Laurie Christian has retired after 30 years of keeping our community safe and is an original member of Nelson Community Patrol. The Nelson City Council was concerned about the amount of damage to council property. They decided to form
a group of volunteers to patrol at night to support the Police and help reduce the crime in Nelson. This also came about after a young man was murdered in the central city.
When first advertising for volunteers 18 people put their names forward. Some
didn’t pass the vetting, and others didn’t want to work the late nights over the weekend.
The Nelson City Council provided a vehicle, a radio and covered running costs. One patroller would drive around on their own and have radio contact with a
NCC staff member. This was not the ideal, so the Police took over the volunteers and provided a handheld radio. A Police Liaison Officer (PLO) organised the roster and the training for the volunteers. Mobile patrols in the NCC vehicle See page 3.
Hello again everyone. Where are the months going? Grey Power Nelson has been busy as usual. A couple of updates. Sadly, we have lost our wonderful Treasurer. Due to a current position, he already had and then taking on a new role, sadly he has bid us farewell. But not before securing the funding for new office chairs which are being enjoyed by the volunteers.
Peter Barling has resigned from the committee as
The Nelson Grey Power Committee work is undertaken on a voluntary basis by the organisation’s officers and committee members via a portfolio system. The member with portfolio responsibility reports on their portfolio to each Committee meeting. Current members and their portfolios are:
well. We have a new member joining us but more about her to come. We still require more members to lend a hand, so if you have a couple of hours a month to spare, please contact the office.
Pat Curry and I attended a meeting with Nelson Mayor Nick Smith in July.
It was good to bring him up to date with questions that we had been waiting for since the last Mayor. We attended the Volun-
President – Sue Sara Superannuation and Welfare, Over 50’s Employment, Membership, Aged Care & Health, Zone 5 Meetings, Both Local Councils, and supporting all committee members in their portfolios.
Vice President –Kevin Gardener Energy, Aged Care & Health, ACC, Zone 5
teer Expo at the end of June and this was really interesting.
I am addressing Stoke Probus in August. This is a chance to let them know about our advocacy work and the wonderful addition to the Stoke Banking Hub with a representative from each bank available on daily roster. If you have a group that would welcome a visit, please make contact. Our office has received a bit of a makeover. We have
Meetings, Civil Defence, Over 50’s Employment.
Treasurer – Position open Secretary - Pam Coltman – Tasman District Council, Community Housing for Pensioners, ACC and Insurance, Transport & Law and Order, Streets for all People.
Zone 5 Director (GP Federation) Kevin Gardener.
lovely new carpet which brightens the place up. While replacing furniture into its right place the reception desk sadly never survived so that has been replaced as well.
Bloom Hearing have kindly offered us some vouchers for free hearing checks. Such a wonderful offer and these will be available on first come, first served basis.
Until the next time members. Stay Safe. Stay Well and remember… Join us before you need us.
Committee Member –Pat Curry
Aged Care & Health – Te
Whatu Ora and Nelson Bays Primary Health Organisation, Nelson City Council Meetings
Committee Member –Maureen Keogan
Accessibility for All’, Housing, Positive Aging
Post Shop and the walkway to the Stoke Library)
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From page 1. consisted of two patrollers who started at 11pm and finished at 4am Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Originally patrollers met twice a year, that changed to regular monthly meetings to organise the roster and training. Laurie was involved with training and made sure the equipment was all in working order. When the NCC vehicle was no longer fit for service, MS Ford Nelson kindly supplied and serviced a second hand RAV4. Thanks to the kind donations of local businesses and community trusts, the patrol vehicle has since been upgraded. The patrol vehicle is kitted out with the latest roof mounted light bar, and all equipment needed for a roadside emergency, including an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). The NCC also supply an annual grant to assist with running costs of vehicle and the patrollers. Laurie has spent hundreds
of hours as a volunteer mobile patroller, manning and training volunteers with the CCTV monitors at the Nelson Police Station. Whenever there was a shortage of CCTV operators Laurie would volunteer and spend most weekends starting at 6pm and working right through until 3am. Laurie was the “go to” person if the monitors were not working. Originally there were only four CCTV cameras now there are over 20 in the CBD and outlying areas. He has enjoyed the camaraderie with the patrollers, and Laurie will miss the banter with the staff at the Nelson police station from the district and area commanders to the front-line officers. He enjoyed providing cakes and savouries when on CCTV duty for the Police night shifts. Patrollers have always been the extra “eyes and ears” for the police, and they do not get out of the patrol vehicle unless the police request assistance.
Regardless of the weather or the season, the patrolling is completed under the cover of darkness every Friday and Saturday night. Most people do not know they even exist. Daytime mobile patrols are now more active and when needed to support community events.
Nelson Community Patrol became part of Community Patrols New Zealand (CPNZ) 19 years ago.
CPNZ has a Memorandum of Understanding with the New Zealand Police. With over 6,000 volunteer community patrollers throughout New Zealand. There are also community patrols in Richmond and Motueka who support each other on patrol nights, civil emergencies and community promotion programmes.
