28 August 2024 - Waimea Weekly

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Waimea Weekly

Locally Owned and Operated

Wednesday 28 August 2024

Piper tracks NZ top dog title

Labrador x springer spaniel Piper’s nose is constantly twitching, and she does not sit still.

Meeting with her and owner Don Schwass it’s clear that she is overtly aware of everything happening around her.

Don and Piper have become the go-to pair for locating lost dogs and Don decided it was time Piper was recognised for her efforts. So he nominated Piper for the

NZ Top Dog Competition, where she has been named as a finalist from almost 400 dogs around the country.

“I decided that I tend to be getting all the recognition, yet Piper is one of the many tools that I use.

A lot of the finds that I have, she’s part of it.”

Her first find at just six-months old was a local dog, Midnight, who had been missing for eight days. Don and Piper found Midnight in just two-and-a-half hours.

Since then, Don has lost track of how many rescues three-and-ahalf-year-old Piper has been involved with, but she is a frequent

Field of daffodils for cancer fundraiser

A field of bright yellow daffodils at Ravensdown near Richmond has added buckets of flowers for Cancer Society Nelson Tasman’s annual fundraiser this Friday. Karly Allsopp from the ANZ bank team joined other volunteers, including Salisbury School students, for the field’s first harvest. Funds generated locally from Daffodil Day and other fundraising initiatives directly support the community, providing essential services for people affected by cancer. Photo: Anne Hardie.

“His

“His resilience to staying alive, he’s 90 next year and he’s fit as a fiddle, he’s on no medication, and he’s never had an operation.”

“He used to get his big telescope out and we would look at the night sky together as a family.”

“Fishing

Our turn to get behind Piper

FROM PAGE 1

flyer, having assisted with rescues all over the country.

He says Piper has helped reunite lost dogs with their families in Auckland’s CBD, a private goldmine down south, and a dog who disappeared when the vehicle he was in crashed near Hanmer Springs last year.

Don now gets calls from overseas, having given over-thephone help to both Queensland and Rarotonga last week.

Don says Piper responds to the command ‘show me’ among others, but it is as much about Don paying attention to Piper as Piper showing him things, sometimes without knowing.

“It’s just reading her body language, sometimes there’s movement in the head, sometimes it’s only subtle, it might be just a real quick turn of the head,” Don says. “Piper is the fourth generation of

a uniquely bred search and rescue line, which has been developed over the last 15-plus years for the sole job of search and rescue in New Zealand.

She is the only trained tracking dog in the country that is specifically trained to locate a lost dog anywhere in New Zealand.”

Don is hoping that the region, and country, will get behind Piper in the NZ People’s Choice category which is one of three titles up for grabs alongside Top Dog with a Job, which she could also take out, and Top Office Job.

“It’s a strange one, we don’t seek recognition, but she’s worked hard to be where she is.”

Voting closes at 9am Thursday, 29 August.

Head to www.frogrecruitment. co.nz/nztopdog to place a vote for Piper.

Troy Richards Māpua
Pete de Jong Stoke
love of pet dogs, he would take them for a walk everywhere.”
Vicki Heath Māpua
Susannah Anderson Brightwater
Don Schwass and Labrador x springer spaniel Piper, who has made the finals of NZ Top Dog Competition. Photo: Sara Hollyman.
‘Why are we not?’ The question of amalgamating

Amalgamation of councils is being touted as one tool in the war against soaring rates. With an average rates rise around the country of 16 per cent this year it’s clear that increases of that scale cannot be absorbed by residents longterm.

Porirua Mayor Anita Baker said nobody is immune from steep rises in payment to the council.

“I know, as a ratepayer of Porirua, I can’t live there in five years,” said Baker, whose district recently increased rates by 17.5 percent.

Councils are being asked to get more efficient and effective in delivering their core services, a message bluntly demanded by the Prime Minister at last week’s Local Government NZ conference.

Amalgamation has been a looming question for councils since the Future for Local Government Review recommended significant reform of the sector in June 2023.

The recent approval of double-digit rates hikes in every corner of the country has only stoked conversations further

as the benefit of scale and sharing the burden amongst a greater number of ratepayers is considered.

A vote on amalgamating Nelson City and Tasman District failed in 2012, but the topic has reappeared again in a region where the districts’ border feels increasingly artificial.

Nelson Mayor Nick Smith has previously said he’s in favour of exploring the possibility.

“The Nelson and Tasman communities and economies are just so integrated, that it makes sense for us to explore a single council.”

But Tasman Mayor Tim King has concerns about rural voice in an amalgamated Nelson Tasman.

Amalgamation would see the “domination” of the district by the Richmond-Nelson urban area which would contain more than 70,000 people in a region of about 115,000, he argued.

“There will be a loss of rural representation. It’s kind of just inevitable with the population driven process,” Tim says. He preferred instead to focus on finding efficiencies through shared services with Nelson.

The two councils currently cooperate in transport, sewerage,

landfill, future development, pest management, emergency management, the Saxton Field sport complex, and more.

“There are plenty of other things we can continue to work on, providing jointly or collectively. If there are benefits on the financial side, that is where they’re to be gained.”

The coalition government’s Local Water Done Well policy, which could see districts combine forces to create council-controlled water service delivery organisations, was another such opportunity to find efficiencies while retaining that local voice, Tim says.

Sarah Baddeley, a strategic advisor at MartinJenkins with expertise in local government believes that councils must make structural change in the face of a raft of challenges facing the sector.

“Doing nothing is not an option,” she told hundreds of council representatives at the conference on Friday. She urged councils not to “kick the can down the road” and to start discussing options now.

St Arnaud project weaves award

A St Arnaud restoration project has won a stewardship award for its use of mātauranga Māori. Tasman District Council’s Mangatāwhai/Black Valley wetland restoration project picked up the SuperSteward Award at the 2024 Local Government New Zealand conference on Friday.

The project combined traditional Māori knowledge and modern environmental engineering techniques, such as using woven harakeke baskets to plug old drains at the wetland site.

Judges said the project was “a perfect example of this type of cultural collaboration and a lesson for other councils in how to work with local iwi”. In a statement, the council said it was privileged to share the award with those who helped the succeed.

“True partnership and engagement are about actions and connections. Especially important is the manaakitanga received from whānau in the sharing of their expertise and giving their time to the project.”

Though all of Te Tauihu’s iwi were engaged on the project, Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō was the primary supporter of the project.

The project was made possible by the Ministry for the Environment’s Freshwater Improvement Fund.

Apprentishop takes on the challenge

A trio of Waimea College business students have set up a website and are creating an app to match employers with potential apprentices.

Year 12 students Jet Tristram, Jason Chew-Ho and Yuosmunea Heng came up with the idea of creating a matching service for employers and young people seeking apprenticeships for their Young Enterprise Scheme project. The idea stemmed from students at school looking for job prospects and the result is Apprentishop. They liken the process to the dating app, Tinder, which helps match people together.

“Some students are hanging around school, waiting for it to finish and then go on to a job,” Jet says. “So, our idea would help them find a job with training - an apprenticeship basically.”

The team has already won the competition’s validation challenge in the Top of the South and now they are working on the completion of the app as well as seeking employers who will work with them before it goes live.

Jason describes the app-building process as

“extreme” and they have worked it out with the help of YouTube. The potential business has required more than just app-building skills though and each student brings their own strengths to the team. While Jason is creative and thinks outside the square, Yuosmunea has shown an aptitude for building the app and talking to people, and Jet has the knack of networking. Together, they wanted to create a business.

“If you want to learn how to create a business, you need

to do Young Enterprise,” Jet says. “It gets you out there in the real world and makes it feel real.”

“You’re actually building connections,” Yuosmunea adds. “Initially we were all scared of getting on the phone and talking to people.”

He admits it was the movie Wolf of Wall Street, where a stockbroker says “if you’re stuck, get on the phone and start dialling,” that inspired their venture.

“So, we just started to pick up the phone and started

calling.” It has produced positive results, with the Primary Industry Training Organisation (ITO) taking a keen interest in the technology to potentially assist students from its own training programmes. The team is now marketing their idea, mainly through Tik Tok and Instagram, while looking for employers to trial the site and app. They can be reached through apprentishop@gmail.com or at apprentishop.nz on Instagram.

TREES, TREES AND MORE TREES ALONG TRAIL: The edible walk alongside the Great Taste Trail near Three Brother’s Corner is flourishing under the nurturing hands of Roger Jones and his small team of volunteers. A further 25 trees have been planted this winter, including flowering cherries that are budding up and other ornamentals to complement the edibles already planted. Fruit trees are now flowering, and Roger is hopeful the first tiny crops of fruit will ripen this year for the public. “That’s what it’s all about – giving back to the community.” Four cameras are erected along the walk to deter vandalism that damaged trees last year. Photo: Anne Hardie.

Jet Tristram, left, Yuosmunea Heng and Jason Chew-Ho plan to tee up employers with potential apprentices. Photo: Anne Hardie.
The Black Valley project was a “perfect example” of cultural collaboration. Photo: Supplied.

Dog owners and conservationists clash over bylaw

Dog owners are biting back against the “demonising and villainising” of their pets by conservation groups, as the council’s controversial dog bylaw remains open for submission until the end of next week.

The beaches of Little Kaiteriteri and Stephens Bay are currently controlled dog areas, accessible in the summer months between 5am and 9am only.

The Tasman District Council’s draft bylaw suggests that these beaches, as well as neighbouring Dummy Bay, become year-round leash-only dog areas, in a move that the council hopes “simplifies the rules, still allows dog exercise, but also protects wildlife”.

Speaking on TVNZ’s Breakfast show on Monday, Tasman Bay Blue Penguin Trust founding trustee Linda Jenkins said that the current bylaw “is not enough to protect the species”.

“We don’t see any merit to having dogs… sharing the same space as a protected native species which is at risk and declining.”

But Riwaka local Brendan Alborn, speaking on behalf of a group of dog owners, says that the bylaw changes are overkill “and are not going to solve the

problem as stated”.

He reckons the idea of taking a dog to the beach to walk them on a lead, rather than having them chasing sticks and swimming in the ocean, “is comical”.

“It’s going to affect, in a really adverse way, lots and lots of people,” he says.

Brendan, who is the commercial director and owner of several

Abel Tasman-based tourism operations, says he takes exception to the narrative that a person is either a dog owner or a wildlife lover.

