Waimea Weekly

Locally Owned and Operated

Wednesday 26 June 2024

No u-turn for ‘silly’ school bus stop

GORDON PREECE

“It’s been a really silly system for a long time,” and “it’s a matter of time before an accident does happen” are two descriptions of a Dominion Rd school bus stop, off SH60. The bus stop offers 32 Garin and 100 Waimea College students living in the area free transport to and from their respective colleges.

Some Māpua and Ruby Baybased students travel past Māpua

Shortest day for longest ride

ANNE HARDIE

It was the shortest day and the longest ride for about 50 cyclists who tackled the 172 kilometres of the Great Taste Trail loop last week. At 7am they were on the Māpua Ferry to cross the water to Rabbit Island before heading over Spooners to Tapawera, then the Baton Saddle to Riwaka, back into Māpua for a well-deserved beer. It is the third year that My Ride Richmond has prompted the casual ride for keen cyclists, with many taking the day off work to use pedal-power to ride the loop. Among the cyclists on the wharf at the end of the day was Craig Richards, who says there was still time for a few pies and coffees along the ride. “You look back at it and think it’s amazing. At the time it feels like it’s killing you – you notice the last 20kms.” The day was short, the ride was long, and the consensus was it was a good day out.

School, where their bus parks overnight, to their zoned bus stop 3km away. The bus stop has a double whammy with around 50 vehicles unloading and collecting students at around 7.30am and 4pm each day, and trucks using

Dominion Rd travelling between sites like nearby orchards.

The Ministry of Education (MoE) remains adamant the Dominion Rd stop complies with Waka Kotahi’s safe siting guidelines.

days some students, who can’t be dropped off, walk across the 100kmh highway because the pedestrian underpass, which provides access to the bus stop,

Craig Richards (left), Thomas Ashley and Will Conway at the end of the longest ride. Photo: Anne Hardie.

Do you think speed limits outside schools during school travel times should be 30kmh and 60kmh for rural schools, or vary?

“They should only be 30kmh, with the number of children attending school and the amount of traffic, it would only take one small incident for a child to get away from a parent.”

“A lot of [the rural schools] when I was growing up were 100kmh still, so it will be a lot safer for the kids at 60kmh.”

“It’s a good idea to keep kids safe rather than building these very expensive speed bumps.”

“I think 30kmh is fine, it’s only 10kmh less than what it is now, so it won’t be any harm.”

There’s something in the water

Three illegal discharges have been detected in streams in the past month and Tasman District Council is urging locals to notify them early when they see murky water so they can trace it back to the source.

Infringement fines for discharges of contaminants to water start at $750 and increase to $1,000 when it is from industrial or trade premises.

Compliance and investigation team leader, Dave Shaw, says recent discharges include swimming pool water containing chlorine, paint from washing down buildings and household products reaching the stormwater system. He says tracing the discharge to the source can be difficult, particularly in urban areas where it

has to be chased back through the stormwater network.

If the public notifies the council as soon as they see questionable discharges, he says there is more chance of tracing it to the source.

If it is traced to someone who has been careless or neglectful, he says the council usually takes the education approach.

If it is a repeat offender, someone who should have known better, or the effect on the waterway is more than minor, then infringe-

ment fines can be issued. So far this year, three fines have been issued. In the past month, white discharge has flowed in Jimmy Lee Creek and another time from a stormwater outlet into Reservoir Creek. With the latter, a member of the public noticed the discharge and notified the council, with staff able to trace it back up the stormwater network to the source and an investigation is continuing. He says contaminants such as paint, detergent, household pesticides and garden sprays can poison fish, eels, and in some instances, dogs. Inside drains flow into the sewerage system, but outside drains flow to waterways, estuaries and beaches, so he says only rain should go down outside drains. To report a discharge call council on 03 543 8400

Jamie Hobby Richmond

Lynette Roose Richmond

Rachel Fraser Brightwater

Nigel Barrett Richmond

ANNE HARDIE

Discharge in Reservoir Creek colours the water. Photo: Supplied.

No u-turn for ‘silly’ school bus stop

floods. Caregivers say the bus stop is unfair, particularly as Māpua and Ruby Bay-based Motueka High School student’s bus stop is located at Māpua School. They say a Transport Eligibility Zone (TEZ) change, which is set by the MoE, would overturn the “silly system”, and enable Waimea and Garin College students to also use the Māpua School stop.

Amber Bonny’s daughter Zoe and son Isaac walk to the bus stop from Dawson Rd. They attend Waimea, rather than Motueka High School, due to their Richmond-based sporting commitments. Amber has campaigned for the MoE to deliver change, with local parents, the colleges and groups like Tasman District Council’s support since July 2022, but no change has come about.

“It’s been a really silly system for a long time... the bus leaves Māpua, drives across the highway, and picks up the kids where it could just let them on at Māpua School, which is a safe, big area,” she says.

“When the underpass floods my kids end up jumping the barrier and running across the highway, which is not awesome at all… and [the MoE] says ‘no, we’re not changing [the bus stop’s loca-

to walk in unsafe situations under any circumstances.

to both Motueka High School and Waimea College is almost identical, James says Māpua-based students attending the college aren’t attending their closest state school but are eligible to transfer their assistance from Motueka High School to Waimea College “When a student transfers their eligibility, they must make their own way to an existing bus stop within their chosen school’s TEZ.” FROM PAGE 1

Māpua-based Waimea College parent Amber Bonny says Māpua School should be the Waimea and Garin bus stop since the current Dominion Rd bus stop is unsafe. Photo: Gordon Preece.

tion]’.”

Māpua parent Lizzie Graham is equally concerned by the bus stop’s ongoing pandemonium.

She transports her daughter Gabbi Brabant, who attends Garin College, to and from the stop.

“Every day that you’re there there’s someone who makes a bad decision, or a kid almost gets hit.

It’s a matter of when, not if, someone’s going to get injured or even killed there,” she says.

“The other day I dropped Gabbi off and a kid was walking along the side of the road of the motorway trying to get to the bus because they were late… because of the weather.”

Mahana-based Thawley Logistics managing director, Aaron Thawley, says he encounters monthly near misses between trucks and students at the bus stop area and has witnessed students walking across SH60.

“I think it’s a matter of time before an accident or incident does happen, whether that’s a car, bus, or person gets hit.”

MoE school transport group manager, James Meffan, says the ministry doesn’t require children

“Caregivers are responsible for safely transporting their children to and from their school bus stop and as such are best placed to decide the safest way to do this,” he says. “We remain satisfied that the Dominion Rd bus stop meets Waka Kotahi’s safe siting guidelines and therefore meets our conditions as safe to use.”

While the distance from Māpua

Planned cemetery hoped to provide 100 years of space

MAX FRETHEY

Local Democracy Reporter

A joint cemetery to serve both Nelson and Tasman communities is looking increasingly likely as burial capacity in the region continues to shrink.

On Thursday, Tasman District Council formally agreed to pursue a joint facility with Nelson City Council, provided their neighbouring council also agrees.

Richmond Cemetery is expected to only have capacity for the next 10 years, while Nelson’s Marsden Cemetery is estimated to have 15-20 years of space left. The lead-in time for a new cemetery could take four to seven years. The joint cemetery is hoped to have capacity for 100 years, or for about 16,000 burials, and so the councils would need to secure land that has an area of about 22 hectares, but finding suitable land of that size might prove difficult.

A council working group with iwi membership outlined several different factors to consider for the site, including groundwater depth, distance from water courses, suitable ground conditions, safe from sea level rise, slope of site, and transport accessibility.

The distance between central Nelson and central Richmond will also be considered, while trying to avoid highly productive land or land iden-

tified for housing or business growth.

A preliminary analysis of the region determined there were no appropriate sites in Nelson within 40km of the city’s centre and so the cemetery would likely be located in Tasman.

However, there are also a “limited” number of appropriate sites in Tasman, with the current possibilities looking like either Appleby or Redwood Valley.

The joint approach is favoured to create efficiencies of scale and reduce the costs associated for each council, rather than each council establishing their own smaller cemeteries.

Burial and plot fees would also be aligned between the two districts, where Nelsonians currently pay more

to be buried and interred than Tasman residents.

While supportive of a joint approach to the cemetery, Tasman Mayor Tim King wasn’t sure whether the region needed to provide capacity for the next 100 years.

“The way things change, how fast things change – I know the one thing that doesn’t change is people dying, that is fairly consistent – … but I think solutions overtime may ap-

pear.”

Ensuring a long-term supply will delay additional and costlier land purchases in the future when there is less land available, council officers highlighted. The councils can modify the scope of the cemetery if the 100-year approach proves unfeasible or difficult. After discussing a business case for the joint cemetery, Tasman’s elected members received a report for a land acquisition proposal for the cemetery in confidential session. If the councils are unable to purchase a suitable site, they are able to acquire the land through the Public Works Act.

AGE NO BARRIER FOR POLAR PLUNGE: It was beginning to drizzle and many were already shivering as they stood on the beach, but nothing was going to deter a group of Arvida Waimea Plains retirement village residents from taking a polar plunge into the sea at Rabbit Island on Saturday. Donna Swift organised the chilly dip for the swimmers aged in their 60s to 80s and described it as “invigorating and refreshing”. The reward was mulled wine back at the village.

Anne Hardie.

Photo:

Richmond Cemetery only has capacity for the next 10 years. Photo: File.

Hāngī to celebrate Matariki at Garin

ANNE HARDIE

Matariki was celebrated with a hāngī for 250 people at Garin College and it was a team effort in the cold hours of dawn to prepare the feast in the earth oven, or umu.

Pork, lamb and chicken with a mix of roast vegetables and cabbage was lifted steaming from the pit before being served up with fried Māori bread and accompanied by kapa haka and a waiata. It is the second year the school has prepared a hāngī around Matariki after its Māori whānau came up with the idea at one of its regular huis.

