Hazard map has ‘chilling effect’ on market
MAX FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter
Proposed hazard maps for Nelson are alleged to be preventing properties across the city from
being insured.
The claim has been put to the commissioners overseeing the hearing for the city council’s controversial proposed overhaul of its planning rules.
The original maps the council put out for consultation included several areas shaded with flooding, inundation, fault hazard, and slope risk overlays.
home falls within the slope risk overlay, said that her property has never failed to be insured until the council put out its map for consultation.
property uninsurable. This has been incredibly distressing for us as we look to protect our most valuable asset, our home.”
One Rocks Rd resident, whose
“It has essentially rendered our
What’s in a dog’s name?
KATE RUSSELL
Copy that, Charlie.
The results are in, and Charlie is the most popular dog name in Nelson.
In fact, there are 69 of them registered here, and that’s not counting the unique spellings of the name too – Charley, Charli, a couple of Charlie Browns – but no Charles’.
One of Nelson’s canine Charlies belongs to Stoke resident Matthew Benge.
He says that his nearly-one-
year-old rough-coated collie, who is blind in one eye, came from breeders - who are also pilots - in Whakatāne, and all the puppies in the litter were named after call signals.
Charlie was born with one good eye.
“It was a birth defect, not genetic, they think it was from an infection in the womb. The eye is there it’s just small.
“If I get down to his level he puts the blind eye against my chest, it makes him feel safe. I’ve bought him a pirate patch as he might get seeds in there in the summer… the eye socket is a little empty.”
Matthew says Charlie can be tentative, but he is now training him up to
See page 2.
“Getting out in the garden a bit more and enjoying the sunshine.”
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What do you plan to do when daylight savings begins?
“It’s hard to get exercise during the day when you’re working so it’s quite nice to walk after work when it’s lighter.”
What’s in a dog’s name?
other dogs.”
work sheep and lamas.
“He looks at something a bit longer to make sure he gets it right, but his eye doesn’t hinder him much.”
Charlie is also the name Nelson resident Fiona Paine chose for her cavoodle, which will be turning one next month.
She says the name was inspired by her father.
“It was his middle name, and I always told him that I would name my child after him – but I didn’t end up having children.”
Fiona says her Charlie is “very sweet, cuddly and chatty”.
The second-equal most popular dog names in Nelson after Charlie are Bella and Poppy, with 63 registered each. This is followed by Luna, with 59. Ruby, Max, Coco, Buddy, Daisy, and Bear round out the top 10.
Some of the one-of-a-kind dog names in Nelson include Ramen Noodle, Lord Ned, White Tummy, and Dr Astronaut. There are 243 fewer dogs registered in Nelson this year compared to last year, according to Nelson City Council. There are currently 5988 registered dogs for the 2024/25 registration period, whereas there were 6231 dogs registered in 2023/24.
“Outdoor stuff, hiking at Cable Bay and more evening time on the deck.”
“Spending
Self-driving boat on show
MAX FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter
A self-driving boat is the latest development in Nelson’s burgeoning artificial intelligence sector.
The vessel and its autonomous software were unveiled during Minister Judith Collins’ visit to the city on Friday where she heaped praise on the Nelsonians leading the charge for the emerging technology.
Locals got to show the Minister of Science, Innovation, and Technology how they were employing the emerging technology when she visited the Nelson AI Sandbox. “We really do have this interwoven AI community here,” said co-founder Richard Brudvik-Lindner.
The AI Sandbox has engaged with thousands of residents to demystify artificial intelligence and to make it more accessible and less scary for swathes of the region.
“Our goal is to build prosperity in a community that has the second-poorest productivity in the nation and the poorest economic growth forecast, and to strengthen the social capital, while making our community more resilient and enabled.”
Many of those who shared their artificial intelligence journeys with Collins credited the AI Sandbox with enabling them to make use of the tech-
nology, such as Nelson City Council’s group manager strategy and communications.
“We’ve got lots of rising costs, inflation, interest rates, depreciation to set aside,” said Nicky McDonald.
“On the other hand, we have ratepayers who are struggling financially in a cost-of-living crisis, and we see AI as one of the tools that can help us bridge that gap.”
The council has begun using AI to deliver services more cost-effectively, such as during its most recent long-term plan process when the technology was used for sentiment analysis and replying to the 1500 submitters to the plan.
Collins, a self-described “AI champion” thought it was “great” the council was beginning to use artificial intelligence.
“We are not a world leader in agriculture and aquaculture and horticulture because we did exactly the same that we inherited … it’s actually because people decided they had to be innovative,” she said.
“What we’ve got to do is push that fear away and put the hope out there. When people start seeing benefits to them in their actual lives, then they get to see why we should have it.”
One of those potential benefits of AI are the capabilities of the Guardian Mission Manage-
ment software that was officially launched during Collins’ visit.
Developed by local company Marine AI, the technology allows boats to drive themselves.
“Our software is designed to take in all the different inputs from all the different sensors, and look at charts, look at all different bits and pieces – collision, regulations, etcetera – and make close decisions far quicker than we can,” says managing director Sean Doggett.
For example, it could navigate a path through a crowded cluster of boats, he said.
“A skipper can do that… but rather than him having to try and work that one out, the system could do that on the fly in milliseconds.”
A single skipper could potentially “set and forget” pathing for several different ships and simply monitor them remotely as they go about their tasks. The self-driving software has been successfully tested in Tasman Bay and is now ready to be deployed around the country. Sean hopes the software will help New Zealand meet its target of growing the aquaculture industry to $3 billion by 2035.
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Nelson Orchid Society Spring Show 2024
The Nelson Orchid Society is proud to present their annual Spring Show on Saturday 28 September 2024, at the Putangitangi Greenmeadows Centre, Stoke, from 10am to 2.30pm.
Public are invited to come along to view the member’s displays of beautiful flowering orchids. There will be a variety of orchid species to admire on the display tables. The ever popular sales table of orchids will also be available this year. Included on the sales table will be members own orchids for sale, visiting orchid growers plants, Ninox Orchids and Nibula Orchids.
Also an orchid potting demonstration will happen during the show. The Nelson Orchid Society has been established for 45 years in Nelson, since 1979.
The Society meets once a month to discuss orchid growing, and have guest speakers. solve problems on plants, share orchid growing tips, and media to use etc.The meetings are followed up with a cup of tea and a chat.
Joining fees are low at $20 for a single or $30 for a family. Monthly newsletters go out to members. And new members are encouraged to attend a meeting. With a wealth of knowledge within the Society the members are there to help anyone interested in growing orchids.
WOW first round judged in Nelson
ANNE HARDIE
The World of Wearable Arts takes to the stage in Wellington this week and though Nelsonians may not have seen this year’s garments yet, they have all been modelled and judged by a panel right here in Nelson during the first round of judging.
A panel of judges including WOW founder Dame Suzie Moncrieff carried out closed judging in Nelson, which meant they knew the garment name, the inspiration behind the work
of art, but not the designer details. A spokesperson says what is known as first judging is a milestone event on the WOW calendar and takes place over three days in Nelson. Models in full hair and makeup show off the garments for the judging panel and their decisions determine which garments will be finalists.
Second and third judging happens in Wellington, close to the opening of the show and awards night, where second judging determines the prize winners and third judging the supreme
winner.
Dame Suzie staged the first WOW Show in Nelson way back in 1987 as a promotion for the William Higgins Gallery at Spring Grove, before the show headed to the Trafalgar Centre and then Wellington. Dame Suzie and her sister and co-owner, Heather Palmer, sold the brand two years ago after three and a half decades.
But she is still judging the garments, in Nelson, before they are unveiled for the public as a theatrical stage show at the TSB Arena.
ADULT COMMUNITY EDUCATION
EVENING CLASSES
Monday
• NZ Sign Language
– Level 1C & 2B
Wednesday
• Beginner Ukulele
• Vietnamese Cooking NEW
• Japanese Cooking NEW
• Life Writing – Creative Non-fiction
• Woodwork DIY For All Levels
• The Art of Crochet NEW
• NZ Sign Language Level 2C
• Microsoft Excel Basics
• Xero Basics
Tuesday
Start dates vary from Oct – Nov 2024
• Sewing With Confidence
• NZ Sign Language – Levels 1B
• Take A Chance Singers
• Drawing For All Levels
Thursday
• Speaking Spanish (2 Levels)
• Yoga Flow
• Sewing With Confidence
• Te Reo Māori Beginners
• Painting For All Levels
• Tai Chi
• Belly Dance with Gretchen
• NZ Sign Language Level 1A & 1D
• Digital Photography
The Te Tauihu regional Kapa Haka event was held between September 13-14 at the Trafalgar Centre. The kaupapa for this year’s competition was Kia Hukere Te Hoe, which was derived from the strategic plan of the Te Tauihu o te Waka a Maui Māori Cultural Council. There were many schools represented with a total of 25 groups performing. The council said it was “extremely proud” of all the kapa who performed or competed at the event.
Pictured is Te Ākau McGregor from the winning primary school kapa Te Pītau Whakarei - Nelson Intermediate School.