He estimates that he has spent about 4000 hours at the beach with his border collie Maggie, and he says that during that time, “my dog and I have harmed exactly zero members of our wildlife”.

He is frustrated that some “reasonably hard-core” special-interest groups are giving dogs top billing as the problem for coastal wildlife.

He appreciates that these groups are “doing great work, but not at the expense of society”.

“It’s really felt like a bit of a smear campaign.”

Fellow dog owner Claire Hutt says that there are better compromises that could be made than the proposed changes, such as having dogs off-leash between the high and low tide marks only. “We’re not dog lovers at the expense of wildlife, but there has to be a balance.”

The bylaw changes have drawn almost 300 submissions so far, and at the 1 August full council meeting, community policy advisor Cat Budai said that “community division is going to be inevitable with this bylaw”.

“There is not a possible way to put something out there that absolutely everyone is going to be happy [with],” she told the councillors. “We’ve aimed for a balanced approach, but we need to be mindful that compromise is not the purpose of the bylaw.

“At the same time, we need a degree of pragmatism, and we don’t want to force non-compliance.”

Motueka ward councillor Brent Maru agreed that regulation was not going to fix the problem.

“Good dog owners will fix this,” he said. “I suspect that this is going to be the biggest bylaw that we will have this year.”

Submissions on the bylaw can be made at shape.tasman.govt.nz before 8 September.

Brendan Alborn, pictured with his border collie Maggie, is pushing back against the dog control bylaw changes that he says will adversely affect a lot of people in the district. Photo: Supplied.

Drug-driving clampdown seven years on

It’s been seven years since 23-year-old Matthew Dow’s life was cut short on the Appleby Highway by a drugged driver.

The Christchurch man was driving back from Kaiteriteri to his family’s annual holiday spot at Tāhunanui when he was killed in a head-on crash on New Year’s Eve in 2017, by a Tākaka woman under the influence of methamphetamine and cannabis.

His bereaved parents, Karen and Peter Dow, with then Nelson MP Nick Smith in support, launched a petition in 2018 on the first anniversary of his death, calling for random roadside drug testing for drivers.

Close to 6000 signatures were gathered before being presented to Parliament in May 2019.

The Government has now announced a $1.3 billion Road Policing Investment Programme (RPIP) to clamp down on drugged and drunk drivers over the next three years to augment road user safety.

The Crash Analysis System, managed by NZTA Waka Kotahi, recorded five deaths in the Nelson district that involved drugs and/ or alcohol between 2019 and 2024 and nine in Tasman over the

same period.

The government’s announcement includes $20 million ringfenced for roadside drug testing, with a target for police to undertake 50,000 oral fluid tests annually once the regime is enacted.

The bill, which is before the Transport & Infrastructure Select Committee, with submissions closing on 29 August, would mean drivers who return two positive screening tests at the roadside will be prohibited from driving for 12 hours to address any immediate roadside safety risk. Evidential oral fluid testing

would be done in a laboratory before infringement notices are issued.

Karen Dow, whose late son would now be 30, says the announcement was “a long time coming”, having pleaded with ministers to introduce roadside drug testing since 2019. She now hoped road deaths caused by drugged drivers would diminish under the crackdown.

“Certainly, seeing this come to fruition would be an honour to Matthew, who was very righteous, a very honest young man, and it would be good to have that

Visit us at Stillwater Village.

as his legacy, that hopefully we can save other people the grief that we continue to go through,”

she says. “The general public deserve the right to expect that you can get from A to B without being hit head-on by somebody who’s not in a condition to be able to drive, as it happened to Matthew,” she says.

“The police will need as much assistance as possible to be able to enforce this, and things need to be carried through to the judicial system whereby penalties imposed are an actual deterrent.”

Karen says Matthew had missed

“so much of life” since his death, including possible marriage and children, and grandchildren for her and husband Peter.

She says the Dow whānau continue to visit Matthew’s Appleby Highway memorial, and holiday at Tāhunanui and one of Matthew’s close friends gave Matthew as the middle name of his child in his memory. She also acknowledged now Nelson Mayor Nick Smith for his support in the campaign.

Nick, who made a joint submission with the Dows to the select committee, equally welcomed the government’s plans for roadside drug testing after his battles to fast-track it as an MP. The previous government passed legislation on roadside drug testing, but progress to have the programme rolled out had stalled since police couldn’t find an appropriate roadside screening device.

“I gave a commitment to [Matthew’s] family that I would do everything possible to push with them for drug testing and am frustrated it is taking so long,” he says.

“Our submission supports the law change but pleas for police and the Ministry of Transport to ensure this second attempt works.”

Open Home: 11am-2pm Friday 30th August

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If you can’t make it to the open home or would prefer a private viewing, call Sarah on 027 213 8424 or email village.stillwater@hll.org.nz. We look forward to seeing you.

Peter Dow, left, Karen Dow and Angus Dow at the site of their son and brother’s death in 2018, where they launched a petition to introduce roadside drug testing in New Zealand. Photo: Sara Hollyman.

Leaders of the Pak

GORDON PREECE

Glenn and Tracey Anderson have grabbed a new supermarket to add to their ownership list.

The husband and wife team, who most recently owned New World Nelson City since 2021, have taken ownership of their largest Foodstuffs South Island store to date from the Howard whānau, who owned Pak’nSave Richmond for two decades.

Glenn and Tracey have also owned New World Stoke between 2011 and 2019, New World Rolleston from 2019 to 2021 and New World Waimate from 2009 to 2011, and the pair are “ecstatic” to connect with Pak’nSave Richmond’s 300 staff and provide high grade store standards and low prices.

“We’ve had quite an affiliation with Richmond, we live in Richmond, our kids both went to Waimea College, we’ve been involved in the local community in different sports so it made sense for us to look at purchasing [the su-

permarket],” Glenn says.

“We love Foodstuffs, you get the opportunity to be your own owner of an operation which is exciting, but you’re also a part of the cooperative, so you develop a lot of friendships, and being in a community type of organisation as well is great.

“Our biggest focus is to work on store standards and to remain competitive more than anything with pricing and the likes, a lot of the suppli-

ers are putting through fairly significant price increases, so trying to keep our low costs operating.”

The Andersons have also led several community initiatives, including funding a new defibrillator and trauma equipment for the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter and sponsoring local schools and community groups.

Tracey says a major refurbishment of their fifth su-

permarket was also on their list, and that Pak’nSave Richmond would be her and Glenn’s final grocer they own.

“Five is a good number to finish on, and we’ll be here until we don’t enjoy it anymore and at the moment we really do, we love Richmond and Nelson,” she says. “We’re excited to be here and we’re looking forward to doing the best we can for the community.”

Richmond fully compliant with water standards

Taumata Arowai released its Annual Drinking Water Regulation Report 2023, which is based on the compliance information that registered water suppliers provided throughout 2023. The report provides an overview of national compliance rather than of specific suppliers, although several districts are named due to specific problems.

A Tasman District Council operations meetinf was presented with the report last week. Of relevance to TDC is the highlighting in the reports of the fact that a few suppliers have long-term consumer advisories in place which is deemed “unacceptable”. The permanent boil water advisory on the Dovedale supply is an example.

Similarly, while the reports acknowledge that most of the population receives safe water, a number receive water from supplies that do not have the required protozoa barrier; Redwoods, Dovedale, Eighty Eight Valley and Hamama are the Tasman District Council supplies falling into that category.

With regard to the compliance of Council’s supplies with the Drinking Water Quality Assurance Rules, only one – Richmond – was fully compliant with every rule for the entire reporting period of January to December 2023. Most other supplies achieved compliance for a high percentage of the year and with most rules, the exceptions being the rural supplies as above. It is very difficult for a supply to be in complete compliance with every applicable rule for the entire year because relatively minor issues can translate into compliance not being achieved.

Breakthrough joint cream a hit

Murray, a small business owner, loves his walks and gardening. He enjoys staying active and mobile, despite the little niggles and challenges that come with age.

“I wouldn’t say I’m overly active, but I don’t want to be restricted by my mobility,” Murray explained.

With young grandchildren to keep up with, Murray has a “new appreciation” for the importance of supporting healthy joint function and soothing them when required.

“Like most of us, I’ve had knee and ankle injuries over the years. Whenever that happens, you really see the importance of our joints and the independence that they give us.”

Looking to keep up, Murray was looking at ways to ensure his joints and muscles receive the best support possible.

“I want to be able to play and stay active with my grandkids and great-grandkids.”

Around this time Murray was told about Koru FX, a breakthrough New Zealand made joint and muscle support cream.

Initially sceptical, he decided to give it a try because it was locally made and a natural solution.

“I was given the product by my

son. He thought it would help my knees. I was sceptical, but I’d seen Judy Bailey, and dozens of other people recommending Koru FX cream.”

Even with the thousands of customer reviews, Murray believes it’s important to try it for yourself.

“I tried it for myself and was impressed at just how quickly I

noticed it getting to work.”

“I take my time to review things but I found Koru FX is fast-acting, long-lasting, and natural, as advertised so I’m happy to support it.”

“Don’t take my word for it. I recommend you try it for yourself to see if it’s right for you.”

And it’s not just Murray - over 60,913 New Zealanders have already experienced the fast-acting comfort and support of Koru FX for themselves.

Since launching, Koru FX has become New Zealand’s leading natural joint and muscle cream in local community pharmacies.

It contains high-quality essential oils like arnica, calendula, manuka, and black pepper, along with others, providing a soothing formulation.

If you’re looking for fast-acting, long-lasting, natural joint and muscle support then Koru FX is for you.

Ask for Koru FX cream next time you’re in your local community pharmacy and experience the difference it makes to joints, muscles and tendons for yourself.

Fast joint support... Murray was impressed how quickly he noticed Koru FX get to work.
Glenn and Tracey Anderson have entered their fifth supermarket as its owners. Photo: Gordon Preece.

More protection needed for Wakefield heritage

Wakefield’s historic character needs to be protected now, before it’s too late, councillors have been warned.

“There’s lots of early buildings and sites that we see as important to protect,” says Warwick Johnston, a committee member of the Waimea South Historical Society.

“If we don’t, what happens? It disappears. Because someone comes along and it’s not protected, nobody knows anything about the place, and then it disappears, and you’ve lost it,” agrees fellow member Margaret Clark.