Māori head girl, Sophie Richardson, was part of the team of students and parents who prepared the food the night before and set the alarm for 3am to light the fire that heated the metal balls that went into the deep pit to cook the feast. Four large metal baskets, lined with saturated cabbage leaves to protect the food from

the heated metal balls, were filled with meat, then veges, before being covered with sacks, tarpaulins and soil. By lunch time, the soil was shovelled off and the steaming baskets were lifted for students to dish out.

“It’s such a different taste when it

‘Acute’ demand for relief teachers

KATE RUSSELL

The region’s largest relief teacher provider has seen a 25 per cent increase in demand for staff. StaffSync is a productivity tool

comes out of the ground,” Sophie says. “It helps bring the school together and Matariki is an important time for Māori as it is the start of the new Māori year.

“As Māori students we’re really proud of who we are and sharing it with the rest of the school,

that gives schools across New Zealand access to the largest pool of relievers. They currently have 173 primary and intermediate school relievers in Nelson, and 153 in Tasman, signed up with them. StaffSync managing director, Rhys Greensill, explains while that may sound like a lot, many of these relievers get “locked in” on fixed-term contracts early in the year.

especially those who have never had a hāngī.”

Last year was a trial run with enough food in the hāngī for 100 packs which were sold within the school. Learning from last year, Sophie says they prepared enough kai for 250 meals this

“The actual number of these relievers that are available is reduced,” he says, “The demand is more acute than we’ve ever seen before. It’s a systemic problem with how many teachers we are producing and how they are retained. There has also been a significant increase in demand due to additional classroom release time for teachers.”

year and posted on Facebook so the wider community could also have an opportunity to enjoy the hāngī. It has been a good fundraiser for the kapa haka group which was kick started last year and Sophie was expecting a “solid profit”.

So far this month they have published 456 jobs, compared with 366 jobs in June 2023. “That’s around a 25 per cent increase, and it’s not the end of the month yet.” Last week, Waimea Weekly reported that many schools in the region were struggling to find relief staff, with Wakefield School having to send two classes home one day earlier this month.

JIMMY BANKS NEW CEO

Left: Garin College’s Māori head girl Sophie Richardson, 18, says food has a different taste when it comes out of the ground. Right: from left, Keni-Duke Hetet, Tom Speers, Bruce Richardson and Terric Goomes bring the food out of the ground. Photos: Anne Hardie.

Dogs kill little blue penguins

The deaths of two little blue penguins/Kororā in Tasman have led to infringement notice fees totalling $1,400 for two dog owners, and a plea to keep dogs under control.

One dog killed a little blue penguin at Observation Bay on the Abel Tasman coast in an area where dogs are banned, resulting in Department of Conservation (DOC) infringement notice fees of $1,200. The family had taken the dog to the beach and the dog had gone into bush and returned with the penguin in its mouth.

DOC Motueka biodiversity ranger, Leon Everett, says dog owners are responsible for where they can take their dogs, dog control rules and controlling their dogs to keep native wildlife safe.

“It’s a legal requirement for dog owners to carry a lead in public, even in an off-lead area. Dog owners should also be able to call their dog back straight away, not only to protect wildlife, but also to keep their dog safe.

Another dog owner failed to control their dog which pulled a penguin out of a burrow at Tapu Bay. The owner immediately arranged for the penguin to receive veterinary treatment, but it died 12 hours later. Dogs are allowed off-lead at Tapu Bay but under control and Tasman District Council issued an infringement notice fee of $200.

DOC is urging dog owners to ensure they only take dogs where they are allowed and to keep their dogs under control.

“On the beach, walk with dogs on the wet sand to avoid little blue penguin burrows in cliff faces and rocky banks and to prevent disturbing shorebird nesting areas in sand dunes or around driftwood. Stay clear of groups of resting shorebirds to avoid stressing them.”

He says little blue penguins are not only vulnerable moving between the sea and their nests at dawn and dusk, but also in their nests.

The penguins and other ground-dwelling native birds can’t escape dogs easily and he says it only takes a second for a dog to cause a fatal injury to a penguin.

Forest & Bird honours Youth conservationist

SUPPLIED CONTENT

Nate Wilbourne has received this year’s Forest & Bird Te Kaiārahi Rangatahi o te Taiao Youth Award for Youth Conservation.

At 16 years old, Nate has already got an impressive resume as a budding conservationist. His love of conservation was sparked when he spent a day tree planting at school as an eight-year-old.

“I tell this story to everyone, but that inspired me. Learning more about our local environment and ecosystems –we were doing something to leave our environment better than we found it,” Brightwater-based Nate says. He’s been hooked ever since, joining Forest & Bird Youth when he was 13. After discovering his region did not have a local ‘Youth Hub,’ Nate started one, rapidly recruiting 40 like-minded young people from across the Top of the South to plant trees and protect nature.

“There were no opportuni-

ture sanctuary in Wharariki Farewell Spit, Golden Bay – for seabirds to breed again along the cliffs and dunes, and other native species to flourish in the forests and wetlands. During the past two years, Nate helped with translocation of 198 pakahā fluttering shearwater chicks to the Wharariki Ecosanctuary. He also volunteers to help boost the number of kororā little penguins and tītī sooty shearwaters in the area. Nate says he wants to leave the world in a better place than he found it.

ties for young people to get involved in conservation in our area. I wanted to meet like-minded people and make a difference,” Nate says. He now puts hours in to help the national Forest & Bird Youth team, leading their communications hub.

Nate also volunteers for HealthPost Nature Trust where he spends weekends working to help create a na-

“We’ve got the most incredible biodiversity in Aotearoa, but that is under threat. I want to do my bit to help nature – we need to look after what we’ve got.”

Many young people give their time, hard work, and energy to protect and restore our unique natural environment. This national award recognises that special young person who shows leadership, initiative and who is making a difference for nature.

Little blue penguins are vulnerable on shore. Photo: Supplied.

Nate Wilbourne from Brightwater was awarded for youth conservation at the annual Forest & Bird awards. Photo: Supplied.

Salisbury Rd to lose ‘dangerous’ concrete separators

MAX FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter

The concrete separators along Richmond’s Salisbury Rd will be removed after they attracted the ire of residents and raised safety concerns.

The change comes as Tasman District Council seeks to accommodate some of the feedback it has received on its contentious Streets for People cycleway projects.

Councillor Glen Daikee proposed to have the separators removed, describing situations where cyclists have collided with the separators and fallen into the carriageway.

“The reason we put these in, which I voted for, was to keep cyclists safe. We have inadvertently made it more dangerous,” he says.

“We cannot leave them.”

The separators were installed to create a physical barrier between cyclists and motor traffic, to increase the perceived safety of cycling and to appeal to “interested but concerned cyclists”.

Some schools in the project area have suggested that more students are cycling to school since the cycleways were installed, with reports of their cycle racks being “full to overflowing”.

Feedback from council surveys also show that respondents feel that Salisbury Rd is now safer than it was without the separated cycleways.

However, many respondents specifically voiced dislike of the separators, with some saying they were distracting and were obstructions on the road.

Drivers have repeatedly hit the concrete separators, with some crumbling or becoming detached

from the road, creating obstacles for cyclists in the cycleway.

But councillor Mark Greening was concerned that removing the separators might be premature, though like most elected members, he didn’t vote against Daikee’s proposal.

“I’m a little bit more concerned about the safety of the cyclists than necessarily a car hitting these concrete things because they didn’t see them. I think the real problem is probably the visibility of them.”

Currently, the separators are pale grey with white ends with a red reflector on top.

Instead of removing the separators, Mark suggested paint-

ing them yellow or replacing them with yellow rubber separators like those currently installed on Salisbury Rd outside of the schools.

The rubber separators currently on Salisbury Rd will remain in place, as will the concrete separators along other roads across the district targeted by the Streets for People programme.

the Florence Medical Centre. Some Richmond residents have been vocal in their opposition to the removal of car parks for cycleways, but the Salisbury Rd survey highlighted the medical centre as a specific area of concern.

The trial 30kmh speed limit on Hill Street, between William and Queen Street, will also come to an end with the 50kmh speed re-enacted.

The lower speed limit was not being complied with by most drivers – likely because of a lack of traffic calming measures, such as speed bumps, in the area.

Car parking along the affected section of Hill Street will remain with no separated cycleways slated to be installed, like on the rest of the road, as of yet.

The changes made will continue to be monitored and further changes may occur in the future pending further community feedback and usage data.

The Streets for People programme is 90 per cent funded by Waka Kotahi and prioritises trialling low-cost, adaptable infrastructure which can be easily and cheaply modified as needed.

The modifications agreed to by the council will be sought to be made before funding for the programme runs out on 30 June 2024.

The other change coming to Salisbury Rd will be the reinstallation of two car parks outside of

The pale concrete separators were frequently hit by both drivers and cyclists. Inset: Councillor Glen Daikee says the separators made Salisbury Rd more dangerous. Photo: Max Frethey.

Safety around underground boxes

Have you ever wondered... “What are the little black plastic or concrete boxes on the side of the footpath for?”

These are Network Tasman’s ‘underground boxes’. They have fuses inside of them that connect the power cables under the footpath or verge to the service cables that carry electricity to your house or business. We have about 12,000 underground boxes on our network. Most of them are in built-up areas and in public spaces.

These boxes have live electrical components inside of them, so it’s important for everyone’s safety that they are left alone and their covers stay securely fitted.

Boxes can get damaged by:

z Vehicles accidentally bumping into them, causing the cover to loosen or crack. If a box gets repeatedly damaged by vehicles, we will look at putting protective bollards around it.

z People drilling holes or inserting screws into them –this is extremely dangerous!

z Unauthorised people removing the hold down screws. Only Network Tasman approved contractors are permitted to remove the covers.

All of these things can expose the live electrical parts inside the box and put you at risk of electrocution.

If you accidentally damage an underground box, or if you see one that has been damaged, let us know straight away by phoning our fault line 0800 508 100.

