Waimea Weekly - 8 May 2024

Waimea Weekly

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Horror road trip sparks

Cycleways to stay despite opposition

MAX FRETHEY

Local Democracy Reporter

Despite surveys showing residents are opposed to carparks

being replaced by cycleways on Richmond’s upper Queen St and Champion Rd, the road layouts will remain unchanged for now.

The cycleways were installed as

Record Richmond team to take on challenge

GORDON PREECE

Richmond Volunteer Fire Brigade has its largest team ever for its ongoing tradition in the Big Smoke of Auckland.

Eleven of the brigade’s 31 members will race up the second tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere on 18 May to spark funds for a worthy cause.

The annual Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge is the optimum challenge for firefighters across Aotearoa to burn through the pain, ascending the 51 flights of the tower’s stairs to fundraise for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC).

LBC provides essential support for patients and their families, as well as funding research into blood cancer, raising awareness and advocating for patients.

The event marks its 20-year climb this year.

PAGE 4

part of the Streets for People programme which aims to quickly and relatively inexpensively alter the roads to cater for active transport options, like walking and

cycling.

The programme is funded by Waka Kotahi – the New Zealand Transport Agency.

A key aspect of the programme

was the flexibility to modify the changes over time following feedback from residents. SEE PAGE 2

Back row from left: Kerry Donnelly, James Newton, Craig Clayworth, Bryan Parks and John Kingsbury. Front row from left: Willow Dobson, Jimmy Goodwin and Josh Ratcliffe. Photo: Anne Hardie.

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What is your favourite memory of your mother?

“Christmas morning, because she and everyone were happy together.”

“At my sister’s wedding [at Lake Karapiro], just seeing how proud my mum was, it was very nice to see.”

“During my birthdays when I was younger, we used to have little mother-daughter days, getting our nails done and going to the movies.”

“My brother smacked his elbow and it split open… and I could tell that my mum thought that he would be more comfortable getting stitched up at home because he was scared of the doctors.”

Cycleways to stay despite opposition

FROM PAGE 1

However, despite post-construction surveys showing resident dissatisfaction with the loss of carparks on both roads, elected members voted to leave the pilot layouts unchanged.

There was unanimous support for the changes on Champion Rd, but the changes on Queen St – which saw on-road parking replaced by cycleways – proved more contentious.

Councillor Glen Daikee expressed concern about gathering feedback from residents on, and voting on whether to make any modifications to, the pilot layout when it was still unfinished.

The plans for Queen St would see a small pocket park also installed beside the dairy, though this hasn’t yet been completed.

He wondered if a decision could be deferred, pending the park’s installation and further community feedback.

However, council staff advised that if a decision on modifying Queen St was delayed, then making any changes would almost

Councillor Jo Ellis, right, says the council failed to get the support of the community about the cycleways on

Frethey. Despite opposition from the community, like upper Queen St resident Colleen Gibb, the cycleways on

Rd will stay for now. Photo: Max Frethey.

certainly fall outside Waka Kotahi’s set timeframes and therefore wouldn’t be funded by the agency.

Mayor Tim King described the situation as “immensely frustrating”.

“It is frustrating to find ourselves this far in, through this much consultation and effort and energy and good feedback from peo-

ple, to find ourselves pushed into a place where, I suspect, most of us would like to extend it for six months.”

But some councillors opposed the changes to Queen St in their entirety.

“We just actually failed to take the community on this journey with us and they have been very clear

that they don’t want it,” councillor Jo Ellis said.

The council was presented with a petition to remove the cycleways along upper Queen St and bring the carparks back in April, which was signed by more than 800 people.

Six councillors voted against retaining the pilot layout of upper

and

Queen St but failed as seven other elected members in favour of keeping the layout as it is.

“People don’t like change,” said councillor Kit Maling.

Isaac Egbert Stoke

Heather Holmes Hope

Brad Evans Richmond

Keira Brabyn Richmond

upper Queen St. Photo: Max

Queen St

Champion

Wensley Rd workers copping abuse

MAX FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter

Contractors working on Wensley Rd have been copping a significant amount of abuse from members of the public.

Drew Hayes, alliance manager for Downer Group, says that 21 serious incidents have been reported to supervisors at the site.

“Police have also been notified of one serious incident. Our team are dealing with around 10 minor incidents a day.”

While workers at other sites across the district do see incidents of abuse “from time to time”, Drew adds that it is “rarely to the degree” that is being seen at Wensley Rd.

One of the incidents involved the site traffic management supervisor (STMS) asking a driver to turn their vehicle around to avoid running into oncoming traffic.

The driver then drove his vehicle towards the STMS until their front bumper was touching the contractor’s shins. Most of the abuse received by the workers is swearing and other verbal abuse.

“While there shouldn’t be the need, confrontation and de-escalation training are being rolled out,” Drew added.

Tasman District Council transportation manager Jamie McPherson says the behaviour from some members of the

The contractors are dealing with about 10 incidents daily, and 21 “serious incidents” have been reported since the works began last month. Photo: Max Frethey.

public is “completely unacceptable.”

“Attracting and retaining skilled staff into civil construction is difficult enough without our people being put off by this kind of abuse, and being tempted to take their skills, training and knowledge elsewhere.”

The Wensley Rd works are being done to dig out and replace areas of weak road structure. Work began on 8 April and was originally meant to take up to four weeks to complete, but the discovery of coal tar on-site has slowed work and pushed the expected completion date out by two weeks until 19 May. Coal tar must be isolated and separated from the asphalt and gravel layers, stored in a lined bin for testing, and disposed

of to a suitable facility. Topsoil layers have also been found below the extent of the digouts, requiring much deeper holes to be dug than originally planned.

Roadworks had closed Wensley Rd earlier in February while a new wall and wider footpath were constructed where the council had acquired land.

Two-way traffic was recently reinstated on Wensley Road between Bateup Road and Chelsea Drive, while the stretch from Chelsea Drive to Oxford Street is still open to southbound only.

Record Richmond team to take on challenge

FROM PAGE 1

Station officer John Kingsbury, who has captained the Richmond team for the past three years, says the record number of Richmond firefighters taking part in 2024 includes four newbies, Josh Ratcliffe, Willow Dobson, James Newton, and Craig Clayworth.

“Some people have been intending to do it for quite a long time, they’re motivated by the good cause, and they’ve decided this is the year to give it a go,” he says. “Everybody has their own training regime, some go to the gym, some people, like myself, train in the Richmond Hills in my firefighting gear carrying a steel breathing apparatus cylinder.

“Others do tramping trips and anything that contributes to general fitness.”

The challenge requires firefighters to be in full structural firefighting gear with a breathing apparatus and carrying a 25kg carbon fibre cylinder up 51 flights of the 328m tower’s stairs.

“It’s an individual event, and the time for our brigade ranges from about 14 or 15 minutes through to about 30,” John says. “It’s about being able to push through the pain and weakness that impacts most of us at some stage on the steps.”

John, who will take part in his ninth climb this year, says he and Ashley McCabe will also compete in the Firefighter of Steel category which involves climbing an additional 10 flights and carrying a heavier steel cylinder.

He says the team raised around $29,000 for LBC last year and this year have already raised close to $18,000. Online donations will remain open for around four weeks after 18 May.

To help the Richmond Volunteer Fire Brigade in their fundraising efforts, visit firefighterschallenge.org.nz/ richmond-volunteer-fire-brigade

‘Road trip from hell’ leads to KidsMap

ANNE HARDIE

A holiday to a family wedding ended in the road trip from hell for a Nelson family with three young children and that led to them developing an app for families travelling with kids.

KidsMap was inspired by Kelsey and Tom Bates’ road trip that flung an eight-hour ferry delay into their journey, followed by Cyclone Gabrielle which threw their planned trip out the window and ended in chaos. They were heading from Nelson to the Far North where Kelsey was to be the celebrant at her mother’s wedding, but didn’t get far before the trip began to turn sour.

“We got to Pelorus and one of the kids threw up and then got to Picton and the ferry was delayed for eight hours. We ended up sitting for three to four hours in the queue waiting, then got to Wellington at 2am. Then we got caught in Cyclone Gabrielle around Auckland and had to turn around.”

It meant they spent hours on Google trying to find unplanned accommodation and child-friendly places to eat, toilet and play safely all in one, which they discovered was not that easy. Most places that were labelled child-friendly had a highchair and that was about it, Kelsey says.

“Every day I was getting more frustrated and angry.”

They eventually got to the wedding and when they returned to Nelson, decided to create an app for parents to find eating places with kids menus along with good playgrounds and toilet facilities. Their logo says it all, with

an adult on a seesaw holding a steaming cup of coffee and a child playing on the other end.

“We want to make child-friendly New Zealand accessible to families and there’s nothing better than a good cup of coffee while your kids are playing and having fun.”

They started googling potential places, but that took too long, so Kelsey joined all the mum groups and community Facebook groups around New Zealand, requesting recommendations for a family with young children.

