t take up our offer for a meeting to discuss his concerns, we have suggested he talks to the financial services ombudsman for an independent view – that option remains open to him.”

Steve says the estate was not complex though and many of his emails were ignored.

“There were no tricky legal or moral parts to the will. The Public Trust is not telling the truth here. A single woman with modest bank savings and ownership of a family home was the sum of the estate. And contrary to Public Trusts comments, there were only two sibling beneficiaries.”

He scoffs at Public Trust’s suggestion of talking with the ombudsman and did not take up the offer of a meeting because he says it is slick at explaining its costs and has never been admonished by the ombudsman to date.

He says individuals cannot afford to fight Public Trust about costs and it would take a class action to make changes. His mother had dementia at the end of her life and Steve says her death was not a surprise, whereas many people losing someone would not be in a good emotional space to stand up against Public Trust. In its response, Public Trust says that at a time when many household budgets are stretched, it is committed to providing affordable and accessible services. “We are upfront about the costs involved and promote price transparency by publishing our fees and charges online for anyone to see. It is important people choose the service provider that’s right for them. People want peace of mind that their wishes will be carried out efficiently and objectively.”

LOCAL LEGENDS

With a passion for his community and a huge humble heart to boot, Kai Rescue and Brooke Sanctuary volunteer, Mark Holmes epitomises what it takes to be a Local Legend. Nominated by his colleagues, Mark’s journey into volunteering began around seven years ago, following a challenging period marked by the effects of a brain tumour, which led to early retirement. Encouraged by his specialist to reintegrate into daily life, Mark found solace and purpose in volunteering. “It was tough in the beginning,” says Mark. “But I love the feeling of accomplishment that I get from my roles. After the surgery I was encouraged to go out and continue doing constructive things. I love intermingling as a unit with the other volunteers. They are all really good people and we have a cup of tea and a good laugh. I look forward to my volunteer days and get a very strong feel-good factor from them, it has also helped to create much needed structure in my life.”

Mark’s role involves a range of tasks including sorting through the estimated 12 tonnes of food that is donated to Kai Rescue each month before it is distributed to the various community groups. Quality is paramount to the Kai Rescue team, yet all safe-to-eat donations are welcomed with open arms. “The vast majority of items are donated by local supermarkets, but a lot is dropped in by local growers who have excess produce as well.”

Sarah, Mark’s wife, is also a part time volunteer with the Nelson Civic Choir, and in recognition of National Volunteer Week in June, Mark’s advice to anyone looking at joining a volunteer organisation should start with having a conversation with the team at Volunteer Nelson. “There is nothing to lose by doing so. It’s a win, win situation!” Mark’s zest for life and dedication to the community reminds us that the true measure of a life well-lived lies in the impact we make on others. As this month’s Nelson Auto Glass Specialists Local Legend we would like to thank Mark and the incredible team at Kai Rescue for all of the wonderful work that they do for our community.

Toby Bowden & Francis Lagrutta leading the local team.

Local Legend sponsor, Nelson Auto Glass Specialist’s Toby Bowden, with our May Local Legend recipient, Mark Holmes.

Steve Page

Aratai Marsden, 9, and Matanga Marsden, 12

Copper Rodgers, 7, and Ben Rodgers

Craig Garner and Amelia Garner, 10

Gavin Carter and Kayla Kitching, 11

Michael Jefford and Jaylin Jefford, 12

George Hall, 4, Eddie Hall, 6, and Melani Faamaile, 4

Indi Fallen, 11, and Malakai Lewis, 18

Iria Burke, 9, Milan Pierce, 10, and Lucia Geane, 8

Sarah Juniper, 15, and Jessica Juniper, 15

Man sent to prison after photographing young children

TRACY NEAL Open Justice Reporter

Warning: This story deals with sexual offending and may be distressing.

A man who hid in the changing rooms of three different recreational facilities and covertly took photos of naked children in two of them has been sent to prison for four years.

Five years after his first offence he was finally caught after an associate to whom he’d given his computer for repairs handed police a copy of files showing pictures of naked children. The 48-year-old, who has lived a solitary existence, was sentenced in the Nelson District Court on Friday on four charges of doing an indecent act, two of which were representative charges, and three charges of knowingly possessing an objectionable publication.

The offending happened at public recreational facilities across the top of the South Island. He was denied permanent name suppression, but an interim suppression order was imposed when his lawyer indicated an appeal was possible.

The parents of one of the victims told the court their child was just 10 at the time. Until then, they

had never had a reason to be scared, but the effects of the man’s offending had been profound.

His offending dates back to December 2018, when he photographed young girls, aged between six and 10, at one facility.

Many of the victims remain unknown and were likely unaware of what had happened.

Crown prosecutor Jeremy Cameron said the offending had been habitual, had a “terrifying escalation” in seriousness, and had happened against a backdrop of previous proven offending.

He said the man’s offending had gone from possessing and creating objectionable images to engaging with young people.

In January 2019 the defendant was in the changing rooms of another complex when he took a series of 18 photos of naked boys aged between eight and 10 as they were getting changed.

In the same month, he covertly photographed two young girls, aged five and seven, as they sat at a table opposite him at a restaurant in the same town as the complex where he’d photographed the naked boys.

In October 2019 an adult who regularly used the facility where the boys were photographed noticed over several weeks that the

defendant, on about six occasions, was acting strangely in the male changing rooms. He noticed him in a shower cubicle, peeking out of a crack in the door as people walked past. He’d then “pop out” of the cubicle when a young child walked past but if an adult walked past, he’d close the door.

On one occasion the witness noticed the man in the main part of the changing room, naked except for a towel wrapped around his lower torso. He then turned to face a group of unaccompanied children, aged between five and six, and exposed himself while smiling. The man who witnessed the incident reported it to staff but because English was his second language he had difficulties communicating what he saw. The manager of the facility reported the matter to the police.

A few weeks later the witness was asked by a staff member to go into the changing rooms and identify if the man there was the same as who he’d reported earlier. He confirmed it was and staff called the police. The defendant told them he would peek out of the cubicle to “check whether anyone was waiting to use the shower”. His explanation for exposing

himself was that he had left the shower to get his drink which he had left on the shelf and “the children may have seen him walk back to the shower naked”.

He told police he was “rarely naked inside the changing room” but because it was a changing room “a level of nudity was expected”.

He was then trespassed from the complex.

In November 2021 the defendant was at yet another recreational facility in a different town in the top of the South Island and entered a changing room at the same time as two children aged 10 and 11. He removed his clothing completely and walked to the shower cubicle where the children were also showering. When they were back in the changing room, the man left the cubicle he was in, sat down on a bench near the children, began to apply soap to his body, and masturbated. There was no one else in the room.

He later told police he had no sexual interest in the children.

Judge Tony Zohrab said while sentencing him that although the facts indicated the defendant knew what he was doing was wrong, he still denied he had a sexual interest in children.

In October 2021, the defendant’s associate found photos of naked

children on the man’s computer. However, it wasn’t until March 2023 that the associate reported the find to the police and handed over a copied version of the files saved on a storage device.

Police found six Category A images, around 40 Category B images and more than 550 Category C images, many of which depicted “horrific and sickening sexual abuse” of children, Judge Zohrab said. Police also found a series of 73 photos and videos taken by the defendant between February and November 2018 of two young girls aged between six and 10. Judge Zohrab said it was “really important” that he understood the victims were real children and not cartoons or “cyphers”. “I hope you are able to stop feeling sorry for yourself and reflect on what you have done and how it must have affected those children.”