If you have any questions about this article, send us an email: info@networktasman.co.nz

Bands rock the regionals

KATE RUSSELL

Combined Garin College and Nelson College band Solace has claimed first place at the Nelson regional final of Smokefreerockquest.

Bands from all around the region took the stage for the event at the Theatre Royal on Saturday night.

Solace is made up of Mia Coldicott (acoustic guitar and vocals), Daniel MacBrayne (keyboard), Oscar Walsh (electric guitar and vocals), Oscar Begg (drums), and Boston Harvey (bass).

Mia says it was “exciting” to come away with the win and her band claimed $500 musical equipment from the Rockshop for their efforts.

“Performing on the Smokefreerockquest stage is one of the most amazing feelings. The support we have all received over the years is so special, there is nothing quite like it.”

Finessed, from Nelson College and Nelson College for Girls, came second place in the band category and also placed first in Smokefree Tangata Beats. Coming in third in the band category was Salisbury Road from Waimea College and

Waimea Intermediate, whose singer Madison Connor also won the best vocals award.

The solo-duo winners from Nelson were Luciella Pessione from Nelson College for Girls and Shenae Speedy from Waimea College, who also won the APRA lyric award.

Event manager Danya Sanerivi says the regional finals are a “highlight of the event run”.

“It’s fascinating to see the growth in these bands from the heats to the finals. They really step up their game, pouring everything they’ve got into their performances. It’s like they hit a new level, and you can’t help but feel proud of them.”

The musicianship award went to Grace Palmer, lead guitarist of East Avenue from Nelson College for Girls, and JP Moynihan, bassist/vocalist of Shedheads from Nelson College. The ZM best song award was awarded to Imperfect Circles from Motueka High School, while the Rockshop best use of electronic assistance award went to Lilijana and Neve from Garin College. The programme, which is now in its 37th year, is held nationwide. The top two bands plus the winners of the solo duo category can submit a video of their original material to potentially be selected as one of the top 10 national finalists.

Combined Garin College and Nelson College band Solace were named the best band at the Nelson regional final of Smokefreerockquest on Saturday night. Photo: Supplied.

ELOISE MARTYN

Nearly 25 youths participated in Tapawera’s inaugural ‘Youthrive’ wellness event last month.

Attendees, aged 11-18, explored activities ranging from learning about health pillars and energetic Zumba dances, to emphasising the importance of sleep.

“It was a great event and we tried to offer something that would interest everyone,” event organiser Temika Amstad says. “We had Zumba, jiu-jitsu, yoga,

and a health and wellness specialist, as well as a sleep guru.”

The group created a vegan-based ‘build a bowl’ for dinner which some found challenging, but they were encouraged to think outside the square regarding healthy food options.

“Through the ‘build a bowl’ we really got them to see that healthy food can be yum too,” Temika adds.

Just before the close of the event, the participants got to experience and learn about breathwork before

they made caramel smoothies with a healthy kick for dessert.

“It was a real team effort and made possible with funding from the Tasman District Council, support from Tapawera Connect, Rangatahi Explorers and co-organiser Karla Te Tau,” Temika says. “It really was a cool event and I know those who came definitely tried a few new things regarding health and wellness.”

Keep an eye on www.tasmanyouthhub.co.nz for future events

Net’s do this

new nets and hoops have now been put in place and were celebrated last week.

School has a sports equipment slam dunk with two new netball and adjustable basketball hoops.

Principal Dave Sampson says the pupils love court sports and the Board of Trustees made a move to invest in new hoops on the school’s grounds. Thanks to the community’s efforts, the

“There’s always lots of kids out here shooting hoops and so it’s now about trying to encourage them to do it in a more formal and organised setting,” he says.

“We want our kids to be active, and the new hoops will allow them to really shine.”

the installation.

“Kobe’s been doing a great job coming in and coaching our kids, so what a perfect opportunity to have someone who’s a bit of a local celebrity show off his skills for the opening of our new equipment.”

Maitai rebuild saved

Some great news this week – Education Minister Erica Stanford has listened to our community and has committed to funding the redevelopment of Maitai School, including my call that funding for redeveloping specialist schools be ringfenced. Parents, staff, and our wider community have been anxious since learning in April the new school and a planned satellite at Nayland College were in doubt. This followed cuts to disability support services announced by the Government earlier this year.

The community has been right behind the push to ensure that Maitai gets the important facilities they need. We've held public meetings, parents and staff have told their stories in the media, and I have continued to raise the issue with the Government. This project is not a ‘nice to have’ – it is a necessity. Disabled students have the same right to a quality education as others in New Zealand.

I have seen up close the vitally important work the dedicated staff do at Maitai, and the difference the school makes in the lives of so many in the region. My thanks to school staff, parents, and other advocates – we could not have achieved this result without your tireless work, advocacy, and dedication. By working together, we have managed to get the Minister and the Government to listen to the our community and have ensured that young people with disabilities receive the quality education they deserve.

GORDON PREECE

Ranzau

Nelson Giants guard Kobe Langley hit the court with the students, staff, and board members last week to celebrate

Tapawera youth, from left; Ella Walker, Atlanta Walker, Holly Bright and Lachie Barker, recently took part in the first ever Tapawera ‘Youthrive’ wellness event.

Photo: Supplied.

Nelson Giants guard Kobe Langley helps Ranzau School pupil Hugo Board score one of the first dunks in the school’s new nets.

Photo: Gordon Preece.

Mark

Arabella

Jack

Riley 7, Phil and Paige Nicholls, 9

Suzie and Niamh Tait, 3

Ajay

Dhara

Nikita

Local History

Thomas and Louisa Tidd’s brewing and boarding

ROBYN PARKES

Thomas Samuel Tidd Jnr was born in 1842 in Nelson. His parents Thomas and Elizabeth, nee Eyles, had arrived on board the ship Mary Ann seven months prior to Thomas being born.

In 1866, he married Louisa Midgley, and the couple made their home on a section cut out of the bush at Wai-iti. With roads that were little more than tracks, bullock carts were the main source of transport. Many of the residents in the area were known to walk to Brightwater and even Richmond, to attend church services and purchase supplies.

Louisa was born at Brightwater in 1845 to Henry and Mary Ann Midgley, nee Seymour. Her parents had arrived in New Zealand in 1839 and 1840 respectively on board the ships Bolton and London. Thomas and Louisa later relocated to Foxhill, where he

carried out a business as a farmer and brewer. He was a member of the Mansion of Peace Lodge and of the Forest Lodge and was also for a time elected to the Foxhill School committee. The couple had 11 children, although not all reached adulthood.

Thomas, in partnership with Eliab Baigent, opened ‘Wakefield Brewery’ which they operated from a building at the rear of Eliab’s home until August 1893 when the partnership was dissolved, leaving Thomas to continue on his own. When Eliab, requiring a slower pace in life, moved to another home, Thomas took over the house in 1898 and opened ‘Tidd’s Boarding House” and in 1901 Louisa advertised her tearooms offering refreshments at all hours for cyclists, cricketers and holidaymakers. Louisa continued to run the house and tearooms after Thomas died in 1909.

Tidd’s Boarding House, Wakefield. Photo: Tasman Heritage, Waimea South Collection.

A serious accident occurred in January 1903 when Louisa and daughter Mary were driving home in the late afternoon and on reaching the school bank the trap broke, and while descending a steep grade struck the bank. Louisa was thrown onto the horse

before falling onto the road. Dr. Pearless, who was close by, heard the screams and arrived shortly after the accident. After tending to Louisa he arranged for her to be carried home on a stretcher.

After a full examination it was

found that she had only suffered from shock and bruising.

Four years after Thomas died, Louisa put her total property up for auction to be sold in one lot.

The auction took place in Nelson on Saturday, 25 January, 1913 and included the brewery, public hall and boarding house at Wakefield.

The brewery was listed as a large building, the boarding house as having 10 rooms and conveniences, a large hall used for public meetings, dances etc., a large building used as a bottling store, fitted with a brick oven, outbuildings and a five-stalled stable, with the property having two frontages to the main road and within three minutes of the railway station, post office, school and recreation ground.

Louisa moved into Washington Valley, Nelson and remained there for the rest of her life. She died at her son’s home on 12 September, 1934 aged 89 years.

Opinion

Wensley Road works

When we were advised that Wensley Road was going to undergo major work to remedy the countless pot holes and uneven surfaces, we were delighted, despite the advice that road closures would be involved.

Over the last few years, this important and increasingly busy corridor has undergone frequent repair work to remedy the sub-standard surfaces which exist between Oxford Street and Langdale Drive. The recent surface repairs undertaken were so extensive that we (and many others), reasonably anticipated a complete kerb to kerb reseal to complete the upgrade. Not so!

Recent new road markings (much of which is also sub-standard), would indicate that the contractors and the Council have now completed the work to their satisfaction. The new surface in many areas is very rough and does not align with the existing seal.

The new bus stop is already showing extensive signs of slumping despite recent remedial work.

Who is accountable to ensure standards, specifications and the overall outcomes for such essential work are being met cost-effectively?

Undoubtedly, further remedial work on this increasingly important arterial route will be required in the foreseeable future. It is obviously a false economy not to have done this work to a more satisfactory standard in the first place. Surely the responsibility lies with TDC. Is there no accountability for quality control and expenditure? At best - disappointing. At worst - totally unacceptable.

Garry & Frances Thompson

Richmond’s new traffic plan

I would like to commend John Hewison for his insightful comments regarding Richmond’s new traffic plans and share my own perspective. I fully agree with all his

points and would like to add a few more. Not everyone is a cyclist, and my heart goes out to the residents of Upper Queen St and similar areas who have lost their street parking.

This loss could potentially impact their property values, and I believe efforts should be made to replace their parking. I am curious about the accident statistics for cyclists in these areas.

Has the council conducted a thorough analysis?

Regarding the speed bumps, I believe the funds would have been better allocated towards repairing Wensley Rd, which is in desperate need of attention.

Numerous other roads in Richmond also require repairs, and it seems unwise to squander money unnecessarily. The Queen St parklet is another concern.

