Nelson Weekly - 11 October 2023

It was just six months ago when Neil and his partner decided to invest in a campervan to enjoy retirement and be able to get away more with their dog Maia. But a “mindless” act has left the couple reeling after someone broke in, stole the campervan, and burnt it out in a Hira reserve. It was a large Elddis Encore 275, and after a few trips around the South Island they had decided they would put it on the market as it was too hard to get in and out of their steep Atawhai driveway.

So Neil, who asked not to have his surname used, began parking it at the bottom of the driveway on SH6 Atawhai with a for sale sign. He had also advertised it on Facebook. Each night before turning in, he would do the usual security check to make sure everything was locked up, including the campervan. He knows it was locked last Wednesday evening as he checked it around 7pm. However, at 4.30am police knocked on his door informing him that the camper had been found burnt out in the Hira Reserve.

“I was shocked, I didn’t really take it in too much. They showed me photos at the time but I was just a bit gob-smacked.” He recalls Maia did bark once during the night, which was unusual, but it was just one bark so he didn’t think too much of it.

SARA HOLLYMAN

Nick Schryvers and his cafe Victus Coffee and Eatery were fixed with a double shot of awards at the Nelson Hospitality Awards. Photo: Gordon Preece. Story on page 6. SEE PAGE 2

What is your favourite local hospitality venue and why?

“Smugglers, good meal, good atmosphere, and interesting interior.”

“The Freehouse. . . because it has a great atmosphere.”

“Harrys, because I like dumplings.”

“Going to the pub, but I’m dry as a chip. . . I like the Anchor down at the wharf.”

Camper stolen and burnt out

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FROM PAGE 1

Fire and Emergency shift supervisor Simon Lyford says they initially responded crews from both Hira and Nelson to reports of a car fire around 3am last Thursday. When the crew from Hira arrived at the scene, right next to their station, they stood down the Nelson unit as the fire was mostly out.

Neil says he and his partner feel violated knowing someone was snooping around and stealing their vehicle.

“They would’ve had to break in and start it... I do hear quite a bit with the cycleway and young people walk along there and chatter sometimes,

but this night I never heard a damn thing.”

On Thursday morning Neil and his partner went to the Nelson Police Station to make a statement before heading out to the reserve at Hira to see if anything was salvageable. But with a full tank of diesel in the camper, all that was left was a little bit of steel and a pile of ash.

“I wouldn’t say I’m used to shock. I do handle it pretty well, but when we went out and saw it I was pretty bloody emotional, we both were when we saw it.”

He says, while most of the valuable items had been removed for the sale, the pair realised their good sleeping bags were still inside.

“I don’t know, there might’ve

been other little things but there were gas bottles and things they could’ve pinched before they burnt it but they didn’t, it was just some bloody thrill seeker.

“You just don’t think these things are going to happen. I don’t want this to go by with people not knowing anything about it, it might make people aware, or remember something, or be more cautious with their vehicles.”

A police spokesperson says investigations remain ongoing. Neil would like to offer a reward for any information that leads to the offender being found by police. If anyone has information or CCTV footage, please call 105 and quote file number 231005/9761.

Alexander Protsenko Tahunanui

Rosa Coutts Nelson CBD

Sky Hopkinson (12) Marlborough Sounds

Robert Preston Enner Glynn

Belinda

The camper before and after it was stolen. Photos: Supplied.

Jenner Rd investigations continue

KATE RUSSELL

Some of the eBus damage done to Jenner Rd has been repaired, but Nelson City Council won’t know if the public transport service will be able to return to the area until later this month. The narrow road had reportedly been damaged in several places by the weight of the new eBuses, and the route (route 3) which travelled up the road and then down Murphy and Emano Sts has been diverted for the time being.

Over the weekend of 30 September, council contractors performed investigation work on the road and also completed an immediate repair job ensuring the road was safe for public use. This involved removing the broken-up areas and filling the potholes with asphalt. Group manager infrastructure Alec Louverdis says for a more sustainable repair to take place on Jenner Rd, they need to better understand the underlying conditions of the road.

“Once we have the test results from the investigation work back, we will know much more about whether it is possible for the eBus to return along this route.”

The results are expected back towards the end of October. Meanwhile, feedback on the route diversion has been split.

“Jenner Rd residents are thankful the bus route has been changed, while Murphy St and Emano St residents are hoping their bus will be returned.”

Alec says there are several reasons why they are using large buses on routes 3 and 4 that service Toi Toi, Victory and Washington Valley.

“They operate on much longer routes than before - for instance, route 3 travels from Atawhai to Nelson City Centre before heading to the hospital, and route 4 goes from The Brook to the Airport.

“Like all bus routes, there are

some places on the route where the bus is busier than other places. Our investment in new buses covers a 10-year period, so we need to cater for expected growth in patronage.”

He also says electric versions of the smaller Sprint buses have their batteries on the bottom of the vehicle and therefore cannot kneel to allow wheelchair access.

“That said, our provision of public transport for Nelson is constantly evolving and we will make changes where we can to improve routes, bus stop placement and timetables.”

Some Jenner Rd residents are not keen on the buses returning.

Photo: Kate Russell.

‘Severe’ El Nino raises fire risk

ANNE HARDIE

As El Nino sets the rules for a dry summer, the local fire service is “planning for the worst and hoping for the best”.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand risk reduction advisor Jeff White says all the indications point towards a severe El Nino event which for Nelson and Tasman means more frequent southwest winds with low humidity. That equals less moisture, higher temperatures and stronger winds that dry out the country faster.

Coupled with that is the “fuel growth” of grasses and other vegetation from a good spring that becomes a fire risk as it dries out. “If we do have a fire start up, potentially it could be significant.” He says everyone should be dealing with dry, flammable vegeta-

tion early, particularly around houses and before it dries out.

“Once it does start drying out, it’s often too late.

“Mowing and weedeating can potentially cause sparks and if they leave it until it has dried out, it’s not ideal.

“We’re also encouraging people to take note of their surroundings. If they live in those more vulnerable urban areas up the valleys or lifestyle blocks, be prepared and have a plan in their households to evacuate quickly. Have a graband-go kit with essentials.”

Fire and Emergency works closely with the councils, Department of Conservation and forestry to look at how each can reduce risk in their areas and consider shutting areas down as they become drier and a higher fire risk.

Jeff says the Pigeon Valley wild-

fire in February 2019 occurred during a weak El Nino period and this summer it will be a strong El Nino period. It is uncertain though whether this year will be more severe, the same, or have less impact than the previous El Nino.

“We’re definitely going to be go-

ing into a fully-fledged El Nino.

“You look out the window now and everything is green and doesn’t look too bad.

“But soil moisture levels are lower than they should be at this time of year, so potentially all it will take is two to three weeks of warm weather with some good westerly

winds coming through that rapidly dries things out and things will change quite rapidly,” he says. “It’s going to be a great summer if you enjoy the beach. Unfortunately, we don’t get to enjoy that so much in our line of work.”

Niwa meteorologist Ben Noll has similar warnings and says “planning and preparation are the key words” for this coming summer. Wind is one of the threats and he says there will be some rounds of strong, potentially damaging, winds about the South Island and lower North Island, caused by big areas of high pressure north of the country and a big area of low pressure south of the country. Though most of the region is a bit more sheltered than other areas, he says it will still be felt up in the ranges if people are planning on hikes.

The annual Nelson Orchid Society Show will blossom at Pūtangitangi Greenmeadows Centre on 14 October between 10am and 2:30pm with orchids, fruit and books for sale. The society hopes for a bloom of new members and more gardeners to grow interest in adding the flower to their greenhouses. Entry is $2. Pictured is Nelson Orchid Society vice president, Linda Rouse. Photo: Gordon Preece.

Adults were taken back to their childhoods on Friday, while kids swarmed the dance floor at a joint Kath Bee and Suzy Cato performance at Alioke Eatery in Richmond following a performance at Nelson Centre for Musical Arts on Thursday. Suzy and Kath were celebrating the launch of their book/song collaboration ‘I Can Do It’. Pictured are Darcy Robinson, 11 months, Izzy Robinson, 2 and Elodie Widley, 5 with Suzy and Kath. Photo: Sara Hollyman.

The last El Nino saw the Pigeon Valley wildfire burn for weeks in hot, dry conditions. Photo: Supplied.

Need for affordable housing continues to escalate

ANNE HARDIE

The latest Nelson Tasman Housing Trust survey shows “a story of growing pain” with a significant increase in the number of people needing affordable housing.

In the trust’s latest six-monthly survey that monitors the housing need beyond the Government’s housing register in the Nelson and Richmond area, there were 696 households that needed affordable housing. That was an increase from 633 households in the previous sixmonth survey and 528 households a year ago. Since 2018, the survey’s count has climbed a whopping 70 per cent. The latest figure is in addition to the 423 households on the Ministry of Social Development’s housing register that records those waiting for public housing.

The increase is a symptom of a “very significant, growing social problem,” according to Trust director Carrie Mozena.

“A number of housing providers are bringing more homes into reality, but this (survey) tells me the level of need is escalating beyond the speed with which we can build. So that’s a problem.”

She says the numbers in the survey are probably just the tip of the iceberg because they are the people asking community organisations for help or are staying in temporary accommodation.

“It shows the level of pain out there. It’s becoming harder for people to buy their own home and it’s becoming harder and harder – particularly for people on limited incomes – to afford private rentals.

“We have people paying 60 to 70 per cent of their weekly income on rent which leaves very, very little for food, clothing and transport. That’s the huge pain of it.

“Then there are those suffering in silence and it is hard to put numbers on them, though I think it is quite large.”

Carrie says the problem stems from the lack of social housing built in the past 30 years. In 1990, New Zealand’s population was 3.3 million and there were 85,000 state and council houses to provide affordable social housing. While the population has increased to 5.2 million, she says the total number of Kāinga Ora, council and community houses has remained much

M G S P R I N G S A L E

New Zealand about 30 years to get to this point and it will take us another 30 years to build our way out of it.”

She says momentum is building in social housing developments in Nelson and Tasman, between local housing providers and Kāinga Ora. This year, the combined housing providers have completed 32 homes in the Nelson and Richmond areas. In the next two years, she expects between 60 and 100 new homes will be built, which will be the strongest growth in the subsidised housing supply for a very long time.

“I think social and public housing is the fence at the top of the cliff. The bottom of the cliff is where you have people in cars and people trying to find emergency housing.”

She says Nelson Tasman needs a range of people with different skill sets and that includes those on lower incomes, which means affordable housing needs to be provided for them.

the same. Though there are more developments underway now, New Zealand needs about

120,000 houses for those who cannot afford private rentals.

“It’s a mammoth task. It’s taken

The survey calculates the affordable housing need by adding up waitlists for different social housing providers, campgrounds and refugee families working with Red Cross.

Nelson Tasman Housing Trust director Carrie Mozena says the survey reflects a growing social problem. Photo: File.

Hospo venues served awards

GORDON PREECE

The cloches were lifted on the 17 five-star winners at the 2023 Nelson Hospitality Awards last Tuesday night.

Nelson’s Victus Coffee and Eatery and Motueka’s Toad Hall were among the finest local cafes, restaurants and accommodation providers who were recognised at the event, which was held at the Rutherford Hotel.

Victus Coffee and Eatery were fixed with a double shot of awards, with the outstanding cafe award and its co-owner Nick Schryvers winning outstanding barista.