“We wanted it all to be from the parent’s perspectives. Now we’re really excited to see some of the places that

parents have recommended!” So far, KidsMap includes more than 100 cafes and 200 playgrounds around New Zealand, and after posting the creation of the app on Facebook the recommendations from parents have been flooding in. Kelsey says, the information will continue to increase on the app and it will get better and better. It’s a free app and down the track they hope to turn it into a business through advertisements. “It would be nice to get to the stage where it breaks even,” Tom says. “But as parents you don’t want to be paying for apps.”

The couple have created a website to access the app at www.kidsmap.nz

Gardening tips for May

This month we want to focus on glorious garlic. Growing your own garlic can be very rewarding but it can also be frustrating because it is very susceptible to rust, an airborne fungal disease. We wanted to share some tips that will help ensure you get a gorgeous, healthy crop.

Traditionally garlic is planted on the shortest day and harvested on the longest day. In our district it is best to plant anytime from April onwards, ensuring it is well-established by Spring. Wet, humid Spring weather is when rust is most likely to attack.

We have two garlic varieties in-store; NZ Printanor and Elephant. Printanor forms the lovely white cloves we know and love whilst Elephant forms huge cloves with a much milder flavour. It is also more rust resistant. Why purchase ‘seed’ garlic? The bulbs have been specially selected for their health and vigour. Also, supermarket garlic could have been chemically treated to prevent it from sprouting.

Garlic detests wet feet so choose a sunny site with friable (loose), well-drained soil. If you are on heavy clay soil, it is best to plant your garlic on high mounds of soil or in grow bags. Good airflow is also extremely important because this will help prevent rust from becom-

ing established.

Digging in plenty of fish compost and sheep manure pellets will provide valuable nutrients for this very hungry crop. Our premium potting mix, mixed with some fish compost is the perfect combination for grow bags. When planting Printanor garlic, break it into cloves, choosing the biggest ones. Make holes approximately 20cm apart and pop the clove in, pointy end upwards, so the tip is level with the top of the soil. Small cloves can be potted up to be used as seed garlic next season. Elephant garlic cloves are already separated. The planting method is the same but it is worth noting that it can take two seasons to produce a big bulb of large cloves. Sometimes it will happen in the first season but it is something to be aware of.

As with any member of the onion family, it is very important to keep weeds at bay. If applying mulch, wait until your garlic has sprouted and keep mulch well away from the stems as it can cause them to rot.

The nursery is looking fabulous with so much to choose from. Come in to our onestop shop for your garden and landscape supplies. We also have firewood available for a limited time.

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

Tom and Kelsey Bates with their youngest, Zion, 2, now have KidsMap for those family road trips. Photo: Anne Hardie.

Additional factors could hike rates increase by another 2-3 per cent

STAFF REPORTER

Factors “largely outside” of Tasman District Council’s control could hike the proposed rates increase of 9.6 per cent by another 2-3 per cent, the council’s chief financial officer has warned.

“While still below the national average of proposed rate revenue increases, we considered it was important to inform residents as soon as we were

made aware of the increased cost pressures and the possible impact on rates,” Mike Drummond says. The cost pressures include: increased costs of water services and supply maintenance, increased costs associated with the Waimea Community Dam, increased insurance costs, a downturn in forecast revenue from building consents, and a “materially higher” 2023/24 year end deficit particularly in building

control and transport spending due to storm costs. The council’s 10-Year Plan hearings begin on Wednesday and though the consultation period has closed, those who are already making their submissions in the hearing may wish to amend their submissions in light of the new information. “We feel it is particularly important to make this information known before the submission hearings start.”

A random act of crochet kindness has made one Hope playground an even nicer place to be for local kids. Last week Hugo Board, 7, was playing on the playground at Norman Andrews Place when he found a crochet lady bird with a note that read “I’m not lost, I’m just alone, if I’ve made you smile, please take me home”. Hugo was delighted with the ladybird and has taken it to bed with him every night since. Photo: Supplied.

DEDICATED TO THE CRAFT

mccashins.co.nz

Fiji farewell for Waimea College netball team

GORDON PREECE

A netball squad made up of Waimea College Year 13 students has gone from strength to strength since forming in April 2021 and will head to Fiji in December for their final goal.

The Eve’s Angels Netball team, who currently compete in the collegiate three grade, has evolved under the guidance of Olivia Martyn in the past three years and her inaugural coaching run has been “absolutely amazing”.

After the team’s debut season as the Year 10 C team, the players wanted to stay together, which the college approved, and Olivia kept her coaching role.

She says the team has secured unwavering sponsorship, risen through the local netball competition ranks from collegiate seven to collegiate three, and the players have become confident young women.

“It’s been such a privilege to be part of these girls’ lives for such a long time, to see them for three consecutive years, and now starting our fourth, they have grown so much, not only in their netball skills, but just their life skills as well,” Olivia says.

“I’m very much a person that has always had a philosophy that things need to be dealt with off the court, if you’re going to put your best performance on the court.

“So, whenever there’s been niggles or little issues going on between players like an issue at school, we just rip the band aids off and deal with it, and we discuss it as a team.”

Olivia says another goal she wanted to achieve with the team was to inspire them to play netball for life, and that there was always a position for them in the netball community.

She says the team’s trip to Fiji to compete in the International

Netball Festival between 11 and 19 December was not only an opportunity for their final hurrah before they go their separate ways, but to also give back to the country’s grassroots netball. The festival is held over eight nights, and it includes four playing days, two travel days, and two days of experiencing local Fijian villages.

“Going to another country and exchanging ideas, figuring out how you can grow together and potentially stay in contact for the

rest of your life over a common interest being netball, I think is a huge opportunity for them,” Ol-

ivia says.

“We all know that Fiji is geographically isolated, it’s harder for them to get access to all the things that we have here like balls, bibs, and uniforms…. but we know they have some amazing talent over there, we’ve seen them hit the international stage multiple times.

“So, it’s about taking all of those items over there and giving them

A foundation of innovation and reliability in Nelson’s industrial landscape, Heslops Engineering proudly unveils its latest addition to the workshop: the Arcbro Stinger Pro 5100 CNC Cutting Table. Designed with precision and productivity in mind, Glenn Turner says the stateof-the-art plasma cutting table promises to revolutionise manufacturing processes across various sectors within the business. Capable of handling the most intricate designs, the robust CNC cutting table is the ideal choice for both small-scale projects and large-scale production runs.

“This robust, industrial table is built with production in mind. The plasma table can handle the rigours of continuous production runs with industry-leading repeatability and reliability.”

Offering ‘unlimited potential’, one of the most impressive features of the Stinger Pro 5100 is its ability to pierce through formidable materials

with ease. From stainless steel to aluminium and mild steel, it can pierce up to 20mm of stainless steel and 25mm of mild steel and aluminium, while also providing precise edge cuts of up to 40mm thickness across all materials. Compared to traditional flame cutting methods, the Stinger Pro 5100 boasts a cutting speed that is three times faster, allowing for quicker turnaround times without compromising on quality. Whether you’re in need of precision parts for industrial machinery or decorative elements for architectural projects, the Stinger Pro 5100 delivers impeccable cutting quality across all thicknesses.

to them… and we’ve also been encouraged to bring all of our coaching drills and warm-up drills so we can grow the sport internationally.”

Olivia says the team has a $48,000 fundraising target for its eight players and four supporters to travel to Fiji, which the team hopes to raise through fundraising events and donations from sponsors and local businesses. Visit givealittle.co.nz/cause/evesangels-netball-team-fiji-trip to help the team get to Fiji.

Heslops Engineering is a division of Lloyd Heslop Motors Ltd, a renowned name in the automotive, road transport and engineering sectors. Proud to deliver a timely service, cost-effectiveness, and safety, on all projects, the team have been serving the transport industry for decades. Over the years, the company has expanded its services, employing skilled professionals and embracing community initiatives. Now, as the team introduces the Arcbro Stinger Pro 5100 CNC Cutting Table, it marks yet another milestone in the company’s history of innovation and service excellence. With this cutting-edge technology at their disposal, customers can expect nothing short of exceptional results for their manufacturing needs. If you have a job, big, small or even decorative, that you would like done then give Heslops Engineering a call on 03 543 9404 for a free quote.

Business Update. Advt.

Back row from left, Jess Spurgeon, Delaney Loghry, Georgia Hall, Anya ter Borg, Rubina Myers, and Tyra Watkinson. Front row from left, coach Olivia Martyn, Kaitlyn Gardner, Mia Kinzett, Brooke Robinson, Jen Fuller, and Ada Wilson-Keen. Photo: Jack Malcolm.

Murchison’s pump track officially open

ELOISE MARTYN

Murchison’s new pump track, officially named Four Rivers Flow Zone by the community, is complete and ready for wheels.

The 10-month long project was completed in mid-February with the help of various contractors, volunteers, and community members. Its official opening was celebrated recently with around 100 people turning out to check out the project.

“It’s definitely a track for all ages and stages, smaller roll-

ers have been added for riders like toddlers on balance bikes as well as advanced lines for the more adrenaline-seeking riders,” pump track working group member and Murchison Sport, Recreation and Cultural Centre’s Michelle Pointon Pugh, says.

“It’s a great asset for the Murch community.”

