Waimea Weekly - 16 August 2023

Shooting clubs take aim at noise complaints

GORDON PREECE

Target shooting clubs at Golden Downs have taken financial hits and reduced their activities after prolonged noise complaints.

Nelson Pistol Club and Nelson Waimea Clay Target Club say the complaints made by a neighbour, who resides at and operates a nearby accommodation facility, has reached a point where Tasman District Council [TDC] has threatened to close the only safe and secure practice shooting facilities in the district. However, a Tasman District Council spokesperson says while threats have not been made by council to close either club, it may take formal enforcement action if it considered that unreasonable noise levels were continuing.

Nelson Waimea Clay Target Club president, Martin O’Connor, says the club, which has between 60 and 100 members, had received communication from council about noise complaints lodged by the neighbour for about five years, which had recently been “pretty bad”. “You only have to fire two shots to get a complaint, so it’s a bit ridiculous really,” he says. “We have email contact [with the neighbour] and we have sat down and spoken with him, but he won’t talk to us these days… he wants us gone, basically.

Martin says the club had followed TDC instructions to reduce its noise, but it had come

FROM PAGE 1

Distributed to 12,232 homes in Richmond, Hope, Brightwater, Wakefield and Murchison. 5000 rural properties including all farms and lifestyle blocks and small towns.

Contact us

News

Sara Hollyman sara@topsouthmedia.co.nz

Jo Kent jo@waimeaweekly.co.nz

Advertising Sales

Jeremy Focas-Turk jeremy@waimeaweekly.co.nz

Shelley Illingworth shelley@waimeaweekly.co.nz

Accounts Queries accounts@waimeaweekly.co.nz

563 Main Rd, Stoke, Nelson (03) 544 9037 topsouthmedia.co.nz

STREET TALK

What is a conscious thing you do to protect the environment?

“We consciously recycle all the products we bring home… and also just being mindful of the products that we purchase, we tend to stick to the more natural products.”

“I make sure I clean all my recyclables and put things in the right bin.”

“I walk more than I take a vehicle and try to save water.”

“I pick up rubbish and keep the place clean, I always have done.”

Shooting clubs take aim at noise complaints

at a cost.

“We’ve spent a lot of money on an acoustic engineer to try and figure out what we can do, but we’re not in the greatest position to reduce noise to the neighbour because we’re 10m below them, so it makes it very difficult,” he says. “But we have come up with a system of temporary bale walls to experiment with and they’re proving reasonably successful, but a permanent fix with walls that are high enough would be like $150,000.”

Martin says the ongoing complaints from the neighbour, who has occupied the address since the early 2000s, had also affected club activity.

“We have limited our shooting to try and cut the complaints, but it doesn’t make any difference,” he

says. “We’ve had to cancel a national shoot just this last weekend with 100-odd shooters coming into the district because of all the uncertainties and threats from council.

“That would’ve been a money maker for the club which would have helped pay for trying to sort some of these issues.”

The TDC spokesperson says the latest noise complaint it had received regarding Nelson Pistol Club was on 6 August and three days later, on 9 August, had received the latest noise complaint about Nelson Waimea Clay Target Club.

Nelson Pistol Club president, Martin Ewing, says it had also made several adjustments to reduce its noise including hiring an acoustic engineer, installing acoustic barriers, and reducing its shooting activity.

He says the club, which has about 130 members and is used by police for its training exercises, had submitted a noise management plan twice to TDC who had been “happy” with its progress, but they were now back in the firing line.

“They’ve mentioned noise abatement notices and their email communications became increasingly threatening to the point where we went to a lawyer,” he says. “None of this is cheap, we’ve spent thousands of dollars with noise consultants, built considerable earthworks and an acoustic wall on the range closest to the property. We’re back in a position where we’re spending limited funds from a club that benefits the public versus unlimited funds from ratepayers, so it seems kind of sad that you’ve got the council just working in the interests of

one person and against the interests of the club.”

Martin says council should advise both clubs to work towards more “realistic” noise levels which he says have been monitored by a sound system at the neighbour’s property.

“They want a figure of 65db at the complainants’ house and if you know much about noise, people sitting around and talking in a room makes 65db… and we’ve got trucks driving past which are making more than 100db.

“That’s where the statement around realistic guidelines comes from because gunfire is a noisy activity.”

Nelson Pistol Club secretary, Christine Ewing, addressed a TDC meeting on August 10 on behalf of both clubs.

“The club has concerns that council’s communication is change-

able and does not recognise the significance of shooting ranges in the community,” she said.

“The club provides a safe and supervised facility for non-members and visitors to use their firearms avoiding spreading casual use over multiple properties around the district including forestry blocks and public riverbeds which, of course, is unsafe.”

Repeated attempts by Waimea Weekly to contact the neighbour by phone had failed.

The TDC spokesperson says council has a duty to investigate noise complaints and ensure that noise levels are reasonable.

“We are encouraging both clubs to work together in developing a reasonable shooting schedule and reviewing progress made through regular monitoring.

“We are encouraged by the steps taken to date.”

Geoff Baker Māpua

Natalie Knibbs Richmond

Nathan Dunn Wakefield

Wendy Pearce Richmond

Saxton skatepark ramps up

MAX FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter

The installation of an Olympic-standard skatepark at Saxton Field is one step closer to becoming a reality.

Last week, the Saxton Field Committee agreed to add a regional skatepark facility into the complex’s development plan.

“It’s quite exciting,” says Skate Nelson Bays president Douglas Jackson. “There’s no reason why Nelson couldn’t have a facility like that.”

The Nelson-Tasman region is well served by smaller, low to medium skill, skateparks, but there’s nothing to challenge the proficient skaters.

“We have an example of a kid who had outgrown everything, he was too good, and he ultimately just stopped. You’re limited, living in Nelson, trying to achieve those goals.”

But while the primary goal of the new park would be to ensure talented skaters had somewhere to hone their skills, it would also possess facilities geared towards learners or intermediate skateboarders and be accessible to all, including scooters, BMX, and roller skaters. The sport is something to be invested in, according to Douglas.

“It’s not just ‘here’s something to do,’ kids can actually become professionals and earn money doing skateboarding... but you

need the right facilities.”

A branch of the Nelson Host Lion Club, Skate Nelson Bays has almost 200 members, and with one of the organisations surveys showing another 400 who were largely in favour of a Saxton Field skatepark, the facility would be welcomed. Nelson City and Tasman District Councils jointly manage and fund the Saxton Field complex, and both must agree to include the project in their draft Long-Term Plans for 2024-2034. The Saxton Field Circus Green is the indicated site for the project, however that too could change. Douglas hopes to deliver the skatepark in a staggered approach over a 5–10-year period.

Terrace House available

Skate Nelson Bays president Douglas Jackson says a new Olympic-standard skatepark at Saxton Field would provide a new challenge. Photo: Max Frethey.

Soft recycling bins are back

FROM PAGE 1

JO KENT

It’s been five years since locals in the region have been able to recycle their soft plastics, but with eight new collection points across Richmond, Nelson and Motueka, that’s all changed.

Soft Plastics Recycling Scheme manager Lyn Mayes says with Future Post’s new processing plant in Blenheim, transporting the bales has put Nelson Tasman back on the recycling map.

“We launched the recycling scheme in 2015 but had to stop it in December 2018 when offshore plants processing New Zealand’s plastic no longer wanted it.”

That’s when the scheme started a supply agreement with Future Post, who make fence posts from soft plastic. “They were just setting up production in Auckland, so we resumed collections on a limited basis in Auckland mid-2019 but, sadly, not from the Top of the South as the logistics of transporting the soft plastics back to Auckland were too difficult.”

The recycling scheme takes bread bags, frozen food bags, toilet paper packaging, confectionery and biscuit wrap, chip bags, pasta and rice bags, courier envelopes, shopping bags, sanitary hygiene packaging ¬- basically anything made of plastic which can be scrunched into a ball. The scheme collected 500 tonnes of plastic last year, which is around double what was collected in 2021 (260 tonnes). This year, they expect to double the volume again to 1000 tonnes of soft plastic.

Future Post managing director Jerome Wenzlick says the company has built their own machinery and figured out how to use all the different types of waste plastic that no one else can use.

“Our fence posts need to be the same or better than wood, which is what we’re up against.”

He says each fence post uses around 8000 pieces of soft plastic. The company has strong demand for its products, particularly from wineries in the Top of the South. “We can actually show that plastic straight off the vineyard is made into a post and back to the vineyard, you can’t get much more circular than that.”

Future Post general manager, Hassan Wong, says a core goal is to be a local solution to a local problem.

“While that applies nationally in the sense that we don’t believe New Zealand should be exporting its plastic waste offshore, the thinking also applies regionally.

“It’s really satisfying to know that by offering a soft plastics recycling solution in the South Island we can avoid the carbon emissions and expense of trucking all that waste across the Cook Strait.” Soft plastics can now be dropped at The Warehouse in Nelson, Richmond and Motueka, Countdown Nelson, Richmond and Motueka, along with New World in Stoke and Motueka.

Historic Nelson Tenths land claim edges closer to resolution

TRACY NEAL

Justice Reporter

One of New Zealand’s oldest property law claims is back in court, in a move which aims to end one of the largest pieces of litigation against the Crown this country has seen.

Customary Māori landowners in the top of the South Island have been fighting for justice since the 1840s over promises made but never fulfilled when the New Zealand Company bought land for the Nelson settlement.

In 2017 the Supreme Court ruled that the Crown had a legal duty to right the wrongs.

The Wellington High Court is now underway with deciding what needs to be done to resolve the long-running saga of the Nelson Tenths Reserves. It will determine the extent of the Crown’s breaches, any defences it has and remedies. Nelson-based Wakatū Incorporation has backed the claim on behalf of the Māori customary landowners. It hopes the High Court case that began in Wellington on Monday will be the final hurdle towards resolution.

The legal case does not involve private land, but land held by the Crown. Neither is it a Treaty claim but one that had traversed the courts over de-

cades as a private breach of trust. Wakatū chief executive, Kerensa Johnston, says they had applied the same argument as anyone might today over property protection laws. “There are parallels that we could draw from then and today’s property transactions and it’s what Wakatū tried to do throughout the proceedings.”

At the heart of the matter is the purchase deals by the New Zealand Company for the Nelson settlement scheme from the early 1840s. One-tenth of the land bought by the company was to have been set aside and held in trust for the customary Māori landowners. All land occupied by Māori (pā, urupā and cultivations) was to be excluded from the sale. This was officially recognised by Commissioner William Spain and became enshrined in the Crown Grant of 1845. But the agreement was never honoured. Only 5100 acres of what should have been 15,100 acres of land set aside were ever identified and reserved. By 1882 the 5100 acres had been whittled down to 3000 with the arrival of more settlers. Currently, the customary Māori landowners have less than 20 per cent of the land they are legally entitled to. The remnants of the Tenths have been held in trust and managed by

the Crown and its trustees from 1845 until 1977 when the Wakatū Incorporation was formed by Māori landowners to receive and manage these leftovers.

Kerensa says redress sought now was a combination of the proportion owed and land already tagged.

Kaumatua Rore Stafford is fronting the latest case as representative of the Māori customary landowners - the descendants of those tūpuna identified by the Native Land Court in 1892.

Wakatū Incorporation represents the interests of about 4000 owners, who descend from the customary Māori landowners, the whānau and hapū of the Whakatū (Nelson), Motueka and Mōhua (Golden Bay) rohe.

Since 1977 it has grown from having an asset base worth about $11 million, to a current value of more than $350 million, mostly in land and water space.

The hearing is expected to run for 10 weeks.

Crown Law is representing the Attorney General as respondent, who declined to comment as the matter was before the court.

