Waimea Weekly

Locally Owned and Operated

Wednesday

Dedicated tail waggers bring a smile Pasifika

ANNE HARDIE

For the past 30 years, Sue Lindsay has had therapy dogs that have put smiles on faces around rest homes, kindergartens and the hospital.

It started with a black labrador named Ruby who visited res-

idents in Green Gables Care Centre in Nelson and today it’s a heading dog-Hungarian Vizsla-cross named Toki that would be taller than petite Sue if he stood on his hind legs. He’s a big dog with a kind heart that has been visiting patients and residents for the past five years and

thrives on the attention.

Sue and her friend, Margaret Scaife, whose latest therapy dog in-training is 18-month-old Finley, are two of 14 dog owners in Nelson Tasman who are part of the Canine Friends Pet Therapy network. As volunteers, they take their dogs on visits to people who

can often benefit from simply stroking a dog. When Toki was just a year old, he became the first authorised dog in the region to visit patients in hospital, which is no mean feat by the time they had ticked the boxes for a police check, vaccinations and clearances for dogs. It was a

role he had for four years, helping patients in intensive care or medical wards by easing stress, and also stroke victims who reached out to pet him.

“There’s so much global evidence about using animals for stroke

Racing Donkeys kick Spring Challenge

STEPHEN STUART

A Wakefield GP, a Nelson scientist and a former Nelson doctor have crossed the Rabbit Island finish line first in an adventure challenge that took them from hills to sea.

More than a thousand female adventure racers fronted up for the 18th running of the Merrell Spring Challenge across the Tasman District on Saturday. The elite teams of three tackled the rafting, mountainbiking, hiking, running and orienteering hills to beach course, expected to take up to nine hours.

Team Racing Donkeys Eloise Fry, left, Sophie Hart and Susie Wood after their runaway win in the Merrell Spring Challenge 2024. Photo: Stephen Stuart.

Do you support the increaes in parking infrignment fines, including the $600 increase for mobility parking space infringement?

“I support the increases, only people that have got the disability stickers should be using those parks.”

“It might seem like a big increase, but I think it should be sufficient to ensure that only the designated people use them.”

“There is not much free parking around for the workers, so they are forced to park wherever. There should be some penalty, but at a lower cost.”

“Mobility space infringements should be increased because if people with disabilities go somewhere to shop and can’t park they can‘t shop at all.”

Dedicated tail waggers bring a smile

rehabilitation,” Sue says.

“It’s an automatic reflex for a person to reach out and stroke.”

As an owner of a dog used for therapy, she says it is simply a way of giving back to the community by sharing their dogs.

“We know how therapeutic they are for ourselves. When we take our dogs into rest homes or hospitals, many of those people have had to give up their dogs and their normal life.

“So, bringing a dog in to see them is bringing a little bit of their normality in. A dog trots in with a big smile on its face,” she says.

“The staff say ‘hi Toki’ and give him a big cuddle, so they get as much out of it as the patients or residents.

“My feeling is that if they can

low his lead.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic the region had 24 therapy dogs, but Margaret, who is the local liaison officer, says that dropped largely due to lockdowns at aged-care facilities.

Now, therapy dogs visit nine rest homes around the region and she says they are looking for more dogs and owners to visit more people.

bring a big smile to one person, it has been worth it.”

At the hospital, she says people would open up about their childhood and life that they wouldn’t have told her if she didn’t have a dog.

“I feel very privileged that I’m

allowed to go in and meet those people at a very vulnerable time of their life.

“I think the dogs love it too. Toki thrives on the attention.”

Toki dedicates his smiles and tail wagging to a rest home now and Sue has a young one that will fol-

Her own youngster, a Labradoodle crossed with a Patterdale Terrier, is already visiting a community house as well as an elderly woman with alzheimers. Margaret says he “just knows he has to be good”.

She assesses potential therapy dogs and anyone interested in volunteering some time with their dogs can email secretary@ caninefriends.org.nz for more information.

Sue Lindsay, left, with Toki and Margaret Scaife with Finley are part of a local team of dog therapy units. Photo: Anne Hardie.

Rochelle Meikle Richmond

Glennis Jessop Stoke

Clem Jessop Stoke

Justin Flowers Stoke

Neighbour against neighbour – community divided

MAX FRETHEY

Local Democracy Reporter

New proposals limiting where dogs can be exercised have stoked tensions between dog owners and conservationists across Tasman. Nowhere is this more evident than at the scenic Little Kaiteriteri Beach where “neighbour is against neighbour”.

Currently, dogs are permitted on the beach, except for summer months when they’re only allowed between 5am and 9am.

But Tasman District Council is now proposing to allow dogs on the beach year-round, provided they are on leash.

The council’s reasoning for the change would be to simplify the rules while still allowing dogs to exercise and the protection of wildlife.

Little Kaiteriteri is an important site for little blue penguins/ kororā, which have an ‘at-risk/ declining’ conservation status.

However, the site is also one of the district’s most popular for beachgoers, and many homes and baches are within a short walk of the beach.

Mark Oldfield was one of many Little Kaiteriteri homeowners who presented to the panel of councillors overseeing the hearing for the council’s proposed bylaw. The division of the coastal community is evident to him, he told councillors last Wednesday. “Most dog owners are good peo-

ple, and I love dogs myself,” he acknowledged. “My besties have dogs at Little Kaiteri – although some of those besties, after hearing this submission, might not be such besties in future.”

Citing concerns about fouling, wildlife, and attacks, he would be “more than happy” for dogs to be prohibited from the beach entirely, as they are across the bay at Kaiteriteri Beach. But Mark’s perspective wasn’t shared by all in the neighbourhood.

Anna Perkins said the beach was a recreation reserve, not a wildlife reserve.

“It needs to be a space that is shared and respected and can be used by all.”

The problem, she said, lay with a minority of bad dog owners who didn’t respect the rules, and good dog-owning residents shouldn’t have to lose the “special” morn-

ing hours that they share with each other and their pets.

Retired vet Kathleen Lloyd represented an informal group of dog owners in Tasman Bay and was highly critical of the council’s proposal, saying that it demonised dog owners and restricted their freedom of movement.

“It’s simply ludicrous to target alleged harms of dogs and to give a free pass to all existing developments and human activities.”

She rejected the idea of dogs being consigned from beaches to dog parks, which she likened to “ghettos”.

But conservationists were equally staunch in their assertions that the presence of dogs negatively affected local wildlife.

Linda Jenkins is a resident of Little Kaiteriteri and a trustee of the Tasman Bay Blue Penguin Trust. She said it was “irrefutable” that dogs kill penguins.

“Notwithstanding little penguins have other predators and threats, dogs are the single-most significant and preventable cause of death of little penguins in urban areas.”

She cited a study which showed that while humans walking along a beach disturbed seabirds 47 per cent of the time,

that number jumped to 94 per cent when the people had a dog on a leash, or 100 per cent of the time if the dog was loose.

“Penguins in their burrows will still detect the presence of dogs … and could cause them to abandon their burrow and potentially their chicks and eggs,” she said.

“We need to learn to live with them and not force them out.”

Scott Burnett, Forest and Bird’s conservation manager for Te Tauihu, agreed.

“A lot of our birds around the Tasman coastline are international migratory birds. While they’re here, they’re trying to put on

weight for the next journey. Every time they’re startled into the air by dogs, that’s precious energy that they’re expending, that’s putting them under pressure.”

A dog owner himself, Burnett said he understood the tension in prohibiting dogs from more beaches. Councillors on the hearing panel will deliberate on the proposed bylaw on 16 October, with the final version to be voted on by the full council on 28 November.

Little Kaiteriteri is an important site for little blue penguins/ kororā. Photo: Tasman Bay Blue Penguin Trust.

A night of Pasifika celebration

ANNE HARDIE

Garin College student Reagan Hannah wanted the community to celebrate the Pasifika culture and she not only managed to organise an event for 250 people, but fed them for free as well. Little wonder she has earned the nickname CEO, with a Pasifika Celebration Night held in the school’s gymnasium on Friday, that included performances from five schools as well as bands, dancing and dinner that was paid from her efforts to secure grants and sponsorship.

The 17-year-old from Totara Flat on the West Coast says she just wanted to bring the Pasifika community together and showcase it to others in the community.