She says that the ‘bowl’ at the back of the track was specifically put there for smaller kids and other wheels like roller skates and skateboards, which contributes

nicely to the track and general space.

Deputy Mayor and Lakes/ Murchison ward councillor Stuart Bryant has been a driving force in securing funding and support, and says that the project’s success has been down to the in-kind volunteering from community members.

“You can’t put a price on the huge amount of voluntary work this community has done, they have come together for the betterment of the whole community and it’s fantastic.

“The steering committee did a wonderful job of coordinating it all and gathering support, as well as Empire of Dirt who did a wonderful job of constructing the track.”

Stuart says that it’s a fantastic long-term asset for Murchison’s children, teenagers, and the community at large. The mud, clay, landscaping, and vegetation will take some time to settle, after which further improvements are planned such as the installation of shade sails, picnic tables and a playground.

The official opening of Murchison’s new pump track was a great success and enjoyable day for all. Photo: Empire of Dirt.

Sections at new Richmond subdivision

ANNE HARDIE

Richmond’s latest subdivision now has the first of its 84 sections for sale with titles expected in spring for the first houses to be built.

The Pukerua Development, also known as Paton Road Development, sits between Paton Rd and the southern boundary of Paton Rise and is a joint project between Mike Greer Homes and Wakatu Incorporation.

Mike Greer’s new home consultant, Keegan Murphy, says the development is still a construction site, but once completed will have sections ranging from 500 square metres to 1,000 square metres.

He says larger sections are aimed at buyers who want more space, though it will still be a medium-density housing development.

Times are tough with the cost of living and he acknowledges the existing housing market is quiet, but says the cost of building a house will not get cheaper.

“It will be interesting to see how cheap building is today compared with five years’ time.”

Last days for Richmond’s BabySpace

ANNE HARDIE

A small early-childhood centre is ideal for parents, children and teachers, but Lynda Richards says it is an option that is no longer viable and she is closing BabySpace which has been caring for infants and toddlers in Richmond for 15 years.

Lynda and her husband Chris Barnett created the centre solely for children under two years old, to give that age group an environment dedicated to their needs and small enough to have the same teachers throughout their stay.

She says, licencing nowadays is aimed at centres catering for up to 100 children or more and her facility on Chelsea Avenue is licenced for just 18 children at any one time.

It has just 23 children on its books which she says enables strong relationships to develop between families, children and teachers.

“Financially we can’t continue, and at some point we would start to lose money. It just gets too hard and that’s why we’re closing down.

“The feedback since saying we’re closing down has been really heartwarming – including from

parents who had children here 15 years ago.”

Lynda has been in early childcare since she left school and at 23-years-old was head teacher at a centre in Christchurch.

“When I look now at childcare centres with more than 100 children, I wouldn’t want to be in charge!”

At BabySpace, she increased the age to three as regulations and teacher ratios changed, then up to five to survive as a business, with a lot more time spent tick-

ing boxes.

“All those things I really value, I can’t offer any more and stay viable. I can’t go any bigger here and it isn’t in my heart to do that either.”

She employs five teachers either part-time or full-time and says some have already found work. It is her teachers, as well as children and their parents, she will miss the most when she closes the centre’s door for the last time.

“It’s the relationship with these amazing teachers – two have

been with me since we opened – and the families. Being able to watch the children grow.

“I got to do what I love doing.” She intends to continue working with children, either doing relief work in early childcare centres or working with special-needs children.

The centre is too small to sell in today’s early-childcare environment, so Lynda and her husband intend to turn the bungalow-style building back into a home or use it as commercial premises.

Lynda Richards (left) has loved her role with teachers such as Naomi Smith and children Florence Doonan, 2, and Charlie Watene-Davis, 18 months.

Food for thought for budding chefs

ANNE HARDIE

Many young people no longer know how to cook a meal, use a knife properly or choose seasonal ingredients, so Richmond chef Tony Robson-Burrell is going to run courses for 12 to 19-year-olds who are keen on food.

His young chef’s course may even unearth budding chefs who he can direct into a career, but the main aim is to pass on 40 years’ experience as a chef in restaurants, hotels, pubs and even preparing food for King Charles and Queen Camilla at what was then Mahana Estates and before they were crowned.

“Creating a meal at home is becoming a lost art,” he says.

“So it’s a passion of mine to pass on my experience to younger people. It’s teaching them life skills; how to cook fresh food and make simple meals for the family and enjoy what food is all about.

“If anyone is interested in pursuing it as a career option, I can point them in the direction of restaurants and cafes.

It’s not about becoming a chef though, it’s about new skills, communication and enjoying themselves.”

He intends running separate courses for 12 to 15-year-olds and 16 to 19-year-olds at The Food Factory, once a month on a Saturday over three months, so that those at school or working can attend.

One of his potential students is 16-year-old Sophia Malcolmson,

though she is already a competent cook and usually prepares the family meal every night and likes to bake bread.

“I’m the only one out of my friends that cooks dinner.

“I just like how you make new things and not the same thing and if you don’t like something you can change it.”

Tony also wants to inspire his students to have go at growing their own produce, so they can understand more about their food and learn the importance of fresh produce.

He had intended to run the courses for free but says the cost of hiring the kitchen and buying ingredients has led to him putting a fee on the course.

The young chef courses follow his free cost-of-living courses where he teaches people how to cook a family meal for $5.

He says he continues to run that course every month because the cost of living continues to rise and people are struggling.

He regularly gets about 20 people to those courses and people only give a donation if they can afford it.

“What I’m trying to tell people now is to use high-quality ingredients, but less of it. That’s better than using lots of low-quality ingredients.

“You have to cook smart these days.”

Fore more information on the Young Chefs Cookery School, visit www.tonyscookeryschool.co.nz/

Sophia Malcolmson, 16, kneads dough under the watchful eye of chef Tony Robson-Burrell. Photo: Anne Hardie.

Audrey Watson and Bev Austing

Audrey West, Rosalie Hubbard, and Anna Wagenvoort

Diane Woodhouse, Margaret Strang, and Mary Leyden

Malvina Manhirn and Patricia Walker

Valda Holland and Margaret King

Jocelyn Taaffe and Ruth Eade

Nichola and John Cullen

Sherilyn and Bevan Haycock

Shirley and Ron Burt

Tony Robson-Burrell and Nathan Geddes

Duck hunting season opens

Clear, calm skies and very light breezes greeted shooters for the opening day of duck season in the Tasman region over the weekend. With most ponds being used, the season sprang into life on Saturday morning with reports of reasonable bags being shot.

With the recent prevalence of paradise ducks on local farms destroying crops essential for livestock feed, the season will come as some relief for local farmers. Recognising that,

Fish & Game have put a higher bag limit for paradise ducks of 15 per hunter per day, five more than most other regions.

Both Fish & Game and local retailers reported brisk trade leading up to the weekend opening.

The season continues until the end of July and shooters are urged to check the bag limits for the region they want to shoot in at fishandgame.org.nz, as they vary considerably around the country.

Racking up kilometres for breast cancer

“It means a lot to me to try and help others.”

Karla Blight has had the “privilege” of supporting her North Island-based friend, Kim Innes, who had to get her head shaved after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

She also lost her father Allan Dyson to throat cancer in the UK more than a year ago.

The Richmond resident has embarked on her second solo mission to walk at least 100km in May to raise $1000 for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.

She says Kim, whose cancer is now in remission, and her late father were her inspiration.

“I think we need a cure for all sorts of cancer, and I think the more money we can raise, and make awareness, it can hopefully make other people’s lives a little easier.

“Depending on where the money goes, whether it’s respite care for families or any kind of treatments or medications. Kim always supports me, so she has already donated, and she always comments on my Facebook posts and tries to get people to donate as well.”

Karla, who is a regular walker in the Richmond Hills, says she planned to walk roughly 5km each day and up to 12km on Saturdays to achieve her 100km milestone. She has established a Givealittle page for people to donate to her cause. “I just think that it’s a privilege to do it, I’m lucky that I’m well, but, you know, you just got to think about others sometimes,” she says. “I know money is tight for everybody, but just a couple of dollars here and there makes a big difference.” Visit givealittle.co.nz/fundrais er/boobies to donate.

GORDON PREECE

Karla Blight plans to walk 5km each weekday this month Photo: Jack Malcolm.

A very successful weekend for Riley Buller, left, Cody Neil, and Steve Buller on a local farm. The trio shot more than 75 birds in total with eight mallards and the rest paradise. Photo: Steve Page.

Local hospo helps Jenna fulfil dream

Good job Jenna. one of the most important parts to a job. Preparation.

Kayleen Macadam

Fantastic guys, we recently had a fabulous experience with the people I support at McCashins, Deb and Colin were great hosts making our people feel very special and they loved their coffee and cake.

Cheryl Brooks

What an amazing article, well done Jenna, keep up the great work.

Sophie Marr

So good!!! So grateful to places like Grape Escape Cafe and McCashin’s Tap Room making it happen.

Rachel Diane

The smiles say it all! Win, win to all concerned. Fantastic to read Jenna, well done.

Kathy Kugener

might be nice to see a positive headline on the fact that people are able to keep their dog and not have to surrender it to a shelter, given the rise in the cost of living.

