Nelson Weekly - 13 September 2023

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Photographers snap medal haul

Wednesday 13 September 2023

Riders race to top 10

No option to shop around for petrol

ANNE HARDIE

Nelson Tasman motorists pay some of the highest prices in the country for their fuel, but unlike other centres they cannot shop around for lower prices because

the variation between all petrol stations can be as little as one cent per litre.

In the latest Commerce Commission quarterly fuel monitoring report, Whangarei was the only place that had higher petrol pric-

Colouring for conservation

KATE RUSSELL

A passion for both conservation and drawing has landed The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary’s Steffi Kuenstle some very colourful results.

The biosecurity ranger has not only published her own children’s colouring-in book, but she has also created a colouring-in activity in honour of all the volunteer teams who take action at the sanctuary. Steffi says the activity, which can be coloured in by children (and adults), was inspired by this year’s theme for conservation week - ‘take action for nature’.

“I wanted to do something that showcased all the different volunteers we have inside the sanctuary. I think often people don’t realise how many different jobs are involved and how many helping hands we need to keep it going.”

The weeding team, pest detection, planting, bird monitoring, track and fence maintenance, tour guiding, fish support, VC hosts, fence inspection, promotion and events, field support, and the assets

SEE PAGE 4

es than Nelson City and the variation between all fuel companies in Nelson was just one cent per litre for Regular 91. That is compared with a variation between petrol stations of 52 cents per litre in Auckland and 33

cents per litre in Wellington for the same period. The figures are based on the daily price variation (most expensive retail site minus the least expensive site), averaged over the quarter.

The New Zealand Automobile

Association principal policy advisor on fuel prices, Terry Collins, says that means Nelsonians do not have the option of shopping around for petrol stations

SEE PAGE 2

Food made to Share. From classic Chinese to signature Thai family dishes, enjoy rich and diverse Asian fusion cuisine. Fully licensed, BYO wine.

Biosecurity ranger at The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, Steffi Kuenstle, with the children’s colouring resources she has created. Photo: Kate Russell.

“I think it will probably be France, just because they seem popular and the All Blacks seem to be off their game.”

“The All Blacks, they lost to South Africa [at Twickenham] but I think that will wake them up and they’ll be good at the World Cup.”

“The All Blacks, I reckon they’ve got a really good team.”

“The All Blacks I hope, (the game in Twickenham) they could have just been practicing.”

No option to shop around for petrol

FROM PAGE 1

with lower prices and have to pay the high price.

He says it has been known for some time that Nelson and Tasman fuel prices are high, but the minimal price variation in retail prices shown in Nelson has slipped under the radar until now.

“What is worse is that it gets worse. Over four quarters, it was six cents per litre variation in Nelson and then four cents and then two cents and now one cent.

“I feel sorry for Nelson motorists because they have no option.”

He says businesses tend to charge what the market will sustain. To rub salt in the wound, he says Kiwis are paying about AUD$1 per litre more than their

Australian counterparts.

The Commerce Commission’s latest report has prompted it to ask major fuel companies to explain why there are concerning price anomalies around the country. Its report covers nine centres, including Nelson City which generally has similar prices to Richmond.

The fuel-finding app Gaspy, which sources thousands of fuel price observations around the country every day, recorded prices in Nelson early this week up to $3.02 per litre for unleaded 91 and Richmond up to $3.035 per litre. The cheapest petrol on the same day on its website was at a petrol station in Waikato selling 91 at $2.697 per litre. More competition is in the wings for Nelson and Tasman though as Waitomo Group’s

owner Jimmy Ormsby says the independent fuel supplier is actively looking for a site in Nelson or Richmond to build a new petrol station.

“Our model is to go in and disrupt the market and offer Kiwis a fair price for their fuel. We pride ourselves on keeping the industry honest.

“We’ve been looking in the region for a while and it has been difficult to find a property that is

in a location that works.”

Nelson Mayor Nick Smith says he is very concerned that the petrol price is now hitting $3 per litre and the lack of price variation reinforces the commission’s reasoning for questioning the industry.

“The problem isn’t just the direct costs for families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, but that it flows on to the cost of almost everything, whether it be the tradesperson or goods that have to be transported.

“The next hard question is why Nelson is amongst the costliest places for fuel when we have an oil terminal at Port Nelson. I can understand the cost of some remote communities being higher because of road transport costs to get there. But it seems very unjustified in Nelson.”

Margaret Harvey Stoke

Mike Jessop Nelson Central

Rose Newbigging Tahunanui

Peter Hemi The Wood

Who are you backing to win the 2023 Rugby World Cup?

Nelson petrol prices hit $3/L recently. Photo: File.

Man found with stolen boat parts convicted

TRACY NEAL

Open Justice Reporter

A man who received items stripped off a stolen powerboat has been ordered to apologise to the owner by way of an $800 emotional harm payment.

Alan Tainui Reeves admitted a charge in the Nelson District Court on Monday of receiving property worth $500 to $1000. The police said a five-metre boat with a 175-horsepower engine sitting on a trailer was stolen from a Nelson address in July this year.

The stripped-down bare hull was found later on the roadside in the Motueka Valley.

On July 26 the police searched Reeves’ home and found the equipment from the boat inside a converted shipping container.

Reeves said he had intended to fit the equipment to his own boat.

Defence lawyer Ian Miller said Reeves claimed to have found the items in his car after it was returned by people to whom he’d lent it.

“This is a situation where he has lent his vehicle to people he was afraid of and when he has got the vehicle back the

items were in it, but he should have known they were stolen items,” Miller said.

Judge Tony Zohrab described Reeves as a mature man with no history of dishonesty, who had got involved with some “shady associates”. He convicted Reeves and ordered him to make the payment to “the poor boat owner who had had the guts ripped out of his boat”.

Judge Zohrab said he could have fined Reeves, but that meant the money would have gone to the state which would have been of no benefit to the victim.

Judge Tony Zohrab (pictured) convicted a man of receiving property after police found equipment stolen from a boat at his home. Photos: File.

Colouring for conservation

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team are all honoured with her drawing.

The artist’s work is inspired by nature - New Zealand native butterflies in watercolour, as well as bats, beetles, and an array of flora make up her impressive portfolio.

Steffi published her colouring-in book, Ngā manu ō Aotearoa: Birds of New Zealand, in 2022, which she originally created as a birthday present for her fouryear-old niece. It wasn’t long before multiple copies had been printed to sell to young sanctuary visitors.

“I just think colouring-in is a great way for kids to connect with

the sanctuary,” she says. “They can colour in the te reo Māori names and make connections with the different species and the plants they rely on.”

The colouring-in activity is free to download at www.brooksanctuary.org.nz/education-inspiring-the-next-generation/colouring-in, and copies will also be available at the sanctuary’s upcoming open day on 29 October. Her colouring-in book is available to buy at the visitor’s centre.

Nelson Weekly has three copies of Steffi’s colouring-in book to give away. To go in the draw, email your name and contact details to kate@nelsonweekly.co.nz

Local culinary event added to menu

GORDON PREECE

A culinary event to celebrate the Nelson-Tasman food and beverage industry is set to be dishing out for its first course in November.

Nelson-based event organiser Shelley Haring says she relished the opportunity to bring to life the inaugural Feast Whakatū event, which will serve up a programme of events between 17 and 26 November.

“We basically saw a gap in the event market in Nelson Tasman for an event of this type, and we really believe that showcasing

the food and beverage industry needed to happen,” she says.

“There are over 30 events across the ten days across the region, from a bakery in Golden Bay running a fermenting workshop to Founders Café in Nelson hosting the Grand Nelson Sausage competition.

“There are other regions which do similar sorts of events, our local food producers and the food and beverage industry here in Nelson was just rapt to have something of our own here in our region,” Shelley says.

“We have a view for Feast Whakatū to happen every year

and there are so many more businesses that are keen to get involved

“We’re targeting New Zealand wide for people to come to Nelson Tasman for this event and indulge in all that is Feast worthy about our region.

“Our wine is what we’re wellknown for, and in terms of food that’s probably a hard one, but I would say anything that is locally-sourced and produced here that people can enjoy.”

For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.feastwhakatū.nz

Gardening tips for September

September heralds the start of gorgeous Spring in the garden. Trees, shrubs and perennials are all coming back to life after their winter rest.

If a raised vegetable garden is on your wish list, we have the perfect solution. We construct raised beds to order plus they can also be supplied as a kitset. Just bring in your measurements for a speedy quote. They are made from good quality, untreated eucalyptus so are safe for your garden and you.

Once your raised beds are in position, fill them with our sublime garden mix and then choose from our range of extremely healthy vegetable seedlings and herbs. Our pick and mix vegetable seedlings are so popular. It is the perfect way to stagger your harvest. We have a wonderful range in punnets of six too. Do you need a path to get to your clothes line or for easy access to raised beds or other areas? We have a fabulous range of pavers from Feinwerk. They are manufactured in Christchurch using an automated European process which ensures consistency and quality. The pavers are 30mm thick, made from high strength, fibre-reinforced concrete. They are easier to handle than traditional 40mm thick pavers, being thinner, lighter and stronger. We

also have paving sand available in bags or by the scoop/cubic metre so you can get everything you need for your project in one go.

Now is the perfect time to fertilise your lawns, citrus trees, roses and more. We are exclusive stockists of Ravensdown fertilisers. Choose from a myriad of products available in 1 litre containers and 10kg/20kg bags. Dry fertilisers need to be applied sparingly and must be watered in well. It is a great idea to apply lawn fertiliser just before it rains so it gets washed in thoroughly, avoiding root burn. It is time to start planting seed potatoes. We have a specific potato fertiliser that will help ensure you get a good crop. Sprinkle some in the bottom of your trench, dig it through, water it in and then add a bit more soil before planting your seed potatoes.

Tomatoes and other summer crops are in-store now. It is best to plant them in a greenhouse until at least mid-October in case of late frosts. You can also plant your favourite varieties in pots now and transplant them outdoors later.

Come in and check out our fabulous plants and landscape supplies. We have everything you could possibly need for your garden projects this Spring. Business Update. Adv.

Seed

vege and flower seedlings - landscaping suppliers - fertilisers, compost and mulch

Rob Cohen - maker of raised gardens.

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

Organiser Shelley Haring says the main ingredient of Feast Whakatū is to entice New Zealand foodies to experience Nelson-Tasman cuisine. Photo: Sara Hollyman.

Intensification plan submission deadline extended after outcry

MAX FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter

Mass discontent about the consultative period for Nelson’s proposed intensification plans has prompted Mayor Nick Smith to double the length of the submission period.

The announcement was made at the end of a public meeting on the proposed plan change, attended by at least 350 people on Thursday night, when residents made their views heard.

“Go back to the drawing board and revise this plan,” one resident told Nelson City Council. “Come out with a decent plan that most of us agree with.”

“It’s the biggest changes in 25 years for the standards, but you give us a measly five weeks to digest a document 1000 pages long,” said another.

A 17-year-old Nelsonian, perhaps the youngest person at the meeting, indicated they agreed with the plan’s objectives but joined calls for a greater submission period.

“A change is needed in the area, definitely; we need more houses, but they say they need more time.”

The lone attendee who spoke out in clear support of the proposal, saying the council had done a “great job” on developing the plan, acknowledged that it “needs tweaking, obviously”.

Two of Nelson’s general election candidates also waded in.

While both spoke on the need for intensification, National’s Blair Cameron said that the community felt like the proposal had been “sprung on people” while Nelson MP Rachel Boyack thought council should develop targeted neighbourhood plans before trying to achieve a city-wide plan change.

As he closed the meeting, Nick confirmed that the closing date for submissions would be extended by six weeks from 19 September to 31 October, and that there will be at least 10 additional community drop-in sessions across the city to allow for greater engagement.