To read the full story visit the Nelson App.

Open

Kerensa Johnston

West across Tasman Bay from the hills above Glenduan, north Nelson, where Māori arrived centuries before European and English settlers. Photo: Tracy Neal.

First female officer in 145 years

ANNE HARDIE

Amy Little has broken new ground in the Richmond Volunteer Fire Brigade by becoming the first female officer in its 145-year history.

After 10 years of training and moving through the ranks, Amy and fellow firefighter Bryan Parks are now station officers.

The role means they are taking on more responsibility in the Richmond brigade, which has a team of 32 that includes just seven women.

Amy, a police officer, was 23 when she joined the brigade and Bryan, a self-employed trader, describes her promotion as “monumental in our history”.

Despite Amy’s own success through the ranks to station officer, the number of women has remained low and it is something both Amy and Bryan would like

to change.

“It doesn’t require great physical strength and it’s a lot of fun.

You have a big group of friends,” she says. “But it’s hard to keep females. We have seven and it only takes two or three to leave and

you’ve halved the number.”

Bryan is also the brigade’s recruitment and retention officer and he says women are good at remaining calm under pressure and that makes them great firefighters.

“They work well under stress and are great at dealing with multiple variables.”

The pair are both drivers and pump operators for the brigade and were invited to attend a station officers’ course in Rotorua a year ago.

The course entailed multiple scenarios that left them physically and emotionally drained, but better prepared for their next step in responsibility.

Last week they were invited to fill two vacant station officer positions, which puts them in charge of the fire-truck crews when they are called out to an incident.

On average, the Richmond brigade gets about 25 callouts a month for everything from structure fires and vehicle crashes to

medical events, hazardous materials and false alarms.

One of the biggest challenges for both of them though was the flooding in the town last August.

“Big weather events like these are dynamic in nature and can take quite a bit of time to sort,” Bryan says. “Supporting distressed

homeowners during and after the event was a big part of our response. Some medical events I’ve found pretty challenging and a couple of car crashes have been extremely challenging. The camaraderie and trust of fellow crew members is hugely important during these events,” he says.

Get on board Nelson Tasman!

Amy Little and Bryan Parks are Richmond Fire Brigade’s new station officers. Amy is the first female officer for the brigade in its 145-year history. Photo: Anne Hardie.

Bus usage up 44 per cent

Data for the first week of the new eBus service shows there were 15,500 journeys taken across Nelson Tasman - an increase of 44 per cent from the previous week under the old NBus service. There was an increase in patronage across the entire week, with a 195 per cent increase in weekend journeys. The two routes extending into Motueka and Wakefield had a successful start, with 1,200 journeys recorded. “It is a service that both communities have been asking for and the numbers are a great start to this service becoming a genuine option for residents in these townships,” says Tasman mayor Tim King.

‘Unreal’ Lotto win for local woman

A local woman is planning to celebrate with “a beer and some takeaways” after scoring an “unreal” $333,333 Lotto First Division win

last week. The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, is a regular player who bought a Triple Dip on MyLotto on the afternoon of Wednesday, 9 August, for that night’s draw. The woman is planning to invest her winnings and is planning on having a low-key celebration to mark the occasion. “I’ll probably have a beer and shout my children some takeaways.”

Snow closes two main highways

Bad weather and snowfall caused disruptions to road users last Thursday morning. SH 63 between Renwick and St Arnaud closed at 6:40am, and SH 6 between Kohatu and Kawatiri Junction closed just before 9am. Access was provided for local residents between St Arnaud and Renwick. Waka Kotahi said contractors worked hard to clear and reopen both roads.

Richmond garden project gets growing

A plot of land beside the Headingly Centre on Lower Queen St is now the site of a huge community project which will feed those in need around the region.

Mitre 10 MEGA Nelson marketing manager and Helping Hands founder, Murray Leaning, says the new community garden is a big win for Richmond.

“We are helping to transform an empty patch of land donated to us by Grace Church into a thriving space to grow all manner of fruit and vegetables to be distributed to those who need it.”

The 850sqm section has already been started with raised wooden planters and large concrete barrels ready and waiting to be filled with compost.

“We’ve laid great foundations. NMIT built us the garden boxes, Nelson Airport donated a single garage and Kāinga Ora have given us a tunnel house to grow tomatoes, strawberries and some other seasonal foods.”

The project began when Murray saw the opportunity to expand the existing area that was currently being used by Grace Church.

“I could see that there was far more usable land we could utilise to make a real difference to people in the community and the church backed us and here we are.

“The support that we have received so far from other businesses and local people, either donating their time, money or supplies, has been phenomenal.”

More hard graft was scheduled today (Wednesday, 16 August) when Murray hosted a working bee at the site.

“We wanted as many people as possible to come along and help us plant, paint, build and get stuck in to really get this thing off the ground. I laid on a BBQ lunch for the volunteers, so thanks to everyone who came along to lend a hand.”

Volunteer Ann Carpenter is heading up the project and will be the site’s guardian.

“It’s important that people realise it’s not an allotment, as it’s on private land. We will grow the food and maintain the garden and welcome volunteers to help us. But people won’t get their own patch to plant their own things in, so to speak.”

Once grown, people are welcome to come and take what they need.

Some of it will also be distributed via support agencies

throughout region, such as Helping Families and food banks.

“With the economy changing so much recently and the cost of fruit and veggies going through the roof, this will help those people who struggle to get fresh food on the table each week,” Murray says. Ann says that as well as providing food, there are plans to hold cookery classes and garden workshops, with the emphasis on helping anyone who has an interest – not just those who are facing hardships.

“I’ll be showing people how they can grow things themselves too.

“I would especially like to help immigrants who may not be used to the foods we eat here or how to grow them at home or even how to cook them,” Ann adds.

Former dietician Annette Nistor already hosts cookery classes for retirees and says this will be another great way of educating people about where their food comes from.

“We’ll look at what is in the garden and then base what we cook around that,” says Annette. “You’d be surprised how many people don’t know what to do with fresh veggies or how easy they are to turn into a meal,” she adds.

JO KENT

Menzshed volunteer Ian Carpenter and his wife Ann Carpenter (right), with Annette Nistor (centre). Photo: Jo Kent.

Your last chance to buy new at Waimea Plains.

Sunny Nelson’s newest Living Well Community is absolutely bursting with things to do. Get together with friends in the newly-completed clubhouse, soak up the atmosphere on our spacious alfresco dining deck, or pour a pint in our resident-run microbrewery.

It’s all waiting for you at Waimea Plains.

Our brand new architecturally-designed villas and townhouses promote no maintenance, independent living with a vibrant touch— and we’re down to the last few properties, so get in quick.

Find out more at arvida.co.nz/waimeaplains or call Kerryn on 021 351 934

Traffic a breeze for global bus drivers

ANNE HARDIE

Putting the bright into Brightwater

JO KENT

The weather may be cold and dreary this winter, but the same can’t be said about the Brightwater underpass which has just been given a vibrant makeover.

Community partnerships coordinator for Tasman District Council, Yulia Panfylova, says that the project was funded through Creative Communities.

“The suggestion to brighten the Brightwater underpass came from one of the residents via Facebook and received a lot of comments and support.

“I recommended Dani Hedges for this job because she has worked with youth on art projects before, working with children on the underpass in Motueka and painting a road mural in Takaka with the school.”

This time, Motueka-based Dani enlisted the help of students from Brightwater School.

“We worked together with shapes and colours, each student from a select group creating their own designs for the underpass. We then merged all the ideas into two funky designs.

“We went with a geometric pattern to keep within time constraints and make the most of the colours we had available.”

She says it’s sad that just a few weeks after the mural was created, someone had chosen to graffiti over the top at one end of the tunnel.

“It’s such a shame as it’s not been up long, but the school has painted over the obscenities which had been written in green paint. It’s pretty disrespectful, so I hope it doesn’t happen again.”

As a secret gift to the children, Dani decided to paint a kea inside the tunnel in one of her unique designs.

“It wasn’t part of the mural as such, but I wanted to paint something inside as a little gift to the community.”

WINTER FOOTWEAR FESTIVAL

Geemon Manthra has driven buses through the congested streets of Dubai, so negotiating his way around Richmond and Nelson is an easy day out. He is one of 30 new bus drivers who have been sourced from around the globe to handle the increased routes and timetables of the eBus service that kicked into action at the beginning of August.

Born in Kerala in southern India, Geemon has spent the past 20 years driving buses in India, Dubai, Quatar and Saudi Arabia, then a stint as a courier driver in Malta. It was while he was in Malta that he applied for the Nelson bus-driving job, and when he received an email from SBL Group (who operate Nelson Coachlines) to say he had been accepted, he thought it was just another scam and pretty much ignored it. Even when he followed the process and applied for a visa, he was still doubtful because New Zealand had always been too hard to get jobs in and visas to. “When I got my visa I could not believe I had a New Zealand visa. I didn’t inform my wife and family because I did not trust it.”

Then he began getting emails from SBL Group’s recruitment project manager, Jo Rainey, describing Nelson and its culture and preparing him for his move to New Zealand. It had all happened in less than

a month and he arrived in Nelson on 12 April to begin training for the new buses on new routes and driving on the other side of the road. He was the first of the new drivers to arrive in Nelson and soon after he was joined by two colleagues from Dubai who had applied for the jobs without knowing the others were also heading to the deep south. Others have arrived from India, Morocco, South Africa, Pakistan, Phillipines and Mexico.

After living a lifetime in crowded cities, Geemon says that everything is on a smaller scale here – even the flight from Auckland to Nelson.

“I had never been in such a small plane and there was a propeller out the window.”

He is more than happy to swap the stressful driving of cities such as Dubai with the streets of Nelson and Richmond, especially as he drove double-decker and articulated buses.

“It was very stressful driving in Dubai. Here there is no driving tension. It is calm, so I have no grumblings and I am enjoying it.”

Geemon’s wife Smitha is still waiting for her visa before she joins him and when they are both living in New Zealand they will be closer to their two adult daughters who are studying in Australia. He says the only challenge so far is finding affordable rental ac-

commodation.

SBL Group’s business development and compliance manager, Jono Cleaver, says the company had nine months to double the number of bus drivers at a time there was a shortage in New Zealand. Just six drivers were sourced from around the country before going global, and that changed everything.

“We were flooded, pretty much. We got hundreds of applicants that we had to filter through and we wanted the personal approach rather than going through immigration or consultants. It was massive.”

It required Zoom interviews at all times of the night to ensure applicants could speak English well enough to converse with bus passengers. Then changing their licensing in New Zealand before they could begin their training on the buses and learn the routes.

The new bus drivers were initially given accommodation in Fell House at Nelson College and have been in the process of finding more permanent accommodation. The company also gave them vehicles to get around initially and offered them trips around New Zealand while they waited for their licences to be approved.

“They have been so positive and so happy that it has made the process really easy.

“All in all, it has been quite a success and a great experience for us.”

Dani Hedges enlisted the help of Brightwater School students to liven up the underpass next to their school.

Photo: Jo Kent.

Geemon Manthra is one of 30 new bus drivers behind the wheel of the region’s electric buses.

Photo: Anne Hardie.

Spot-on volunteer reaches life membership

GORDON PREECE

About 180,000 Nelson Tasman school kids have benefited from Michelle Fitzgerald’s work at the local Life Education Trust.

The current co-chair of the organisation recently received a Life Membership award at the trust’s national conference for her involvement since the trust was established in Nelson Tasman in 2003.

Michelle says her inspiration to join the trust came from a speech by the Nelson Tasman founders, Roy and Renate Savage, and to have served for two decades had been an honour.