Photo: Created By Neo.
Add a little night class to your life
Tutor Linda Lee is well known for her passion in the kitchen and has been tutoring popular night cooking courses at Waimea College for many years. Being offered for the first time is Vietnamese Cooking. You will get to experience and learn some fundamentals of Vietnamese ingredients and flavours from North to South Vietnam. Find out how to create a range of traditional dishes from different parts of Vietnamese street foods. Great for the home and entertaining. Also for the first time is the Japanese Cooking course, an introduction to Japanese cuisine that’s easy to prepare, tasty and made with the emphasis of using seasonal and simple fresh ingredients. Tantalising you with the 5 elements of taste- salty, sweet, bitter, sour and the important -Umami (savoury) flavours. Incorporate tasty and healthy Japanese foods into your
daily diet.
If you would like to master the art of crochet squares, learn stitches, create beautiful squares, and transform them into a stylish garment, cozy blanket or something you desire, join the Art of Crochet course. This is for those who already have basic crochet experience or want to refresh themselves and those who are more advanced. Enjoy hands-on guidance, creative projects, and a supportive group. Start crafting your unique piece and unleash your creativity with Tutor Alet de Bruin. Many more options can be chosen from the diverse range. Popular courses do fill quickly so book now.
To book online www.waimea. school.nz/community-education or for more information email ace@waimea.school.nz or phone Jo Johnston 544-6099 (870).
Hazard map has ‘chilling effect’ on market
FROM PAGE 1
Acknowledging the risks of living on the Tāhunanui Slump – the country’s largest active urban landslide, she said her property underwent significant geotechnical engineering ahead of its redevelopment. Further independent reports show that the property has remained stable over recent years, despite several severe storms and an earthquake.
“The council’s approach… has unfairly painted lots of properties with very different risk profiles with the same broad-brush which is frustrating, morally wrong, and potentially has devastating consequences for the investments we’ve all made into our homes.”
She wants the council’s mapping of natural hazards to take into account the individual risk profiles on a property-by-property basis rather than simply shading an entire area.
“The cost of not doing so is far greater on homeowners and the Nelson region.”
Former mayor Rachel Reese thought the plan change had a “chilling effect” on the Nelson market.
“The plan change has had the effect of blighting some properties where it should not have... That
needs to be addressed.”
Quotable Value (QV) supplies Nelson City Council with the rating values it uses to set rates.
The company is currently undertaking Nelson’s 2024 revaluation.
Preliminary figures show that values across most of the city are sitting at an average of between five and 12 per cent below the 2021 valuation, which was completed near the market peak.
But in some cases, particularly in the Tāhunanui Slump zone and other areas susceptible to landslides and floods “more substantial” falls in value are being seen as buyers respond to the aftereffects of the August 2022 storm.
“Buyers are nervous about the risks of future events, and are either reluctant to buy in these locations, or wanting to discount properties to reduce their risk,” says Craig Russell, QV’s Nelson/ Marlborough manager.
“This is having a major impact for some properties, with the ability to gain insurance being a major factor.”
He says that obtaining full insurance cover is proving challenging in locations where there an increased risk, both real and perceived.
Properties’ Earthquake Commission claim history are now also
publicly available online and are adding to buyers’ wariness when purchasing properties, he added. “The ability to gain insurance now and in the future should be front and centre when making an offer.”
Insurance Council of New Zealand chief executive, Kris Faafoi, says that hazard susceptibility overlays are just one factor than insurers consider when assessing risk. Such planning maps, in addition to their own models and claims data, and information from councils and natural hazard modelling companies, have allowed insurers to build up an understanding of risk over many decades in regions like Nelson.
“Even with the same information, insurers will make their own decisions depending on their own
risk appetite,” Kris says. “The most common measure is premium loadings or increased excesses for particular hazards. Far less common is excluding a natural hazard or declining cover all together. There is no standard approach across all companies.”
They add that the impact of significant weather events, such as Nelson’s flooding in 2022 and the extreme North Island weather events of early 2023, have seen insurers adjust their understanding of the risks faced in affected regions.
The Insurance Council is seeking a coordinated approach, led by the Government, to address the country’s vulnerability to natural hazards and build resilience.
Both the Insurance Council and QV recommend that homebuyers
do their due diligence and understand the risks that face a property before buying.
During the hearing, developers also told the commissioners that Rocks Rd properties are not the only ones affected.
Simon Dobson from Bayview Nelson said he knows of three properties that have struggled to get insurance – two that Bayview have developed and geotechnically engineered inside the overlays, and a neighbouring property outside of the Bayview development area and the overlay itself. He’s also had house sales fall through because buyers have been advised they’d struggle to get properties insured.
“Insurance companies are looking for any excuse to… reduce their risk, that’s why this information must be accurate.”
Last Tuesday was the final scheduled day of the hearing for the council’s proposed planning changes, known as Plan Change 29.
The council’s experts will now focus on delivering their final replies to submitters’ evidence by 31 October.
Habitat celebrates 50 homes
Since 1996, Habitat for Humanity Nelson has made it their mission to provide affordable housing options for everyone, and last week they celebrated the completion of the Shields Way community in Stoke and a total of 50 houses since their founding.
The eight homes that were dedicated last Thursday, along with the 14 homes built last year, sees the completion of the 22-home development, which began in 2021.
One of the partner families describes it as an “opportunity to fulfill a dream”.
“We are looking forward to moving into our new home where we will have the security of a warm, dry home without the stress of moving between rentals.”
A one-bedroom accessible home was also built as part
of the development and will become part of Habitat Nelson’s community rental programme, which provides affordable rental homes and security of tenure for tenants.
The organisation uses the innovative Progressive Home Ownership system, which functions as a hand-up, not a handout.
The participants pay affordable rents for up to 10 years, which contribute to the mortgage deposit. The property is valued at the beginning of the contract between the residents and the foundation and stays unaffected by possible value increases to assure a fair deal.
The Stoke development was made possible thanks to the support of Nelson City Council’s housing reserve fund, Rata Foundation and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
Musical and dollar notes
GORDON PREECE
More than 100 people were serenaded at Victory Community Centre on Sunday for a musical fundraiser to equally hit the high notes for the Nelson Women’s Centre. Centre secretary Laurie Knight says the organisation was currently in hardship with rising operational costs, and declining public funding and government grants. She says the event was a line to recoup its “vital” counselling service, workshops, and a safe space for women and non-binary people’s connection and growth.
Toll a bad fit for Hope Bypass
Last week in Parliament I asked Transport Minister Simeon Brown if he would rule out tolling the Hope Bypass. He said his Government “will accept those recommendations which NZTA put forward”. This follows the Government revealing last month that the project is likely to be delayed by at least two years.
I’ve heard from community members with renewed concerns this short stretch of road will be tolled, after a last-minute proposal was made by NZTA to charge motorists to use the replacement road for the Manawatū Gorge Road.
The feedback I’ve had from our community is that a toll road isn’t the right fit for Richmond. The proposed road is relatively short – only five
kilometres – so a toll road will not be workable. The Hope Bypass is not a ‘nice to have’ – it’s a fix to a real congestion problem in Richmond that is likely to get worse, not better.
In my view, our region has already paid for the Hope Bypass. We contribute $100 million a year in fuel taxes and road user charges into the National Land Transport Fund. After the cancellation of the Rocks Road upgrade, we need to get our fair share of investment from the Government.
Delaying and tolling the Hope Bypass won’t fix Richmond’s transport mess. Instead, it will cost residents and businesses more, and potentially leave the growing congestion problem that Richmond is facing unsolved.
“In March we went down to doing appointment only services at the centre for a period of refresh and reset, including fundraising, and we’re hoping to reopen in the New Year,” she says.
“In the meantime, fundraising events like this are very helpful to put the women’s centre back on its feet.”
The local talents included Te Mana Hā who performed waiata, country groups The Forget-Me-Nots and Anna Heinz & Friends, Moonshot and La Corale. Through door sales, raffles and donations, $2387 was raised, blitzing the fundraiser’s $1500 target.
Tāhunanui Pharmacy owner Davina Janssen demonstrates immunising five-month-old Adelaide Day from Wakefield.
Gordon Preece.
Pharmacy injects free childhood jabs
GORDON PREECE
Braving the needles has become easier for children aged between six weeks and four years at Tāhunanui Pharmacy. It is the first in Nelson Marlborough to provide free childhood immunisations as per the New Zealand immunisation schedule with two-hour clinics held every Tuesday from 10am.
Owner Davina Janssen says the pharmacy relished the opportunity by Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora Nelson Marlborough to provide the service for caregivers who may find it difficult to access immunisations for their young children through other primary care.
“It certainly increases the ability for people to choose where they want to have their vaccinations done for their whānau as well. It’s not always one place that is suitable, so they get to choose, which is fantastic,” she says.
“We want to increase protection for tamariki [children].”
The pharmacy can also check if people are up-to-date with their vaccinations.
The free childhood immunisations programme follows Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora supporting pharmacists to upskill and administer vaccines to small children, alongside older children and adults, earlier this year.