The society would like to see Tasman District Council designate Wakefield, a town that was settled in 1843, as a heritage area. The area would be accompanied by a heritage precinct which would include sections of Edward St and Whitby Way.

“We see the heritage area as something positive for Wakefield to develop as a heritage destination,” Warwick says.

Neighbours: August 2024

Living in any community means having neighbours. Many become good friends but even if they don’t, we still share bits of their lives. Some bits are annoying: barking dogs, trees shading our house, damage from poor drainage. Some things we tolerate: cooking smells, the sound of a piano practice.

So how can we be good neighbours and also stand up for our rights?

It helps if you know councils have bylaws about most issues: how close a structure can be to the boundary, the height of fences, who owns overhanging fruit (the owner of the tree does!) It’s worth contacting your council or checking their website to see what applies to your situation.

Margaret points to the positive feedback for the council’s recent renovation of the Wakefield Toy Library that the town has appetite for its character to be enhanced.

“It’s amazing,” she says. “People wonder, ‘why can’t we do that more for buildings?’”

The society had conducted some ‘heritage walks’ around the town to learn its history and said the feedback had been positive. The designation would enshrine heritage provisions and ensure that future renovations in the affected area remain in-keeping with the town’s early aesthetic.

The society also wants the council to appoint a heritage advisor and to re-establish its Heritage Subcommittee to strengthen the council’s approach to heritage more generally, and to support work in Wakefield.

“We’d like the council just to make heritage more of a priority than it is,” Warwick says. He points to the uncertainty that surrounded the renovation of a building on Pitfure Rd that was held up amidst a lack of knowledge around if it was a historic building or not.

“We’ve got the knowledge, and we want to help,” he says.

The society presented to councillors on their aspirations for Wakefield two weeks ago, and the reception from councillors was receptive.

Christeen Mackenzie said she had attended one of the heritage walks.

“There is great potential there, I think, for tourism and I know, personally, I would love nothing more than to have a historic precinct there.”

Glen Daikee added that the council would “love to do more” for heritage but acknowledged that was made difficult under current economic constraints.

Council staff assured they would report back to councillors on options going forward.

A common issue in winter is drainage. If rainwater drains naturally onto your property from the neighbour’s, that’s permitted. But if the water comes through a pipe or drain which alters the land, it will require an easement, which is permission to use part of your land. If the water is causing damage to your property, your neighbour might be liable for putting things right.

Noise, such as barking dogs, loud music or construction at unsociable hours may be covered by the council’s noise control officer.

Once you know what the rules are and who will back you up, talk to your neighbour about the problem. A good way to start is to assume they’ll want to be agreeable and a friendly conversation will help solve the problem. If it doesn’t, you can contact the appropriate agency. Sometimes, if a conversation hasn’t helped, making it clear in writing that you know what the rules are and who to contact is enough to improve the situation.

Legal action is a last resort and will be costly, but in some cases, such as where damage has occurred that your neighbour is unwilling to repair, the Disputes Tribunal might help you address the issue for a small fee.

If your neighbour is a tenant, matters such as trees, fences and drainage are the landlord’s responsibility. The tenant can tell you how to contact the landlord or property manager. However, noise, shared parking or issues with animals are for the tenant to fix, because one of a tenant’s responsibilities is not to annoy the neighbours. If they’re Kianga Ora tenants, you’ll find a helpful section on the KO website.

Neighbours are a part of life so it’s important to solve differences amicably if you can. Do your homework, talk to them calmly about the issue, offer solutions and be prepared to compromise. Always make notes about what you discussed and agreed.

And if that doesn’t work, seek help from the council or other relevant agency. Our volunteers are always happy to listen and explain your options. And it’s free.

CAB Nelson Tasman. (Paru Paru Rd Nelson, TDC Richmond, Community House Motueka) Phone: 03 5482117 / 0800 367 222, email: nelsontasman@cab.co.nz, Website: www. cab.org.nz

From Stromboli to D’Urville Island
This dynamic
is inspired by the book ‘Angelina’ by New Zealand author Gerard Hindmarsh.
Waimea South Historical Society committee members Margaret Clark and Warwick Johnston want to see a heritage established in Wakefield’s centre. Photo: Max Frethey.

Marching forward after 30 years

“Once you’ve been a marcher, it stays in your blood forever,” reflects the coach of Silveraires Leisure Marching Team on 30 years of the team.

Founded three decades ago, the Silveraires Leisure Marching Team marked their 30th anniversary this year, a reflection of their passion and commitment to leisure marching.

Unlike competitive marching, which emphasises winning, leisure marching is for fitness, fun and friendship.

“The beauty is that this is a sport people can participate in until they are in their 80’s and 90’s,” Silveraires coach Gaye Cooper says. Gaye, a veteran member with a deep-rooted history in marching that dates back to 1964, reflects on her journey, having won numerous prestigious titles in New

Zealand during her marching career.

“Once you’ve been a marcher, it stays in your blood forever.”

The motto of leisure marching - fun, fitness, friendship - resonates strongly within the Silveraires. Beyond physical exercise, the mental benefits are profound.

“There are lots of steps to remember and beats to count, which is wonderful for your memory,” Gaye adds.

The team consists of 19 women aged 60 to 83 from Nelson, Stoke, and Richmond, including 10 new to marching upon joining, with several members having been involved in the group for 15-19 years.

“Friendship is a big part, when we travel away for five days, we spend five minutes marching and the rest of the time having fun watching other teams, gathering new ideas for our routines, cel-

ebrating birthdays, and dining together,” Gaye says with a smile.

“Three decades of marching for the group is a milestone.”

Looking ahead, Gaye says it’s time to march forward, expand the team and inspire active living and the enjoyment of leisure marching. If you are interested in watching some marching, head along to Saxton Stadium on 7 September at 1pm. For more info contact Gaye on 021664070.

The Silveraires Leisure Marching Team who recently marked their 30th anniversary. From left: Barbara Burney, Carol English, Gwenda Roberts, Hilary Watson, Jean Aldridge, Jean Cochrane, Rose Castree, Tracey Herrick, Diane Heywood, Andrea Turton, Wynne Norgrove, Lesley Luxon, Jill Harrison, Pam Robertson, Carol Baigent, Barbara Grason and Gaye Cooper. Absent: Jill Canning and Liz Clare. Photo: Eloise Martyn.

Peter

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Opinion

Charity brings puppies south

Thank you, Jan, I love my rescue. What a difference you are making.

Michelle Alexander

Let’s also recognise the Richmond McDonalds staff that gave up an evening, volunteering their time to ensure the evening was a huge success for a great charity.

Calvin Haycock

Such a worthy cause. We’ve stayed at RMH for almost 50 nights. An amazing place for NZ families.

Megan Stephens

It was an amazing evening, I really enjoyed myself.

Ashlee Charlotte Fleming

Well done, Jenny and Glen.

Sue Boffa

12 hours on the dancefloor raises more than $20k

Sioux Line Dance NZ are such amazing supporters of Nelson Tasman Hospice. We had such a great time attending, seeing all the colourful outfits, and even had a go at line dancing ourselves! The ongoing support is heartwarming and so very much appreciated by all of us here at hospice. Thank you!

Nelson Tasman Hospice

Mortgages Made Easy

Let me help you obtain the best home loan for you

MARK LANGDON

Mortgage Services

Cyclists still feel unsafe despite new cycleways

Say it with me, “paint on a road is not a cycleway”.

Tim HIll

Of those 400 how many people live in the streets with the changes? Also, it says councils investment, but they are denying that and saying it’s nzta so who is to blame for the mess lack of parking, speed humps, and all the other unnecessary work being done.

No congestion charging, yet

Why should people be charged for the council’s poor infrastructure planning.

Ari MacKay-Hererahi

We are not going to charge the community for congestion caused by our terrible town planning, lack of foresight and for allowing developers to make their millions without appropriate infrastructure being included in the deal, YET…

Debbie Moore

people for trying to get to work. Money grab again of the working classes. Never going to affect the rich, only middleand low-income people.

Sarah Sunshine

The buses don’t run early enough for a lot people to get to work.

Link the congestion charge to income.

The more you earn the more you pay.

Mark Baumgartner

Good, because that just wouldn’t be fair. They had the chance to improve the roads 20 years ago but apparently we wouldn’t “need it”. Fix our roads to accommodate for the traffic to ease the congestion for a start.

Jess Brown

Congestion charge and free public transport and great bike lanes would solve all our traffic problems. Bang.

Peter Blasdale

Tackling Taiwan cherry in Tasman

They need to get rid of old man’s beard.

Felicity Thomson

Woolly nightshade is next.

Beth Burdett

Buyer’s market for region

But banks are not making it any easier to actually buy.

These taxes are just another way of extorting the public. As in a talked about sugar tax.. why? If sugar is a problem, there are healthy alternatives so maybe the producers should be responsible to make their product healthier. Oh no!! It’s much easier and much more profitable to tax the citizens once again! Well, congestion tax is the same. It’s bad planning all around by the people we pay to plan this stuff. What’s happening in reality is, our tax dollars are paying people to work out how they can take more tax off you!

Grant ODonnell

Congestion charges are just penalising

Justine Woodmass

I’d support a congestion tax in Nelson if it got people out of their one occupant commuter cars and onto public transport at peak travel times.

Dennis Goodman

It should already be paid for in registration, gas and rates.

Sammy Mac

I cannot imagine that area having peak hour traffic the way Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch would. This should only be for major cities.

Fiona Murray

Nige Burgess

More like houses aren’t selling for over 100 to 150 k over the RV and selling for the actual R.

Fran Scholefield

Only because nobody can afford the interest rates and can’t save enough deposit.

Vanessa Beetson

Prices not dropping, rather coming down to more realistic levels as prices were totally over inflated.

David Scott

Local History

Early Richmond’s Lusty family made mark on region

ROBYN PARKES

The Lusty family were one of Richmond’s earliest. Benjamin, a carpenter, and wife Eliza arrived in May 1842 via the ship Clifford having left Gravesend, England in December 1841. Eliza’s time in Nelson was extremely short as she died at age 23 in August 1842 and was buried in Halliwell Cemetery. Benjamin married for a second time in 1845, his new wife Ellen being the widow of Issac Smith who was killed in the Wairau Massacre.