I fear it may prove to be a waste of money, potentially significantly affecting the income of the adjacent shops due to inadequate parking. While there is parking behind the Sprig and Fern, it often proves insufficient during peak times. Asking older individuals like myself to park around the corner and walk is simply impractical.

Lorraine Cotton

Team effort restores Belgrove Windmill

Wow, that’s great to hear the history of the windmill. I used to travel past it a lot as a child, as Dad worked up in the Golden Downs. Thank you.

Ruth Stagg

Wow, that’s great, good job everyone.

Ivina Smout

The tamarillo revival

They grow better in Karamea as they don’t have frosts

Simon Scowen

Salisbury Rd to lose ‘dangerous’ concrete separators

They were totally dangerous. But then so is the cycle lane that suddenly stops at the bus stop and a bus cuts you off on your bike. Slam on your brakes and hit the curb!

Diane Chandler

Well done TDC. Now we need to show some empathy and compassion for the elderly residents who have become isolated in their homes and unable to receive the in-home carers and visitors they need. What we have now is faster traffic down Hill St and dangerous backing out of driveways, cyclists would be far safer with the strongly recommended 30 kph speed limit (in reality about 40kph) and no cycle lanes. How many councillors actually saw the ViaStrada safety audit? We have the second most elderly population in the countryshow you care.

Carolyn Woolf

Can’t make ways for emergency vehicles

Have

sara@topsouthmedia.co.nz

without taking risk of damaging our cars. Ridiculous!

Peter Pokeno

It doesn’t surprise me the council has skewed this towards cyclists safety only. As a driver, my concern always related to the ability for motorists to pull over for emergency vehicles. I came down Salisbury Road in peak traffic the other day with an ambulance right behind me with lights and sirens and nowhere to pull in. While it would of been nice to see all removed, I am pleased the powers that be have listened to some concerns and seen it fit to remove the offending concrete barriers.

Natascha Whitehead

How much does all this cost? The cost of making them, putting them in place, now removing them, cost of replacing them with something else?

Kay Clausen

Groundbreaking forestry innovation in Brightwater

The cool thing about Dale is you can trust that whatever comes out of that factory will make logging better because the man is a logger. So the ideas really come from experience in the bush, made in Brightwater and pushed back into the bush. That’s an industry leader right there.

Jamin Brown

Olive Estate raises $28k for hospice

Absolutely awesome, everyone. Such a fantastic amount, way above your first target. Great work.

Wendy A Cornish

Well done, Olive Estate and Paragon Eatery, fantastic.

Beverley Buckley

Rural first aid champion

ELOISE MARTYN

For the past seven years, Tapawera beef farmer Emily Higgins has been instrumental in empowering locals with essential first aid skills.

For those living in rural areas, knowing basic first aid skills can potentially make a life-saving difference while waiting for an ambulance to arrive in an emergency.

Recognising the critical importance, Emily has ensured community members have opportunities to upskill in first aid by organising St John to come to Tapawera to deliver full first aid and refresher courses.

“Dairy Women’s Network used to offer regular courses here, but with the shift from dairy to hops, that ceased. It’s really important to be equipped with first aid when we are far from the hospital and doctors,” Emily explains.

“Having first aid knowledge is vital on the farm, where accidents like animal injuries or bike mishaps can occur.”

Emily recounts using her training to aid a choking child, highlighting how her preparedness helped her manage the situation calmly and confidently. Her experience underscores the necessity of readiness in

emergencies, particularly in remote locations.

“Hosting these courses locally reduces the need for travel to Nelson, making participation more accessible,” she adds.

An upcoming first aid refresher is scheduled in Tapawera for Wednesday, 3 July. It’s important to note that first aid certification doesn’t need to be issued by St John; certificates from any accredited provider are accepted along with certificates that have recently expired, or are due to in a few months. Anyone interested in details can email Emily at nzemzy@gmail.com

locals with essential first aid skills.

Spice of heaven

GORDON PREECE

The Sunday rain didn’t dampen the spice of the Indian Food Festival at the Saxton Oval Pavilion.

Cuisine from all Indian regions was on offer at a buffet and outdoor Nelson Tasman food carts, and a spice stall, Indian jewellery stall, and a spice information session provided a soulful garnish.

Organiser Anjali Puri says, with Diwali not taking place until later this year, the event was an opportunity for the local, expanding Indian community to tantalise local taste buds.

“Winter is the best time because not much happens in the region so I thought it would be a good reason for people to come out and enjoy with us,” she says.

“After Diwali last year, I noticed a couple of restaurants are introducing Indian street food because they think people are getting used to having those kinds of new dishes.

“So I think [the Indian Food Festival] is also a good opportunity for new stall holders to give them the confidence to experiment, it could be their next business or their passion.”

Tapawera beef farmer Emily Higgins, with her children Fern, 6 months, and Ariana, 2, has been instrumental in empowering

Photo: Supplied.

Stallholder Diksha Mahajan warmed the spirits with Indian spices. Photo: Gordon Preece.

Empowering communities through functional fitness

ELOISE MARTYN

A local gym has been on a simple, yet powerful mission with amazing success: to make fitness accessible to everyone, from seasoned fitness enthusiasts to extending a hand and connecting with those who have never stepped into a gym.

“We started brainstorming as a team how we could be an adaptable gym and connect with those who usually wouldn’t use a gym but could benefit from sessions, we thought about who in the community we could support,” Align Functional-Fitness gym founder and trainer Brianna Wehner explains.

A team member was familiar with Richmond-based Pinnacle House, a Christian faith-based charitable trust that serves those with high-needs disabilities and knew that they could benefit, so discussions were held with collaboration seeing the gym host their first session around 18 months ago.

“The sessions involve an obstacle course and mobility warm-ups. Through trials we have found that participants will spend longer and gain more from exercises they enjoy, so we offer self-driven supported exercise,” Brianna says. Four trainers work with the group to help and make modifi-

cations when needed.

“From the first gym session to now we can see amazing results, participants use the equipment more confidently, their ability to interact has improved greatly and they have more body awareness,” Brianna adds.

Pinnacle House assistant manager Carla Milson says the benefits and changes they have noticed in

participants are incredible.

“Participants are fitter, stronger, with more balance and coordination. We have had feedback from families who say they are steadier getting in and out of cars, more independent around the house, as well as getting up and down from the floor without help,” Carla explains.

Weekly sessions now have ele-

Goodwill hunting locked and loaded

GORDON PREECE

Raising funds for the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter and a local cancer battler is the aim of a Tākaka-based hunting event which will lock and load on Friday after a two-year hiatus.

The River Inn Moonlight Hunt took its first shots in 2008 and has enticed thousands of nationwide hunter-gatherers to the rural town for a good cause.

Jamie Sixtus, who co-hosts the bash with his mother Paula and father Richard, says the rescue helicopter was the target since it had helped rescue friends, and his sister Laura following a severe motorbike crash at Anatori in 2021.

This year, Tākaka local Jack Holland will also share in the proceeds to support his level four melanoma treatment.

“People participate because

they see that we’re supporting the rescue helicopter, and that’s what it’s all about, it’s not so much the location or the prizes,” Jamie says.

“In 2008, it started as a onenight hunt and be back [at the weigh-in] at 6am, but in the end, we decided that was a little bit hard on people and the safety side of things.

“It has traditionally been quite a small local pig hunt, and then over the last four pig hunts, we’ve ramped it up and tried to make it a lot bigger for more animals to come in, and we auction them off for money.”

Jamie says the hunt officially starts at midnight on 28 June with final weigh-ins at the River Inn by 2pm on 30 June.

The adult categories include heaviest boar, sow, stag, hind, and fallow stag and hind, as well as biggest tusks, average pig and local’s heaviest boar. Juniors can also claim prizes for the heaviest hare, pos-

sum, goat and herrings, and most hares and possums.

An open category for most goat tails is also in play and a wild game pie competition at the weigh-in provides non-hunters the scope for a place in the event.

“Normally we’ll get around $12,000 to $13,000 [in raised funds], so hopefully this year we will get more than that,”

Jamie says.

“We’ve had an amazing amount of sponsorship come at us this year, and it’s actually overwhelming how much people are willing to offer support, we wouldn’t be able to do [the event] without them.”

Entries close on 27 June at 7pm, and are available at the River Inn Hotel, Tākaka Fuels and Fishing, Brightwater’s The Loggers Shop, and Motueka’s Whitwells Menswear.

Contact 027 435 0575 for more information.

ments of variation in them to keep it interesting and build on subtly making the movements harder, to increase balance and coordination.

“It’s great to reduce the risk of falls and injuries, especially while out and about.”

Brianna says the sessions have been so successful that already a new group of participants from

Pinnacle House have started attending.

“When we started the gym and these programmes, we didn’t fully appreciate the direction it was all going in, seeing how excited participants are when they come here, and having the freedom to be able to adapt for these individual people and their abilities is incredible.”

Pinnacle House participants and Align Functional-Fitness gym team members, from left, Brianna Wehner, Lisa Gill, James McGuire, Amanda Wyllie, Laura Berkett, Lisa Driver, Anna Welland, Ari Morris and Luke Clementson. Photo: Supplied.

Weigh-in judge Geoff Trewavas, from Tākaka, assesses a boar at the 2022 River Inn Moonlight Hunt. Photo: Supplied/Di Mackey.

When winter arrives, the battle against the cold begins. Nelson Glass Company, your trusted local glazing expert, offers a powerful weapon in this fight: double glazing. Here’s how their services can keep you warm and cozy during the frosty months.

Double glazing involves installing two glass panes with a gap in between. This gap acts as a thermal barrier, preventing heat from escaping and cold air from infiltrating your home. This significantly improves insulation. The trapped air between the glass panes acts as a buffer, maintaining a consistent indoor temperature. Say goodbye to drafts and uneven heating!

By reducing heat loss, you will notice a decrease in heating bills while enjoying a toasty interior. Single-pane windows often suffer from condensation – that annoying fog that blurs your view. With double glazing, the inner pane remains warmer, minimizing condensation and keeping your windows clear.