Judge Zohrab said the application for permanent name suppression failed to meet the threshold of extreme hardship, including that likely to be suffered by the defendant’s mother if his name was published.

The sports facilities involved say they have made operational changes to ensure similar offending doesn’t happen again.

Have your say: sara@topsouthmedia.co.nz facebook.com/nelsonweekly

Curtains draw on 64 years

Great to see you on Facebook and learn more about your life Barbara. You still have a good voice and are a good example of a great lady.

Trevor Alexander Squires

I remember as a young boy listening to Barbara singing as a guest artist in the Nelson Male Voice Choir concerts when Len Barnes was the conductor.

George Dempster

and great to listen to you Barbara congrats on the wonderful knitting you and your friends have done to raise funds for Stoke Seniors

Ruby Aberhart

Well done you…..I always envied your lovely voice…..time to sit back a little

Shirley Goodman

I remember her loving being Cinderella, some 50 years later I met her and she still recalls her day as a princess

Sue Wilson

‘Teamwork makes the dreamwork’ for NIS team

Fantastic result for this team all round

Welldone

Bill Nicholls

Weka visits

Our resident Weka couple here in The Brook are prolific breeders and have around 15 chicks per year. They have frequented our place since 2015 and have had approx 98 chicks during that time!

Andrea Warn

Awesome stuff, well done lads. Tony is a great coach too.

Aidan Fraser

That’s amazing, congratulations lads what a great achievement.

Margo Fraser

Well done coaches, managers parents, caregivers, boys. Winners are grinners.

Sue Dahlberg

Alaron cut 139 jobs

My husband was one of the 139 jobs cut by Alaron. As a result, we are both leaving this Saturday to find work in Brisbane. I love Nelson & our country but it’s getting too hard to make ends meet.

Vanessa Richardson

Tāhuna tree fenced off as ‘play risk’

It’s getting out of hand the amount of safety features we need to have these days. The council should be letting responsibilities rest with parents and kids just like the world use to be.

Kieran Hambrook

Play risk is extremely important. There is a study called nature deficisite disorder. The NCC should look into it. Basically it’s important for children to have appropriate risk so they learn their limits. It’s extremely important in childhood to develop an understanding of appropriate risk before adulthood. It is a theory why teenagers push the limits too far because of this.

Tina Lissant-Clayton

That’s the most ludicrous thing I’ve ever heard!!! I would rather see kids outside climbing & having fun than staring at screens!!!

Shirley May Harrison

Nelson Matters

Hon Dr Nick Smith

REGION REJECTS BLANKET SPEED LIMIT CUTS

The Nelson and Tasman councils last year sought public feedback on different options to cut speed limits across the region. We received 2247 submissions and I spent two days last week hearing the different views.

This speed limit reduction plan was a requirement of the previous Government as part of “Road to Zero” and had to be done by June. Its guidance was that all urban streets, other than arterials, be reduced to 30km/hr. The new Government has softened this policy and Councils now have more flexibility and more time.

I thank all those who made submissions. Most were opposed to blanket speed limit cuts. The 30km/hr option for urban streets was opposed by 66% to 27% and the 40km/ hr option by 59% to 30%. There was strong support for speed reductions around schools at times they open and close.

It is easy to dismiss the extra time of travel from cutting speed limits as adding only a few more minutes to a journey. This overlooks that Nelson and Tasman motorists travel 1.03 billion km per year. A 10km/hr reduction in speed equates to an extra 2.5 million hours of driving time or an average extra 24 hours per person per year.

Speed does have an impact on safety. Nelson has an average of 13 death or serious-injury accidents per year and three of these have speed as a contributing factor. However, for many of these crashes where speed is a contributor, the drivers were already way over the speed limit. The real issue is one of compliance.

A better safety measure than blanket speed reductions is improving road design at known accident black spots. Council is making these a priority. An example is the Victory roundabout where work starts next week on safety improvements.

Speed limit reductions do make sense in some places around schools and on some of our windy, narrow roads such as Cable Bay Road where the local community has made a good case.

Our two councils will need to take time to consider these thousands of community submissions. Zero risk is not practical. Setting speed limits requires a balanced and nuanced approach.

Had one coming in daily for water and a few nibbles at feeding time.

Myles Harding

Nick Smith

MAYOR OF NELSON

Penguin-friendly upgrade at rehab clinic

This plucky little blue penguin, named Punch by its rescuers, had badly injured its feet trying to scramble out of an empty swimming pool in the Tasman district. Baby booties helped protect its tender feet while it healed under the care of the Tasman Bay Blue Penguin Trust. Punch has now been released at a Tasman beach, near where he was found. Photo: Supplied.

ELISE VOLLWEILER

Most renovations do not need a specification that the flooring be “conducive to little penguin feet”.

The Tasman Bay Blue Penguin Trust’s rehabilitation clinic has recently been upgraded, with new curtains to help regulate temperature, and new flooring that was chosen especially to fit the above criteria, according to trustee Linda Jenkins.

She says the clinic, which is located on a private property in the Tasman district, is now an improved space for the region’s native wildlife patients who require care for a range of reasons, including injuries, malnutrition and abandonment.

The facility upgrade was enabled through a Network Tasman Trust grant, as well as a donation from the Nelson Building Society and other private donors.

“It is working wonderfully for our little blues,” Linda says.

The clinic is quietly ad-

ministered by Dr Mana Stretton, the trust’s “honorary wildlife vet” who donates many hours of her time, says Linda, and little blue penguins, or kororā, are one of the most frequent patients.

Their conservation status is “at risk/declining”, and they are under pressure from habitat loss, dog attacks, car and boat strikes, and malnutrition brought on by climate change.

The kororā is native to New Zealand and are the world’s smallest penguin, weighing in at about a kilo and measuring about 25cm in height.

What they lack in stature, however, they make up for in personality.

“I think the biggest thing for me is just how tenacious they are. They put up with so much human-induced interference,” Linda says.

“They are very adaptable, if we give them half a chance.”

There are little blue populations in Tāhunanui, Ruby Bay, the wider Kaiteriteri area, and Pōha-

ra, to name a few nesting areas. They waddle under the radar and are often invisible to their human neighbours, as their onshore activity happens during the night.

Although it is hard to pinpoint exactly how many little blue penguins there are regionally, a study was undertaken in 2020 using a survey handler and a penguin detection dog.

It took the team a week to work their way from Tapu Bay to Split Apple Rock, and they located 173 active burrows in this area alone.

Linda says that each burrow will contain an active adult pair, and commonly two chicks.

However, if one of the adults does not make it home to its burrow, the nest fails, because the remaining parent cannot feed the chicks by itself.

Linda explains that the solo parent waits for as long as it can before abandoning the nest, effectively leaving the chicks to starve to death.

“It’s a really tragic family

story.”

Although humans are almost entirely responsible for the challenges that little blues face, they can also be part of the solution. Linda says that people can make a huge difference by reducing driving speeds and keeping dogs on leads around habitat areas, keeping cats contained, and helping with beach clean ups and predator trapping programmes. She says that positive rehabilitation outcomes, such as Punch’s happy ending, help to raise awareness of kororā, which in turn increases community engagement and motivation to make a positive difference for the tenacious penguins.