“We get great feedback and support from the public and we have a lot of local sponsors on board to help us deliver the programme,” she says. “Twenty years ago, the trust was focused on general strands of education like health and nutrition, body systems, substance abuse and the fact that everybody is unique, and now digital citizenship and vaping are real areas of concern.

“There’s always new stuff to learn and talk to our children about, I just think it’s fantastic, and I’m pretty proud to have been involved.”

Michelle, who’s also a senior business consultant at Nimbus Software, says there had been “several” cases in her time with the trust where its work had been credited.

“The New Zealand Police commissioned a report, and they identified that one of the main reasons that cigarette smoking,

alcohol, and cannabis use was being reduced in their Year 9 and 10 children was because of the lessons that the children were attending in the Life Ed classroom prior to reaching college,” she says. “There’s been numerous other situations similar to that where you hear a story where kids

have really stopped and thought ‘well, I don’t want to make that decision, I don’t want to take that stuff’, whether it be drugs or alcohol. There’s a real decline in people who are taking up cigarette smoking and drinking these days as they get older and reach their teenage years so it’s good to feel

Taster Days

21 - 25 August

that what you’re involved in actually makes a difference.”

Michelle says about 6000 Nelson Tasman children are educated through the trust each year.

“I’m pretty passionate about children in our area... and if I can make a contribution and be supportive, I’ll keep on trucking.”

Michelle Fitzgerald has spent two decades contributing to life education for Nelson and Tasman school kids. Photo: Gordon Preece.

Horror SH6 intersection strikes

I’d like to thank the total strangers who rushed to my aid at the Queen St intersection crash last Monday when my car was run into and rolled over on to its side. The immense relief I felt when the first person popped their head in the upturned window to check on me was something I will never forget. The initial silence that follows a car crash is deafening and hearing the voice of a stranger really gave me something to cling to and know I wasn’t alone. So thank you. To the people who had the presence of mind to open my car boot and walk in sideways to rescue me, thank you so much. I specifically remember one brave lady who risked her own safety by walking through all the broken glass in my car to reach out her hand to me, followed by an elderly man who did the same. Thank you so much.

From the passing lady who said she was a doctor and tried to assess my injuries, to the man who used his phone to call my husband, and everyone else who played a part at the scene, thank you, thank you, thank you. You didn’t have to do a thing, yet you all did, and for that I am so humbled, grateful and proud of the community I live in. I’m told the first man to help me jumped up onto my car within seconds of it rolling over, so I salute your

What’s On!

Brightwater Sprig & Fern

10K Fun Run & Walk 2023

Saturday 19 August, 1.20pm Registration

Brightwater Sprig & Fern Tavern

bravery, whoever you are. Just another Monday for most people, but a day that, sadly, I’ll never forget. But I’ll never for get what you all did for me either. Thanks again.

The

driver

This is what happens when you cram housing in before you upgrade infra structure to suit first. You don’t add 500hp to a car and keep the factory brakes.

Jim McGregor

I hope everyone involved is doing ok! I drove by this earlier and was so im pressed by the amount of people who took immediate action and were trying to help the people involved, especially the car on its side until help arrived. Good on you guys for coming together and taking action without hesitation. You certainly made a difference for those people today and should be proud of yourselves.

Courtney Ann O’Neill

The majority of motorists using this in tersection will be regulars i.e they know the light sequences, they change regularly, there is absolutely no need to run the red light as you will be through the intersection within a couple of minutes anyway. Destroying someone else’s life or livelihood is not okay just to save yourself a few minutes in your day.

Susan Tonks

When will something be done about this?! I watched a truck and trailer blatantly go through an already red light there yesterday. People run the red arrow turning right onto lower queen st at practicaly every light change. It is now rare to see anyone stop there on orange It has got that bad.

Katie Prosser

A thousand kilometres on the Camino Trail

Wow. That’s incredible. What a great experience. Ever since I read Shirley McLeans the Camino I’ve always wanted to go. So very cool.

Lisa McGregor

Amazing journey and so inspirational to others! I have it on my biking list which is a slightly different route.

Lyn Jordan

It was on my bucket list, but we have absolutely amazing tracks to explore. Chapeau Sue.

Monique Hovers

What an amazing walk... well done! I’m booked in to do the exact same walk next

year…Le Puy -En - Velay to Santiago Compostela. I’d love to meet you for a chat about your experience. I’m sure you will have some advice!

Rachel Douglas

I loved reading your story. What a great accomplishment. This is on my list to do in the very near future. I would love to chat with you about it.

Beryl Staunton

Health News

I see Amy Darragh works in a unique partnership between the midwife and the pregnant person. There are ways around this awful officialspeak; what’s wrong with the phrase “mothers to be”?

Murray McCaskey

10K fun run and walk around rural Brightwater on Saturday. Briefing 2pm. Everyone and all abilities are welcome. Adults $10, kids, Athletics Nelson & Waimea Harriers Members free.

Second Hand Sunday

Sunday, 20 August, 9am – 2pm

Nelson Tasman Region

Declutter and re-home unwanted household goods for free. Simply register online before 10am Friday at www.tasman.govt.nz/shs

My Time My Life

Sunday, 20 August, 10am-4pm

Saxton Oval

Discover new hobbies and connect with like-minded people! Explore different hobbies and passions showcased by hobby groups from across the region.

design print deliver.

Just a thought...

PETER SOMERVELL

Have you ever heard of myopia? You may well have if you are short-sighted. Myopia occurs when light rays from distant objects pass through the lens of our eyes and focus in front of the retina instead of on it. As a result, objects that are far away become blurry. All we can see is what is right in front of us. Jesus once met a blind man in the village of Bethsaida. Laying his hands on him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” The man looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walk-

ing.” His sight was restored, but only partially. Then Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes; they were opened, and he saw everything clearly.

We are all like that man. We are born with spiritual myopia. We can’t see past our own noses. We are unaware of what we can’t see. When we turn from our sins and place our faith in Christ, our spiritual eyes are opened, and we see things clearly. We see God, we see eternity and we see the battle for people’s souls. Next time you look out a window, ask yourself, “Do I really see?”

Ugly dogs inspire new restaurant

ANNE HARDIE

Olivia Anderson’s dogs attract attention because they are just “so ugly” and now she is celebrating their ugliness by incorporating them into the name of her new Richmond restaurant, The Ugly Dog and Kitchen.

Even the menu of the tapasbased restaurant celebrates her canine friends with the typical all-day breakfast replaced by ‘in the doghouse’ breakfast and a platter called the ugly long board. Even a simple fresh salad is

no longer simple, but an ugly salad.

Cocktail drinks really get into the swing of all things doggy and often ugly, with the ugly mutt, dirty dog, salty pooch and dirty hound.

Olivia bought the larger of her two hairless Chinese Crested dogs off TradeMe because he looked cute and interesting, and though he is named after the woolly mammoth, Manny, he is usually called Phat Dog. When he was mated with another hairless Chinese Crested dog, she acquired tiny Missy –usually called Little Dog.

“People always say ‘oh my God, they’re so ugly! But they’re so cute as well’.”

Despite being recognised in the name and menu, the dogs will not be resident in the restaurant because “Phat Dog is grumpy and barks at everything going past”.

It will be a family affair in the restaurant with three of her daughters helping out and probably her son as well.

The restaurant replaces Aki Kitchen on Queen St and Olivia says it is somewhere for people to go for drinks and nibbles.

Locals roll up sleeves for July blood drive

KATE RUSSELL

A total of 232 blood donors from around the region rolled up their sleeves for the Nelson mobile blood drive last month with booking slots snapped up six weeks in advance.

The three-day mobile blood drive was held at Trafalgar Park from 18 - 20 July.

A total of 256 people came along to donate, however 25 of those couldn’t give blood. There were 35 brand new donors.

Acting Team Leader Donor

Relations Southern, Atawhai

Te Hau, says over the three days, they aim to have the appointment schedules fully booked.

“We can book a maximum of 285 people for the three days, with a ‘target’ of 215 units.

“We are fortunate to have many keen donors in Nelson and the appointment schedule filled up six weeks in advance.”

Atawhai says they received feedback from people in the region who were wanting to book in, but the appointment schedule was full.

“We are definitely aware that there were more people wanting to book. We are very grateful for the amazing support from the Nelson people.”

During the week of the mobile blood drive, Atawhai says they had a number of cancellations, which is common.

“However, our call centre team called the Nelson donors on the panel to refill the gaps and the Nelson people answered our call.”

The mobile blood drive is planning to be back in Nelson in January 2024.

OUT

AND

ABOUT WITH BLAIR

With billboards up this week, the 2023 election campaign in Nelson is now underway. I have spent the past months meeting thousands of people across our community: at rugby matches, at the Nelson Market, at the many “Coffee Catch-Up” events I have hosted at cafes, speaking at rotary clubs, lifestyle villages, community groups, and schools, visiting businesses, and hitting the footpaths and meeting people door-by-door. The consistent feedback I get is that Nelsonians are tired of the government’s wasteful spending and want to see their tax dollars going to things that will deliver results for our community.

Last week, I was pleased to announce that I have secured $250 million through the Roads of National Significance program to build the Hope Bypass, which will be a four-lane highway bypassing Richmond and Hope. This road will mean buses, cyclists, cars, and pedestrians will no longer have to negotiate the dangerous Gladstone Road/Queen Street intersection in Richmond, and a flyover at Lower Queen Street will mean people in new areas like Berryfields will be able to get to Richmond without traveling through the State Highway 6 traffic.

You may have seen that Labour have finally revealed to the public that the Nelson Hospital rebuild has fallen three years behind schedule, with construction now not slated to begin until 2026. I have been asking the government to come clean on the delay for months, so while it is unfortunate that Labour has failed to deliver on their promise to start construction this year, it is great to finally have some transparency. Given Labour’s chaotic management of the Dunedin Hospital rebuild, however, I still have some major concerns about Labour’s ability to deliver. Our region desperately needs a new hospital, and we need a strong and competent government to manage this massive infrastructure project.

The Hope Bypass and Nelson Hospital rebuild are two major infrastructure projects that I am fully committed to delivering. I’m asking for your vote in October so that I can get the Hope Bypass underway and get the Nelson Hospital rebuild back on track. We need an MP that will get things done and I’m ready to deliver.

Authorised by B Cameron, 544 Waimea Rd, Nelson

The name of Olivia Anderson’s Richmond restaurant was inspired by her pets Phat Dog (left) and Little Dog. Photo: Ane Hardie.

Local History

The heart of a small settlement

ROBYN PARKES

The opening of the new Dovedale hall was an event that had long been looked forward to by settlers in the Dovedale district.

A public hall was much-needed and long talked about, and eventually efforts were put forward to secure one.

The opening was a red-letter day in the history of the small settlement, and it was considered that it was only fitting that the occasion should be something to be remembered.

Preparations for the event were undertaken by the Hall Committee whose wish was to make the day a complete success, and great anticipation was felt by both young and old alike.

Early in the day on Friday the 7th of December 1900, vehicles and those on horses wound their way in the direction of the Hall and there was soon a large assembly of people present.

The Churchhill and Dovedale

Schools were closed in honour of the occasion with visitors coming from Stanley Brook, Motueka, Ngatimoti, Sherry and the Waimeas.

Many of those present arrived in their best attire for such a great event.

Cricket matches were played during the day between Waimea West and Dovedale followed by Sherry against Dovedale juniors and finally a match for the schoolchildren.

The site for the hall was given by Mr J Smith and the building itself stood out prominently, overlooking the valley.

The cost was around £250 with the money being raised by private subscriptions and fundraising. Vaughan Bros. secured the contract to build the hall and records showed that the Committee said the workmanship displayed in its construction reflected creditably on the builders.