“There is an overwhelming message from this meeting that, given the volume of information, the submission time is too short. I hear you.”

The proposed plan to allow for easier intensification, called Plan Change 29, would see significant areas of residential land rezoned into medium and high-density zones which would allow buildings of up to three and six-storeys tall to be built without resource consents, provided the buildings met all the other planning rules.

Plan Change 29 is partly a response to meet the council’s

obligations under the Government’s National Policy Statement on Urban Development, but also to cater for future population growth and balance regional growth equally between Nelson and Tasman. However, attendees to the meeting raised several other concerns with the proposal, ranging from concerns about daylight access, loss of heritage and residential character, infrastructure capability, scepticism about growth projections, and even fringe theories about the United Nations’ sustainability goals. However, Nick told residents that Nelson doesn’t have many

options to meet future housing needs.

“Saying no to the Maitai [Valley development], no to [building on] the productive land in Richmond, and no to intensification is not going to work for the future of this town.

“We have to resolve what that right balance is. I’m not saying the balance is right in Plan Change 29, but I’m saying we do need to lay out new housing somewhere.”

Gordon Preece.

At least 350 Nelsonians attended the meeting with most opposing the council’s proposed intensification plans. Photo: Max Frethey.

Rachel Boyack for

Nelson

Local shutterbugs’ accolades mount

GORDON PREECE

Five local hotshots have captured award-winning photos to add to their album.

Stoke-based Steve Hussey, Nelson-based Francesca Beckett and Victoria Vincent, and Richmond-based Jessica Shirley and Sarah McGregor together won 26 awards at the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography (NZIPP) Iris Awards in Christchurch last month.

resident living independently in her twilight years.

“I met with a lovely lady once a week for a few months, listened to her life story and photographed her going about her everyday life,” she says.

“Her husband had died earlier in the year, and she carried his ashes around the house with her, from room to room as she went about her day, she even took his ashes for rides in the car.”

unrecoverable situation.”

Nelson has a housing crisis and limited access to land to build on We need to intensify our housing, but my strong view is that we must do this in the right places, not across the entire city The Council was supposed to have put in place Neighbourhood plans, in consultation with local communities before proceeding with the Plan Change I am pleased they are taking extra time to consult, and I am urging them to ensure this is meaningful consultation so that communities have a voice about housing plans in their own neighbourhoods

Building up and intensifying housing in inner-city Nelson is the right way to go The Government has given Nelson City Council $36 million towards the cost of upgrading inner-city Nelson infrastructure, like our water pipes and transport corridors This would enable up to 1000 homes to be built in inner-city Nelson It would also revitalise our city centre by having more people living, working and learning in the CBD I am looking forward to seeing Nelson City Council get on with this work so that we can get more homes built in Nelson We need to act urgently, while also ensuring we have community support for the changes we are making in Nelson

Last week I attended the Plan Change meeting held by Nelson City Council, where residents raised their concerns with Council about the proposed Housing Plan Change 0800 4 RACHEL rachel boyack@labour org

The awards are held so the institute can focus on raising the profile and standard of New Zealand’s professional photography sector.

Steve says his collection of nine awards included one gold which captured a Nelson woman inside her landslide-damaged home in the aftermath of the 2022 Nelson floods.

“I’m a volunteer firefighter as well, and on the night of the floods.

“I was helping neighbours evacuate and this lady we had known since she moved

into the neighbourhood, who had put everything into this house, got completely demolished by this landslide,” he says.

“She said ‘would you like to take some photos’, and I was in the garage with her, and the garage wall is completely blown out and it’s full of mud and debris and she just looked up at the camera.

“She had quite a haunted expression on her face, but the judges loved it because they could tell that she was an older lady, and she was still maintaining her dignity and trying to recover from this

Victoria won a duo of awards including a gold in the animal category for her photo of her family’s rat in her daughter’s hair.

“I wasn’t expecting it at all so the surprise was wonderful,” she says.

“My intention was to tell the story of the relationship between the rat and my daughter, and the judges fully understood it which was an amazing feeling.”

Jessica achieved six awards which included silver distinction, silver and bronze, for her photos of an elderly

Francesca won three awards including a silver distinction for her maternity photo called ‘Between’.

“It’s a unique take on a maternity photo with the mother perfectly floating half above and below, it’s how I think of pregnancy - not quite a mother yet but not quite childless,” she says.

“I edited it to show her eyes open above the water and closed in the reflection, which I was a little worried the judges wouldn’t notice, but thankfully one of them did and it’s one of the reasons I was awarded a distinction.”

Security guard disappears from museum as safety issues resolved

MAX FRETHEY

Local Democracy Reporter

Safety concerns that had prompted the Nelson Provincial Museum to contract a security guard now appear to be resolved with the museum confident it won’t need to employ a guard again in future.

Tasman Bays Heritage Trust chair Stephen Broad-Paul says the museum was having problems with public intoxication, verbal abuse, and experienced a theft from the museum shop. The Trust, which is the governance body for the museum, made the decision to contract a security guard on 17 August under advice from the organisation’s chief executive.

“It was something we didn’t decide lightly, but… as good employers, we have a duty to care for our people, so we had to do something,” Stephen explains.

“We also have a lot of children coming through, school groups, and we just wanted to make sure there was some presence there to make sure they were safe as

Chair of the museum’s governance body Stephen BroadPaul says the safety of staff and visitors was the museum’s “total motivation” in contracting a security guard. Photo: Max Frethey.

well.”

After two weeks, the museum became aware that there was no longer a safety issue, though the guard remained for an additional week due to the nature of the museum’s contract.

“It certainly did what we wanted to do in terms of our people feeling quite safe and less vulnerable.”

Stephen adds that safety issues were a rare occurrence and is confident, after discussions with local police, that there won’t be similar problems in the future.

Despite being a council-controlled organisation, the museum funded the security guard from its already-allocated operating costs.

“Everybody is welcome. But anybody that is intoxicated or is behaving in such a way that it threatens other people, just like any other business, we have the right to enforce our entry,” Stephen says. “The museum is a public amenity.”

Nelson Mayor Nick Smith describes the incidents at the museum as “totally unacceptable”.

In December, Nick hosted a meeting between city centre businesses which told police they were seeing increased levels of crime and wanted a greater police presence in the inner city.

“People urinating in the street, people openly abusing both staff and visitors, and I have spoken to a number of women retail workers who felt very fearful for their safety,” he says.

“To solve this problem, we have to tackle it from both ends… We do need to have a mix of both compassionate support and finding alternatives for these people as well as firm enforcement on those sorts of areas.”

This week Nelson City Council will consider expanding the terms of reference of its Community Housing Acceleration Taskforce so it can do more work in tackling the issue of homelessness.

“Nelson needs to move quickly so that we don’t allow the situation to deteriorate,” Nick says. “These problems will never be completely solved but we need to be vigilant.”

/RachelBoyackNelson /rachelboyack

Steve Hussey, left, Victoria Vincent, and Sarah McGregor were three of five local photographers who snapped up national awards in August. Photo: Sara Hollyman.

National decree for climate action waiata

GORDON PREECE

Māori culture and its strong land connection spurred Lovinia Pluck to write a lyrical call for climate change action.

The Nayland College Year 13 student recently won the Junior Maioha Award for best song written in te reo Māori in this year’s Lion Foundation National Secondary Schools

Songwriting Competition.

Lovinia says her winning waiata, titled E tū ngā tāngata, roughly translates to ‘stand up and take action to reduce the effects of climate change’.

She says the te reo Māori lyrics honour the strong connection its people have to the land which she hopes will also strengthen the need for climate change interlude.

“Māori culture is so connected to the land and it’s so important… so I think that’s why I wanted to write about climate change specifically in te reo Māori,” she says.

“One of the lyrics translates roughly to ‘the colours leak from the choral like blood coming out of a cloth’, so there’s metaphors in there describing climate change.

“I also sing about how the world is so beautiful and we are from the earth and it’s our duty to protect it,” Lovinia adds.

“At some point [in the song] I also mention, ‘don’t leave this up to the young people’, it’s all

Lovinia Pluck says her award-winning te reo Māori song seeks its listeners to act on climate change. Photo: Gordon Preece.

of our duty.

“At the end of the song I have a B section where I’m singing about being afraid for our future and I’m afraid for our children.”

Lovinia, who had previously written, or partially written, ten songs, says she began learning te reo Māori in 2021 to understand the words after performing kapa haka.

“It was almost like it was my duty for someone who isn’t Māori in bicultural New Zealand… and I feel like [the language] will become more prominent as more young people learn it,” she says.

“I want to study psychology and Māori at university, and I want to become fluent, that’s my goal.”

Lovinia says she was tuned to

enter the songwriting competition, which is held online, by her music tutor Gaye Bloomfield, and was “really pleased” to be recognised.

“I got an email saying I had won, and [the judges] just said that it was a beautiful song and that they really loved it,” she says.

“I thought it would be a really good opportunity for me to get to record it professionally because I have to do that for my school assignments… and maybe it’s something I want to do with my other songs in the future.”

Lovinia says her song, along with the other category winners in the competition, are to be made into an album for the public, which will be released later this year.

‘Frustrating’ bus hub upgrade impacts Bridge St businesses

MAX FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter

While the Bridge St bus interchange was being upgraded in preparation for the launch of the new eBus service, some businesses affected by the six-week road closure saw their revenue drop at least 40 per cent.

Maria Michael from the crystal giftware store Crystal Affinity says losing the car parks on the side of the road had a “huge impact” on her business.

“It’s been about a 45 per cent, on average, decrease in revenue over that period.”

The cones and barriers were up for longer than they needed to be, Maria thought, including days before work had started and over the weekends when no work was being done – a particular frustration for her given the amount of foot traffic she gets during the Saturday market as people return to their cars parked on Bridge St. Maria adds that she wasn’t notified of the impending works and had made several orders with suppliers just before the upgrade began. She is now unable to quickly pay all of her accounts, despite business returning to normal off-season trade.

She says Nelson City Council rec-

ommended that she contact her insurance company to help with losses; however, despite having business interruption insurance, Maria was not able to claim in these circumstances.

“I’ve got to now try and recover all of these lost earnings.”

Although Maria says she knows upgrades and maintenance work need to be completed, she feels local businesses “get the brunt” of the impact of roadworks and

council needs more awareness on the adverse effects the projects have on businesses, and how to mitigate them.

Suzi and Antony Stevens, owners of the Red Art Gallery and Café across the road, were similarly impacted – losing 40 per cent of their revenue over the period. However, they got notice of the works two weeks before they began and say that the council had been receptive to their issues and

had even waived their outdoor dining fees during the upgrade.

“The council was very good with their communication, they were very accurate with the timeframe, and they did listen to our grievances about having the buses right outside the cafe,” Antony says.

“As a retail business, it was pretty bad for us and the café, but we got through it,” Suzi adds. “When else was the council going to do

this?”

She adds that she thought the new eBus service was “a good thing”. “We had somebody come in who had got the bus from Motueka, for $6, and she was so thrilled to come into town for the day. If this is what’s happening, I’m all up for change and growth.”

The city centre bus hub was remodelled so it could accommodate the extra buses that were introduced for the eBus service.

The project cost $410,000 and saw the end of Bridge St’s and Haven Rd’s parking blocked to vehicle traffic over the course of the six weeks.

Council’s group manager infrastructure Alec Louverdis says the retailers were informed as soon as was practical.

“We’d like to apologise to Crystal Affinity for not being able to give them more notice.”

However, Alec says that it is “impractical” to repeatedly remove barriers to open parking up for use while on-site work was paused. He adds that it “would not be fair” for ratepayers to cover lost earnings.