“We’ve been operating [the programme] for a couple of
weeks… we’re not providing it on our own, we’re waiting to be fully authorised before we are clinically assessed to be able to provide that service,” she says.
Davina says the programme could also boost the percentage of fully-immunised children at two years of age, for which the government has reinstated a target.
In Nelson Marlborough, 81.9 per cent of two-year-olds are immunised compared with 77.8 per cent nationally.
The government has reinstated a goal of 95 per cent of children fully-immunised at two years of age, which is supported by evidence to provide effective immunity of the population.
A clay in the life of Marama
GORDON PREECE
Country
Adult $10 (Lucky Ticket entry) Under 15 Free
“From the time that I started potting, I decided that I wanted to use local materials…because sustainability is really important to me.”
Vintage, classic Military & Modern
Children’s Rides, Demonstrations, BBQ, Food, Drinks, Raffles, Silent Auction, Craft Stalls, Eftpos Available, Country Music
@higginspark
Nelson’s Marama Mayrick has thrown oodles of New Zealand clays onto wheels and into kilns to craft table ceramics and exhibition pieces for the past eight years. Marama, who’s a part-time potter, will tutor her second round of wild clay workshops for beginners on 30 September and 2 October for people to form more solid understandings of the story behind their artworks, and learn how to most efficiently test and process local materials.
THAT’S COUNTRY
Marama Mayrick will divulge her New Zealand clay crave at her wild clay workshops during Nelson Clay Week. Photo:
OCTOBER 5 – 6
The workshops are part of this year’s Nelson Clay Week, which first fires up on Saturday.
10 am - 4pm
www.higginsheritagepark.co.nz
Marama says, after dabbling in watercolour painting, digital illustrations, acrylics and sewing, clay pottery was the glaze of glory.
“I knew that this was go-
ing to be the medium for the rest of my life, I started doing a night class at Nelson Community Potters because I wanted to do something creative and meet some of the other creative community in Nelson,” she says. “I’m most passionate about using locally sourced clay for sustainability reasons… most of the clays which are sold in New Zealand are either imported and mixed overseas, so I like
to say, ‘this piece is made from clay from Washington Valley, or Ngātīmoti, or the Upper Moutere’. “I think it’s really important to bring that aspect of the story of place into your work as an artist.” Marama also expands her local focus to using glazes made from New Zealand rocks.
Nelson Clay Week concludes on 4 October, visit: www.clayweek.nz for the full schedule.
Relationship between cat and dog hits the stage
SARA HOLLYMAN
The age-old relationship of the cat and the dog will hit the theatre stage these school holidays in a quirky comedy directed by Mark Hadlow.
The show, which is all about the relationship between cat and dog, tells of a relationship filled with one-upmanship, chasing and teasing between man’s best friend and the more independent feline.
“It’s a really interesting show as there’s no dialogue,” Mark says.
“ The relationship is all great fun till it all goes really badly wrong.”
Uncle Bert, played by Doug Brooks, affectionately cares for both the cat and the dog until a calamity has him fall over.
“They [the cat and dog] think they’ve caused this fall and so they have to work together to get him saved,” Mark says.
For 18-year-old William Haywood, who plays Dog, he’s looking forward to his first paid gig and says it has been different learning a part that has no words.
“I am quite used to learning lines, the only one I had to learn in this was ‘woof’,” he quips.
“I take drama at school, so it’s not something I’m new to, but different to what I prefer.”
He says he has used his own two
dogs as his understudies.
“I looked at the way they behave and the woof, but they do much more than woof, they bark and whine and howl. It’s been really fun to study the dog.”
He says he hopes to provide entertainment for not just children, but anyone.
I’ve got a sister who’s younger than me, shes really excited to see her brother dressed as her dog,”
“My aim is for little kids to be excited and happy and think ‘what does my dog do when I’m away’?”
Mark says the show will be two weeks of intimate performances at Founders Energy Event Centre.
“It’s 40 minutes long, so great for the younger ones. I’m really excited about it, it’s theatre with a difference – it’s intuitive, interpretive, and captures imaginations of a younger generation.
“I’m really hoping that all of the moves and the idiosyncrasies of the cat and the dog will create lovely images of their own pets,” he says of show attendees.
“Do we really know what our pets are doing when we’re not home? Are they mischievous, do they tease each other.”
He says, while directing and taking notes, the interpretations of the cat and dog are “absolutely
first rate”.
“I can see the cat and see the dog. Doug is bringing a wonderful quality to looking after his pets, we realise how interesting their lives must be. Anything is a go, it’s exciting.”
Cat vs Dog shows daily at 11am and 1pm between Saturday, 28 September and Saturday 12 October, excluding Sundays. Tickets can be purchased at the ptc.co.nz
Alison Arron and Stephen Lee
Julie Greene and Charley Cross
Maria Oxnam, Amy Ka, Daniela Ramirez and Andie Cogswell
Penny Molnar and Nicki Green
Ruben Raggett, 6, and Shanine Hermsen
Glenis Ambrose and Gilly Booth
Judith Jordan, Karen Russell, Marg Parfitt and Helene Boulton
Mandy Troy, Lynette Orrah, Becky Waugh and Diane Taylor
Pat Reid, Trish Campbell and Elena Ulugia
Penny McLuckie and Ali Brodie
Auckland points to Māori mythology
GORDON PREECE
The tale of a hero and trickster in Māori culture had Auckland Point School and Kindergarten students walking on sunshine last week.
The Life of Maui chronicles how Maui implements a plan to catch the sun with his brother’s assistance and tie it to the earth so people can have longer days for their activities.
Different parts of Maui’s story were also unpacked in the performance including his birth, finding his mother and father, and fishing up Te Ika-a-Māui, the North Island.
Director Hetty Bradley says it was the first theatre production at the school in five years and the cast and crew left the stage with stronger grasps of Māori values and Māori performing arts.
“Our school operates with Māori values and we wish to strengthen our relationships with the tangata whenua and the iwi in the area, build relationships with our community, and understand and learn more about Aotearoa New Zealand history,” she says.
“This particular production supports all of those things, the children are using te reo Māori, the children are learning the narratives, and the children are enjoying the waiata, it’s a very rich experience.
“It also fits in well with daylight savings being around… we have [Tāwhirimātea], the [god of] wind, [Tangaroa] the [god of] the ocean, [Tane Mahuta] the [god of] the forest, and we have [Hine-te-Rēhia] the [goddess of] entertainment… these different dimensions also help to build children’s awareness.”
Hetty says Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman characters were introduced to provide heroism elements since Maui is also portrayed as a superhero with qualities like smart thinking, strength, and intelligence.
She says the tamariki [children] had primarily practised over three weeks and many of the outfits and props were made by themselves, staff and parents.
Baskets to bloom this summer
I’ll be the one to say it, do we really need the Nelson City Council to be spending this money on these again, another nice to have thing?
Blair Walton
Community groups plant out these baskets, and I am sure with the plants Nelmac raise themselves, the baskets they reuse each year, and potting mix, I can’t see how the costs can be $142 per basket. But they do add a certain pizzazz and beauty to our city. And they last a long while, with the watering systems still in place each year.
Wendy A Cornish
I love the baskets; they really spruce up the town but that’s pretty expensive. Would like them to share a breakdown of their costs.
Jackie Ewers
Just a question… is this cost coming out of our rates? I love flowers and it certainly makes the town look pretty BUT in these times I feel we all should be living within our budget.
Lynne White
Te reo rejoiced local education
Ka rawe Barbara & Tāhunanui School!
Rachel Evans
They look beautiful! They should definitely stay.
Nadine N Paul
I love them but was appalled at the cost amid hard times. Maybe those people who are wealthy enough to easily pay their rates wouldnt mind adopting and paying for a basket? They could even have their name on it saying ‘donated by’.
Lynne White
Twenty years of transforming lives
Thank you for being so wonderful.
Darren Squire
Oh, wow. Thank you so much for recognising this incredible, strong and resilient woman, who I know is the best person to support our incredible com-
Have your say: sara@topsouthmedia.co.nz facebook.com/nelsonweekly
Nelson Matters
munity. We are lucky to have her. Keep it up Maree, so so proud.
Cushla Duncan
Oh Maree - you are one in a million and have made a huge difference in so many people’s lives and will continue to. I’m so lucky to have met you.
Tracee Neilson
You couldn’t ask for a better social worker! Maree has the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever met and her passion for helping others is so evident. I was lucky enough to work with Maree and learned how to be an even better social worker from her.
Lindsey Wylie
Netball umpire set for international take off
How amazing! We are beyond proud Myron. Well done on everything!
Nelson Netball Centre
Awesomeness Myron, well done. Joan Carew
Get it e hoa.
Mere Aroha
Huge congrats from Motueka Netball Centre. Ann Martin
Students turn trash into treasure
Love it! Go Nelson Intermediate! Bike Hub Nelson
The next Motueka Talking Café: Motueka Library, 32 Wallace Street Wednesday, 19th June, 10-11.30am Wednesday, 17th July, 10-11.30am
For more details: wellby.org.nz or phone (03) 546 7681
Hon Dr Nick Smith
NZ’S MOST ACTIVE REGION
The latest Active NZ survey results published this week shows we participate more in sport and physical activity than any other region of New Zealand. We rightly take great pride in the sporting fame of our Mako, Giants and Olympians but we should be equally proud that we top this chart.