A flagstaff was erected and this with a large red ensign were gifts

The hall in Dovedale had been looked forward to by settlers as a much-needed place to gather. It is still utilised as a place for weddings and events. Photo: Supplied.

from Percy Adams of Nelson. The hall was 44 feet long by 27 feet wide, but when the anteroom is taken into consideration, it was fifty-eight feet long.

For the opening the hall walls were decorated with foliage and plants including ferns, foxgloves,

deutzia, laurels and small native shrubs.

Shortly after four o’clock, Mr Hugh Kenyon mounted the platform and stated that the Hon. C. H. Mills had promised to perform the ceremony of opening the building but that the pressure

of ministerial duties had prevented him from attending.

Instead, Mr W. Lock, a member of the Education Board, undertook the duty.

The Committee and residents of the district were congratulated on their enterprise and energy in securing such a nice building and the hall was formally declared to be open.

The daytime celebrations ended with a public tea.

In the evening a concert was given with the programme being a varied one, comprising of vocal and instrumental music, recitations, a sword dance, and Highland fling.

The proceedings were closed and soon after the hall was made ready for dancing, which was kept up until the small hours of Saturday morning.

The hall became a focal point for Dovedale residents with farewells, wedding receptions, sales, meetings and celebrations taking place under its roof.

First established in 2021, Te Kotahi o Te Tauihu Charitable Trust was set up by eight iwi of Te Tauihu o Te Waka-a-Māui (top of the South Island). The team work hard to advance health and wellbeing in the community, alleviate poverty, ensuring adequate food and housing is available, and promote education and skills for the benefits of the district and its people.

Te Kotahi o Te Tauihi use a kaupapa Maōri approach, to work with whānau Māori, government agencies, education and work providers, and NPOs to ensure existing health and wellbeing services for the community and that no whānau is left behind.

In celebration of local Tamariki, Te Kotahi o Te Tauihu has joined up with hauora (Māori philosophy) agencies to host a Whānau Fun Day especially for Tamariki on Sunday, August 27, at the Motueka Recreation Centre Stadium on Old Wharf Road. The event kicks off at 10.30am and goes through until 2.30pm.

Operations manager Dr Lorraine Eade, says the team will hold health and wellness checks for both tamariki and their parents, share traditional Māori birthing knowledge, hapūtanga care and free childhood immunisations.

“This is a chance for everyone to come together with whānau and enjoy lots of excitement, during a fun-filled day, in a hauora based environment. Whānau will be able to take part in old school egg and spoon races, there will be a games and play area with bouncy castles, and there will also be loads of giveaways and prizes throughout the day. The Tamariki Whānau Day provides a chance for tamariki and their families to connect in the spirit of Matariki.” The event is hosted by the Charitable Trust alongside the support of Nelson Bays Primary Health, Te Piki Oranga, Te Whatu Ora and Te Awhina Marae.

For more information about how the team can help, visit: Te Kotahi o Te Tauihu Charitable Trust. “We can support whānau with a range of things, from emergency kai to helping families deal with agencies or sort bills… all you need to do is get in touch. We provide whanaungatanga and manaakitanga for whānau who don’t have that or who might just need a little extra support.”

Just give them a call on 0800 514 358 (9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday), or drop an email at awhi@kotahitehoe.org.nz.

Community grant applications go online

KATE RUSSELL

Local community organisations and individuals are being encouraged to get their applications in for Network Tasman Trust’s annual grants - and this year the process is even easier.

Applications for the grants opened on 22 July and close next week, on 25 August.

Every year the trust gives away around $120,000 to local community organisations and individuals through the Peter Malone Community Grant.

This year, the trust has launched a new website, which makes the application process even easier, with everything able to be done online.

Network Tasman Trust chair, Gwenny Davis, says the trustees agreed it was important to make the process as “seamless as possible” for people and she is looking forward to the “incredibly rewarding” next stage.

“The trustees see it as a great privilege to be able to provide much-needed funds to local community projects.”

In 2022, the trust gave $160,000 to more than 80 groups and in-

Pāteke make Natureland home

SARA HOLLYMAN

dividuals.

“Reviewing those applications, we just can’t be anything but humbled and impressed by the amount of mahi that countless numbers of people contribute to support others and enrich our community,” adds Gwenny.

“It’s incredibly rewarding and inspiring and we’re looking forward to doing it all again this year.

“This time, with a shiny new website for applicants to use,” she says.

The entire process is now online, and applicants can save a draft version of their application if they need to complete it in separate stages.

Successful applicants will also be able to complete their accountability form online, too.

The new system also makes it easier for the trustees to review the applications.

Network Tasman Trust’s five grant categories are social support services; sport and recreation; education, art and culture; environmental; and energy saving.

To apply, go to www.networktas mantrustgrants.org.nz

Natureland visitors may be lucky enough to lay eyes on a new couple that have recently arrived at the park.

The brown teal/pāteke is a small dabbling duck endemic to New Zealand, historically distributed throughout the lowland freshwater wetlands.

Natureland has become the latest partner in the Pāteke Recovery Programme and is now home to a young male and female in the walk-thru aviary. In 2022 there were thought to be between 2000 and 2500 of

the species living in a wild state, making it the country’s rarest mainland waterfowl.

Natureland’s Alix Rimmer says the nocturnal ducks have been somewhat elusive.

“They’re still settling in and because they’re still young, they’re quite shy.”

She says they had to set up a game camera to capture the ducks after the park had closed to make sure they were doing well.

“As soon as things quieten down they come out.”

The pāteke join the South Island kākā and the yellow crown ka-

kariki as part of the Breed for Release Programme.

This will be the pair’s first breeding season but Alix says they are already displaying positive signs. “So far, they’re with each other at all times.”

The pāteke can lay between three and nine eggs, with an average of six. Offspring of the pair will be released into Abel Tasman National Park.

Natureland encourages visitors to come and learn more about the Breed for Release programme, particularly during Conservation Week that runs until the end of this week.

Fitted with a number of high end features as standard, a Pro RV Caravan makes for a solid investment and is only available from Nelson RV. Although our traditional timber frame is robust and durable, it is the Aluminium Frame that offers an extremely strong build. Pro RV are the Aluminium Frame experts.

To see why Pro RV Caravans are a class above the rest, visit us at Nelson RV.

PRO RV CARAVANS are built in Australia using the finest quality materials and are defined by their rugged exteriors and softer interiors that offer a warm contemporary feel.

A pair of brown teal/pāteke have joined Natureland’s Breed for Release Programme.

Photo: Sara Hollyman.

PLANNED POWER OUTAGE NOTIFICATIONS

Your electricity retailer will let you know when Network Tasman is planning maintenance in your area that requires your power to be turned off.

Network Tasman sometimes needs to turn off the power to your home or business so that we can carry out maintenance on the network. We notify your electricity retailer well in advance if we have to do this, and then they will let you know about the upcoming power outage.

It’s very important that your electricity retailer has your correct contact details so they can notify you by email, text or post.

CHECK WITH YOUR ELECTRICITY RETAILER:

Î How will they let me know about a planned outage? Can I choose how I receive the notifications?

Î Do they have my correct email address, mobile phone number and postal address?

MAKE SURE:

Î Emails from your electricity retailer don’t get automatically diverted to your email ‘Junk’ folder by mistake.

Î If you are a landlord who receives the power account for a tenanted property, make sure you pass outage notifications on to your tenant so they know about it too.

BE AWARE:

Î There can be more than one planned power outage that affects you. You will receive a separate notification for each outage.

Kumara Junction vet stands for ACT

GORDON PREECE

A Kumara Junction woman with an extensive rural career is throwing her hat in the political ring this election as the ACT Party candidate for the West Coast-Tasman seat. Kelly Lilley, who manages a vet practice in the West Coast settlement with her husband Michael, says New Zealand was at a “crossroads” and believes it’s time for “real change” and “sensible solutions” to address the cost of living, crime, and co-governance.

“The cost of living is a huge thing, and I don’t think it matters where you live or if your community is big or small, or rural or urban - everyone is feeling the pinch of inflation.

“Crime and feeling safe in our

communities is something that everyone is very aware of, and you don’t have to look far in the news headlines to hear of some of the things which are happening in some of our larger centres.”

She says she favoured co-governance because New Zealand should be “thriving” and “multi-ethnic” where decisions aren’t based on race, gender or “anything else that divides us”.

Kelly says she spent half of her adult life working in rural banking in Tasman and the West Coast and had lived in Murchison between 2011 and 2015. She and her husband then shifted to Central Otago where they co-owned a vet practice before moving to Kumara Junction in 2020 where they remain in the same line of

work while raising their four primary school aged children. Kelly says she has been a member of the Kumara Junction community committee group for about two years and had improved the amenities of residents.

She says the ACT party has “fabulous plans” if elected. “ACT wants to see wasteful government spending cut, and I think we want to focus on efficient and effective spending on the front lines,” she says. “I think that’s a big one for all Kiwis, making sure the government spending is targeted to their areas where we need it most. With a focus on increasing that party vote, it is going to give New Zealand a strong and stable ACT-National-led government.”

Get in touch with your electricity retailer if you haven’t been notified of a planned power outage.

If you want to know more about how Network Tasman plans maintenance work, get in touch with us at info@networktasman.co.nz

West Coast-Tasman candidate Kelly Lilley is swapping her vet coat for the campaign trail. Photo: Supplied.

Wednesday 16 August 2023

NZ’s All Black bull team

ELOISE MARTYN

Artificial breeding (AB) technicians are responsible for one of the most important parts of any dairy farmer’s business - getting cows in calf.

Each year, a team of 900 AB technicians carry out around four million inseminations across New Zealand, ensuring the arrival of the next generation of dairy cows.

Bridget Davis has been an AB technician for 25 years. An AB technician’s job is to artificially inseminate cows. Artificial insemination (AI) is the process of collecting sperm cells from a bull (male cow) and manually depositing them into the reproductive tract of a female cow.

“I didn’t grow up on a farm and I’ve never milked a cow in my life,” Bridget laughs. “Before I did this, I was working in the race industry but got injured. I still wanted to work in the outdoors and with animals and someone suggested AB would be suitable, you needed good livestock skills and to be good with your handswhich was me.”

Training to be a technician consists of completing and passing a two-week course, then spending a year as an apprentice working alongside an experienced technician and completing four national unit standards administered by

Primary ITO (a nationally recognised training organisation).

“It’s pretty inflexible during the two-week training course, they have a scoring system which requires you to be over 80 per cent in the first week and at 100 per cent the next week or you are out,” explains Bridget.

There are many reasons that dairy farmers use an AB technician to get their cows pregnant.

AI enables farmers to access top-quality bull (male cow) genetics that would be too costly to purchase as stock bulls. It removes the cost of upkeep for stock bulls and the challenges farmers have around putting the right bull with the right females.

“Artificial insemination is one of the reasons we are world leaders in dairy. Famers are guaranteed an animal that can produce

a great amount of milk,” Bridget says. “Genetics are important and this way farmers can access these genetics. It’s quick, easy and cost effective.”

The semen comes from a very small group of bulls that have been hand-selected. One ‘lot’ of bull semen can be used to fertilize 3,000 cows.

“I call the bulls up in Newstead the All Black bulls,” laughs Brid-

get. “There are a lot of good bulls around, but only fifteen make it through to be the hand-selected team - similar to our rugby All Blacks team.”

The semen is flown down fresh from Newstead in Hamilton, and delivered in person. The AB technician fills long thin straws with the semen fluid. The fresh or frozen straws are loaded into long stainless-steel pipettes and then manually deposited into the reproductive tract of a female cow. One thing that Bridget doesn’t enjoy is seeing local farmers getting a bad reputation with false statements, such as they don’t care about the environment.