Crystal Affinity owner Maria Michael says the Bridge St bus hub upgrade has “made it very difficult” for her financially, with a loss of income of at least 40 per cent. Photo: Max Frethey.

Sewing up new ways with old clothes

A region-first event will aim to reduce the “horrendous” amount of clothes that make their way to landfill by showing alternative uses for garments.

The Clothing Revolution is coming to Pūtangitangi Greenmeadows Centre on Saturday, 16 September. It has been organised by the Soroptimist International (SI) of Waimea to bring awareness to the environmental impact coming from the clothing sector commonly known as the ‘clothing footprint’.

“It’s about how to reduce the clothing footprint and stopping clothes going to landfill,” says Jan McKenzie, event organiser and member of SI Waimea.

“I read an article by professor Sara Walton from Otago University, who has done a lot of research on this, and I thought

Dozens of kayakers and stand-up paddle boarders took to the lower Maitai on Saturday 2 September as part of celebrations for World Rivers Day. Coinciding with the king tide, paddlers were treated with pristine conditions as they made their way up the river in the spring sunshine.

Jack Malcolm.

BLAIR CAMERON

I’m 32, I’m full of energy, and I’m ready to get things done for Nelson. During my campaign, to earn your support to serve as Nelson’s next MP, I’ve brought senior National spokespeople here so they can hear directly from Nelsonians about the issues that matter most.

APRIL 19

‘we need to start doing something about this’. It’s horrendous the statistics about clothing going to landfill.”

An estimated 180,000 tonnes of clothing and textile waste is dumped in New Zealand landfills every year. Worldwide, the fashion industry is the second most polluting industry, responsible for between eight to 10 per cent of total carbon emissions and 20 per cent of global wastewater, with a predicted increase of 50 per cent in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

“I started researching, seeing if there were people already doing something about the problem, and I found out about the Repair Café, a group called Stitch It Don’t Ditch It, as well as a group started through the Tasman District Council named Textile Activism in Tasman,” says Jan. Ladies from SI Waimea got busy with the task of ap-

proaching organisations with the hopes of coming together to host an event that would bring awareness to the clothing footprint. The idea was well received, and many local organisations and businesses came on board. They have also managed to secure professor Sara Walton as the guest speaker. The event will also include a fashion stylist who will be putting on a slide show demonstrating how you can alter and change clothing for different occasions.

“We have had a lot of interest, and a lot of people saying this a very needed thing, so we think there will be a lot of people coming,” explains Jan. “We have had an awful lot of support and it’s great to have an event to get information across about reducing our clothing footprint and stop clothing going to landfill.”

Doors open at 1pm for a 1.30pm start. Entry is $5.

After hearing from so many Nelsonians struggling to pay their mortgage or rent, or put food on the table and gas in the car, I held a public meeting with Nicola Willis at Annesbrook Church on the Cost-of-Living Crisis in Nelson. Since then, I have been advocating for policies that will grow Nelson’s economy, drive housing growth to get rents down, rein in Government spending to get inflation under control, and give families up to 250 per fortnight in tax relief to make it easier for you to get ahead.

JUNE 9

After concerns emerged that the Nelson Hospital rebuild had fallen behind schedule, I demanded the Government come clean on the rebuild timeline. Since then, the Government has announced the rebuild has been delayed until 2026. I am 100% committed to getting the Nelson Hospital rebuild back on track.

JUNE 30

After NZ Police data revealed a 188% growth in gang membership in Tasman under this government, I held a public meeting on law and order with Mark Mitchell at Club Waimea. Since then I have advocated for policies within Nelson to restore law and order and crack down on gangs.

JULY 31

After taking Chris Luxon and Nicola Willis to see the transport mess in Richmond, I have successfully advocated for the Hope Bypass to be included in the next Roads of National Significance Program, fully funded with $250 million from the National Land Transport Fund and additional Crown expenditure.

EDUCATION

SEPTEMBER 19

I have invited Erica Stanford to Nelson for a public meeting on education. We will be presenting our policies to deliver better education in Nelson-Tasman and answer your questions.

Tuesday 19 September, 5.30pm

Trafalgar Centre, Nelson

Mortgages Made Easy

Let me help you obtain the best home loan for you

MARK LANGDON

Mortgage Services

Authorised by Blair Cameron, 544 Waimea Road, Nelson

ELOISE MARTYN

Waimea Soroptomists, from left: Jan McKenzie, Helen Lewis, Lois Roadley, Caroline McGee and Annette Smith. Photo: Sara Hollyman.

Photo:

A lifetime of giving lives on in new Te Pūkenga scholarship

This is a wonderful contribution, we are so lucky. I will say, having raised a daughter and a son, I struggled to find a scholarship for my son with his pathway. I hope some kind person will oneday provide a scholarship specific to young men.

Jackie Ewers

A beautiful story, thank you for sharing.

Michelle Ashby

Fantastic sharing.

Karen Simeon

This is awesome.

Lauren Nicole

A ‘win-win’ DIY shop for the community

Great article about our new DIY shed. Thank you especially to our team of volunteers, each and everyone of you.

Nelson ReStore

Been in, great little shop.

Vonda Ellen

Already visited twice. Lol. Great area.

Shelley Bishop

Battery bins to prevent landfill fires

Do it quickly, if that’s possible.

Dave Roberts

LET'S TAKE BACK OUR COUNTRY

Two very motivated and inspirational women for young girls to look up to.

Drea McLoughlin

You both work so hard to perfect every move. You deserved to be amongst the best.

Robyn Reelick

Illuminate Light & Sound

Experience Nelson 2023

Friday 15, – Sunday 17 September, 5.45 –9.30pm

Founders Heritage Park Take a stroll around the park. Enjoy the lights and sounds while grabbing a few photos along the way! Tickets $12 from Eventbrite.

Nelson Civic Choir

Saturday, 16 September, 7pm & Sunday 17 September, 2pm

Nelson Cathedral

Presents Choral Peace. With Jason Balla, music director, orchestra, Nelson Youth Choir and soloists’. Tickets from NCMA.

Kerry Clark Dancewithuiz Night Fundraiser

Saturday, 16 September, 6.30pm

Saxton Field Sports Complex

Are you ready for an evening of fun, knowledge and giving back? Test your wits while supporting a great cause. Email kerryclarkdance@hotmail.com to book. Minimum $10 per participant is required.

Hon Dr Nick Smith

NEW EBUS SERVICE PROVES POPULAR

The eBus service for Nelson and Tasman is proving to be successful. Data shows there were 68,000 journeys in August, its first month. This is an increase of 68% on the old NBus service.

It is encouraging that patronage continued to climb through August with a 16% increase from week one to week four. It is also encouraging that the new services to Motueka and Wakefield are proving popular with nearly 3000 journeys over the month.

The introduction of this service has been a massive job. We needed agreement between our two Councils and Waka Kotahi on funding. A new contract had to be negotiated with Nelson Coachlines. The 17 new eBuses had to be purchased and 30 bus drivers were recruited. New routes and the locations of 100 new bus stops had to be determined and the roadworks and markings done. We also upgraded the Bridge Street interchange and are building 14 new bus shelters.

The success of the new service is a reinforcement of the decision I initiated last November for the two Councils to form a Joint Regional Transport Committee. It makes no sense for Nelson and Tasman to be separately planning and delivering transport improvements when we are so connected.

The new service could not have come at a better time with family budgets under acute pressure from the highest inflation in 30 years. Petrol prices have hit $3 a litre making running a car costly. These prices are likely to rise further with the Kiwi dollar falling to 59c against the US dollar and the Government proposing to increase the excise tax by another 12c/litre.

There have been some inevitable bumps. We moved the Stoke interchange in response to local concern. Some buses have been full, requiring overflow buses. The most common issue raised has been the need for an earlier service on Routes 1 & 2 between Richmond and Nelson. We welcome additional feedback so we can refine and improve the service.

We are leading NZ with this new eBus service reducing emissions and improving transport choices. I thank all who have helped with its successful implementation.

Nelson Matters Nick Smith MAYOR OF NELSON

PLANNED POWER OUTAGE NOTIFICATIONS

Electricity retailers notify their power account holders about planned power outages.

Nelson bravehearts blast concert tunes

GORDON PREECE

Almost 50 members of Nelson’s Celtic Pipe Band will take to the stage at the Nelson Centre of Musical Arts (NCMA) to blast tunes for a fundraising concert next weekend.

Electricity retailers are companies that sell electricity and send power bills to the power account holder.

Organiser Euan Robertson says the event, which is titled Journey and will also feature other Scottish cultural performances, aims to pipe up funds for band expenses including kilts, instruments and practice castle rent at Nayland Primary School.

ence will recognise and very much enjoy, from Scotland the Brave, Green Hills of Tyrol, Highland Cathedral and Amazing Grace,” he says.

“There will be some more complex music played by the pipe band who will then be joined by some guitarists and drummers.

“We also have a couple of very talented local singers involved in the concert as well,” Euan adds.

ing for us.”

Euan says the band had 48 current members who range between eight and 68, and most of them will be performing on the day.

“Primarily it is a fundraiser for the band. But what we also hope to do is expose the band so people are aware of what we do and what we sound like, and to create awareness of the learner programme which is a very strong programme.

“There’s tunes that the audi-

Electricity retailers will notify account holders affected by a planned power outage about three weeks before it is due to happen.

The notification could be by email, through the post or by text. If you are a power account holder:

Î Make sure your electricity retailer has the correct contact details for you.

There are a number of electricity retailers in the Nelson Tasman area including Contact, Meridian, Pulse, Genesis, Nova, Electric Kiwi, and others. Planned power outages happen when the power is turned off so that maintenance can be done on the power lines. PHOTO

Î If there are other people in your household or business who need to receive planned power outage notifications, ask your electricity retailer to add their contact details to your customer records.

Î Check that emails from your electricity retailer don’t get automatically diverted to an email ‘Junk’ folder by mistake.

Î Be aware that sometimes there are two or more planned power outages in a row. Separate notifications will be sent out for each one.

To be notified of planned power outages for a property where you are not the power account holder, find out who the power account holder is and ask them to forward notifications on to you.

If you have a question about this article, contact us at info@networktasman.co.nz

“One of our members [Helen Gilchrist] is a highland dance teacher and she will have some of her young dancers perform-

Journey is on at the NCMA on Saturday, 23 September at 2pm. Tickets are available from www.ncma.nz

Meth, firearms and $20k seized in search warrant

Methamphetamine, firearms and around $20k of cash was seized during a number of searches of properties across Nelson, Blenheim and Christchurch last week.

Four people have been charged following six search warrants executed over the two-day period. The Tasman Organised Crime Unit along with the recently formed Tasman Asset Recov-

COMPETITION

Take a photo of people trying out the 5 Ways to Wellbeing

ery Unit have been involved in the search warrants relating to investigations into Organised Criminal Groups involved in the distribution of Methamphetamine.

Approximately 80 grams of methamphetamine, with a street value of over $25,000, two firearms and approximately $20,000 cash were located and seized.

Entries open 11th September → Entries close 30th October

There is a lot of tough stuff going on, challenges with housing, income, education, access to healthcare etc.

It is important to feel a sense of purpose and control. This is where using the 5 Ways to Wellbeing can help build your resilience.

Check out Mental Health Awareness Week mhaw.nz & Mental Health Foundation mentalhealth.org.nz

Be in to win: one of five $100 grocery vouchers. Plus, multiple spot prizes; movie tickets, gift baskets, caps, swimming passes & more.

Category 1: Individuals - Open to all Top of the South residents.

Category 2: Workplaces - Challenge your work teams and other workplaces to talk about and try the 5W2WB, take a photo and enter.