Laurie has seen a number of changes over the 30 years especially training new patrollers. They have to pass 10 training modules before they can be vetted by the police.
Those who want to join the police are required to pass the same modules, and become an active member of the local patrol, before being accepted.
Due to health issues a couple of years ago, Laurie had to stop most of his handson work as coordinator, trainer and keeping the patrol vehicle groomed and serviced.
Laurie is very proud of being one of the original patrollers and would like more people to volunteer, so that Nelson Community Patrol can continue for another 30 years and help keep our community safe. Laurie is one of those unique volunteers that just gets on and does all those behind the scenes tasks. Most people never realised that Laurie was behind the scene making it all happen. Thanks Laurie you are a legend.
If you want to become a volunteer patroller, visit Nelson Community Patrol Facebook or cpnznelson@ gmail.com
Theatre Royal Nelson is throwing open the doors for our annual Open Day. The community is invited to step behind the scenes of the oldest surviving operating wooden theatre in Australasia. Built in 1878, we are proud to be considered one of Nelson’s heritage highlights, which also happens to be one of the busiest theatres in New Zealand.
The Theatre Royal Open Day is a wonderful opportunity to find out about the ins and outs of how a theatre works, including the fly tower, and to understand what is involved to make a production come to life. For those who want to take their turn in the limelight, they can experience the view that actors have from the stage. There will also be the chance to dress up and make use of a dressing room photobooth. Post on
social media to be in to win tickets to future shows!
During the event we will show how our current operating systems work, and you will be able to compare them to some of the original equipment that was used at the theatre before the refurbishment. It is also the perfect opportunity to find out about our technical training programmes,
as well as how to become a volunteer usher.
You will also be able to try our Hearing Assistance system. This enables people with hearing problems to hear everything that runs through our PA system. Sound is transmitted via WIFI through an app, directly to hearing aids or to headphones. You can try it by downloading the free
app on your smartphone. You will be able to hear what others can’t!
There is no need to book for the Open Day, just come along to the Theatre Royal on Sunday 10 September between 11am and 2pm and join in the free fun for the whole family at 78 Rutherford St, Nelson, Ph: 03 548 3840
In New Zealand we have almost 70,000 people living with dementia, mate wareware (becoming forgetful & unwell) and four out of five people know or have known someone living with dementia. Do you? Dementia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms associated with changes in how our brains work. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. Dementia can affect anyone, it doesn’t discriminate.
The symptoms each person experiences depends on the parts of the brain that are affected. However, the most common
dementia symptoms include changes in memory, thinking, behaviour, personality, and emotions. These changes can affect a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks and may interfere with their everyday lives. Dementia is progressive, which means that for most people the changes gradually spread through the brain and lead to the symptoms getting worse. Dementia is different for everyone – what they experience, and how quickly they are affected.
Living with dementia and supporting someone with dementia can often be challenging, it is important
that you have the correct up-to date-information and both practical and emotional support. What can you do to support care partners and people living with dementia?
Learn more about the disease. Focus on what a person can still do, not what they can’t. Concentrate on what a person feels, rather than what they remember. Lend a listening ear. Learn how to communicate meaningfully without using spoken words. Visit and be available.
Alzheimers Nelson Tasman have a lot of information
and resources which may be helpful if you are caring for a person living with dementia or you yourself have dementia. We have a variety of social and support groups available. Our Dementia Advisors can help you navigate the dementia journey providing you with on-going information and support. If you are concerned that you or someone you know may have dementia, take action by seeing your family doctor for a full assessment. For support and more information, you can contact Alzheimers Nelson Tasman on 03 546 7702, or visit alzheimers.org.nz.
Hi, I’m Blair Cameron, National’s Candidate for Nelson. I’m full of energy and ready to get things done for Nelson. The key issues I’m campaigning on are:
• rebuilding the economy to reduce the cost of living
• restoring law and order
• improving schools and healthcare
For more details
Office at 544 Waimea Road: Open Tuesday 1-3pm, Wednesday 1-5pm
blair.cameron@national.org.nz
BlairCameronNelson
022 013 0099
Authorised by B Cameron, 544 Waimea Road, Nelson.
That’s why I support tax relief that will boost NZ Super, keeping the Winter Energy Payment, stopping wasteful government spending to reduce inflation, getting the Nelson hospital rebuild back on track, and solving workforce shortages in our health and aged care sector. For more details, feel free to reach out or drop by my office for a chat.
Subscriptions can no longer be left at the Mike Pero Nelson, but Triton Hearing have kindly decided to take these for us from now on. This is much appreciated. They are located at 95 Bridge St Nelson. Renewal forms are held there if needed. You can only leave the right money with staff as they are just holding it for us to pick up. There is no Eftpos option available there.
Thank you to Mike Pero Nelson and Karen Price in particular for the opportunity and doing this for us for the time they have until now.