“All the famers I visit are fantastic at protecting the environment, they fence off their waterways and plant native trees and have been doing this for decades - not just recently. Most Kiwi farmers are good land caretakers, and it annoys me when I see them getting the rap for ‘dirty dairying’.”

Being an AB technician is not for everyone, but Bridget loves it.

“One thing I like about my job is the people and farmers are really flexible and down-to-earth. I love driving the back roads and enjoy the scenery,” Bridget says. “The absolute coolest thing is when you see the calves in the shed and you know that they are your AB calves, it never ceases to amaze me.”

Bridget Davis has been an artificial breeding technician for 25 years.

Photo: Anne Hardie.

Rural Mumma’s Wellbeing Group thriving

ELOISE MARTYN

Distributed to 12,232 homes in Richmond, Hope, Brightwater, Wakefield and Murchison. 5000 rural properties including all farms and lifestyle blocks and small towns.

Sara Hollyman sara@topsouthmedia.co.nz

Eloise Martyn eloise@topsouthmedia.co.nz

Advertising Sales

Danielle Brown danielle@topsouthmedia.co.nz

Jeremy Focas-Turk jeremy@waimeaweekly.co.nz

Shelley Illingworth shelley@waimeaweekly.co.nz

Accounts Queries accounts@waimeaweekly.co.nz

Three years on and Tapawera Mumma’s Wellbeing Group is thriving.

The group formed as an opportunity for rural mothers to come together as a way of connecting and reducing the isolation that living in the country and motherhood can bring.

Three years ago, when the group first began, there were only a handful of women attending the weekly sessions. Now they have 40 families from all different sections of the primary industries.

“We have a decent amount of farming and forestry families that attend, as well as others who are in the agriculture sector,” explains Tamara Eggers, one of the group’s coordinators.

“Our location pulls a range of families from surrounding areas like Dovedale, Tadmor and Stanley Brook, which is neat.”

While the group is called ‘Mumma’s Wellbeing’, they also welcome expecting mothers, fathers, grandparents, or other caregivers who

are looking to connect with others.

“Our focus is the adults –there is a lot on for kids these days so this is a space where kids can come and play happily while the adults connect and have the opportunity to learn about stuff related to parenthood,” Tamara says.

Monthly, a guest speaker comes to chat with the group.

“We have all kinds of talks and info,” explains Tamara.

“We have a pelvic floor phys-

io coming in a few weeks and we have also had a sleep consultant, a dietician workshop and mental health information. We also host regular social nights for the parents where we head to someone’s house for a meal or a pamper night.

“It’s really important for your well-being when you’re a parent to have a mini-break and recharge.”

Recently the group ran two successful bingo night fundraisers which has enabled them to pay for up-and-coming guest speakers and workshops, the hall hire, and food and drinks for the free morning tea they provide.

“Bingo has really boosted us, which is great.

“We have also been thankful to have support from Tapawera Connect who have funded some gazebos, chairs and kids’ trikes which are popular,” she says.

Tamara hasn’t always been involved. She remembers vividly being seven months pregnant and getting a flyer out of the mailbox advertising the group.

“After our baby Jordan was born, I went along with a few others. I’m really glad I did, as from it I have

developed good friendships and others have too,” she explains. “It’s a challenge getting everyone together - we know how busy life can be with work, sickness, and kids, but it’s important to connect with others when you are in a rural community.

“Motherhood can also be very isolating, especially for new mums, so it’s great to have somewhere you can go for a cuppa and a chat.”

Outside of its weekly sessions, which are run by team leader Abby Logan every Friday from 10am - 12pm at the Tapawera Memorial Hall, the group is planning to host a family fun day in October which is something they have not done before.

“We have a neat play area and loads of toys. We try to encourage the children and parents outside as much as possible,” says Tamara.

“While we have 40 families floating around, they don’t all come every week. We usually have 1020 families per session who are all welcoming of new people wanting to connect.

“If you have a wee one, we would love to meet you, so pop down one Friday and check it out.”

The Tapawera Mumma’s Wellbeing Group has grown from a handful since its inception three years ago. Photo: Supplied.

adver tising

Please check your proof carefully and approve it or submit corrections by the Final Yo u can now appro ve or submit changes to your ad within the ATOL system at a time that suits you. in your ad proof email to view your ad, then cl ick the APPROVE or CORRECTIONS button right from there -

Climate change impacting Tasman

ELOISE MARTYN

Climate change is starting to affect us here in the Tasman region with farmers and growers already feeling the heat.

The national average temperature has already increased by 1.1 - 1.2 degrees. South Island glaciers are retreating, we are experiencing fewer frosts and more frequent extreme weather events resulting in increased insurance costs and disturbed livelihoods, and unfortunately, climate modelling is projecting that there is more to come.

The terms ‘global warming’ and ‘climate change’ are sometimes used interchangeably, but ‘global warming’ is only one aspect of climate change.

‘Global warming’ refers to the long-term warming of the planet. ‘Climate change’ encompasses global warming but refers to the broader range of changes that are happening to our planet. These include rising sea

levels, shrinking mountain glaciers, accelerating ice melt in places like Greenland, Antarctica and the Arctic, and shifts in flower/plant blooming times.

“Human activities in the form of greenhouse gas emissions are the biggest contributor to climate change and global warming,” says Andrew Fenemor, a hydrology expert from Landcare Research Nelson.

Greenhouse gas emissions are gases in the earth’s atmosphere that trap heat. Our greenhouse emissions come from things such as burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation as well as fuels used to power businesses such as meat, dairy and steel companies which all put out heat-trapping gases into the air.

“Climate change for us means warmer temperatures all year round, increased extreme weather events, and in Nelson-Tasman, slightly more rainfall annually,” says Andrew.

“We are seeing the effects of global warming now with the extreme heat wave in Europe.”

Examples of extreme weather events include floods, thunderstorms, cyclones and droughts.

An increased global temperature has a big effect on the hydrological cycle (global water cycle) which is how water moves from the land and ocean surface to the atmosphere and back in the form of precipitation (rain).

“When you boil the jug, as it gets hotter more steam is released - this is because air at a higher temperature can hold more water droplets. The same happens with global warming as it forces our water cycle to move at a faster pace, increasing the intensity and frequency of wet and dry spells,” explains Andrew.

isn’t helpful,” he adds. Records from the major ports indicate that the local sea level has risen by 15–20cm in the last 100 years and advice from the Ministry for the Environment is that a sea level rise of at least 0.9m (90cm) should be planned for by 2090.

“From this, we can expect an equivalent rise in the water table adjacent to the coast, and for the salt-water wedge in our coastal aquifers and

rivers to move inland 0.9m higher in elevation. In the absence of higher summer river flows (as planned with the Waimea Community Dam), a 0.9m rise in sea level would increase the risk of seawater intrusion into coastal wells along the Waimea Inlet and up the Waimea River towards the Appleby Bridge,” says Andrew.

bring to farmers and growers in our region are increased irrigation demand and the need for more water storage to meet this demand.

adver tisingpr

A few of the predicted challenges climate change will

“If our summers become hotter and drier then irrigation demand will increase, as will water demand in town. And longer summer droughts will mean lower river flows and groundwater levels, so water storage and efficient water use become even more critical.”

The Professional Forest Management Company of Choice.

PF Olsen is the leading provider of independent professional forestry services in New Zealand. Contact us now for all your forest management needs:

“Even though annual rainfall is projected to increase slightly here, we actually expect longer droughts and worse floods - talking about averages sometimes

• Harvest management and log marketing

• Forest establishment and tending

• Forest valuations

• Due diligence on forest purchases/sales

Benson

- Territory Manager

Bulk fuel delivery you can depend on

It’s all on the app. Are you?

The Nelson App has been the go-to place for the latest news and sport since 2017.

Every day tens of thousands of Nelsonians open the app to stay informed about what's happening in our region. But it isn't just news on the app, it features up-coming events, funeral notices, the latest property for sale, flight information, places to eat and drink, local businesses, weather and tide reports, a TV guide and much more. So, next time you open the around, you might be surprised what you find.

• NEWS

• PROPERTY

• SPORTS

• RURAL

• LIFESTYLE

• FLIGHTS

• DINING

• TIDES

• WEATHER

• GEONET

• TO DO

• FUNERALS

• JOBS

• OUTAGES

2023 ANNUAL AWARDS

Congratulations

2023 WINNERS

Our theme for this year’s conference was Leading the Way. In today’s evolving market, it’s crucial for us to stay ahead of the curve, so our two days of professional development reflected that with excellent presentations from Ceri Evans and Jason Gunn. David Palfreyman’s extensive training provided valuable and practical insights into the real estate industry.

Full acknowledgement to our salespeople who continue to be trailblazers within their field in a challenging market. Massive congratulations to this year’s Champion award winners Glyn Delany (number 1 salesperson for a 5th consecutive year), Callum Gilchrist, Ben Nalder, Mark Troy, Bruce Batty and Emma McCashin. Emma also picked up the prestigious Top Rookie award. Val Cooper, Ross Benbow, Jeff

Hulme, Paul Nicoll, Sapphire Laurence and Sharon De Jong received long service awards.

Our Property Management team continues to demonstrate excellence through their extensive industry knowledge, positioning them as leaders in the field.

Congratulations to top property managers Stacey Tredo and Kylie Conning. Stacey was awarded runner-up last year and took out top honours this year.

Richmond was awarded top office for sales and property management – a fantastic achievement.

Our conference began with a moving bagpipe lament played by Callum Gilchrist in tribute to John Abbott.

John conducted training with Summit over many years but sadly passed away earlier this year. He is remembered with much fondness by the team.

On behalf of Summit, a huge thanks to Allister Nalder for his continued leadership and guidance. It has enriched and empowered Summit’s team members and is greatly appreciated.

Thanks to everyone who has been part of the Summit story, and here’s to many more real estate milestones together!

David Turnhout Operations Manager

IN REAL ESTATE, TOP SALESPERSON GLYN DELANY - RICHMOND TOP ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

GUEST SPEAKER - JASON GUNN

Use Ink for your digital marketing

Businesses have used ink for centuries to tell stories that matter. Now you can use Ink to tell yours. Ink Creative specialises in creating brands for businesses, building websites, copywriting, photography, graphic design and building marketing campaigns across digital and print.

Ink Creative is wholly owned by Top South Media, which publishes award-winning newspapers and magazines and has offices in Stoke, Motueka and Blenheim.

Over the years Top South Media has created logos, branding, advertising campaigns and websites for hundreds of local businesses.

Ink has a team of six local designers that will work to understand your business and what you’re hoping to achieve, then it will tailor a bespoke package for your business to ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.

The team starts with a free consultation, where they walk you through the options.

From there they’ll give you a recommendation and pricing to consider.

If that fits with your needs then they will start to deliver your project in a timely manner and with no added surprises.

The experienced team at Ink Creative will make the process smooth and easy, giving you a website or marketing campaign that you can be proud of and that helps to drive enquiry to your business.

What Ink Creative can do for you:

Websites

We create custom websites that are tailored to the unique needs of your business. Our designs are visually stunning and user-friendly, ensuring that your website will make a lasting impression on your visitors.

Graphic design

Our team of experienced graphic designers can create logos, design

GRAPHIC DESIGN TEAM

packaging, annual reports, catalogues, business cards and more.

Content creation

Need some stunning photography or clever words for your website, annual reports or catalogue? We can take care of that.

Marketing campaign

We can help you create a marketing campaign to drive customers to your business.

www.inkcreative.nz

Ink Creative specialises in creating brands for businesses, building websites, copywriting, photography, graphic design and launching marketing campaigns across digital and print.

create@inkcreative.nz

inkcreative.nz

563 Main Road, Stoke, New Zealand

Patrick Connor

Kylie Owens

Neil Smith

Kara-Shay Manson

Grace Williams

Toni Woolf

Fresh outta Wakefield

JO KENT

What started as a hobby has developed into a streetwear business for Wakefield’s Gabriel Boote.