After spending a short time at Poor Man’s Valley, Stoke, Benjamin took up land in Richmond and established the homestead Amberley Farm, where he farmed and became involved in the district’s welfare. The couple had five children, Ann (daughter of Ellen by Issac Smith), Francis, Arthur, Sarah and Emily. Benjamin died in April 1894 and was buried in

Richmond Cemetery. Ellen lived for another six years before joining her husband in July 1901. Eldest son Francis was born in 1845 in Stoke but spent his childhood in Richmond. As a youth he went prospecting in the Buller district and spent some time at the Mangles looking for gold.

In March 1868 at his father’s residence, Francis married Ann

Streeter, daughter of Richard. Between the years of 1868 and 1876 the couple were living in Collingwood and during this time Francis was elected to the Collingwood Road Board, was a foundation member of Court Aorere and of the Ancient Order of Foresters. After returning to Amberley Farm, Richmond, he was farming for around 50

years until his retirement in 1920. Francis and Ann had 11 children, six boys and five girls. Francis was known for his incredible memory of events of earlier times and was able to recall dates, places and circumstances. Fifty years after his time at the Mangles, on a visit, he was still able to find the exact spot where he had sought gold. Francis died in March 1926 and Ann in October 1928, both buried in Richmond Cemetery.

Fourth son of Francis and Ann was Francis Jnr (Frank), born in 1875. Born and raised in Richmond he married Bertha Ching in 1903. In September 1907 he took over the grocery part of J. Ingram and Co’s business.

Around 1909 Frank’s brother Herbert built Henley Store on the corner of Queen and Salisbury Rd. The general store was a family affair with Bertha running the tearooms portion. The store

carried groceries, drapery, boots and shoes with orders available for delivery through the district. In 1920 the store was sold to Herbert Newport who ran it until his death in 1931. The store was bought and sold several times until Mr Goddard established a second-hand shop in the building, and today it operates as Richmond Antiques and Curios. Frank was, for some time, a member of the Richmond Borough Council and took a prominent part on school committees and sports clubs. For many years he has been a member of the Nelson A & P Association and of the Nelson Automobile Association. Tragedy struck on 12 November 1935 when (Frank), riding a bicycle, was hit by a car driven by R Bensemann, resulting in his almost instant death. Frank was buried in Richmond Cemetery where so many of his family were also buried.

Spend $50 or more in a single transaction at Richmond Mall to be in to win flights + five nights accommodation for two adults. Attach your receipt to the entry form and pop it into the entry box located next to our information desk.

Amberley Farm homestead. Photo: Nelson Provincial Museum, Hunter Brown Collection.

Tasman kids raise their voices

The region’s youngest choirs “sang their hearts out” last week, with 140 students receiving a standing ovation at the NCMA.

The Kids Sing was a sell-out concert on Wednesday, 21 August, with five schools from around the region taking part.

The choral festival for primary and intermediate school choirs is organised by the New Zealand Choral Federation (NZCF) and is aimed at developing performance skills by performing with others.

“It all came together very well,”

Lucy Rainey, NZCF chair Te Tau Ihu Nelson/Marlborough, says.

“They all sang their hearts out to their family and friends who gave them a standing ovation at the end.”

Auckland Point School, Clifton Terrace School, Māpua School, Waimea Intermediate School, and Wakefield School each sang two contrasting songs of their choice.

The choirs then joined together for three songs, with the final song being led by Kath Bee. Tanya Nock was the guest commentator.

The Kids Sings began in 2019 with the event location alternat-

ing between Nelson and Motueka.

Lucy says the main aims of the event are to encourage choral singing in school choirs and massed choirs, enable primary and intermediate school choirs to perform choral music to an audience, provide support and professional development for choir directors, and offer networking with other choral directors in the

region.

“One thing we are trying hard to do is celebrate everyone in the community, and we are working hard behind the scenes to run workshops with schools,” Lucy says.

Waimea Intermediate School music teacher Chris Phillips says it was a “really fun and positive event to be involved in”.

“School singing has taken a mas-

sive hit in the last few years due to Covid-19 and its many flow-on effects.

“We are in a revitalisation period and The Kids Sing is playing its part in this.”

The Kids Sing is part of a wide range of events organised by the NZCF, which include The Big Sing, Sing Fest, Sing Aotearoa, and regional choral workshops for singers.

Lucy says The Kids Sing wouldn’t have been made possible without the support from the NCMA.

“We are amazingly lucky to be able to host this event there, it is the perfect space as we have the use of the auditorium and the recital theatre.

“The staff are so helpful and supportive of community events. Nelson is extraordinarily lucky to have it.”

BUILDING STRONG FOR 40 YEARS

Five schools from around the region joined in the fun at The Kids Sing last Wednesday at the NCMA. Photo: Supplied.

Table set for Feast Whakatū

The table is set, the kai is prepared, and everything is ready for Feast Whakatū –the second iteration of an exciting new food festival.

Event director Shelley Haring says, after a successful inaugural event in 2023, she would like to see the community create more unique events for both locals and visitors to experience.

“A ‘feast’ is more than just a meal; it’s a gathering of people, friends, and family enjoying food, drink, and conversation together,” Shelley says. “We wanted to create out-of-thebox, unique events that you can only experience by coming to Feast Whakatū.”

And that’s exactly what they did, but this year she would like to see the menu expanded even further to include new, unique locations and experiences.

Shelley encourages anyone

who might have an initial concept idea to get in touch as Feast Whakatū can help connect people together.

“It might be that you have a unique venue but don’t produce food, or you produce a culinary delight but without a shopfront, we can connect people together to get some great events on the menu.”

Starting 1 November, Feast Whakatū will offer 10 days of culinary experiences celebrating the region’s diverse range of food, beverage, restaurants, chefs, cafes, brands, producers and growers. Opening weekend will include the popular NZ Cider Festival.

With a diverse range of events hosted across various picturesque locations – from the bustling streets of Whakatū Nelson CBD to the quaint Māpua wharf and the scenic Tākaka in Golden Bay – Feast Whakatū promises something for every type of foodie. Attendees can look forward to

engaging, interactive experiences that will elevate their taste buds and offer a fresh perspective on the Nelson Tasman food scene.

“Our goal is to highlight the incredible culinary talent in our region and offer an unforgettable festival experience,” Shelley says. Feast Whakatū will feature a rich array of events, attendees will have the chance to explore the diverse flavours and innovative creations that make Nelson Tasman a standout destination for food lovers.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this celebration of food and community. Mark your calendars and prepare your taste buds for a feast like no other!

Tickets on sale early October. For more information or to discuss event ideas, visit www. feastwhakatu.nz

Feast Whakatū runs from Friday 1 – Sunday, 10 November across various locations.

Stay safe around downed power lines

It doesn’t happen very often, but sometimes power lines can end up on the ground. If a car crashes into a pole, or if a tree falls onto power lines, the lines can break and fall down.

By knowing what to do in emergencies such as this, you can keep yourself and others safe.

If you come across power lines that have fallen to the ground you should:

z Stay well away from them and warn others to stay away too because the ground around the downed lines might be electrified

z Call our fault line on 0800 508 100 to tell us where the downed lines are located

We will get someone there as quickly as possible to make the lines safe and repair them.

The only people who should ever come near downed power lines are our experienced and trained line mechanics. They know the danger and they will only approach downed lines if they are sure it’s safe to do so.

What do you do if a power line comes down on a car you’re in?

If you are in a car and the lines come down on top of your car you should:

z Stay in the car

z Tell anyone who comes near to keep away too because the ground around the car might be electrified by the lines

z Stay in the car until one of our line mechanics tells you it’s safe to get out

There are certain circumstances when staying in the car might not be safe e.g. if a fire starts in the car.

If it is not safe to stay in the car and you have to get out you should:

z Jump from the open door of the car so that you are not touching the car and the ground at the same time (touching the ground and the car at the same time could give you a potentially fatal electric shock)

z Stay on your feet and either shuffle or hop away from the car, keeping your feet close together until you are at least 10 metres or more away from the car. This might look a bit strange when you are doing it, but it could save your life because electricity can flow up one leg and down the other if you take a normal-sized step on electrified ground.

Ben Conning checks out produce at one of the 2023 Feast Whakatū events. Photo: Tim Cuff.

Every contribution matters on Daffodil Day

Synonymous with hope and signalling the arrival of spring and new life, the simple daffodil holds a profound connection with the journey of those facing cancer and serves as a powerful symbol of hope in the face of darkness.

Daffodil Day, celebrated on August 30, is nearing 35 years, and remains the flagship fundraiser for the Cancer Society. Michelle Hunt, the Centre Manager of our regional contingent, Cancer Society Nelson Tasman, says that with around 500 clients annually, over 300 of whom are newly-diagnosed, the local impact is significant.

On Friday, thousands of volun-

teers will hit the streets across the country to collect funds to help the Cancer Society continue its work so no one faces cancer alone. Across the region various events and activities are planned to mark Daffodil Day. From local businesses to schools and community groups, everyone is finding unique ways to participate and contribute. From car events, shows, quiz nights and breakfasts to street collections and workplace, schools, and community groups fundraisers, every dollar donated helps make a difference in the lives of people 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.

“Cancer Society Nelson Tasman is a charity trust dedicated to supporting local individuals and

families impacted by cancer,” says Michelle. “All funds generated locally from Daffodil Day directly serve the local community. Donations protect future generations through prevention programmes and life-saving research. 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 important part of our fundraising.”

There are many ways for locals to get involved in Daffodil Day,

whether it’s through donating, volunteering, or attending one of the many events.

Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer. Donations can be made directly to the Cancer Society Nelson Tasman through their website, at one of the street collection points. You can always support Daffodil Day by raising awareness. Share information about the event on social media, encourage your friends and family to get involved, and wear your daffodil pin with pride.

This Daffodil Day let’s unite to make a real difference. Every contribution is part of a collective effort to support those affected by cancer and to bring us closer to a future where cancer is no longer a life-threatening illness.

Contributions can be made onsite or online at www.daffodilday.org. nz or by visiting www.cancernelson.org.nz.

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

Wednesday 28 August 2024

With many lambs frolicking and the cheerful blooms of daffodils, it’s tempting to believe that spring has arrived. However, nature often toys with us at this time of the year with early signs of warmth and growth. Despite this playful deception, many find joy in the sight of these picturesque scenes. Three-year-old Ella, seven-year-old Alex, and six-year-old Ethan du Plessis cherish this time of year on their Wakefield property, finding particular delight in the daily feeding of their beloved pet lamb, Scarlett, and marvelling at the growth of their lambs from previous years. Photo: Supplied.