“Little blues can do with all the support we can give them,” she summarises.

More information about the Tasman Bay Blue Penguin Trust can be found at www.tasmanbaypenguins. org.nz or facebook.com/lo veourlittleblueskorora/

‘Road trip from hell’ leads to KidsMap

ANNE HARDIE

A holiday to a family wedding ended in the road trip from hell for a Nelson family with three young children and that led to them developing an app for families travelling with kids.

KidsMap was inspired by Kelsey and Tom Bates’ road trip that flung an eight-hour ferry delay into their journey, followed by Cyclone Gabrielle which threw their planned trip out the window and ended in chaos.

They were heading from Nelson to the Far North where Kelsey was to be the celebrant at her mother’s wedding, but didn’t get far before the trip began to turn sour.

“We got to Pelorus and one of the kids threw up and then got to Picton and the ferry was delayed for eight hours. We ended up sitting for three to four hours in the queue waiting, then got to Wellington at 2am. Then we got caught in Cyclone Gabrielle around Auckland and had to turn around.”

It meant they spent hours on Google trying to find unplanned accommodation and child-friendly places to eat, toilet and play safely all in one, which they discovered

was not that easy. Most places that were labelled child-friendly had a highchair and that was about it, Kelsey says.

“Every day I was getting more frustrated and angry.”

They eventually got to the wedding and when they returned to Nelson, decided to create an app for parents to find eating places with kids menus along with good playgrounds and toilet facilities.

Their logo says it all, with an adult on a seesaw holding a steaming cup of coffee and a child playing on the other end.

“We want to make child-friendly New Zealand accessible to fam-

ilies and there’s nothing better than a good cup of coffee while your kids are playing and having fun.”

They started googling potential places, but that took too long, so Kelsey joined all the mum groups and community Facebook groups around New Zealand, requesting recommendations for a family with young children.

“We wanted it all to be from the parent’s perspectives. Now we’re really excited to see some of the places that parents have recommended!”

So far, KidsMap includes more than 100 cafes and 200 playgrounds around New Zealand, and after posting the creation of the app on Facebook the recommendations from parents have been flooding in. Kelsey says, the information will continue to increase on the app and it will get better and better. It’s a free app and down the track they hope to turn it into a business through advertisements.

“It would be nice to get to the stage where it breaks even,” Tom says. “But as parents you don’t want to be paying for apps.”

The couple have created a website to access the app at www.kids map.nz

Tom and Kelsey Bates with their youngest, Zion, 2, now have KidsMap for those family road trips.

Photo: Anne Hardie.

Relaxed retirement living right in the heart of Richmond

Summerset Richmond Ranges is a modern, established retirement village offering a relaxing and low-maintenance lifestyle. All safe and secure within our fully gated community.

There are a range of brand-new two and three-bedroom villas available now. Plus, with our Moving Made Easy Offer# there’s never been a better time. Including $2,000 towards your legal fees, a complimentary moving package provided by Smart Express, and a six-month weekly fee waiver. Simply sign a sales contract for a selected home between 20 March 2024 and 30 June 2024, settle by 30 September 2024,* and you could be living the Summerset life sooner than you think. Pop along to one of our upcoming Open Days and see for yourself why our residents love the Summerset life.

Love the life you choose.

Open Days

Every Tuesday in May, 10am - 2pm

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

OUR NELSON

TĀTOU WHAKATŪ

Saxton Field alcohol advertising/ reserves amendment consultation

Nelson City and Tasman District Councils are seeking public feedback on a proposed amendment to the Saxton Field Reserve Management Plan which will permit temporary alcohol advertising at international cricket matches held at Saxton Oval.

Under current rules of the Plan, 'advertising of alcohol shall not be permitted on Saxton Field, apart from price and product schedules at point of sale.'

The proposed amendment allows for an exception to be made for international cricket matches with contractual sponsorship commitments.

This temporary advertising of alcohol will be permitted for the duration of the event, with the approval of the Saxton Field Committee Chair and the Chief Executives of both Councils.

The rule change will not apply to other sports or events held at venues within the Saxton Field complex.

At its April 2024 meeting, the Saxton Field Committee agreed to the proposed amendment. The matter will now go out for public feedback before the committee makes a recommendation that will be presented to the Joint Committee of Tasman District and Nelson City Councils on 9 July.

In the coming weeks, we want your feedback on this rule change to help us make a decision that reflects the views of the community.

Consultation is open now until Friday 24 May. For more information and to provide feedback, visit shape.tasman.govt.nz/ saxton-plan-change. Feedback is being collated through Tasman District Council.

We acknowledge that reducing exposure to alcohol advertising has long been noted as a key opportunity for reducing harm. Through collaborative work with stakeholders and the community, our future aspiration is to develop a new policy related to the advertising of alcohol, and the proposed amendments to the Reserve Management Plan include an expectation that advertising of alcohol would be phased out by the time of the next review of this plan.

Council-owned Brook Street homes up for sale

The 10 Nelson City Council-owned Brook Street homes at risk from landslips have gone up for sale.

All the homes, plus a studio and garage package, are for sale with Chaneys Real Estate for relocation, by tender, and with no reserve.

Acting Group Manager Infrastructure David Light says selling the homes is the next step in a process that will allow Council to install a bund with stormwater controls at the bottom of the properties to protect Council services, the road, and properties across the street.

“We are grateful to the homeowners for settling with us in such a timely manner and pleased that we can offer them a way to move on with their lives. Council can now get on with the job of returning this land to a natural state, with the potential for it to be vested as part of the Tantragee Reserve.”

Council had originally planned to remediate three slips from public land in the area affecting these private properties as part of the $17.3 million slip repair package approved in May 2023.

Stallholders wanted for Matariki Festival

We invite vendors and/or community groups to secure a stall at this year’s Matariki Festival.

The event will be held at Trafalgar Park on Friday 28 June from 5pm to 9pm.

Applications to host a stall close Friday 17 May.

However, that plan had to change following further rainfall and geotechnical investigations that meant the proposed fixes were no longer fit for purpose and the likelihood of these slips reactivating in a future major weather event had increased. Council finalised the purchase of the properties last month at a cost of $6.7 million.

Private viewings are available during the week, along with open homes, and additionally for an hour each Sunday. Search “Brook Street” on Trade Me to see the listings or contact Krystal Henderson from Chaneys Real Estate on 027 751 5493.

Tenders will close on 15 May, and any unsold structures will then be packaged for tender for deconstruction. Any monies received from sale of the dwellings will off-set the cost of deconstructing any that remain and/or remediating the land if funds allow.

Please contact Rangi Anderson at matariki@ncc.govt.nz to register your interest or for more information.

Number 341 Brook St is just one of the homes up for sale and relocation by tender.

Te Huihui-o-Matariki 2024

New taskforces to carry on City Revitalisation Summit momentum

Nelson City Council has established two new taskforces to help guide the progress of key city projects – the revitalisation of Nelson’s city centre, and the waterfront redevelopment.

The City Revitalisation Taskforce will be chaired by Deputy Mayor Rohan O’NeillStevens, and the Waterfront Redevelopment Taskforce will be chaired by Councillor Mel Courtney.