The 17-year-old is currently in his last year at Waimea College and his Archangel clothing brand has recently taken off with the official launch last month.

“I’m all over socials right now and I sold out of my initial batch of hoodies after Nino Andretti, a New Jersey-based music producer, name-checked me.

“So, off the back of that, I’ve just dropped my first phase called ‘AA Basics’ which is a line of hoodies intended to be worn by anyone, at any time.”

He says every single detail of his range has been meticulously selected by him.

“What people don’t realise is that a hoodie isn’t just a hoodie. Mine don’t have drawstrings on the hood, and I’ve selected everything from the cut of the cuffs to the weight of the fabric. People want a hoodie that’s comfortable but not too casual, and warm without being too hot to wear year-round. It’s unique to Archangel.”

He came up with his brand name after several days of brainstorming.

“I wanted something which reflected me but also what I wanted from my brand. Then it just came to me – I was named after Archangel Gabriel, the herald of visions, so it was perfect.”

Juggling college work and designing keeps him busy, and he does everything from his bedroom at home, outsourcing the production

overseas.

“I did everything in New Zealand initially, but the costs were so high it was impossible to maintain, so now I outsource the manufacturing elsewhere which allows me to make some money from it and reinvest into the brand.”

The second phase of his launch is t-shirts, which will follow later this year.

“I love it when people tag me wearing my clothes or take a photo of someone wearing my brand and then send it to me.

“My friend saw someone in Christchurch wearing one of my hoodies recently and it’s so great to see that people are buying into my idea – and not just locally.”

He got into fashion when he was just 13 and realised his dream of being a rapper just

wasn’t viable.

“Being from New Zealand, it took me until about the age of 13 to realise that I probably wasn’t going to make it as a rapper. But I was so invested in that culture and the fashion that I focused my passion there and by 16, I was ready to launch this brand.”

He made his own money by buying and selling vintage clothes online, but since launching Archangel he doesn’t have as much time for that anymore.

“It really helped me to raise enough capital to be able to get where I am today and things are starting to move forward quickly which is exactly what you want, to have a sell-out brand.”

To find out more, visit @gabrielboote on Instagram.

Little blue penguin’s need support

ELOISE MARTYN

It’s another busy season for the Tasman Bay little blue penguins, known as kororā, who have a viable colony of around 170 pairs in and around the bays north and south of Kaiteriteri.

This is the time of the year when the little blues are busy establishing pair bonds, mating, and laying eggs for the next generation of blues. “Females typically produce

one to two eggs and will incubate them for 36 days,” says Linda Jenkins, a little Kaiteriteri resident and little blue penguin advocate.

“They will come ashore around dusk, establish a nest close to the shore in caves, rock crevices, or they will dig burrows in soil or sand,” she says.

Over the next few months, the penguin parents take turns to incubate their eggs. They swap over every two to

three days.

Last year, Linda, along with a small group of others who are passionate about the little blues, formed the Tasman Bay Blue Penguin Trust.

Linda says the little blues are especially vulnerable during the breeding season to predators, such as dog attacks vehicle strikes.

“Breeding season is from July to December, and it takes two penguins to successfully raise a chick. If one

is injured or dies the remaining one can’t sit on eggs and incubate the egg as well as go and get food - so that burrow will fail, which is really devastating,” she says.

“Many have to cross the road after dark to reach their burrow or to get back to sea before dawn.

So, if you’re driving our local roads at night please slow down and keep a watchful eye out for our little blues,” Linda says.

Rachel Boyack for Nelson

This week marks the oneyear anniversary of the 2022 Nelson floods, which caused devastating damage to individual properties and critical local infrastructure.

As a community, we continue to support those households who are unable to return to their homes As your local MP, I have worked to ensure that Nelson will be included in the Government’s $6 billion National Resilience Plan, which has been designed to help communities build back better after severe weather events

I ask our community to continue supporting those families who still can’t return to their homes, and for whom the one-year anniversary brings up difficult memories

The cost of living continues to be the biggest issue facing New Zealanders, and Chris Hipkins announced further policy to address this on Sunday A re-elected Labour Government will remove GST from fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables in April 2024 and will make the biggest increase to Working for Families of $25 per week Labour will continue to support those most affected by the cost of living

Get in touch:

0800 4 RACHEL rachel boyack@labour org nz www labour org nz/rachelboyack

Streetwear designer Gabriel Boote wants to conquer the rap fashion market. Photo: Jo Kent.

Reving the engines for annual Daffodil Day fundraiser

Annual Daffodil Rally open to all! Hoping for a record-breaking turnout this year, the Nelson Vintage Car Club is set to host their annual Daffodil Rally in support of the Nelson Cancer Society on Sunday August 20. A nationwide event, run through 36

branches of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand with approximately 10,000 members, the Nelson contingent commences at the Speedway on Lansdowne Road with the gates opening at 11.00am for registration before setting out at 1.00pm on a cou-

NELSON VINTAGE CAR CLUB CAR RALLY

ple of routes, which this year will have a more urban flavour encompassing Tahunanui, Nelson, Stoke, Richmond, Brightwater, Wakefield and Redwood Valley.

The idea is to encourage greater opportunities for spectator participation along the run routes, says co-organiser Ray Robertson. This is the 6th Daffodil Rally to be held by the Vintage Car Club and the event is not limited to vintage cars or club members. “There are a lot of different car

clubs in the Nelson Tasman region covering all manner of makes and models. The idea of the event is to capture those clubs, along with members of the public, to collaborate for a successful fundraiser but to also have a thoroughly enjoyable rally.”

“What makes this run different is anyone can join the run, even the everyday driver. This eclectic mix of vintage, classic American, onemake cars, 1950 or 60s, in fact any vehicle of any persuasion all running the same route is very special. There is no criteria for vehicles or drivers, other than the vehicles have to be road legal and drivers must be licensed.”

Unfortunately, we are all affected by cancer in some way or another, says Ray, and the team want to raise as much as they can for the Nelson Tasman Cancer Society. “Every cent raised goes to them and helps pay for travel, treatments, a range of support services.”

“Over the years we have had the honour of taking terminally ill patients for a drive in our vintage cars, pre- rally. They have thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and it has made for some significant moments for us. There is one memory in particular which will stay with me forever. A young woman, 26 years old, who had undergone a double mastectomy. She came for a drive with her 8 year old son. He wound down the old school window and couldn’t figure how to get it back up again as it was a manual. I asked her if she was ok, not to cold, and she closed her eyes and said she didn’t mind the cold but

just wanted to feel the wind on her face. It was a very humbling moment.”

Centre Manager for the Nelson Cancer Society, Michelle Hunt, says the team are forever grateful for the support they receive from the event. “The Nelson Vintage Car Club organisers do such an amazing job every year. The put a lot of effort in to make sure a fun day is had and we really appreciate all the hard work. We have 500 clients that we support every year, and 240 are newly-diagnosed in the region. The funds raised help us to provide counselling services, rehabilitation, yoga and gym programmes, as well as reaching out to our clients in the rural sectors. Over half of or clients live rurally and it is important we are able to reach those who don’t have immediate access to the care they need. Donations also help the team to continue supporting working families.”

“Around 40% of our clients are under 60 so therefore still of working age. It can be hard for them to continue to work while receiving treatment, which puts so much extra strain on family, especially if they are the main breadwinner. Donated funds ensure we are able to help out with provisions in a range of different ways.” The rally participants have raised over $30,000 for the Cancer Society over the last few years but we are keen to make this a record breaker this year. Ray says registration and indemnity forms are to be filled out upon arrival, prior to parking up.

Registrations for the event cost $20.00 and include a route guide and two complimentary raffle tickets.

“There are two routes; one for the older slower vehicles of 60km and a longer route of 80km which will take ap-

Richmond Vehicle Testing Station

proximately two hours to complete.” Vehicles will return to the Speedway grounds upon completion of their route, where the public can view the line-up of participating vehicles for a donation. Draws for the raffle prizes will commence at 3.30pm Fantastic raffle prizes are up for grabs with the main prize being a ‘GET AWAY TO GOLDEN BAY’ package for two. Raffle tickets will be available to the general public at stalls throughout Nelson and Richmond in the lead-up to the event and organisers welcome any new sponsors to

come on board.

“In past years we have up to 400 vehicles with 900 participants raising between $8,000 to $10,000 on the day. We are always of the hope this will happen again. There will be food, coffee carts and music on site so public and entrants are encouraged to make a day of it – have lunch, do the rally and have a meal with likeminded people.”

For more information on the August 20 Rally, contact Rally Director Rob Thompson on 027 547 5120

STREETS FOR PEOPLE ARANUI ROAD SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS Mapua

Safer crossing points

Wider footpaths for all users Encouraging slower speeds

The Aranui Road Streets for People pilot project is a step towards a future where it is easier, safer and healthier to live, work, learn and play in Mapua.

Our focus is on providing greater choices for people about how they get around the village by improving safety for all users. We’re doing this by piloting quick, low cost, semi-permanent improvements. These will be installed, then modified following feedback. This will inform more permanent improvements down the line. Our survey of residents received 218 replies with many people voicing concerns about pedestrian safety, especially for children crossing Aranui Road. People want to see designated crossings, safer vehicle speeds and less congested footpaths.

Safety improvement locations are indicative only and not to scale.

For more information, scan the QR code or visit shape.tasman.govt.nz/streets-people/mapuasfp

A day marked by vibrant yellow blooms, Daffodil Day on Friday 25th August stands as a powerful symbol of hope in the face of darkness. The simple daffodil not only signals the arrival of spring and new life but also serves as the perfect emblem for cancer organisations worldwide. It is a beacon of optimism for all those affected by cancer, embodying the promise of renewal and strength amidst adversity.

Nelson Tasman Cancer Society, a charity trust dedicated to supporting individuals and families impacted by cancer, wholeheartedly embraces the daffodil's significance. The daffodil is synonymous with hope and holds a profound connection with the journey of those facing cancer.

Michelle Hunt, the centre manager of Cancer Society Nelson Tasman, says that with around 500 clients annually, half of whom are newly diagnosed, the local impact is significant. Funds generated locally from Daffodil Day directly serve the local community, assisting with support services, including counselling, and providing practical aid such as petrol and food vouchers. The local not-for-profit organisation holds a range of events throughout the year, including the Heritage Homes Tour on April 30, and an annual Charity Ball on June 24, however, the flagship fundraiser, now into its 33rd year, is Daffodil Day. “The generosity we receive from numerous individuals, businesses, and countless volunteers, during these events play an instrumental role in making them an overwhelming success.” Every dollar donated helps make a difference in the lives of people with cancer in the Nelson and Tasman region. This ensures

that expert care, free nursing and counselling support, transportation to treatment and accommodation for those living far from medical support, is always available for people facing cancer in our community. “Donations protect future generations through prevention programmes

and life-saving research. Join our mission to reduce cancer rates and the devastating impact it has on communities. We also work to provide patient support and information, accommodation, research and health promotion. We receive no government funding, so your donations are a very im-

portant part of our fundraising.”

A range of Cancer Society merchandise is available online including sunscreen, clothing, pens, lapels and earrings, and contributions to Cancer Society Nelson Tasman can be made through donation boxes, online or on collection day. For more information visit www.cancernelson.org.nz The Cancer Society Nelson Tasman team are always on the lookout for volunteers, says Michelle. “We have all sorts of ways in which people can help, including volunteer drivers, administration and reception, annual fundraising events and help with specific projects. Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator for more information on (03) 539 1137 or 027 236 7583. “Cancer doesn’t stop, so we won't either.” Look out for Daffodil Day street collectors on Friday 25 August. Daffodil Day donations can also be made at any ANZ branch, anywhere a daffodil day QR code is displayed, or online.