Sport New Zealand has been collecting this data on how often people participate in physical activity since 2017 across NZ’s 17 Regional Sports Trusts. We are part of the Sport Tasman Trust area, covering the top of the south. In our region, 94% of young people and 79% of adults do some form of physical activity each week. The survey also reveals we do more hours per week of exercise.
I love that we are so active. It is good for both our physical and mental health. This high level of physical activity contributes to us having the highest median lifespan in the country of 86 years for women and 81 years for men, three years greater than the national average lifespan.
Four factors contribute to our high level of participation in sport – a great climate and natural environment, thousands of volunteers, wonderful facilities such as those at Saxton Field and our Sports Tasman Trust, which champions participation and inclusion.
Council wants to improve on these stellar results and is further investing in our sporting facilities, recreational areas, walkways and cycleways. We are adding lights to cycleways and playing fields, working to secure recreational access on Ngāti Koata land and contributing to a new surf club at Tāhunanui Beach. We’re supporting events such as The Spectacle and helping introduce Park Runs to Nelson. I take great pride in being Mayor of NZ’s most active city and, while I’m no athlete, I try to lead by participating wherever possible.
Sport NZ guidelines are for adults to do 2.5 hours of exercise per week. Our region tops the country with 39% achieving this but we can do better. Our sporting clubs are seeking participants. We also have many places to walk, run, bike, kayak, swim and hike. Let’s put some spring in our step and do more.
Nick Smith MAYOR OF NELSON
Local History
The journey of Nelson’s war ‘souvenirs’
ROBYN PARKES
In February 1915, Turkish forces in the Middle East attempted to breach British defences on the strategically vital Suez Canal. Seizing it would cut British communications with East Africa, India and Asia, and prevent British Empire troops from reaching the Mediterranean and Europe.
Turkish forces began an assault to take the Suez Canal in early February but were repelled with heavy bombardment and losses. It was in this battle that the 12th Nelson Company of the Expeditionary Force experienced their first taste of war and played a significant role in the skirmish.
Unfortunately, a young Private Ham of Motueka was killed in the battle.
It was from the skirmish that a Turkish pontoon was captured and ultimately transported to New Zealand as a war souvenir.
The pontoon weighed around 1.5 ton, was made of thin iron, galvanised with timber runners and was 25ft in length, 5ft beam and around 3ft depth and was bullet ridden with three of four jagged holes, made from shells. With the connection to Nelson soldiers the Government decided to gift it to the city provided that its care and preservation was ensured.
After its arrival in Nelson it was for a time kept in safe keeping at the gasworks before finding a more permanent home.
However, reports in November 1915 stated that the pontoon had been seen not far from the rubbish tip, this considered to be disgraceful considering its significance. The Council quickly refuted the claim, but a concerned resident took photographs of its location, sitting beside notices about dumping of rubbish in the rubbish tip.
Action was taken and the pontoon was placed in Queens Gardens.
In 1916, concerns arose that souvenir hunters were taking pieces off the pontoon so it was suggested that it should be mounted on concrete blocks and enclosed so that the public could not tamper with it, and further, that a cast-
iron plate bearing an inscription showing how it was captured by the Nelson Company at the Suez Canal be placed nearby. The realisation of an engraved inscription plate at the cost of £7. 10s, took another two years.
For many years the pontoon sat in the gardens where visitors and the people could visit it and
reflect on its significance, but as the years moved on the call for its disposal began in early 1942, cited as being unsightly.
Also, on display on the grounds of the art gallery was a captured German field gun. Bishop Suter of the Art Gallery Trust requested the gun be removed as the children were using it as a siege place with some defending and some attacking, resulting in multiple windows being broken. Suggestions for its disposal were to either melt it down or to sink it in the bay.
It was resolved that the question of both objects should be considered by the Reserves committee and that the thoughts of the RSA be considered. The gun was removed two years later and taken to the Works Depot, pending a decision on its final disposal. The pontoon was removed in 1952 and was relocated to the front of the RSA Hall.
Demolition begins in
Strawbridge Square
The Montgomery Superloo is getting a revamp!
Over the next fortnight there's a huge amount of mahi happening at the toilet block, which will require it to be closed.
This week, work started in the family room, and children's toilet. These two rooms are currently closed. From next week the whole block will be closed (reopening weekends).
What's happening?
Painting of the exterior, interior, and roof
Replacing damaged exterior cladding
Installing six extractor fans
• Installing two heat pumps
• Relining the shower cubicles in both the men's and women's areas
• Removing unused solar water heater tubes, and installing Solar PV panels
• Installing two commercial washing machines
• Installing a fold-down additional handrail in the accessible toilet
• Installing an ironing board
• Replacing the cabinetry in the kitchen
• Replacing the existing lockers
• Installing a new switchboard
• Applying Terraflake flooring on floors
• Regrouting tiles
• Clearing external storm and sewer drains.
Closed: 23 - 27 Sep
Open: Weekends
Closed: 30 Sep - 4 Oct
Open: Weekends
The outside toilet will be available at all times.
The New World revamp is progressing in Strawbridge Square. The first part of the project requires the demolition of the old Video Ezy building.
From Wednesday 2 October, for three weeks, contractors will be working around Strawbridge Square and the access way/carpark between Stoke Library and the Video Ezy building will be closed as the contractor will use this space to undertake the demolition.
The footpath around the
Video Ezy building will be closed, and three trees will be removed as part of this work to accommodate the new building's design.
Please be alert to additional activity in the carpark, and follow all onsite instructions and signage.
For more information see:
Expressions of Interest sought
Nelson City Council is calling for expressions of interest (EOI) from interested parties for the development of a new library, community hub, and civic centre.
The opening of the EOI follows approval by elected members of an Indicative Business Case for the proposed new facility in August this year.
The responses to the EOI will be used as a starting point to help staff provide advice to Council on the options. Consultation with the community will be undertaken prior to any significant investment decisions being made on any of the options.
The EOI includes:
Option 1: Land purchase by the Council, where a new facility would be developed by the Council
Option 2: A building designed, built, and delivered for lease to the Council.
Additionally, the Council is open to expressions of interest in the future divestment of Civic House, if a decision is made by a future Council that it is no longer required.
Council Acting Chief Executive Alec Louverdis emphasised that no final decisions have been made.
“This is an important step in gathering information from the market. The insights we receive from the expressions of interest will help shape the next phase of investigation and planning.”
Libraries offer gateway to Hillary’s Antarctic hut
Antarctic Heritage Trust invites you to explore Sir Edmund Hillary's Antarctic hut through a fully immersive virtual reality (VR) experience. Step inside Hillary's hut and find out what life was like for Sir Ed’s team living in the world’s most extreme environment, furthering science and exploration. This is a digital experience that will transport you to Antarctica without getting cold.
Elma Turner Library (Learning
Centre) – 10am to 4pm, October 7, 8, 10 and 11.
Nightingale Library Memorial (Meeting Room) – 12pm to 4pm, October 9.
The VR experience takes approximately 15 minutes. It is suitable for everyone over 9 years old. For further information visit
nelsonpubliclibraries.co.nz
Water meter reading
The residential water meter reading round starts on 1 October and will continue for about two months.
Please check that the meter box and the surrounding area is clear and easily accessible.
The meter readers are allowed to read the meters between 7am and 7pm seven days a week, including Sundays and public holidays. They will be identifiable by their hi-visibility vests with 'WATER METER READER' and “SBS” on the back. They also carry ID with them, which you may request to view.
As part of the ongoing maintenance of the meters, some meters will be checked to see if they are still recording accurately. If your meter is being checked, Nelmac will inform you during the meter reading. If no one is at home, a letter will be left in your letterbox letting you know that Council contractors have been. The test requires the contractor to fill a 10-litre bucket with water. If the meter needs to be replaced, the
water will be turned off to do this. The whole check usually takes about 10 minutes.
If the meter readers have access issues, they will leave a note with a new visit day. Please call our contractor’s help desk on 027 286 7337 if you need to change the new meter reading time.
Please be aware that if you don’t make a suitable arrangement or repeated visits are needed to obtain a meter reading, you could be charged a Special Water Meter reading fee of $36.34.
All water used through the meter is charged at $2.626 per cubic metre. This is inclusive of GST.
The invoice/statements are generally posted out within three weeks of the meter being read. If your account has a balance of less than $10 or a credit of less than $10 no invoice will be sent.
Lambing season is underway
We have sadly already lost a sheep this season to a dog attack, an unfortunate reminder to please keep your dogs under strict control when walking through the Grampians and Sir Stanley Whitehead Park. Look out for signage and keep dogs on-lead where required. These spaces are shared with our woolly friends, and it's important to give them the peace they need. If you come across a lamb that seems alone, don't worry. In most cases, the mother is grazing nearby or the farmer is keeping a watchful eye.
These lambs are not abandoned; they are simply waiting for their mothers to return.