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A cut above for rural women

Upper Moutere was vibrant with activity as 65 women from various parts of Tasman gathered for Beef + Lamb New Zealand AgriGals ‘A Cut Above’ ladies’ day earlier this month.

“It was a fantastic day, filled with a wonderful atmosphere, shared with like-minded women,”

Amanda Henderson, based on the Tākaka hill from Beef + Lamb New Zealand, remarks.

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“The local B+LNZ Farmer Council indicated a significant demand for such an event, and the feedback confirmed its importance.”

This event on 8 August was designed to celebrate and support Tasman’s vibrant rural community, by offering a perfect blend of upskilling, cooking, and socialising. Guest speaker Philippa Cameron, known for her role as station cook at Ōtemātātā Station in Central Otago and as an author and popular figure on social media under ‘What’s for Smoko’, shared insights into her experiences as a mother to sixth-generation children on the farm.

She discussed their sheep and merino operations on their extensive 40,000-hectare property, including a unique 30-day sharing arrangement.

Philippa also provided cooking ‘hacks’ and emphasised the importance of promoting farming through compelling stories. She finished off by making delicious scones which were enjoyed by all. Motueka-born and raised Hannah Kelly gave a live butchery demonstration on a whole sheep, captivating and inspiring many with her skills.

Hannah, a qualified chef, is part of her family’s business ‘Kellys Homekill and Butchery’, and has a wide range of skills such as breaking down animals from standing in the paddock to the hot plate.

“It was really cool to see Hannah’s butchery demonstration, she made it look very easy, lots of us were fascinated with it,” Amanda says.

Two carloads travelled the journey from Golden Bay to the event, all agreeing it was worthwhile, and were pleasantly surprised to receive petrol vouchers for their dedication and travel time.

“It was an opportunity for all the gals to relax, socialise and connect with other rural ladies. Lunch was delicious and there were some incredible prizes given out,” Amanda says.

“We have some planning underway and are hoping to host more future events like this for Tasman.”

Tarsh Newport, Philippa Cameron, Lorelei Patterson, Del Bruce, Amanda Henderson and Hannah Kelly at the Upper Moutere ‘A Cut Above’ hosted by Beef + Lamb New Zealand. Photo: Supplied.
Motueka-born and raised Hannah Kelly gave a live butchery demonstration on a whole sheep, captivating and inspiring many with her skills. Photo: Supplied.

Rough time for farmers

In early August, Federated Farmers released the results of their biannual Farm Confidence survey. Compared to their previous report in January 2024, which indicated a challenging situation for farmers, alarmingly, conditions have worsened.

Federated Farmers’ January 2024 report indicated a modest improvement in confidence from the historically low levels of recent years. However, since then, the situation has regressed. Given that dairy products were New Zealand’s top export in 2023, followed by meat and meat products, the current state is deeply concerning.

“Things are really rough out there for farmers. It’s high input costs and low commodity prices, then there is the regulation and compliance costs and stress, as well as things like isolation and poor rural internet connection which is essential to run a farming business,” Nelson Federated Farmers president and Murchison dairy farmer, Stephen Todd, says.

The report showed that only one in four farmers are making a profit, with most farming families making a loss or only just breaking even this season.

Nearly 70 per cent of farmers described the economic conditions as bad, which was an 11-point drop since the January survey, with only two per cent of farmers describing economic conditions as “good”.

Of those surveyed, 21 per cent said they expected conditions to improve in the next year, while 26 per cent expected things to get worse, and 51 per cent expected things would stay the same.

Farmers said that this was the hardest time to recruit staff in more than a decade, with the ability to recruit now sitting at the lowest level since July 2012.

“When you put it all together it’s less income, more costs, and more challenges across the board which take time and energy,” Stephen adds.

Federated Farmers says that, unfortunately, they can’t do anything about low commodity prices and high input prices, instead

focusing their efforts where they can have the greatest impact.

“We have been pushing back hard on the Government to change some of the impractical regulations that have unfairly driven up costs to farmers over the past few years and working on things such as the rural banking inquiry –where we are making good progress getting banks to see this as an opportunity, not a threat, and the long overdue ‘methane review’ which is welcomed news for all,” Stephen explains.

West Coast-Tasman MP Maureen Pugh says the Government has huge respect for the

“We will continue to partner with them to drive down costs, simplify regulations and build trust as we get Wellington out of their way.

“Some things will take time to filter through, but a significant start has been made with 20 ac-

tions either started or completed already,” she says.

Stephen concludes by emphasising the collective challenges faced by farmers and underscoring the importance of addressing these issues collectively through advocacy efforts and policy changes to alleviate the financial strain on local farmers.

Monopoli
ELOISE MARTYN
country’s farmers, growers and foresters.
Nelson Federated Famers President, and Murchison dairy farmer, Stephen Todd who says, ‘Things are really rough out there for farmers.’ Photo: Supplied.

Connecting rural professionals

A new Rural Professional group has started in the Nelson Tasman region, aimed to foster networking, share resources, support farmers and growers better, and enhance collaboration for personal and professional growth.

“I moved from Canterbury to Wakefield around three years ago to take on my role at ITO, I only knew one person here which was daunting,” group member Kirstie Dodds explains.

“From that I was keen to help connect others in the rural sector together, and when I

started talking to people about the idea of having a casual rural professionals catch up or group so many were interested.”

The group has so far had two successful Top of the South Rural Professionals coffee catch-ups, where attendees gathered to share ideas and discuss the group’s direction.

“Everyone shared similar thoughts, focusing on networking and establishing a space to unwind, socialise, and explore ways to better support farmers and growers together,”

Kirstie says.

As the group expands, they plan to rotate catch-up loca-

tions to accommodate all attending.

Their next coffee catch-up is happening on 27 September, 8.30am until 9.30am at Crossbow Coffee Roasters in Richmond.

Anyone interested in connecting can visit their Facebook page, ‘Top of the South - Rural Professionals’ for updates on upcoming events.

Kirstie encourages anyone planning to attend to RSVP by clicking ‘going’ on the page, as she uses those numbers for table bookings.

“Join us to connect, collaborate, and grow together in the rural sector.”

The toxic threat of the pretty, but noxious Cape tulip

Gardeners and landowners are being asked to call in any sightings of the Cape tulip, which has pretty flowers but is a very poisonous weed.

There is a significant risk of it spreading throughout New Zealand due to its long-lasting corns, which can lie dormant for up to eight years.

The Cape tulip, despite its beauty, is a highly toxic, non-native plant harmful to humans and livestock. It’s classified as a notifiable and unwanted organism under the Biosecurity Act 1993, with every part containing poisonous compounds, even when dried.

The establishment of Cape tulip in agricultural areas could result in significant economic consequences.

“Unfortunately, we think there’s possibly a Cape tulip in Murchison, however since it’s no longer flowering it’s harder to tell, but the leaves indicate that it’s likely,” Murchison Garden Club secretary Linda Giblin says.

Linda and the plant owner are following Biosecurity New Zealand’s instructions not to touch or disturb the plants.

“Apparently one plant can pro-

duce between 3000 and 6000 seeds and numerous corns, so it must be disposed of very carefully or it can easily spread. I assume these are some of the reasons biosecurity comes and attends to it themselves,” Linda adds.

Linda highlights a plant called Sparaxis which has very similar-looking flowers and may be confused with the Cape tulip.

“If you compare Sparaxis to

Cape tulip you will notice that the leaves are shorter, wider, and more deeply ridged and more upright. Cape tulip leaves are similar and tend to lie flat on the ground when they get longer – up to 90cm. The Sparaxis flowers in mid-spring and the Cape tulip between June and December. If you suspect Cape tulip on your property contact Biosecurity New Zealand on 0800 80 99 66.

Sophie Reed, Del Bruce, Amanda Henderson, Garth Nielsen-Vold, Mel Sheppard and Grant Ruthven recently attended the first Top of the South Rural Professionals coffee catch-up. Photo: Supplied.
ELOISE MARTYN

We,re waiting to welcome you

Come along to our open days

Thursday 29 and Friday 30 August, 10am – 2pm, Arvida Waimea Plains, 455 Lower Queen Street, Richmond, Nelson.

Start the tour off with a hot drink in hand and a tasty savoury treat, then explore our stunning community grounds including cleverly-designed villas, townhouses and our beautiful residents clubhouse.

Don’t miss your chance to find your perfect home at Arvida Waimea Plains.

For more info, call Gareth on 027 553 4797 or visit arvida.co.nz

A small company doing big things across the region

Based in Richmond, Ultimate Roofing has over 25 years of experience in the roofing industry. Renowned for their expertise and reliability, Ultimate Roofing is a preferred choice for private, group home, and commercial roof projects. They specialise in tile and long run roof installations, reroofing existing structures, and providing comprehensive roof repairs. Their services extend to the installation and repair of fascia and gutters, ensuring complete roofing solutions for their clients.

Director John Hawke says that by using Ultimate Roofing clients will get a roof tailored to their requirements, completed on time and by qualified installers.

“We offer a full backup service and warranty on all workman-

ship. As trusted distributors and installers of Gerard Steel Tiles in the Nelson, Tasman, and West Coast regions, Ultimate Roofing prides itself on delivering highquality service from start to finish. This includes site measurements, arranging scaffolding or asbestos removal, project management, installation, and site clean-up. We use top-quality, New Zealandmade Gerard steel roofing tiles and Colorsteel for long run roofing projects.”

For reroofing projects, general manager James Mackenzie will visit your property to discuss options. Once a quote is accepted, progress moves to choosing a roof profile and colour. “The product is then ordered, scaffolding is booked, asbestos removal is

arranged if necessary, and finally, an installation date is set,” adds James. “We always make a final meeting to ensure you are happy with your new roof and answer any final questions.”

If your roof is aged, pitted, erod-

ed, or if the metal tiles or long run metal have severe rust, it’s time to contact Ultimate Roofing. They offer a choice of textured or smooth looks with various profiles and styles, along with matching accessories for a time-

less, high-quality finish. Ultimate Roofing’s expertise extends to long run roofing, long run cladding, commercial, and high-end tray jobs. They have undertaken significant projects such as Summerset Village in Nelson and Marlborough, and the recently completed Kāinga Ora projects. Their longstanding collaborations with major construction companies are a testament to their reliability and quality of work. Covering the entire Top of the South region, from Karamea to Greymouth and across to Marlborough, Ultimate Roofing also specialises in highend Euro tray installations. With Ultimate Roofing, you are assured of a roof that combines durability, aesthetic appeal, and top-notch craftsmanship.