Nelson Mayor Nick Smith says the taskforces will provide governance oversight for major investment in the city and provide a forum for investigating and prioritising the many ideas that came from the City Revitalisation Summit, held six weeks ago.

"These new taskforces are about building on the momentum from the summit with the right structure and teams to translate the ideas from it into action.

"The City Revitalisation Taskforce is to deliver on the call for new investment in the central city, to oversee major projects such as Bridge to Better and the Millers Acre bus hub and to encourage privatesector investment. The Summit participants also urged Council to do more to make the most of the city-to-sea connection and the Waterfront Redevelopment Taskforce will take on this challenge. A strength of the summit was the community involvement and Council wants this to continue. We are supporting a community driven taskforce to continue the work of the What If Whakatū-Nelson initiative.

"The next step, now Council has approved the taskforces, is to get to work on the dozens of ideas that came from the summit,” Mayor Nick says.

Councillor Kahu Paki Paki will be deputy

chair of the City Revitalisation Taskforce with Councillors Trudie Brand, Pete Rainey, Aaron Stallard, Rachel Sanson and Mayor Nick (ex officio) making up the rest of the taskforce.

"This is an exciting step for driving forward our large upcoming projects like Bridge to Better and the Millers Acre bus hub, as well as working with the community on what's needed in the here and now,” says City Revitalisation Taskforce Chair, Deputy Mayor Rohan. “Our city is already a vibrant place. Our job is to amplify and enhance that and deliver to the full extent of its potential.”

MEETINGS

Council meeting - to hear submissions to draft Long Term Plan 2024-2034 (if required) 9am each day 9 and 10 May

Joint Nelson Tasman Regional Transport Committee - Tasman District Council Chamber, 189 Queen Street, Richmond 9.30am 13 May

Nelson Tasman Regional Landfill Business Unit

9.30am 17 May

Council meeting - to deliberate on submissions to draft Long Term Plan 20242034 9am each day 23 and 24 May

Regional Pest Management Joint Committee - to hear submissions to Partial Review of Regional Pest Management Plan 20192029 (if required) - Tasman District Council Chamber, 189 Queen Street, Richmond 9.30am 27 May

Chief Executive Employment CommitteeMayor's Office, Floor 2A, Civic House, 110 Trafalgar Street, Nelson 1pm 29 May

Change to meeting

Saxton Field Committee previously advertised to be held at the Boardroom, Sports House, 142 Saxton Road East, Saxton Field Complex, will now be held at Tasman District Council's Chamber, 189 Queen Street, Richmond 9.30am

A full list of meetings for 2024 are available on the Council’s website: nelson.govt.nz/ council/council-structure/council-meetings

International Compost Awareness Week

Nature’s way of recycling

To celebrate International Compost Awareness Week, Rethink Waste Whakaarohia and its partners in the community are offering a range of free workshops, events and activities.

Plus, there’s some great giveaways and prizes to be won.

FREE Compost Events:

Mitre 10 Mega Compost Display

All week, starting 5 May, inside Mitre 10 Mega Garden Centre Drop in anytime and enter the prize draw.

NCC Elma Turner Library WorkshopComposting Hacks with Kate Thursday 9 May, 12.30 - 1.30pm

Community Compost Saturday Club

Saturday 11 May, 9 - 11am at Waimarama Community Gardens

Get hands on with compost. Runs every Saturday.

Tim’s Garden - Composting 101 Workshops

Saturday 11 May, 10 - 11am at Tim’s Garden Free coffee, goody bag and prize draw. Light refreshments and spot prizes.

City Revitalisation Taskforce deputy chair Councillor Kahu Paki Paki, Waterfront Redevelopment Taskforce chair Councillor Mel Courtney, and Nelson Mayor Nick Smith.

Food for thought for budding chefs

ANNE HARDIE

Many young people no longer know how to cook a meal, use a knife properly or choose seasonal ingredients, so chef Tony Robson-Burrell is going to run courses for 12 to 19-year-olds who are keen on food.

His young chef’s course may even unearth budding chefs who he can direct into a career, but the main aim is to pass on 40 years’ experience as a chef in restaurants, hotels, pubs and even preparing food for King Charles and Queen Camilla at what was then Mahana Estates and before they were crowned.

“Creating a meal at home is becoming a lost art,” he says.

“So it’s a passion of mine to pass on my experience to younger people. It’s teaching them life skills; how to cook fresh food and make simple meals for the family and enjoy what food is all about.

“If anyone is interested in pursuing it as a career option, I can point them in the direction of restaurants and cafes.

It’s not about becoming a chef though, it’s about new skills, communication and enjoying themselves.”

He intends running separate

courses for 12 to 15-year-olds and 16 to 19-year-olds at The Food Factory, once a month on a Saturday over three months, so that those at school or working can attend.

One of his potential students is 16-year-old Sophia Malcolmson, though she is already a competent cook and usually prepares the family meal every night and likes to bake bread.

“I’m the only one out of my friends that cooks dinner.

“I just like how you make new things and not the same thing and if you don’t like something you can change it.”

Tony also wants to inspire his students to have go at growing their own produce, so they can understand more about their food and learn the importance of fresh produce.

He had intended to run the courses for free but says the cost of hiring the kitchen and buying ingredients has led to him putting a fee on the course.

The young chef courses follow his free cost-of-living courses where he teaches people how to cook a family meal for $5.

He says he continues to run that course every month because the cost of living continues to rise

and people are struggling. He regularly gets about 20 people to those courses and people only give a donation if they can afford it.

“What I’m trying to tell people now is to use high-quality ingredients, but less of it. That’s better than using lots of low-quality ingredients.

“You have to cook smart these days.”

Fore more information on the Young Chefs Cookery School, visit www.tonyscookeryschool.co.nz

Sophia Malcolmson, 16, kneads dough under the watchful eye of chef Tony Robson-Burrell. Photo: Anne Hardie.

Construction of Rocks Road in the 1890s connected Port Nelson with Tāhunanui. Throughout the construction, prisoners from Shelbourne Street Gaol were marched from the city via Washington Valley to work on it. Rocks Road was a huge project with its share of detractors. At a time when the city had gross revenue of just £13,000, the final construction cost was £11,000. Fortunately, there were contributions from neighbouring councils as well as the Government. At the opening ceremony on 3 February 1899, Premier Richard Seddon reportedly referred to “the inevitable croakers and pessimists” but called Rocks Road “a thing of beauty to be viewed and admired by visitors on entering the harbour”. Photo: Rocks Road Construction Gang. Nelson Provincial Museum Collection: 327640.

IT’S ALL ON AT NELSON JUNCTION, AS WE CELEBRATE THE FIRST FOUR TO OPEN THE DOOR.

SATURDAY 11 MAY FROM 9AM - 3PM

Making a difference in our community

Sunday 12 May is International Nurses Day, the anniversary of Florence Nightengale’s birth and an opportunity for us to recognise the incredible work nurses do to support our community.

Newly qualified District Nurse and mum of three Sandy Reid has always loved caring for people. She trained as a beauty therapist before moving into the health sector, spending time as a healthcare assistant and in administrative roles at dental and medical centres.

Eventually it was her colleagues at a Nelson medical practice who encouraged her to consider moving from reception to nursing. At age 50, Sandy took the leap and enrolled at NMIT to study nursing full time.