Are you working on a project that's making a real difference to our local environment?
You might be eligible for an Environmental Grant. Applications are open now and close on Monday, 30 September 2024.
This is your chance to secure funding up to $20,000 to help your project flourish. Whether you're restoring wetlands,
combating erosion, or protecting our precious significant natural areas, we want to support your efforts.
For further information and how to apply head over to Shape Nelson at shape.nelson.govt.nz and search Environmental Grants or use the link: buff.ly/3Riin4p
Work to remove the contaminated material from Tāhunanui Reserve began this month and is expected to be completed in November.
During this time, there will be increased heavy vehicle movements on weekdays and road access into the Back Beach will be closed from just beyond the entrance to the Skate Nelson car park.
Please stay clear of the work site, keep a close eye on children and pets, and be aware of trucks
moving in the reserve during weekdays.
While work to remove the contaminated sawdust takes place, some food vendors have had to temporarily relocate. New locations are shown below. For more information see:
shape.nelson.govt.nz
Set Menus $52pp 3 Course
Located on Quarantine Rd, opposite Mitre 10 Mega and the WOW Museum, the awardwinning gastropub The Speights Ale House is the ideal place for Christmas work functions.
This modern, new-look premises has capacity for small and large groups with plenty of indoor seating, and outside there is a large open space and sun-drenched garden bar area. The Speights Ale House is well known for its good healthy portions of southern-style food, Speight’s exclusive range of award-winning tap beer, including Panhead, and extensive wine list, so it’s the ideal place for functions. “We also have a courtesy coach available for pickup and drop off.” says co-owner Chris Watson.
For great food and friendly service, come to The Speights Ale House this Christmas. Bookings are essential. For reservations,
please use the form on the website: www.alehouse.co.nz.
To find out more, phone 03 547 7336 or email: admin@ alehousenelson.co.nz.
Located in central Stoke, The Turf Hotel and Bach Restaurant is the best place to host your Christmas function, fundraiser, gettogether or break-up do.
Open for function bookings, owner Stan Holland says to get in early and book your gathering.
“Get in early and get in touch with us. We can sort set menus with lots of different options to cater for all different types of functions.”
Proud of its great food and fantastic service, Bach Restaurant offers a warm and friendly environment for groups large and small, while the Turf Hotel offers
a great atmosphere, good music, great food, fine wines and cold beers!
Their two separate websites make it easy to view what's on offer at each venue. Check out thebachstoke.co.nz or turfhotel.co.nz or contact 03 547 7791 for more information.
Maitai River, one of Nelson’s most stylish & contemporary 'local' hotels. We are proudly locally owned and proudly 'local' in style, atmosphere, and service. We offer an irresistible blend of stylish, vibrant decor, and delicious cuisine, all managed by our highly accomplished and experienced Functions Co-ordinator.
Open for breakfast, lunch & dinner daily – with multiple private rooms available for hire plus exclusive hire of our restaurant, also sporting a large outdoor space, The River Courtyard, ideal for drinks and nibbles under the fairy lights.
on 03 548 7049 or email events@ tideshotel.co.nz
Greenacres Golf Club is a NZ top 40 rated course set in the beautiful Waimea Inlet with magnificent parkland scenery and stunning water views.
“We’re a friendly and relaxed club, and we ensure golf is for everyone” says manager Brendon Whitley.
“Over the summer break, we’re a popular destination for visitors of all abilities and ages. Our mission is to provide every golfer with a positive and memorable experience”.
The club has a vibrant membership and there are some great summer memberships running.
“We have specials for ladies, for new members and for juniors” says Brendon.
We offer a Christmas-themed set menu for lunch and dinner for groups of 15-150 people – party treats included.
Tides Hotel Bar & Eatery is located right on the
Whether you are planning a large family get-together, company event, or cocktail party, we can assist. To enquire please call us
Not only are there specials over the summer but also She Loves Golf, which is a fun workshop for ladies new to golf and includes coaching, a muffin and coffee from the café, and a few holes for free. Greenacres offers everything required: A top-rated course, affordable prices, a friendly atmosphere and great facilities. To find out more visit www.greenacresgolfclub.co.nz
Providing a professional and personalised plumbing service
Todd Russell is a trusted expert in all things plumbing. As the owner of Russell’s Plumbing, Todd’s extensive experience and hands-on approach enables a reliable service for a wide range of internal and external plumbing needs. Whether it’s house re-piping, water main replacements, water cylinder upgrades – including replacing or repairing solar, wetback or electric hot water systems - renovations, new builds, or blocked drains, Todd handles each job with care and precision. Improvements through pressure, coupled with new technology, can provide up to 70 percent more efficiency. “With an upgraded hot water cylinder you will notice improvements through more efficient hot water, and with the im-
pact of pressure you’ll never have to use soap again!”
When it comes to maintenance solutions, Russell’s Plumbing offer a comprehensive range of services for both residential and commercial properties, from emergency repairs to regular plumbing checks. “Undetected leaking taps can be not only resource wasting but could be an early indicator of more serious problems arising. As pipes expand and contract with pressure and fluctuating temperatures, pin holes, seals on taps and any valves can cause potential issues in the future.” As a fully certified and licensed plumber, Todd takes pride in offering a personalised service. This personal touch ensures that clients receive topquality work, honest communi-
cation, and a flexible approach tailored to their needs. Todd’s dedication to his craft extends to the smallest details. From maintenance of taps, toilets, and showers to pre-purchase plumbing inspections, no job is too big or
too small. He strives to provide efficient, affordable service without compromising on quality and is happy to provide free advice and quotes, ensuring clients feel confident and informed throughout the process. For prompt, friendly
service and expert solutions to all your plumbing needs, give Todd a call on 028 418 4633 or email todd@russellsplumbing.co.nz.
Customer testimonial:
“I had a great experience with Todd. He got involved with the project and helped me to select the right options related to quality and cost and time. As a result, I have everything I envisioned done well and a great price. What sets Todd apart from probably most others is his willingness to get involved, troubleshoot the plan and formulate a workable project that optimises those things that are important about the project. Responsive, punctual, professionalism, quality and value.” - Tate
Arts
Same play, same actors, 19 years on
KATE RUSSELL
They may have a few more grey hairs since 2005, but Hugh Neill and Mike Williams still have the same charisma on stage together.
Early next month, the pair are putting on the same two-actor show in Nelson, with the same director, that they performed exactly 19 years ago.
Hugh and Mike felt a sense of déjà vu when they started rehearsing ‘Stone in his Pockets’ last week with director Arnott Potter.
“It’s amazing that it’s nearly 20 years since we’ve done it,” Hugh says, who admits he doesn’t quite remember all his lines yet.
Mike, who moved to Hamilton nine years ago, has come back to Nelson for the show and says he’s got a “bit of a head start” over Hugh, as he performed the play with another actor last year.
“Hugh’s got a bit of catching up to do,” jests Arnott.
Mike’s recent performance
Hugh
and
are performing ‘Stones in his
at Red Door Theatre in October, 19 years after their original show. Photo: Kate Russell.
sparked the idea of heading back to Nelson for a reprise with Hugh and getting Arnott back as the director.
“I had a huge amount of annual leave I needed to take anyway, so I thought I could pop down here and use up some Airpoints,” Mike says.
‘Stones in his Pockets’ is an Irish play that revolves around two locals who are playing extras in a Hollywood movie that’s being filmed in Ireland.
“The play is about their expe-
rience on the movie set, and brings in aspects of a Hollywood perception of Ireland and the somewhat romanticised view of Ireland that they portray in the movie, compared with the reality of life for those two people and all the other local people in the community,” Arnott says.
“While it’s basically a comedy, there is also a serious undercurrent to it.”
Mike and Hugh are taking on their same roles, and between them play 15 different char-
acters.
Mike says in 2005 they performed the play in Tākaka, Murchison, Hokitika, and the Suter in Nelson.
“It’s an interesting experience, actually… some of the rhythms and relationships between the various characters that we’ve got are coming back. But with the time that’s passed, we’re also probably better actors.”
Impressively, Hugh, Mike, and Arnott have piled up collectively close to 150 years of community theatre between them.
“It’s not often that you get to repeat a play with the same actors and same director. That’s very special,” Hugh says.
The joint production between Nelson Theatre Collective and Nelson Musical Theatre will be taking to the stage at Red Door Theatre on Atawhai Drive from 3-5 October and 10-12 October. Tickets are available from www.iticket. co.nz
Donation amplifies theatre
A $170,000 project to install a new PA system in Nelson’s Theatre Royal has been amplified thanks to a “significant” donation from a supporter of the historic venue. The donation comes from ex-Nelsonian Jenny Sutton, who was involved with the theatre when she lived here. The 146-year-old theatre was reopened in 2010 after undergoing a $5.5 million redevelopment and refurbishment. But, at the time, the PA system was not replaced, and the theatre has since been hiring a system. The theatre is also applying for grant funding for the now $80,000 shortfall, but if any sponsors or donors would like to support the project they can email manager Eliane Polack at manager@theatreroyalnelson.co.nz
Local
band shows Finesse Finesse from Nelson College and Nelson College for Girls came third at the national finals of Smokefree Tangata Beats on 13 September in Auckland. The band, made up of Ned Rainey, Alyahna Sanson-Rejouis, Zac Irving and Tamu Domoni, won $500 worth of music gear from NZ Rockshop, and Tamu also took out the Best Vocalist award. Alyahna says that it was “super exciting” being selected for the national finals. “We were so happy that our hard work had been recognised.”