John Hawke, Bridget Lash and James Mackenzie, the Ultimate Roofing team.

The perfect local solution for portable spaces

When building or renovating a home, finding temporary yet comfortable living or working space can be a challenge.

Just Cabins Nelson offers a perfect solution with their portable cabins, allowing customers to stay on-site or with friends and family while saving money.

Whether it is a site office, home office, or versatile storage space that is needed, renting a cabin can be a more economical and convenient option compared to constructing an extra room.

Just Cabins Nelson is a 100% locally owned and operated business, providing portable cabin solutions across the entire Nelson and Tasman re-

gions.

Steve and Margot Langford bought into Just Cabins to bring their family back to Nelson and have been committed to helping families with solutions for extra space, ever since.

"We love being able to help locals with accommodation solutions," says Margot. “Seeing people support their families and friends is really heartwarming!”

The couple have been operating the family-run business for over nine years, and their dedication to customer service is evident in every interaction.

"We pride ourselves on providing a quality service and keeping things easy for our

customers," says Steve. They deliver across the region, and for tricky sites where a cabin needs to go over a house or fence they even use a HiAb to ensure smooth delivery. With top quality comfort in every cabin, each is built with insulation, carpet, and curtains to ensure warmth and dryness.

“The modern decor creates a spacious and welcoming vibe, making it feel like a home away from home. The cabins come equipped with multiple power points, a deck, an outdoor light, and a lockable ranch slider, ensuring that it is ready to use from the moment it is delivered.”

Customers can choose from

three different sizes: Standard, Large, and Extra Large.

Details and pricing for these options, which are specifically tailored for the Nelson and Tasman regions, can be found on their website.

Currently, Just Cabins Nelson is running a winter special, offering a $300 discount on delivery fees, making delivery free for most locations.

This special will continue through to the end of September, providing even more value to customers.

For more information, visit their website or contact them directly to find out how Just Cabins Nelson can provide the perfect portable space solution for you.

Club Waimea snooker

Eight players represented Club Waimea at the 2024 Clubs NZ South Island Snooker Pairs tournament, held in a very chilly Gore earlier this month.

Our No.1 team of Nathan Geddes and Geoff Nieman proved once again that they are in the top echelon of the sport, going through seven matches of qualifying without a loss and becoming top seeds for the Championship proper. They continued their hot form through the first three rounds, also without dropping a frame and regularly posting wins of 50 plus points. In the semi-finals they came up against the Hornby pair of Rob Redgrove and Brent Jones, winners of the past two tournaments. Geoff and Nathan won the first of three frames but then narrowly lost the other two, leaving Jones and Redgrove

to breeze through for a threepeat in the final.

Kevin Whitlow and Colin Bowden exceeded expectations by defying their seeding of 32nd to finish qualifying as third in their section and in the top ten overall. They were unfortunate to then draw an accomplished team from Richmond (Chch) in the Championship and lost in a tight match.

Brothers Ken and Cam

Wood were competing in the tournament for the first time, and a mixture of results has seen them keen to participate in the competition in future years. .

Shane Geddes and Ian Ord used their experience to battle through a tough qualifying section, and although unable to progress further in the Championship made sure that all opposition had a battle to overcome them.

Sun City Rockers Celebrate 25th birthday in September

A Short History of Sun City Rockers, Nelson Inc.

• 1996 On the 19th of July 1996 it all began when the Nelson Mail ran an article with the heading “New club rocks into life”

• 1999 The “first” meeting to formally start the Sun City Rockers was held in the Suburban Club Board Room, 21st September 1999. 42 members

• 2000 Sun City Rockers became an incorporated society.

• 2009 10th Anniversary. Club operating from Nelson Suburban Club

• 2014 Sun City Rockers move to Club Waimea

• 2016 Club Waimea was confirmed as the Club's home base.

• 2017 In May 2017 the Sun City Rockers Constitution was updated.

• 2019 Club celebrated its 20-year anniversary with a Grease Night.

• 2020-2022 COVID-19 has a major impact on club activity.

• 2024 7th May Updated Constitution adopted

• 2024 12th August. Club has 84 members.

28th September 25th Birthday Dance at Club Waimea with “Sweet Azz”

$30 pp. Limited number of tickets available. See poster.

Contact: suncityrockerssecretary@gmail.com for further details.

Club Waimea snooker representatives: back; Cam Wood, Shane Geddes, Nathan Geddes, Ian Ord front; Colin Bowden, Kevin Whitlow, Ken Wood, Geoff Nieman.

1 Kate Stephenson, Judy Green, Vicki Ryan, Chrissie Mitchell. 2 Organising Team Louise Busson, Danuta Newport, Sue Wilson, Judith Bethell. 3 Opening event with Louise Busson, Judith Bethell, Tony Gray, Donna Ching-Tregidga, Danuta Newport, Sue Wilson. 4 Sharon McCarthy and Jane Henderson. 5 Dancers Sherry Donaldson and Julie Thomas. 6 Team Leaders from Nelson Tasman Hospice - Dance our theme dance. "Hands Up For Hospice" choreographed by Sue Wilson Tutor. Jess, Photographer, Tony Gray Chief Executive, Donna Ching-Tregidga Management.

Amazing line dance event

Sioux Line Dance NZ held their 12 hour Line Dance-a-thon at Club Waimea Saturday 17th August with just over 100 dancers registered. Louise Busson and Judith Bethell who in 2022 started Sioux Line Dance NZ on this magic road to raise funds in support of Specialist Palliative Care in the Nelson Tasman region, organised the event.

Sioux Line Dance NZ has been working with Nelson Tasman Hospice since 2017, with money raised to purchase much needed equipment that can be used both within the Hospice and in the commu-

nity. Our Theme 'Amazing Colors' 12 hours of line dancing, 9:00am to 9:00pm, was a challenge. Our fundraiser board was updated about every 4 hours. The final figure was posted up at about 8:50pm, $20,181.00.

We have had more pledges come in and we now have a final figure of $21,655.20

Our thanks to Club Waimea Management and team for your support. Also to Phil Hazeldine for a great assortment of beautiful foods to keep our energy levels going.

We appreciate the response from everyone involved in this Dancea-thon. Being able to do things like this and raise that kind of money, it ready does touch your heart. Thank you.

In the words of Danuta Newport, Our Caring Heart of Sioux Line Dance NZ, "Who can take the credit? ALL OF US.

Who can take away what it means, for a patient in the Nelson Tasman Hospice? NO ONE."

Sat 31 August – Craig Allott

Sat 7 September – Universal Dischord

Sat 14 September – Mr Nobody Trio

Sat 21 September – Craig Allott

Sat 28 September – Mr Nobody Solo

Sat 5 October – Rob Innes

Sat 12 October – Jimbo’s Karaoke

The Cheesecake Shop in Richmond recently marked its fifth anniversary and, since opening its doors in 2019, the business has grown from strength to strength.

Led by owners Paulette and Aaron Graham they have established as a beloved local favourite.

Reflecting on the early days, Paulette says, "We had seven days to do ten days of baking and decorating, so it was full-on!” However, the hard work paid off immediately, with the store breaking the record for the highest dollar opening ever.

Just over four months into their journey, the team received their first accolade - the Rookie of the Year award - at their inaugural conference. But the momentum was abruptly halted in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the business to close its doors.

"It was a shock for a six-monthold business. But we came back fighting and helped many people celebrate all the birthdays and occasions that had been missed in lockdown."

Community support played a crucial role in their recovery, says Paulette. In 2022, another setback struck when a severe storm flooded their shop, forcing a sixweek closure to replace the floor-

ing. "We have always maintained a positive attitude. You can't let these things bring you down or you'll get swallowed up.”

Throughout the years Paulette and her team have remained steadfast in their commitment to quality and community engagement and this dedication has not

gone unnoticed.

At The Cheesecake Shop 2024 conference, the local store was honoured with three prestigious awards: Brand Ambassador, NZ Franchise Partner and the Konopacki Leadership Award for Best Store in Australia and New Zealand.

"We were chuffed to get one award, but to go on and get three was incredible! The acknowledgement means so much. To know we have been seen, and be told we do the best job, makes us want to do even better. It means a lot to us all.”

For Paulette, the driving force behind the business is the people - her team, customers, support office, family, and friends.

“Our team are amazing, and this includes their families as they all play a part too, we would not be here without them. They truly are the best! And our kids who have really stepped up to help and done many days working at the shop for a slice of cake!”

The award-winning Cheesecake Shop Richmond team with owner Paulette Graham second from right.

The Big Bake Up’s $4.5k freezer grant

The Big Bake Up’s $4.5k freezer grant

ELOISE MARTYN

The Big Bake Up, a Wakefield-based registered charity preparing nutritious meals, made fresh and delivered frozen, is one of the latest OneFortyOne community grant recipients, who received $4,500 towards purchasing a much-needed upright freezer.

The Big Bake Up, a Wakefield-based registered charity preparing nutritious meals, made fresh and delivered frozen, is one of the latest OneFortyOne community grant recipients, who received $4,500 towards purchasing a much-needed upright freezer.

“It’s awesome for The Big Bake Up to receive this, the upright freezer will be a lifesaver for us in the way meals are accessed and able to be stored,” co-founder and operations manager Melissa Woodhouse says. Storing meals in a chest freezer has been time-consuming due to difficulties accessing and rotating meals.

“It’s awesome for The Big Bake Up to receive this, the upright freezer will be a lifesaver for us in the way meals are accessed and able to be stored,” co-founder and operations manager Melissa Woodhouse says. Storing meals in a chest freezer has been time-consuming due to difficulties accessing and rotating meals.