Nakita Weinlich

two-way cycleway on the other. Us cyclists are quite capable of passing each other as we meet and also crossing the road to the cycleway if we need to. I hardly meet anyone on Hill or Queen St cycling anyway but admittedly I’m not doing it as school starts or finishes. Let’s get some sensibility into these decisions please Councils.

We still need some car parking along these streets even if you restrict it to 120mins so residents don’t use them as their permanent parking. That way at least the residents can have visitors, especially if they’re elderly and live in units along there. Steam clean one side and bring back some car parking. Hope they’re not planning on doing it down my end of Hill St as well. We have regular meetings at our place every week and at least three cars need street parking for two hrs.

Dianne Lewis

That is so cool! We need many more inclusive people like these wonderful employers who make a real difference.

Gem Burke

More dogs registered in Tasman

Am curious how many new regos are actually Nelson dogs but using a Tasman address for rego. After all, their rego prices are practically half the Nelson rego cost.

Shelley Bishop

I think this is a positive, more dogs in homes and not in shelters. Also, what specifies a dog as menacing? Because I imagine if this is being specified by breed then there will actually be far less actually dangerous dogs? I think it

Lack of funds make being charitable harder

Love your work, Kristy! Such a trooper during tough times. Thank you for all you do.

Tarnia Nixon

Hill

St parking blues

Well, I’m a cyclist and I think it’s ludicrous to have a cycle lane on both sides of any street. I’m sure people can cross the road if they want to visit people so why not allow parking on one side. Where are people going to park to walk on the walkways? Not everyone lives just down the road and can walk to the entranceways. Parking should be allowed on the high side of Hill St and

Meals on Wheels has to park way up the road and walk the meals to my parents. St John’s has to reschedule their update on my parent’s alarms because it was too far to walk carrying the equipment. Everyone, please make sure you voice your feelings officially as the TDC will only take note of submissions via their online form or submitted forms.

Shaz Nicholls

These bike lanes (if that’s what they are called) are the most dangerous things I’ve come across, particularly the Harvey Norman one in Nelson, I just refused to use this entrance, goes for the Salisbury Road one off Countdown........if a vehicle has to drive on them to see if it’s clear to move onto the road, it’s just dangerous. I don’t understand what is being achieved here, what on earth was wrong with having bikes cycling on the road like they have done for all these years.....more and more car parking spaces are being taken away, as if Richmond needs that.

Shelley Lill

Big bake day for little buddies

ANNE HARDIE

Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors from Waimea College are preparing to whip up some baking and encourage others to do the same to buy more activity supplies for their young buddies. Year 13 students Jess Spurgeon, Grace Cliffe and Tilio Barbier are holding a bake sale on 14 May, with other events such as a sausage sizzle being held throughout the week to coincide with Pink Shirt Day, an anti-bullying and mental health initiative which is held on 17 May. The trio know fundraising is increasingly challenging for the mentoring programme and decided they could help by raising money for resources like arts and crafts for the younger “brothers and sisters” they see each week at Henley School.

Senior mentoring

coordinator, Lindsey Wylie, praises the teenage mentors’ initiative and says it is timely when the cost of living is making it harder to fundraise.

She says fundraising is tight at a time when the programme is getting more referrals for young people needing an extra person in their life to show them care and attention.

Grace says the mentoring relationship works both ways and

she has got as much out of the weekly get-togethers as her young buddy.

“It’s definitely one of the highlights of my week and over the last year I’ve come to really see her as a little sister and not just as her mentor.

“You get to be their big sister to talk about serious issues, but also be a friend. It’s quite nice for them to have someone all to themselves.”

Jess says they need more Year 11 students signing up as mentors to begin the programme in Year 12 year as they have had up to 15 applicants in the past and this year just four applied. She says Year 11 students often worry they will not have time for the weekly mentoring session with a young buddy, but the trio have found they do have time and benefit from the experience.

Waimea Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors Jess Spurgeon, left, Grace Cliffe, rear, and Tilio Barbier with their young buddies Lacey Gill, 9, front left, and Chase Warner, 10. Photo: Anne Hardie.

Man sent to prison after photographing young children

TRACY NEAL

Open Justice Reporter

Warning: This story deals with sexual offending and may be distressing.

A man who hid in the changing rooms of three different recreational facilities and covertly took photos of naked children in two of them has been sent to prison for four years.

Five years after his first offence he was finally caught after an associate to whom he’d given his computer for repairs handed police a copy of files showing pictures of naked children.

The 48-year-old, who has lived a solitary existence, was sentenced in the Nelson District Court on Friday on four charges of doing an indecent act, two of which were representative charges, and three charges of knowingly possessing an objectionable publication.

The offending happened at public recreational facilities across the top of the South Island.

He was denied permanent name suppression, but an interim suppression order was imposed when his lawyer indicated an appeal was possible.

The parents of one of the victims told the court their child was just

10 at the time. Until then, they had never had a reason to be scared, but the effects of the man’s offending had been profound.

His offending dates back to December 2018, when he photographed young girls, aged between six and 10, at one facility.

Many of the victims remain unknown and were likely unaware of what had happened.

Crown prosecutor Jeremy Cameron said the offending had been habitual, had a “terrifying escalation” in seriousness, and had happened against a backdrop of previous proven offending.

He said the man’s offending had gone from possessing and creating objectionable images to engaging with young people.

In January 2019 the defendant was in the changing rooms of the other complex when he took a series of 18 photos of naked boys aged between eight and 10 as they were getting changed.

In the same month, he covertly photographed two young girls, aged five and seven, as they sat at a table opposite him at a restaurant.

In October 2019 an adult who regularly used the facility where the boys were photographed noticed over several weeks that the defendant, on about six occasions, was acting strangely in the

male changing rooms. He noticed him in a shower cubicle, peeking out of a crack in the door as people walked past. He’d then “pop out” of the cubicle when a young child walked past but if an adult walked past, he’d close the door.

On one occasion the witness noticed the man in the main part of the changing room, naked except for a towel wrapped around his lower torso. He then turned to face a group of unaccompanied children, aged between five and six, and exposed himself while smiling.

The man who witnessed the incident reported it to staff but because English was his second language he had difficulties communicating what he saw. The manager of the facility reported the matter to the police.

A few weeks later the witness was asked by a staff member to go into the changing rooms and identify if the man there was the same as who he’d reported earlier. He confirmed it was and staff called the police. The defendant told them he would peek out of the cubicle to “check whether anyone was waiting to use the shower”.

His explanation for exposing himself was that he had left the

shower to get his drink and “the children may have seen him walk back to the shower naked”.

He told police he was “rarely naked inside the changing room” but because it was a changing room “a level of nudity was expected”.

He was then trespassed from the complex.

In November 2021 the defendant was at yet another recreational facility in a different town in the top of the South Island and entered a changing room at the same time as two children aged 10 and 11.

He removed his clothing completely and walked to the shower cubicle where the children were also showering. When they were back in the changing room, the man left the cubicle he was in, sat down on a bench near the children, began to apply soap to his body, and masturbated. There was no one else in the room.

He later told police he had no sexual interest in the children.

Judge Tony Zohrab said while sentencing him that although the facts indicated the defendant knew what he was doing was wrong, he still denied he had a sexual interest in children.

In October 2021, his associate found photos of naked children on the man’s computer. However,

it wasn’t until March 2023 that the associate reported the find to the police and handed over a copied version of the files saved on a storage device. Police found six Category A images, around 40 Category B images and more than 550 Category C images, many of which depicted “horrific and sickening sexual abuse” of children, Judge Zohrab said. Police also found a series of 73 photos and videos taken by the defendant between February and November 2018 of two young girls aged between six and 10. Judge Zohrab said it was “really important” that he understood the victims were real children and not cartoons or “cyphers”. “I hope you are able to stop feeling sorry for yourself and reflect on what you have done and how it must have affected those children.”

Judge Zohrab said the application for permanent name suppression failed to meet the threshold of extreme hardship, including that likely to be suffered by his mother if his name was published. The man has 28 days to lodge an appeal against the application for suppression being denied. The sports facilities involved say they have made operational changes.

Making a difference in our community

Sunday 12 May is International Nurses Day, the anniversary of Florence Nightengale’s birth and an opportunity for us to recognise the incredible work nurses do to support our community.

Newly qualified District Nurse and mum of three Sandy Reid has always loved caring for people. She trained as a beauty therapist before moving into the health sector, spending time as a healthcare assistant and in administrative roles at dental and medical centres.

Eventually it was her colleagues at a Nelson medical practice who encouraged her to consider moving from reception to nursing. At age 50, Sandy took the leap and enrolled at NMIT to study nursing full time.

“I’ve always wanted to do nursing; I just didn’t think I was clever enough. I thought it was going to be way too hard, I didn’t do very well at school and then I had kids, then you make all the other excuses. It dawned on me that life is not going to wait for me, so I decided ‘let’s do it’ and I don’t regret it.” It’s something she still pinches herself about.

“I passed my finals in December. It’s still feels like ‘how did I do it?’ but if I can do it, anyone can do it, you just have to be passionate about it. I cannot believe I’m actually getting paid to do something that I love.”