“When I started I wanted to have a polyfest, and went to Garin and they said ‘this is a very big idea, so you probably want to bring it down a bit’.”

It became a night of celebration using the school gym that became a Pacific island setting and the number of people wanting to be there just kept climbing.

“It was an opportunity to bring everyone together and have an

idea of what a Pasifika celebration is all about. I knew it was going to be big, because families are large!”

She also wanted it to be inclusive, so entry was a gold coin donation and she covered costs with grants. “I didn’t know how to do grants. But I applied for a lot of grants and the only fundraising was a little sausage sizzle.”

Dinner for 250 was cooked by the small team at Seini’s Kitchen who donated their time and spent a couple of days preparing a Pasifika feast for the event. While Moena, a Tahitian dancer based in the

North Island, flew to Nelson to perform on the night.

“I didn’t know people were around to help out and when you start asking, they all want to help,” Reagan says. “There’s a saying, the more you give, the more you receive.”

Garin College teacher Jen Dalton provided support for Reagan to organise the celebration night, but says the Year 13 student has done the hard work.

“We call Reagan CEO because she’s such an inspiring young woman who literally has the world at her feet. She will prob

ably go into event management.”

To organise the event, Reagan talked with Pasifika leaders in the region and that prompted her to create the Nelson-Tasman Pasifika Youth, while the Pasifika celebration was created for the wider community, Reagan is leaving her stamp on school uniform as well, with a lavalava she designed soon to be available.

This is her last year at Garin and living in the Top of the South, but her challenge to the Pasifika community is a Top of the South polyfest that showcases the culture on a larger scale.

PUBLIC MEETING

with Hon Paul Goldsmith, National List MP IMPROVING

Trafalgar Park Pavilion, Nelson RSVP to Sheila.grainger@xtra.co.nz

College student Reagan Hannah brought a night of Pasifika celebration to the community.

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Garin

Photo: Anne Hardie.

Free-for-all firewood axed

MAX FRETHEY

Local Democracy Reporter

Lessons have been learned after last year’s chaotic council-led firewood giveaway with priority this year being given to be given to low-income families.

About 400 cubic metres of wood left over from forestry operations will be distributed this October amongst 200 ticketholders.

Tickets are $25 and sales will be coordinated by local charitable trust Fifeshire Foundation. That approach will ensure tickets will make it to Tasman families who either have been previously recipients of the foundation’s winter grant, or to others who are supported by partner agencies.

Fifeshire Foundation execu-

tive officer Shanine Hermsen says she is “really grateful” to partner with the council for the firewood event.

“They’ve obviously got a really great system for this year, and we’re really pleased we can help the people that really need support.”

Shanine says the colder months can be “a hard time” for many.

“When it’s freezing, and if people can’t afford to buy firewood, it’s just an extra cost on top of the regular cost of living. This will help people that are struggling.”

The funds from the ticket sales will go into the Fifeshire Foundation’s winter fund for next year to provide further relief for struggling families, “so it’s a bit of a double-banger, which is great.”

The foundation’s winter

The

grant scheme helped about 200 families this past winter with energy and firewood, exceeding 2023’s total of families by about a third.

The 2023 firewood giveaway was planned to occur across four hours, but firewood ran out in the first 20 minutes.

Vehicles, many with trailers, had backed end-to-end up the Appleby Highway/State Highway 60 for more than five kilometres, requiring police and council staff being called in to manage traffic.

At the time, a Tasman District Council spokesperson said the event had “absolutely exceeded” expectations and that there were “many lessons to be learned” from the event.

In addition to a limited number of tickets, the distribution of the firewood for this

Annual Wine Nelson

year’s event will take place during four two-hour slots across two days. By spreading the time slots and limiting tickets, the council hopes to avoid the traffic jams seen last year. Test runs have also been conducted to test the efficiency of the loading and ensuring that the optimum amount of wood can be supplied to recipients within the timeframe. Ticketholders will be limited to two cubic metres of firewood, and those with unsafe trailers will be turned around with no refund, as will any vehicles with no tickets. Mechanical loading will take place to speed up and control loading.

About 400 cubic metres of firewood has been earmarked for low-income families. Photo: TDC. Traffic from last year’s event brought the Appleby Highway to a standstill. Photo: Supplied.

Cats disappearing around Upper Moutere

ANNE HARDIE

The number of cats disappearing around Upper Moutere has been described as shocking by an owner who says many suspect their felines have been killed by people who don’t like cats.

Sophie Browning has lost two cats recently and is aware of about 30 others that have gone missing in the past few years around Upper Moutere. One local woman in her 70s had a kitten return home with a bullet wound that led to expensive vet bills.

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It has got to the point where she says cats need tracking collars, need to be microchipped and owners need to be on alert to keep cats safe.

“Just about every month someone will lose a cat. Or two months go by and then all of a sudden people will lose five.”

She says many of those who have lost cats know their neighbours do not like cats and will use cat traps to catch and dispose of them, or shoot them on their property.

“I’ve spoken to SPCA and there’s nothing that can be

A BLOOMING GOOD SHOW:

The 350 daffodil blooms at the Brightwater Horticultural Society’s Spring Show were the result of the earliest season on record. President Mike Smith says that around the country, it was the earliest daffodils had bloomed in 80 years of recording and as much as two weeks earlier, which was “just crazy”. Fortunately, the blooms could be stored for up to two weeks in the chiller before the spring show. He puts the early blooms down to a cold

done until they have a cat with a bullet wound and they can then start an investigation into it.

“I do know people who are shooting, but they swear black and blue that they’re shooting wild cats. But how do you know they are wild? You can’t just take out an animal.”

According to SPCA, there is nothing in the Animal Welfare Act that makes it illegal to kill a cat as long as it doesn’t fall under an offence such as causing unreasonable or unnecessary pain or distress. However, companion cats are

considered property in New Zealand and a person could face criminal and civil liability for harming a cat under the Crimes Act 1961 or face civil liability for damages of the value of the animal.

SPCA scientific officer, Dr Christine Sumner, says the organisation encourages cat owners to keep their cats at home and make sure they are microchipped to help ensure they get home safe. Sophie is aware of people trapping cats to preserve bird life but says they can’t just eliminate all cats.

snap followed by almost summery weather. At the summer show in the first week of February, the star attraction will be the

Sophie Browning’s son, Mason Endersby, 9, with his cat Luna that has disappeared, along with many others in the Upper Moutere community. Photo: Supplied.

dahlias. Pictured are Sue Taplin,

who won Premier award best Camelia ‘Twilight’, and Mike Smith, who claimed the Champion Daffodil Bloom - ‘Sandmere Gold’.

Photo: Middle-Earth Media.

A shed in Richmond was destroyed by a large fire shortly after 6pm on Monday evening. The shed, off Paton Rd and near the Bateup Rd roundabout, was gutted by the blaze. Fire crews from Richmond and Nelson worked to put it out. At the time of print it was believed that no one was hurt in the fire. Photo: Supplied.

Lake Rotoiti School celebrates 75 years

KATE RUSSELL

When Lake Rotoiti School opened in 1949, there was only one room, no power, and a pot belly fire to make hot drinks. Seventy-five years on and a reunion is being organised for 26 October to celebrate how far the school has come and, of course, for people to catch up and reminisce.

The organiser of the reunion is ex-pupil Alistair Nicholls, who is also now on the school’s board of trustees.

“It’ll be a low-key event to catch up with old friends and tour the school,” he says.

Alistair grew up on a now third-generation family farm in Kikiwa and started at the school in 1974. His grandson now attends the school.

“My siblings and I used to hop on the rattly old bus every day. The school was tiny with one classroom and a couple of long drops, it was very cold in the winter,” he says.

He remembers the school community as being “one big family”.

“If your parents weren’t available to meet the bus, you’d go to another kids’ house until teatime.”

The first teacher at the school was Bill Rowling, later to become Sir

Bill Rowling and Prime Minister of New Zealand.

Currently, the school has two teachers and 22 children enrolled.

The school now has a heated swimming pool, which children also learn to sail on before they transfer their skills to the lake.

During 2022/23 the oldest build-

ing in the school was completely refurbished.

Alistair says there will be the longstanding tradition of the ‘east vs west’ tug of war at the reunion.

“We anticipate a few scores to be settled among certain people.”

They will also be bringing out some of the old school-yard

games they used to play.