Double glazing also provides excellent noise reduction. When it comes to double glazing, Nelson Glass Company stands out for its expertise, quality materials, and personalized service. Em-

brace the winter with confidence, knowing that your home is a cozy retreat against the cold!

When you engage with Tim’s Garden for a landscape plan, you'll meet with both Tim and Willough. During the site visit, they'll take the time to understand your needs and existing landscape, working alongside you to create a space that reflects your unique style. They can help guide you through the process and offer insights on budgeting, scheduling, plant

palettes, technical drawings, material choice, and other finer details of your landscaping project. Once you are happy with the design you’ll get to meet the team that will implement the project to the highest of standards. Tim and his team will be there to manage the project from the very beginning of the design process to the handover at the end of the project to make sure your dream garden is realised.

Fence Worx Foxhill is a familyowned fence contracting busi-

ness located in rural Nelson. They specialise in farm, lifestyle, and residential fencing, as well as other projects like decks, pergolas, yards, retaining walls, sheds and garden renovations. If you’re looking for high-quality work, they’ve got you covered! Their service area includes Nelson, Tasman, Richmond, Motueka, Golden Bay, Murchison, St Arnaud, Marlborough, and everywhere in between. Fence Worx Foxhill ensures professional finishes and excellent craftsmanship. Whether you need a

sturdy farm fence or a beautifully designed pergola, they’ve got the expertise to bring your vision to life. Phone for a free quote today 021 193 6331.

Narellan Pools Nelson is making waves in the pool industry by expanding its offerings to include Trueform Spas. As experienced pool builders in the Nelson and Marlborough area, Narellan Pools has been helping homeowners achieve their dream of a beautiful fibreglass swimming pool. Now, they are taking it a step further by introducing Trueform Spa Pools to their lineup.

Trueform Spa Pools, proudly made in New Zealand, offer luxury, customizability, and quality for every lifestyle and space. Whether you’re looking for indoor or outdoor relaxation, Trueform Spa Pools provide the perfect solution. With Narellan’s reputation for excellence, customers can trust that their spa pool needs will be met with topnotch service and expertise. Visit Narellan Pools Nelson and explore the exciting range of Trueform Spa Pools – a blend of relaxation and sophistication that will elevate your pool experience.

Powering sustainable building solutions

Absolute Energy, your local insulation and energy efficiency experts, provide a one-stop-shop for all your insulation needs. With over 20 years of experience, they specialise in insulating both new and existing homes, and new construction projects, and the team work closely with builders and project managers to ensure that their construction projects meet the highest standards of thermal and acoustic performance.

Owner Paul Brockie says, “We’re proud to have insulated many local iconic buildings including Nelson Airport, Pic’s Peanut Butter World and the new Haven Apartments. At Absolute Energy, we understand the importance of insulation in creating comfortable and energy-efficient homes.

That’s why we offer a wide range of products to suit every project’s needs.”

“Our experienced teams are equipped with the expertise and resources to handle any project and one of our key strengths is our ability to work from the planning stage of a project. We provide consultation and guidance to ensure the insulation meets building code requirements and contributes to the building's overall performance. By involving us early on in the process, builders can rest assured that their projects will be well-insulated and compliant with regulations.”

In response to growing concerns about climate change and energy efficiency, Paul explains that more Kiwi architects are designing

high-performance homes, with superior thermal performance, airtight construction, and sustainable building materials. “As a Pro Clima-approved installer, we have the expertise to support these energy-efficient construction projects. Our team is trained

to install high-performance insulation systems that help reduce energy consumption and improve thermal performance and can support you in insulating everything from an off-grid cabin to an architectural masterpiece.”

Absolute Energy takes pride in

their track record of insulating over 20,000 homes across the Top of the South. “Our portfolio includes a wide range of projects, including residential homes, iconic commercial buildings, and rental properties. We are an EECA-approved contractor and can assist eligible homeowners in accessing the Warmer Kiwi Home Subsidies (terms and conditions apply). With our extensive experience, wide range of insulation products, and commitment to excellence, we’ll ensure that your project is well-insulated, energyefficient, and compliant with regulations. If planning a new construction project, or topping up existing insulation, contact us to learn more about how we can help you to achieve your goals.”

Troy and Paul Brockie lead the Nelson Tasman team. Supplied

Crafting quality outdoor spaces across the region

DECKS4U, a family-run business led by Mike Cornelissen, has been enhancing outdoor living spaces in the region for over a decade. Mike originally founded DECKS4U ten years ago as part of his retirement plan. As a fullyqualified builder with years of experience, Mike brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the local market. Focused on private housing projects, DECKS4U have also collaborated with local companies to deliver bespoke decking solutions to homeowners across the region. The team consists of Mike, his daughter Sarah, main builder Dan, and young assistant Anton. Sarah, who took on the sales role a few years ago, has an intrinsic understanding of the industry, and handles measuring,

quoting, and sales with expertise and precision.

“At DECKS4U, we pride ourselves on delivering quality craftsmanship. Our process begins with a comprehensive site visit, where we discuss client expectations, placement, sizing, logistics, and design options. We provide an A3 plan and a quote that accurately reflects the proposed project, ensuring transparency and reliability.” Clients appreciate the team’s guidance on what's possible and realistic, especially regarding heights, curvatures, and balustrades, says Sarah. “As specialists in decking, we offer honest assessments and avoid the pitfalls of "bodge" jobs by unqualified workers and we ensure every project meets the highest standards.

sales manager, Sarah Welford, at one of the company's recent projects. Decks4U brings decades of specialised experience to Nelson Tasman and Marlborough.

Working closely with clients is one of the most rewarding aspects of our business. We take pride in helping people achieve their vision for their outdoor spaces.”

One question the team get asked often is why they use Kwila decking. “Kwila is a dense hardwood that withstands heavy foot traffic and extreme weather conditions.

Its natural resistance to decay, rot or warping, ensures a deck that looks better for longer.” A wellexecuted deck not only enhances the aesthetics of a home but also adds value, transforms living spaces, and creates functional and beautiful outdoor areas.

“We run our business like a family. This close-knit environment fosters a positive and productive workplace, which translates into the quality of work we deliver to our clients. Our ongoing success is attributed to our passion and enjoyment for what we do.” DECKS4U are dedicated to providing exceptional decking solutions. Whether looking to enhance a home's value or create a stunning outdoor space, DECKS4U is here to bring any vision to life.

Over a period of time we have had plans drawn up to extend the Richmond Room conference facility to handle a better size crowd of 100 –120 people. The extension is approximately 12m x 9m, so will give us the capability of using it in it’s current form, or opening up large acoustic doors to give us the full area, some 200+ sqm. This will enable us to hold good sized functions that currently aren’t big enough to entertain our main hall.

We went through the Tender process, receiving tender’s from three construction companies, and then took this to our AGM on 9th June, where the member’s passed to go ahead with the build. This is currently in council for consent, so we envisage being underway in the near future.

Everyone welcome rain or shine, meet at the Club 11.00 am for a run to the Beached Whale, Kaiteriteri for lunch and drinkies.

We need to advise numbers so a booking sheet has been set up, please advise if you are coming by the 14th.

A true asset within The Meadows community

www.onthesp

After an adventure of a lifetime, Craig and Karen BishopEverett, the new owner-operators of On the Spot Meadows in Richmond, are thrilled to swap the sea for dry land and take the reins of their brandnew store. The couple, who returned to the Top of the South at the end of last year after four years of full-time sailing abroad, are ready to bring their wealth of experience and passion back to their community. Having previously owned On the Spot Collingwood for seven years - their first store under the Foodstuffs South Island co-op - as well as Take Note Tākaka, and a retail consulting business, the couple sold up at the end of 2019 and flew to Fiji to buy a 45-foot monohull to begin their round-the-world trip. Then, Covid hit.

“We spent Covid cruising around Fiji on a boat,” says Craig. “There were no lock-

downs – it was awesome.” After about two years in Fiji, they sold their boat and headed to the US. They spent the next two years sailing from the US down through Mexico, the Sea of Cortés, to El Salvador, and then across the Pacific Ocean to French Polynesia, Tahiti, American Samoa, Fiji, New Caledonia, Australia, and finally, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Craig says, “When we were looking at coming back to New Zealand we started the process about what we wanted to do, and what we wanted to be involved in. We were sitting on a beach in Malaysia and just knew that we wanted to be our own bosses. We looked at all sorts of options throughout different industries across the country. But we knew that, ultimately, grocery was what we wanted to get back into. We wanted to create a ‘work family’ and spoke with the support

person, Suzanne, from On the Spot. We knew her from our store in Collingwood so already had a really good idea of how things operated.”

When the opportunity arose for Craig and Karen to return to the area, and to open the only convenience store serving The Meadows subdivision, it felt like destiny. “What initially drew us in to opening the On the Spot store was the general community feeling that The Meadows evoked,” says Karen. “We’ve always loved the grocery industry, and we’re so excited to be back in this beautiful part of the country to serve our local community.” Craig comments on the parallels between sailing and the grocery business, saying, “Both are fast-moving and every action has an immediate consequence, much like retail.”

Craig and Karen first started talks about the store in Octo-

Craig, Kathy, Cherie and Karen were excited to meet so many local customers from The Meadows and thank you all for your support.

ber last year, coming back to New Zealand in December.

Eight months on from that initial conversation they were proud to open the doors to On the Spot Meadows on Tuesday, June 18. In the weeks leading up, the couple were busy adding the finishing touches

and gearing up for the highly anticipated opening. They received numerous messages of support and encouragement from The Meadows community, which is home to around 5,000 residents.

“People have been telling us they’ve been hanging out for

us to open, and that the area will really benefit from having a local store serving the subdivision,” Karen shares. Craig agrees, saying, “We’re excited to be a part of the community and contribute however we can. The one thing we missed about being away from

New Zealand, apart from friends and family, was doing our bit for the community. This is why we came back. It’s our thing, it’s what drives us.”