As a District Nurse, Sandy visits people at home in the Nelson community and provides personalised care tailored to each patient. Her work is varied and can include administering medication and supporting patients with complex conditions. She particularly enjoys specialist wound care.

“I love skin, I think that comes from my beauty therapy. It’s such a large organ of the body. It’s pretty awesome to be able to support people as they heal.”

Complex palliative care is also a side of her role that Sandy finds rewarding.

“When I was doing my training in Motueka, I got a lot out of providing palliative care. My role was to set up anything the patient might need –syringe drivers, airbeds or supporting with medication. To know that you were making patients as comfortable as possible was the nicest feeling you could possibly get. Why didn’t I do this earlier on in my life?” she laughs, “I wish I had!”

Sandy started her community work in the Nayland area as part of a team of more than 20 District Nurses who support the Nelson community from Hira to Hope. District nursing is where Sandy sees her future.

“It’s a privilege to be able to go into someone’s home and see how they’re living. It gives you a holistic approach to nursing, you can see how they’re living and you can provide the appropriate support. Recently after I helped a patient, she gave me the

biggest hug and I thought, this is what makes it”.

It’s also working as part of a close-knit team that Sandy really enjoys.

“I’ve got a great team right beside me; if I need anything I can just pick up my phone and someone will be there. It’s a close-knit group between Wakefield, Richmond and Motueka. There’s no nastiness, we all just get in and work as a team. I feel very lucky.”

Overall, it’s the sense of satisfaction that Sandy gets from helping that makes her so passionate about nursing.

“My favourite thing about my role is helping. Knowing that I’m actually making a difference in someone’s life. It doesn’t matter what I’m doing, it could just be a basic thing, but that basic thing can make a huge difference to someone’s life.”

Sandy has a simple message for anyone considering nursing:

“Do it. Don’t hesitate. You don’t just have to do nursing, it’s a broad career. I would encourage anyone to go for it, don’t hold back, life’s too short. When you can make a difference to someone’s life then that is the best reward”.

Are you interested in becoming a nurse?

Find out more at www.nmdhb.govt.nz

Dear diary, here’s to the 7-day weekend

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Local History

A favoured rest stop for travellers – Belgrove Hotel Part 1

ROBYN PARKES

Belgrove Hotel, strategically placed at the bottom of Spooners Range and at the junction of the roads to either West Coast or Blenheim, was established around 1856 and like many of the old hotels provided a much-needed rest stop for travellers.

In 1864 the hotel was advertised for let or sale with 100 acres of land attached. Nothing more is mentioned until 1870 when John Wagstaff became the landlord.

W. Boddington held the licence in 1874 but by December 1879 was bankrupted to the amount of £1132. The licence was then transferred to Mrs Morrison when Mr Ribet made some improvements to the hotel.

Four years later the property was offered for lease, including all furniture and around 80 acres of land with about 25 acres in crops. The hotel was described as being

an almost new build of 18 rooms, standing in a commanding position as the Belgrove section of the Midland Railways which was about to be opened ran through the bush portion at the rear of the hotel. The proprietor was Hugh Patterson, who remained until July 1894. The licence was transferred to H. Browne and onward to William Lefoe. Unfortunately, William lost his licence which then reverted to Catherine Morrison who then transferred it to Owen Newport in June 1898. Lefoe later had a prohibition order placed on him for 12 months due to his excessive drinking. He sadly spiralled downwards and drank some “Rough on Rats” poison due to not being able to cope.He was taken to hospital but died later the same day aged just 27 years old.

George Hogg and Co., brewers of Nelson, purchased the hotel in early 1902 and put plans together

for a new building.

The new hotel had 17 rooms with the bar standing at one corner of the house, dining room in the centre and the opposite wing having a private entrance leading to living quarters for the licensee.

At this time Otto Haase was land-

lord. The furnishings and effects of the old hotel were auctioned, and the old building tendered for removal.

Frederick Durbridge applied for the publican’s licence in June 1903. Durbridge had been a constable in the Police Force and

he, along with a fellow constable, had been asked to resign due to a police scandal. Both men fought back with wrongful dismissal and some were of the opinion that they had been used as scapegoats. In rather quick succession a number of publicans had licences for the hotel over the ensuing years - C. Andrews in 1904, Donald Wells in 1907, Angus McArtney in 1908 and William Bryan in 1909, who remained at the hotel for three years. Between the years of 1912 to 1927 another 11 landlords held licences, these being; George Mason 1912, William Paul 1912, Charles Ferguson 1913, Joseph Stockton 1916, Louis Dabscheck, Thomas MagGillivray 1921, Peter Jamieson 1923, Joseph Edwards 1924, John Bowers 1925, Francis O’Connor 1927, Bernard McDonald 1927. Several of the above publicans were found guilty of selling alcohol after hours.

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Belgrove Hotel, established 1856. Photo: Tasman Heritage.

Penguin-friendly upgrade at rehab clinic

This plucky little blue penguin, named Punch by its rescuers, had badly injured its feet trying to scramble out of an empty swimming pool in the Tasman district. Baby booties helped protect its tender feet while it healed under the care of the Tasman Bay Blue Penguin Trust. Punch has now been released at a Tasman beach, near where he was found. Photo: Supplied.

ELISE VOLLWEILER

Most renovations do not need a specification that the flooring be “conducive to little penguin feet”.

The Tasman Bay Blue Penguin Trust’s rehabilitation clinic has recently been upgraded, with new curtains to help regulate temperature, and new flooring that was chosen especially to fit the above criteria, according to trustee Linda Jenkins. She says the clinic, which is located on a private property in the Tasman district, is now an improved space for the region’s native wildlife patients which require care for a range of reasons, including injuries, malnutrition and abandonment.

The upgrade was enabled through a Network Tasman Trust grant, as well as a donation from the Nelson Building Society and other private donors.

“It is working wonderfully for our little blues,” Linda says.

The clinic is quietly administered by Dr Mana Stretton, the trust’s “honorary wildlife vet” who donates many hours of her time, says Linda, and little blue penguins, or kororā, are one of the most frequent patients.

Their conservation status is “at risk/ declining”, and they are under pressure from habitat loss, dog attacks, car and boat strikes, and malnutrition brought on by climate change. The kororā is native to New Zealand and is the world’s smallest penguin.

There are little blue populations in Tāhunanui, Ruby Bay, the wider Kaiteriteri area, and Pōhara. They waddle under the radar and are often invisible to their human neighbours, as their onshore activity happens during the night.

Although it is hard to pinpoint how many little blue penguins there are regionally, a study was undertaken in 2020 using a survey handler and a penguin detection dog. It took the team a week to work their way from Tapu Bay to Split Apple Rock, and they located 173 active burrows. Each burrow will contain an active adult pair, and commonly two chicks. If one of the adults does not make it home to its burrow, the nest fails, because the remaining parent cannot feed the chicks by itself. Linda explains that the solo parent waits for as long as it can before abandoning the nest, effectively leaving the chicks to starve. Although humans are

almost entirely responsible for the challenges that little blues face, Linda says they can also be part of the solution. People can make a huge difference by reducing driving speeds, keeping dogs on leads, keeping cats contained, and helping with beach clean-ups and predator-trapping programmes.

Learning support hub opens at Salisbury

GORDON PREECE

A specialist learning support building that will add “significant value” for the Nelson region opened at Salisbury School on Monday.

The purpose-built hub at the Richmond school will be a nexus

for Resource Teachers: Learning and Behaviour (RTLB), Ko Taku

Reo Deaf Education New Zealand, and Blind and Low Vision Education Network New Zealand. These groups play a crucial role in providing support and services for schools, students, and whanau in the area.

RTLB Nelson Bays cluster manager Lynette Evans says the opening enhances accessibility to vital resources, and fosters a supportive

environment for the cluster’s students and their families.

“It reflects our commitment to empowering every learner with collaboration and excellence,” she says.

Salisbury School principal Ellie Salčin-Watts says the new hub offered “great value” to the local community. “The three organisations have been working from one of our older buildings for a couple of years, sharing expertise and learnings, to better support schools and families,” she says. “It is wonderful to see the positive outcome of the last couple of years of collaboration come to fruition.”

Local iwi, Rāngitane, are gifting a name to the newly-constructed building which symbolises the school’s deep-rooted connection

with the community and its heritage,.

The name will be revealed at a later date.

Parvovirus raises its ugly head

ANNE HARDIE

Puppy owners are being warned to get their animals vaccinated before taking them out and about after several cases of parvovirus in the region in the past month led to deaths.

Di from Stoke Veterinary Hospital says other regions have reported a significant increase in the number of

parvovirus cases and it was a matter of time before it reached the Nelson Tasman region.

So far, she knows of two local families who have lost animals and she says it is a nasty disease that is not easy to treat.

Parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that causes severe gastrointestinal symptoms. It is particularly

serious for young dogs up to about six months of age that are unvaccinated or not yet fully vaccinated.

“It just strips them from the inside and the cost of treatment is prohibitive for most people.”

Di says the disease can even be brought home on shoes, so owners need to be vigilant about where their animals go and puppies not

fully vaccinated should not be out where other dogs are around.