“Some of them might be completely illegal now,” Alistair laughs.

Then it will be time for a cup of tea, followed by an evening meal.

So far, around 100 people have expressed interest in attending, with some coming from Waitaki

LEFT: Lake Rotoiti School in 1949, the year it was first established. Photo: Supplied.

and Marlborough.

“We want people to tell their old classmates and encourage them to come.”

Alistair says they have secured some sponsorship and support to run the event, so there is no cost to attend, although a koha can be made if people are able.

TOP: From left is the oldest current student, Oliver Thomas, with the youngest, Ava Gordon, and principal Mike Allen. Photo: Supplied.

Trust has been a ‘gamechanger’ for tenants

ANNE HARDIE

It is 20 years since a small group of community leaders decided they had to do something about the increasing homelessness and housing stress, so formed Nelson Tasman Housing Trust. To date it has built 60 rental homes and plans to double that in the next four years.

The trust celebrates its 20-year milestone next week and director, Carrie Mozena, acknowledges it is an ambitious, but achievable, goal to expand its portfolio to 120 homes by the end of 2028. It has the organisational muscle to do it, she says, plus the momentum to keep going and that’s exactly what it intends to do to house people who need a stable home.

Remembering back to the trust’s beginnings, she says the group decided to “not just moan about a problem, but actively look for solutions”.

They formed a trust and started looking for money. The government had just started a housing innovation fund and the trust managed to secure a capital grant from it, that was then paired with funding from then Canterbury Community Trust (now Rata Foundation) to build the first de-

velopment. It was four two-bedroom homes on Kawai St, built for under $1 million and it won them the national Housing New Zealand Community Development award. Now, with 60 homes under its belt – including a development on Totara St in Nelson which will be completed by the end of the month – it is building at a steady pace. A further 18 are in the development stage in Nelson, while a site in Richmond has been identified and is going through the funding process.

Building the homes is the easy bit, she says.

Preparing and doing all the financial planning and modelling takes time and then the real work is when the trust puts people in those homes and manages the homes. It’s all done with a small team of five – not all fulltime –and a board of volunteer trustees.

The bulk of the funding over the years has been through a series of different central government grant schemes, low interest loans or rental subsidies.

This means the changing New Zealand housing policy is one of its major challenges, like now when the Government has paused funding. If funding is paused too long, Carrie says it will interrupt a smooth flow in the pipeline of

new developments that are crucial to an ever-increasing need for housing. But she remains hopeful that new funding settings will be announced before Christmas and funding for new projects will resume.

“I know the need continues to increase so we’re very motivated to work as hard as we can to deliver more homes. One thing we’ve learnt over the years is we have to be agile. We have to respond to a changing environment that is always changing, and that’s a development environment as well as a funding environment.”

The trust is actively advocating for more housing funding to come into the region which she says has a high number of low-income workers who struggle to find affordable rentals.

“What we don’t want to see is more families and more older people living in their cars and living on the street. The only way out of that is to get more affordable homes built.”

For Carrie, the highlights from the trust’s first 20 years has been the response from the people they home.

“People tell us what a gamechang-

er it is. Just being able to move into a new, healthy home that is secure. People tell us the best thing about it is ‘I feel a sense of stability and security and it helps my well-being enormously because I know you are not going to sell out from under me’.

“That uncertainty can be tough. It destabilises people. People tell us they’ve moved 14 times in the last 10 years and just want a stable home.”

She says there is still so much to do, but feels the trust is in a good place to tackle it.

“I feel like we’re going from strength to strength. We’ve got strong governance, a really strong, committed staff, organisational muscle and a balance sheet of over $30 million and good relationships with our bank and with suppliers. We’ve got the systems and momentum in place to keep going.

“I’ve always said, we’re in this for the long haul; we’re playing a very long game. It’s a multi-generational effort to deliver more housing for people on low to modest incomes, for the whole region.”

Carrie says she would love the trust to expand into Motueka and it’s a matter of looking for both land and funding opportunities.

Nelson Tasman Housing Trust director Carrie Mozena at the Totara St development which will be completed by the end of the month.

Photo: Anne Hardie.

Embrace the frontline and support your community

ELOISE

MARTYN

Could you be the one to join the Brightwater Volunteer Fire Brigade and support the wider community by filling daytime volunteer positions?

The brigade, with a team of 11 members, is seeking individuals interested in filling daytime volunteer positions.

“Lots of the crew are at home during the night so it’s easier for us to respond, what the brigade really needs is an extra four or five people who can respond in the daytime and are within less than 10 minutes of the Brightwater Fire Station. We attend around 80 callouts per year to help others when they are most in need,” volunteer firefighter Paul Shutte says.

Paul’s interest in firefighting was rekindled during the Pigeon Valley fire after he was evacuated and realised the significant impact crews made on protecting other people’s property

“The Pigeon Valley fire was the catalyst, I thought if I am going to do this it’s now or never. I enjoy using my skills to support the community, the team is a great bunch to be with and the training courses and leadership programmes that are available are beneficial both inside and outside of Fire and Emergency.

Firefighting response has evolved greatly in the last decade, from primarily fires to now include medicals, car accidents and other adverse events.

The brigade leadership acknowledges that not everyone may be comfortable responding all types of calls and they work with their crew to make sure they are not put in situations that they don’t want to be in.

There are many roles and behind-the-scenes support, which are equally vital to the team.

“You also don’t have to be big, strong, and super fit,” Paul adds. “If you are passionate about the cause and can come to training on a Wednesday night then there are lots of opportunities available within our brigade.”

If you’re aged 18+ and interested in finding out more, drop Paul a line at paul.shutte@fire andemergency.nz

Scout’s summer fundraiser

ELOISE MARTYN

Brightwater Scout Group is organising its first summer market fundraiser since relaunching Scouts in Brightwater at the end of 2023, following an extended absence. The market is designed to support local small businesses and raise funds for improvements to their old den and grounds. Since relaunching a year ago, the group has grown to include 15 participants, aged five to 11.

“It’s wonderful to have Scouts back in Brightwater and to see our involvement in the community grow, along with ongoing improvements to our programme,” says Scout leader and coordinator Jezz Dunlea.

The group’s current focus is on renovating their old den, built in 1951, which hosts their weekly sessions. The den is cold, outdated, and in need of various repairs. The goal is to upgrade the space so it can be rented out to the wider community. The renovation plan includes painting both inside and out, installing a generously-donated kitchen, setting up two donated heat pumps, tidying the gardens, and planting fruit trees. To support these renovation efforts, the Brightwater Scout Group is organizing a summer market on Saturday, 16 November, and is seeking small local businesses interested in booking a $20 stall. For more info or to connect with Jezz, email brightwater@group.scouts.nz

Brightwater Scout Group members Brodie Smart, Ruby Stout, Atticus Hayes, Quinn Dann, Mariane’ Hauck, Hope Olliver, Mason Rosser, Declan Heenan, Jezz Dunlea (group leader), Ethan Edwards, Amelia McMurty, Faraday Hayes and Fyfe Robertson are organising their first summer market. Photo: Supplied.

Tracy Thompson and Cole Slotemaker are among the 11 volunteers in the Brightwater Fire Brigade looking for individuals to join the team and fill daytime volunteer roles. Photo: Supplied.

Local History

Wakefield’s YMCA branch

ROBYN PARKES

In November 1919, a campaign began in Wakefield to raise £1500 for a YMCA building.

The Directors of the Richmond and Wakefield branches of the Young Men’s Christian Association approached the public with an appeal for funds to build hutments in their respective centres. Proposed plans had been prepared to provide for a lounge or social hall, a billiard room, classroom, restrooms and a hall to be used as a gymnasium or for entertainments or lectures. The purpose of YMCA was to provide facilities for the social, moral and spiritual development of boys and young men. Following the war and the appalling losses, it was of the highest importance that the youth of the land were looked after. Wakefield had acquired a good site, and a building

fund was accumulating nicely.

In August 1922, the YMCA hall was opened by Brigadier-General Richardson, chief of staff New Zealand Defence Forces, with a crowd of around 420 people attending. Both the General and Mr G. W.W. B. Hughes (YMCA national secretary), joined in congratulating the people of Wakefield on the great efforts they had made. The evening event brought selections of music played by the Wakefield band and several musical renditions given by members of the community. Although open, the complete original plan for the building had not been fully realised but it was still an imposing building. Once operational, boys attended twice weekly in the gymnasium and were put through some physical work. Within a few months they were in training for a display and concert that was due to take place

in May 1923. In small towns the schools, churches and halls became the social hubs of the community, and the YMCA was in regular demand for many events and activities.