Craig himself brings around 30 years of experience in the grocery industry. A butcher by trade, he began his Foodstuffs journey toward store

Central Park Lane in The Meadows welcomes On the Spot Meadows alongside existing hospitality businesses Alioke and The Sprig + Fern, and Wildflowers Early Learning Centre.

ownership

ownership on the first day of his apprenticeship at New World Southmall in Manurewa, South Auckland. Over the years, he has worked his

has worked his way

up through various roles at several stores, including New World Waiuku and PAK’nSAVE Glen Innes, Wairau, and Manukau. He also completed an

www.onthesp t.co.nz

Executive Master of Business Administration with Massey University.

University.

“I was really lucky I had an owner-operator who was willing to share his experiences and show me the way as part of my development. People within Foodstuffs are willing to give people a go, and one of our big things is to pay it forward, which we want to do here at The Meadows.” Originally from the North Island, Craig and Karen met while working in the Training and Development department at the Foodstuffs Support Centre in Auckland, where they discovered a shared interest in sailing. They lived in Golden Bay for seven years, operating their businesses before embarking on their epic world adventure. The extensive travel not only broadened their horizons,

they say, but also reinforced their love for the grocery industry and their commitment to serving their local community. Despite the allure of the open sea, they always knew they would return home to serve their community as local grocers once again. “The whole time we were away, on a Tuesday, I would say to Karen, ‘It’s delivery day today,’ because Tuesday was our Foodies delivery day when we would get our weekly stock for the store,” Craig recalls.

Craig recalls.

Once the dust settles from opening week, the couple are excited to immerse themselves in the community and help to support and promote any initiatives that might come up.

Karen explains the community feel of The Meadows development spoke to what they have learnt on their travels. “For us,

this is an extension of what we learned while overseas and something we wanted to establish here – to give back to the community in some way, to pay it forward. Throughout the journey we have visited some very remote places. We specifically sought that out and spent time in the villages. Everyone we met was welcoming, wonderful and friendly, and would share whatever they had – even if they had practically nothing. We were invited into people’s homes.”

“It was just extraordinary to see how different the rest of the world could be and yet the same in terms of connection between people. Although we all have different cultures, beliefs, and ways of living, one thing never changes and that is the basic goodness in people. We felt so welcomed, the vil-

Carole Main from Youngberry Drive has been eagerly waiting for On the Spot Meadows to open and was excited to be their very first customer when they opened their doors last week.

Executive Master of Business Administration with Massey

Carole Main from Youngberry Drive has been eagerly waiting for On the Spot Meadows to open and was excited to be their very first customer when they opened their doors last week.

lagers wanted to connect and laugh, and they were happy. Some of these people really had nothing much, compared to others, but they would laugh!”

Craig and Karen look forward to connecting with the community at The Meadows. Their adventure has come full circle, bringing them back to where their hearts have always belonged – serving their local community and making a positive impact on the lives of those around them. The response from the recent opening has been phenomenal, say the couple. “We feel very welcomed,” says Craig. " It is so good to finally be here, and we feel we can create a good life. The developers did a great job with establishing their vision of a community hub. This is our sort of thing, and now it is up to us to deliver on that vision.”

Graham Vercoe, the developer of Berryfield’s and The Meadows, and owner of GJ Gardner Homes, says the couple are the perfect fit for the business, and its surrounding area, bringing their many years of expertise to the neighbourhood and its residents. “From my perspective, I am very happy to have Craig and Karen as the new owners of On the Spot in The Meadows. They are very experienced in the grocery field and are both genuinely good people. They have fitted very well into the community they intend to serve and are an asset to the commercial heart of The Meadows.”

“We wouldn't be here without the support from all of our local tradespeople,” says Craig. “I project managed the fitting of the store until it got to a point where specific expertise were

needed. The tradies were amazing and we wouldn’t have the store we have without them, they all worked tirelessly to put the vision together. Everyone, even our window cleaner Tommo, did the best job of cleaning up nearly two years' worth of build-up on the windows. He is just a super nice guy who did an amazing job, and that really sums up our experience with everyone! They are all just good people doing good things in their own quiet way. Foodstuffs have also been fantastic. They are a group of grocers working together to support other grocers – and the level of help from them has been outstanding.”

Located in The Meadows hub, next to Sprig + Fern and Alioke Cafe, On the Spot Meadows is a 250-square-metre retail space in the heart of The Meadows

www.onthesp

subdivision. The store stocks a full range of basic supermarket items for customers and around 2,000 product lines, including grocery, pro-

duce, chilled and frozen goods, meat, and food-to-go sections, including hot chickens, sandwiches, and sweet treats.

On the Spot Meadows – whatever you need; groceries, food to go, ice creams and sweet treats, and everyday items – they have it all in one spot!

Murchison farmers

golf tourney

Murchison Golf Club buzzed with vibrant colours, laughter, and excitement during their annual 'Farmers Golf' day on 14 June.

Farmers Golf is a combination of a golf club fundraiser and

a day for farmers to relax as at this time of the year many would have just finished drying their cows off, meaning the cows don’t need to be milked for a short period until calving starts, which in the farming world is a huge time saver. “It was a bit wet underfoot but

the rain held off enough to get 18 holes in, with some teams dressed for the weather and others dressed to impress,” event organiser Josh Penman explains. 16 teams of 4-5 entered, with prizes for a range of things like ‘best-dressed team’, which Josh says was not an easy job to choose.

“Some teams went all out in their get-ups this year,” he says. Farmers Golf has been held at the golf club since the late 80’s and event supporter Leigh Knowles, owner of the

Rob Hunt, Mat Coates, Glen Pettigrew and Robert Pugh were one of the winning groups for best-dressed team at Murchison's Farmers Golf Day. Photo: Supplied.

The Wicked Bitches. Janelle Hocking, Kadie Pettigrew, Stefanie Horner, Natasha Dodsworth. Photo: Supplied.

The Fern Flat Fairys, Vickie Nicholls, Rachel McFadden, Ali Lochhead and Amanda Andrews were one of the winning groups for best-dressed team at Murchison's Farmers Golf Day. Photo: Supplied.

Hampden Hotel, says she enjoys donating her time and resources to put on drinks and a BBQ for those involved.

“We’ve been supporting Farmers Golf for 13 years, it's always a fun day, a little untidy, and always cold and miserable weather, but it never stops us,” Leigh says.

Josh would like to thank all those who braved the elements to make this day a success.

“A massive thank you to all the day’s sponsors and a big thank you to Leigh and her team from the Hampden Hotel for their hard work, food, and entertainment.

“Leigh has been doing an amazing job for as long as I can remember and in some pretty unforgiving weather some years. You might have to come back and play next year,” he suggests, while laughing.

Winning teams were: 1st. The Ball bags / 2nd. TME Tow Balls /3rd. The Fire Puter Outers & ANZ /4th.The 4 swordsmen/ 5th.The John Daly's. And the best-dressed team was a tie going to the ‘The Girly Fern Flat Fairys’ and ‘The 4 Swordsmen’.

Murchison’s monthly storytime fun

On the first Friday of each month, storytime reader Sophus Glasgow arrives from Nelson to the Murchison Library armed with a selection of children's books that spark imagination and creativity.

Murchison’s Storytime has been going on for decades now and the sessions are designed for preschool children aged two to five years old.

“Sophus is a great storyteller, really enthusiastic with heaps of energy and really animated which the kids just love,” Murchison Library’s Erica King-Tenison says.

Listening to stories is fun and develops children's love of books and listening skills, and the sessions are also a chance for parents to meet. Murchison Library welcomes anyone and everyone to the free sessions, there is no RSVPjust turn up at 11am on the first Friday of every month during term time.

ELOISE MARTYN

Sophus Glasgow hosts a storytime session at Murchison Library once a month. Photo: Supplied.

Arts

Hope drives Showquest win

KATE RUSSELL

School spirit and a whole lot of hope gave Waimea Intermediate School the edge to take out the open section of Showquest last Monday night at the Trafalgar Centre.

The theme of their performance, entitled ‘The Lightkeeper’, was about retaining hope - even when times are challenging.

“It was about building resilience, with the themes in black and white - white representing hope and black representing tough times,” tumuaki Justine McDonald explains.

The school also won prizes for best choreography, lighting, theme, video wall, and styling, as well as the Showquest spirit award.

“The spirit award was the icing on the cake,” Justine says. “Seeing the kids interacting with their own team and the other teams, it was really encouraging to see.”

Student leaders Summer Clarke and Ruby Double wanted to

thank their teachers, emphasising their team’s appreciation for their guidance and support.

“Thank you to our dance teacher Miss Lee, and Mr Phillips,” Summer says.

Justine says that Showquest is a “fantastic” opportunity for kids to make social connections and work together.

“It’s great to see performing arts come back to life after the past few years.”

Coming in second place in the open section was Garin College, which also picked up awards for best drama, props, soundtrack, live music, and star of the show.

In the junior section, Victory Primary School took out the top spot with their performance, ‘He Waka Eke Noa’.

Showquest, launched in 2018, is run by Rockquest Promotions and is the country’s largest student performing arts competition. A national digital final will take place in August with a panel of industry judges to watch videos taken at the regional events.

Legacy flies into debut show

The debut musical show for a local performance company is set to delight audiences during the July school holidays. Legacy Performance Company is bringing Peter Pan Jr to the Theatre Royal stage from 18 - 19 July under the direction of Kirsty Allpress.

The cast of 70, aged from four to 19 years old, have been rehearsing once a week for three months.

They will be joined by two actors from NASDA in Christchurch, who will play Peter Pan and Hook and also mentor some of the younger performers.

Studio director Gemma Laing says this is the junior version of the classic production, and at 70 minutes long it is great for all ages, fast-moving with lots of songs.

Based on J.M. Barrie’s classic tale, the story follows Peter and his fairy sidekick, Tinkerbell, who visit the nursery of the Darling children late one night.