NURSERY FURNITURE
StartS THU 26
FinishES Sun 29
60CLOTHING
LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED
Pets Ever After, a Wakefield-based family-owned business, offers compassionate end-of-life services for cherished pets in the Nelson Tasman region. Founded with a deep understanding of the strong bond between owners and their furry friends, owners Tracey and Patrick Day bring years of experience from the funeral and memorial industries. Offering a considerate and dignified cremation service to honour a pet's memory, their dedication to providing thoughtful care is reflected in their personalised service. Understanding that pets are treasured family members, Pets Ever After treats each pet with dignity and respect, helping owners find peace and closure during the grieving process. As members of the NZ Pet Crematorium Association, they uphold the highest standards of care and professionalism, providing the only local pet cremation service in the region. “Our hope is that by providing a caring and respectful final departure for your cherished companion, you will be comforted in the knowledge that you did all you could to honour their life, allowing for final goodbyes and helping you to gain a little closure during the grieving process,” says Tracey.
Set in a beautifully renovated cottage on a quarter-acre in Stoke, offering a unique, boutique-style early learning environment. Bush surroundings and tree-lined paths provide an authentic natural setting for children to explore and grow. The family-owned and operated centre is led by Natasha Kibble and the professionally-trained team hold Pikler Certification. The centre specialises in fostering relationships, nature education, emotional nurturing, and self-regulation. Natasha says, “Our style of education and care is unique, personalised, and sensitive to individual needs. We believe that childhood is an exceptional time for growing partnerships between people, places, and things, cherishing the beauty, awe, and wonder of the world in curious, creative, and innovative ways.” Strength is added to its learning community by facilitating parent-infant playgroups, parenting workshops, and professional learning sessions for teachers and other early learning professionals. For an exceptional home-away-from-home education, or for professional development and consultancy contact Natasha at (03) 5530665, natasha.kibble@gmail.com, or visit The Children’s Garden and Natasha Kibble Professional Development Facebook pages.
Tasman ComTech is at the forefront of Nelson’s telecommunications industry, providing a comprehensive range of services to meet the needs of both residential and commercial clients. Based in Richmond, technician and director Julian Toon holds over 37 years in the industry and leads a team that specialises in everything from telecommunications installation and servicing to security camera setups and network cabling across domestic, commercial, retail and public sectors.
Tasman ComTech’s extensive expertise covers all aspects of modern communication systems, including telephone lines, internet cabling, PABX systems, data cabling, satellite TV, WiFi networks, TV aerials, fibre networks, and broadband installations. “We handle it all,” says Julian, “Whether it’s maintaining and installing Panasonic telephone systems, cabling, satellite and terrestrial television aerials, wireless networks, or addressing broadband ADSL connection issues.”
With a focus on reliability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, Tasman ComTech is known for their prompt service, friendly staff, and competitive rates, and are equipped to provide expert technical advice and solutions.
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 who 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.
Your electricity discount is on its way
Network Tasman is pleased to announce that its consumers will receive a discount credit on their next power bill.
$6.9m of discounts to be paid to consumers
Network Tasman will pay consumers a total of $6.9m in discounts off their next power bill. Consumer ownership and a focus on cost efficiency have enabled Network Tasman to pay $245 million of discounts to consumers in the region since the discount scheme’s inception in 1994.
Network Tasman is forecast to pay a total of $14m in discounts to consumers in 2024/25: $6.9m in the coming weeks and $7.1m is forecast to be paid to consumers in autumn 2025.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a Network Tasman discount a consumer must have an active metered connection to our network as at midnight on 19 September 2024. Our network covers the Nelson Tasman region, excluding central Nelson.
We’re the
country’s
most active region
ANDREW BOARD
The top of the South Island is the country’s most active region, according to the results of a national survey released this month.
The Active NZ Survey showed that the top of the South Island – which includes Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough, Buller and Kaikōura – leads the way in both the ‘adult’ and ‘young people’ categories with 94 per cent of young people and 79 per cent of adults participating in physical activity each week.
participation.
“We have a really committed group of sporting organisations, we’re really fortunate that we have great leadership in sport in this region. We have really talented leadership and it’s brilliant to see them all working together.”
He says the region’s success is driven by a coordinated range of groups including iwi, council, schools, sports, active recreation groups, health providers, facility providers, disability organisations, sponsors and funders.
people and 61 per cent of adults from our region are not meeting physical activity guidelines.
“Secondly, significant inequity exists across the region. We know not all people have the same opportunities to be physically active. The data clearly shows that rangatahi and tamariki from socioeconomically-disadvantaged areas, girls and young women, Māori, and those individuals with a disability have less access to physical activity opportunities that meet their needs and have lower levels of participation.”
Your discount is based on the amount of electricity you consumed between 1 April 2024 and 31 August 2024. Most residential consumers will receive a discount of between $30
From 1 October 2024 you will be able to find the exact value of your discount on our website. Visit: www.networktasman.co.nz/ consumer-discounts
You will need your ICP number, which is typically at or near the top of page 2 of your bill, near your location address. The ICP number has 15 characters and starts with several zeros, e.g. 0000055245NT1G2
Further information on discounts
More information about our discount is available on our website: www.networktasman.co.nz/consumer-discounts
The survey is run by Sport New Zealand and showed that the Sport Tasman region is ranked top nationally for both the percentage of population participating in physical activity each day and the average number of hours of physical activity per person per day.
Sport Tasman chief executive Ed Shuttleworth says it is a collective effort which helps drive the region’s high rates of
“Our wonderful region flourishes on the back of thousands of volunteers who give up their time each week to ensure these opportunities exist.”
While Ed says the news is pleasing, there is still work to be done.
“Whilst celebrating this remarkable achievement it is important we continue to place our focus on two key facts.
“Firstly, 38 per cent of young
Ed says addressing access to physical activity is a key goal for the organisation.
“We know physical activity has physical, mental health and wellbeing benefits as well as promoting healthier, happier and more connected communities. Therefore, our collective efforts must continue to focus on removing the barriers to physical activity, so no person in our community misses out.”
Rugby referee returns to big stage
STEPHEN STUART
Ten years after refereeing her last rugby test involving the Black Ferns, Nelson-raised whistleblower
Chelsea Gillespie was running the sidelines at Twickenham in London two weeks ago.
This time the Ferns didn’t win, overpowered 24-12 by World No.1 England, but train spotters might have noticed the Kiwi assistant referee or touch judge.
It’s been quite some journey for Chelsea who went to Nelson College for Girls and refereed rather than played rugby.
Probably not surprising as her father Paul Gurr was a leading referee and made a life member of the Nelson Bays Referees Sub-Association.
As a rising referee she went
to the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow, but contracted meningitis.
It’s believed it came from drinking out of a cup she won at the tournament.
If the name Gillespie doesn’t ring a bell it is because Chelsea moved from Christchurch to Scotland with her husband Darren, a former Scottish 7’s player. They settled in Jedburgh, in the Scottish Borders, where Chelsea works as a sports therapist and raised two children.
Now a Scottish referee, she returned to international rugby in the women’s six nations this year, and after looking right at home at “Twickers” over the weekend she’s now eyeing a return to the ground for even bigger fixtures – the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Knee issues cut short Giant’s career
STEPHEN STUART
Ongoing knee problems have prompted Nelson Giants basketball veteran Tom Ingham to call time on an NBL career stretching 14 years.
The former Waimea College student debuted for the Giants in 2010 when he was just 16.
Former Giants teammate turned coach, Michael Fitchett, remembers him well.
“Ingy was confident and fitted in straight away. He was never backward in coming forward,” Michael says.
Coming from a sporting household probably helped as Tom’s father was Central Districts and Nelson cricketer Craig Ingham. But it was the bigger ball sport that Tom excelled in as a shooting guard.
After two seasons he headed to Otago University to study Physical Education but then switched to seek primary teaching qualifications.
His game time for the Otago Nuggets was limited by a dislocated elbow, and then the team went bust.
So it was back to Nelson in 2016 where Tom has been ever since, amassing 140 games over 11 sea-
sons for the Giants.
His personal career highlight was beating the Hawke’s Bay Hawks in the opening game of the 2017 season.
“I was only told the night before that I was playing and I went out and scored 21 points and grabbed nine rebounds. I didn’t realise I was that close to a double double,” Tom says.
He also fondly recalls the 2020 Showdown series, staged over six weeks in Auckland during the pandemic.
“It felt like my coming out party,” he says.
While never winning an NBL title, he reckons the Giants should have in 2018.
“We beat the Southland Sharks in Invercargill by about 20 points but then a week later we lost the semi-final to them by one point,”
Tom recalls.