Email photos to amba@firstmate.org.nz or wendy@healthaction.org.nz

Or drop your photos & identifying information into Age Concern, 62 Oxford Street, Richmond / 18 Bridge Street, Nelson

» Provide name/phone number/category & tell us which of the 5 Ways to Wellbeing your photo represents.

» Participants agree to allow their photo to be shared publicly to promote Mental Health Awareness in our region.

» Prizes drawn & winners notified by 3rd October.

The sounds of Scotland will ring out in Nelson next Saturday. Photo: Supplied.

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

H H&

Locally owned and operated by Bryan and Debbie Heaphy and Wayne and Ellie Harvey, H&H Digger Hire Ltd have your projects covered with a range of hire options. From little jobs to big jobs, their diggers can get the job done quickly and accurately. In its second year of operating, the H&H Digger Hire team ensure the machinery is well maintained and perfect for any landscaping project including retaining walls, auger work, trenches, and general digging work! The diggers can be dialled up or down depending on the driver's experience and expertise. If you have any jobs to get done, hire a H&H digger and make it easy as!

• Easy to control CAT mini diggers 1.5t, 1.7t and 1.8t with latest technology including, joystick tracking, retractable tracks for tight spaces and selflevelling blade.

• Kubota - 5t and 3.2t (delivery available by arrangement)

• 300/450cm Augers to suit your needs

• 70 and 100kg Compactors

• Truck and driver available for metal and dirt delivery or removal

• Very competitive rates

• Friendly and professional service!

Emma and Alistair Hebberd are the seventh custodians of Shone and Shirley Funeral Directors on Tahunanui Drive, owning and operating the historical business since November 2019.

Established in 1862, the Nelson couple take a lot of pride in the history of Shone and Shirley and the fact that, today, it's still a family-owned operation. “Not all funeral homes are locally owned or even New Zealand owned, so it's a real privilege owning this business,” says Alistair.

· Being locally owned gives more flexibility when caring for your family

· Provision of a modern, purpose-built chapel with built-in livestream options, and a separate catering lounge, and on-site car parking

· Personal digital Memorial pages free of charge

· No after hour or extra milage fees

· Pre-arrangements free of charge

· Caring for all price ranges, and price transparency

Emma and Alistair are proud to provide a professional, personal, affordable service at Shone and Shirley Funeral Directors. “It really is about care – our family caring for your family.”

For more than 35 years, Star Moving and Distribution has provided a professional home and furniture removal service founded on reliability, security, and friendliness. Located at 178 Tahunanui Dr, with branches nationwide, Star Moving take the stress out of moving by going that extra mile every time. The longstanding, locally owned company provide trained packers that carefully wrap precious belongings in the most secure way possible. Their team specialise in Safe and Heavy Item moving, ensuring all furniture and stored belongings are carefully itemised and containerised for protection and security.

If relocating, Star Moving will blanket-wrap all home furniture and effects which will be securely stowed for travelling in the most safe and secure manner possible. Star Moving also offer an unpacking service and the company provide export-approved fire and burglar-protected storage warehouses across the country. With a fleet of modern trucks and regular service-runs throughout NZ, Star Moving and Distribution fully cater to daily and weekly freight services throughout the country. Contact Star Moving on 03 548 6667 to discuss your requirements or book a home visit and written quote. Email nelson@starmoving.co.nz for more information.

Committed to contributing to a more sustainable and affordable economy in the Nelson-Tasman area, Weka Peckers Recycling owners Ricarda and Merv provide a family-run reuse shop and resource recovery service for the region, as well as a consultancy services for waste minimisation and diversion.

Weka Peckers Recycling offers a wide range of recovered building materials, such as doors, windows, insulation, framing timber, roofing iron and tiles, Rimu flooring and a lot more. Our large reuse shop is filled with treasures galore: vintage, antiques, tools, DIY home projects, furniture, sports gear and more.

Passionate about their role, the team are excited to announce the addition of extra machinery, including a baler and forklift, enabling the team to work in collaboration with local businesses to send plastic packaging waste to Future Post in Blenheim where it is turned into fence and vineyard posts.

“The opening of the Future Post factory in Blenheim has enabled this dream to become feasible,” says Ricarda. “It has made it viable to divert soft plastics and is a fantastic addition to the Top of the South.”

Ricarda and Merv say people can also bring their cut, open, and cleaned food and beverage cartons like TetraPak to Weka Peckers.

“We then send these on to SaveBoard in Hamilton to be recycled into sustainable building products – a perfect example of waste diversion into a circular economy.”

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

Proud locally owned automotive business, Dollarsave Auto (DS Auto) has been trading and fixing vehicles at its Haven Rd site for over 30 years. Owner-operators Derryl and Tanja Henman say the team at DS Auto ‘cover it all’, providing customers with top-quality auto services to all makes and models, from Fiats to Ferraris, and a great range of car sales and rentals, caravans and trailers. DS Auto also have a fully-equipped workshop housing the latest machinery and the team also specialise in selling unique automobiles such as classic cars, range rovers and even corvettes. “Additionally, we are still very active in importing caravans and vehicles from UK and USA.”

“Being family-operated we tend to share the family sense with our customers and staff members,” says Derryl. “We strive to give the best service possible, and we hope to see our business grow for a further 30 years!” Tanja is the customers main point of contact, keeping people on the ball with their warrants, and in recent years their son Tom joined the business as a qualified auto technician working on a wide range of vehicles. “We are a family-owned and operated business,” says Tanja. “And we believe wholeheartedly in supporting local.”

Meet the dynamic duo of paint perfection, Terry and Poroani (Puds) Stephens, the husband-and-wife owners of Stephens Painting and Decorating, who boast a whopping 45 years of combined painting and decorating experience. Ready to transform dreams into reality the couple have tackled every kind of canvas, from multimillion dollar mansions to cosy flats, and have mastered the art of both old and new spaces. Along with their valued team members, an unwavering commitment to quality and a meticulous eye for detail is showcased throughout all of their interior and exterior painting, wallpapering and plastering projects. “Each project is all about the client and we ensure they are part of the whole process, from start to finish,” says Terry. “We understand that they are opening up their home to us, we are very respectful and mindful of that.” Guaranteeing their workmanship, there is no skimping or saving on the number of paint coats and quality product with Terry saying, “We will get the job done right the first time.” Professional, reliable and trustworthy, Stephens Painting and Decorating deliver excellent, high-quality finishes at competitive prices, across the whole Nelson Tasman region from Hira to Wakefield and across to Motueka.

Operating above Goodyear, the bright yellow building on St Vincent Street, MANE Hair Studio owners Sue Gray and Ashley Green are dedicated to helping people feel great without charging the earth.

Moving to their new site in July, these passionate stylists who are all about creating beautiful, personalised looks for their clients. Whether you're looking for foils, a colour, fresh cut, men's and women's perms, or a Keratin treatment, they've got you covered.

MANE stock the Pump and Matrix products, as well as Goldwell and KMS. "Pop in and visit our new relaxing space and get the best advice on what your hair needs to be summer fresh.

To all the clients who have supported us over the years, we thank you, we are still doing what we love - helping people feel good to go out and tackle life - from our new Hair Studio ‘MANE’ situated at 133 St Vincent Street, above Goodyear AutoCare Nelson.

We are here to look after your hair and are excited to welcoming both existing and new clients to our new salon.”

Located at 13b McGlashen Ave, Hobby Central is the region's only hobby store dedicated to a variety of toys and accessories from plastic models, slot cars and more.

They are the largest stockist of all things ‘model’, including diecast, train sets and remote control cars.

Owner Barry Andrews says if you can’t find what you are looking for from the vast range of stock available instore, he can order it in.

“It is impossible to stock everything, so we are happy to order items in for our customers. Most orders usually take around 2-3 business days, depending on suppliers.”

Operating since 2014, Hobby Central is based alongside Richmond Vehicle Testing Station and are open from Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, and Saturday from 8am to 12pm.

Contact Barry and the team on 03 544 9111 or email office@richmondvts. co.nz for more information. “Come see us for all your hobby needs.”

PM reaffirms support for Hope Bypass

MAX FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has reiterated the Government’s support for building the Hope Bypass during a visit to Richmond on Monday.

“It’s a long overdue project,” he says.

“The Government Policy Statement identifies the Hope Bypass as a key strategic priority project, so we can expect to see progress on that over the next three years as they do the planning.”

The Hope Bypass is the name for the project that will shift State Highway 6 off Gladstone Rd onto a new purpose-built road.

It is expected that the bypass will significantly ease congestion around the intersection at Lower Queen St by shifting through traffic, especially freight, off Gladstone Rd.

The bypass will essentially run along where the current Railway Reserve cycleway runs – behind the Lower Queen St McDonald’s and Jubilee Park, parallel to Gladstone Rd – until it rejoins with Main Road Hope at some point past Ranzau Rd.

“It will help to unclog what is quite a chokepoint for economic

activity in the region,” the Prime Minister said during his visit to the site on Monday.

“With housing expanding in that part of the area as well, I think it’s good news to get that opened up,” he says.

Nelson MP Rachel Boyack explains that the construction of the bypass will also provide an opportunity to fix the layout of the Lower Queen St intersection, which is growing more dangerous.

The bypass hasn’t been designed

yet, so the specific details of the road’s entries and exits are still up for debate, but Rachel says it’s “highly likely” that the bypass will flyover Lower Queen St. “This is exactly why we are pushing ahead with the necessary planning, design work and consenting, so that we can finalise detailed plans and get on with building the new bypass.”

Though much is still to be decided, Rachel has confirmed that there will be a separated cycleway along the length of the bypass

which will protect the Great Taste Trail which travels along the current path of the bypass. There will be at least one safe passageway so active travellers can easily travel between the new Berryfields development and the rest of Richmond.

“We have those large logging trucks and other industrial vehicles interacting with elderly people on motor scooters and kids trying to cross the road,” Rachel says.

“A big part of what we’re doing

is actually adjusting the layout to disconnect those types of road users from each other so that it’s safer for people to walk, cycle, and use the bus.”

The National Party has also committed to building the Hope Bypass should it get into Government after the general election.

“It’s the number one priority for the Nelson and Tasman councils to unlock congestion, boost productivity, and to ensure that this region can grow and unlock more housing,” says the party’s transport spokesperson Simeon Brown.

“This will have significant economic growth opportunities for the entire Nelson and Richmond region.”

Rachel says she would like construction to begin “as soon as possible” after the design work and consenting has been completed, which will take place over 2024-2027, while National has committed to starting construction within four to 10 years. The Prime Minister also took a trip on the new eBus service while in the region.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and Nelson MP Rachel Boyack walked along Lower Queen Street on Monday where the Hope Bypass is expected to reduce congestion. Photo: Max Frethey.

Join us for a Spring Morning Tea Tour

Warmer months are just around the corner

That means gardens need to be prepared, repairs and maintenance planned, and spring cleaning started.

Here at Summerset Richmond Ranges we’re busy getting the village ready too. But our residents don’t need to lift a finger, as we take care of the chores, leaving them to spend their days how best they wish. Although some do still love to look after their gardens of course.

If you’ve ever been curious about a village life with fewer chores, now could be the time. We’re holding a Morning Tea Tour every Thursday in September at 10:30am, so you can get a taste of the Summerset life that our residents love so much.

Love the life you choose

Summerset Richmond Ranges

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

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

Our villas are warm, modern, and designed with everything you could need for the perfect retirement lifestyle, all safe and secure within our gated community.

Plus, let us help take the stress out of your move to Summerset Richmond Ranges with our Moving Made Easy offer.# Simply sign a sales application between 1 July 2023 and 30 September 2023. This offer includes help with your legal fees, a complimentary moving package, no weekly fees for six months, and six months to sell your home.