Nick, who runs the Bridge St joint with his wife Beth, says he was “stoked and overjoyed” his cafe was recognised after only 16 months.

“We were stoked would be a good way to put it, overjoyed, it’s a lot of hard work to build something that you’re really proud of and so for us to be acknowledged for that hard work is really rewarding,” he says.

“For us it comes down to a constant pursuit of betterment and really putting a focus on high standards and consistency.”

Nick says his award-winning barista blend included his passion for the beverage, constant improvement and grinding for excellence.

“It’s attention to detail and focusing on the little things, what makes it unique, what makes it change, and how does it re-

spond to those changes,” he says.

“It’s hard to go past a perfect flat white but we also have a popular selection of filter coffee as well,

“The general reaction is it’s the best coffee they’ve had.”

Toad Hall in Motueka took home the Outstanding Sustainability Award for its sustainability practices in the business, which its owner, Angie Morris, says are “dear to their heart”.

“It’s something that’s entrenched in the Toad Hall business vision for as long as Toad Hall’s been here,” she says.

Passenger demand rolls out extra bus

GORDON PREECE

An extra bus has been added to the Motueka-Nelson route after passengers in Māpua couldn’t be collected last week due to a lack of space.

Tasman District Council (TDC) group manager for infrastructure, Alec Louverdis, says on 5 October, eBus Route 5, which services Motueka and Māpua, reached full capacity, and requiring the roll out of an overflow bus.

month of eBus showed just under 3000 journeys taken on Route 5, and anecdotally it seems as if usage has increased over the school holidays.

“The Regional Land Transport Plan envisages weekend services for Route 5 in the future, however Council could bring plans to commence these services forward if there is a clear demand.”

“We have a very staunch and strict recycling ethos, even in the food that we produce. We have a market garden, we compost everything, and we use the compost to grow the vegetables in the market garden.

“The benefits are that we’re living our truth… we believe that we will leave this earth a better place than the way we found it, and also a big one for us is food security and the investment in the meaningful employment in the community.” Visit hospitalityawards.co.nz/nelson/ categories to view the full winners list.

Alec says the overflow bus, which is the same size and operates under the same timetable, has been introduced to Route 5’s Thursday and Friday service.

“When at capacity, the bus will stop where passengers are waiting and indicate that an overflow bus is not far behind,” he says.

“Data from the first

Alec says Route 1 from Richmond to Nelson has also reached capacity during peak hours on weekdays. He says the route is already serviced by an overflow bus which uses Route 7, between Richmond and Nelson, and follows Route 1 between 8am and 3pm to collect passengers after the bus hits capacity.

Alec says Council will monitor Route 5 during the summer school holidays.

Motorheads rev into adventure riding course

GORDON PREECE

A late entrant to the full throttle world of adventure riding has developed a dedicated facility for motorheads to rev up their manoeuvres.

The 80,000sqm facility, which is adjacent to the existing motorsport facility at Kohatu Park, near Tapawera, opened on Saturday and features a 5.8km track, log rides, and sand and gravel pits.

Kohatu Park board member and driver of the project, Dave McLeod, says, after purchasing an adventure motorbike in May and completing a training course at Cable Bay Adventure Park, he identified that a permanent adventure training area would spin other riders’ wheels.

He says he rode solo to develop his idea since fellow board members had different commitments, and leased 110,000sqm of land from the Kohatu Park Trust. Along with about 20 volunteers and Garry Adcock’s tractors and diggers, Dave began developing the facility in August.

“Overall, it’s a motorsport park so it fits with that criteria around providing a place to use motorcycles and whilst I focused initially

on adventure bikes, we found that kids bikes suit the track as well,” he says.

“It’s not a motocross track, in that we don’t want high-powered motorbikes going round at one million miles an hour because it’s a very tight and twisty track to practice skill sets on turning, braking, clutch work.

“There’s plenty of interest and there’s a variety of people that ride motorbikes… and I’m just hoping to give those people somewhere to go permanently.”

Dave says the facility will be open every second weekend on either a Saturday or Sunday and the open dates until December are available on its website.

He says there will be an initial charge of $30 per adult and $10 per child under 15, but once paid they will automatically become members to use the facility for free on future rides.

There will be staff on site to comply with health and safety.

He says the open day on Saturday was a roaring success with more than 30 riders, and Nelson Motorcycle Club and Tasman Honda providing demonstrations.

Dave says he now plans to attract sponsors for the facility to cover its development costs, introduce

more technical enduro features and on-site demonstration bikes, and build a 20km to 25km single loop track around the park’s border.

For more information on the facilities at Kohatu Park visit www. kohatupark.nz

Nick Schryvers and his café were fixed with a double shot of awards at the Nelson Hospitality Awards on 3 October. Photo: Gordon Preece.

Above: The new adventure riding facility at Kohatu opened on Saturday. Right: It was an all-ages event to mark the opening of the new track. Photos: Ben Henry.

Drop-in sessions planned for hundreds of new homes

KATE RUSSELL

Kāinga Ora plans to provide more than 200 new homes in Nelson over the coming years and two drop-in sessions are planned for next week so people can find out more about them.

The public housing agency is proposing to replace some of its existing older homes across a number of sites in Bishopdale, Stoke, Nelson City and Nelson South.

It is also entering agreements to purchase some newly completed homes from developers in these suburbs, such as nine new homes on Main Rd Stoke, 26 new homes at the former Whareama Rest Home on Neale Ave, and 29 new homes where the Wakatu Lodge once stood on Waimea Rd.

Other developments in the pipeline include 21 new homes on Seaview Rd, slated to be complete in mid-2025, while construction of 16 new homes on Nile St, where the former Masonic Lodge was, is expected to start in the next few months.

The proposed development on Examiner St is now on hold while Nelson City Council considers a change to their District Plan (PC29).

Residents will have a chance to find out more about these developments and more at two drop-in sessions on Monday 16 October at the Whakatū Presbyterian Hall in Stoke.

Session one runs from 10am - 1pm and session two is from 3pm - 6.30pm.

Kāinga Ora shared its housing opportunities for Nelson South at community drop-in sessions in June, but the sessions next week will give residents an overview of all the homes planned across the city.

Julia Campbell, regional director Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast, says as of June this year, 282 applicants in Nelson City were on the public housing register.

“By making better use of our existing land we can replace outdated homes with more modern, warm and dry homes that are better suited to our customers today. We’re also increasing the number of

homes available by purchasing completed homes from developers.

“This is also an opportunity to build new homes in great locations where schools, shops, recreational facilities and other amenities are all within easy reach,” she says.

Julia says planning is at different stages across the various sites and the details, including the number of homes and timeframes, could change as work progresses.

“We aim to inform residents as soon as we can about our upcoming developments as we acknowledge that people are really keen to hear about what’s happening in their neighbourhoods.

“As many of these homes are still in the early design stages, some of the details could change. However, at this stage, we expect most of the homes to be completed in 2024/2025, except for some of the larger developments which could take longer. We’ll keep residents informed as our plans progress.”

I’m proud to be a strong local voice for Nelson in the Chris Hipkins Labour Government. As your local MP I am delivering on many of Nelson’s important priorities, like securing investment in critical projects like the Nelson hospital rebuild, our new public transport system, and more public and community housing.

I’ve advocated to fix the transport mess in Richmond, and Labour has announced a bypass will be built between Richmond and Hope, including a walking and cycling path This project will ease congestion, improve safety, and support active travel, like walking and cycling, and public transport

I know there’s still more to do, and that’s why Labour will continue to invest in projects that grow our economy, create high-wage jobs and reduce our emissions.

Labour will give cost of living relief, stop National’s cuts to hospitals, schools, public transport and superannuation, and drive New Zealand forward

I’m seeking your support on 14 October to keep driving Nelson forward

An artist’s impression of the proposed new Kāinga Ora homes that are planned for the former Whareama Rest Home site in Stoke. Image: Supplied.

Tō tātou reo Advance Care Planning

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

Advance care planning is the process of thinking about, talking about and planning for future health care should you become unwell. Having an Advance Care Plan in place means the people who are important to you, and your healthcare team, know what you want, especially when you can no longer speak for yourself. Come and learn more with Mary-Ann, the Advance Care Planning Facilitator from Nelson Bays Primary Health.

WHERE: Tākaka Library, 3 Junction St, Tākaka

WHEN: Wednesday 18 October 2023 TIME: 10:30am – 11am

To find out more about Advance Care Planning visit: www.myacp.org.nz

With Practice Plus, you’re only a few clicks away from a same day virtual Clinician consultation that suits you. We help Tautoko (connect) you with trusted medical care quickly, as an extension to your regular medical centre team and Clinician. Practice Plus is available weekdays until 10pm and weekends and public holidays 8am-8pm.

Community garden spruced up for spring

MAX FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter

The Victory Community Garden has been undergoing a transformation over the past few weeks as volunteers have created the gardens anew.

When Nadia Dysart, the Victory Community Centre’s kai coordinator, took over the job in September, she said there were clear shortcomings of the garden.

“I did the summer months, or the growing season, and realised quickly that it was pretty hard going without a watering system.”

However, installing a watering system would have been “quite a mission” given the layout of the garden.

After a meeting with community stakeholders, the community centre opted to give the entire garden a revamp.

“Part of that was getting these raised garden beds in one area so that lots of different groups can adopt a bed and grow plants easily,” Nadia says. The raised boxes have since

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been filled and are ready for planting – kumara and leafy greens are ready and waiting – with the watering system hoped to be installed in the near future.

The garden’s new compost system, funded by Nelson City Council through a waste minimisation grant, is also expected to allow the garden to supply its own compost on-site.

The garden also provides the opportunity for residents to strengthen community relationships and develop skills.

“It brings people from different cultures together in a common space; we have English language students come and garden regularly at the community gardens and they have amazing skills that they have brought over from Myanmar and Nepal,” Nadia says.

“You can learn so much from each other.”

An education area down the back of the garden is also planned to “empower” kids so they feel confident in taking gardening skills back home.

“If they come in and they see a

whole bunch of perfect raised garden beds, that can be a barrier.”

Nadia thinks that community gardens and gardening at home are becoming more “normalised” as the price of food remains high and people grow more concerned about food resilience and autonomy.

“It’s starting to hit home a little bit,” she says. “I’m getting different people… contacting me and they’re all starting up their own initiatives of how to empower families to grow their own food.

“I don’t think that was happening on such a broad scale before.”

Nadia invites interested locals to the garden working bees they have each Monday afternoon from 1-3pm at the Victory Community Centre.

“It’s a great space to meet other people and share and learn skills around gardening and growing your own food.”

Nadia Dysart has revamped the Victory Community Garden with help from many volunteers, including her husband Gerry. Photo: Max Frethey.

NBS Rescue Helicopter Appeal Charity Golf Tournament

Tahuna FC Prize Giving

1 Mark Newman, Gary Watson, Betty Newman and Matt Watson

2 Peter Johnson, Rex Edwards, Roger Harman, Barrie Walker and Bryan McKay

3 Rory Murdoch, Brodie Hanna, Ben Hunt and Connor Haines

4 Jimmy McGrath, Neville McCaa, Sali Mann and Melissa Fuller

5 Nick Brooks, Brady Tasker, Chris White and Alfred Christoffersen

6 Gary Walton and Pete Hampson

7 Harry Edwards and Arin Phelan

8 Seth Watson and Sam Fitzgerald

9 Warren Page, Garry Clarke and Geeza Harding

10 Will Matthews, Josh Johnston and Jake Paige

Journey’s end through assisted dying

ANNE

HARDIE

Last Thursday, Brian Peel had the day planned to the last minute, content with his decision to bring an end to his life with the assisted dying process.