“It was just one of those nights and then the Sharks went on to win the final.”
While he had ankle injuries over the years, it was a freak accident in the 2022 pre-season that threatened to end his career.
“A player stood on my foot and I turned 360 degrees,” the 1.91m player says.
It resulted in an unwanted triple
– damaging his ACL, MCL and meniscus – and missing the entire year.
“I never considered giving the game away.”
Ignoring advice to drop to club
level, Tom returned to play every match for his beloved Giants in the past two seasons.
Despite wearing a knee brace, he knew he was on borrowed time.
“The knee injury began to re-
ally flare up again in games 14 through 19 and my production fell away”, the 31 year old says.
Coach Fitchett declares he was an awesome player to coach, a mentor to the youngsters coming through and set the standard in off-season training.
In his farewell Instagram post, Tom paid tribute to the Giants’ fans and his teammates over the years.
“Playing was a big part my identity but I was prepared to move on,” Tom insists.
As for other players he encountered who stood out.
Steven Adams lit up the U17 ranks while more recently the Giants’ American import Avery Woodson was something else too.
Mike Fitchett hopes his former charge moves into coaching.
“I did coach the Waimea College “A” basketball side to finish fourth at the South Island Secondary Schools Champs which was our best result since I played for them in 2009,” Tom remembers.
The Nelson Intermediate School teacher and team leader has other lofty goals.
He hopes to become a school principal which wouldn’t leave the commitment needed for basketball as well.
Nelson endurance athlete triumphs in Townsville
STEPHEN STUART
Planning and preparation paid off for Mike Crowe at the annual World Triathlon Multisport Championships in North Queensland.
He finished sixth overall in a 350-plus field in the aquabike section to comfortably win his 50 to 54 age group.
Mike was third in Ibiza the previous year.
“All business and no fun in Ibiza,” says Mike, who then trained up to 25 hours a week to try and improve on that result. The Nelson IT specialist made sure to acclimatise to the heat by getting to Townsville two weeks before the gruelling swim and bike event.
“The aquabike appeals to a lot of athletes because there is no running involved,” Mike says. He was third out of the water after cranking out a three kilometre swim in just under 46 minutes. Grabbing his road bike, he wrested the lead 30 k’s into the 114km cycle leg.
“It was a lap course and my
wife Louise was on the sidelines calling out updates.”
The pedalling leg took just over two hours and 52 minutes, add in the transition and he went on to win comfortably by over three minutes. He took a very respectable three hours 39 minutes
and 43 seconds overall for the aquabike honours.
“I could have gone faster but there was no need to.”
To make it even more satisfying, he beat home the Australian competitors in his age grade.
Fellow Nelson Triathlon Club
members Morgan Lumsden and Gareth Cashin also had top ten results.
Morgan finished sixth in the 35 to 39 division of the long distance triathlon which added a 30 kilometre run to the swim and bike legs.
Gareth was tenth in the 55 to 59 age range in the cross triathlon event which also involved a swim, bike and run.
Getting back to Nelson then proved an endurance test for Mike and Louise.
“We left Townsville on a 6am flight but then got fogbound in Auckland and took a day and half to reach Nelson,” laughs Mike.
After a well-earned break he will head to Taupō to support Morgan in the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in December.
As for aquabike, Mike isn’t planning to defend his title in Spain next year.
After generously letting the Europeans have their shot at glory on home turf, he vows to be back for the 2026 event closer to home.
Sports Awards categories extended
It is fast approaching that time of year again where achievements are acknowledged in the Sport Tasman annual awards. Two categories have been brought back this year, the Halberg Foundation Athlete with a Disability Award and the New World Stoke Masters Athlete of the year. That takes the total categories to 11 plus the NZCT Supreme Award. Last year the Fisher-Black siblings, Finn and Niamh, rode off with three of the major individual awards and could be contenders again. Being Olympic year makes for even more intriguing contests. “We strongly encourage the sports community to nominate people from across the region. The recognition of a nomination alone is something to be celebrated,” says Sport Tasman’s regional outcomes lead, Ryan Edwards.
Nominations close on 11 October, for sporting achievements between 13 October 2023 to 11 October 2024 .
The nine other categories are:
• Golden Edge Sportsman of the Year
• Bowater Toyota Sportswoman of the Year
• Cox Emerging Talent Award
• Johnston Associates Emerging Talent Award
• TSM Sports Team of the Year
• Tasman Pine Forests Junior Sports Team of the Year
• Rutherford Hotel Coach of the Year
• NBS Community Impact Award
• Rata Foundation Diversity and Inclusion Award
The awards night will be staged at the Rutherford Hotel on Friday, 6 December.
Heartbreak for FC Nelson
ANDREW BOARD
FC Nelson have fallen agonisingly short of progressing to the final playoff game for promotion to the Southern Premier Football League, losing 4-3 on penalties at Guppy Park in Nelson on Saturday.
Taking a 3-2 advantage into the second leg of the tie against Canterbury champions Waimak United, FC Nelson’s fortunes swung back and forth in an open and entertaining game.
Waimak were first to score but Phun Lian pulled the hosts level before Van Roland Hlawnceu gave FC Nelson essentially a two-goal buffer. But with 20 minutes to go Waimak staged a fightback, scoring two second half goals to take a 3-2 lead at full time, drawing the scores level across the two legs at 5 each.
So, the game headed to extra time and when Waimak scored a stunning strike from outside the box it seemed all-but-over for FC Nelson.
Then star player TJ Hansen bent a ball around the wall from a free kick in the final minute of extra time to send the game to penalties.
FC Nelson’s outstanding young keeper Charlie Calderbank saved one, but it wasn’t enough with only Hansen, Labu Pan and Chris Main netting for the hosts, giving Waimak a stunning win.
FC Nelson coach Paul Brydon was red-carded in the 20th minute, his assistant Mark Johnston wasn’t able to take the field due to injury, so stepped into the head coach role mid-game. He says it was a “cruel” way to get knocked out.
“That’s penalties, if you don’t
take your chances it turns into the roulette wheel. But we’re pretty proud of our effort over two legs. We didn’t take our chances today and they did.”
He says, despite the loss, he felt the performance was better than the first leg.
“I thought we really took it to them and it’s tough, we now have the whole summer to stew on it. We know we’re at that level [Southern League], it’s now just about getting over that final hump [to qualify].”
FC Nelson chair Phil Thompson was gutted with the nature of the loss but says the result won’t change the trajectory the club is on, and they will try to qualify again next season.
“It’s heartbreaking, yeah, but we’re only going to get better. We’re getting the right coaches to invest in the kids and when you get this many people here today, it shows
Waimak United will now play a game against Wanaka next week with the winner earning promotion to the Southern Premier League for 2025.
SITUATIONS VACANT
On behalf of the Minister for Social Development and Employment, the Ministry of Social Development is seeking community focused people for the role of Community Representative on the local Benefits Review Committee. This position covers the Nelson/ Tasman region and surrounding areas.
The Benefits Review Committee provides an informal setting for clients to review decisions made by the Ministry of Social Development about their benefit entitlement.
As a Community Representative you will provide a community perspective to the Benefits Review Committee’s decision-making process. You will be required to read benefit review reports, attend hearings arranged for the client and the Ministry, and consider decisions on a case-by-case basis.
Hearings are scheduled to be held regularly, however as there is a pool of Community Representatives in each region, individual Community Representatives may not be required to sit on every hearing.
In this role you will need to be able to relate to a range of people within the wider community, have good community experience and knowledge, and respect the views, beliefs, and cultural perspectives of others.
This is a Ministerial appointment. Names of successful candidates will be forwarded for consideration by the Minister for Social Development and Employment.
Applications close: Wednesday 9th October 2024
The Ministry of Social Development is one of New Zealand’s largest government agencies. Our work to achieve better social outcomes affects almost every New Zealander, now or in the future. https://jobs.msd.govt.nz/
NOT GETTING THE NELSON WEEKLY
Call 5485900 Ext 4. Leave a message with your address, the date the delivery was missed & when you last received a paper or visit topsouthmedia.co.nz/ delivery/
Peter & Jacqui
After
& 11
finally went to be with the
of his life Jacqui. Like the Hospice Drs told Mum, Dad also took the scenic route, meaning they both did it in their own time & hung on for way longer than anyone would have thought. A truly courageous couple that uprooted their lives in the UK 50yrs ago to give their children a better life in NZ. You started here with nothing & left this earth achieving so much. I hope we have all done you proud!
It was a privilege doing the final journey with you both. XX Teena
Community Notices
DEADLINE: 10AM FRIDAY
30 WORDS OR LESS BY EMAIL ONLY SEND TO: myevent@nelsonweekly.co.nz
MONDAY
TASMAN AQUARIUM CLUB. Meet 1st Mon on month, 7pm. Inspiration, advice and general chat about fish and aquarium hobby. Next meeting 13 May. Ph: Robin 0275442518.
COMMUNITY GARDEN WORKING BEES Mon, 2.30 - 4pm. Victory Community Centre. Regular free working bees. Learn from other experienced gardeners. A dedicated team of volunteers are making the garden into a beautiful and productive space. Ph: Nadia 035468389 or kai@victorycommunity.org.nz.