As there will be no Positive Aging Expo in Richmond this year, due to several reasons, the TDC has been able to support Motueka Over 50’s Social Hub to provide a Motueka specific Expo to celebrate this year’s International Year of the Older Person, and it was decided on an ‘Active Aging Expo’ for Sunday Octo-
ber 1st from 9.30am to 3.30pm at the Motueka
Over 50’s Social Hub
Inc – 10 Pah Street. We think you might agree that the modern older person is much more active physically, mentally and socially these days, and their needs are changing. The Hub will have sites of around 32 inside along with hope-
fully some outside for outside experiences, including rides, demonstrations and food stalls. With the new blue buses providing transport to and from Motueka, the organisers are hoping that people from Richmond and Nelson will come along and enjoy the day too.
Everyone loves them! Great fun for the kids, and the grown-ups!
Kim Harding Office Administrator
If you are receiving this quarterly magazine then thank you, you are a paid-up financial member of Nelson Grey Power. Don’t forget to check the yellow discount book for discounts and ask wherever you go as businesses come on board all the time. The office is now looking particularly smart with some new things. The new carpet tiles are down after being closed for 3 days to enable this to happen. Even better that it was an insurance claim of the Nelson City Council’s because of the leak coming from their garden on the outside of the building. We look forward to the new planting outside the office one of these days. Unfortunately, when the front desk was being moved it just could not cope and did not survive the ordeal. This meant a quick sorting out of a new desk so we could open the next day and function as normal. Thanks to Richmond Office Products for helping me and making this less of a problem than first envisaged. Just a reminder that Richmond Office Products are in the discount book with a discount of 10%. Thanks to our outgoing Treasurer Don Ambrose who spent time organising pub charity funding for new office chairs for the volunteers. The old ones were becoming unsafe and who knows how old
they were. I spent time with Don because of his role as Treasurer and will miss his help and knowledge. I wish him well on his next endeavour and a well-deserved holiday. The Positive Ageing Expo will not be happening this year in Richmond but a version of this will be held in Motueka. The Active Ageing Expo is happening on Sunday October 1st 9.30am to 3.30pm at the Motueka Over 50’s Social Hub Inc – 10 Pah Street. Please note for the next renewal time after 31 March 2024 that the Nelson drop off point for renewing subscriptions in Nelson has changed from Mike Pero Real Estate to Triton Hearing also on Bridge Street. The rates rebates scheme is administered by local councils on behalf of the Department of Internal Affairs of the NZ Government. That means the forms available at the Nelson Grey Power office can be used for either the Nelson City Council or the Tasman District Council depending on who sends you your rates bill. Copies of the application forms for the new rateable year of 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024 can be picked up from the office now if you want one. Soon Daylight Savings will start which is coming up on the 24th of this month. The mountains have been beautiful over winter, but I still think it is nice to have warmer weather on the way.
While early Nelson artist Emily Cumming Harris (1837-1925) was recognised by her contemporaries as a very talented botanical artist, her work has largely gone unrecognised. Today, 100 years after her death, Emily’s paintings and sketchbooks and those of Edwin Harris’s (Emily’s father) are still being discovered in national, regional and private collections throughout New Zealand. As well as her artworks Emily wrote extensively in letters, diaries and poetry about life and losses in Taranaki during the land wars, the consequent relocation of her family to Nelson and their various
endeavours to support themselves as artists and teachers from their base in Nile Street.
Over the last decade, extensive research by Professor Michele Leggott and Catherine FieldDodgson has uncovered significant new dimensions to her life and work, especially her vibrant writing. This information provides much more information about life in Nelson in the late nineteenth and early twentieth
century. Their research has also lead to the discovery of previously uncatalogued works in private collections including those held by some Nelson families. Other works are still being sought and interconnections with other Nelson settlers’ stories are being unpacked. The influences and intricacies arising from this ongoing research was recently the subject of an interview between Michele
Leggott and Kim Hill earlier this year: Michele Leggott: celebrating unsung 1860’s artist Emily Harris | RNZ This year, Nelson Historical Society is bringing both Professor Michele Leggott and Catherine Field-Dodgson to Nelson as presenters for the Society’s biennial James Jenkins Lecture. The illustrated lecture, The Glistening Web - the art and writing of Emily Cumming Harris, will be held at the Suter Theatre on Thursday 12 October, 7.30pm, tickets $8. As seating is limited, prepaid bookings are required. Please email jamesjenkinslecture@gmail.com for further details.
The Tasman National Art Awards are in their 6th year. Artists from all around New Zealand submit up to photos of their 2D artwork which is then sent in a file to 3 independent selectors (who live outside of Nelson). All artwork is numbered and not named so the finalists are chosen on merit and quality of their works.
Once the finalists have been advised their artwork has been selected for judging they send their art to the coordinator in Mapua. The judging is done by 3 independent judges for seven of eight prizes valuing over $13,750.
We issue 750 beauti-
ful A4 glossy catalogues which house all the finalists works. Distribute 2000 glossy flyers around the Nelson and Tasman districts.
At Nelson Airport we have a large wrap around electronic screen which advertises the event through to 7 October. As this exhibition runs through the school holidays, we attract hundreds of visitors to the
area.