It was a choice between the looming suffering of his last weeks of bone marrow cancer as he ended blood transfusions, plus all the associated ailments that went with it, or taking control of how his life would end.

As the 83-year-old counted down his last days, he said he was incredibly proud to be living in a country where he could choose assisted dying and organise the process with such ease.

It had taken just three weeks from the time he first contacted the Ministry of Health’s Assisted Dying Service to the day it administered the intravenous injection that would enable him to go to sleep and not wake up.

“Absolutely brilliant,” he said. “Absolutely magic. I couldn’t believe you could tick all the boxes so easily.”

For his partner of 25 years, Rosie Ross, it has also been a positive process through conversations with the professionals to be sure it was the right choice for Brian and arranging the details for his final hour.

The End of Life Choice Act 2019 is the law that makes assisted dying legal in New Zealand and it has been a health service since November 2021 and now run by Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand. It involves health professionals at each step of the process who assess and manage someone who has a terminal illness with less than six months to live and want to end their life by choice rather than the illness determining their final weeks or months.

Between November 2021 and the end of June this year there had been 482 assisted deaths, where people sought the Assisted Dying Service to end their life.

Brian and Rosie first talked about assisted dying two years ago because they knew what lay ahead as his health declined. In the past few months his blood transfusions were every four weeks and no longer giving him respite. He was getting injections in his eyes every four weeks and he had polymyalgia. Alongside all that, he had heart disease that had been the cause of a major heart attack 20 years ago after he hauled a kayak across the Monaco mudflats when the tide went out.

Brian’s body was deteriorating, and he could “feel the walls closing in”. “I thought, this is it. I’ve had enough.”

They felt it was time to revisit assisted dying. People who make enquiries about assisted dying are usually pressed for time, and consequently, the service acts swiftly.

Within 48 hours, Brian and Rosie had seen a specialist. Within a week they had seen a second doctor - a requirement of assessing the person who wants to end their life. Then it was just a matter of choosing a time and place to die and whether it would be via an injection or a drink.

Many people choose to die at home,

though they can choose any location. Brian and Rosie chose a facility on a hill away from the lifestyle village where they lived. The couple say the response from people around them has been generally positive, though some were also worried about their decision. Rosie says visitors often did not realise how sick Brian was when they see him sitting in a chair talking.

But getting through the day was very challenging for him and it was going to get much worse. For Rosie, it has been a confronting and emotional few weeks, but she says it was comforting to walk

CRITTER IN RESIDENCE: TUNA LONGFIN EEL (Anguilla dieffenbachii)

Brian’s final journey with him, knowing he left on his own terms. Brian said he felt no emotions about his final day looming. He was mystified more than anything about the fact he would not wake up the next morning. His life took him from sailing as a boy in the south of England to the other side of the world where he set up New Zealand’s first guide dog school. He went on to become a social worker for the blind in Nelson Tasman and then a supervisor for guide-dog puppy walkers in the region. Then finally, on Thursday, he called it an end.

Tuna (Eel) are widespread across New Zealand. There are two main varieties of Tuna in Aotearoa - longfin eel (Anguilla dieffenbachii) and the shortfin eel (Anguilla australis). Longfin Eels are more rare, existing only in New Zealand, and are ranked as ‘at risk or declining’. They are generally found further inland and require a higher water quality, meaning they are much more susceptible to changes in the freshwater environment caused by human activities such as pollution, loss of vegetation, the building of dams and overfishing. They can also grow much larger than shortfin eels, with females reaching up to 2 metres and weighing up to 20kg (compared to 1 metre for shortfin eels). Longfin eels are also identifiable by their dorsal fin which extends more than halfway up their body. Longfin eel are also legendary climbers, having been known to climb waterfalls of up to 20 metres!

Longfin eels can live up to 100 years with an average life-span of 35-52 years. They spend the majority of their lives in rivers, lakes and wetlands, leaving New Zealand only to breed. The eels undergo a mass journey all the way up to the deep subtropical waters of the Pacific Ocean to spawn. The adult eels lay their eggs en-masse and die, leaving the tiny fertilised eggs to grow as they are carried by the currents heading south. It can take around 15 months for the baby eels to reach New Zealand, where they then swim upstream and transform into glass eels, then elvers and then finally adults, beginning the life cycle again.

The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary monitor Tuna species in the Upper Brook Stream in association with the NCC freshwater team. Come and learn about our precious freshwater species such as Tuna at the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary Open Day, and play your part in supporting conservation in action. With free entry and a bunch of fun and educational activities on offer, it’s the perfect Big Green Day Out for the whole family.

Sunday 29 October - 10am - 4pm

The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary

Let’s work together to reduce our impact! Choose to bike or bus to the Sanctuary Open Day, and bring your own containers from home for food vendors.

Rosie, Brian, and their dog Fred, with a tiny sailboat that reminded Brian of his sailing days which he took with him last Thursday. Photo: Anne Hardie.

Can we intensify Nelson without a design?

Plan Change 29 appears to divide Nelson in two camps: proponents of intensification, and those who are worried about the physical effects that such policy might have on established residential properties and the future look and feel of our town. Both camps are of course right. There is no doubt that Nelson needs intensification for all the reasons that have come to the fore during consultation on Nelson Tasman’s most recent Future Development Strategy.

Nevertheless, the currently proposed approach, that leaves the spatial configuration of new multi-storey buildings to pure chance, is bound to lead to disappointing results.

However, our current “for or against” discussion about Plan Change 29 misses important subtleties that lie in the detail: e.g. individual site or block conditions such as location, aspect, topography, access to services and amenities, overland flow paths, flood protection and watercourses, infrastructure, significant trees and vegetation, heritage items and commercial aspects like land value vs. capitalisation, etc. Each urban block needs careful consideration to find the best way forward. This process is called “design”.

Nelson City Council seems to have skipped this step altogether and is proposing a (typically suburban) one-sizefits-all planning approach that broadly permits any building development that fits a few criteria. However, as opposed to suburban stand-alone housing developments, urban regeneration through medium to high density intensification is much more complex. For a successful intensification policy, Nelson City Council must design comprehensive neighbourhood plans first - these are plans that give some certainty about the form and location of future buildings, open space areas for outlook and privacy, future public and private green spaces, play areas, potential new laneways

Nelson Matters

and so on. Interestingly, our current Future Development Strategy spells out the need for such neighbourhood plans already.

Only once a shared plan or vision is agreed with the community should we set the rules and assessment criteria that will enable this vision to become reality. With a clear picture at hand, the community will be much more at ease about the trade-offs that intensification demands and will understand the enormous benefits that will come with it.

I hope that, despite the current backlash, the intention of Plan Change 29 does not get shelved. The only alternative would be more urban sprawl, more traffic jams, more expensive road building, more loss of productive land, more greenhouse gas emissions and ultimately higher rates. Instead, I suggest that Nelson City Council rejigs Plan Change 29 to give effect to new spatial neighbourhood plans for all medium and high density zones.

Well-designed towns and cities do not happen by chance. They are the result of intricate design work - work that Nelson City Council needs to engage in, for the sake of our future, the engagement of our communities and to make sure that Nelson remains a smart little city.

Timo Neubauer

Snap IT scales up

This is so great! Well done, Snap IT.

Kimberley Anderson

Youth thriving in hospo programme

This is awesome. We need more of these types of programmes in the community for our youth.

Elyse Sivyer

Best cafe, we love going for cof-

fee, food and amazing service.

Caroll Crapper

Always service with a smile and yummy treats.

Laura Nic Samhrain

Wonderful service from such a great little cafe.

Rebecca Blackler

Recycling ‘superhero’ leads the waste reduction charge

She’s amazing alright.

Bronwyn Eggers

Local legend: Judy Totoro

You deserve all this and more, Judy. From the first time I saw you smile while refereeing Bryns team when they were just young lads, I thought ‘this is a lady who loves life’. To end up working with you was an absolute joy. You are a one in a million kinda gal and so loved by so many people for who you are and what you do.

You’re a true gem.

Lynette Lloyd

What’s On!

Nelson Jazz Club Big Band

Black Friday

Friday, 13 October, 8pm

The Boathouse

The Nelson Jazz Club Big Band would love you to come out for a night of jazz, dancing and fun. Dinner is available from 5pm. Contact The Boathouse directly for a table. 5487646. Tickets $20 via Eventbrite.

Nelson Orchid Club Show

Saturday, 14 October, 10-2.30pm

Pῡtangitangi Greenmeadows Centre

Come along for the ever popular sales tables and see amazing orchids on display. All welcome. Eftpos available. $2

Opening Night – Nelson Speedway

Saturday, 14 October, 5pm

123 Lansdowne Road, Richmond

Join us for an electrifying evening at Nelson Speedway Association's Opening Night! Get ready to witness high-speed action and adrenaline-pumping races as we kick off the season with a bang. Tickets: www. nelsonspeedway.co.nz

Email office@topsouthmedia.co.nz to include your event here Nelson

Hon Dr Nick Smith

HOUSING PROBLEM GETTING WORSE

I was confronted at the Nelson Market last Saturday by a homeless man who was frustrated at the growing number of people in Nelson living in cars and tents. He was particularly concerned that the 10 former Council flats in Examiner Street, bought by Kāinga Ora (Housing NZ), have been empty for nearly a year, a criticism I agree with. I am also hearing from retailers and cafes, concerned for the safety of their staff and customers from people living rough in the central city.

Nelson’s housing problem is continuing to get worse. The official number of people on the Housing Register for Nelson Tasman has gone up 152% in five years, from 168 to 423. The just-released survey by the Nelson Tasman Housing Trust shows a 70% increase since 2018 in the number of people in need of affordable housing, rising to 696. Rents have gone up over the past five years in Nelson by $125 a week. The hikes in interest rates have pushed up the cost of servicing an average mortgage by $250 per week.

The Government’s record is mixed. It is good that they have some new Kāinga Ora housing developments under way locally. However, these fall short of the 1000 KiwiBuild affordable homes promised for Nelson and Tasman out of 100,000 nationwide. This was the flagship policy of the Government in 2017 but not one KiwiBuild home has been built in the region.

Council is doing all it can to help. We are using our Housing Reserve Fund to double the number of affordable community homes. Our last Council meeting extended the role of our Community Housing Acceleration Taskforce to explore where we can further help with the most vulnerable. The difficult debate on Council’s Plan Change 29 is also about making it easier to grow housing supply with the obvious constraints on available land.

The community, through the Housing Trust, Habitat for Humanity, Housing First and the Homeless Hub are doing great work, but they need more support.

There are no magic answers but Council is keen to do its part in helping overcome this complex and difficult problem.

MAYOR OF NELSON

Local architects offer alternative intensification views

MAX FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter

As residents contemplate the vision that Nelson City Council has released in its proposed intensification plan, local architects have put forward their alternative views for consideration.

After hearing some initial discussion about Plan Change 29 – the council’s proposal to allow denser housing – resident Jan Whittington said she had “no clue” what was being proposed and, upon talking with others in the community, realised that many were in the same boat.