With a sprinkle of pixie dust, they begin a magical journey across the stars and come face to face with a ticking croc-

odile, the fierce Brave Girls, a band of

pirates, and the villainous Captain Hook.

“It’s a classic story that will be magical onstage and something fun to do in the

school holidays,” Gemma says. “The cast are all really excited to show their family and friends.” Gemma says they hope to put on a musical annually.

Peter Pan Jr is on from 18 - 19 July at the Theatre Royal with shows at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets are available from www.theatre royalnelson.co.nz

KATE RUSSELL

bungling

The cast of Peter Pan Jr from Legacy Performance Company. Photo: Amos Haring.

Waimea Intermediate School during the winning Showquest performance at the Trafalgar Centre last Monday night. Photo: Chontalle Musson.

Nelson racers gear up for Battle

A selection of the region’s top motocross riders are on their way to compete in the Battle of the Clubs.

The 10-man team will travel to Taupo to race against some of the country’s best riders at the end of this week, representing the Nelson Motorcycle Club.

Selected based on their results over the past year, these riders are the best local talents in their respective classes, ranging from seven-year-

old juniors to experienced seniors.

Club committee member Fiona Harris says the event’s unique structure makes for an exciting weekend of racing. While motocross is typically an individual sport, in this event, riders earn points for their team based on their results.

“Some of these kids look up to teammates like Shannon [Hewetson] and Wills [Harvey],” Fiona says. “The younger boys sit there with their mouths open, watch-

ing the big boys. It also gives these kids the opportunity to travel to tracks they haven’t been to before.”

The NMCC fields a team every year, and Fiona acknowledges it’s always a tough competition.

“It’s based mainly with North Island clubs, some of those clubs have two teams in. We always go in with that sense that we can do well, but at the same time it’s about that experience.

“We tell them to ‘go and do your best and have fun’.”

Each rider competes in a different class, determined by their age bracket or the type of bike they ride.

This year the team has secured sponsorships, enabling them to provide a set of riding gear for all their racers, which Fiona believes will strengthen their bond as a team. Additionally, sponsorships have helped subsidise their travel expenses.

Taryn Pinkerton is the team’s travelling manager, with a large contingent of parents also making the trip.

JACK MALCOLM

Cullen Rooney (8), Ben Adlam (16), Harry Benbow (15), Wills Harvey (17), Kase Shuttleworth (12), Carter Koss (10), and Jayden Ludemann (10); absent: Nic Darcy, Shannon Hewetson, and Walter Moore (7). Photo: Jack Malcolm.

Holly Chandler serves up Volley Ferns selection

JACK MALCOLM

A busy upcoming schedule became even more jam-packed after Holly Chandler was selected for the Volley Ferns squad.

Just ahead of leaving for China with the New Zealand Junior Women’s squad as team manager this week for the U20 Asian Championships, Holly has added even more commitments to her already burgeoning list.

As one of 26 domestic players in the squad, the selection is part of Volleyball New Zealand’s pathway for their 2024-25 international cycle, culminating with the 2025 Women’s Asian Championships.

Having already travelled to Christchurch to trial for the team,

Holly will again travel in July for a Volley Ferns Camp, before another camp and five-match test series in Auckland against Australia in August. October sees club nationals, with Holly likely in the mix with the newly-formed Tahunanui Sharks club, and another training camp.

With the Volley Ferns thinned from a squad to a 14-person team ahead of their test series, Holly says it’s an exciting time to be in the mix.

“It’s hard to know. Obviously, the squad has just been named and you can’t really pick that [14 people] at this stage.

“Definitely, in the last few years, I’ve been improving. Partly because of the opportunities I’ve had, but also as you get older you understand the game a little better.”

Having toured Chile with the Volley Ferns last year, she says the gravity of representing your country doesn’t quite hit until you’re out there and playing. With that experience under her belt, she’s confident in her ability

as she looks to earn a spot on the playing team when it is selected later this year.

“I’m never one to assume. I kind of just think, ‘I’ve done all I can’.

“Last season, I had a niggly knee [injury] and I’ve done a lot of work strengthening that. And I’m jumping a lot higher. Going to the gym and doing all sorts of exercises and netball helps.”

Holly is back in the mix with her netball after taking a season off to

focus on volleyball last year. Having changed from Prices Waimea to Jacks this season, she was a member of the team which beat the Men’s team for the first time since their reintroduction to the league three seasons ago. On top of that, she’s a teacher at Brightwater School and a WeetBix TRYathlon ambassador.

“I’ve got so much else on, I sort of forgot,” she says about her selection to the Volley Ferns squad.

been

focus of her improvement in recent times, having already been known for her attacking

NEW GREEN ROLLS STRAIGHT AND TRUE: Greg Perkins gives it a roll on Richmond Bowling Club’s newly installed all-weather green. The club welcomed players to test the new surface during a local tournament last week, and they reported that it rolls straight and true. Club vice president Geoff Powell previously said the renovation had been in their sights since moving to their new location 12 years ago. “The last one we put down was supposed to last 10 years. “It was getting very worn. . . not worn out, but the seams were exposed and it had lost all of its colour.” Geoff says the cost of the upgrades was already budgeted from the proceeds from selling the club’s old assets when they moved.

Photo: Jack Malcolm.

Sporting Snippets

Rugby:

Premier men: Kahurangi 28 - Marist 18; Central 71 - Stoke 21; Waimea OB WBD - Moutere LBD; Nelson bye.

Premier women: Kahurangi 41 - Waimea OB 17; Moutere 11 - Marist 22.

Second division: Huia 40 - Marist 15; Murchison 10 - Waimea OB 74; Stoke 39 - Tapawera/Valley Stags 12; Wanderers 68 - Riwaka 10; Collingwood 14 - Takaka 11; Nelson bye. First XV: Horomaka Combined 5 - Waimea Combined Barbarians 31.

Football:

Southern League: Nelson Suburbs 4 - FC Twenty11 2.

Nelson Pine Premier Men: Rangers 2 - FC Nelson 3; Suburbs SPL Reserves 2 - Smith & Sons Richmond 2; Sprig & Fern Tahuna 3Motueka 3.

Nelson Pine Premier Women: Suburbs SPL Reserves 3 - Motueka Angels 0; Suburbs Swans 0 - Golden Bay Shield Maidens 2; Mapua Cougars 1 - Sprig & Fern Tahuna Breaks 10; Hothouse Creative Richmond Foxes 5Get Cars FC Nelson Diamonds 1.

Premier netball:

Jacks OPD 69 - FCL Nelson Men 61; Prices Waimea Ahurei 48 - Richmond F45 52; Stoke NBS 54 - Nelson Girls College Senior A 48.

See the full match report on

Holly Chandler says her defence has

the

prowess.

Photo: Jack Malcolm.

Where to support your Waimea teams this week

• Division 1

Marist vs Waimea OB

Tāhunanui Playing Fields Friday, 28 June, 3pm

Women

Waimea OB vs Marist

Jubilee Park Thursday, 27 June 7pm

• Division 2

Tākaka vs Waimea OB

Tākaka Recreation Park Saturday, 29 June

1.15pm

• U6 Rippa

Stoke vs Waimea OB Red

Greenmeadows Saturday, 29 June 10am

• U7 Rippa

Stoke vs Waimea OB Red

Greenmeadows Saturday, 29 June 10am

• U8

Waimea OB Red vs Stoke Eagles

Jubilee Park Thursday, 27 June, 4.30pm

• U9

Huia vs Waimea OB Red Sports Park Motueka Wednesday, 26 June 6pm

• U10

Stoke vs Waimea OB Red

Greenmeadows Thursday, 27 June 4.30pm

• U11

Wanderers vs Waimea OB Red Brightwater Domain Thursday, 27 June

5.30pm

• U12

Waimea OB Red vs Wanderers

Jubilee Park Thursday, 27 June 5pm

• U13

Waimea OB Red vs Wanderers

Jubilee Park Thursday, 27 June 5.30pm

• U17

Waimea OB vs Nelson College Kahurangi

Jubilee Park Thursday, 27 June 5.30pm

• U18 girls

Waimea OB vs Marlborough Girls

Jubilee Park Friday, Wednesday, 26 June 5pm

• U15 girls

Marlborough Girls vs Waimea OB Buller

Landsdowne Park Thursday, 27 June 6pm

Waimea Women’s season hangs by a thread

Waimea Old Boy’s women’s team were dealt a tough lesson by Kahurangi in wet weather rugby at Sports Park Motueka. The 41-17 loss sees the squad slip to last place on the fourteam Tasman Trophy leaderboard, having won just one of their eight games this season. And with a new competition format, with the second and third teams on the table playing a semi-final to decide who will face the top seeded team in the final, Waimea OB’s season is still alive, but barely. They will have to pull something out of the hat if they want to be in the playoff picture, sitting equal with Moutere but behind on points differential. That means they need at least

one point from their game against Marist this weekend, while Moutere will have to lose to Kahurangi.

But it’s not all doom and gloom for the Waimea OB women’s team, who continue to show improvements week

Youngest ‘Old Boys’

Name:

Beauden Bates Age: 11

What’s your favourite thing about playing rugby?

Making tackles, meeting new people and playing with my friends.

Who is the best sports player ever and why? Jake McLachlan. Because he is a good role model and taught me lots about rugby.

What do you want to be when you grow up? Tractor contractor/rugby player.

What’s your favourite sport? Rugby.

If you could play for any sports team, what would it be? All Blacks.

Who is your role model

on week despite a lack of results going their way.

A strong core contingent of experience means they cannot be taken lightly, with players like Mako Jess Harvie instrumental in lifting the team as she crashed over for a try on

or hero? Who is it and why?

My dad, because he taught me a lot of life skills.

What other hobbies do you have? Hunting, and hanging out with friends.

What do you want to achieve in your team this year?

To be the goal kicker, and get faster.

Saturday.

But the results also show that there’s work to do, with it taking just four minutes for Kahurangi to take first blood.