The Mapua Community Hall is where we hold the event which is just a hop, skip and a jump from the beautiful Mapua Wharf area. A favourite place for locals and visitors to meander around the cafes, restaurants and shops. These awards have become a prestigious event in the NZ Art Calendar and the art is of a high quality.
We have worked hard to bring Nelson and Tasman regions together with numerous Nelson galleries and artists advertising in the annual catalogue. Check out the website link www.tasmannationalartawards.nz All artwork is for sale.
We would look forward to seeing you there!
Mapua Community Hall, 72 Aranui Rd, Mapua. Open
to
Sunday 24th September to Saturday 7th October. Come on out and cast
The Grey Power Federation Inc AGM was held at the Brentwood Hotel in Kilbernie Wellington from the 26th to the 29th June just gone, attended by 47 Associations from throughout the country , It is an opportunity for all attending Associations to take part in the direction they wish the board to head as far as their efforts to lobby and cajole Politicians and Ministry staff to look after our members concerns and needs in later life. There were presentations by Mario Soljan of AIL Insurance together with his CEO (the people who give to our members free Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance cover), not a great amount
but very generous considering the saying, “There is nothing free in life”. Their explanation of the services offered by their firm was very informative.
A presentation by Sharnie Warren CEO of Grey Power Electricity, discussing their future plans for the direction of our electricity company now that they also offer a Gas, broadband service and landline phone packages. Their “Pay It Forward” scheme is well received by members. Our 10-year association with them is something to celebrate and currently there are over 22,000 Grey Power households using Grey Power Electricity, with more joining daily.
The Retirement Commissioner gave a very interesting talk via video on retirement sustainability, Women`s issues, as well
as housing concerns.
Life membership was bestowed on a long-time office holder from Zone 2 Sandy Feringa, who was honoured for her long volunteer working relationship with Grey Power. The election for Vice President was contested by our neighbouring Association`s President Gayle Chambers and she missed out to David Marshall from Tauranga. There were 14 remits presented and voted on with lively debate on some, and very little on others. The ones with very little debate were usually straight forward, well thought out, sensibly presented and commonsense to understand.
It was noticeable that once again any representation from government or their departments was not done in person, the
question has to be asked “Are they perhaps afraid of facing the wrath of those of us over 50 years of age?
The Board did not get any nominations for both Secretary or Treasurer so has installed under its powers Jo Millar of Dunedin as Acting Secretary and Lew Findlay of Palmerston North as Acting Treasurer.
It was generally agreed that Grey Power being membership funded and not relying on Government (Taxpayer) or Council (Ratepayer ) handouts to remain operational is more likely to voice any honest criticism than having to “cleanse” any public statement we may give unlike others!
Next year the Federation AGM is to be held at the same venue on the 18,19 and 20th June 2024.
Marina never imagined that taking up a sport later in life would mean being able to give up her walking stick, let alone break into a run on a sports court. But when Marina, who had been living in excruciating pain after being crippled by Parkinson’s disease four years ago, took up the littleknown sport of pickleball two years ago, it changed her life. Before pickleball gave her a new lease on life, she had been building up her stamina and trying to manage her pain by taking daily walks with her sister. “I was walking with a walking stick, and I could hardly
walk because I had a very painful foot brought on by Parkinson’s,”
She credits the sport — a combination of tennis, ping pong and badminton played on a badmintonsized court — for getting her moving again.
“When I started playing, I could hardly move on the court but eventually I start-
ed moving really well, and even running.”
“I’ve become a different person; I no longer need a walking stick and people say when I walk, they can’t even notice I have Parkinson’s.
“It’s just done absolute wonders for me.”
“It combines all the recommended modes of exercise
and makes it fun,” she said.
“Playing pickleball helps you keep mobile and active, improves hand-eye coordination, delays the need for medication, and slows Parkinson’s symptom progression.
“All of these benefits lead to an improved quality of life.”
Pickleball for Parkinson’s is played every Monday from 1pm to 3pm at the Richmond Badminton Hall, Gladstone Road. Cost is $3, paddles, balls and all gear is supplied. Contact Brian Renwick phone 02108249260 for information.
Philippa Foes-Lamb
Spring is in the air and we can look forward to spending many hours in our gardens. Winter was colder this year - it was so lovely to get some frosts because they help to kill off bugs such as aphids, whitefly and thrip.
Frosty nights followed by fine days are gorgeous but the downside is the lack of rainfall. We only had 39mm of rain on our property in July and not much more than that in August. NIWA are predicting six months of drought and I truly hope they are wrong. Now is the perfect time to prepare your productive gardens for Spring planting. The soil temperature will still be low and will warm up very gradually as we head towards October - the main planting time for
summer harvests. If you have green crops such as mustard, oats or blue lupin in your vegetable garden, now is the time to cut them down. It is important to do this before they flower because the stems will still be pliable and won’t take too long to break down. Hedge clippers are the perfect tool – cut the foliage as finely as you can, from the top down. Dig the clippings
in, incorporating some fish compost and sheep manure pellets or aged chook manure at the same time as this will help them break down more quickly and add nutrients to your soil. Mulching is going to be incredibly important this Spring. If possible, apply a thick layer – approximately 15cm – to your vegetable garden now. It is much easier to push the mulch aside slightly to plant, rather
than trying to tuck mulch around your seedlings after planting. It is a good idea to mulch ornamental gardens as soon as possible after significant rainfall too. Strawberry plants are in short supply this year. If you have an existing strawberry patch, look for healthy, strong runners to lift and re-plant. You can also lift entire strawberry plants and divide them up. They will take a while to re-establish which means your crop may be smaller at first.