“We should have a clue.”

So, Jan took it upon herself to organise two community meetings for residents to hear explanations and opinions from local architects on what the changes could mean, what other options could be asked for, and how people can make submissions.

William Samuels, chair of the Nelson and Marlborough branch of Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects, spoke at one of the community meetings held at the beginning of month. He supports the intent of the plan change and agrees that urban sprawl should be stopped, but has concerns about the process and its ability to deliver good-quality design.

“There is a difference between intensification and good-quali-

ty intensification. New Zealand does not do intensification well,”

William says. “What I’m trying to advocate for here is good-quality design.”

William says the plan change put forward by the council is primarily focused on delivering more houses with limited consideration given to how well the homes are designed.

“Locally, there aren’t the qualitative controls that we need to ensure good-quality design outcomes. Who is designing our cities? At the moment, no one.”

He thinks there has “probably been a bit of surprise” at the council about the pushback on Plan

Change 29 and the organisation might be considering how to respond to the widespread concern.

“Now is the time to be trying to get some good outcomes from the process.”

Some outcomes William would like to see achieved include having neighbourhood plans drawn up for the city which would outline the specific design goals for each area in a “robust” way. Additionally, he wants an independent, regional urban development agency established to provide guidance and oversee development across Nelson so it occurs in a more coordinated way rather than on a site-by-site basis, as it is done now.

“It’s about design-led solutions rather than developer-led solutions.”

Good design was a common theme for the architects.

Climate strategist of Resilienz, Lindsay Wood, advocated for design standards that upheld street character, nature and soft landscaping, and resident access. He also suggested that six-storey buildings were too tall and instead Nelson could learn from European centres where four-storey buildings with a basement level halfway below ground level were dominant.

“Under some circumstances, this may be a good way to go… If we’re

going to have bigger buildings, let’s try and get them right.”

Peter Olorenshaw agreed that intensified housing could be designed well, and that the proposed plan needed more provisions to protect heritage in Nelson.

“Density and heritage are not mutually incompatible.”

As the convenor for sustainable transport group Nelsust, he also said that intensified housing in the city centre would lower car dependency.

In an approach different to the other architects, Mark Fielding proposed that “secondary minor dwellings”, or granny flats, could provide a 50 per cent increase in houses.

“I don’t like the premise of Plan Change 29 to go upwards. I think we can go inwards,” he says. “Use existing properties to sensitively increase bed numbers with low profile, small, lightweight, removable dwellings that are priced to allow young people or old to buy or rent them.”

Jan encourages people to make a submission on Plan Change 29 before they close on 31 October.

“I think it matters,” she says. “If you don’t try to get what you ask for, you get what someone else wants.”

Gardening tips for October

October is a truly wonderful month in our gardens. This is the optimum month for planting tomatoes outdoors. We have a fabulous range of tomato plants (including grafted) in-store now with more to come. Here are a few tips to help ensure you get a great crop. Tomato plants are very hungry so before planting, incorporate plenty of compost into your soil. If you have new raised beds, our garden mix is perfect. It is a mix of screened topsoil and Bill’s beautiful fish compost. You can also add our specific tomato fertiliser or blood and bone and sheep manure pellets before planting. Most tomatoes need good support, especially if they bear large and heavy fruit. Putting your stakes in place before planting will help avoid possible root damage. If you don’t have a lot of room but would love to grow tomatoes, our 35 litre grow bags are just the right size. A bag of our premium potting mix, plus some fish compost will fill them nicely. Place the grow bags in a warm, sheltered spot. There are so many tomato varieties to choose from. It can be confusing so here are some of our favourites. ‘Tasty Tom’ is Philippa’s tomato of choice.

Lucy and Jasmin from Bay Landscapes are always ready with a smile and great gardening advice.

‘’It reminds me of the tomatoes Dad used to grow when I was a child. They are mediumsized, firm and have a beautiful flavour’’. ‘Moneymaker’ is a consistent performer, bearing a large crop of medium-sized round fruit. ‘Russian Red’ is great for windy sites because it is shorter than other varieties and has very strong stems. An all-time favourite of many are cocktail tomatoes such as ‘Sweet 100’ or ‘Black Cherry’. They produce their small, delicious tomatoes over a long period. ‘Big Beef’ is a superior variety of beefsteak tomato. It produces large globeshaped fruit, is less prone to surface cracking and has superior flavour. ‘Roma’ is acid-free and wonderful for making tomato passata. Tomatoes are either determinate or indeterminate. It’s important not to take the laterals off determinate varieties such as ‘Tasty Tom’ as this will lessen your crop. Indeterminate varieties need their laterals removed or they will become triffids and the fruit may not ripen well. If you’d like to know which variety you are buying, please ask us and if we don’t know, we’ll look it up for you.

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

Nelson-based architect William Samuels says intensification can be done well, like the Bett Apartments, but believes Plan Change 29 doesn’t have strong enough quality controls.

Photo: Max Frethey.

Business liaison to limit roadwork’s impacts

MAX FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter

As Nelson City Council plans for the revitalisation of Bridge St, a commercial liaison has been appointed to work with affected businesses.

Chris Wilkinson from First Retail Group has been meeting with businesses as part of the pre-engagement discussions ahead of the project’s design and eventual construction in 2025.

“Getting a clear picture of the local business community is enormously helpful in planning the project,” he says.

“We’ll keep checking in with them because we know that businesses are dynamic and change over time.”

The project, Bridge to Better, involves a suite of three waters infrastructure upgrades, including a new stormwater main along the length of Bridge St.

While the water main is being upgraded, the council is taking the opportunity to revitalise the street to make it more accessible and a nicer place to spend time.

“One of the key themes that has come through the feedback so far is that Bridge St has felt unloved,” Chris says.

“Parents have told us the city lacks spaces and amenities for kids, and we know people want more space to connect, socialise and just ‘mooch’ – as one retailer aptly put it.”

But despite the forecast benefits of the upgrade, many businesses

will be concerned about the impact on their bottom line.

The recent upgrade of the bus interchange on Bridge St saw some affected businesses lose up to 40 per cent of their turnover over the six-week period.

“Often with projects like this, businesses aren’t involved from the beginning, and there can be limited focus on economic resilience,” Chris says.

“With the Bridge to Better project, we’ve built in time to involve businesses, maximise opportunities and limit impacts wherever possible.”

A specific mitigation plan is being created to outline what measures can be taken to limit disruption to affected businesses and how to boost their resilience and trading

during the construction period. The contractors will also go through specific induction and education programmes focused on the needs of local businesses and their customers to try and achieve a “consider construction” model.

Alec Louverdis, the council’s group manager infrastructure, also acknowledges that street access issues will arise but notes that Bridge St has the advantage of having two large adjoining car parks in Wakatu and Montgomery Squares on either side.

“We’ll use these strategically to help businesses, particularly

those who might have less visibility during some construction phases,” he says.

“We have also seen strong public support for the success of their city centre,” Chris adds.

“This [project] is hugely beneficial, and we’ll leverage that goodwill to ensure that people keep Bridge St in mind when they think about shopping, dining, or getting services.

Hemp Farm, Be The Seed Of Change

Starting in 2008, Hemp New Zealand began with a handful of seeds and a dream to build a vibrant hemp industry here in Aotearoa. Now the country’s largest hemp food supplier, their brands – Hemp Farm® and Promise® –have helped thousands of Kiwis improve their health, lifestyle, and wellbeing.

Hemp New Zealand specialises in 100% New Zealand grown hemp seed products such as cold-pressed, extra virgin hemp seed oil, hemp protein, delicious and versatile hemp seeds (all Certified Vegan), and the hugely popular hemp seed oil capsules. Hemp seeds, which are regarded as a complete superfood, are high in plant protein, fibre, healthy fats, and essential omega fatty acids. They are also low in carbohydrates.

Promise®, is handcrafted using premium New Zealand hemp seed oil, and blended with the highest quality certified organic essential oils to bring harmony and balance to the skin. Suitable for all skin types, especially those with sensitive skin. Hemp is one of the oldest domesticated plants known to man, used as far back as 10,000 BC. Today, it is recognised as a superstar in the fields of sustainability, wellbeing, and nutrition.

Hemp seed oil has been dubbed, “Nature’s most perfectly balanced oil”.

Hemp Farm® Hemp Seed Oil is perfectly balanced due to its 1:3 ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6. Available as a culinary oil in bottles or as a supplement in capsules, regular use of Hemp Farm® Hemp Seed Oil supports joint health, healthy hair, skin and nails, and cardiovascular health. Their 100% natural skincare range

Hemp is often confused with marijuana, and although both come from the same cannabis species, hemp contains negligible amounts of psychoactive properties (THC) and WILL NOT get you high. Instead, hemp seed is an extremely nutritious food product; rich in fibre, proteins, vitamins and amino acids and providing a multitude of health benefits. As a low-impact crop, hemp can play a significant role in the long-term security and sustainability of our food system. Hemp New Zealand invites you to stop by and learn more about how hemp could help you, and to join their mission to ‘be the seed of change’.

Chris Wilkinson is meeting with Bridge St businesses to get a “clear picture” as the street’s upgrade is planned. Photo: Supplied/Nelson City Council.

Theatre offers affordable ticket options

KATE RUSSELL

Fancy going to the theatre for $15? Well, Whirimako Black is coming to Nelson next month and audiences will be able to pick their ticket price. The Theatre Royal Nelson is hosting Whirimako on 25 November, and thanks to special funding from the NRDA and NBS, they can offer reduced ticket prices to ensure everybody can attend if they wish. Tickets went on sale last week and customers can choose their price - but they’ll have to be quick to snatch up the cheapest options. There will be a limited number of ticket prices as low as $15. The other ‘pick your price’ options will be $20, $25 and $30. Door sales are $35.

Theatre Royal manager Eliane Polack says she wanted Whirimako’s Nelson performance to be “special and accessible to everyone”.

“These special ticket prices are something we would like

to repeat in the future to see if it will entice people to come to the theatre more often.”

Whirimako Black has been dubbed as Aotearoa’s “undisputed soul diva” and a pioneer of the Māori music industry. She has paved the way for Māori and te reo recording artists and has produced eight albums.

Her blending of folk, jazz, and blues incorporates traditional Māori music forms singing in English and te reo Māori, making her one of the nation’s most distinctive singers.

Whirimako has featured in numerous collaborations with some of the world’s most highly regarded musical artists and has won several awards, including Best Māori Album, Best Jazz Album, and a Silver Scroll award for Best Māori Composition.

Whirimako Black is performing at the Theatre Royal on Saturday, 25 November at 7.30pm. To get tickets, go to www.theatreroyalnelson.co.nz

Whirimako Black is coming to Nelson next month and a range of affordable ticket options are on offer. Photo: Andi Crown.

Arts Fest play

‘Tense’ highlights Nelson Tenths property claim

ELISE VOLLWEILER

Donna McLeod grew up carrying her Nanny’s kete into hui. Her responsibility, as a young child, was to be there to pass her great-grandmother a hanky, and mind her purse, and be an extra set of ears in case her Nanny missed something that was said. “I think I was privileged to learn how to hold space, as a young person, but I also got taught how to behave.

“I sat there in hui for days. And from a very early age, from preschool right up, I had to sit and listen.”

The hui were held in both Māori and Pākehā settings, and Donna (Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Rarua) remembers the formality and the musty air from stale, echoing halls, and the ray of light that illuminated the dust particles dancing in the air.