She says vaccination is the key to keeping young dogs safe. Older dogs are not usually as susceptible and she says their immune system is more developed.

“Prevention is better than cure because the cure is very hard and a puppy is not likely to survive.”

Sue Leith from Ko Taku Reo, Pip Wells (lead principal RTLB cluster/Nelson Central School principal), Denise Powell from Ko Taku Reo, Lynette Evans from RLTB, John Hewlett and Saul Taylor from BLENNZ. Photo: Max Frethey.

Blessing of the Fleet a cherished tradition within the community

The annual Blessing of the Fleet is a poignant commemoration deeply rooted in Nelson's fishing and maritime history. Taking place along Wakefield Quay, on May 11, the event honours the memory of those lost at sea while celebrating the contributions of those who work on the water. This event is in memorial to the Chair of the Seafarers’ Memorial Trust, Mike Smith, who established the event in 2001 with support from the fishing industry and organisations like the Rotary Club of Nelson and major supporters such as Talleys and Sealord, and more recently Port Nelson, NCC, FirstMate and Guard Safety. While the event serves as a somber reminder of the risks faced

by fishermen, it also offers an opportunity for reflection and gratitude. Funds raised during the event support the Seafarers’ Memorial Trust, ensuring the Blessing's continuity and the upkeep of the memorial pier. Fireworks will now be launched from a barge anchored between Haulashore Island and Tahuna Beach to kick things off on Friday, May 10, from 5:30 pm until 7 pm. Fireworks kick off is around 6:30pm viewable from across the bay, people can head to Tahunanui Beach with their families to enjoy the display and the range of food trucks on offer. Saturday, May 11, is the actual Seafarers Blessing of the Fleet Community Day at Seafarers Memorial Pier

starting at 1 pm. As a free public event, this is an opportunity to witness the Blessing Ceremony, a Wreath Laying service and Vessel Parade, followed by an impressive display by Coastguard, Nelson Rescue Helicopter and Port Nelson Tugs. As long-standing supporters of the event, the Rotary Club of Nelson will be manning their annual Fish and Chips stall near the Seafarers Memorial to help raise funds for the Seafarers’ Memorial Trust. “We have been involved since the beginning with then - President of the Rotary Club of Nelson, Alex Rutherford, in the late nineties,” says Alan Winwood. “This is just one of a suite of things we are a part of, but it has the biggest profile, and

we really enjoy being a part of the event.” As one of the main yearly fundraisers for the Seafarers’ Memorial Trust, collection buckets will be available throughout the day. "We urge people to bring cash, but there will be Eftpos facilities.” Darren Guard, managing director of Guard Safety, says having the backing from local organisations is essential. “The general support from local organi-

sations like Talleys and Rotary Nelson is critical! Everyone who has gotten on board has been fantastic and it is awesome to have them pitching in. There will be a range of fantastic displays and onshore activities, and the Vessel Parade with all manner of those involved in the maritime sector. The aim for the future is to grow the event and add further interest as time goes by.”

The Seafarers Memorial on Wakefield Quay.

One of the region's original storage facilities

Operating in the Tasman district for 25 years, the team at Tasman Storage Ltd are the solution to storing your most valuable possessions. One of the region's longest-serving storage facilities, they offer safe, reliable and protected, long or short-term services for anything from large vehicles and household belongings to documents and great grandma’s snow globe, and their insurance-approved units are individually locked and protected by 24hr surveillance and security patrol.

Dry, well-ventilated and well-maintained, what sets Tasman Storage Ltd apart from others is their hugely competitive pricing. A current special they are running is if you pay upfront for 12 months, you will receive the last month free. Their flexible contracts begin with a minimum of one month storage for as little as $7 a week – depending on options selected. “If you’re looking to make more room in your home or business and are in need of reliable and protected storage services, you’ve come to the right place.”

Tasman Storage Ltd have two easy locations to choose from that house around 360 storage options across both the Richmond and Motueka sites. Their main office is located at 74 Gladstone Rd, Richmond and

the facility has just had new cameras installed, adding to their alreadyestablished security system. Their premises is also patrolled by First Security seven days a week, to give customers extra peace of mind. All storage facilities are weatherproofed and CCTV-operated to protect items from unwanted weather and entry. Servicing the region since 1997, the team at the self-storage facility understand how stressful moving or downsizing can be, and how overwhelming the need to declutter or store a loved one's possessions can get. Which is why they help to make it easy by providing a wide range of pricing options and storage sizes to best fit your needs. They have a huge range of people who come through their doors ,from people selling their house, or in between moving, to the storing of long-term items and treasures.

Units are accessible seven days a week to ensure that customers are able to add or remove their possessions at their earliest convenience, and the facility is insurance-approved to help protect possessions with contents insurance coverage for each storage unit.

Give yourself some room, cover your assets - Call Tasman Storage Ltd on 03 544 4306 today.

Tasman Storage on Gladstone Road have been operating in the region for over 25 years.

Final race decides National Championship

JACK MALCOLM

Wills Harvey has moved his whole life around in pursuit of racing motocross.

At 17 years old, his gamble to leave school and move up to Taupo has paid off in spades after he raced to first place in the Senior 125cc New Zealand MX Championship Series.

Riding almost daily in one of the country’s hubs for the sport, alongside being centrally based for all four rounds of the championship series, Wills and his Yamaha YZ125 were in peak performance for the series.

And he’s got some pretty experienced pedigree in his corner, with his bike built up by former World number two Josh Coppins.

Josh, who raced in the Motocross World Championships from 1993 to 2012, has taken the younger rider under his wing, with Wills a JCR (Josh Coppins Racing) supported rider this season.

“He’s full of knowledge. Money can’t buy what he has,” says Wills. Murray Thorn Motorcycles Motueka have also been a driving force for Wills, having jumped on board several years ago after seeing his talent.

Results this week

Rugby:

“He picked me up maybe three years ago and I hoped on a Yamaha. I’ve been under his wing since then, helping me out and guiding me.”

After winning the first round of

Premier men: Stoke 43 - Central 39; Moutere 44 - Waimea Old Boys 32; Marist 24 - Kahurangi 31; Nelson bye.

Premier women: Marist 30 - Moutere 0; Kahurangi 67 - Waimea Old Boys 19.

Second division: Stoke 48 - Waimea Old Boys 0; Riwaka 30 - Nelson 28; Huia 50Collingwood 0; Marist 3 - Wanderers 33; Takaka 59 - Murchison 12; Tapawera bye.

the national series, two thirdplace weekends in Balclutha and Pukekohe set the stage for a dramatic finish for the young racer. Coming into the last event in Taranaki, Wills was behind and

Basketball: Southland Sharks 79 - NBS Nelson Giants 89; Rapid League 28-50. Otago Nuggets 107 - NBS Nelson Giants 94; Rapid League 38-41.

Football:

Southern League: Nelson Suburbs 1Cashmere Technical 5.

Women’s South Island Qualifying League: Nelson Suburbs bye.

knew that he’d have to finish first in all three races to win the New Zealand title.

“I had to have a perfect day because I was that far down on points, I had to win all my races,”

Premier men: FC Nelson Karenni 11Motueka 1; Smith & Sons Richmond 0FC Nelson 2; Rangers 5 - Golden Bay 0; Nelson Suburbs SPL reserves 5 - Sprig & Fern Tahuna 2.

Premier women: Mapua Cougars 1 - Suburbs Swans 3; Hothouse Creative Richmond Foxes 7 - Golden Bay Shield Maidens 0; Nelson Suburbs SPL Reserves 19 - Get Cars FC Nelson Diamonds 0.

he says.

And he was perfect, snatching back the top spot to sit on 267 championship points, just two points clear of second place.

“I was definitely more nervous coming into the last race knowing if I won that I could win. If I got second, then those two races beforehand would have been for nothing. There was heaps of pressure on.”

Wills got his first bike for Christmas when he was seven years old and is the only one in the family who rides.

“When I was young, I didn’t have any exposure or anything like that. . . I just always kept nagging them, wanting one.

“Growing up, I was pretty sporty. I did rugby and all sorts, gave everything a go, but motocross was always the focus.”

Wills’ schedule sees him have an extended break ahead of his next big race in October, but he’s not going to sit idly by.

He’s already back at home and on the bike, looking to learn the ropes and getting up to speed on a 250cc four-stroke before he heads off to Australia to continue chasing his dreams of one-day racing in the MXGP series World Championship Series.

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Wills Harvey is already back in town and on the bike with his newly-minted 1NZ racing number after he picked up the Senior 125cc New Zealand MX Championship Series title. Photo: Henry Jaine.

Waimea Old Boys' Club Day is the busiest day on its calendar, but this year marks an extra special event for the club.

Saturday’s club day, which will see all 14 rugby teams from grassroots U6 players through to senior men’s and women’s teams play at its home turf of Jubilee Park, will also double as a huge fundraiser for one of its members who is currently undergoing medical treatment in Australia.