Roses will be putting on new growth now and they will respond beautifully to a hefty side-dressing of fish compost and sheep manure pellets. If you prefer to use dry fertilisers such as Nitrophoska, it is important to follow the rates of application and water the granules in well.
The Top of the South Rural Support Trust is part of a national network of 14 trusts throughout New Zealand, working to support farmers, their businesses and the wider farming community.
These trusts were initially set up in response to several weather events and financial pressures impacting farmers during the 1980’s.
With an expectation that there will be an increase in challenges ahead for farmers including, climate change, legislation enforcement and market volatility to mention just a few, support from the Rural Support Trusts are needed now more than ever.
Top of the South Rural Support Trust covers the Nelson /Tasman area from Rai Valley to Maruia and
to Ohau point on the east coast of Marlborough. The trust covers all aspects of agribusiness including dry stock, dairy, cropping, horticulture, forestry, poultry, viticulture and rural contracting. We assist rural individuals and their families to get back on their feet following challenging circumstances such as financial, personal or climatic adverse events. This support extends to owners, managers, staff, and contractors. Rural life can be extremely rewarding however, issues like weather, cashflow, relationships and isolation can at times make life quite challenging.
When these challenges arise, it is very easy to immerse yourself in on farm work however, this can start to impact on mental health and existing rela-
tionships. Although it can be hard to ask for help the old adage of ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’ still stands true.
At The Top of the South Rural Support Trust, we have trained counsellors available to listen and support rural people in need. If a rural business has been impacted by a weather event, we have facilitators and trust members, all rural people themselves, who can work alongside the owner to get back on track. The Trust is well connected with other networks including MPI, Civil Defence and Emergency Management, rural professionals, health providers and other government agencies. We often have access to government funding during adverse events and can help link rural communities to these resources in-
cluding providing events to help build rural community resilience.
Although we primarily work with farmers and growers the Trust recognises that the elderly in rural communities, including retired farmers and workers, often need additional support. This may be after the death of a loved one, issues around isolation during an adverse event or perhaps even a feeling of loss after retirement. Often the older generation maybe concerned about younger family members who are living and working rurally. In any of these situations we are only a phone call away.
All help is free and confidential and is available through the trust coordinator on 0800 787 254, or by making an enquiry on www.rural-support.org.nz.
Skin cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in New Zealand, making it a significant health concern for the nation. However, the good news is that when detected early, skin cancer can often be completely removed through surgery, increasing the chances of successful treatment and recovery. Awareness of the signs of skin cancer is crucial, and any unusual changes to the skin, such as alterations in colour, dark spots, or dry areas, should prompt a visit to the GP for further evaluation.
In the battle against skin cancer, the Cancer Society has emerged as a staunch advocate for being SunSmart in New Zealand. Locally, the society’s efforts have been bolstered by a generous bequest from Mr. David Blunt, he was a passionate tramper, who cherished the abundant sunshine and outdoors, but he was aware of the high risk of skin cancer associated with this lifestyle. His close relationship with the Cancer Society in Nelson and strong belief in their community work led him to express his wish for the society to provide annual skin cancer check vouchers, ensuring people in the Nelson and Tasman regions had con-
venient access to these crucial screenings.
Annually, on October 1st, the society releases skin check vouchers worth up to $75 to the public, following specific criteria:
•Individuals noticing changes in mole, freckle, or spot size, thickness, shape, colour, or bleeding.
• Those with numerous moles.
• People with a family history of melanoma, where genetics play a role.
• Individuals with a history of sunburn, especially during childhood when skin is vulnerable.
• People with fair, easily burning skin.
• Individuals spending considerable time outdoors, exposing them to higher sun risks. The skin check vouchers are a proactive approach, aiming to reduce the burden of skin cancer in the region by encouraging early detection and timely intervention. By providing financial support for skin checks, the society ensures easier access to preventive measures and prompt
medical attention.
The Cancer Society Nelson Tasman, community support and proactive individuals, we can envision a future where skin cancer is no longer a significant health threat in New Zealand. Stay SunSmart and utilise these vouchers to safeguard your skin health.
For more information, visit www.cancernelson.org.nz, or phone the friendly team at Cancer Society Nelson Tasman on 03 539 1137, or email info@cancernelson. org.nz. Or visit 102 Hardy Street, Nelson.
Medals Reunited New Zealand is dedicated to reuniting medals and military ephemera with traceable families and descendants.