INTRODUCTION TO ZEN BUDDHISM Beginner Instruction available Mon evenings at our Nelson Centre. Learn how to meditate the Zen way. Ph: Gwitha, 0211218133 for info. Mountains and Rivers Affiliate Nelson.
SENIORS 3D FLOW FITNESS: Mon & Fri, 1-2pm, Tāhunanui Community Hub. Seniors 3D Flow combines various exercises like dance, boxing, tai chi, and blocan to music, focusing on mobility, strength, and fun social interactions. Suitable for anyone willing to engage in 45 minutes of movement, with most activities performed standing, but including seated options. Ph: 021411700.
Wed of the month, 12-1pm. Victory Community Centre. A “potluck” group lunch for women from all cultures to share kai (food) and meet new people. Bring some food from your own culture to share with the group but please don’t worry if you’re unable to bring food, just join us! Free!
DEMENTIA FRIENDLY READING GROUP. Meet 1st Wed of the month, 10-11am, Elma Turner Library. Relax – while a great story or poem is read to you, and then enjoy exploring it in a fun and friendly way. All welcome. MT provided. Ph: 035468100.
THURSDAY
HOT LUNCHTIME MEALS on Wed 12.30pm, Mon and Thurs, 5.30pm. Sit in the warmth and be served by the Loaves & Fishes team in the hall behind the church at 30 Vanguard St. $3 cash or buy a prepay card, two meals for $5 or five for $10. Enq Ph: 0272977383
NEW NELSON TAI CHI CLASS with Gretchen. Thurs mornings. ACC-approved falls prevention, strength, and balance instructor. e: kitesfun@ gmail.com or Ph: 03548 8707 for info.
See event on Facebook or Ph: Kate 0224799122 for tickets.
ARMCHAIR TRAVELLERS: Sat, 5 Oct, 7.30pm, Whakatu Presbyterian Church, 34 Champion Rd. Murray Butler presents 'The UK My Way'. Entry donation supports Child Cancer. Supper. TRANSPORT FEST, Sat, 5 & Sun, 6 Oct, Pigeon Valley, Wakefield. Awesome Family Event. Lucky Ticket $80 Meal Voucher. Fun Kids Rides. NZ Army, Fire Brigade. Food Drinks Raffles Silent Auction. Ph: 0272222464.
THE NELSON INSTITUTE PRESENTS a talk by Nigel Costley, Dr Johnson's little book. Sun, 6 Oct, 2pm. The Nelson Library. Cost $3. PÉTANQUE IN THE CITY, an easy game to play, but hard to perfect. Suitable for young and old. Come along and meet new friends. Wed & Sun. 1.15-3.00pm. Come along and try us out. Ph: Roger or Shirley 035466562.
GENERAL
TUESDAY
WELLBY TALKING CAFÉ: Tues, 1 Oct, 10–11.30am, McCashin’s, Stoke. Wellby Talking Cafés are about social connection and finding out about groups, activities and services. www. wellby.org.nz. Ph: 035467681.
NELSON 50+ WALKING GROUP, Weekly walks average 10 kms. Tues, 1 Oct, Wakapuaka- Miyazu. Meet at Miyazu Park at 9.45am. BYO lunch. Ph:Lyn 0276467799.
LUNCH ON THE HILL. Tues, 1 Oct, come join us for hot drinks at 11am and lunch at noon on 27 Dorset St, Richmond. Koha welcome. Ph: 035448844
TUESDAY MUSIC, Tues, 1 Oct, 10am, Richmond Town Hall Mtg Room. Portrait of a Prodigy (the cutest ever!) plus usual wide variety of musical items. Something for everyone. You are welcome! Ph: Christine 0212486038.
LAUGH FOR NO REASON, Laughter Yoga. Tues, 1 Oct, 9.30am, Victory Community Centre. Bring something to lie on for the relaxation at the end. You will feel silly, it's meant to be silly, that's why we can laugh for no reason. Ph: Cath 5451207 or 0220829779. $3 koha.
NELSON PHILATELIC SOCIETY MEETING Tues, 8 Oct, Doors Open 6.30pm - Starts 7pm, Stoke Baptist Church. Mitchener Cup – Letter “S” Something Technical Club Stamp & Book Sales Stamp Exchange among Members. Ph: Robin 0275442518
WEDNESDAY
KICKSTART – Starts, Wed, 16 Oct, 1-2pm, Saxton Field. Free outdoor programme combining a mix of walking & manageable, fun exercises used to improve stamina, strength, balance & flexibility. Ph: 0272553125
COMMUNITY SING A LONG Wed, 2 Oct, 1.30pm, Stoke Methodist Church lounge or hall, 94 Neale Ave. Afternoon tea. Gold coin donation for Nelson Hospital Chaplaincy. All Welcome. WOMEN’S MULTICULTURAL MEAL Meet 1st
KEEP ACTIVE, STRENGTH, BALANCE, general fitness. Thurs, 9.15am. Holy Trinity Hall, 27 Dorset St. All ages welcome. Standing and seated options, resistance bands, circuits. Ph: Nicola 0210788609 or e: nicola.rae.11@gmail.com.
PILATES 4 EVERYBODY, Thurs, 6-7:pm, Tāhunanui Community Hub Improve posture, mobility, strength, balance, and body awareness. Exercises can be modified to suit all fitness levels and abilities. 021 0839 9290.
COULD YOU VOLUNTEER on a Thurs? 2.30-4pm to assist elderly people on and off our van? And take them to our day activity programme in Annesbrook Drive. Please Ph: Maaike 032655224 or e: maaikef@psusi.org.nz
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING The Nelson Club dance. Thurs, 7.30pm. Haven Hall, 34 Collingwood St, Nelson. New dancers welcome, no partner needed. More info: Ph: Kelly 0211739642 or nelson@dancescottish.org.nz.
FRIDAY
AMPUTEE SOCIETY Top of the South meet last Fri of the month for coffee and a chat. Honest Lawyer around 10am. Outside if sunny –inside if wet. Bring a friend or support person. Look forward to seeing you there.
SATURDAY/SUNDAY
CAKE DECORATORS are having an all day workshop. Sat, 5 Oct. You will learn how to do palette knife flowers using chocolate ganache on a 6 inch cake. Ph: Cindy 0272557280
6 TOP OF THE SOUTH COMMUNITY CHOIRS Concerts. Sat, 28 Sept, 2.30 & 7pm, Nelson Cathedral. A heart-warming musical journey around the world. Tkts: https://events.humanitix.com/ tots-nelson-cathedral-choir-concert.
MOVIE SCREENING, Sun, 6 Oct, 9-1pm, Fairfield House. Discussion and light lunch. “Any Given Moment”; a powerful story of transformation and healing using Qigong. e: osteoshane@gmail. com for info.
RICHMOND SCHOOL’S PINK LADIES Jump Jam team fundraiser. Sat, 19 Oct, 5-8pm, Jump In. 3 hrs $20 per ticket, inc disco lights and music.
ART EXHIBITION. For the month of Oct, the ART CORNER of Nelson Golf Club Cafe, 38 Bolt Rd, Tāhunanui. A new display by two popular artists, Karin Gembus and Pat Reid. Open to the public daily.
NELSON CATHEDERAL TREE FESTIVAL, Thurs, 28 Nov – Sun, 12 Jan 2025. Entries open e: christmas@nelsoncathedral.nz for entry form and reserve a place. Display your group or business to thousands of visitors with a decorated tree. Entries close end of Oct.
NELSON RAILWAY FOUNDERS PARK. The Train will be running Sun, 29 Sept, from 11am. Wheelchair Hoist available onto train. Phone 0273419787 for enq.
RAKAIA LIONS LILY & FREESIA, proceeds (Cancer Rehabilitation). Bag of 4 oriental Lilies for $10. Bag 20 Freesias $5. e: margaret.ralph.c@ icloud.com. Or Ph: 5476571 or Ann Law Ph: 5475661. Plant now & will flower this season. THE NEW ZEALAND RED CROSS supports families of refugees as they settle into a new life in Nelson. We are looking for volunteers who would like to be part of the team and make a real difference in somebody’s life. Full training provided and time commitment is very flexible. e: migration.volunteers@redcross.org.nz or TXT John 0272235972.
WAIMEA HARRIERS running and walking Club Winter season. Events every Sat. We welcome everyone of all ages and abilities. See website for details.
THE NEW ZEALAND RED CROSS supports families of refugees as they settle into a new life in Nelson. We are looking for volunteers who would like to be part of the team and make a real difference in somebody’s life. Full training provided and time commitment is very flexible. e: migration.volunteers@redcross.org.nz or TXT John 0272235972.
BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP. Cancer Society Nelson, 102 Hardy St. If you have or have had breast cancer, come along to this friendly atmosphere. Reg Ph: 035391137 or e: info@cancernelson.org.nz.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for our day programmes for the elderly. Serve refreshments, join in singing, games, chat or assist on vans. Ph: Maaike 032655224, e: maaikef@psusi.org.nz.
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