A year after opening, the first general meeting was held with a good focus on the success of the association. Statistics proved its worth with around 300 boys attending classes and training within a five-month period. Socials and concerts were regular events with around 1400 attendees being recorded the first year. The recorded total of people through the building for whatever reason was put at upwards of 7000 over an eight-month period.

Other activities included ping pong, Sunday afternoon sing songs, football matches, hockey, tennis on the YMCA courts, billiards, church rallies, camps, draughts, children’s entertain-

ments, gym classes, elocution and study classes, orchestra practice, flower shows, fetes and picture shows.

It appeared that all was well, but in May 1935, 13 years after being built, the members of the association were requested to attend a meeting where the winding up and sale of the premises was the topic of discussion. By June, tenders were invited for the purchase of the hall building and section.

Concerned citizens queried as to

why the public had not been notified as to the sale of the building when it had been built by public subscription and what was to happen to its contents. The reply was that the sale of the building was duly effected and guarantors or creditors claimed the furniture, suggesting that the YMCA may have been in debt. By January 1936 the sale of all items, even down to the cutlery, was completed and the branch closed.

New boat safety rule ‘smothering’ small Tasman businesses

What a brilliant idea. Not. The skipper is still responsible. Even the Harbourmaster. Just because someone is spying on him. Also, it might bring in some revenue.

Dave Roberts

Who dreamed this up? Oh, my god. Come on!!

Kim Bourke

A ‘bit of fun’ lands ratepayers with $10k bill

A few days in custody might sort some reserve offenders out. The full cost of repairs could be taken from sales of any assets that the offenders own (motorbikes etc). A loan with interest could be arranged if full payment is not made, even if it takes years to settle. No passports till all clear. Would this help?

John B

This is no better than the vandals who drive through a pegged off area for nesting birds in Kaikōura, crushing the poor dotterel and nest! These people are just brain dead.

Sue Wilson

That’s because you don’t give people anywhere to go and have fun on bikes with kids, that’s where my kids learned to ride 20 years ago.

Andrew Gillespie

If you are 16 you can organise motorbike lessons, get a license and use the road. Otherwise there are plenty of dirt bike clubs etc and they all seem to have somewhere to ride. It doesn’t seem that the problem is somewhere to ride? It seems that people are suggesting that under age, inconsiderate, thoughtless people should be able to use council property to ride and vandalise. Those people usually have their own property that is large enough to ride on, hence the reason they are allowed to ride at any age. If you consider this all ok, invite them to your property so they can rip it up and vandalise it. People constantly justifying speeding, vandalism, anti social behaviour so they can bag out councils and governments.

April Owen

When I was a kid that used to be an awesome spot to ride and 4WD, now there’s virtually nowhere in the region for such activity, doesn’t surprise me at all this is what happens. How about don’t waste $10000 “fixing” it and leave it as place for such activities?

Leo Wilson

Don’t condone the vandalism, but I’m all OK with a place kids can go to ride their bikes . As a teenager, back a few years, I used to ride up and down that river, was great fun.

Andy Wallace

If the police have located the offenders, shouldn’t the vehicles be seized to compensate the cost also? Wouldn’t trail cameras be an economic option to assist in the identification of the said offenders?

Kerrin Mazey

Same with people who take their young kids to Saxton field on little motorbikes and rip it all up and make a mess. I literally couldn’t believe my eyes, happens all the time.

Nikky Lohmann

Shame that the vandalism was done, however I’ve seen young kids learning to ride there causing no problems. There’s nowhere for kids to learn to ride, there are skate parks, dozens of sports fields for all ball sports, two newly-created frisbee golf parks all provided for, but nowhere for kids to learn to ride motorbikes.

Murray Hart

If council used their heads they would just leave it as it is, the amount of 4wds and dirt bikes that go down there, including taking kids to learn how to ride, I’m not surprised they had some fun on it, and it’s out of public eye.

Jesse Gould

Calamity Jane inspires new Murchison business

I have had the pleasure of one of these ice creams, they are soooo good.

Salena Van der Hoeven

Tapawera’s Zac Griffith at Theatre Royal

Another amazing Tapawera person. So deserves the recommendation. Well done, Zac

Irene Steele

New school for Richmond West on pause

Our kids go to Ranzau and it’s a great school. We live in Berryfields and bike along the cycle way to school.

Larissa Waugh

While this is annoying, there needs to be places around for people to take their kids to ride.... There are cycle lanes and horse riding areas but no where for kids to ride motorbikes.

Anna Turner

Absolutely disappointing. I bought in the area so my children could attend this future school and walk to and from. There are many families here likely in the same position.

Pip Widdon

Hope School’s generational plantings

Hope School was bustling with activity as they planted around 400 trees at Busch Reserve in the Aniseed Valley last month. The children were transported by a bus generously provided by the Tasman Environmental Trust. The Tasman District Council supplied the trees, protective guards, and additional assistance.

Last year the school planted 500 native trees at Busch Reserve, and this year many of the children were thrilled to observe the progress of their previous planting efforts, marvelling at how much the trees had grown.

“Hope School has a longstanding connection with the valley; in fact, some of our parents were involved in planting trees and bushes at Twin Bridges Reserve. Many of our students come from this valley, so it’s wonderful to be able to come up and spend time outdoors planting,” Katie Grinsted, a teacher at Hope School, says.

Keita Withington, a parent, fondly remembers planting trees at Twin Bridges during her time at Hope School in the early ‘90s. Now, two of her daughters are participating in the Busch Re-

serve planting initiatives. “It’s neat the school can be part of multi-generational plantings. We live up the valley and drive past those trees displaying stunning colours daily,” Keita explains. “I didn’t fully appreciate the importance of those plantings back then as much as I do now, seeing

Heading to motel after decades of banking

When Toni Lane entered the banking industry 36 years ago, it was a world of cash and cheques, with a wet sponge placed on the counter to help cashiers count the bank notes.

Nearly four decades on, banking is 24/7, cash is counted by a machine and there’s not a cheque in sight.

Toni has been a wellknown face at NBS for more than 16 years, as Richmond’s branch manager for a decade and then in head office where she is head of people and client experience. Now, she has decided it’s time for a new chapter and she’s leaving the banking world to take over the Bella Vista Motel in Nelson with her husband Stephen. The couple took over the motel at the beginning of July, and since then Toni has been juggling life between her bank role and that of a motelier.

Recalling her first job as a cashier for United Building Society in Blenheim, it was very much about people and service, though she admits the system back then was “clunky”.

Over the years, she worked in the financial services sector across New Zealand and Australia before coming full circle back to a building society which is a model she has always liked.

Toni Lane

“I decided the model of NBS, where we’re owned by clients and client-focused, just sat well with me. Instead of profits being distributed to shareholders like the banks do, NBS invests its profits back into the community to support numerous not-for-profit organisations.”

my own kids do their plantings.” Hope School dedicates each Friday to Mātai Taiao. This innovative initiative is Hope Schools response to feedback from our parent community, emphasizing the importance of nature-based education, fostering inclusivity and growing student

strengths. The day has a Tuakana-Teina approach with all tamariki from five to eleven working together. Mātai Taiao involves student directed exploration and learning in nature, an outdoor project-based activity, cooking and gardening through the Garden

Keita Withington, with daughters Emily 9 and Bonnie 5, who fondly remembers planting trees at Twin Bridges during her time at Hope School in the early ‘90s. Now, two of her daughters are participating in the Busch Reserve planting initiatives.

“It is a big change. Banking is about providing financial services to our clients and all I’m doing is switching to provide accommodation for people. It’s still a service, taking care of clients.”

Toni believes that with her years of experience adding to Stephen’s 30+ years in the building and property maintenance area, combines to create a winning formula for taking on this new venture. She hopes the flexibility of running a motel will enable them more time for volunteer work and golf.

to Table Programme, and local pūrakau (legends).

“Planting trees at Busch Reserve ties in with that by providing valuable learning opportunities with practical skills and local knowledge, enriching the educational experience for all involved,” Katie says.