Established in May 2014 by a former NZ Army and Air Force officer, our work benefits from accumulated military service experience and the desire to see medals returned to family ownership, where we believe they should rightly be. Whilst we acknowledge some medals are disposed of for a variety of reasons, our experience of researching a recipient’s family for a living descendant to return any medal to, has shown we are yet to meet anyone who is not overwhelmed at the prospect of having an ancestor veteran’s medal returned to family ownership. The MRNZ team is small with one full-time researcher (myself). We also have two part-time project specific researchers who can be called upon as required - one in NZ and one in the UK. MRNZ is also linked to similar research organisations in Australia. Additionally, MRNZ has the services of the Nelson RSA’s medal mounting expert, Brian Ramsay. Our work is sustained by medals (and items of military ephemera) sent to us that have been found, or
in some cases pre-owned. The recipient named on the medal or object is researched with a view to locating a direct or near descendant to whom we can return it.
MRNZ typically receives medals from members of the public, NZ and Australian Police, ex-uniformed service organizations including RSAs and RSLs, from charity shops, clubs and businesses, emergency services, lawyers and solicitors managing deceased estates plus referrals from the NZ Defence Force and the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Medals are most often found as the result of accidental loss and can be found in the strangest of locations and in all sorts of condition, some having been exposed to the elements for long periods.
Among the most common locations medals are
found, other than those picked up after an event that have fallen from clothing, is among the belongings of a deceased person (medals having no known connection to family), medals left in rest homes (sometimes for decades), found at rubbish transfer stations, in second-hand shops or at community markets, in and under demolished or renovated buildings; medals have also been found in vehicles, have been dug up and found in waterways. We have even had medals sent to us by concerned citizens who have purchased a medal or memorial plaque they have spotted in a shop or at a market, believing it should rightly be returned to family ownership.
To date (Jan 2023) in excess of 500 medals have been returned to families together with numer-
ous items of ephemera. Ephemera however, is not included in the running total of returned medals which appears at the end of each MRNZ website and Facebook post.
All medals and ephemera benefit from our voluntary, free research and return service which is 100% not-for-profit.
If you have a named medal or item of military ephemera you would like to see returned to the owner’s family or a near descendant (incl anonymous donations – no questions), we can definitely help you.
For more information, please contact us at anytime. P: 027 940 4495 or 03 546 7728
medalsreunitednz@gmail. com, www.medalsreunitednz.co.nz
Post: MRNZ, PO Box 8034, Nelson Mail Centre, Nelson 7010
For more useful information and advice visit
www.greypowernelson.org.nz
In collaboration with the University of Otago, Nelson Hub, and with generous support from The Care Foundation, Te Whatu Ora Nelson Marlborough recently held a community health lecture on Osteoarthritis – the sixth in an ongoing series. These events are opportunities for the public to engage with the health system in a new way, as well as being opportunities for connection, information, and resources. Affecting 1 in 8 adults, arthritis is one of the leading forms of disability in Aotearoa New Zealand, and with experts saying this number is only growing, education that reaches large portions of the community at once is of great importance. “Osteoarthritis: What Can We Do?” brought together about 170 members of the Nelson Marlborough community, online and in person at the Suter Art Gallery in Nelson, to hear the empowering message from a panel of experts that there is a lot we can do about osteoarthritis. The main message was that decline is not inevitable and much of what is most effective in managing this condition lies in the community’s own hands.
Professor Haxby Abbott, an expert in Osteoarthri-
tis from the University of Otago, explained that the first line of treatment to have the most impact are: education, exercise, and weight control.
The next line of treatment is pain relief, aids, and passive treatment from a physiotherapist. As well as decline not being inevitable, Prof. Haxby explained that joint replacement surgery is also not inevitable. Total join replacement, Prof. Haxby said, is effective for the right person at the right time, but up to 25% of cases have a bad outcome. For most people, the first and second lines of treatment have the most positive impact on their symptoms.
Alice Scranney, Nelson Hospital-based clinical educator and physiotherapist supported this mes-
sage, stating that everyone’s joints are different: the knee replacement that worked for your neighbour may not work for you. Scranney encouraged the audience to become the expert of their own condition and seek education and support from trusted sources. She also explained the importance of a total person view: in her work she considers not just the pain, but how the pain impacts on a whole life. Physios use this approach to provide not only exercises and therapies, like hydrotherapy or soft tissue mobilisation, as well as encouraging daily movement, they also motivate, provide advice, and help connect their patients to supportive communities, for what happens outside
the office is often just as important as what happens in.
Arthritis New Zealand’s Tory Garnham and Dr Richard Griffiths furthered illuminated the importance of connecting with community when managing a condition like osteoarthritis. Theirs is a national charity providing information, support and advice to people diagnosed with any of the more than 140 forms of arthritis. Garnham and Griffiths highlighted the range of ways they support the community, including a helpline for one-on-one advice, the coordination of peer support groups, and assistance in navigating health care.
The audience came away from the event with a better understanding of how to manage this condition, resources and routes to consider, and - if the high level of attendance was anything to go by - the sense they are not alone.