“I’ve always wanted to do nursing; I just didn’t think I was clever enough. I thought it was going to be way too hard, I didn’t do very well at school and then I had kids, then you make all the other excuses. It dawned on me that life is not going to wait for me, so I decided ‘let’s do it’ and I don’t regret it.” It’s something she still pinches herself about.

“I passed my finals in December. It’s still feels like ‘how did I do it?’ but if I can do it, anyone can do it, you just have to be passionate about it. I cannot believe I’m actually getting paid to do something that I love.”

As a District Nurse, Sandy visits people at home in the Nelson community and provides personalised care tailored to each patient. Her work is varied and can include administering medication and supporting patients with complex conditions. She particularly enjoys specialist wound care.

“I love skin, I think that comes from my beauty therapy. It’s such a large organ of the body. It’s pretty awesome to be able to support people as they heal.”

Complex palliative care is also a side of her role that Sandy finds rewarding.

“When I was doing my training in Motueka, I got a lot out of providing palliative care. My role was to set up anything the patient might need –syringe drivers, airbeds or supporting with medication. To know that you were making patients as comfortable as possible was the nicest feeling you could possibly get. Why didn’t I do this earlier on in my life?” she laughs, “I wish I had!”

Sandy started her community work in the Nayland area as part of a team of more than 20 District Nurses who support the Nelson community from Hira to Hope. District nursing is where Sandy sees her future.

“It’s a privilege to be able to go into someone’s home and see how they’re living. It gives you a holistic approach to nursing, you can see how they’re living and you can provide the appropriate support. Recently after I helped a patient, she gave me the

biggest hug and I thought, this is what makes it”.

It’s also working as part of a close-knit team that Sandy really enjoys.

“I’ve got a great team right beside me; if I need anything I can just pick up my phone and someone will be there. It’s a close-knit group between Wakefield, Richmond and Motueka. There’s no nastiness, we all just get in and work as a team. I feel very lucky.”

Overall, it’s the sense of satisfaction that Sandy gets from helping that makes her so passionate about nursing.

“My favourite thing about my role is helping. Knowing that I’m actually making a difference in someone’s life. It doesn’t matter what I’m doing, it could just be a basic thing, but that basic thing can make a huge difference to someone’s life.”

Sandy has a simple message for anyone considering nursing:

“Do it. Don’t hesitate. You don’t just have to do nursing, it’s a broad career. I would encourage anyone to go for it, don’t hold back, life’s too short. When you can make a difference to someone’s life then that is the best reward”.

Are you interested in becoming a nurse?

Find out more at www.nmdhb.govt.nz

Blessing of the Fleet a cherished tradition within the community

The annual Blessing of the Fleet is a poignant commemoration deeply rooted in Nelson's fishing and maritime history. Taking place along Wakefield Quay, on May 11, the event honours the memory of those lost at sea while celebrating the contributions of those who work on the water. This event is in memorial to the Chair of the Seafarers’ Memorial Trust, Mike Smith, who established the event in 2001 with support from the fishing industry and organisations like the Rotary Club of Nelson and major supporters such as Talleys and Sealord, and more recently Port Nelson, NCC, FirstMate and Guard Safety. While the event serves as a somber reminder of the risks faced

by fishermen, it also offers an opportunity for reflection and gratitude. Funds raised during the event support the Seafarers’ Memorial Trust, ensuring the Blessing's continuity and the upkeep of the memorial pier. Fireworks will now be launched from a barge anchored between Haulashore Island and Tahuna Beach to kick things off on Friday, May 10, from 5:30 pm until 7 pm. Fireworks kick off is around 6:30pm viewable from across the bay, people can head to Tahunanui Beach with their families to enjoy the display and the range of food trucks on offer. Saturday, May 11, is the actual Seafarers Blessing of the Fleet Community Day at Seafarers Memorial Pier

starting at 1 pm. As a free public event, this is an opportunity to witness the Blessing Ceremony, a Wreath Laying service and Vessel Parade, followed by an impressive display by Coastguard, Nelson Rescue Helicopter and Port Nelson Tugs. As long-standing supporters of the event, the Rotary Club of Nelson will be manning their annual Fish and Chips stall near the Seafarers Memorial to help raise funds for the Seafarers’ Memorial Trust. “We have been involved since the beginning with then - President of the Rotary Club of Nelson, Alex Rutherford, in the late nineties,” says Alan Winwood. “This is just one of a suite of things we are a part of, but it has the biggest profile, and

we really enjoy being a part of the event.” As one of the main yearly fundraisers for the Seafarers’ Memorial Trust, collection buckets will be available throughout the day. "We urge people to bring cash, but there will be Eftpos facilities.” Darren Guard, managing director of Guard Safety, says having the backing from local organisations is essential. “The general support from local organi-

sations like Talleys and Rotary Nelson is critical! Everyone who has gotten on board has been fantastic and it is awesome to have them pitching in. There will be a range of fantastic displays and onshore activities, and the Vessel Parade with all manner of those involved in the maritime sector. The aim for the future is to grow the event and add further interest as time goes by.”

The Seafarers Memorial on Wakefield Quay.

New site brings renewed energy to established local business

New site brings renewed energy to established local business

Celebrating its first year under new ownership, Nelson Heat Pumps, led by Simon and Briar Duncan, is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and community support.

Celebrating its first year under new ownership, Nelson Heat Pumps, led by Simon and Briar Duncan, is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and community support.

Transitioning from a smaller family-owned enterprise to overseeing a larger team and implementing new systems wasn't without its challenges, says Briar, but the couple have navigated the journey with resilience and determination.

Transitioning from a smaller family-owned enterprise to overseeing a larger team and implementing new systems wasn't without its challenges, says Briar, but the couple have navigated the journey with resilience and determination.

“We are a small family-owned business which we hope appeals to customers as we understand the importance of a good quality team, doing a high-quality job and having the time to spend with our customers. We are in a constant juggle of home life and work life with four young children but do our best to ensure we deliver the highest standard of work we can.

“We are a small family-owned business which we hope appeals to customers as we understand the importance of a good quality team, doing a high-quality job and having the time to spend with our customers. We are in a constant juggle of home life and work life with four young children but do our best to ensure we deliver the highest standard of work we can.

The first six months were challenging as we had to adjust to

The first six months were challenging as we had to adjust to

the demands of managing a bigger operation, there was a lot to adapt to and learn, but once we found our feet we settled into a rhythm.”

the demands of managing a bigger operation, there was a lot to adapt to and learn, but once we found our feet we settled into a rhythm.”

Following a family tradition spanning many decades, Simon followed in his father’s footsteps and has been working in the air conditioning business for nearly 20 years while Briar handles administration and ensures a high-quality service to all of their customers.

Following a family tradition spanning many decades, Simon followed in his father’s footsteps and has been working in the air conditioning business for nearly 20 years while Briar handles administration and ensures a high-quality service to all of their customers.

Settling into their roles while striving to maintain a worklife balance is no small feat with four children in tow.

Settling into their roles while striving to maintain a worklife balance is no small feat with four children in tow.

But with a great support network, they continue to achieve just that.

But with a great support network, they continue to achieve just that.