She is determined that her grandchildren will not carry the burden of her kete and the responsibility that goes with it.

“It was training for what was to come,” she said, thinking of her own experiences. “I don’t want my grandchildren to have that training. I want them to be polite and sit through hui, but I want them to go outside and play. I don’t want them to carry the responsibility of growing up to carry the responsibility of unfinished work.”

Part of this work is the Nelson Tenths, which is the subject of an ongoing High Court case and of Donna’s new play ‘Tense’, which is to have two showings at the upcoming Nelson Arts Festival. The Nelson Tenths refers to the country’s longest running property claim, dating back to the 1840s.

The “tenths” refers to the 10 per

cent of land that was meant to have been reserved for Māori in perpetuity.

Donna initially shied away from writing about the Tenths, because the subject matter, raw and unreconciled, is still an open wound.

“The plan was the court case would be over by the time Tense was presented, but it’s not, and it’s not going to be.”

The creative process took hold –and took over her kitchen table – and she created a 10-part show

Spring exhibit comes to Suter Art Gallery

The Suter Art Society is bringing a Spring Exhibition to Nelson.

It presents a curated selection of members artwork across various genres.

“There will be 30-40 different artist coming,“ says Gary Gibbens, who is one of the local artists who are exhibiting. Gary, who has been involved in the exhibition for the previous two years, has been painting landscapes in various styles for over 40 years, painting in many overseas countries.

He is also the president of Tasman Visual Arts and the Nelson Independent Art Group.

He says he likes to invite artists from overseas or other NZ cities to create more of a mix in the exhibitions.

Tonight’s opening night (Wednesday 11 October) features guest artist Bruce Mortimer who has been a full-time artist since 1995.

Bruce uses a range of mediums; drawing, painting, 3D mixed-media work, photography and cinematography - to express his love of landscapes. As well as coherent and original series of work, they could be expressionistic paintings depicting cityscapes and landscapes or architecturally-inspired abstracts.

In this year’s exhibition he has used monochromatic photorealism drawings. Bruce both worked and trained in several different countries, which has broadened his vision, and not confined his views to any one way of thinking. Furthermore, he is a photographer who has photographed in over 20 countries on five continents.

His major portfolios cover south and central Africa.

The Spring Exhibition runs daily from 9.30am-4.30pm from 11 to 29 October at the Suter Art Gallery on Bridge St, Nelson.

which gives space for the talent of local performers of haka, waiata, and dance. Donna’s narrative is woven throughout.

“The words, the poetry, is structure, the story-telling’s the structure, but all the other is just magic.”

Donna is passionate about oral history – the small things that make up the nuances of life as well as the big issues that reverberate widely and impact profoundly – and says that she feels that we are forgetting our

stories.

“‘Tense’ is not a history lesson, but what we all have in common is the ability to tell our own stories,” she says. “I think that is very much what Tense is about –what’s my story, and how do we go forward?”

The Nelson Arts Festival runs from 19-29 October.

‘Tense’ is performing at Te Noninga Kumu Motueka Public Library on Wednesday, 25 October, and at the Theatre Royal on Thursday, 26 October.

Donna McLeod (left) will perform in her play ‘Tense’ as part of the Nelson Arts Festival.

Photo: Melissa Banks.

ANTON MEYER

PLANNED POWER OUTAGE NOTIFICATIONS

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

Council considers regionwide composting options

SARA HOLLYMAN

Almost two years after a kitchen waste trial concluded, Nelson City Council is looking at its next steps for rolling out the service city-wide.

The year-long kitchen waste collection trial, which was conducted in 2021 at a cost of $120,000, was used to form data on average household kitchen waste and the frequency that residents required collection.

20L bins were given to households for kitchen waste and collected from the kerb once a week, much like recycling bins. Organic waste takes up space in landfill, but also significantly contributes to the production of greenhouse gases as it decomposes over time.

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

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.

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.

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.

“Of the 130 households on board we collected 5.5kg of waste per week per household on average,” group infrastructure manager, Alec Louverdis, says. “This would equate to diverting 3000 tonnes of food waste to landfill per year and prevent the production of 2850 tonnes of methane and approximately 1500 tonnes of carbon dioxide.”

The waste was collected and composted by Community Compost, and founder Ben Bushell hopes council will choose to continue composting the waste in the near future. Ben says the trial successfully collected the data needed to paint a picture of the infrastructure needed for the region and he and his team set about putting together a proposal for council to save waste across Nelson Tasman.

Following the trial, funding was placed in the Long-Term Plan to roll out the service on the basis that a processing facility of sufficient scale could be found in the Nelson Tasman region.

“Since then, it has become clear that there is currently no facility large enough in our region and until one is established, a collection service cannot be started,” Alec says.

“The next step in the process is a business case that will identify and investigate options for kitchen waste processing, collection infrastructure, and potential methodologies, in order to fully inform best options for rolling out the service.”

sider composting, worms, and anaerobic digestion.

Ben says this is where his main concern lies. He says composting should be the only consideration.

He says worms take up a significant amount of space and can only digest a portion of food waste but can’t process things like meat, onions, and citrus and also points out that anaerobic digestion is simply creating another form of landfill –one where the gas is harvested.

“We know that there’s enough organic waste produced in our region to sustain all of the farmers and it would increase the value and nutritional value of the produce which would then increase the health of the region.”

He says an option council is considering is that they build a huge processing plant in Murchison for anaerobic digestion.

“Imagine all the fuel just shipping it down here.

“Composting creates heaps more jobs which is what we want. It’s a no-brainer.”

Ben’s organisation processed food waste using bEartha, an in-vessel composting machine designed and built right here in Nelson. Its primary purpose is to make the hot composting process more automated and efficient.

bEartha does this by continuously monitoring the compost temperature with sensors, and automating the turning of the compost with an electric motor and mixer when the highest optimal temperature is reached.

biofilter, reducing both emissions and odours.

“This can process food that home composts can’t,” Ben says. “bEartha takes care of the heat so we can break it down much faster and protect it from all the pests and smells it’s very contained and safe.”

After the week-long process, the raw compost then gets handed over to the team at Tim’s Gardens who manage it for the next few months.

“Our organisation has the technology, the experience, the will and the business model that will work,” Ben says. “We believe in our ethics. We believe in taking care of our region’s soil first. We know that we can produce enough quality compost to transition the whole region away from synthetic fertilisers.

“We would be leading the country, we would be securing our food and soil for hundreds of years to come.”

Alec says of the options being considered, each would have a very different cost and take quite different amounts of time to establish.

“Under the New Zealand Waste Strategy 2023 we are required to have a domestic kerbside collection service in place by 2030.

“Costs for a processing facility cannot be determined until the options for processing and collection have been established.”

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

Considerations include how kitchen waste is collected, for example - weekly, small bin, or large bin, and how it would be processed. Council will con-

This re-oxygenates and optimises the conditions for the micro-organisms doing the decomposition.

The machine also captures the methane produced by the composting process using a

Ben says he has put forward a proposal that would see 50 bEarthas strategically placed around the region, but says he doesn’t even mind if it’s not Community Compost that gets the contract, he just wants composting to be the choice made.

“Everyone’s looking to council to make the right environmental choice for us.”

Ben Bushell and Tim Morozgalski with bEartha, the machine that processes food waste into compost. Photo: Sara Hollyman.

Growing communities from the ground up and helping to shape a better tomorrow

Collaborating with some of the best technical minds in the industry, surveying, engineering and planning consultancy service, Eliot Sinclair, has grown from a Canterbury-based family-run business to a leading consultancy with a client base that covers the entire South Island. Established over 80 years ago, the team brought their extensive services to the Nelson Tasman region in 2019, collaborating with Land Dimensions in providing surveying and engineering design and draughting support.

In 2023, Land Dimensions was amalgamated into Eliot Sinclair to become Eliot Sinclair Nelson. Local Branch Manager and Sub-

division Engineer, Greg McKeever, explains. “During that time Eliot Sinclair had established a Nelson office to provide geotechnical and soil contamination (Environmental Engineering) professional services. Eliot Sinclair has also been providing subdivision and hydrographic surveying services to the region prior to establishing an office.

The company has existing offices in Christchurch, Rangiora, Hokitika, Queenstown and Wanaka, and the continued growth of Eliot Sinclair staff presence with the Nelson Tasman region generated the desire to solidify our partnership with Land Dimensions.”

Eliot Sinclair bought into Land

Dimensions and Nelson staff moved into the Fuji Court premises, bringing both teams together. “It made sense to have

the partnership under one roof to improve efficiencies and team culture.”

Operating from that premises at

capacity drove the company to make the shift into new custombuilt premises at 4 Findlay Place in Stoke.

The new custom-built premises of Eliot Sinclair Nelson at 4 Findlay Place, Stoke, enable the business to provide improved workspaces and accommodate future company growth in the region.

“With limited floor space and staff having to occupy a portacom, there simply wasn’t the room to expand within the existing premises.

There was a clear desire to provide staff with a purpose-built premises, that will provide improved workspaces and accommodate future company

TotalDecorating TotalDecorating

growth in the region. The shift to, and investment in, partnership with Comans on a new premises also represents our ongoing commitment to the region and our desire to continue to shape and grow future communities in the Nelson and Tasman regions.” Supporting local community initiatives is an important part of that and include sponsorship of local awards and Nelson Boys College Rugby. Firmly part of the region, Greg says the team are proud to continue the regional community sponsorship and support that Land Dimensions first began. The spacious new site is a welcome move for the expert team of engineers, planners, surveyors, designers, consultants and specialists in their field. “We are excited for clients, both existing and new, to come and visit us at our new location and meet the Eliot Sinclair Nelson team. We are also keen to talk to local professionals in the industry that may want to join our local branch. We are looking to grow in the region, and working at capacity in our old office and expanding the team was part of the drive behind moving to where we are now.” “We would like to extend a huge thank you to Coman Construction for providing the opportunity to establish the new office at Findlay Place. It has been a pleasure working with the Comans' team through the entire process. We had originally planned to be in a new office in December 2023, so it is fantastic to be operating out of our new office three months ahead of schedule. What a credit to the

Comans' team!” Working in the survey industry for 24 years, spending 13 years working in the Bay of Plenty before joining Eliot Sinclair in Christchurch in 2012, Greg says the pull of returning to the South Island to be closer to family and the opportunity to assist in the Christchurch rebuild was a primary driver to initially joining the growing company. During his professional career, Greg says he has always held a keen interest in the land development process, as a whole. “I think it is important to understand how the process pieces fit together to align with the goal you are trying to achieve for clients. The ability to be working both indoors and outdoors was the initial attraction to the surveying industry. During my career I have found great satisfaction with seeing projects develop from concept to completion.”

Witnessing the final result of each project and its use by the community instils great pride

in all of the team, says Greg. “Being involved in projects that provide a benefit to the community is what continues to drive my passion for the industry. The local Eliot Sinclair team have been involved in numerous projects over the years that I am so proud to have been a part of, such as the Waimea Road Intersection with Clarence Drive and cycleway under pass, Vista Heights subdivision, Bay View subdivision and the new EBus terminal in Estuary Place, Richmond.”