“Sturrock & Greenwood kindly lent us a new Co Sell upright freezer recently for us to trial and make sure it fits our needs. Now with these funds received from OneFortyOne we can purchase

“Sturrock & Greenwood kindly lent us a new Co Sell upright freezer recently for us to trial and make sure it fits our needs. Now with these funds received from OneFortyOne we can purchase

the freezer,” Melissa explains. The volunteer team currently prepares between 200-300 meals each month and Melissa emphasises that their continued work

the freezer,” Melissa explains. The volunteer team currently prepares between 200-300 meals each month and Melissa emphasises that their continued work

would not be possible without the invaluable support from volunteers and local businesses. Kylie Reeves from OneFortyOne says they were more than happy

would not be possible without the invaluable support from volunteers and local businesses. Kylie Reeves from OneFortyOne says they were more than happy

to help.

to help.

“The Big Bake Up team does amazing work in our community and we are happy to support them with a new freezer which

“The Big Bake Up team does amazing work in our community and we are happy to support them with a new freezer which

will mean they can have more meals on hand to service the increasing number of requests and support community members who are in the greatest need.” Meals are in many freezers around the district now including Wakefield School and Playcentre, Mainly Music Wakefield, Brightwater School and Playcentre, Brightwater Anglican Church, Pinegrove Kindergarten, Hope School, Appleby School, Richmond School, First Years Richmond, Age Concern Nelson Tasman, Family Start, Plunket Nelson Tasman, Nayland Primary and Nelson College for Girls. The Big Bake Up team is encouraging individuals who know of someone who may benefit from a care parcel, and any businesses who may wish to support their work by sponsoring a cook-up, to reach out at www.thebigbakeup. com or 027 209 9309.

will mean they can have more meals on hand to service the increasing number of requests and support community members who are in the greatest need.” Meals are in many freezers around the district now including Wakefield School and Playcentre, Mainly Music Wakefield, Brightwater School and Playcentre, Brightwater Anglican Church, Pinegrove Kindergarten, Hope School, Appleby School, Richmond School, First Years Richmond, Age Concern Nelson Tasman, Family Start, Plunket Nelson Tasman, Nayland Primary and Nelson College for Girls. The Big Bake Up team is encouraging individuals who know of someone who may benefit from a care parcel, and any businesses who may wish to support their work by sponsoring a cook-up, to reach out at www.thebigbakeup. com or 027 209 9309.

The Big Bake Up’s grants and funding co-ordinator Ryan Edwards, with co-founder/operations manager Melissa Woodhouse and co-founder Brent Eggers. Photo: Lance Wakefield.
The Big Bake Up’s grants and funding co-ordinator Ryan Edwards, with co-founder/operations manager Melissa Woodhouse and co-founder Brent Eggers. Photo: Lance Wakefield.

Rachael Harte is an emerging artist in Wakefield who specialises in watercolour paintings of cats, capturing their grace and charm with vibrant strokes. Her work showcases a keen eye for distinctive cat characteristics, bringing a playful yet sophisticated essence to each canvas. Rachael says, while out for a walk one day she saw a friend pop into the Wakefield Art Group. Keen on a hobby herself she popped in to see what it was all about and was inspired to give it a go, and the rest, as they say, is

Rachael Harte is an emerging artist in Wakefield who specialises in watercolour paintings of cats, capturing their grace and charm with vibrant strokes. Her work showcases a keen eye for distinctive cat characteristics, bringing a playful yet sophisticated essence to each canvas. Rachael says, while out for a walk one day she saw a friend pop into the Wakefield Art Group. Keen on a hobby herself she popped in to see what it was all about and was inspired to give it a go, and the rest, as they say, is history. Photo: Eloise Martyn.

Time running out for Kainui Dam to fill

The Kainui Dam needs nearly a metre of rainfall to fill it by November, but with the typical optimism of a grower, the dam’s chairman and hop grower Peter Lines says it is still possible. At the end of June, the dam’s water level had just risen above 15 per cent and until this past weekend it was still only pushing 30 per cent which leaves little time for it to fill for summer. The dam on the Kainui Stream at the top of Eighty Eight Valley releases water into the Wai-iti River and those who have bought shares can take water for irrigation. It also assists Wakefield’s town water supply which is taken from a shallow well and infiltration gallery close to the Wai-iti River.

The Kainui Dam needs nearly a metre of rainfall to fill it by November, but with the typical optimism of a grower, the dam’s chairman and hop grower Peter Lines says it is still possible. At the end of June, the dam’s water level had just risen above 15 per cent and until this past weekend it was still only pushing 30 per cent which leaves little time for it to fill for summer. The dam on the Kainui Stream at the top of Eighty Eight Valley releases water into the Wai-iti River and those who have bought shares can take water for irrigation. It also assists Wakefield’s town water supply which is taken from a shallow well and infiltration gallery close to the Wai-iti River.

Tasman District Council’s measurements show the dam requires between 800 and 900mm to be 100 per cent full by November and with average rainfall between now and then, the dam level will still only be 50 per cent full.

However, Peter has been farming for 50 years and grows hops at Wai-iti and he says he wouldn’t still be farming if he wasn’t optimistic. Hence, he says there is

Tasman District Council’s measurements show the dam requires between 800 and 900mm to be 100 per cent full by November and with average rainfall between now and then, the dam level will still only be 50 per cent full. However, Peter has been farming for 50 years and grows hops at Wai-iti and he says he wouldn’t still be farming if he wasn’t optimistic. Hence, he says there is

Kainui Dam to fill

a chance the dam could still fill, or the region may escape a dry summer.

a chance the dam could still fill, or the region may escape a dry summer.

“One big rain event can put a lot of water in that dam and I’ve seen some very wet Septembers,” he says. “As a hop grower, the market isn’t very good for the next two to three years, so we’ll only be growing two-thirds of our garden. So that will cut down irrigation demand.”

“One big rain event can put a lot of water in that dam and I’ve seen some very wet Septembers,” he says. “As a hop grower, the market isn’t very good for the next two to three years, so we’ll only be growing two-thirds of our garden. So that will cut down irrigation demand.”

He says, dry soils through winter soaked up rains so that little went into the dam, but now that the soils are replenished, future rains will benefit the dam more.

He says, dry soils through winter soaked up rains so that little went into the dam, but now that the soils are replenished, future rains will benefit the dam more.

In the nearly 20 years since the dam was built, he says there has been a couple of years where it struggled, including last year’s long dry period. One option for

In the nearly 20 years since the dam was built, he says there has been a couple of years where it struggled, including last year’s long dry period. One option for

In June, the Kainui Dam was just 15 percent full (pictured) and it has just reached 30 percent.

the future is to pipe water into the dam from another source.

the future is to pipe water into the dam from another source.

“We’re contemplating, if it can be financed, to pipe excess from Quail River at the headwaters, about one-and-a-half kilometres to the dam.”

“We’re contemplating, if it can be financed, to pipe excess from Quail River at the headwaters, about one-and-a-half kilometres to the dam.”

Peter says the Waimea Community Dam will hopefully take some of the pressure off the Kainui Dam through future dry spells as well. The Kainui Dam has enabled expansion in horticulture downstream by feeding water into the Wai-iti River and reducing water rationing.

Peter says the Waimea Community Dam will hopefully take some of the pressure off the Kainui Dam through future dry spells as well. The Kainui Dam has enabled expansion in horticulture downstream by feeding water into the Wai-iti River and reducing water rationing.

“The main thing with the dam is to avoid rationing, so we dump water into the river and begin rationing when the dam is halfway down.”

“The main thing with the dam is to avoid rationing, so we dump water into the river and begin rationing when the dam is halfway down.”

ANNE HARDIE

Why Not Wakefield this weekend

Wakefield wears a village hat, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to activities and hospitality, which is why businesses have teamed up for a ‘Why Not Wakefield’ weekend to coincide with Father’s Day.

A weekend to showcase Wakefield was initiated by Bo Hensley and Mike Meissner who recognised the village and its community had much to offer, but people often did not stop long enough to get out and enjoy everything.

SAME BUT DIFFERENT!

SAME BUT DIFFERENT!

Please get in touch if you want to know more

ASSISTING YOU WITH YOUR REAL ESTATE JOURNEY SINCE 2007

Please get in touch if you want to know more

Please get in touch if you want to know more

Wendy Pearson 021 567 722

wendy@welcomerealestate.co.nz

Wendy Pearson 021 567 722

wendy@welcomerealestate.co.nz

Bo says the Father’s Day weekend provides the excuse to get the family out to Wakefield and find one or more activities to suit each family member, culminating in an ice cream, drink or meal. Many of the businesses involved in the Why Not Wakefield weekend have open days, events or special prices for visitors. Added to that, Bo says the Classic and Collectable Car Show is rolling into Higgins steam Museum and on Sunday the Waimea South Historical Society will dress for the occa-

sion on the Village Green and tell a few tales from Wakefield’s rich history. Among the more diverse activities during the weekend is the opportunity to learn how to make a knife or view the stars at the Wai-Iti Dark Sky Park. An added incentive to draw visitors to the village and surrounding area is a draw to win a prize pack of vouchers that includes

accommodation, local produce and vouchers to use in the village. Visitors need to bring along the flyer or newspaper advertisement and get stamps from at least three of the businesses to go into the draw. All up, Bo reckons there will be something for everyone.

“Dad can look at the classic cars, have a free drink and then the kids can shoot their dad at Gellyball. What more do you want!

“Or, because it’s his special day, he can have a round of golf, look at the cars and have a pint.”

She says cyclists can bike out via the Great Taste Trail to stop at Wakefield for the day, and if they are electric bikes they can charge them at The Villa before returning home. “The whole idea is to showcase what Wakefield has to offer,” Mike says. “Because we have so much to offer and it’s supporting the locals.”

Ahliah Smith, 8, (left) and Eli Smith, 10, take aim with the home-schooled team around the old Bedford truck in the town of Purgatory. Photo: Anne Hardie.

Waimea triumphs in basketball showdown

STEPHEN STUART

The Nelson men’s premier basketball competition ended up as a high school shoot-out with the Waimea College A winning again.

Having seen off their older opposition throughout the season, Waimea “A” faced rivals Nelson College in the final.

“Both teams played really well.

The rivalry is massive. In the end we won by about 13 points to defend our club title,” said Waimea’s legendary coach Phill Jones.

While Phill’s last year of schooling was at Nelson College, after he moved up from the West Coast, there’s a good reason why he’s guiding Waimea’s fortunes.

“My wife was a teacher at Waimea College”.

His son Hayden is in his final year of school there and is one of four Waimea players already in the Nelson Giants NBL basketball system, which Phill dedicated so much of his playing, coaching and management career to.