Follow Te Whatu Ora Nelson Marlborough on Facebook to be alerted to the next Community Health Lecture, and please consider donating to The Care Foundation so we can keep brining you great events along with the University of Otago.
For more useful information and advice visit www.greypowernelson.org.nz
I had spent an hour in the bank with my dad, as he had to transfer some money. I couldn’t resist myself and asked...
“Dad, why don’t we activate your internet banking?”
“Why would I do that?” He asked...
“Well, then you won’t have to spend an hour here for things like transfer.
You can even do your shopping online. Everything will be so easy!”
I was so excited about ini-
tiating him into the world of Net banking.
He asked ‘’If I do that, I won’t have to step out of the house?”
“Yes, yes!” I said. I told him how even grocery can be delivered at door now and how amazon delivers everything! His answer left me tongue-tied.
He said “Since I entered this bank today, I have met four of my friends, I have chatted a while with the staff who know me very well by now.
You know I am alone... this is the company that I need. I like to get ready and come to the bank. I have enough time; it is the physical touch that I crave.
Two years back I got sick, the store owner from whom I buy fruits, came to see me and sat by my bedside and cried. When your mum fell down few days back while on her morning walk. Our local grocer saw her and immediately got his car to rush her home as he knows where I live.
Would I have that ‘human’ touch if everything became online?
Why would I want everything delivered to me and force me to interact with just my computer?
I like to know the person that I’m dealing with and not just the ‘seller’. It creates bonds of relationships.
Does Amazon deliver all this as well?”
Technology isn’t life... Spend time with people... Not with devices.
Health Action Trust was established in 1985. Our teams work with communities to improve health and remove barriers that limit well-being.
The health of older people is a priority area for our mental health promotion. Mental health is more than the absence of illness; it’s about feeling good and functioning well. There are multiple things that affect wellbeing, e.g., housing, income, environments, access to healthy food, health care, support and connecting with Whanau and community.
Looking after your mental health and wellbeing are
everyday investments you can make. They serve as protective factors against both physical and mental illness and help build resilience.
Here are two opportunities to improve your mental health and wellbeing.
1) Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) 1824 September 2023. The theme is ‘Five Days, Five Ways’, focusing on the 5 Ways to Wellbeing. Try one of the 5 Ways to Wellbeing each day, challenge yourself and each other!
2) “Step into Spring” celebration. This fun month-long event
encourages social connection, community spirit and promotes the positive benefits of walking/activity for physical and mental health…
Watch out for promotions on this fun October event! Health Action Trust staff work collaboratively and combine with other local agencies on joint initiatives to improve mental health outcomes for our older population. (i.e., Age Concerns’ “Living Well Course”, “Step- Out” project and the Positive Aging forum.)
Please visit our website www.healthaction.org.nz or contact one of our team.
• COMPASS Peer Advocacy and Support service. 0800 212 798
• CAYAD Nelson Tasman; - Community Action on Youth Alcohol and other Drugs. marcelo@ healthaction.org.nz
• Youth Mental Health Initiative 03 548 2798
• Mental Health Promotion wendy@healthaction. org.nz
Please contact Wendy if you would like to ask about mental-health resources, understand how the 5 Ways to Wellbeing can work for you, or mental health and wellbeing presentations.
Imagine starting your days with a peaceful stroll through our beautiful established gardens. Located in Richmond, you’ll have support within the community should you need it, including the Lower Queen Street Health centre next right door for easy appointments.
We’ll even help you make the move including packing and unpacking your home.
When you make the move to one of our spacious and sunny independent living villas, you can do more of what you want to.
Find out more at arvida.co.nz/oakwoods or call Gareth Rosser on 027 553 4797 357 Lower Queen Street, Richmond, Nelson 7020
Must be a current Grey Power Member MoleMap has joined with Grey Power to give members a 20% discount on their next Full Body MoleMap, Skin Check or Skin Check+ service. This promotion is available to 31 January 2024.
Members will be aware that melanoma is fast-growing and the most life-threatening of all skin cancers. It is also hard to detect with an untrained eye.
Telephone 0800 665 362 to book your appointment, choosing your preferred clinic and the service you wish to receive. Use the promocode GREYPOWER20 and your discount will be automatically applied. Please have your membership card with you as they request your membership number. Now is the time to take charge of your skin health at one of MoleMap’s 49 clinics.
If you have never played bowls but thought you might like to give it a go, we have an opportunity for you. As one of the leading bowling clubs in New Zealand, the Stoke Bowling Club which is based at 18A Ranui Road in Stoke is giving you an opportunity to participate in our next “FAMILY FUN DAY” which is to be held on Saturday
30th September at 1.00pm (for a 1.30pm start).
Bowls is an activity for all ages. Bring not only yourself but also your children and grandchildren. All you need to do is have a pair of flat soled shoes and we will provide you with the bowls and the coaching to help you through the afternoon. Who knows, an afternoon on the green
may be enough to entice you or family members to join the Club and participate in the various bowling activities we have. If you have any questions call Don Ambrose on 021 676 499. We look forward to seeing you “on the green”. 1.00pm on 30 September 2023 at the Stoke Bowling Club, 18A Ranui Rd, Stoke
At Milestone Homes we pride ourselves on providing exceptional value for money and delivering smarter new home solutions for New Zealanders.