The scope of Eliot Sinclair Nelson is vast, offering a diverse range of land development services to the region, including planning, surveying, civil/geotechnical/infrastructure and Three Waters engineering services. “What people may not be aware of is that we also offer urban design, landscape architecture, GIS, structural engineering and soil contamination (Environmental Engineering) investigation/monitoring

Eliot Sinclair Nelson Branch Manager and Subdivision Engineer, Greg McKeever.

services.” Primarily approached by large subdivision developers and undertaking council projects, the Eliot Sinclair team are proud to tackle smaller projects as well, including subdivision options on a smaller scale such as cross lease conversions, boundary definitions, site surveys, and the subdividing of smaller residential sections. Eliot Sinclair’s experienced planning team is also able to help locals understand the proposed Plan Change 29. With expertise in similar ini-

tiatives like those in ‘Greater Christchurch’, the team can provide insights into the effects of the proposed changes and assist in making impactful submissions, ensuring that your voice is heard. Having been involved in plan changes for various districts, Eliot Sinclair understands when and how to get involved and can advise on what the changes mean for homeowners and their property. “We have a genuine desire to work with clients to utilise innovative solutions to

see a project through to completion. We like to work with our clients to achieve land development outcomes in a way that upholds our company values; to achieve ethical solutions for our clients with an enduring savvy, empowering support amongst our staff and clients and collaborating in a way where information and ideas are shared. Our strategic goal is grow communities from the ground up and to shape a better tomorrow, so compromise (if any) is about provid-

ing professional input and advice that helps our clients to meet their expectations and desired outcome, while balancing those outcomes for

the environment and the future community, who will live, work or play in that development and thus achieve the best outcome.”

The local Eliot Sinclair team have been involved in numerous projects over the years including the Waimea Road Intersection with Clarence Drive and cycleway under pass, Vista Heights subdivision, Bay View subdivision and the new EBus terminal in Estuary Place, Richmond.

An opportunity to continue a family legacy

Following a family tradition spanning many decades, Nelson Heat Pump owners Simon and Briar Duncan’s deep understanding of the industry set them in good stead to take over the already established business, earlier this year.

Simon followed in his father, Greg’s, footsteps and worked at an air conditioning company in Blenheim from a young age, says his wife Briar.

“Simon’s parents, Greg and Therese, then moved over to Nelson and started Duncan Air Conditioning which they ran from their home. Greg continued to run his company alone for a number of years before being joined by Simon’s brother, and finally Simon joining the team in January 2016.”

Purchasing Duncan Air Conditioning in 2020 provided an opportunity for the family to continue an impor-

tant legacy.

“Duncan Air Conditioning was successfully run in the region, servicing and installing for a number of building companies which gave consistent amounts of work. Before Covid hit, Therese and Greg decided they wanted to sell the business, and Simon and I took the opportunity to buy it off them and carry on the name in the region.”

Simon and Greg continued working together as a two-man team which the couple ran from their home in Stoke.

“Our family grew with the addition of newborn twins, Duncan Air was beginning to grow, and we were in a position that we needed to move to a bigger house and take on extra staff. After a couple of years, we were then approached to buy Nelson Heat

Pumps and jumped at the opportunity as it gave us the ability to grow quickly.”

Now a mum to four, changing careers from teaching to being in the office was a big change, says Briar, but it is a role she is relishing. “I really enjoy the customer service side as I love being with people. We are still in the process of amalgamating the two companies, but the crew are comfortably finding their feet and we are getting a rhythm going!”

“We would like to thank Simon’s parents for supporting us in this continual journey, our great staff and our customers who have continued to support us in such a big change! Simon and the team are driven to succeed in an area that we have a wealth of knowledge in, as well as wanting to support our local community with providing high quality and up-to-date technology to heat and cool their properties. This is what continues to drive our passion.”

Looking to the future of the business, Briar says they are looking forward to continuing to provide Nelson with a great service for years to come.

“We are a small family-owned business coming through a

competitive market, which we hope appeals to customers as we understand the importance of a good quality team, doing a high-quality job and having the time to spend with our customers.

The new owners of Nelson Heat Pumps, Simon and Briar Duncan with their four children.

We are in a constant juggle of home life and work life with four young children but do our best to ensure we deliver the highest standard of work we can.”

Nelson Heat Pumps offers a wide range of heating and cooling options with high-quality

brands. “We are Fujitsu-accredited installers but have access to a number of different suppliers also. We offer all systems including hi walls, floor mounted and ducted systems which are becoming more and more popular, especially in new homes. We service and

maintain people’s existing heat pumps, both residential and commercial, to ensure they are kept clean and function correctly, and offer a free noobligation quoting service for customers who may be interested in installing a new system or upgrading their current system.” Never compromising on providing effective and clear communication through every step of the quoting and installation process enables the team to deliver a successful job to their customers, each and every time.

“We feel it is important to talk to an expert about your heating and cooling solutions before purchasing any unit to ensure that what you are purchasing is the correct size and fit for the space you need heated. We always recommend a technician to come to site before considering your heating options.” Whether looking to heat or cool a small room, a large house, office, or commercial building, Nelson Heat Pumps

has the right solution.

“When you choose our services, you can rest assured that you're in the hands of seasoned professionals. We

take pride in ensuring your peace of mind, knowing that regardless of the season, your comfort is our top priority.”

The tight-knit Nelson Heat Pumps have wealth of knowledge and will find the right solution for you.

Simon Duncan and his father Greg have over fifty years of experience in the industry, between them.

Whalers overcome tall odds at nationals

JACK MALCOLM

It was a sense of David overcoming Goliath for the Nelson Whalers B inline hockey team as they went through nationals undefeated.

With no expectations coming into the tournament, they shocked everyone, including themselves, by dominating the competition to come away with a 7-2 win against the Hamilton Devils in the final.

“We went in as major underdogs, it’s the first time we’ve sent a Senior B team,” says captain Chris Rae.

“Nobody knew who we were, and nobody gave us any respect.”

And that’s not where the adversity stopped, with the team taking just seven players to the tournament which meant they had barely any substitutions.

Rolling subs are typical in inline hockey and teams often have ‘lines’, or groups of players, that are all substituted at once.

At the start of the game, both teams usually begin with their

first line in action and professional teams can have up to a fourth line on the bench ready to go. But for the Whalers, their lack of numbers due to injury, illness and inability to travel meant they had to make do with what they had.

With four skaters and a goalie out on the rink, they had a much emptier bench than their opponents, but it didn’t seem to matter.

“We just seem to play really well together,” says Chris.

“The Hamilton Devils have a huge pool of players, same with the Auckland teams ... (but) we have a lot more heart and a lot more passion.

“We were outnumbered two-toone at most games, it took a fair bit of heart and a fair bit of energy.

“To have a small team like that who can go up to nationals and kick some ass is really cool.”

Chris says with so few players in their team, it could have been easy to find a weak link if there was one.

Coming into the final, they knew

NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!

Episode 17 - Dr Ros Pochin is a legend in Nelson for her work as a general surgeon specialising in breast and endocrine surgery. Outspoken and dedicated to improving outcomes for cancer patients and training the next generation of specialists, Ros is passionate about both medicine and the wider Nelson community. She talks to host Matt Lawrey about what it’s like to operate on another human being, how she approaches telling someone they have cancer, her views on death, what happens when we die, and lots more.

the opposition’s game plan was going to be to make them skate and wear them down, but the Nelson team were able to rise to the challenge. Particularly impressive was Sier-

ra Stratton, who won MVP of the tournament as voted by the other teams.

While she’s not the biggest skater out on the rink, Chris says her previous experience represent-

ing New Zealand at an age-grade level means size is the only thing holding her back from playing in the top national grades against the men.

“She’s just an oddity, she’s that good.

“Sierra just has this way of calming everyone down ... she’s our assistant captain, very vocal on defence and a playmaker.” Also impressive were Deb Blair in goal, notching an 82 per cent save rate in just her first year in the difficult role, and Robin Le Couteur, who finished as the tournament’s top goal scorer.

For Chris, who sees the club’s B team as a place for the players who love the sport but haven’t been playing it all their life, there’s no one else he’d like to play for. Having come down with pneumonia after a tournament to earn qualification to nationals in Wellington earlier this year, he says there’s no reason he wouldn’t do it all again.

“That’s just how much the club and the team means.”

Local masters weightlifter and age-grade national record holder Lester Keene looked to be in good form as the Nelson Weightlifting Club held their local competition recently. For Lester and five other local athletes, the event serves as a warm up for the upcoming Masters and Nationals in Hamilton.

Whitnall/Shuttersport.

“I cut into people for a living.”

Sierra Stratton won MVP at the tournament, having been described by her captain as the glue that keeps the team together. Photo: Supplied.

Photo: Barry

Eager for another crack at Trackman Trophy

JACK MALCOLM

Vaughan Cornelius has his eyes set on having his name and his car etched into the history of the Trackman Trophy.

After he and the team had won pretty much everything they could have won last season, he says the opening night trophy remains elusive after seven seasons behind a production saloon wheel.

Having twice previously finished runner-up in the New Zealand GP and twice been runner-up at South Islands, as well as a twotime Nelson Club champion, Vaughan believes he has what it takes to bring home the goods.

"We put in one of the best seasons (last year). . . any trophy we could have won, we did win.

"The most special was the Pam Nixon Memorial Trophy. She's a former racer who died of cancer in the last off-season and it's pretty special to be the first winner of that."

While the off-season is often a time to work on your car, Vaughan and his 12N Honda Prelude hadn't much to do before opening night.

With the car less than two years old, having been built up after being gifted by fellow local speedway enthusiast and competitor Steve Russ, it's still in top condition despite a couple of superficial scrapes and dents.

While only the chassis, engine and body are the same as the car that rolled out of the factory, Vaughn says they didn't know what to do before Steve jumped on board with an offer of help. "He gave us a couple of cars. "It helped us heaps because we didn't know what to do, our car was getting a bit too old and we had no idea how we were going to get a new one."

With memories of falling asleep behind the local speedway grandstands, Vaughan says it was never a question if he was going to race as well.

"I got sick of watching him doing it and thought I should myself. And now he's the one who's full-time pit crew.

"It's always been in my blood." While his dad, Chris Cornelius, drove Street stocks, Vaughan says he always wanted to race production saloons.

"I credit a lot of it to the car, my dad does the set up. There's a little element of the driver, but you have to have the car under you as well. Because you can't hit other cars out of the way, you need to rely on speed."

Vaughan says without his dad's

input and expert knowledge, he wouldn't even have a car out on track.

And with a couple of good practice runs already in the books, he's confident in their chances as they eye up another season. With the newly formed Aotearoa Cup in Cromwell and a number of other big races in the upcoming calendar, Vaughan says it wouldn't be possible without the support of his sponsors, Fitzgerald Construction, Specialised Structures, JAK Raceworks, Troopers Tyre Services and Nightrave Greyhounds.

Rugby: Seven Nelson College first XV players have been named in the Crusaders U18 team. They are Sione Mafi, Samiu Moimoi, Blake Craddock, Kobe Brownlee, Saumaki Saumaki, Ollie Gibbons and Harry Inch.

Football: The Nelson Marlborough FC combined boys team got their second win on the board over the weekend with a 3-2 home win over Waimakariri United. After five games, the team remains an outside chance of making it through to the next stage, with the top two teams qualifying.

Charity Golf: The annual NBS Rescue Helicopter Appeal Charity Golf Tournament raised $21,000 last week. Won by the team from Tasman Bay Plumbing Services, Scott Construction came second and Out of Bounds Golf came third.