SUNDAY 20 OCTOBER 2024, 8:00am – 4:00pm

ELOISE MARTYN

Photo: Eloise Martyn

Inheritance/estate

son School Music.

In the 1960s a chipmill operated at Lower Queen St, Richmond, until 1984 when Newmans Group, Odlins Ltd and Sumitomo Forestry Ltd (SFC) decided to establish a MDF factory to add more value to a wood chip commodity. Later, in 1993, Sumitomo Forestry became the sole shareholder of Nelson Pine Industries.

At that time, the MDF production using continuous presses was the most advanced technology available worldwide. Nelson Pine Industries has since expanded to run three lines of MDF production and one production line for LVL and has now become the biggest wood processor in New Zealand’s South Island.

Nelson Pine Industries processes one million m3 of logs each year, which represents around a quarter of the entire regional harvest.

Leveraging top-tier technology, some of Nelson Pine Industries’s most recent large-scale projects includes the use of 1,000m3 of Nelson Pine LVL® as the sole material for the main structure of New Zealand’s largest timber

office building in Devonport Rd, Tauranga (8-storey). Among others, Nelson Pine LVL® was also used for the building structure of the multi-tenanted retail precinct, Nelson Junction.

Nelson Pine Industries is at the forefront of sustainability with their products sequestering carbon for many decades, helping

New Zealand (and other economies) to achieve its target to become a carbon neutral economy by 2035. Once trees are grown, processed into MDF and LVL products and used in furniture and buildings, carbon is sequestered for decades until the end of their life-cycle when they can be repurposed or used as fuel

ecutive officer Kai Kruse says: “I want to express my appreciation and thanks to our shareholders and all our staff, customers, suppliers and community for the past 40 years and look forward to celebrating many more milestones. Going forward we will continue to grow our LVL Mass Timber business, especially for non-residential buildings, and we will diversify our MDF products further.”

in biomass power plants, with growing trees again creating a closed-loop system.

Executive director and chief ex-

Chairperson Murray Sturgeon says that “the company succeeded in producing the high-quality products that have led to the present day and are now highly regarded both in New Zealand and around the world. The company has achieved significant growth over the past 40 years thanks to all our customers, our strong partnership with Sumitomo Forestry and the support of its dedicated employees.”

New

Air New Zealand Hangar. Photo: XLam Air

Kai Kruse and Murray Sturgeon.

Celebrating WOW’s origin

ELOISE

MARTYN

Brightwater School has been reconnecting with its World of Wearable Art (WOW) origins by taking part in their own WOW project inspired by the first WOW show held in 1987 at a Spring Grove cottage, which included the participation of Brightwater children.

As a part of the school’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Maths) programme, a small group of pupils crafted their own wearable creations with the theme ‘We like to party’, to tie in with the upcoming Nelson Arts Festival’s 30th anniversary.

Year 6 students Page Stuart, Chelsea Selwood, and Charley Granger’s wearable creation drew inspiration from a piñata. Their garment, initially a cardboard box, was transformed into a striking gown resembling a traditional ball gown. It includes exposed arms, and a long, hoop-style skirt crafted from rigid white cardboard, adorned with vibrant streamers that evoke the festive essence of both a birthday

present and a piñata

“It’s quite uncomfortable and cold,” remarked garment model Chelsea, gaining insight into the sacrifices models endure.

“It’s also too wide to fit through the school hall door, which we didn’t know, so we had to find a different door to use from the rest of the group,” explained Page, gesturing towards a double door at the back of the hall.

“The hand-painted musical notes symbolize both party music and the happy birthday song,” Charley adds.

All three students agreed that the project was enjoyable, yet

challenging at times. They titled their creation ‘Cardboard Box,’ acknowledging its humble origins but also emphasizing that it’s now “way prettier,” according to the trio. Brightwater School WOW project teacher Kirsten Powick says the project got pupils thinking creatively to solve problems and challenged them to explore their capabilities. She says the project was something the pupils looked forward to working on and, she has particularly loved seeing how each garment turned out uniquely different despite having the same theme.

Conservationists seek stronger cat rules

MAX FRETHEY

Local Democracy Reporter

Conservationists are welcoming proposed new rules for Tasman cats, but some want tougher restrictions which confine felines to their owner’s properties.

Sophie Davies, speaking on behalf of environmental trust Project De-Vine’s Chris Rowse, described the bylaw as a “good first step”. The bylaw, as currently written, would require all domestic cats over the age of six months to be desexed, microchipped, and registered on the National Companion Animal Register. New cats would have to meet the requirements immediately while existing cats would be allowed a grace period until 1 July 2027. Desexing cats aims to reduce the overall number of cats, especially unwanted cats, which threaten native wildlife, including birds, skinks, geckos, and insects such as wētā. Microchipping and registering would make it easier to reunite missing or abandoned cats with their owners, while identifying and therefore protecting them from feral cat trapping efforts.

“Many of our precious taonga species are vulnerable to cat predation,” Sophie explained. “Cat owners, cat control regulations, and cat management have an important role to play in protecting some of our special wildlife.” To bring about the positive effects of those regulations, she was seeking for the grace period for existing cats to be shortened – a popular request of submitters.

Tapawera farmer Lloyd Faulkner wanted to see a limit of two cats per household.

Deputy mayor Stuart Bryant read Lloyd’s statement at the hearing, saying that cats were “out of hand in places” with more than 100 feral cats caught near St Arnaud over the course of a single year.

“If we are going to be predator free by 2050, we’ve a long way to go. Let’s not pussyfoot around, do it once and finish it.

Councillors on the hearing panel will deliberate on the proposed bylaw on 16 October. The final version will be voted on by the full council on 28 November.

Full story on Nelson App.

Brightwater School Year 6 pupils Page Stuart, Chelsea Selwood, and Charley Granger’s wearable creation drew inspiration from a piñata. Photo: Kathryn Granger.

Fun and friendship have long been the hallmarks of Probus for the last 50 years. Today, the organisation is thrilled to see Probus members across New Zealand continue to foster these aspects enriching their retirement years.

To commemorate 50 years of Probus in New Zealand, Probus Club members around the country will celebrate in countless ways with special morning and

afternoon teas, lunches, themed parties, and combined club events. In Nelson, local clubs will gather on November 7 for a special celebration which will be attended by both the chairman and chief executive of Probus South Pacific Ltd.

In Wellington, His Excellency, Dr Richard Davies is hosting a High Tea at Government House that will be attended by New Zealand Probus Club Presidents

50 years of fun and friendship

and Probus Membership Representatives. “We are grateful for this special opportunity that recognises the positive influence and value that Probus has in the community,” says a spokesperson. Social connections are so important in today’s world and this milestone provides an opportunity to highlight the significance of staying engaged and connected, particularly in

the older generation. Probus is a social network of Clubs with over 10,000 retirees across New Zealand participating in meetings, activities and trips. Probus is all about fun and friendship in retirement, Clubs are non-fundraising, non-sectarian and non-political.

The Probus Club of Kapiti Coast was the first Club formed in New Zealand - and in fact the Southern Hemisphere - on November

4, 1974, and is still thriving today with over 110 members that meet monthly and participate in a wide variety of outings and activities including wine appreciation, movies, walking, travel and even a book club.

If you are retired or semi-retired, there is no better time to join the Probus family than during their milestone year when they celebrate 50 years as a community.

Nelson Grey Power

Nelson Grey Power Presidents note

Sue Sara

Are you recently retired? Are you at a loose end?

We are always happy to welcome new community spirited members to join our friendly committee. In particular, Grey Power is looking for a Treasurer to assist in overseeing monthly accounts. If you are interested or would like to get a little more information about what being a committee member entails, please feel free to give me a call on 021 743 465. We’d love to hear from you!

Our meetings are held once a month from 5pm for a couple of hours. Alongside our regular meetings we also attend a variety of meetings on members behalf and find lots of interesting news and issues relating to improving conditions for our older community. How sad to see our Stoke banking hub vanish. In 2019, Stoke residents fought to get banking services, with support from the region’s politicians.

We were lucky to then have a dry, safe secure indoor situation where people could take care of their banking needs and arrange to meet banking staff.