Missing Mako Bethan Manners, out for the season with injury, has been a significant blow to the team but has paved the way for some new stars to be born.

With quite a fluid squad, with players coming in and out of availability, the Waimea OB team’s gap between their least and most experienced players is significant.

That’s in part due to the team’s captain, Stephani Mitchell, who is one of the most capped premier players in the region with 12 years of experience in senior rugby.

Waimea OB women’s captain Stephani Mitchell’s experience will be needed this weekend as the team looks to claw their way into the playoffs. Photo: Chris Symes/Shuttersport.

Community Notices

MONDAY

JUNIOR BADMINTON, Mon, 6-7.30pm, Badminton Hall. For School-aged kids. Racquets avail. Ph: Joe 0277834720 / e: joe@peak.co.nz.

SOCIAL EVENING BADMINTON, Mon, 7.30pm, Badminton Hall. Racquets avail. Bring indoor court shoes. Ph: Joe 0277834720 / e: joe@peak.co.nz. $5/ night.

ELYSIUM WIDOW AND WIDOWERS GROUP meet Mon, 10am, Ginger, Richmond Mall, for coffee & friendship. New faces always welcome. Ph: Margaret 0272600748.

LIGHTHOUSE SPIRITUAL AWARENESS Mon, 7.30pm. Talks, readings, healing. Trafalgar St Hall. Ph/Txt: Carolyn 0272474644.

OSTEOACTIVE, Mon, 10am, Holy Trinity Hall, Richmond. Exercise class for participants with osteoarthritis. Seated and standing exercises. Exercise tips for osteoarthritis self-management. Ph: Nicola 0210788609. Koha $5-$8.

TASMAN AQUARIUM CLUB. Meet 1st Mon of month, 7pm. Inspiration, advice and general chat about fish and aquarium hobby. Ph: Robin 0275442518.

TUESDAY

WELLBY TALKING CAFÉ, Tues, 2 Jul, 1011.30am, McCashin’s, Stoke. Wellby Talking Cafés are about social connection and finding out about groups, activities and services. www.wellby.org.nz. Ph: 03546768

LUNCH ON THE HILL. Tues, 2 Jul, 11am, 27 Dorset St, Richmond. Come join us for hot drinks and lunch. Ph 035448844. Koha welcome.

DEMENTIA FRIENDLY LIBRARY GROUP Tues, 10.30-11.30am, Richmond Library. If you are living with Dementia, this group is for you. Come along to this supportive, friendly group at your familiar local library. Free.

HIGH VOICES REQUIRED! Rehearsals, Tues, 7.15pm, Club Waimea. Tasmonics barbershop chorus has an urgent need of male or female singers for our highest voice part. Other vacancies too. Ph: Philippa 0275497713.

WINTER CARDS, EUCHRE, Tues, 1-1.30pm, Stoke Bowling Club, 18a Ranui Rd. Warm & friendly atmosphere, afternoon tea provided. All welcome. Enq Ph: Lesley 0210407768.

RICHMOND TENNIS CLUB SOCIAL TENNIS Tues, 9.30am, Richmond Tennis Club, Gladstone Rd. If raining, we play card games. Morning tea provided. Info Ph: 0274872480.

HOPE TENNIS CLUB SOCIAL TENNIS, Tues, 9.30am, Hope Tennis Courts, Hope Domain. All abilities welcome. Info Ph: 0211729257.

HOPE INDOOR BOWLING CLUB, Tues,7pm, Hope Hall. All ages welcome. Wear soft soled shoes. First 2 nights free. Ph: Bill 035449273.

WEDNESDAY

BAR-TAILED GODWITS TALK with David Melville from ‘Birds New Zealand’. Wed, 3 Jul, 5.30pm, Richmond Library. David will speak about these extraordinary birds which undertake the longest non-stop migration of any bird species. Free.

STORYTIME AT RICHMOND LIBRARY, Wed during term time, 10-10.30am, Join us for exciting stories and songs for 2-5 year olds and their caregivers. Free.

SING YOUR LUNGS OUT, Wed, 10am, Club Waimea. A fun filled singing class for those with respiratory conditions. No singing experience necessary. Ph: Jess 0275467675.

TASMAN TRACKIES CYCLING, Wed During winter and spring (Jun – Oct), 11-12.30pm, Saxton Velodrome. Fun track racing events. Coffee & chat at ZINK Café after. Track bikes avail free of charge. Road and mountain bikes can be used. All levels and ages welcome. Coaching & bike set up avail. Ph: Murray 0276450033, or Roger Ph: 0274756459.

RICHMOND GARDEN CLUB (2019) meet 1st Wed of month, doors open 1pm, Whakatu Presbyterian Hall, Champion Rd. New members are welcome. Ph: Coral Ellis 0272262913.

THURSDAY

ENDOMETRIOSIS GROUP MEETING, Thurs, 4 Jul, 7pm, upstairs at Stables, Sundial Sq. Naturopathic Coach Helen Power speaking on women’s Hormone & Fertility. GCD RSVP nelsupport@nzendo.org.nz by 1st Jul. All welcome.

JUDO, Juniors, Thurs, 5-6pm, Seniors/ Competitive, Tues/Thurs, 6pm, Peewees, Thurs, 4.30pm, 20A Gladstone Rd (upstairs Waimea Old Boys Rugby). Ph: Michelle 0275422254.

ENGLISH CONVERSATION GROUP, Thurs, 1112pm, Richmond Library. Would you like to improve your English with a qualified, experienced ESOL teacher? Join our friendly English conversation group. Free.

BOOK CLUB NEEDING MORE MEMBERS. 4th Thurs of month, 7pm. We ladies aged all over 50 years, meeting at each other’s houses. We use BDS to rent our books. Ph: Angela 0274441546

MIDDAY FRIDAY - 30 WORDS OR LESS BY EMAIL ONLYPLEASE SEND TO: events@topsouthmedia.co.nz

SATURDAY

WAIMEA HARRIERS, Rabbit Island Trails. Sat, 29 Jun. Reg at Totara Park from 1.45pm. Race briefing 2.20pm. Start 2.30pm. Welcome all abilities for running & walking to join us. Juniors welcome also. See website for info. waimeaharriers.nz

RICHMOND TENNIS CLUB SOCIAL TENNIS, Sat, 1.30-3pm. Open to club players, visitors & members of other clubs. Free. Ph: 0274872480.

FREE GUIDED MEDITATION, Sat, 3pm, under the white pergola of Washbourne Gardens. Relax, unwind, and enjoy inner peace & stillness. For, e: meditaterichmond@gmail.com. Free.

SUNDAY

SUNDAY WORSHIP You are warmly invited to attend weekly worship. Sun, 10am, Nelson Tasman Methodist Parish Church, 94 Neale Ave Stoke. Morning tea follows the service.

NELSON SPIRITUALIST CHURCH, weekly service, Sun 7-8pm, Cnr Tipahi and Motueka st. All welcome. Healing avail before and after service.

LEARNING from the teachings of Jesus and trying to follow/live as Christians. Sun, 4.30-5.30pm and Tues, 7.30-8.30pm, Waimea Intermediate School Hall. All Welcome.

GENERAL GROUPS

U3A – Interest groups & social activities for the over-55s. Quiz mornings to walking groups, digital photography to wine appreciation. Meet like-minded inquisitive people who share your interests. www.u3anelson.org.nz

CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU NELSON|TASMAN

Now have an office in Richmond at Tasman District Council service area. Got any queries or questions about anything? Ask us!

FALLS PREVENTION. More Stable More Able. FREE 2 hour session for anyone who has fallen or is at risk of falling. Relaxed & informal setting. Ph: Ange 021790415 from Nelson Bays Primary Health to book.

COMMUNITY SUPPORTS GROUPS avail in Nelson or Richmond for people with CG/CSF (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), FM ( Fibromyalga) or Long Covid. 0800224787 or e: nelson.ccisupport.org.nz for info.

FREE FUNCTION ROOM HIRE to all community groups. Avail 7 days. Wakatu Hotel, 83 Collingwood St. Ph: Craig 035484299. NELSON TASMAN HOSPICE SHOPS need volunteers in their Nelson Richmond Motueka & Takaka shops. Volunteering is great & a good chance to meet new people, gain new skills & help your hospice. Ph: 035463912.

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP, Cancer Society Nelson, 102 Hardy St. Reg Ph: 035391137 or info@cancernelson.org.nz.

SENIOR MOBILITY CLASSES Tues, Thurs & Fri, 10.30am, Wanderers Community Gym, 12 Charlotte Lane, Brightwater. Improving balance, mobility & independence among our aging populations (55+). Ph: James 021 0441526. $2 donation.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for 1.5 hours one day a week either 8.30am or 2.30 pm. Assist elderly for pick up and drop off in Presbyterian Support van from Annesbrook. Ph: Maaike 032655224.

Community Notices are free to community groups, schools, churches, gold coin donation events and fundraising. Due to the popularity of this column,while every effort will be made, inclusion cannot be guaranteed for free ads. If you want to place a business advert or want to advertise a course you are running, please call classified ads and public notices on 544 9037.

SEASONAL WORKERS

We’re hiring seasonal workers now...so if you’re keen to step up and succeed, ask yourself this question: ‘how will I own it with Alliance this season?’ Will it be learning new skills that’ll help you turn a job into a lasting career? Maybe it’ll be earning good money to help you get those needs (and wants!) sorted. Or perhaps it’ll be working with an awesome crew who make the day fun. However you’re keen to own it, or whatever you’re keen to own, a seasonal role with us is a great way to make it happen.

Right now we have great seasonal roles available at our Nelson plant for Butchers, Boners and Labourers. If you’ve got experience in any of these, awesome, but if not you can look forward to full training that’ll get you skilled up and on your way to ‘owning it’.

To join the team, it’s essential you’re able to pass a pre-employment drug test and medical assessment. So, if you’re ready to lay solid foundations – for work or life –join our seasonal team today.