The Cancer Society Nelson Tasman team, from left: Cyndy Smith, Barbara Kotua, Victoria Sharp, and centre manager Michelle Hunt. Photo :Supplied.

Club ‘desperate’ for new Jubilee Park facility

ANDREW BOARD

The region’s largest football club is in desperate need of new changing facilities, but it has hit a stumbling block.

Richmond Football Club has been based at Jubilee Park since 1964 and has operated out of the same converted farmhouse since the late 1960s. But as the club has grown, its facilities have not, and committee members say it needs help to realise its vision for the club.

With around 500 members including seven senior teams, the club is one of the biggest is the Tasman region and often has four senior games, featuring eight teams, playing on the same afternoon. For these eight teams there are just two changing rooms.

Richmond committee member

Nick Rose says that’s not ideal, particularly for senior women’s teams. “It’s not a safe place for them to get changed, they often get changed on the deck [in front of the clubrooms] or come already in their playing strip. Changing facilities would make the sport more appealing for more players.”

Along with football, the current facility is also used by Waimea Toi Toi United Cricket Club in the summer and Special Olympics.

Richmond Football Club chairman, Chris Sibbald, says the club would like to see it used as a multi-sport facility.

“With the growth of the Richmond West subdivision we’re seeing more people wanting to

Compost workshop for beginners

play football here, and with the huge success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, we’d love to have more girls and women play here too, but we need the facilities.”

The club has had plans drawn by a local architect and received quotes from building companies, but is hitting a brick wall when

it comes to funding the project which is expected to be around $500,000.

“Council are generally supportive and have said that we could do it,” says Nick. “And funders have said they’re happy to support but they want it to be ‘shovel-ready’, that’s where we’re stuck. We’re a volunteer committee and we don’t have

the expertise to take it to the next stage. We’d love for someone to help us get the ball rolling and help us deliver this project which will be of huge value to the wider Richmond community.” Anyone who thinks they could help the club can contact Nick at president@richmondathletic. co.nz

Richmond Football Club chairman Chris Sibbald, left, and committee member Nick Rose outside the club’s current facility on Jubilee Park. The club is wanting to build more changing rooms behind the clubrooms.

Photo: Andrew Board. Inset: Architect drawings of the proposed new changing rooms behind the current clubrooms at Jubilee Park. Photo: Supplied.

JUNIOR NETBALL AT SAXTON: Tapawera Area School’s GS Keetah Jones, Year 7, goes up for a shot against Nelson Intermediate School’s GK Violet Duncan, Year 8, at junior netball on Saturday afternoon. Tapawera made a fourth quarter comeback to take the win 17 -11. It was the second to last game for the intermediate grades with the season coming to a close this Saturday. Photo: Barry Whitnall/Shuttersport.

Locals race onto podium at cross country nationals

JACK MALCOLM

Four Nelson cross country runners have raced into the medals at the New Zealand Cross Country Championships.

Racing in Taupō at the end of July, Annika Pfitzinger came second in the Senior Women category running 10km, while Cath Delaporte won gold in the 6km Masters Women 4549, Graeme Lear won silver in the 6km Masters Men 70-74 and Appleby’s Paula Canning won bronze in the 6km Masters Women 50-54.

Alongside the medals were Brooke Bowen finishing in 12th in the Women’s U18, and Joshua Fitzgerald and Fenlon Bayley finishing 17th and 20th, respectively, in the Men’s U20. For Annika, the result means she’s in the running for a spot in the New Zealand team for the World Championships.

With the top three open division finishers having potential places in the team, she now has to run a fast 10km road time to

earn qualification.

But it’s not easy as she has just 34 minutes 30 seconds to meet the standard and solidify her spot to race in Croatia at the start of next year.

She says she did have high hopes for the race but finishing in second place exceeded even her expectations.

“A goal would be top three, but

a more achievable one would have been top six.”

Annika says she had started off slowly, before having a fantastic last lap that saw her overtake a whole bunch of places in the last kilometre.

“I knew I needed to start off a little more conservatively, but I threw everything at it.”

Cath also impressed, racing in

It’s all on the app.

Are you?

The Nelson App has been the go-to place for the latest news and sport since 2017.

Every day tens of thousands of Nelsonians open the app to stay informed about what's happening in our region. But it isn't just news on the app, it features up-coming events, funeral notices, the latest property for sale, flight information, places to eat and drink, local businesses, weather and tide reports, a TV guide and much more.

So, next time you open the Nelson App around, you might be surprised what you find.

her first national cross country and coming away with the gold. Having ran a 10km in Wellington three weeks before, she says it was tough to do back-to-back races.

With Paula and Cath running together every Sunday, the pair were excited to have both come away with silverware.

Paula says the results were a great way to cap off a tough race on a tricky course, despite having a “really bad run”.

“I would have never got that girl (ahead of me). I just couldn’t jump the hurdles, I stopped and walked.”

It’s understandable that she didn’t perform to her best, saying she was still in recovery mode after having just recently wrapped up her own national gold medal in the half marathon in the 50-54 category.

Graeme also had to put in a big shift, coming off the back of finishing just seconds short of breaking the national 70-74 half marathon record to the podium in the cross country, as well.

Rugby: The Nelson Bays Griffins have held onto the Seddon Shield with a hardfought 22-19 victory over the Marlborough Red Devils. Coming off two wins over Buller and West Coast, the Griffins continued their strong ways to lead 10-7 at the half, but Marlborough fought their way back into it. It looked like they had gotten over the line to snatch victory with time up on the clock, only to be penalised for a truck and trailer infringement which saw the Griffins hold on to keep their winning record intact.

Basketball: Nelson’s Finn Delany was instrumental in the New Zealand Tall Blacks’ nail-biting 69-68 loss to China as they gear up for the FIBA Solidarity Cup game against Italy as part of their World Cup preparations. The 28-year-old power forward top scored for his team with 12 points, while adding five rebounds and assists and two steals to his stats, having also been the top scorer in their earlier game against Canada, with 13 points.

Suburbs: An early goal by the Suburbs striker Jasmine Barney in the Women’s South Island league gave her team the lead, but it was all they could muster as they found themselves on the wrong side of a 5-1 home loss to Cashmere Technical on Sunday. In a double-header for the club, the men were unable to avenge their sister team as they faced a 6-1 loss to Christchurch United FC later that afternoon.

Annika Pfitzinger, Cath Delaporte and Paula Canning all came away with silverware at the New Zealand Cross Country Championships in Taupō. Photo: Jack Malcolm.

As part of Nelson Netball Centre’s 90th birthday celebrations, a one-day pop-up exhibition showcasing the local history of the sport saw hundreds of members of the community come down to share their memories on Saturday. General manager Ani-Marie Waitai says it took weeks of preparation to get everything together for the displays, with wall-to-wall coverage of photos and memorabilia from the previous nine decades. Pictured left, alongside longtime Nelson Netball contributors Olivia Martyn, Carole Ferguson-Leslie, Joy Dickens and Jodi Hikuroa-Jeffrey, she says her favourite part of the celebrations were the stories people shared of the past. Photo: Jack Malcolm.

RUGBY TIPPING

JACK MALCOLM and PETER JONES

The Tasman Mako men’s and women’s teams brought about opposing results over the weekend as they looked to continue on their winning ways.

On Saturday evening, the men got the weekend off to a strong start with a gutsy 24-12 bonus point win over Auckland, while Sunday afternoon saw the women unable to recreate their dominance from last week in a 46-14 loss to the Manawatu Cyclones.

With the men earning back-to-back wins to kick off their season, they are looking like a championship side again as they look to continue to improve their structure from a messy opening week win, and it didn’t take long as they had an early stranglehold on the game. Imposing centre Levi Aumua was first to make it through the defence as he broke four wouldbe tacklers just four minutes into the game to give his team their opening points.

The four-try win was solidified as Tim Sail, Taine Robinson, and Quentin MacDonald all got over the line to score as the home side at Lansdowne Park gave the crowd something to cheer for.

Unfortunately, the women weren’t able to make it another weekend of Mako clean sweeps as they faced a daunting, unbeaten Manawatu side in Palmerston North.

Despite being competitive in the early stages, with a brace of tries to in-form winger Fiaali’i Solomona keeping them within touch, the pressure was too much against a home side possessing a wealth of attacking threats. After 20 minutes, Tasman trailed just 15-14, but by halftime Manawatu, guided expertly around the park by former Black Ferns star Selica Winitana, had pushed out to a 29-14 advantage.

The second spell saw more of the same, with a torrential rainstorm not helping either side’s handling and ball control.

Fiaali’i Solomona was a bright light for a well-beaten side, along with loosie Neve Anglesey, halfback Lucy Brown and skipper Tamara Silcock.

Tamara looked on the bright side after the game, suggesting their defeat was “not as big a loss as we had last time”.

“We just didn’t defend like we needed to … [we also committed] small errors around the field and they capitalised on it.

“We will be working on our defence this week, I guess.”

This Saturday, the campaign continues as Tasman’s women meet Northland in Blenheim, with a 2.05pm kick-off, before the teams move into play-off mode, while the men travel to Whangarei for a date with Northland at 7.05pm.

It took just four minutes for centre Levi Aumua to make his presence felt as he beat four tackle attempts on his way to getting his team’s first points of the evening on Saturday night against Auckland. Photo: Trina Brereton/Shuttersport.

Community Notices

Community Notices

MONDAY

DIVORCECARE NN 2023. 13 week course starting Monday 4th Sept. 7 -9pm @ Richmond New Life Church side Room Cost $55 for Manual. Email: divorcecarenn@gmail.com or txt 0274193035 and we will contact contact you. Www.Divorcecare.org

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

WAIMEA GARDEN GROUP St Paul’s Brightwater Meet 2nd Monday of each month at 6:45pm Speakers.Garden Visits etc. All Welcome. Ph. Ellen 5418955 or Donna 5423754.

ELYSIUM WIDOW AND WIDOWERS GROUP meet each Monday for coffee and friendship at Oxford St Cafe at 10am. New members welcome. Phone Margaret 027 2600 748

OSTEOACTIVE COMMUNITY FITNESS CLASS for participants with osteoarthritis. Exercise and education. Seated and standing options. Mondays 9.30am. Holy Trinity Hall, 27 Dorset Street, Richmond. Cost: koha. Nicola 021 0788609 or nicola@bfit4ever.nz

TUESDAY

RICHMOND PIPE BAND, welcome past players and new to join us for social playing of pipes and drums. Meet Richmond Town Hall, Tuesday nights 7-9pm. Contact Margaret 0275440460

NELSON 50+ WALKING GROUP Tuesday August 22. Brook Sanctuary. Meet at 9.45am at Brook Sanctuary carpark. BYO lunch. Contact Angela 027 4441546.

HOPE TENNIS CLUB. Tuesday morning Social Tennis from 9.30 am. Courts in Hope Domain, Main Road, Hope. All abilities most welcome. Queries 0211729257

RICHMOND TENNIS CLUB - Tuesday 10 - 11.30am POP Tennis. $3 non-members Contact pop@richmondtennisclub.co.nz. Come, enjoy and have a go. ALSO Tuesday from 6pm Social fun night. Lights and balls provided. Contact Trish 0274 872 480

‘500’ CARDS Players are invited to compete in our recently formed “No Trumps” Trophy competition. Venue: Waimea Lounge A&P Showgrounds. Tues. & Thurs. 1.30 - 4pm. $2 entry fee covers organised games, prizes afternoon tea and spacious parking. Contact Kath ph 5445563

WEDNESDAY

U3A - Guest speakers and Study Groups keep us actively involved, challenged and stimulated. U3A is sociable, enlightening and fun. Join us at our bi-monthly open meeting at Elim Church, Main Rd, Stoke, 23rd August 10.00am Guest speaker: Author Emma Stevens. All welcome. www.u3anelson.org.nz

TIPS & TRAPS FOR RETIREMENT VILLAGE LIVING With Lawyer

Amanda Crehan. Wednesday 30th August 1pm Richmond Church of Christ cnr Darcy/ Croucher St Richmond. Afternoon tea to follow.