In June this year New Zealand Banking Association announced that the Stoke hub was one of only two around the country that would not continue, saying a “permanent arrangement would require a disruptive refurbishment” due to the high earthquake standards banks set for its buildings. The closure of the Hub is a shame for the community, and it has been replaced by just another ATM on the footpath We fought so hard to have a Banking Hub set up and it’s a shame we’ve lost that privacy to go and get money without standing on the footpath with people hanging around you. For a lot of our older mem-

bers, the hub was a safe space to withdraw money. We are currently working on holding a range of meetings, dealing with subjects of interest. Spam, Elder Abuse, Wills are likely to be subjects covered. If there is something you would like to hear about, please let us know.

Sue Sara

There are many local businesses who generously offer discounted meals, products and services to our Grey Power Members. On joining, members are issued with a booklet that lists all of these companies and details of the special offers available. Please support them wherever you can to acknowledge the support they offer us.

President@greypowernelson. org.nz Remember - Join us before you need us.

Electricity and Gas Update: Navigating 2024’s High Prices

If you’ve noticed your electricity bills creeping up this year, you’re not alone. In 2024, electricity pricing in New Zealand has seen a significant increase, and several factors are contributing to this trend.

Whats driving up the prices?

New Zealand’s reliance on hydro power is both a strength and a vulnerability. When hydro lake levels are healthy, electricity generation is efficient and cost-effective. However, this years lower lake levels have meant that the country has had to turn to more fossil fuel generation, which is notably more expensive. Additionally, a reduced gas supply and higher overall demand have further strained the system, leading to the price increases we’re seeing.

Grey Power Electricity:

Standing by our members

At Grey Power Electricity, we understand the impact these rising costs can have, especially on our senior community. That’s why we’ve been working hard to keep pricing as stable as possible for our memebrs. We achieve this by purchasing electrigity hedges well in advance and leveraging generation assests from our Group, ensuring that we can ofer competitive prices.

Support when you need it most

We know that 2024 has been

a tough year, with more and more people struggling to pay their power bills. In response, Grey Power Electricity has been proactive in providing support to those experiencing energy hardship. Our pay it forward Programme has already assisted thousands of customers, helping them manage their energy costs. If you’re a Grey Power Electricity customer and finding it hard to keep up with your bills, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re here to help you determine if you’re elegible for support.

A partnership that makes a difference

Grey Power Electricity is proud to be the longest-standing commercial partner of the Grey Power Federation. Since our partnership began in 2013, we’ve contributed over $2 million to the Federation. These funds are crucial in helping us continue to run and support the Grey Power community across New Zealand.

A we navigate these challenging times, Grey Power Electricity remains committed to standing by our members and providing the support you need. If you’re struggling, remember that you’re not alone – reach out, and lets get through this together.

Stoke Banking Hub before and after.

Community Newsletter

Get yourself sorted and take control of your finances

It’s never been more important to hit the pause button and invest in yourself for today and tomorrow. While managing money can feel overwhelming, taking even small steps now can make a huge difference to your financial future. You might already be familiar with the campaign to ‘Pause. Get sorted’—a lighthearted approach to tackling a topic that many New Zealanders find daunting: money management. Whether it’s budgeting, saving, or paying off debt, the key message is that it’s never too late to start taking control of your finances.

Sorted, the free financial capability service run by the government-funded Te Ara Ahunga

Ora Retirement Commission, is making it easier than ever to get started. According to Tom Hartmann, Sorted’s Personal Finance lead, “Many New Zealanders are struggling with their money, so we’re making essential information as accessible as possible to empower individuals, families, and whānau to make positive financial changes.”

If you’ve been putting your financial matters in the too-hard basket, now is the perfect time to start making a plan. Sorted offers free online guides and tools that cover everything from budgeting and saving to KiwiSaver, investing, debt management, insurance, and wills. The information is designed to help

you take control, reduce financial stress, and improve your overall well-being.

Here are some practical tips from Sorted to help you get on track with your finances:

• Set up automatic payments: This ensures you’re regularly contributing to your future without having to think about it.

• Create specific savings goals: Dreaming up goals will help you focus on where you want to be and stay motivated.

• Saving vs. investing: Think of saving as setting money aside for the future, while investing is like shopping for assets that can generate money for you over time. The sooner you start, the better.

Business of Ageing report update

The Business of Ageing 2023 update report, commissioned by the Office for Seniors is now released.

This is the sixth update of the Business of Ageing series with the framework laid out in a 2011 report. The Business of Ageing work attempts to value the economic contribution of New Zealand’s growing older population. The intent of the report was to provide a robust economic counter to pervasive narratives about the older population as a “cost” due to spends on NZ Superannuation and health services for older people.

For the first time with this update, a companion report of supplementary information on the 50- to 64-year-

It’s time to get out and about with Driving Miss Daisy

We will take you where you need to go, but always with ‘The Daisy Difference’, It’s about care, not just the carsWe provide support and assistance as required.

• •

It’s about trust, not just the tripsWe are a safe, reliable service.

We’re a family when family can’t be there

Book now for your next outing and discover ‘The Daisy Difference’. Ph (03) 541 0020 Mob: 021 504 856 nelsonwestdrivingmissdaisy.co.nz

old population in New Zealand is also available. This cohort can face unique circumstances and challenges in finding and staying in work.

More and more older people are part of our workforce. Key findings from the report show currently there are 208,300 older people aged 65 and above in the workforce, and this is expected to almost double to 392,400 by 2071. Earnings from remunerated work for this group was $5.9 billion in 2021 and total tax paid on all income (including Superannuation and other government transfers) was $10.1 billion. The calculated value of unpaid work of older people was $22.41 billion in 2021.

• Boost your KiwiSaver: Increasing your KiwiSaver contributions can give you hundreds of thousands more for your retirement. Every little bit adds up.

• Tackle debt step by step: If debt is weighing you down, focus on paying off the smallest balances first. This can be a major motivator.

• Start an emergency fund: Try to save $1000 as a starter emergency fund. Then, continue adding to it bit by bit to create a financial cushion for life’s unexpected costs.

• Consider insurance: If an emergency could knock you off track financially, think about taking out insurance to transfer the risk to an insurance compa-

ny. It’s an investment in peace of mind.

• Update your will: Make sure your will is up to date and that your loved ones know where to find it. If it can’t be located, your last wishes may not be followed. Tom emphasises the power of knowledge, saying, “Sorted’s independent information is designed to help everyone make informed decisions and improve their well-being by reducing the mental load of money worries.”

With Sorted’s free tools and resources, you can start taking the first steps towards financial security today. Take charge of your financial future - visit sorted. org.nz to access everything you need to get started.

Did you know that Grey Power NZ provides a No Cost Accident Death Benefit to all members, automatically as part of your membership?

Since 2009, all members of Grey Power NZ are covered by a $2000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment policy. This is provided FREE by AIL of New Zealand Ltd.

AIL enjoys an A Excellent financial rating (AM Best 8/23), is an accredited Living Wage Employer, and has almost 30 years’ experience serving community and industry groups in New Zealand. If you haven’t yet received your personal Certificate of Coverage, please visit www.ailnz.co.nz/greypower and add your contact details. One of their Registered Financial Advisors will follow up and issue your personal Certificate. You don’t have to have a Certificate to be covered, but if you do you can designate a next of kin/beneficiary and make sure your family is aware of this coverage.

AIL also offers affordable and comprehensive Life and Health insurance plans – be sure to ask how AIL can assist your family when the Advisors follows up with you. You are under No Obligation.

If you have any questions or queries, please call AIL of New Zealand on tel. 09-973 5254 or email info@ailnz.co.nz

STOKE & NELSON

you ready to kick off your health journey but don’t know where to start?

Green Prescription for lifestyle support and work toward improved health and wellbeing today!

week program relating to healthy lifestyle topics and gentle activities including aqua, gym, circuit and outdoor programmes.

NBS Rescue Helicopter Appeal this October Nelson Grey Power

The Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter is gearing up for its annual NBS Rescue Helicopter Appeal this October – a much-needed month of fundraising in the communities they service across Te Tauihu.

The 2024 appeal includes a range of ways people in the Nelson, Tasman, Buller and Marlborough communities can support their rescue helicopter, and there are opportunities to suit everyone.

The rescue helicopter service, which runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, plays a crucial role in saving lives and providing urgent medical support across the top of the South Island. It relies heavily on the generosity of our communities to remain in operation, as government funding falls short of annual operational costs.