Waimea Old Boys has always been about more than just rugby. It's a tight-knit community bound together by shared experiences, cherished traditions, and unwavering camaraderie. With the club priding themselves on being family-focused, it was only natural that they step up to help one of their own, club manager Shar Lowe says. “It’s been a really big financial burden for some of our members who have basically been part of the club since forever.”

Raffles and auctions will run throughout the day and into the evening which will see all players from Waimea Old Boys Rugby and Waimea Prices Netball come together at the clubrooms.

Waimea Old Boys Rugby Club is steeped in the rich history of a club that has stood as a pillar of the community for generations.

Founded in 1896, Waimea Old

Boys Rugby Club emerged from humble beginnings to become a powerhouse in New Zealand's rugby landscape.

The club's roots can be traced back to a group of passionate rugby enthusiasts who shared a common love for the game and a deep-seated commitment

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to their community.

What began as informal matches played on makeshift fields soon evolved into the establishment of Waimea Old Boys Rugby Club, with a founding mission to foster the values of sportsmanship, teamwork, and integrity.

That mission has continued and has seen the club continue to grow and evolve to now incorporate a thriving netball programme of around 100 players.

For the first time, the club also has U15 and U18 girls’ teams competing alongside their other rugby players.

The culture of Waimea Old Boys is integral to its identity, with everyone from the premier grade players to its juniors pulling in the same

direction.

With players from all over the Tasman and Nelson regions, including Wakefield, Brightwater, Richmond, Hope, Māpua, Stoke and Nelson, the club is a real part of the local community.

A lot of our members are also 3rd and 4th generation Waimea players, with their mums, dads, and some grandparents, who played in the JAB as youngsters themselves. Many have circled back around and are now coaching JAB teams themselves.

Shar encourages the Richmond community to come down, grab a free sausage, and support their 160 JAB and 100 senior players on the field.

“It’s definitely our busiest day of

the year,” Shar says. “The grounds are packed; it’s proper grassroots and the teams are drawing in more locals to come and watch which is great.”

From the pioneering founders who laid the groundwork for future generations to the players, coaches, volunteers, and supporters who continue to carry the torch, Club Day is a celebration of the past, present, and future of Waimea Old Boys Rugby Club.

Looking ahead to the rest of the season the premier men’s rugby team has already skyrocketed from being overlooked to being one of the competition’s front-running teams.

Co-captain, Lee McBrydie recently brought up his 100th game with the

club. Having started his premier career wanting to break the 50-game milestone, he says it was a goal to be a centurion but one he never imagined he’d make it to.

After eight seasons in the red and white hoops, he says he’s seen the highs and the lows of the club and is excited about where the team is at.

In premier netball, Ahurei will look to clinch their finals spot again this year after missing out on the 2023 title when it was claimed by Jacks for the first time in five years. With the largest crowd in several years in attendance at the final, Ahurei will hope for strong home-crowd support.

And while Pango might have been relegated from the Premier picture,

captain Paige Brazier said after the game that one of their driving forces is enjoying the game they love. "We play to play netball and we'll still be playing this year."

To support the fundraising efforts visit givealittle. co.nz/cause/help-danielleslipoedema-journey

Waimea Old Boys JAB player gets taken to the ground by three Rangers at the Festival of Rugby on Saturday.

Youngest ‘Old Boys’

Name: Jett Pickering Age: 11

How long have you played for Waimea? Four or five years.

What’s your favourite thing about playing rugby?

The fun of it.

Who is the best sports player ever and why?

All Black and Tasman Mako Will Jordan because he’s a good player and he’s nice.

What do you want to be when you grow up? A rugby player.

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

Who is your role model or hero? Who is it and why?

Macca Springer because he’s nice to me. I was the mini Mako and he was nice to me then.

What other hobbies do you have? I like basketball, too.

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

Have fun and beat the other teams.

make a break in their game against Rangers U11 at Greenmeadows on Saturday. The game was one of three played by each team as part of the Festival of Rugby which marks the start of the JAB season. All of the region’s teams competed at parks across Nelson and Tasman.

Sara Hollyman.

Porter Gilmour from Waimea Old Boys’ U11 looks to

Photo:

Adding coaching credentials to historied history

Phill Jones’ playing career might be behind him, but the local basketball great is still making waves in the game.

While he had advanced warning he was going to be awarded the Keith Mair Male Coach of the Year Award, he says it was still a surprise to get the call. But it becomes clear why he was chosen to receive the honour once you consider the accolades he’s received for his services over the last 12 months.

Under Phill’s coaching, Nelson’s U17 team won the region’s first National Championship since 2001 in an unbeaten season.

Waimea College’s senior A team lost just one game all season under Phill’s coaching, the grand final of the New Zealand Secondary Schools National Championships to Wellington College.

“It was a pretty good year, we had

some good results with a good group of boys,” he says.

“I coach just because I enjoy it. I enjoy being involved with these guys and I enjoy seeing their de-

A football first for Murchison

ELOISE MARTYN

Twelve Murchison kids are trying their feet at competitive football this season as the first-ever Murchison Football team takes to the field.

“My twin boys made noises last season that they wanted to play football however we continued with rugby as there wasn’t a football team,” Murchison Football team manager Jessica Topping says.

“This season they made the same noises and I happened to be at a school meeting where Peter Grigg, Murchison schools sport coordinator, was expressing how it would be great to have a sports hub as opposed to just rugby/netball clubs here in Murch, so I had a chat with him about the boys wanting to play football and it went from there.”

The team practices at the same

time and day as rugby and netball, making it a convenient option for kids and their families.

“The Nelson Bays Football Club and Richmond Football Club couldn’t have been more supportive in helping us get up and running. The team has two home games in the first five weeks which means less traveling for the students,” Jessica says.

The games are hosted at the school and Jessica says that while football is new to all of them, she can already see the benefits of learning new techniques, staying active, and continuing to develop social skills.

“We have three girls in the team which is great, and we have been lucky with a few dads stepping up to learn how to play the game, run the practices, and coach the kids,”

Jessica explains.

“It’s going to be a neat season as we all learn and grow.”

velopment. Most of these boys

I’ve worked with since they were nine, 10, 11 years old.”

With five titles and a runners-up spot in 2023, Phill was quick to

say that the honour wasn’t his alone.

Alongside a squad of dedicated young men, he says it’s as much an award for his U17 assistant

coach Huw Beynon, as well as U17 manager Meg Matthews and Waimea College manager Stefan James.

“It’s really nice to pick up this award. It’s an accumulation of time spent with these kids who got turned into great basketball players. It’s fun to be around and see them grow.”

Phill admits a large part of his desire to coach was to watch and mentor his son Hayden, through the local scene. And with Hayden soon to graduate and likely to head over to America to play, Phill says he hasn’t put too much thought into his own coaching future.

“Our kids come first, and all the other stuff comes second.”

He says he loves passing on the knowledge he’s built up over decades of involvement in the game, saying it’s exciting to watch the younger generation develop so quickly.

Murchison’s first-ever football team members, playing in Grade 10. Back row from left: Billie Garard, Elsie Gudsell, Abhi Dearlove, Connor Farrow, Lachlan Topping, Alex Coleman, Archie Penman, Leo Bidwell-Todd. Front row: Conrad Topping, Evie Van Kempen and Caisen Bain. Photo: Jessica Topping.

JACK MALCOLM

Phill Jones (second from right) and Nelson’s U17 basketball team were given a standing ovation by the local crowd at Trafalgar Centre after winning the national title last year. Photo: Evan Barnes/Shuttersport.

ROUND 12

MOANA V CHIEFS REDS V REBELS BLUES V HURRICANES

HIGHLANDERS V CRUSADERS

WARATAHS V BRUMBIES FORCE V DRUA

Community Notices

MONDAY

DOCUMENTARY: “SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN” at Richmond Library. Monday 20 May 6:30pm. Bookings Essential. Phone 03 543 8500 to register.

JUNIOR BADMINTON has started for school aged kids at Badminton Hall from 6 till 7:30pm. Racquets available. Contact Joe on 0277834720 or joe@peak.co.nz.

SOCIAL EVENING BADMINTON starts Monday 6 May at Badminton Hall from 7:30pm. Racquets available. Just bring indoor court shoes. $5/night. Contact Joe on 0277834720 or joe@peak.co.nz.

STEAM CLUB RICHMOND LIBRARY 3.45pm – 4.45pm, Mondays for 5 weeks. STEAM Club is a science, technology, engineering, arts & math-based programme for children 9 years old+. ph: 03 543 8500 to register your interest as spaces are limited ELYSIUM WIDOW AND WIDOWERS GROUP meet each Monday at 10am at Ginger, Richmond Mall for coffee & friendship. New faces always welcome. Phone Margaret 027 2600748

TASMAN AQUARIUM CLUB. Inspiration, advice and general chat about fish and aquarium hobby. Meet monthly first Monday at 7 pm - Next meeting 13 May, Ph Robin 027 5442518.

PHILOSOPHY GROUP meets in Trafalgar Hall, 67 Trafalgar St., Nelson, on the 2nd and 4th Monday each month at 10am. All welcome. Text Zoe: 027-974-1758

TUESDAY

SING WITH TASMONICS! Friendly mixed 4-part harmony chorus seeks new singers for our varied repertoire. Rehearsals Tuesdays 7.15 at Club Waimea, Richmond. For more info phone Philippa: 027-549-7713.