Softball: The Eagles have won both the men’s and women’s divisions of the Swing into Spring Softball Tournament. The Purple Eagles came out on top in the women’s league, while the Stoke Eagle’s men’s team won their division. The season gets underway in earnest this weekend.

Touch: Touch rugby starts this week. With school-aged games played on Monday and Tuesday, the senior competition will start this Thursday on the Tāhuna fields.

Motorcycle street racing at its very best

One of very few events like it, the iconic Mitre 10 Mega Greymouth Motorcycle Street Race has been part of the West Coast events calendar for now 34 years!

This is motorcycle street racing at its very best where the spectator gets to be up close and feel the exhilaration as these motorcycles roar through the streets of Greymouth Mawhera. Every Sunday of Labour weekend the town shuts down the CBD to bring this event to life, seeing riders and spectators come from all over NZ. This event features ten racing classes with some of NZ’s best riders, with up to 100 riders testing their motorcycles and skills. Spectators can access the pits to talk to riders and view up close the wide range of motorcycles.

This iconic West Coast event is held Labour Weekend which is the perfect time for you to plan your getaway to this untamed, natural, wilderness, the West Coast Tai Poutini. Run by a volunteer dedicated local com-

mittee this not-for-profit event gives back to the local community and volunteer groups.

This family friendly event has timed sprints on Saturday morning, followed by a market day in the town square and a get together for motorcycle enthusiasts at Monteiths Brewery in the evening, and the main racing event is held on Sunday, wet or fine!

Gates open from 8.30am for a full day of racing and the track access allows you to move around the circuit viewing the racing from different locations.

From the start grid to the dirt motard section, the power of the machines as they roar past you at speed down the straight or the tight corners these skilful riders are navigating, there is no other event like it where you are as close as you can get to the power of these riders and their machines.

Entry is $20 per adult, $15 under 16, under 5’s is FREE and families $40.

Vaughan Cornelius and his 12N production saloon are in top shape ahead of another exciting season of speedway, which kicks off on Saturday with the Opening Night Trackman Trophy. Photo: Jack Malcolm.

From having a go to champion of the world

World champion bowler Val Smith wouldn’t have even given the sport of bowls a second thought if it wasn’t for a stroke of good luck.

As a footballer who had played for New Zealand U21 team and was in the White Ferns squad for six years, bowls was never really on her radar until it became centre stage.

Val’s sporting successes saw her selected to compete in a local competition to decide the ultimate sportsperson by having them compete in a wide variety of sports, including bowls. While she had been in a business house league previously, it was her first real taste of the sport and she was hooked.

She and Jo Edwards had been playing premier softball, but a summer of bowls convinced them to take a season off to give the sport a real go.

“We loved Nelson Bowling Club for what they provided us for non-bowlers. They gave us a key and we could go and have a rollup whenever we wanted.

“Over summer, me and Jo would say ‘should we go have a roll-up’ almost every day.”

By 1994, the pair were hooked and became committed club members at United Bowling Club and won the senior open centre title in the first season.

“And the rest is history,” says Val. She and Jo would go on to win gold at the 2008 World Outdoor

Bowls Championship together, while Val also won the singles title. Jo would win three golds at separate Commonwealth Games and Val has won a bronze and three silvers over four different appearances at the Games.

“It’s been an amazing fairytale for Jo and I.

“If you sit back and reflect, to achieve what we have together is special.

“Two mates, mates since school, who flatted together and ended up winning the World Champs together.”

Val says their previous experience at representative level in a number of sports for Nelson gave them the work ethic that has seen them succeed so much at bowls.

“Our naivety with bowls helped us. Introducing those elements into the women’s game, that helped.

“It was so challenging. The concept of bowls seemed so simple, but the challenge to do it and do it well was very hard.”

Val says these days they are treated just like any other high performance athlete, with a wealth of nutrition and support that has them in top shape coming into the big competitions.

And it’s not easy competing at the highest levels, with long days in the hot sun at maximum concentration. Val has just returned from this year’s Bowls World Championship in the Gold Coast where she was an integral mem-

United Bowling Club

HAVE A GO

Sunday 15th October

Address: Waimea Road, (next to Caltex Petrol Station)

From: 2.30pm to 4.30pm

Everyone welcome, come alone or bring your friends.

ber of the team. A silver in the triples and a third place in the fours saw New Zealand finish as the best women’s team in the world ahead of England and Australia.

“It’s nice to come home with a bronze, a silver and a gold medal,” says Val.

She says that once she and Jo had caught the bug for bowls, there was no turning back. But, she does wish that she’d got into

Ever thought of giving Lawn Bowls a crack? Come

Like what you see? Why not come down and “HAVE A GO”

Catch the bowls bug!!

the sport even sooner. With her teammates in the New Zealand team young and fit, she says the sport is quickly becoming dominated by the younger generation.

“It’s a real career option for kids to play bowls,” says Bowls Nelson president Elaine Hemi.

“In Australia, there’s big money tournaments and contracts to play for clubs. If you have natural athletic ability, you’ll be good

at bowls.

“The biggest challenge for a person just starting is to trust their eyes, but you’ll pick it up pretty quickly.”

Local clubs throughout Nelson and Tasman will be holding ‘have a go days’ around the region this Sunday. With no costs and equipment provided, all that needs to be brought along are flat soled shoes.

Val Smith (2nd from left) came home from this year’s World Outdoor Bowls Championships with a gold, silver and bronze medal for her efforts, having picked up the sport during a ‘have a go’ style event.

Photo: Supplied.

Val is just as competitive today as she was when she first took up bowls. Photos: Supplied.

Mako season comes crashing down

JACK MALCOLM

Tasman Mako’s 2023 season came to a screeching halt as they stumbled at their first playoff hurdle on Friday evening.

The 34-18 defeat by Taranaki sees the team exit at the quarter-final stage, having lost three games in a row to end their campaign.

After playing off against Canterbury for the second step on the points table less than a month ago, it was a remarkable drop of form for the home team as they came crashing back to reality after starting the season with six wins and two losses.

In a season that saw teams throughout the competition have to make do without their players with World Cup duties, the campaign began on a positive note as the home side made a strong start.

A win in the competition’s curtain raiser against Otago 27-15 before following up the next weekend with a 24-12 win over Auckland saw the Mako get out of the gates hot, but the first sign of cracks showed in week three as the team faltered in a 32-5 loss to Northland.

An unsuccessful 7-0 Ranfurly Shield challenge just four days later, the lowest scoring Ranfurly game in over 50 years, saw the team take a slide down the leaderboards before they were

able to right the ship against Manawatu with their highest scoring game of the season as they notched up nine tries in a 58-19 win.

And by the time the playoffs rolled around, a battle-hardened Mako squad had situated themselves as the dark horses of the remaining competition. Despite having all the trappings of a championship-winning side, it all came apart in a 13 minute spree of points from Taranaki that stunted their progress.

While the Mako controlled large portions of the first half, albeit conceding the first points in an 80 metre runaway interception try, the teams went to the sheds at half time locked at 13 points apiece.

But, it was the start of the second 40 when Taranaki plundered the Mako with two converted tries and a controversial penalty try that turned the tide. Having beaten Taranaki a month earlier at the same venue, it was a bitter pill to swallow for the Mako as they fell for the first time at the ground since 2017.

After winning the title in 2019 and 2020 before finishing runners-up in 2021, the Mako have fallen off the pace in recent seasons.

Last year, the team finished outside of the hunt for the playoffs

and despite improvements were only able to go one step further in 2023. Despite the disappointment, there were still some bright spots for the squad as players continued to impress. At the forefront of Mako fans’ minds would likely be loose forward Anton Segner, who had a season to remember for his constant turnovers and strong ball

carrying.

In the backs, the return of first five-eighth Mitchell Hunt was welcomed while winger Timoci Tavatavanawai’s six tries saw him finish as the team’s top try scorer. With several shake-ups expected to the squad and staff

ahead of doing it all again next year, the team will have some holes to plug if they want a watertight ship ahead of their 2024 campaign. While there had been promise, when the pressure mounted the team weren’t able to rise to the moment.

NELSON PHILATELIC SOCIETY PRESENTS

Winger Timoci Tavatavanawai was one of the Mako standouts this season, finishing as the team’s top try scorer with six tries from the team’s 11 games. Photo (File): Barry Whitnall/Shuttersport.

Bumper start to the Speedway Season

JODY SCOTT

Hitting the ground running, Milestone Homes Top of the South Speedway boasts a hectic pre-Christmas calendar which includes the Amber Court NZ T.Q Championship, with the Brightwater Cabinet and Joinery Paddy North memorial, and Sunshine Classic Sprint Car all featuring on a double-header weekend, December 8 and 9.

The first major NZ title of the season will be hotly contested, with four times NZ champion Jeremy Webb heading a star lineup with defending champion Aaron Humble.

There are plenty of new drivers campaigning around the North Island who could fly under the radar and the local cars will be

keen to excel on their home track. Morgan Frost, Alicia Hill, Dylan Bensemann, Jayden Corkill and John Schoester all have feature wins under their belts, while a huge field of cars will make their way from Canterbury. Throw in a couple of tricky wee Coasters and organisers promise a ‘rib tickler’ of a meeting.

The Trackman trophy for all grades opens the season once again, rumbling into action on October 14, before Nelson’s premier Coca-Cola Fireworks display lighting up the sky on November 4, along with the ‘Racing for the Kids’ cycle race.

The Street Stocks host night two of a Tri-Series, along with the Dirtworks Triples feature for them and the Stock cars on November 18.

The festive season sees the Nelson Garage Doors Demolition Derby and Streetcar race then the T.Q.’s return for the F.V. Management Services South Island title with Webb going for seven in a row. The Hydralink War of the Wings series returns on Janu ary 27, and stock cars from all around the country will do battle at the Ceramic Style NZ Grand Prix on February 10, with visiting Midgets also featuring on the night.

SPEEDWAY

TRACKMAN TROPHY NIGHT

STARTS 6PM

held on March 31, and the season winds up with the new ‘Stock Car Queen of the Clay’ title, and ‘Sam Satherley Remembrance for the Sidecars’ on April 13. There are plenty of new drivers making their debuts, while a few have moved up the grades. Third generation driver Callum Russ will be debuting his Top Gear Super Stock, watched closely by his father and club President Wayne Russ, and his grandfather and life member Malcolm Russ.

Alicia Hill once again is running

SATURDAY 14 TH OCTOBER

double duty, the T.Q. will be main drive early with a home NZ title to aim for, while her husband Alex Hill will have a busy January with the NZ title in Napier before the World 240’s in Rotorua.

A couple of Amber Court T.Q.’s of Liana Levien and Maia Nicholson make their debut, adding to the large number of ladies who drive at the Nelson track.

Cando Fishing hosts the ’Best Pairs’ on February 24, a huge field of Super Saloons will battle for the Nelson Garage Doors ’Black Baldy Xtreme’ series on March 2, before the Double Header weekend with the Nelson Club's cornerstone meeting, the PTS Super Stock Stampede, Nelson Tyre Centre Ministock Mania and Ansco Engineering Summer Slam.

The Richmond Exhaust and Radiator Easter Extravaganza will be

The Youth drivers are continuing to make their way through the club, Locky Martin will be making the move from ¼ midgets to Ministocks while Conley Webley will continue to have dual drives in both youth grades.