Operating across Te Tauihu, from just north of Westport and east of the Clarence River, the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter is a lifeline for those in distress. With at least one mission a day – and sometimes up to seven – the helicopter team provides invaluable assistance during medical emergencies, accidents, search and rescue missions and more.

Businesses throughout our region are getting behind the ap-

An independently Incorporated Society serving people over the age of fifty

peal, so if you see fundraisers while out and about, please be sure to show your support.

Paula Muddle, GM Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Trust, says, “big or small, every donation helps and is greatly appreciated.”

As the Nelson Marlborough

Who we are

Nelson Grey Power is part of the Grey Power New Zealand Federation.

- We have a national membership of over 50,000.

- Grey Power is dedicated to the welfare, interests and concerns of older people and is a neutral but assertive voice.

- Influence in the political arena with no political party affiliation.

- Grey Power advocates for both a national and local level for older people.

- All associations are independent.

- There are 74 associations in New Zealand from the Far North to Southland.

Grey Power is working to improve the lives of people over 50.

- To advance, support and protect the welfare and well-being of people over 50.

- To affirm and protect that statutory right of every New Zealand resident to a sufficient New Zealand Superannuation entitlement.

- To strive for a provision of a quality

Rescue Helicopter embarks on another appeal, Paula, on behalf of the rescue crew, expresses sincere gratitude to NBS, local businesses and community members for their unwavering commitment to saving lives in our region.

“With your support we can

Health Care to all New Zealand residents regardless of income and location.

- To oppose all discriminatory and disadvantageous legislation affecting rights, security and dignity.

- To be non-aligned with any political party, and to present a strong united lobby to all Parliament and statutory bodies on matters affecting New Zealanders.

- To promote and establish links with kindred organisations.

- To promote recognition of the wideranging services provided by senior citizens of New Zealand.

- To gain recognition as an appropriate voice for all New Zealanders over 50.

Grey Power has contributed to:

- Removal of the Surtax.

- Asset Testing Legislation being phased out.

- Lower doctors’ fees.

- Lower pharmacy fees.

- Removal of Over 80’s driving tests.

keep the rescue helicopter in the sky, ready to respond to emergencies and provide critical care when it’s needed most,” she says.

To get involved in this year’s fundraising efforts, follow the appeal on social media @ nbshelicopterappeal, donate via nbshelicopterappeal.nz or at any of NBS’ local branches, or visit and support participating businesses.

- Removal of Simulated Driving tests by Occupational Therapists.

- Lower Tariff Electricity.

- Superannuation increased to 66% NATOTWW (net after tax ordinary time weekly wage).

- Rate Rebate Scheme revitalised and more recently extended to include retirement village residents.

- Independent Superannuation and Income Centres.

- Improved regulations for Rest Homes.

- Code of Practice for Rest Homes.

- Abolition of Interest on Student Loans.

- Hearing Aid subsidy increased.

- Spot Audits for Rest Homes.

- The National Superannuation Adjustment for the Tax Cuts in the 2008 Budget was a long-awaited recognition by a major political party of the plight of the elderly reliant on NZ Superannuation.

- Rates Rebate Scheme indexed to CPI.

- Retention of Graduating Doctors (Student Loan).

All participating businesses can be found on the appeal website: nbshelicopterappeal.nz.

- Lowering Electricity increase for ETS.

- Retention of SuperGold Card OffPeak Travel.

- Retention of SuperGold Card Waiheke Island Ferry Travel.

- Increased funding for Glaucoma operations.

- Annual clothing allowance for grandparents raising grandchildren (In conjunction with Grandparents raising Grandchildren).

- Winter Energy Payment.

- Security doors on most Council owned pensioner flats.

Nelson Grey Power

33 Putaitai Street, Stoke Mon-Fri 10am - 3pm

Ph: 03 547 2457

P. O. Box 2190 Stoke 7041 admin@greypowernelson.org.nz www.greypowernelson.org.nz

Tasman District

Local community hub set to celebrate 40 Years of service

Providing a human touch in a complex world, the Citizens Advice Bureau Nelson Tasman (CABNT) will celebrate 40 years of delivering free, confidential, and independent advice to the local community.

Since its establishment in 1984 the organisation has been a vital resource, helping people to navigate the complexities of everyday life.

The origins of the Citizens Advice Bureau can be traced back to England, in World War II, where the bureau collected and shared client data with local authorities to help identify problems and improve services - a model still followed today.

In Nelson Tasman, CAB started 40 years ago, and volunteers initially relied on handwritten notes and card index systems to assist clients, says CABNT spokesperson Heather Thomas.

However, while digital solutions have since replaced much of the paper-based systems, providing a personal touch remains a cornerstone of the service.

The region’s CAB would not be what it is today without its dedicated team of roughly 50 volunteers, continues Heather. These individuals come from diverse backgrounds and bring with them a wealth of skills and experience.

“Our volunteers are all ages, come from all walks of life, and they all

of the Nelson Tasman

at the front. Supplied.

want to give back to the community. Volunteers take pride in providing practical help, whether by explaining complex documents, or finding creative solutions to unusual requests.”

Over the past year, the regional office handled 3,115 client services. These included 2,639 indepth interviews and 471 quick reference queries.

From providing legal assistance and educational sessions to free translation services, the wide va-

riety of enquiries keeps the volunteers on their toes.

“For 40 years, CABNT has of-

fered the same community service – yet we’ve moved with the times and use different

tools to connect with clients.

congratulates Kelly for winning the

In recent years the complexity of enquiries has increased, the variety of ethnicities has exploded, and so has the time we spend with each client. We are great ‘outside the box’ thinkers and enjoy the challenge of coming up with answers when you can’t easily find the answer.”

Environmental

Tasman District congratulates Kelly for winning the Environmental

The top five categories of enquiry this year include conditions of work, relationships, rental housing, consumer law, immigration and citizenship, which reflect the growing complexity of client needs, says Heather.

“Clients often apologise for ‘bothering us’, but when we add their issue to others in the same category, we can see trends. While we help each client individually, we’re able to analyse the data collected from all over NZ and use it to make submissions to local or central government so NZ society is made better for everyone. This is what makes CAB unique! We’re the only organisation which can provide reliable statistics across every issue imaginable.”

Often faced with challenging the best environmental outcomes, caring about the impact they

Often faced with challenging the best environmental

caring about the impact they

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Citizens Advice Bureau Nelson Tasman will host a gathering for past and present volunteers on October 8, and the team are also planning a year of increased community visibility to ensure residents are aware of the valuable services they offer.

www.cab.org.nz

Some

Citizens Advice Bureau volunteers with manager Lenka Caslavska, kneeling

Citizens Advice Bureau Christmas Parade 1992.

New location a ‘gamechanger’ for trusted business

For 43 years, Bearing and Engineering Supplies Ltd has been a cornerstone of Nelson’s industrial landscape, providing top-quality bearings, engineering supplies, and unparalleled customer service. Founded on May 4, 1981 on McGlashen Ave, as a familybased business under the name 'Bearing and Transmission Centre,' the company quickly established itself as a trusted supplier of bearings and industrial power components. Over the decades, the business has evolved to meet the growing needs of its customers, culminating in its recent relocation to a larger site at Estuary Place in Richmond, a move driven by the company's continued success and expansion.

Manager Rick Ivory says from the outset Bearing and Engineering Supplies was founded on principles of honesty, loyalty, and service. These core values remain at the heart of the business today, guiding the company as it navigates the ever-changing landscape of the engineering and industrial sectors. In the late 1980s, the company expanded with the opening of a Richmond branch, bringing their reliable products and customer service to a wider audience in the region. By 1999, after listening to feedback from their professional customers, the team recognised a gap in the market as there was a demand for quality engineering products that weren't easily available in Nelson.

This prompted the company to begin researching and sourcing specialised engineering supplies to better serve their customers.

In June 2000, the business took a bold step by launching 'Nelson Engineering Supplies,' a separate enti-

The Bearing and Engineering Supplies team outside their brand-new, purpose-built store and warehouse.

ty that specialised in high-quality engineering products and recognised brand names. The success of this venture led to the amalgamation of the two businesses under a new name: 'Bearing and Engineering Supplies.' This strategic move allowed the company to offer a more comprehensive

product range and services to their customers, solidifying their reputation as a one-stop shop for bearings and engineering supplies.