Simon’s parents, Greg and Therese, started Duncan Air Conditioning which they ran from their home, and Simon joined the team in 2016. The young couple purchased Duncan Air Conditioning in 2020

Simon’s parents, Greg and Therese, started Duncan Air Conditioning which they ran from their home, and Simon joined the team in 2016. The young couple purchased Duncan Air Conditioning in 2020

before acquiring Nelson Heat Pumps in 2023, amalgamating the two businesses. Greg now brings his own 30 plus years to the industry, working alongside his son. Despite the chaos, the family have embraced the challenges, backed by their incredible staff and the unwavering loyalty of their clientele.

before acquiring Nelson Heat Pumps in 2023, amalgamating the two businesses. Greg now brings his own 30 plus years to the industry, working alongside his son. Despite the chaos, the family have embraced the challenges, backed by their incredible staff and the unwavering loyalty of their clientele.

Relocating Nelson Heat Pumps from its original location to 23b Packham Crescent in Stoke marked a significant milestone for the business and has injected a renewed energy, says Briar.

Relocating Nelson Heat Pumps from its original location to 23b Packham Crescent in Stoke marked a significant milestone for the business and has injected a renewed energy, says Briar.

“Moving here in February was amazing! There is ample space for everything to go, it is just brilliant. We can now have stock stored on site which in turn minimises the wait time for installs for our customers.”

“Moving here in February was amazing! There is ample space for everything to go, it is just brilliant. We can now have stock stored on site which in turn minimises the wait time for installs for our customers.”

The logistical aspects of the move were facilitated smoothly, with support from partners like Conroy and the ongoing support from their clientele.

The logistical aspects of the move were facilitated smoothly, with support from partners like Conroy and the ongoing support from their clientele.

Specialist heat pump installation and service team Ryan, Greg, Simon, Mark, Doug and Dan.

Specialist heat pump installation and service team Ryan, Greg, Simon, Mark, Doug and Dan.

“Conroy were fantastic in helping us move and everyone who has stuck with us during all the change has been phenomenal. We really appreciate those who continued to use our services during the transition, the local building companies who we collaborate with, the support from the community and, of course, our awesome staff for staying with us and putting up with all of the change! We feel the move was timely and has solidified our position as the owners. It is a fresh start for the business.”

Looking ahead, the couple are not content to rest on their

laurels and envision further growth, with plans to expand their team by adding administrative support.

Their long-term goal is to streamline operations, enhancing efficiency and allowing for more flexibility in managing the business. Central to their ethos is the commitment to focusing on the 'little things', prioritising effective communication and attention to detail in every project - which sets Nelson Heat Pumps apart in the industry.

From servicing and maintenance to residential installations and commercial pro-

jects, Nelson Heat Pumps offers comprehensive solutions tailored to meet their clients' needs.

“We pride ourselves on this, making the little things count, that is what matters.”

In addition to their technical expertise, Nelson Heat Pumps is dedicated to educating customers, ensuring clients understand their systems thoroughly and how to optimise their performance, particularly during colder months when heat pumps may undergo defrost cycles.

“One of the biggest questions we get asked is if we service heat pumps, and the short answer is yes! We have also created a link on the website with a range of troubleshooting tips, but we are, of course, happy to answer any questions people may have!”

Nelson Heat Pumps also offer comprehensive solutions tailored to residential and commercial needs, from installation to maintenance.

As Fujitsu-accredited installers, Nelson Heat Pumps also have access to a number of different suppliers and offer all systems including hi wall and floor mounted consoles, along with popular ducted systems for new homes.

They service and maintain both residential and commercial existing heat pumps, ensuring optimal functioning, and offer a free, no-obligation quoting service for customers who may be interested in installing a new system or upgrading their current system.

“We feel it is important to talk to an expert about your heating and cooling solutions before purchasing any unit to ensure that what you are purchasing is the correct size and

fit for the space you need heated. We always recommend a technician to come to site before considering your heating options.” This commitment to personalised service underscores their dedication to ensuring each client receives the most suitable and efficient heating solution for their needs.

Offering regular scheduled servicing to ensure your heating options are in perfect order, now is the perfect time to contact the team. “Your heat pump

works its hardest during the winter months. Carrying out consistent maintenance helps you protect your unit and improves the efficiency and lifespan of your heat pump, so you get the most out of it.”

As Nelson Heat Pumps embarks on this new chapter in their journey, they do so with a renewed sense of purpose, a commitment to excellence, and a deep appreciation for the community that has supported them every step of the way.

Simon and Briar Duncan are grateful for the ongoing support of their incredible team, their suppliers, and their loyal customers.

When your Enterprise needs decorating

Enterprise Painting and Decorating Limited (PDL) stands out as a locally cherished business, specialising in top-tier painting and decorating services.

Owned by Bruce Wilson, who is a seasoned tradesperson with over 40 years of industry know-how, the expertise of Enterprise PDL shines through in every project they tackle. Serving the Nelson, Marlborough and Golden Bay regions since 2012, Enterprise PDL is fiercely committed to delivering nothing short of excellence. Their meticulous attention to detail ensures that each job exceeds expectations, whether it is a cosy home or a sprawling commercial business.

of decorating services, both indoors and outdoors. Utilising advanced techniques like airless spraying and meticulous handwork, they guarantee flawless finishes every time. Whether refreshing a home's look or creating a vibrant office ambience, Bruce and the team collaborate closely with clients to realise their vision. "We approach every task with unwavering professionalism and dedication,” says Bruce. “Perfect preparation is important for a quality paint job, ensuring your interior or exterior painting project is done correctly from the very beginning. It is attention to detail, our professionalism and working closely with your builder that Enterprise PDL achieves the results you are looking for – you won’t be disappointed!”

Helping to get a home or business ready for the property market, whether it is for buying or selling, what truly sets the team apart is their seamless coordination with other trades, ensuring timely project completion and exceptional results. With a focus on attention to detail, professionalism, and unwavering dedication, the team at Enterprise PDL handles projects ranging from modern homes to historic properties with precision and care.

A key specialty of Enterprise PDL is their expertise in wallpapering, where they skilfully infuse spaces with texture and personality.

Beyond wallpapering, Enterprise PDL offers a comprehensive range

For those seeking a painting and decorating service that blends decades of experience with a commitment to excellence, Enterprise Painting and Decorating Limited is the go-to choice. Transform your space into a stunning masterpiece to cherish for years to come.

Skating circles round the competition

JACK MALCOLM

Every event including Nelson skaters at the Southern Area Artistic Skating Championships saw a local on the podium.

With 17 Nelson Skaters travelling to Christchurch, the team returned home with 18 golds, 10 silvers and five bronze medals in one of the most successful events in local club history.

Coach Hayley Bamba says the local club has continued to grow, with a number of young skaters coming through the ranks.

“It’s one of the biggest teams ever [for the club] and it just keeps growing.”

She says the results were a surprise, with several skaters having next to no competition experience in some of the categories coming into the event.

“That was crazy cool.

“I can’t pick favourites, but our show group, which has pretty much all of our skaters in it, they did really good.”

Show group is focused more on the performance than precision, with teams essentially doing a

dance routine on skates.

As one of four coaches in the team, Hayley says it’s an exciting time for the local scene as they continue to grow and evolve.

In some events, like preliminary freeskate, preliminary free dance and preliminary solo dance, the local Nelson team took out all three steps on the podium.

Hayley says the event doubles as qualification for nationals, with a number of their skaters earning the points needed to compete in July.

“We are also fundraising like mad, to help with the costs,” says Hayley. “We’ve been fundraising since we got home from nationals last year.”