It’s never been easier to make the move

Morning Tea Tour

Every Thursday in September, 10:30am

Summerset Richmond Ranges

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

Tō tātou reo Advance Care Planning

What matters most to you when you think about your health changing?

How would you communicate your wishes, values and preferences to the health care team and your loved ones? What health care would you want, or not want, if you were unable to talk?

An Advance Care Plan is one way of capturing these decisions. Come along to an information session with Mary-Ann Hardcastle from Nelson Bays Primary Health, have your questions answered and access some of the resources available to you.

Introduction to Advance Care Plans workshops (45 mins)

NELSON and RICHMOND

Tuesday 10 October 2023 - 1pm-2pm

Richmond Age Concern, 62 Oxford St

Wednesday 1 November 2023 - 1pm-2pm

Nelson Age Concern, 18 Bridge St

MOTUEKA

Wednesday 20 September 2023 - 1pm-2pm

Motueka Community House, 9 Greenwood St

Tuesday 31 October 2023 - 1pm-2pm

Motueka Over-50s Club, 10 Pah St

Thursday 16 November 2023 - 11am & 2pm

Motueka Library, 32 Wallace St

Acupuncture for koha helps hundreds

Kelly Wells of Balance Health and Wellbeing recently marked five years of providing treatments through the Victory Community Centre’s community acupuncture clinic. This is a koha based clinic where people pay what they feel they can afford. Kelly has treated 327 people and two dogs, delivering 1594 treatments over the last five years. Steve McLuckie from the centre says they marked the occasion last Friday with kai and kōrero. “Five years is a fantastic milestone and testament to her amazing generosity and commitment to our community.”

One month of eBus

There were 68,000 journeys on Nelson Tasman’s new eBus service during its first month of operation, a 68 per cent increase compared with the average monthly usage from the last seven months of NBus. Patronage on the service continued to climb across the month with a 16 per cent increase from week one to week four. Between the launch of the service on 1 August, and the end of the first month, there was an increase of 675 journeys a day. The new Motueka and Wakefield routes are popular with close to 3,000 jour-

neys on the Motueka route alone.

Cathedral bells welcome godwits return

Nelson Cathedral’s bells will ring out at 10am on Thursday, 21 September to welcome back to Nelson the bar-tailed godwit, an incredible bird that undertakes a 12,000 kilometre flight to return here. In what is the longest non-stop flight in the natural world, every September around 90,000 godwits fly from the southern tip of Alaska to New Zealand. “They deserve a round of applause and that is why the Cathedral bells ring out every September to welcome them back,” says Nelson Cathedral Dean, Graham O’Brien. The godwits will stay in New Zealand until March.

Nelson home values

Nelson’s average home value is sitting at $765,061 according to the latest figures from Quotable Value (QV). The latest QV House Price Index shows the rolling three-monthly rate of reduction has slowed in Nelson (-2.4 per cent). Nationally, the average home has increased in value by 0.5 per cent to $893,639, marking its first quarter of positive growth since the downturn began in late 2021.

Internet safety: How to browse and find reliable information

The internet is buzzing with information and you can have a great time browsing and clicking. But when you’re looking for reliable information about something important, how do you know which sites to trust?

Citizens Advice Bureau’s website has a wide variety of information, all NZ specific. Content is constantly checked so you know it’s up to date. Articles use plain language, and links take you to relevant parts of other websites. You don’t have to sift through that long list of sites offered by Google. Everyone is welcome to use the CAB website.

Did you know many Government departments’ websites can be accessed from your mobile even when you don’t have any data left? Go to zero.govt.nz then choose the government service you need from the buttons displayed there.

If you have a question about the law, check Community Law’s very useful online legal manual. (communitylaw.org.nz) If you have a problem with something you bought or a service you paid for, the Commerce Commission has advice to offer on a wide range of subjects. CAB can help you understand your consumer rights, too.

There are many groups in the community who offer help in specialist areas, such as Alzheimers Association or Cancer Society. Most have websites to give you good basic

Citizens Advice Bureau Nelson Tasman 9 Paru Paru Rd, Nelson Ph: 03 548 2117 0800 367 222 email: nelsontasman@cab.org.nz www.cab.org.nz

information and contact details if you need more personal help. Community directories can help you find the one you need.

When you’re not sure which sources of information are credible, go directly to the origin if you can and remember to look and see if it’s a local site. You don’t want to spend half an hour filling out a tax form for Australia if you live in New Zealand.

Kiwis love acronyms, so use ‘CARS’ to help you remember how to find trustworthy information.

Credibility: Is the information created by someone who knows about the subject and cares about communicating it? Does the URL end with .edu, .org, or .govt to show it’s official?

Accuracy: Based on other information you have, does the site seem accurate? Are the entries up-to-date? Is it free of obvious errors, such as typos or links that don’t work?

Reasonableness: Does the site present both sides of an issue or does the author have an axe to grind? Is the advertising inappropriate?

Support: Can you verify the information on the site from a bibliography or other references?

Best of all, remember you talk to a real person when you phone your local CAB. We’re ready to help, or refer you to a specialist. You can email, phone or come in for a chat. We know how to find answers!

Spring Cleanout Time!

It is important to have a specialist, licensed 2nd Hand Dealer value these for you. Especially when it comes to specialist items such as Stamps, Coins and Banknotes and quality antique items.

“I have now dealt with Matt Power twice in regards to the purchase of Stamps, Coins and Banknotes and some other items, I have found him to be a straight forward and Honest Broker”

- Roger King (83) The Rocks, Nelson

You never know what you might have tucked away at your place. Already in Nelson, I have come across some Rare Stamps, some quality World War memorabilia and valuable antique collectable items. Even a toy Flying Saucer!

I pay one of the highest rates in the industry for Gold Items and am always on the look out for Sovereigns.

The strangest things become popular. Right now, I am particularly looking for old Railways NZ Charges, such as the below.

I live here in Nelson, so give me a call!!

Shining the spotlight on touring shows

KATE RUSSELL

The curtain is about to rise on a variety of touring shows in Nelson, but a local theatre manager says we may be at risk of losing some of them if they are not supported.

Theatre Royal manager Eliane Polack says she is seeing more tours skipping the smaller regions - Nelson included.

“We are not as financially interesting for them - less capacity, smaller population, more costs to get here. I have had a few usual promoters cancel their pencil bookings for this year because they are only going to tour the big cities or even just staying in the North Island.”

She says when promotors do take the risk, it is important that Nelsonians show their support by buying tickets.

“We really want these tours to keep coming, and for Nelsonians to enjoy touring shows without having to leave town. It is also important for the local economy, because rather than spending money on flights and accommodation to watch a show in one of the larger cities, quite a few people spend time and money in town before or after a show.” One of these shows is Dr. Seuss’s

The Cat in the Hat - Live on Stage!

It will be coming to the Theatre Royal on 5 October, during the school holidays. The cast of Kiwis have just returned from a five week tour of Australia and 2.5 months touring the Middle East. The action-packed play was adapted for the stage in 2009 by the National Theatre of Great Britain but tells the story, consistent with the book, of a brother and sister bored at home on a

rainy day.

Promotor for the show, Brad Thomson from Showcase Entertainment Group, says the towns and small cities are still “very important” for them - however it can be a risk.

“We love the people of New Zealand and getting out and entertaining young Kiwis is why we do this in the first place. However, it isn’t a ‘sure bet’ that we will cover costs as it is expensive touring, es-

pecially in the South Island. So, it is important for locals to support touring shows by buying tickets to secure the future of smaller places on touring circuits.”

Ladies Night - described as New Zealand’s ‘sexiest and most successful comedy of all time’ - is also including Nelson in their nationwide tour on 4 October at the Theatre Royal.

Promotor Ben McDonald says support from communities in the

regions is “so important” to keep their show on the road.

“Touring theatre to the regions has been my passion for 20 years and it’s always a treat to play the Theatre Royal.”

Eliane says both shows are selling “reasonably well”.

“But we would have sold out by now if they had been on a few years ago. The last minute ticket buying is very stressful for show producers.”

She says they are also looking forward to various touring shows that are part of the Nelson Arts Festival in October, an international tour of The World of Musicals, and a highly-anticipated concert by Whirimako Black in November.

Showtime Australia is also back again in December with a Neil Diamond tribute show, and early next year they will welcome back the Royal New Zealand Ballet with Tutus on Tour.

Go to www.theatreroyal.co.nz for tickets to The Cat in the Hat and Ladies Night. Nelson Weekly has a family pass (four tickets) to give away to The Cat in the Hat on Thursday, 5 October at 10.30am. To go in the draw, email your name and contact details to kate@nelsonweekly.co.nz before Wednesday, 20 September.

From left: Hannah MacFarlane, Nick Wilkinson, Courtney Mayall, Bradley Greenwood, Falstaff Dowling-Mitchell, and Tara Given in The Cat in the Hat. Photo: Ben Mannell.

Cocktales transforms Fairfield House

Have you ever wanted to have a cocktail party with your favourite literary heroes?

Well, William Shakespeare and Edgar Allan Poe are here to ruin that dream for you.

Cocktales is the brandnew intimate show from award-winning theatre company The Barden Party which is set to return to Nelson this week for a night of drinks, song, poetry and general chaos.

‘Cocktales’ will transform Fairfield House into an enlightenment-era salon - full of grand ideas, humour, song and whimsy.

Shakespeare is here to make sure of that. The only problem is that Poe, complete with his famed Gothic texts, has never been to such a party before is a bit of a downer and seems dead set on making Bill’s life as difficult as possible.

Barden Party artistic director Laura Irish says the idea came on the back of the company’s sell-out Shakespearean shows over the last two summers that took them all over the country and to the US.

Kapa Haka exhibition takes its stance

GORDON PREECE

“We thought ‘wouldn’t it be great to be able to entertain even when it’s a little colder outside?”

And so, Cocktales was born featuring the talents of Caleb James as William Shakespeaer and Ollie Howlett as Edgar Allan Poe.

“Over the course of an hour, immerse yourselves in the worlds of two of the English-language’s biggest larrikins as they try to impress you with their particular command of language, music, cocktail-making skills and insight into the human condition.”

Laura says it’s never quite clear how the evening will turn out as every show is different, but she can guarantee a fantastic night out.

“‘Cocktales’ will be the most talked about shindig you’ve ever thrown.”

Cocktales presented by The Barden Party is on at Fairfield House from 14 - 16 September. Tickets are available at www.fairfieldnelson.org. nz/events/

A Whakatū [Nelson] photographer has met the challenge to exhibit the pride, strength and unity of traditional Māori performing arts at Nelson Provincial Museum.

The exhibition, which is titled Te Ara o Hine Rēhia: A journey into the world of kapa haka, takes visitors on a journey through Melissa Banks’ photos of local kapa haka whānau.

Melissa says her exhibited schoolaged kapa haka groups include Tamariki Toa from Nelson Central School, Te Pītau Whakarei from Nelson Intermediate School, Pūaha Te Tai from Nayland College and the Whakatū-based adult group, Kura Tai Waka.

“It shows the importance that people celebrate the kaupapa [topic],” she says. “Within a kapa haka bracket there are seven items that a group performs when they’re on the stage, so I’ve separated the images into different sections and used the metaphor of each of the seven items.”

These seven metaphors include the waiata tira [choral song], the whakaeke [entry], the mōteatea [lament], the poi, the waiata-ā-ringa [action song], the haka, and the whakawātea [ending].

Melissa says her exhibition will also feature traditional taonga from the

museum, recently-created artefacts such as tā moko stencils, poi and piupiu, and kapa haka videos and soundscapes.

“I just hope to make the whānau who are in the photos proud… they’re really excited and supportive and I’ve had awesome sponsorship as well,” she says. “I’ve had other exhibitions, but this is probably the first big solo one.”