CUPPA AND CONVERSATION Tuesday 14 May 2.30 pm Methodist Parish church lounge 94 Neale Ave Stoke. You are warmly invited to hear Coordinator Diane Strong speak on ‘The Work of Women & Children’s Refuge’ Afternoon tea will be provided.

WINTER CARDS, EUCHRE at Stoke Bowling Club, 18a Ranui Rd, Stoke Tuesday afternoons. Doors open at 1pm for 1.30pm start. Warm & friendly atmosphere, afternoon tea provided. All wel-

come. Enquiries to Lesley at 021 0407768.

RICHMOND TENNIS CLUB Social Tennis Tuesday mornings 9.30am at Richmond Tennis Club, Gladstone Road. If raining we play card games. Morning tea. provided. Enquiries 0274872480.

HOPE TENNIS CLUB Social Tennis every Tuesday morning from 9.30 a.m. at Hope Tennis Courts, Hope Domain. All abilities most welcome. Queries 0211729257

DIGI DROP-IN SESSION AT TAPAWERA Community House

Are you having a digital dilemma? Tasman District Library staff will be there to offer support. Free. Tues. 14 May 11am – 1.00pm

NELSON 50+ WALKING GROUP Tuesday May 14th. Maitai

Dam Meander.Meet at 9.45 am at the Maitai Dam. BYO lunch. Contact Di on 027 4152363.

WELLBY TALKING CAFÉ: 10am-11.30am, Tuesday, 14 May, Tapawera Community Centre ALSO 1.30pm - 3pm, Tuesday, 14th May, Richmond Library. Wellby Talking Cafés are about social connection and finding out about groups, activities and services. www.wellby.org.nz 03 5467681

HOPE INDOOR BOWLING CLUB. Playing Tuesday nights Hope Hall 7pm. All ages welcome.Wear soft soled shoes. First 2 nights free. Phone Bill 5449273.

RICHMOND TENNIS CLUB social tennis 6pm onwards. Open to club players, visitors & members of other clubs. FREE Contact 0274 872 480

STOKE TAHUNANUI MEN’S CLUB welcomes new members. Meeti 10am 3rd Tues monthly with guest speaker. 15 Burrough Pl, Enner Glynn. Regular outings & activities. Ph Ian 0211482580

WEDNESDAY

STORYTIME AT RICHMOND LIBRARY 10am – 10.30am, Wednesdays during term time. Join us for exciting stories and songs for 2-5 year olds and their caregivers. Free CAKE DECORATORS next meet Wednesday 15 May. We are creating chocolates flower pots & sugar paste flowers. Desiree 0276302359

CENTRAL GARDEN CLUB, meets every second Wednesday of each

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

month at the Methodist Church Hall Neale Avenue Stoke. 1,30 pm, New Members most welcome. Guest speakers , followed by afternoon tea. Enquiries phone Lynn or Bob 0275418448.

SING YOUR LUNGS OUT: A fun filled singing class for those with respiratory conditions. No singing experience is necessary. Wednesdays 10.30am, Reformed Church Nelson. Contact Jess 027 546 7675.

THURSDAY

RICHMOND CREATIVE FIBRE Meets at Birchwood Hall, Richmond Showgrounds. 9.30 am every 2nd , 3rd & 4th Thursdays of the month. Come & meet others who enjoy working with fibre.Ph 5445023 (Janie).

JUDO 20A GLADSTONE RD (upstairs Waimea Old Boys Rugby) Juniors Thursday 5-6pm. Seniors/Competitive Tuesday/Thursday 6pm. Pee wees Thursday 4.30 pm. Contact Michelle 0275422254

FRIDAY

ELYSIUM WIDOW AND WIDOWERS GROUP meet for lunch at Grape Escape, Fri. 10 May at midday. Ph: Margaret 027 2600748

FRENCH CONVERSATION every Friday 4-6pm at Honest Lawyer Stoke or Vic Rose Nelson. Alliance Français. Doug Hill 5446288

WAIMEA LADIES FRIENDSHIP CLUB welcomes new members Interesting speakers, morning tea, dining out, outings. 3rd Fri each month 9.45am. Richmond Church of Christ, corner Croucher and D’arcy Sts. Ph: Bev 5441469

SATURDAY

VARIETY ENTERTAINMENT CLUB OF NELSON Concert Saturday 11 May 2pm Stoke School Hall, Main Road Stoke Admission $5 All Welcome Phone Wayne 0272049772 Robyn 5473231

NELSON ELECTRONIC ORGAN & KEYBOARD CLUB meet the first Saturday of the month at the Stoke Baptist Church Hall at 1.30 pm. If you enjoy music as either a listener or player please come along. Next meeting on 4 May. Ph: Yvonne 027 607 0050.

CELTIC PIPE BAND CEILIDH DANCE, Sat, 25 May, 7-9pm, Nayland College Hall. An evening of vibrant Traditional Scottish Dancing &

Music. Enjoy the spirit of the Highlands with our Licensed Bar featuring Whiskey, while relishing a delightful Haggis & light Supper. Don your Kilt, Highland dress, Tartan Accessories. Tickets at Richmond Mall Info Desk.

NELSON BRANCH OF ROYAL NZ AIRFORCE ASSOCIATION Meet 2nd Sat each month, 12pm, Club Waimea, Richmond, Phil’s Restaurant. Interesting speakers, raffles & members interested in Aviation Ph: Trever Squires 039706644 or John Bethwaite 035476634. Cost of meal $25

RICHMOND TENNIS CLUB social tennis 1.30 - 3pm. Open to club players, visitors & members of other clubs. FREE. Contact 0274 872 480

FREE GUIDED MEDITATION Meet Saturdays 3pm under the white pergola of Washbourne Gardens. Relax, unwind and enjoy inner peace & stillness. meditaterichmond@gmail.com for questions. Absolutely Free

SUNDAY

SNOWDEN’S BUSH RESERVE BRIGHTWATER , Weeding Working Bee Sun. 12 May 9am - noon Meet at the carpark Sun. 19 May as postponement date . Good footwear, gloves, tools, & bring your own drink . Morning tea supplied . Contact Alison 027 258 6897

WAIMEA MUSIC CLUB meets at Methodist Church Hall, Neale Ave, Stoke on Sunday, 12th May at 1.15pm. All welcome. Enquiries ph. Jim 5449446 or Clive 0211431138

NELSON VETERANS TENNIS CLUB BBQ lunch 12 mid-day with Social Tennis at 1 p.m. with the AGM at 3 p.m. Sunday 9 june Please support your Club . Contact Leona 0210792370

CALLING ALL WEST COASTERS You are warmly invited to a West Coast themed worship service at 10 am in the Methodist Parish church 94 Neale Ave Stoke on Sunday 19 May. Guest Speaker Hokitika born Ian Davidson. Morning tea follows the service.

NELSON PHILATELIC SOCIETY Meet Sunday 12 May. Doors Open 1.30pm - Meeting Starts 2pm At Stoke Baptist Church. 4-8 page display and competition . Angela Lindup - “What I am working on Now?” Mitchener Cup – Letter “R” . ALL Welcome Robin 0275442518

LEARNING FROM THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS and trying to follow/live as Christians. All Welcome. Waimea Intermediate School Hall Sunday’s 4:30 - 5:30 pm Tuesday’s 7:30 - 8:30 pm

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

GENERAL GROUPS

BETTER BREATHERS: a series of guided exercises - seated or standing - to help those with breathing difficulties. Run by Nelson Asthma Society at Club Waimea, Richmond – 10am Tuesdays/Fridays and 11.15am Wednesdays. Contact Jess 027 546 7675. RICHMOND LIBRARY: 1. Share International Magazine Display, May 6th – May 19th – For information, inspiration, and hope for a brighter future. 2. ‘Collections’ Exhibition Come & see an exhibition of treasured collections shared by members of our public. On display in our Glass Cabinets during May.

MARCHING come join a new Leisure marching team for Fun, Friendship and Fitness. Richmond. Ph: Margaret, 0272519009. 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

RICHMOND TENNIS CLUB PICKLEBALL Gladstone Road. Demo racquets and balls available. Contact 0274872480 Monday: 6 - 8pm Tuesday: 9.30 - 11.30am. Wednesday: 6-8pm Friday: 9.30-11.30am Tuesday morning: 9.30 - noon. Social tennis at Richmond Tennis Club

FEELING SAD, STRESSED, DEPRESSED, OR STUCK? Identify explore new ways to move forward with a Life Linc Counsellor. Up to 10 face to face counselling sessions available now for individuals & couples. 548 2400 lifelinc.co.nz

WAIMEA MENZSHED - catering for the interests, health and well-being of men since 2010. The shed is open Monday - Friday at Richmond Park, 384 Lower Queen St. Inquiries: mens.shed. waimea@gmail.com 027 2820185.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS - Is alcohol causing problems for you in your life? Want to stop drinking but can’t? Maybe we can help. Support meetings every day. Call 0800aaworks 0800 229 6757.

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.

Outdoor Dreams Made Reality