The battle in the youth Ministocks to sort their pecking order should be interesting, throw in the younger generations of Burson (Jack), Higgins (Luke) and a Musgrove (Andre), and add a Walker to the mix and there’s plenty of pride on the line.

It promises to be another busy season trackside, the Nelson race surface is one of the best

in the Country and the NZ T.Q. title might be one of the most hotly contested titles this year. There’s plenty happening throughout the summer months, and you can keep up-to-date via the club Facebook page or the club website: www.nelsonspeedway.co.nz Entry prices for the new season are still $20 for adults, and $10 for children under 15. Pensioner and members are $15 while a family pass (consisting of two adults and three children) is only $40. Adult season passes are $260, and family season passes are $520. Tickets can be purchased online via the Club website, at the Richmond Mall kiosk, or at the gate. Junior Members Club passes are just $25. With the Junior Members Club being sponsored by Nelson Tow and Salvage, children aged up to 12 years old can participate in pre-race activities, Christmas parades and get a tshirt as part of their package. The Junior Members Club can be found via the Nelson Speedway website or Facebook page; ‘Nelson Speedway Junior Members’.

Last ball thriller starts cricket season with a bang

MALCOLM

An edge past the keepers’ outstretched glove has seen the opening game for the summer of local premier-grade cricket decided on the final ball.

After Nelson College posted 142/8, Waimea Toi Toi United took every delivery of their 20 overs to come away with the win in a game that went right down to the wire.

With the tension ramping up

as the balls remaining counted down, the game could have gone either way, as both teams gave themselves a chance at the death.

For WTTU, there will be a sense that they dodged a bullet after Bradley Norris wasn’t able to get more than an edge on the last delivery of the game with the scores tied.

They started their run chase positively, as Parminder Kular opened the batting and made a handy 23 at almost a run a ball before

he was caught on the boundary looking for a maximum.

His dismal at 50/2 had WTTU well in the driver’s seat, comfortably inside the required run rate and with a wealth of wickets in hand.

But the school boys showed heart and fight as they dragged themselves back into the game with tight line and length from their bowlers and youth-filled energy in the field.

While the WTTU batsmen could

RUGBY TIPPING

get established they struggled to get their scores out of the teens and when Hogan Ward bowled captain Jack Aldridge (36), Nelson College looked to have gained the momentum with 27 required from the last four overs. Another wicket, that of vice-captain Sam Baxendine (11), saw two new batters at the crease and by the time of the final over, 11 runs were needed.

With Gux Bixley on his premier debut, he got a first-class view of the winning runs after contributing four runs himself in the over.

With a no-ball and two missfields in the last six balls, Nelson College will be rueful that they couldn’t close out the game.

With 26 extras from the innings, they would also have two catches disallowed because of no-balls. But, it wasn’t all sorrow for their captain Kurt Ward, who scored a game-high 54 not out from just 32 balls and could see the positives from their performance while also saying the extras were a game changer.

“When it comes down to the last ball and it gets snicked for four, there’s not much you can do,” Kurt says.

“At the end of last season, we were not even competitive. And to come out in our first game and do that, it shows we’ve got what it takes.”

WTTU captain Jack Aldrige says it was special to see Gus in the mix on debut, with the whole

team deserving praise for starting off in the winning column.

“A couple of wickets in clumps really put us under pressure at the end, but it’ll be good for the boys to win those close games and get the knack of winning early on,” Jack says.

“It was a bit closer than we’d hoped to expect. . . but there were periods there where we were just cruising.”

“It’s the first game and it’s good to get a bit of rust out of the system.” The game, which was rescheduled to match Nelson College’s school competition calendar, was the only premier grade game played over the weekend.

For the rest of the teams, the competition starts this Saturday with a series of one-day games as Stoke-Nayland takes on WTTU, Nelson College plays Wakatu and Wolves (Wanderers/Motueka) host ACOB.

vs

Waimea Toi Toi United batsmen Bradley Norris and Gus Bixley were all smiles as they left the park having hit the winning runs on the final ball of the game to beat Nelson College. Photo: Jack Malcolm.

Community Notices

MONDAY

ME/CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) + FM (Fibromyalgia) get-together. Mon, 16 Oct, Broccoli Row, Collingwood St, 2-3pm. Nelson ME/CFS FM Support group. E: nz@ccisupport.org.nz or Ph: 0800 224 787.

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

HIRA COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP Mon during term time, 1-3pm. Hira Kindergarten. Cost $5 per term, includes children's afternoon tea. Ph: 035450224. YOGA for people who have or have had cancer. Mon Afternoons, and Tues Evenings. Register info@cancernelson.org.nz or Ph: 035391137.

ACTING UP DRAMA GROUP Mon, 10.30 -12pm. Whakatu Presbyterian Church Hall. 271 Songer St Stoke. New members welcome. Ph: Anne 035380400.

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

TUESDAY

WELLBY TALKING CAFÉ: Tues, 17 Oct, 10-11.30am, McCashins, Stoke. Wellby Talking Cafés are about social connection and finding out about groups, activities, and services. www.wellby.org.nz, Ph: 035467681.

NZ Christian Writers Nelson Group. Tues, 17 Oct, 1-4pm, Richmond Baptist Church Lounge. Open to writers at all stages from wanna-be writers to published authors of all ages and whatever genre you use. For more info Ph: Kay 0275476777 or E:

kaypeterson4@xtra.co.nz.

HATO HONE ST JOHN YOUTH CADETS, Tues 17 Oct, 6.30-8pm, 34 Collingwood St. For 8-18yos. Fun games & badge work. Ph: Claire 0274490459.

NELSON 50+ WALKING GROUP Tues, 17 Oct. Centre of NZ to Miyazu. Meet at 9.45am at Botanics, Milton Street. BYO lunch. Contact Denis Ph: 0272513223.

WEDNESDAY

FOREST & BIRD, wed, 11 Oct, 7.30pm, Tāhunanui School Hall. Evening talk by Nate Wilbourne about Forest & Bird Youth. Cup of tea available before the meeting.

POP-UP PSYCHODRAMA, Wed, 18 Oct, 7 –9.30pm. Victory Centre. Come along and experience this lively method exploring personal, political and community issues. Increase your spontaneity and find new ways to respond to old situations. Led by an experienced psychodrama practitioner. No acting experience required! More info Ph: Ali 0272765992.

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.

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.

THURSDAY

ST JOHN is looking for enthusiastic people who can give 4 hours a week to volunteer in our Nel-

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

son store. Thurs, 19 Oct, for Afternoon Tea. We have a variety of roles available and a fun team! Ph: Stacie 035488598 for info.

WELLBY TALKING CAFÉ: Thurs, 19 Oct, 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, Ph: 035467681.

FOSTER CARE INFORMATION EVENING Thurs, 26 Oct, 7pm, 10D Kotua Place, Stoke. Interested in becoming a Foster Parent? Come find out about our Christian Foster Care programme. Light supper will be provided. RSVP Ph: Mika at Open Home Foundation 0274610497 or E: mika.ito@ ohf.org.nz”

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

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.

KICKBOXING CLASSES, Tues and Fri, 5:306:30pm, 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 de -

signed to be inclusive for all skill levels, helping people through the sport. $5.

DROP IN AND OP SHOP Fri, 9am-1pm. St Stephens Community Church, 61 Tāhunanui Dr. Join us for delicious food, browse through our preloved clothing collection and stay for a chat.

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

SATURDAY / SUNDAY

NELSON RAILWAY. The railcar will be running Sat 14 & Sun 15 from 11am, weather permitting.

WAIMEA HARRIERS. Sprig + Fern 10k at Mapua. Sat, Oct 14. Details, please go to waimeaharriers. nz

VARIETY ENTERTAINMENT CLUB of Nelson Concert. Sat, 14 Oct, 2pm, Whakatu Presbyterian Hal. $5 All Welcome. Ph: Ken 035474301/ Robyn 035473231.

WAIMEA FLORAL ART GROUP spring has sprung – floral afternoon. Sat, 14 Oct, 1.30pm, Headingly Centre, lower Queen St. Invites you to join us for a live demonstration and viewing of floral art designs. Afternoon tea supplied. Entry $10.

NELSON CHRISTIAN YOUNG ADULTS Spring Fling Ball. Sat, 14 Oct, 7pm, 27 Dorset St. Live music from local young adult band Home Sweet Homies, photographer, dessert, games etc. All young adults welcome. $15 per ticket, find us on fbook or E: Abigail abigailsmithies@outlook.com.

NELSON MINIATURES CLUB will meet on Saturday, 14 October from 9.30-3.00 pm, in M3 at Waimea College, since our usual venue will be

used as a polling booth. New members welcome.

Contact: 021 122 8328

HIGGINS HERITAGE PARK, Sun, 15 Oct, 103pm, 222 Pigeon Valley Rd, Wakefield. Enjoy time at our park open day of museum sheds, vintage vehicles, machinery & equipment, model trains, bush rail jigger. & honey barrel rides. info@higginsheritagepark.co.nz

GENERAL GROUPS

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

RUTHERFORD ROTARY. New members welcome. Ph: 0211475357.

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

EVER THOUGHT OF BECOMING A VOLUNTEER?

Are you a community organisation looking for volunteers, training, info, or advice? Check out our website www.volunteernelson.org.nz Ph: 035467681.

ME/CFS AND FIBROMYALGIA monthly group meetings as follows: Richmond Mens GroupRichmond New Life Church, 2nd Mon of month, 1pm. Host Ian. Richmond Group - The Wooden Spoon Cafe, 1st Wed of month, 10.30am. Host Kay/Marianne. Nelson City Group - Broccoli Row Cafe, 3rd Mon of month, 2pm.

BLOOD CANCER SUPPORT GROUP meet monthly for more info Ph: Heather 0274444708.

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.

Phone 545-8289

GARAGE

Kincrone Knife, on Main Road Stoke near Z station on the 7th of April. Has name engraved. Call 0211754695.

Ladies Bicycle with gears, Excellent Condition $60. Commercial Wheelbarrow $40. Outdoor Table and 6 Chairs $60. Phone 547 6918.

Saturday 14th October 8am - 1pm

271 Seaview Road, Stoke

Engineering tools and household goods.

GARAGE

Saturday 14th October

8.30 to 11.00am

110 Aldinga Ave, Stoke

Various household items, knitwear, clothing, Knick knacks and loads more. Come and have a look!

DEATH

NICHOLLS

Gary Allan

16/02/76 -23/09/23

At peace now gone but not forgotten. Love from mum, family and friends. A special thanks for love and care from Nelson Tasman Hospice, Nelson Dialysis Unit, Dr. Bruce King, A&E Department and other Nelson Hospital departments. The Wood Rest Home and Simplicity Funerals. Messages to 575a Main Rd Stoke, Nelson.

HOLLAND

Leslie

Born 1951 passed away 29 September 2023 at Melvale Lodge Wellington.

at Rest. Love

of Jill. Father and father in law of Karla and Ray Connor and Terri and Ryan Boote. Son of the late Carlie and Betty Holland. Brother and brother in lawof Philippa (Pip) and Ian Murdoch, brother to the late Desmond and Peter Holland. As to his wishes a private cremation has taken place. He will be interred at a later date.

CHURCH NOTICES

SITUATIONS VACANT

DELIVERERS WANTED

Interested in fundraising for a club or social group?

THEN

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

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.