The next big challenge for Waimea “A” is the South Island college championships in Dunedin early next month.

A top six finish there will guarantee a trip to the national champs in Palmerston North at the end of September. Phill is confident they will qualify, as playing adult sides in the local premiership has given them a solid grounding.

“They might have brought the

physicality, but our players had the speed and fitness and would wear them down,” Phill says.

While he didn’t go through the American college system, his son Hayden has a verbal agreement to go to the University of Wisconsin and play for the Badgers.

He has a hard act to follow, as another of New Zealand basketball’s true greats, Kirk Penney, went there too.

As for “Coach Phill”, he completed a basketball double of sorts as he also helped out at training for the Waimea College B team

which also won its competition.

It was a perfect fit, as he could see what players are ready for elevation to the top side, if required.

And wait, there’s more!

He also coached the successful U18 representative team.

Somehow, he manages to juggle

his coaching commitments with his “day job” as a mobile mortage lending manager with the ANZ Bank. “I’ve been there 13 years. They’re really flexible employers.” A partnership that continues to pay dividends on and off the court.

Waimea Weekly welcomes Stephen Stuart to the newsroom

Don’t call him an Aucklander, he’s a returnee, insists our new sports reporter, Stephen Stuart.

After spending way too long in Auckland and Wellington radio and television newsrooms, Tāhunanui-raised Stephen has come back to print and Nelson.

Stephen and his wife moved to Richmond at the end of last year after almost two decades working for TVNZ, reporting, presenting and producing.

“I love storytelling and there are plenty of positive ones in this region.

I’m looking forward to catching up with and giving much deserved coverage to rising sports stars who are often overlooked by the daily press,” enthused Stephen.

“I was lucky to travel the world reporting on rugby, league, boxing, triathlon, surfboat racing and outrigger

canoeing. Plus covering Commonwealth Games in Canada and the Gold Coast”.

Stephen has had many highlights during his career but says one sticks in his memory.

“It’s so hard to single out the best moment but being in Stade de France in Paris in 2004, when the All Blacks destroyed France 45-6 still sends tingles up my spine. But then we had to sprint with camera equipment to catch the last train,1am, back to city. Good thing the adrenaline was still flowing.

“Fresh from interviewing some of our Paris Olympians just last week, I’m now intent on highlighting the future ones from Nelson and Tasman.”

If you’ve got a sports story that needs to be told, contact Stephen at sport@topsouthmedia.co.nz

Stephen Stuart practicing swatting, in case it ever becomes an Olympic sport.
Waimea College A team back left: Steffan James (manager/assistant coach) Jordy Moore, Hayden Jones (C), Kaden Bracey, Jerome Sinclair, Cooper Adams, Tom Ladley, Phill Jones (head coach). Front row: Coen Williams, Micaiah Sampson, Noah Rogers, and Zac Shirley took out Nelson men’s premier basketball competition. Photo: Supplied.

CLM scores Saxton contract

After more than a decade in the hands of Sport Tasman, CLM has won the contract to manage Saxton Field for the next three years.

CLM venues manager Mark Mekalick describes the sporting complex as a “jewel in the of Te Tau Ihu crown”.

“Over the course of the contract we hope to see new sports, new programmes, new events, and new tournaments hosted within these great facilities,” he says.“We know that these activities bring significant economic and social benefits to the region, and we are excited to play our part in ensuring these facilities are well used.”

CLM will manage the complex for the next three years and the contract contains an option to extend it for an additional three years. The new contract began at the end of July and marks the end of 14 years of Sport Tasman’s management of the facility.

Sport Tasman chief executive Ed Shuttleworth thanked the region’s two councils for the “opportunity and privilege” to manage the complex.

“Saxton Stadium is an incredible community asset, and we offer CLM all our

support in this new chapter.”

Nelson City Council’s group manager community services, Andrew White, says Sport Tasman played a “major role” in the success of Saxton Field over the last 14 years.

“We are very grateful for their hard work and dedication to the community that has ensured the facilities have been used every day by rangatahi and tamariki.”

The council plans to continue working closely with Sport Tasman, the regional sporting body, to continue providing sport and recre-

ation opportunities to residents. Andrew says that CLM’s proposal for its management of Saxton Stadium focused on providing great customer service for hirers and guests, value for the council and ratepayers, and increased facility use. CLM manages several pools across Richmond and Nelson, as well as the Trafalgar Centre and local Nelson halls.

Andrew says that the company consistently provides a high standard of delivery and community focus and he is confident the community will continue to be pri-

oritized at Saxton Field.

The facility’s fees are set by the council with the goal of 20-40 per cent of the stadium’s costs aiming to be recovered by users, with the remainder funded via rates.

“CLM plans to reduce costs to ratepayers by increasing usage via programming and events and implementing sustainability practices to reduce overheads such as power, waste and gas.”

The transition between managers is well underway and several changes have occurred at the complex, including the opening of a café.

CLM’s Byron Hull, Mark Mekalick, James Owen, Kirsty Knowles, Geoff Barton, Vaughan Hope, Dave McKenzie, Tom Mann, and Seth Watson celebrate securing the Saxton Field contract. Photo: Supplied.

Community Notices

MONDAY

ENDOMETRIOSIS GROUP MEETING Mon, 16 Sept, 7pm, upstairs 16 Venice Pl Stoke. Topic Nutrition & Testing for Endometriosis - what are your options with Daisy Doppenberg. All welcome GCD Info nelsonsupport@nzendo.org.nz.

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

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

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

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

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

TUESDAY

WELLBY TALKING CAFÉ: Tues, 3 Sept, 10-11am, McCashin’s, Stoke. Wellby Talking Cafés are about social connection and finding out about groups, activities and services. www.wellby.org.nz. Ph: 035467681.

LUNCH ON THE HILL. Tues, 3 Sept, from 11am. 27 Dorset St, Richmond. Come join us for hot drinks

and lunch. Ph 035448844 Koha welcome.

NELSON 50+WALKING GROUP, Tues, 3 Sept, Weekly walks average 10kms. Maitai to Camping ground. Meet at Botanics at 9.45. BYO lunch. Ph: Linda 0211805692.

TUESDAY MUSIC, Tues, 3 Sept, 10am, Richmond Town Hall Meeting Rm. Americans Music Abroadvisiting and performing in European capitals. Also a great variety of other items to enjoy! Ph: Christine 0212486038.

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

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

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

CAN YOU HOLD A TUNE? Tues, 7.15pm, Club Waimea. Four-part harmony chorus seeks new members, male or female from all voice ranges. e: Tasmonics@gmail.com or Ph: Philippa 0275497713.

WEDNESDAY

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

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

necessary. Ph: Jess 0275467675 – Respiratory Support Nelson.

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

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

THURSDAY

TAICHI: Thurs, 10-11:30, Anglican Church Community Hall, Dorset St. Beginners tai chi & qigong. Stillness, breath, movement. Ph: 0276463066, e: grannyjulie11@gmail.com. By donation.

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

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

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

CONNECT, Sat, 31 Aug, 3pm, Nelson Centre of Musical Arts. The Celtic Pipe Band proudly presents

“Connect,” a concert celebrating musical bonds and community collaboration. Tickets: https://ncma. nz/event/celtic-pipe-band-connect/ LEISURE MARCHING, Sat, 7 Sept, 1.30pm, Saxton Stadium. Tasman Blue Beats are hosting an afternoon of marching. Visiting Marlborough teams. Free Entry. Ph: Sue 0272846357.

HELPING FAMILIES BOOK FAIR, Sat 7 Sept & Sun 8 Sept, 10am-3pm, Hope Hall, 184 Main Road Hope. Adult and children’s books from 50c. Gold coin entry. Bring your reusable bags.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS NELSON, Sat, 14 Sept. Celebrating 40 years of providing sporting opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. Any connection with Special Olympics Nelson e: nelson@specialolympics.org.nz

SUNDAY

CLASSIC AND COLLECTABLE CAR SHOW. Sun, 1 Sept, 09am, Higgins Heritage Park, Wakefield. Sausage Sizzle, Hot and cold drinks available, Car and Occupants $10. Ph: 5422245.

LOVE TENNIS IS BACK. Sun, 8 Sept, 10-2pm, Richmond Tennis Club. FREE to everyone - individuals and families. Come and see what we can offer you. Ph: Trish 0274872480.

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

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

GENERAL GROUPS

‘NELSON CAMERA CLUB’ Photography Exhibition, Richmond Library. Opening hours during Aug. ‘CAMERAS THROUGH THE YEARS’ Display, Richmond Library. Opening hours during Aug. Come, reminisce, and share with our younger generations.

TECHCONNECT at Richmond Library. Helping you navigate the digital world. Register for your topic of interest at the library. When we have enough people, we will be in-touch to schedule a session.

BETTER BREATHERS, Tues and Fri, 10am, Wed, 11.15am, Club Waimea. A series of guided exercises - seated or standing - to help those with breathing difficulties. Run by Respiratory Support Nelson. Ph: Jess 0275467675.

WAIMEA MENZSHED - catering for the interests, health and well-being of men since 2010. Open Mon – Fri, Richmond Park, 384 Lower Queen St. Ph: 0272820185

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

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

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

be

Teaching Positions 2025

A number of Scale A teaching positions (some full-time positions and others being part-time positions) for 2025. These are predominantly (if not all) longterm relieving positions for the 2025. Maternity Leave conditions apply for one position. Positions to be confirmed in September 2025 once we receive our 2025 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 Monday 9th September 2024.

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

Please send completed application form to Tim Brenton, Principal, Richmond School, Cambridge Street, Richmond, Nelson.

Phone (03) 544 8959 Email – principal@richmondprimary.school.nz

A

slowly through Ted’s lifetime, capturing the quiet gentleman at work, who served the community in a number of places in New Zealand and overseas.

To put the record straight Ted Theobald was a man building the Kingdom of God wherever he went. Exodus 4:2 records God telling Moses, to use whatever he had in his hands. Ted did this.

They were a great team Ella and Ted.  Ella prayed and organised whilst Ted used his saws, chisel and spanners.

Besides doing the jobs for many in the community and building houses in New Zealand, they travelled to Zimbabwe building the kingdom of God, homes and churches there and in the Pacific islands.

Jesus promised everlasting life to those who do God’s will, so a short while ago Ted was relocated to Heaven. Rest in peace brother, thanks for being a friend. Allan Farndale.

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