A moving opening ceremony for Melissa’s exhibition was held on September 7 and boasted one of the largest crowds for an exhibition launch at the central city museum. Her exhibition will be on display until 12 November which includes during the national primary schools kapa haka competition, Te Mana Kuratahi, at the Trafalgar Centre at the end of October.

Melissa Banks says her kapa haka exhibition demonstrates the significance of traditional Māori performing arts. Photo: Gordon Preece.

Locally owned and operated, Think Water Nelson on St Vincent Street recently opened its doors to the public and extended its reach across the region. As well as being a Husqvarna dealership, the team specialise in all things ‘Water’ and products relating to pumps and irrigation, filtration, rain harvesting, heat pumps, pool and spas. Offering a broad range of

water solutions for residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural clients, Think Water Nelson is owned by Tracy Spark and Phil Collins, and managed by Troy Appleton. One of the store's most popular items at the moment is their water purification units, says Tracey. Filtering out contaminants, including harmful chemicals, bacteria, and viruses including aluminium, ammonia, chlorine, copper, lead, magnesium, rust and bacteria, their range of water filtration systems are suitable for a full range of irrigation and water systems for both the home and garden for every tap and appliance in a home.

“Water is a vital resource, and its quality is crucial to our wellbeing. It is essential to have a reliable water filtration system to ensure that your water is safe to drink and use. If you are needing filtered water from more than just a single tap in your home, then a wholehouse water filter is the more economical choice. These systems are particularly useful

when there are concerns about sediment and hard water. The units are easy to install, can be attached directly to the mains, and only require a filter change once a year.”

Think Water supplies a range of whole house water filters from Puretec that are available for home use, including undersink water filters, countertop water filters, portable water filters, rainwater filter kits and tap water filters. Each type of filter has its benefits and is suitable for different needs. “We can all taste the chlorine in our water and feel it drying out our skin,” says Troy. “But you don’t have to put up with it. We can pro-

vide on-site quotes, and our certified plumbers can assist with all installations and servicing.”

Visit Think Water Nelson for a range of pressure pumps, garden supplies, hoses, fittings, filtration, pool supplies and more, or contact the Think Water Nelson team on 03 528 8888, or email nelson@thinkwater.co.nz for more information on how they can help.

“We pride ourselves on warm, local customer service and have a reputation with our clients based on reliable delivery and trust. We listen to customers' needs, providing solutions, not just products.”

Think Water Nelson’s co-owner Tracy Spark and store manager Troy Appleton.

Milestone Homes Nelson Bays showcase their newest show home

Celebrating the grand opening of their newest show home this weekend, Milestone Homes Nelson Bays will be showcasing the company's most prominent option in their stunning range.

Located at 52 Summersfield Boulevard, in The Meadows, Richmond, the 192m2 home effortlessly represents the exceptional value for money that potential homeowners will get

with a Milestone Homes Nelson Bays build, says general manager Adam Hills.

The show home is based on one of the company’s most popular plans and it has been tweaked to perfection. Inside you'll find beautiful open-plan living spaces, a central kitchen with walk-inpantry and a spacious lounge that can be closed off.

Three generous double bed-

rooms, two bathrooms and a separate toilet are complemented by plenty of storage to ensure the entire family is catered for. Smart inclusions in this home include the tray ceiling, attic, entertainment unit, feature walls in the entry and bedroom one, as well as a stunning ensuite upgrade. Situated around the corner from Central Park, just a stone’s throw from the bustling café and the lo-

cal Sprig + Fern, you’ll find this stunning new home open to view at your leisure.

In true Milestone fashion, the Richmond show home showcases their standard specification allowing people to see and touch what they’ll get in their home and identify any things they may like to change.

General manager Adam Hills is passionate about the way they

display the standard offering at the showhome.

“The fact we build our show home to a standard level so people can see exactly what they’re getting is a huge point of difference for us. We have spent years refining our standard specifications to ensure that every home we build is aspirational as well as offering a great value proposition.

We are committed to offering

Proudly supporting Milestone Homes to put the roof over your head

exceptional value for money and believe that what is on display with the show home hits the nail on the head.”

The cost of the build is on display and that’s another point of difference with Milestone, says Adam.

“All of the plans are pre-priced, and people can walk out with a variety of options and have an accurate picture of what it will cost, all from a single visit!”

Established in 2007, Milestone Homes has been successfully building homes throughout the Nelson region for more than 16 years and remains locally owned and operated. With over 450 homes built in that time, the teams’ commitment to providing quality and value has stood the test of time.

Adam has been with Milestone Homes Nelson Bays since its inception, beginning his career as the sole New Home Consultant through to becoming the region's General Manager in 2018. His passion for the industry lies in providing truly smart building options and says part of the com-

pany's success lies in its ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the building industry.

“Uncertainty is a challenge we all face in the current climate, so we as a business have worked extremely hard to make some changes to what we are able to offer and help provide some peace

of mind to our clients.”

Milestone Homes Nelson Bays now counts itself amongst the most popular builders in the region, consistently building more than 45 homes per year, and the team have developed a strong reputation for being honest and upfront and always acting in

the best interests of their clients.

Along the journey the business has been recognised both locally and nationally with success at the Master Builders House of the Year awards as well as business awards on a franchise level.

On top of being able to see and touch what you get when you

build with Milestone, you can also view a selection of house and land packages ranging from $665,000 for fully landscaped homes in Richmond, right through to $1.25m for a beautiful family home in Nelson.

On display you’ll also find their three plan ranges, which include

the newly-released ‘Country’ range which are perfect for your rural paradise with inspirational plans providing a focus on space. Milestone Homes Nelson Bays pride themselves on providing not only a fantastic home but also a fantastic experience to all who choose to build with them. Communication through each stage from planning and pricing through to consent and then construction is of utmost priority to ensure everything runs smoothly. Select your ideal way of living with a Milestone Homes' proven home design. Whether you prefer a smart, compact city dwelling or a spacious country retreat, Milestone Homes offers a variety of Metro, Lifestyle, and Country options to make your lifestyle dreams a reality. Choose a style and floorplan from their extensive selection, designed to accommodate various section sizes and living preferences. Milestone Homes understands that building a new home is an exciting milestone in life. “When you partner with us, you

the newly-released ‘Country’ range which are perfect for your rural paradise with inspirational plans providing a focus on space. Milestone Homes Nelson Bays pride themselves on providing not only a fantastic home but also a fantastic experience to all who choose to build with them.

Communication through each stage from planning and pricing through to consent and then construction is of utmost priority to ensure everything runs smoothly. Select your ideal way of living with a Milestone Homes' proven home design. Whether you prefer a smart, compact city dwelling or a spacious country retreat, Milestone Homes offers a variety of Metro, Lifestyle, and Country options to make your lifestyle dreams a reality. Choose a style and floorplan from their extensive selection, designed to accommodate various section sizes and living preferences.

Milestone Homes understands that building a new home is an exciting milestone in life.

“When you partner with us, you

can trust in our expertise to deliver a superb new home and a fantastic overall experience.”

can trust in our expertise to deliver a superb new home and a fantastic overall experience.”

“Our team consistently reviews our offerings to stay current with design trends and materials, ensuring we secure the best prices from trusted New Zealand brands to pass on the benefits to our clients.

“Our team consistently reviews our offerings to stay current with design trends and materials, ensuring we secure the best prices from trusted New Zealand brands to pass on the benefits to our clients.

“We take pride in constructing homes that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with high resale value, meeting market demands, and delivering an exceptional homeowner experience."

“We take pride in constructing homes that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with high resale value, meeting market demands, and delivering an exceptional homeowner experience."

For more information on how Milestone Homes Nelson Bays can help to build your dream home, talk to one of the friendly and experienced team by calling 03 543 8663 or emailing nelson@ milestonehomes.co.nz

For more information on how Milestone Homes Nelson Bays can help to build your dream home, talk to one of the friendly and experienced team by calling 03 543 8663 or emailing nelson@ milestonehomes.co.nz

Open this weekend between 12pm and 4pm, both Saturday and Sunday, be sure to pay the team a visit at their brand-new show home at 52 Summersfield Boulevard, in The Meadows, Richmond.

Open this weekend between 12pm and 4pm, both Saturday and Sunday, be sure to pay the team a visit at their brand-new show home at 52 Summersfield Boulevard, in The Meadows, Richmond.

Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Rural Maintenance & Servicing Drainage Gasfitting

Proud to work with Milestone Homes

Proud to work with Milestone Homes

Proud to support Milestone Homes on the opening of their new show home

Proud to support Milestone Homes on the opening of their new show home

Local riders share World Cup top 10

JACK MALCOLM

Catching up with friends or colleagues on the other side of the globe proves just how small our world is.

And for local riders Rae Morrison and George Swift, there was a sense of familiarity as they came seventh and eighth, respectively, at the most recent UCI Enduro World Cup in France. Against the best riders in the world, the two women from the Top of the South were in top form as they raced to the finish line, despite facing adversity along the way.

Last year, George was awarded Nelson Mountain Bike Club’s Super D scholarship, which is used for racing overseas and showcases just how rapid her rise to the top has been.

With six World Cup races already under her belt, the improvement has been immense as she improved on a previous best finish of 14 to break into the top 10. Having kicked off the season with

a second-place finish at the New Zealand enduro championships, the 25-year-old has already established herself as a contender in the top scene.

On social media following the race, George says she felt like she gave everything on the final day in France’s Loudenvielle to come home with the result.

“I didn’t keep an eye on the living timing as I didn’t want to know as I knew all I could do was try my best.

“Four out of five stages finished within the top 10 and a few little mistakes and brake fade on stage four cost me a bit, but still beyond stoked!”

She says the announcer, who didn’t even bother to learn her name before the start of the race, gave her the fuel to “get this guy to remember me”.

“Waiting for the top 12 riders to drop was intense, as one by one they crossed the line, either finishing in front or behind me to end myself in seventh for the day. Absolutely unreal.”

For Rae, who has ridden professionally for the last eight years, the feeling is a little more familiar.

“I’ve consistently been in the top 10 in the world during that time, including several top-five results and stage wins. Always happy with a top 10 [result].”

Having come into the final stage of her most recent result in the hunt for a top-five finish and a sniff of the podium, Rae says she pushed hard to solidify the result.

“I rode the final stage at my absolute limit. I crashed on a loose

corner and landed heavily on my side.

“I obviously was disappointed I crashed and had injured myself, (and) I’m happy with the result, but it’s not a stand-out result for me.”

Following on from previous strong results, Rae is sitting at seventh in the World Cup points as they head towards their final event of the season this weekend. Having returned to Nelson midseason, she says it was nice to recharge the batteries in a place

that lives and breathes mountainbiking.

“[I’m] very stoked for George on her first top 10. She was flying that race and it’s cool to see her do well. Brady Stone is another Nelsonian on the circuit doing amazing things.

“The quality of riding in Nelson definitely nurtures talent,” she says.

Brady finished 18th in Loudenvielle, his second-best result of the season after coming home in 14th earlier in the year.

Sporting successes give judges tricky job as nominations open

JACK MALCOLM

The Nelson Sport and Recreation award nominations are now open, with two new categories for 2023.

In its first return to an in-person awards night since the start of Covid-19, Sport Tasman will bring together the local sporting community to celebrate the outstanding performances and contributions by the region’s sportspeople, as well as individuals and projects who have created a positive impact, for an evening of celebrations on 1 December hosted by MC Jason Pine.

Alongside the eight other awards on offer throughout the night, the evening will also include the newly-introduced NBS Community Impact/Kawekawe ki te Hāpori and Sport Tasman Diversity & Inclusion/Ahurea me te Whakawāiti awards, which will see community heroes on stage alongside the elite, high perform-

ing athletes from our region.