The team is continuing their search for funding as they train and prepare for nationals, with several roller discos already on the cards.

Hayley says they’re always looking for support and new members for the club.

They run a ‘Learn 2 Skate’ course for all ages and abilities throughout the school term on Saturday mornings at 10am.

Nelson’s Artistic Skating team of Ali Taylor-Krabo, Ella Griffith, Valencia Reelick, Stevie Bass, Addy Nees, Isabelle Grobler, Clodagh McLaughlin, Maya Doura, Hayley Nam and Rosie Price, (Absent: Keiko Bamba, Amy Nees, Rachelle Doura, Anna Doura, Sumeyra Kilinc, Bobby-jo Lusty and Tara Westwood) were in dominant form with 33 medals from the Southern Area Artistic Skating Championships. Photo: Supplied.

Adding coaching credentials to historied history

JACK MALCOLM

Phill Jones’ playing career might be behind him, but the local basketball great is still making waves in the game.

While he had advanced warning he was going to be awarded the Keith Mair Male Coach of the Year at Basketball NZ’s annual awards ceremony, he says it was still a surprise to get the call.

But it becomes clear why he was chosen to receive the honour once you consider the accolades he’s received for his services over the last 12 months.

Under Phill’s coaching, Nelson’s U17 team won the region’s first National Championship since 2001 in an unbeaten season.

Waimea College’s senior A team lost just one game all season under Phill’s coaching, the grand

final of the New Zealand Secondary Schools National Championships to Wellington College.

“It was a pretty good year, we had some good results with a good group of boys,” he says.

“I coach just because I enjoy it. I enjoy being involved with these guys and I enjoy seeing their development. Most of these boys I’ve worked with since they were nine, 10, 11 years old.”

With five titles and a runners-up spot in 2023, Phill was quick to say that the honour wasn’t his alone. Alongside a squad of dedicated young men, he says it’s as much an award for his U17 assistant coach Huw Beynon, as well as U17 manager Meg Matthews and Waimea College manager Stefan James.

“It’s really nice to pick up this award. It’s an accumulation of

time spent with these kids who got turned into great basketball players. It’s fun to be around and see them grow.”

Phill admits a large part of his desire to coach was to watch and mentor his son Hayden, through the local scene. And with Hayden soon to graduate and likely to head to America to play, Phill says he hasn’t put too much thought into his own coaching future.

It was a big weekend for NBS Nelson Giants captain Sam Dempster as he brought up his 200th game for the team over the weekend. With a double-header of action against Southland (89-79) and Otago (94107) on Friday and Sunday evenings, Sam brought up the milestone in the second game of their Southern tour, having spent 16 seasons with the team. Photo (File): Evan Barnes/Shuttersport.

Results this week

Rugby:

Premier men: Stoke 43 - Central 39; Moutere 44 - Waimea Old Boys 32; Marist 24 - Kahurangi 31; Nelson bye.

Premier women: Marist 30 - Moutere 0; Kahurangi 67 - Waimea Old Boys 19.

Second division: Stoke 48 - Waimea Old Boys 0; Riwaka 30 - Nelson 28; Huia 50 - Collingwood 0; Marist 3 - Wanderers 33; Takaka 59 - Murchison 12; Tapawera bye.

Basketball: Southland Sharks 79 - NBS Nelson Giants 89; Rapid League 28-50.

Otago Nuggets 107 - NBS Nelson Giants 94; Rapid League 38-41.

Football:

Southern League: Nelson Suburbs 1 - Cashmere Technical 5.

Women’s South Island Qualifying League: Nelson Suburbs bye.

Premier men: FC Nelson Karenni 11 - Motueka 1; Smith & Sons Richmond 0 - FC Nelson 2; Rangers 5Golden Bay 0; Nelson Suburbs SPL reserves 5 - Sprig & Fern Tahuna 2.

Premier women: Mapua Cougars 1 - Suburbs Swans 3; Hothouse Creative Richmond Foxes 7 - Golden Bay Shield Maidens 0; Nelson Suburbs SPL Reserves 19 - Get Cars FC Nelson Diamonds 0.

Stoke U9 Luca George Amai prepares to fend off a tackle from Huia U9 Mikaere Funnell at Greenmeadows as part of the Festival of Rugby on Saturday. The tournament marks the start of the JAB rugby season and saw all players across the region play a series of short games at various home turfs. Photo: Sara Hollyman.

Woodchopper sharper than the rest

Training is ramping up for Emma Riddell as she gets set to bring the axe down on her international debut.

A strong chopping season has seen her selected for the New Zealand team to compete against Australia in a test match at the 2024 Royal Adelaide show in August.

Having competed across the Tasman with the South Island team earlier this year, she says it will be tough to topple the Australians.

“I’m aiming to be the end underhand cutter,” she says.

Test matches in competitive woodchopping are raced in a relay format, with underhand, double saw and single saw disciplines coming together to race as a team.

And with a background in team sports, Emma says it wasn’t until woodchopping that she competed individually and the team dynamic is something she’s looking forward to.

Having made her public debut over Labour Weekend just four years ago, Emma has quickly risen through the ranks to be one of the country’s best.

As a specialist criminal defence

lawyer by day and an international woodchopper in between, she doesn’t have much time to fit in other activities.

Emma says she trains every Sunday afternoon with her coach

Dave McEwen, alongside multiple sessions at the local showgrounds every week.

Add in “a whole lot” of gym work and “some more” cardio, and you

have her training regime.

“It’s a whole lot of work on fitness and technique before Adelaide,” she says. “Technique is all about hitting hard, but also how the axe goes into the wood. . . accuracy and the pattern to maximise the amount of wood you get in each swing. And then there’s reading the block, you try and put a bit of thought into it and how to best

chop through it.”

With Dave being one of the selectors for the New Zealand team, Emma says she had a good sense of her chances of being selected. But not wanting to count her chickens, she says it was still a thrill to get the news that she’d wear the

silver fern in competition. “It’s exciting to be able to represent my country in this little old sport that we do. I’m looking forward to going over there with the women.”

Emma Riddell’s performances at the local A&P show and around the country have earned her the call to make her international debut. Photo (File): Jack Malcolm.

FOUND

One trailer jockey wheel found on Main Road Spring Grove on Saturday. Phone 027 776 257.

CEILING TILES

600mm x 400mm x 63 - $200ono. Phone 03 545 1205.

WANTED TO BUY CASH PAID FOR

OLD WRISTWATCHES, SCRAP GOLD & SILVER, OLD COINS & JEWELLERY, VINTAGE / QUALITY TOOLS, MILITARY & FIREARMS ITEMS GENERAL ANTIQUES ALSO, BUYING ESTATE & SHED ITEMS, COLLECTION & DOWNSIZING PH TIM GLADSTONE PH T&B VINTAGE 0800 653 935 or 548 5235

AGM

CHURCH NOTICES

email: sales@nelsonweekly.co.nz

MISSED DELIVERY NOT GETTING THE NELSON WEEKLY DELIVERED?

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

Community Notices

DEADLINE: 10AM FRIDAY

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

MONDAY

SOCIAL FOOTBALL GAMES every Mon, 6pm, Tahuna sport field. Free and EVERYONE welcome. Opp Sprig-n-Fern.