Now we’re giving Nelson Grey Power members an exclusive discount from your contract price. Call 0800 MILESTONE today to find out more about this exclusive deal.*
Milestone Homes Nelson Bays
Show Home: 84 Berryfield Drive, Richmond. Open 7 days 1.00pm - 4.00pm
03 543 8663 | 0800 MILESTONE nelson@milestonehomes.co.nz milestonehomes.co.nz
Hear ye, hear ye! With the powers invested in me, I declare the celebrations of the Hearing Association Nelson Inc 70th anniversary - OPEN!
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls of the community. It gives me great pleasure in leading you through a brief history of our association from the dusty archives, which all started on Wednesday 12th August 1953.
Hearing services in Nelson during the 1940s and early 1950s consisted of a hearing aid clinic, the first rooms being in Hardy Street and staffed by Dr D C Low, Dr R A Lucas, Doug Harris and Kath West.
In 1953, Dr R A (Dick) Lucas MB, CHB, FRCS, a local Ear, Nose and Throat specialist, after attending a meeting of colleagues in Wellington, saw the need to establish a branch of the NZ Hard of Hearing League in Nelson. The Mayor of Nelson, Mr Auty
Harley, was approached to call a public meeting which he did with some reluctance as he thought there would be little interest. The meeting, held in the City Council Chambers, attracted about 100 people, much to the delight of the Mayor and organisers.
At this meeting Dr. Dick Lucas was elected as the Hard of Hearing League’s first President along with Doug Harris, Secretary.
Doug was New Zealand half mile champion, but unfortunately his running career ended after being spiked at the Olympic Games. To add a little romance to our archives, Doug and Kathy West fell in love and were ultimately married.
The first general meeting of the newly formed Nelson Hard of Hearing League was on 12 August 1953 at the St John’s Methodist Church Sunday School Hall. After the business was over, songs and screening of English films (soaps) followed, with supper then being served.
In 1953, the League, thanks to the courtesy of the Hospital Board, set up a lip-reading clinic in the Hardy St Hospital Clinic, where testing, maintenance of hearing aids and moulds and battery sales were carried out. The first tutor was Mrs Beth Roberts, who qualified in Auckland as tutor for lip speech reading and was our tutor until 1969.
Dr Lucas pioneered the work of fitting hearing aids to very young children, some as young as three months, so that their speech developed unimpaired. He and Beth Roberts had many successes with young people working as a formidable team.
A bold inspired step was taken in 1958 when it was decided to purchase a property in which to conduct hearing services and for the general use and benefit of members. This action gave the membership considerable focus and promoted much pride and unity. The purchase of 354 Trafalgar Square has
had an ongoing benefit for hearing impaired and deaf people in Nelson. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of an anonymous donor, the mortgage of Hearing House was paid off in 1963.
The League was very fortunate to have the services of four doctors as President in those formative and early years.
Alterations to Hearing House proceeded and for a time the Hospital Board rented rooms for a City Centre Clinic. To accommodate more space, the back section was sold, allowing the purchase of a right of way and the Synagogue section next door. This enabled the lounge to be extended, making the rooms suitable for hire for community functions… Well, this could go on for quite some time, but as you can see, from the dedication and passion of a few key people in the beginning a great story has been created, and one we continue to add to every day here at Hearing Nelson.
Offer of free collection and recycling of all broken Fisher & Paykel top loading washing machines and any brand of dryer.
This is a local Nelson team aiming to keep these machines out of landfill. It is realised that older folk tend to have smaller vehicles, so the offer is to pick up and recycle for free in the Nelson, Stoke and Richmond Area.
Phone 027 844 0520
1 Tbsp olive oil • 4 bone-in skinless chicken thighs • 1 small onion, chopped
1 celery stalk, thinly sliced • 1 carrot, chopped • 125g (4 oz) button mushrooms, quartered • 1 bay leaf • 1 slice rindless bacon (bacon strip), finely diced
Heat the oil in a heavy based saucepan or casserole dish over medium/ high heat.
Sprinkle the chicken with freshly ground pepper. Brown the chicken until golden all over about
(60ml) dry red wine or chicken stock •
pinch of paprika • 400g (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
3 springs fresh parsley, plus extra chopped parsley to garnish • Crusty bread to serve
3 minutes on each side. Transfer to a plate. Reduce the heat to medium and add the onion, celery, mushrooms and bacon to the pan.
Fry for about 5 minute or until the mushrooms are
soft. Pour in the wine or stock, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 1 minute. Stir in the tomatoes, bay leaf, rosemary, parsley sprigs and paprika. Return the chicken to the pan. Cover and simmer for
30 minutes or until juices run clear when tested with a skewer. Remove the bay leaf, rosemary and parsley sprigs.
Sprinkle the chicken with chopped parsley and serve with crusty bread.