HOPE INDOOR BOWLING CLUB Tuesday Nights 7pm at Hope Hall Main Rd Hope.Starts 7 pm. Everyone welcome. Soft soled shoes.. All bowls supplied. Great for families. Info Bill ph 5449273

STOKE INDOOR BOWLS CLUB 2023 season has started, Warnes

Stadium, Songer Street, Stoke. New members welcome. Please wear flat soled shoes. Enquiries ph Lynn 547 7112.

CENTRAL GARDEN CLUB meet 2nd Wedn each month 1.30pm Stoke Methodist church hall, Neale Ave Stoke. Guest speakers & afternoon tea new members welcome .Lynn or bob 5418468

U3A - Guest speakers and Study Groups keep us actively involved, challenged and stimulated. U3A is sociable, enlightening and fun. Join us at our bi-monthly open meeting at Elim Church, Main Rd, Stoke, 23rd August 10.00am Guest speaker: Author Emma Stevens. All welcome. www.u3anelson.org.nz

NELSON NEWBIES coffee morning every Wednesday 10:3011.30 a.m. at Deville’s Cafe, 22 New St. Want to get out and meet people? Join us for coffee and chat. New people are always welcome. Ph: Clive 021 205 4731.

SPIRITED CONVERSATIONS Wednesday 23 August ‘China in the 1980s’. New Zealander Dr Jackie Cook draws on personal expe-

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

rience to share real-life stories from a time of transition. Yaza Cafe opens 6pm. Speaker 7.30pm. Koha. Contact 548 6241

THURSDAY

HOW TO LOOK AT ART - LEO BENSEMANN at Richmond Library, 5.30pm-6.30pm, Thursday 24 August. Knowledgeably facilitated by Kyla MacKenzie, The Suter Art Gallery’s curator. Free.

WAKEFIELD ART GROUP sessions Thursdays 9.30-12.00 at Wakefield Village Hall. $4 donation includes Morning Tea. All levels of interest welcome.

‘500’ CARDS Players are invited to compete in our recently formed “No Trumps” Trophy competition. At Waimea Lounge A&P Showgrounds. Tues. & Thurs. 1.30 - 4pm. $2 entry fee covers organised games, prizes afternoon tea & spacious parking. Kath ph 5445563

NELSON CITY PROBUS CLUB welcome both men & women. We meet 2nd Thursday each month (Feb-November) at 10 am, The Nelson Golf Club, 38 Bolt Rd, Tahunanui. Contact the Secretary on nelsoncitygroupgmail.com

WAIMEA COMBINED FRIENDSHIP GROUP meet monthly at 9.45am on 3rd Thursday of month in Hope Church, Ranzau Road for Friendship, Fellowship & Learning. Contact Denise on 027 765 000 or Rosalie on 027 249 1080.

TAICHI Thursdays, 10:30-12:30, Beginner & Regular tai chi & qigong. Stillness, breath, movement. Anglican Church community hall, Dorset Street. Donation. Contact Merrick, email quiet.heart. tai.chi@gmail.com Ph 021 063 6620

RICHMOND WELCOME GROUP: Want to make new friends join a friendly group for coffee & a chat.10am on the 1st & 3rd Thursday of each month at Paragon Cafe Langdale Drive Richmond Ansley /Phillip 5410 350 0272212943.

FRIDAY

THE WORLD OF DISABILITY Are you caring for a disabled, neurodiverse or health-impaired family member? Look after yourself with the free Renew, Connect & Reflect workshop. Essential for

families and whānau new to the world of disability, or for those further down the track. Fri 18 Aug, 9am-2pm, Greenmeadows Stoke. Email nelson@parent2parent.org.nz for details.

WAIMEA LADIES FRIENDSHIP CLUB welcomes new members

Interesting speakers, morning tea, dining out, outings. 3rd Friday each month 9.45am. Richmond Church of Christ, corner Croucher and D’arcy Sts. Phone Bev 5441469

RICHMOND TENNIS CLUB - Friday 9.30 - 11.30am. Pickle ball$. $3 non-members. Contact pickleball@richmondtennisclub.co.nz

Come, enjoy and have some fun.

TAI CHI Qigong All welcome, lasses at Tahunanui Community Hub, 55 Muritai Street, Tahunanui. Every Friday until 2nd June 9.30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Koha. Contact Jodie 021 259 5876.

SATURDAY

QUALITY CRAFTS NELSON in the Church Lounge at RBC 123

Salibury Rd, Saturday 19 August 8am – Noon. Come and check out our wide selection of quality local handmade crafts. We have something for everyone! Ph Kay 0275476777 for further details.

MOTUEKA SOCIAL DANCE Groups dance at Mapua Hall on 19th August at 7.30pm. Live Music. $8.00+ plate. All Welcome. Ph Lloyd 1221252790

CAR BOOT MARKET Richmond Baptist Church, 123 Salisbury

Road Saturday 19th August 8am-Noon, open for stall holders from 7am. Heaps of bargains, yummy food and free coffee. Facebook –“RBC Bootmarket” Contact: Mark 0224695367

THE NEW ZEALAND SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS /NELSON

Branch are celebrating their 50th anniversary with a lunch & presentations at The Tides restaurant, Collingwood St Saturday Sept. 9 at 12.30. All welcome contact nelson@genealogy.org.nz for info

SUNDAY

CHANDRAKIRTI MEDITATION CENTRE. Sunday Meditation Class from August 13th onwards. We are resuming our regular activities next week.

WAIMEA MUSIC CLUB meets at Methodist Church Hall, Neale Ave, Stoke on Sunday, 20 August at 1.15pm. All welcome. Ph Jim 5449446 or Clive 0211431138

CLASSIC AND COLLECTABLE CAR SHOW. Sun 3rd Sept 0900 onwards at Higgins Heritage Park, Wakefield. Sausage Sizzle, food and hot drinks available. Car and occupants $5

GENERAL GROUPS

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 027 282 0185.

SENIOR MOBILITY CLASSES Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays from 10.30am at the Wanderers Community Gym 12 Charlotte Lane, Brightwater. $2 donation. Improving balance, mobility & independence among our aging populations (55+).Contact James Cooper for info: 021 044 1526.

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS TO HELP SUPPORT NELSON HOSPITAL. For info visit www.nmdhb.govt.nz and search ‘volunteering with us’. Social opportunity for people to donate their time to a 3-4 hour shift during the week in a variety of roles. Supporting our patients, visitors, whānau & staff while receiving sense of purpose. JOIN CAKE DECORATORS You don’t need any skills. Come & learn how to work with fondant, sugar paste & chocolate. Creating flowers, figurines & covering a cake. Desiree 027 630 2359. NELSON WOODTURNING CLUB Join us at our clubrooms for Turning, camaraderie & sharing of knowledge. Ph or txt Allan for more information 021543345.

HELP NEEDED. WAKEFIELD COMMUNITY BUS Nelson Tasman Community Transport Trust dedicated to providing affordable community public transport in the areas where little is available. Contact: 020 4196 0553 Wakefield Bus is in need of some support – can you help? Contact - 020 4196 0553, marketing.ntctt@gmail. com / www.ntctt.org TO BOOK A SEAT on the Wakefield bus- call or txt 020 4195 8866.

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.

Teaching Positions 2023

A number of Scale A full-time and part-time teaching positions available for 2024. Possibly 3 permanent Scale A positions and a number of other longterm relieving positions. Positions to be confirmed in September once we have received our 2024 Provisional Staffing.

The positions will be throughout the school. Please indicate your preferred area(s) on your application.

Seeking vibrant, highly motivated teachers who are team players.

Applications close 11:00am Thursday 24th August 2023

To obtain an application form email - principal@richmondprimary.school.nz

Please send completed application form to:

Tim Brenton, Principal, Richmond School, Cambridge St, Richmond, Nelson Phone: (03) 544 8959 Email: principal@richmondprimary.school.nz

THEN

We are looking for individuals or groups to deliver our award winning newspapers. Our runs can be done individually or shared amongst a group , as the famous saying goes. “Many hands make light work”

For further details please email: deliveries@thedeliveryguy.co.nz

STORAGE WARS AUCTION

The BOXMAN site. 22-24 Quarantine Road, Tahunanui. 11am Saturday 19th August

- registration will open at 10am

The contents of 6+ containers will be sold more info: www.jwauctions.co.nz

John Walker Auctioneer 027 4432 525 Payment Cash-Eftpos-Visa-Mastercard

Paper Run available Delivering the Waimea Weekly to all homes in Waimea Village (off Gladstone Rd, Richmond), each Wednesday anytime am or pm. This is a great paper run. Please contact Karl on 022 430 7725.

Cash paid for old wristwatches. Scrap gold & Silver. Old coins & Jewellery. Vintage / quality tools. Military & Firearms items. General antiques. Also buying estate & shed items. Collection & downsizing. Ph Tim Gladstone. T&B Vintage 0800 653 935 or 548 5235.

SITUATIONS VACANT

Murchison Area School are looking for a teacher or teachers for either part-time work or a fixed term contract until the end of 2023.

Due to continued roll growth we are looking for either regular relievers (Day Relief, or contracted Fixed Term) and also a position for the teaching of CRT (Classroom Release time) and PRT (Provisionally qualified teachers release).

This position could be anything from 0.2 to 1.0 FTE until the end of 2023 and if interested turning into a permanent position in 2024.

Our school is a high achieving Area school and provides an exceptionally friendly and supportive environment to all staff and students. We currently have around 200 students from Year 1-13.

If you are interested or potentially interested please feel free to call in or email/call the Principal Andy Ashworth on 03 523 9072 or aashworth@murchison.school.nz

TIDE CHART

FRIEND Myrtle Rose

Passed away 14/08/2017

Loved Wife of Stan Friend Loved Mother-In-Law to Diane and Brian, Carroll and Mark

Notice is hereby given that the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of Stoke Community Centre Incorporated (Stoke Seniors) to be held at the Greenmeadows Community Centre on Monday 28 August 2023 at 3pm

Business will be in accordance with Clause 22 of the Stoke Community Centre Incorporated rules. Copies of the agenda are available from the Stoke Community Centre Office, phone 547 2660 or email stokeseniors@xtra.co.nz.

GDS 18/08/13

GJS 04/09/12

Dad and Greg donec obviam iterum

Summerset Richmond Ranges new homes selling now*

At Summerset, our retirement villages are designed to make sure you get the best out of your retirement. Summerset Richmond Ranges is no exception, with a range of brand-new two-bedroom villas available now.

Our single-storey homes are warm, modern and designed with everything you could need for the perfect retirement lifestyle. We have two-bedroom villas available now at a reduced up-front price, with flexible pricing starting from $634,201* and different pricing options available.

Plus, let us help take the stress out of your move to Summerset Richmond Ranges with our Moving Made Easy offer.# Simply sign a sales application between 1 July 2023 and 30 September 2023. This offer includes help with your legal fees, a complimentary moving package, no weekly fees for six months, and six months to sell your home.

It’s never been easier to make the move

Open Weekend

Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 August 10am - 2pm

Summerset Richmond Ranges

1 Hill Street North, Richmond 03 744 3432 | summerset.co.nz/richmond