Sport Tasman chief executive Ed Shuttleworth says the newlyformed awards align with their organisation’s vision and it was important to have their inclusion.

“Sport Tasman exists so no child misses out. We recognise that physical activity supports wellbeing. We recognise that physical activity can be through play, sport, active recreation or general movement.

“The evening will be a special celebration that places these community heroes alongside the highest performing athletes in our region.”

With last year’s winner of the Nelson Sportsperson of the Year, the night’s highest honour, Nathan Fa’avae, having a quieter 2023, the field is open to see who will take home the top prize, while Niamh Fisher-Black will be in the hunt to defend her Sportswoman of the Year title from 2022 after another strong season in Europe.

Nathan Fav’avae was Nelson Sportsperson of the Year last year, his third time receiving the award (1999, 2006, 2022), but has his work cut out for him if he wants to defend the title against a wealth of success across a number of sporting codes in the past 12 months.

Ed says it is always difficult to compare achievements of individuals and teams in different sports codes, but the judging

panel of respected local sport and community representatives follow a basic set of guidelines for each award and use their

vast knowledge and experience in sport and our community to agree on deserving winners.

“There have been some great successes over the past year, and it won’t be easy to select winners, but this is a fantastic problem to have – it’s a real indication of the strength of our region.”

Alongside a wealth of awards, Sport Tasman is partnering with George Glover and Black Dog Swim for youth mental health at the 2023 Sport and Recreation Awards

The ultra-distance swimmer will be a guest of honour at the night after raising over $130,000 for the I am Hope charity through his coastal challenge, swimming over 300km in the freezing waters of Lake Rotoiti at St. Arnaud.

Full details of the awards and their history as well as the nomination process can be found online at www.sporttasman.org.nz/ nelsonsportsawards.

Rae Morrison says she was disappointed to have crashed at the recent Enduro World Cup event in France, having to settle for seventh place, which still keeps her in the hunt for the end-of-season rankings. Photo: Henry Jaine.

Photo (File): GodZone.

Sport Tasman delivers mana-enhancing projects for rangatahi

As youth enjoyment of sport falls to new lows, a newly-launched initiative looks to break down the barriers for young people to be physically active while also increasing participation.

While physical activity offers many benefits for young people, rangatahi aren’t as active as they used to be and Sport Tasman aims to be the change makers in the space by delivering mana-enhancing projects in the region that give young people a voice in programme delivery and alignment with their values and interests.

According to a recent Sport New Zealand report, weekly participation for youth aged 12-17 has decreased by three per cent from 2021 to 2022 and six per cent from pre-Covid levels.

The decline in participation is prominent among females aged 12-14, while interest and enjoyment levels among rangatahi are diminishing across the board. The report also found in 2022 that the number of youth who said they enjoy playing sports reached an all-time low of 79 per cent.

Sport Tasman’s vision is to remove the barriers and provide equitable opportunities for rangatahi to participate in sport and active recreation across Te Tau

Ihu and Kaikōura through its unique Regional Active Recreation Advisors (RARA) projects. They have embarked on a threeyear strategic partnership with Rātā Foundation and Sport New Zealand Ihi Aotearoa, designed to support targeted populations of rangatahi - including Māori, Pasifika, kōhine (teenage girls) and former refugees in the Nelson, Tasman, Kaikōura, and Marlborough regions - to increase engagement and wellbeing and remove barriers that make participation challenging for young people.

Sport Tasman’s General Manager of Community Outcomes Lesley McIntosh says existing barriers to participation include time, cost, transport, and general awareness of the recreation programmes available.

“There is also a lack of youth input into the programmes being offered and little alignment with their values or interests,” she says.

Sport Tasman’s holistic programme aims to address barriers by encouraging rangatahi to connect with Māori culture and the natural environment.

“We base our activity around Te

Whare Tapa Whā, which is the four pillars of wellbeing, where active recreation isn’t the be-all and end-all but adds value to existing programmes or enhances the wellbeing and mana of rangatahi,” says Lesley. “We don’t offer active recreation in isolation. We aim to link it with the youths’ values, whether that be around the environment or Māori culture.

“When you bring in those values, you’re starting to break down some barriers that not only enable them but encourage rangatahi to participate.”

In the first year of the project, Sport Tasman has collaborated with 49 organisations, over half of whom have shown increased capability to engage rangatahi through insights, co-design and adopting principles informed by a Te Ao Māori world-view, while three quarters of the opportunities provided were co-designed alongside rangatahi.

“Sport Tasman has embraced the fact that not all young people enjoy, or want to participate in, competitive sport,” says Sport New Zealand Ihi Aotearoa Active Recreation lead Fran McEwen.

Lawn, Tāhunanui, Richmond, Hope and Māpua tennis clubs aced local participation as part of the nationwide Love Tennis open days on Sunday which aimed to get more people to pick up a racket. Photo:

All Blacks Mako flanker Ethan Blackadder was on a flight to France last weekend instead of with his team to Taranaki after he was called into the All Blacks World Cup squad as injury replacement. With nine test caps already under his belt, the news broke on Friday with the Mako team posting a video of their announcement to the team.

Biking

Nelson’s Georgia Whitla has won two golds and a silver in the W21A division of the recent New South Wales Mountain Bike Orienteering championships, winning the short and middle distance while finishing less than a minute off the pace in the long distance. She was joined by local Patrick Higgins in the M21A division who won silver in all three events.

Nelson

Gordon Preece.

The Moana paddle group is just one of the ways Sport Tasman is looking to increase youth participation as they look for new ways of doing things with enjoyment of sport among youth hitting an all-time low across New Zealand in 2022. Photo: Supplied.

Nelson Children’s Athletics is a friendly, positive club where your child can try all aspects of track and field in a supportive and positive environment. Meet new friends, learn new skills and compete against each other locally and regionally. Our friendly coaches will teach your children how to run, throw and jump in a safe and enjoyable way. Get fit for the summer and watch your child's confidence grow with regular opportunities to compete against other kids and clubs. This is a great introduction leading to intermediate and high school athletics. Starting on Thursday, 12th October, at 5:157pm at Saxton Field and then running every Thursday during term 4 and 1 (2024) Suitable for children from age 7-14. No experience necessary.

Tasman Volleyball - Get ready to spike your way into the world

of volleyball like never before! Volleyball isn't just a sport, it's a fusion of friends, family and fun. Join us in New Zealand's hottest secondary school sporting sensation! First up in the September holidays, we host our ever popular Te Totara Holiday Programme skills camp over three unforgettable days. An exciting inclusion for this cam is Johann Timmer – Head Development Coach for Volleyball New Zealand, these sessions are a thrilling opportunity for aspiring players, both newcomers and those looking to level up their game. Following on, our Term 4 registrations are open for our numerous volleyball leagues from School level to Social and Competitive! Jump online to take a look - www.volleyballtasman.nz

Be part of action-packed netball fun at Saxton’s this summer –register now for Twilight Netball

Athletics NELSON

(Social Ladies and Mixed) which takes place on Tuesday evenings, from 17 Oct to 5 Dec 2023. $280 per team. Or why not pull together a team for Summer League (Competitive Mixed).

Commencing on 13th October and going through to 17th November 2023, this takes place on Friday evenings inside Saxton Stadium. $300 per team. Registrations for Twilight Netball and the Summer League close Friday 6th Oct 2023. The Twilight competition runs for eight weeks, and the Summer league runs for 6 weeks, and are organised by Nelson Netball Centre.

“Playing at the Saxton Netball Courts is a cool, fun environment, and it’s a great way to get fit this summer,” says Aleisha Cederman, NetballSmart Centre Activator. For further details and to register, visit www. nelsonnetball.co.nz. Or send an email to Kalyssa: development@ nelsonnetball.co.nz if you have any questions.

Nelson Softball - Why not give softball a go this summer? There are loads of benefits – you’ll improve your fitness levels, build lifelong friendships and have heaps of fun!

There are a range of competitions on offer for all ages and abilities

– youth, senior, fast-pitch men and women, and mixed social slo-pitch teams. Registrations are now open for the 2023-2024 season. The NSA Senior Fast Pitch Competition (Men and Women) starts 7th October, and the NSA Youth Fast Pitch Competition (U13, U15 & U18's) starts Saturday 28th October.

The USC Monday night Youth League starts Monday 30th October (5-11 years). The T-ball and U11 League is FREE to play in!!!!

The USC Mixed Wednesday night Social Slo-Pitch League starts 2nd November and goes for 5 weeks. This is a modified softball league for ages 13 years and up. All gear is supplied and the season is played in 2 partsSpring and Summer.

To find out more visit our website; www.nelsonsoftball.org.nz or head over to the Nelson Softball Facebook page.

Ta tau ihu baseball - With more than 60 million people playing baseball worldwide, the hype and excitement of the game is alive and well in the Top of the South. The region has two baseball clubs, Nelson Heat and Tasman Country Baseball Club, which offer baseball, teeball and coachpitch baseball from under 8s through to under 19s and open adults grade.

Nelson Children’s Athletics

Regional president Kelvin Heiford says the small ball, wooden bats and large diamonds make the game a big hitting and captivating sport both to play and watch.

“If you can throw over hand you can pitch, and this makes games viable and enjoyable at all age levels,” he says. For more information, talk to your school sports co-ordinator or head along to www.tetauihubaseball.nz or www. nelsonheatbaseball.org.nz. Or phone/text 021 343 690.

Nelson Surf Lifesaving Club and Surf Sport is gearing up for the summer season, with an Open Day planned for 29th October when people can register their interest. Surf Sport’s junior club, U14 Surf Nippers, is ‘serious fun’ while gaining confidence in the water, and they’re taught skills in Beach Sprints, Beach flags, Surf Swim

& Board Race.

“We’re also encouraging more seniors to get involved,” says Aaron Lyttle, club captain of Nelson Surf Lifesaving.

and Mixed grades (1-3) plus Corporate grade (mixed) will play on Thursday evenings.

“It’s a great way to get outside and have a run around. We cater for all levels, whether you are serious or want to put a social team together, if you have played before or not,” says

organiser Glen Heke. The games go for 30 minutes in total and take place in an awesome location next to Tahuna Beach. The Tahuna Touch Adults competition kicks off on October 12th. Register your team at www. sporty.co.nz/tahunatouch or facebook "Official Nelson Bays Touch".

“This year, we’d like to enter a team into the national championships. During the past year, our focus has been on IRB racing, so we’ve had teams in-

volved in the nationals, which is great.”

Senior Surf involves all the beach events like beach flags, beach sprint, surf-swim events, board racing, ski races and combined events like Iron Man.

“In New Zealand there’s water everywhere, so Surf Sport is ideal because we teach people skills to keep them safe in the water or to help others.” NSLSC also has lifeguarding courses coming up. For more details, visit www. nelsonslsc.org.nz or email nelsonslsc@gmail.com'

The Tahuna Touch competition has been going strong for around 30 years, and locals will be rapt to know registrations are now open for another summer season!

College grades (Boys, Girls and Mixed – Jnr (yr 9-10) and Snr (yr 11+) will play on Tuesday evenings. Men’s, Women

(Nippers). Surf

starting 20th September.

The annual Summit Keir Wilkinson Memorial Golf Tournament has eclipsed last year’s fundraising, with well over $50,000 raised over the day for Nelson Tasman Hospice. Last Friday 36 teams of four players took to Nelson Golf Club, with Andrew Schwass (pictured) and his team from Kiwi Journeys coming away with first place and the top prize. Photo: Chris Symes/Shuttersport.

RUGBY TIPPING

FC Nelson one step away from promotion

JACK MALCOLM

FC Nelson have one foot in the door of South Island’s premier football competition after winning the first of two games in their hunt for promotion to the Southern League. But the job is not over as they travel to Christchurch this weekend with hopes of solidifying their spot by relegating UC (University Canterbury) FC after winning the first of two legs 3-2 last weekend.