HAVEN QUILTERS Friendly group meets every Mon, 9.30am in Nelson. Bring hand or machine work. More info Ph: Lesley 0272954986. $5 per session.

7-9.30pm, Victory Centre, 2 Totara St, Toi Toi. Come along and experience this lively method exploring personal, political and community issues. Increase your spontaneity and find new ways to respond to old situations. No acting experience required! More info Ph: Ali 027276 5992. Cost: Koha.

dup - “What I am working on Now?” Mitchener Cup - Letter “R” All Welcome. Ph: Robin 0275442518.

WOULD YOU LIKE A BIKE? Bike Hub Nelson accepts donations of good used bikes, fixes them up and gives them away for a small koha. 142 Saxton Rd. Mon, 5.30-7pm. For other opening times and a map e: bikehubnelson@ gmail.com.

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

TUESDAY

HEART FOUNDATION invites interested people to a free session, Tues, 14 May, 10.3012pm, Age Concern, 62 Oxford St, Richmond. Aortic Stenosis. Speaker: Cardiac Nurse Specialist, Rebecca Eddington. R.S.V.P. Averil West, Heart Foundation Nelson, 035457112.

EDS/ EHLERS-DANLOS SYNDROME, 2 monthly catch, Wed, 15 May, Kush Cafe (now called Tern), 1 pm. For info: Ph/TXT: 0220759055.

STOKE TAHUNANUI LADIES’ REBUS CLUB welcomes new ladies to come along and enjoy fun fellowship and friendship. 3rd Wed of the month, 9.45am, Nelson Golf Club Bolt Rd. Ph: Pamela 0276758874.

THURSDAY

WEEKLY PERSONAL GROWTH GROUP for Women. 23 & 30 May, 6, 13, 20 & 27 Jun, 1012.30pm. 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. enrol: e: awatersong@gmail.com or Ph: 0272765992. Led by Ali Watersong.

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

DROP SPINDLE SPINNING, Sun, 19 May, 102pm, Refinery ArtSpace, Hardy St. During this workshop you’ll learn the key skills to start hand spinning beautifully soft yarn to use in your knitting, crochet or weaving projects. Book through: rekindle.org.nz

CELTIC PIPE BAND CEILIDH DANCE, Sat, 25 May, 7-9pm, Nayland College Hall. Immerse yourself in an evening of vibrant Traditional Scottish Dancing and Music. Indulge in the spirit of the Highlands with our Licensed Bar featuring Whiskey, while relishing a delightful Haggis & light Supper. Don your Kilt, Highland dress, Tartan Accessories. Tickets from Richmond Mall Info Desk.

WELLBY TALKING CAFÉ: Tues, 14 May, 1011.30am, Tapawera Community Centre. Wellby Talking Cafés are about social connection and finding out about groups, activities and services. www.wellby.org.nz Ph: 035467681.

WELLBY TALKING CAFÉ: Tues, 14 May, 1.303pm, Richmond Library. Wellby Talking Cafés are about social connection and finding out about groups, activities and services. www. wellby.org.nz Ph: 035467681.

NELSON 50+ WALKING GROUP, Tues, 14 May, 9.45am, meet at Maitai Dam. Maiti Dam Meander. BYO lunch. Ph: Di 0274152363.

CUPPA and CONVERSATION, Tues, 14 May, 2.30pm, Methodist Parish church lounge, 94 Neale Ave Stoke. You are warmly invited to hear Coordinator Diane Strong speak on 'The Work of Women and Children's Refuge'. Afternoon tea provided.

KIDS-N-KOFFEE PLAYGROUP term time. Tues, 9.45-11.45am. All Saints crèche, 30 Vanguard St. Indoor/outdoor play areas, crafts, toys, music session, fun and fellowship. Ph: Lois 0274331213.

STOKE TAHUNANUI MEN’S FRIENDSHIP CLUB welcomes new members. Meet 3rd Tues of the month, 10am. 5 Burrough Pl, Enner Glynn. With guest speaker. Regular outings and activities. Ph: Ian 0211482580.

WINTER CARDS, Euchre has started again. Tues, 1pm for 1.30pm start, Stoke Bowling Club, 18a Ranui Rd Stoke. Warm and friendly atmosphere, $4 pp for cards and afternoon tea. All welcome. Enquiries Ph: Lesley 0210407768.

WEDNESDAY

CAKE DECORATORS next meeting, Wed, 15 May. We are creating chocolates flowerpots and sugar paste flowers. Ph: Desiree 0276302359.

POP-UP PSYCHODRAMA, Wed, 15 May,

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

FRIDAY

AIKIDO Want to learn self-defence and become more confident? Do AIKIDO Japanese Martial Art. Children’s classes from 8 -16yrs Wed & Fri, 5 – 6pm. Check out www.aikidonelson.nz or Ph: Callum 0210694211.

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

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

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.

SATURDAY/SUNDAY

MOTHERS DAY HIGH TEA AND FAIR, Sat, 11

May, 9-1.30pm, Whakatu Presbyterian Church, 34 Champion Rd. Included a bake table, crafts, face painting, balloon animals, games, books, plants, white elephant and free Bouncy castle.

VARIETY ENTERTAINMENT CLUB OF NELSON CONCERT. Sat, 11 May, 2pm, Stoke School Hall, Main Road Stoke. All Welcome. Ph: Wayne 0272049772 or Robyn 5473231. Admission $5.

NELSON PHILATELIC SOCIETY MEETING, Sun, 12 May, Doors Open 1.30pm - Meeting Starts 2.00pm, Stoke Baptist Church. 4-8 page display and competition Angela Lin-

NELSON DANCE ALONG, Sat, 27 May, 7.3011pm, Richmond Town Hall. Plate for Supper, Music by Warren Fenemor. All Welcome. Contact Rosalie Winter Phone (03)538-0133. $6 per person

NELSON BRANCH OF ROYAL NZ AIRFORCE ASSOCIATION Meet 2nd Sat each month, 12pm, Club Waimea, Richmond, Phil’s Restaurant. Interesting speakers, raffles and members interested in Aviation Ph: Trever Squires 039706644 or John Bethwaite 035476634. Cost of meal $25

GENERAL

ART EXHIBITION. During May, Nelson Golf Club Café, 38 Bolt Rd, Tāhunanui. An amusing display of acrylic paintings by local artist Shirley Crampton. Her work features scenery, birds and some very imaginative fun. Open to the public daily.

SHARE INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE DISPLAY, for your consideration, 6-19 May, Richmond Library. For information, inspiration and hope for a brighter future.

PÉTANQUE IN THE CITY, an easy game to play, but hard to perfect. Suitable for young and old. Come along and meet new friends. Wed & Sun. 1.15-3.00pm. Come along and try us out. Ph: Roger or Shirley 035466562. NELSON CHRISTADELPHIANS - Bible Reading Group. Sun, 2:30-4:30pm, Tāhunanui Community Hub. Members of the public welcome to join us as we read and discuss God’s word the Bible. This is a relaxed and informal environment that encourages ‘back to basics’ Bible reading and where people are free to ask questions. Bibles available for you to use. Tea/coffee provided. Ph: 0225460845.

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

SUNDAY WORSHIP, 10am, Nelson Tasman Methodist Parish Church, 94 Neale Ave. Service followed by morning tea. All welcome.

Trades&Services

Trades&Services