The win at Guppy Park got them well on their way to promotion, with no away goals advantage meaning they will take a one-goal lead into the winner-take-all game this Saturday. And that lead may be vital as FC Nelson coach Paul Brydon says it will be a hard game to win on UC FC’s home ground, which is artificial turf and foreign to his players.

“We play on artificial next week and anything could happen. We have seven days to sort it out, but I have a big squad to pick from.

“We don’t have a field like that here, so it will be interesting.”

Paul says they’ll continue to assess the injuries, particularly that of star striker Labu Pan who had to leave the field with a corked thigh. But, he was proud of how his team had risen to the occasion in the pristine Saturday conditions in the first leg, saying he knew they had to be strong to overcome the young visiting side. With a large and loud crowd beating drums and blowing horns, the atmosphere was perfect as the two teams came out onto the field to do battle.

Paul believes they have all of the makings to graduate another Nelson team into the region’s top football league.

“We’re doing this for Nelson football, so there’ll be two teams in the Southern League.”

It was a massive defensive effort from FC Nelson, who had to fight right to the final whistle as they faced three back-to-back corners to end the game; including a goal line save from a defender.

Evan Barnes/ Shuttersport.

Photo:

Hawke’s Bay vs Manawatu Auckland vs Waikato North Harbour vs Northland Otago vs Taranaki Bay of Plenty vs Wellington Canterbury vs Southland Tasman vs Counties Manukau

Community Notices

MONDAY

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

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

ME/CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) + FM (Fibromyalgia) get-together. Mon, 18 Sept, Broccoli Row, Collingwood St, 2-3pm. Nelson ME/CFS FM Support group, nz@ccisupport.org.nz Ph: 0800224787.

NELSON MALE VOICE CHOIR invites keen male singers to join us at rehearsals. Mon, 6.45pm, Reformed Church Nelson, Enner Glynn. Ph: John FoesLamb on 021682776 for more details.

TUESDAY

WELLBY TALKING CAFÉ, Tues, 19 Sept, 1011.30am, McCashin’s, Stoke. Wellby Talking Cafés are about social connection and finding out about groups, activities and services. www.wellby.org.nz

035467681.

NELSON 50+ WALKING GROUP, Tues, 19 Sept, Willow Walk/Centre of NZ. Meet at 9.45 am at the Trafalgar Centre carpark. BYO lunch. Contact Sally 02102694610.

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

KICKBOXING CLASSES, Tues and Fri, 5:30-6:30pm, Tāhunanui Community Hub. Josh Clarke, with nearly two decades of martial arts experience, aims to create a space that promotes physical and mental health. The gym's classes are designed to be inclusive for all skill levels, helping people through the sport. $5.

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

WEDNESDAY

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: Diane 035476331.

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

SUFFRAGE PICNIC LUNCH. Wed, 20 Sept, 12-1.30, Queens Gardens Hardy St. National Council of Women and Friends on Celebrating 130 years. BYO your picnic and cushion. Ph: Gail 035451210. Cancelled if wet.

FOREST & BIRD, Wed, 13 Sep, 7.30pm, Tāhunanui School. Evening talk by Trevor James about the state of Tasman freshwater systems

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

THURSDAY

STOKE SENIORS CHOIR CONCERT. Thurs, 14 Sept, Greenmeadows Community Centre. 1.20pm. Entry: $5 (includes Refreshments). Please book Ph: 035472660.

FORMER SENIOR ADVISOR for Greenpeace, Steve Abel is at Green Meadows. Thurs, 14 Sept, 7pm. To talk about, "Tackling the Barriers to Real Climate Action". Nelson Green Party presentation. Includes Q&A, Koha Entry.

WELLBY TALKING CAFÉ: Thurs, 21 Sept, 1.303pm, NMIT Café Ake Ake. Wellby Talking Cafés are about social connection and finding out about groups, activities and services. www.wellby.org.nz

035467681.

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

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

FRIDAY

TAI CHI QIGONG, Fri, 9.30-11am, Tāhunanui Community Hub. Tai Chi Qigong blends the gentle, flowing movements of Tai Chi with the breath control and meditation techniques of Qigong. This practice is known to improve balance, flexibility, mental clarity, and overall well-being. $5.

STOKE SENIOR CITIZENS is a Friendship Club accepting all indoor bowling beginners and players. Mon & Fri 1:30-3:30pm. Annual $5 subscription and a $2 mat fee covers costs levied for the after-

noon. Mats and bowls are provided by the club. Ph: 035479814 or 035473052

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

SATURDAY / SUNDAY

WAITAKI Old Boys and Old Girls Schools Annual Get Together and Dinner. Sat, 29 Sept, 6pm, Anchor Restaurant and Bar. All Oamaruvians welcome to join us. RSVP to Liz Ph: 0278844774.

THE CLOTHING REVOLUTION. Sat, 16 Sept, 1pm for 1.30pm start, Pūtangitangi Greenmeadows Centre. Professor Sara Walton from Otago University will talk about reducing our clothing footprint. Also present, local groups involved in saving clothes from landfill. Door entry $5 (Cash only).

QUALITY CRAFTS NELSON, Sat, 16 Sept, 8-noon, Richmond Baptist Church. Walk through the Boot Market to the Church Lounge to find us. We have a wide selection of quality local handmade crafts with something suitable for everyone! Contact Kay 0275476777 for more info.

THE HOPE SCHOOL COUNTRY FAIR, Sat, 16 Sept, 11–2pm. 316 Paton Rd, Hope. Come along for a day of country fun for all ages with produce, preserves, baking, bouncy castles, giant slide, face painting, games, entertainment and the ever-popular plant sale. – rain or shine.

ALZHEIMERS NELSON TASMAN’S Memory Walk, Sat, 16 Sept, 11am, from St Barnabas Anglican Church in Stoke. Join us as we walk to remember those that cannot.

MOTUEKA STEINER SCHOOL invites you to its Spring Fair. Sun, 17 Sep, 10 - 4pm, 165 Robinson Rd,

Lower Moutere. This magical day is filled with fairies, great food, excellent entertainment, and fun for everyone!

NELSON DANCE ALONG, Sat, 16 Sept, Richmond Town Hall, 7.30- 11pm. Plate for Supper, Music by Warren Fenemor. $6 pp. Everyone Welcome. Contact Rosalie Winter Ph: 035380133.

NELSON ELECTRONIC organ and keyboard club open day. Sat, 16 Sept, 1.30pm, Stoke Baptist Church Hall. Come along and enjoy some music. For further information Ph: Peter 0274534697.

HIGGINS HERITAGE PARK, Sun, 17 Sept, 10-3pm, 222 Pigeon Valley Rd, Wakefield. Enjoy time at our park open day of museum sheds, vintage vehicles, machinery & equipment, bush rail jigger. rides. info@higginsheritagepark.co.nz.

GENERAL GROUPS

NELSON CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL - entries open now. Entries can be from individuals, families, community groups, businesses, and schools. Come and be part of the Christmas celebration. Entries close 30 Oct.

ART EXHIBITION. A colourful and amusing display of pictures by local artist Shirley Crampton is on during Sept, in the Cafe at Nelson Golf Club. Open to the public daily.

INVINCIBLE ART EXHIBITION, 16 Sept – 7 Oct,

The Refinery Gallery. Celebrate 130 years of votes for women, view and buy artworks from our region and support the Nelson Women’s Centre. 'Invincible' is a fundraising art exhibition marking the 130th anniversary of votes for women in Aotearoa-NZ. SUTER ART SOCIETY until 30 Sept. Showing the colourful and local artworks of Golden Bay and local artist Meredith Thorpe.

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

SITUATIONS VACANT

We are looking for a fit, active retiree or a motivated young person to deliver the Waimea Weekly, and accompanying advertising material, every Wednesday to the Daelyn Drive area. Please email Karl at karl@thedeliveryguy. co.nz or 022 430 7725.

FOR SALE

Advertise your items for sale here. Ph 548 5900

GARAGE SALE

DOWN SIZING SALE

37 Norwich Street. Saturday, 16th Sept. 9am - 1pm.

Air compressor, ladder, firewood saw bench with 8hp engine. Lounge Suite (1 x 3 seater and 1 x 2 seater). Single beds with mattresses. Small kitchen appliances, computer desk. General Household bits and pieces. Patchwork fabric pieces.

AGM

become

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

20th September 2023 5.30pm

Clubrooms At 1 Kinzett Terrace, Nelson. Usual Agenda, No Remits, General Business.

Peter Fisher - President City Club Inc

PERSONAL

Lonely active widow, slim build, blue eyes, silver grey hair would like to meet a loving sweet lady for companionship only. I enjoy dinning out, picnics, drives, movies etc, most sport on T.V. To find out more, please give John a call as I don't want to walk alone anymore. Phone 0221641356 Come on please give me a call and lets have some fun times together.

CALL FOR CHORUS CABINET MURAL DESIGNS

SITUATIONS VACANT

Advertise your situations vacant here. Ph 548 5900

US ON

Arts Council Nelson in partnership with Chorus and NCC is now accepting design proposals for five street sited cabinets in Nelson. Entries are welcomed from all creative folk. There are no themes or limits to how many cabinets you can choose to submit designs for. Selected artists will be paid between $600 - $1,700 per mural depending on the size of the cabinet.

Full details available at http://www.acn.org.nz/ Design submissions must reach ACN by the 29th September 2023

FUNERAL BUNYAN Jenny

Passed away peacefully after a long struggle on Saturday September 9, 2023, one day before her 84th Birthday. Loved wife of the late George, loved mum of Paula and Paul Peacock, Graham and Patti, loved Gran of Tiffany. Messages can be sent to 107 The Ridgeway, Stoke, Nelson 7011. A private celebration for Jenny was held on her Birthday and a memorial service will be held at a later date to be advised.

DEATH

PERRING

William John

Passed away in his 83rd year on the 19/08/23 at Green Gables, Nelson.

A patient sufferer at rest.

Much loved father to Nigel and Nicky and grandad to Nathan, Daniel, Jess, Sophia, Jade, Jamie and Josh. A loved brother, uncle, cousin and friend. A private cremation has been held. He will be laid to rest on 23/08/23, 1pm at Moutere Hills Cemetery, 24 Gardner Valley Road, Upper Moutere. A celebration of his life will follow at 2pm at the Moutere Hills Community Centre, RD1 Upper Moutere. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend one or the other or both.

MEMORIAM

Your announcement here for FREE

ANNIVERSARY

Your announcement here for FREE

BIRTH

Your announcement here for FREE

MEMORIAL

A gathering for friends and acquaintances of the late Jonathan Luff of Hope will be held in the Richmond Baptist Church lounge (123 Salisbury Road) at 2pm, Saturday 23rd September.

ANNIVERSARY

Your announcement here for FREE

SITUATIONS VACANT DELIVERERS WANTED

Interested in fundraising for a club or social group?

THEN WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU!

We are looking for individuals or groups to deliver our award winning newspapers. Our runs can be done individually or shared amongst a group , as the famous saying goes. “Many hands make light work”

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

Stump Grinding Tree Felling & Removal Site Clearance Andrew Workman 02108182123 Free Quotes & Prompt Service www.stumpgrindingservice.co.nz

Notice to all Advertisers: By placing your advertisement you agree with the terms and conditions of the Nelson Weekly Ltd. Payment is due by the 20th of the following month. All debt recovery costs will be on-charged to the customer. Interest will be charged on overdue debts greater than 90 days. Cheques are no longer accepted. Should you require any further information please view our Terms of Trade at https://topsouthmedia.co.nz/terms-of-trade/ or call 548 5900 option accounts.