As the business continued to grow, Bearing and Engineering Supplies embraced new challenges. By 2005 the company began

importing the majority of their

transmission components from reputable suppliers in Australia, Singapore, and England. This move allowed them to remain competitive, not only in the Nelson region but also in the wider New Zealand market. The foundation of the company's success has always been built on its commitment to providing high-quality products, excellent customer service, and a team of knowledgeable staff. Today, the company boasts a combined industry experience of over 200 years, ensuring that their customers receive expert advice and

solutions.

In 2007, the company transitioned from a family trading partnership to a limited liability company, continuing to operate under the same ownership. Over

the years, Bearing and Engineering Supplies Ltd has weathered various challenges, including the disruptions caused by Covid and global supply chain issues. Despite these obstacles, their resilience and ability to adapt have been key to the company’s enduring success.

The decision to relocate to a new, larger site at Estuary Place in Richmond was driven by practical needs, says Rick, most notably the desire for more space and improved logistical capabilities. The old premises had become cramped, with limited parking and display space, creating challenges for both staff and customers. “The new location has provided the company with much-needed breathing space, allowing for better product displays, easier customer access, and ample parking. This relocation has been met with overwhelmingly positive feedback from long-time customers, many of whom have expressed their appreciation for the new site’s layout and convenience.

The new building exterior of Bearing and Engineering Supplies on Estuary Place.

Will Hemmingsen promoting this month’s Bearing and Engineering Supplies giveaway special.

‘Good move, man this is impressive!’ was one such reaction from a satisfied customer.”

The new site, built by InHaus, has been a game-changer for Bearing and Engineering Supplies Ltd. The larger showroom allows the company to stock a wider range of products, meeting the growing needs of their customers. The collaboration with InHaus, a local construction firm, was smooth and successful. The contractors exceeded expectations, delivering a purpose-built space that perfectly aligns with the company’s operational needs. "They were awesome—super easy to deal with and pleased to go the extra mile. We fully recommend them," says Rick.

What sets Bearing and Engineering Supplies Ltd apart from other suppliers in the region is its vast product range, deep industry expertise, and commitment to customer service. With a team of 10 dedicated staff, the company’s motto is to ‘provide solutions to meet your needs’—a promise that has been at the heart of their business for over four decades. Their willingness to go the extra mile, combined with their

ability to source quality products from respected international suppliers, has earned them a loyal customer base across New Zealand. “Whether a customer needs bearings, power transmission components, or specialised engineering products, they know they can

The front counter service team, from left Jayden Barr, Oscar Field and Riley Ivory

rely on Bearing and Engineering Supplies Ltd to deliver.”

The company's success can also be attributed to its customer-centric approach. "We always see it as our problem to solve, not the customer's," Rick explains. This mindset has helped them build strong relationships with local business owners, tradespeople, and industries that rely on their stock holdings and expertise to keep their operations running smoothly. Looking to the future, Bearing and Engineering Supplies Ltd has ambitious plans for growth. The recent relocation to Estuary Place is just the beginning of a new chapter for the company, as they continue to expand their product offerings and services. "Growth, growth, growth," is the mantra that drives the business forward. With new ideas in the pipeline and an unwavering commitment to excellence, the company is well-positioned to meet the needs of both existing and future customers. For the owners and staff at Bearing and Engineering Supplies Ltd, the most rewarding aspect of managing a longstanding business is knowing that they play a vital role in supporting

Dowie CONTRACTING

owie CONTRACTING

The front counter service team, from left Jayden Barr, Oscar Field and Riley Ivory

New Zealand’s industries.

"The support we receive and knowing that industries in NZ rely on us, our stock holdings, and our experience—that’s what keeps us going.” Every day presents new challenges, but the team is always ready to provide solutions,

whether it’s a last-minute request for a critical part or advice on a complex engineering project. As they settle into their new home at Estuary Place, the Bearing and Engineering Supplies team are excited about the future. With their expanded space, enhanced

product displays, and continued focus on customer service, the company is ready to tackle whatever challenges lie ahead.

For their customers, both old and new, this move represents a commitment to maintaining the high standards that have made Bear-

ing and Engineering Supplies Ltd a trusted name in the industry for over 43 years. The future is bright

for this longstanding local business, and they are ready to meet it head-on.

TIMELINE OF EVENTS:

1981 'Bearing and Transmission Centre’ was established as a family-based business on McGlashen Ave

1983 The company moved to Port Nelson

1985 Moved into new building in Roger St, Port Nelson

1988 Restarted a Richmond Branch in an old house in Gladstone Rd

1995 Created a purpose-built facility in Richmond on Gladstone Rd

2000 The business launched 'Nelson Engineering Supplies’

2005 Importing began from reputable suppliers in Australia, Singapore, and England

2007 The company transitioned from a family trading partnership to a limited liability company

2024 The company moves to Estuary Place

InHaus Developments brings vision to life for Bearing and Engineering’s new premises

When Bearing and Engineering Supplies Ltd set out to find a new location for their expanding business, they knew they needed a space that could not only house their extensive range of products but also reflect their reputation for quality and innovation. Enter InHaus Developments, a local construction company renowned for its award-winning projects and dedication to excellence.

Owner Russell Campbell explains that the high-profile corner site in Estuary Place offered excellent parking and visibility, making it an ideal spot. "For us, this project was a straightforward one," says Russell. “But it was also important that we got it just right for Bearing and Engineering.” With a few projects already on the go, InHaus thrives on the variety of their work, from modern commer-

cial spaces to bespoke residential homes. When Bearing and Engineering shared their vision for the building, Russell and his team immediately saw the alignment with what they had envisioned for the site. “What the Bearing and Engineering team were wanting was in line with what we had

in mind for the space,” he says.

“Once Rick and the team were on board, we were able to tweak the building to suit their needs.”

The result is a facility that meets the specific requirements of Bearing and Engineering Supplies. The building features a bearing division along one side, a super-

sized showroom, and light-filled, interactive office spaces. One of the standout aspects of the new premises is the full glass frontage, which spans most of the building, allowing natural light to flood the showroom and office areas. Russell takes pride in the collaboration, noting that it was a seamless

partnership. "It was great to work alongside Rick and his team to create their dream premises. We were able to design the space to not only meet their functional needs but also offer a welcoming, modern environment for their customers."

As a multi-award-winning company, InHaus is no stranger to high-quality projects, having received numerous accolades for their work, including being the only platinum holders for Nelson in the National Masterbuilder’s Awards and titleholders for the most quality awards in the region. However, Russell is quick to share the credit, acknowledging the important role played by their subcontractors and tradies, emphasising the collaborative effort that goes into every project. "They truly are part of the success.”

Sideshow Bruce now centre stage

STEPHEN STUART

Horse racing is full of hard luck stories and Wakefield hobby harness trainer Robbie Stuart has had his share of them.

But in a lucky twist, a replacement for a horse that had to be put down has proved his latest winner in a career stretching almost 40 years.

When Sideshow Bruce arrived at Robbie’s Richmond Park stables earlier this year, the Big Show might have been a more fitting name as the three-year-old is about 17 hands high.

Nicknamed Jasper, he also made an impression with his raw ability, and Robbie was bullish when he floated him almost seven hours to Banks Peninsula to make his grass track debut last month.

“I knew he was good,” Robbie declares.

The country’s two leading drivers, Blair Orange and Johnny Dunn, were both unavailable to take the drive so Robbie enlisted veteran

horseman Robert Anderson who educates his young horses.

“That absolutely helped his price.

I got him at 91’s on fixed odds and he got out to over 100 to one at one stage. At that sort of dividend you don’t have to put too much on,” Robbie smiled.

His unfancied charge promptly delivered on his promise, working hard early and then securing cover before overpowering his more experienced rivals in the long run home.

“I was pleased for the horse.

Pleased he was able to show what he’s got. And Robert drove him to perfection too,” the 70-something trainer says.

It made up for Sideshow Bruce’s stablemate Amalfi getting beaten “by an inch” into second on the same course back in April.

And Robbie ruefully recalled one of his former pacers, Dana Dawn finishing second, seven times in a row.

The horses have certainly kept Robbie and his wife and regis-

tered stable hand Sue busy since retiring. Robbie spent 42 years at the Alliance Meat Works while Sue was in the education field. The pair are key players in the

tight-knit local racing community and make the trip in from Wakefield twice a day to feed their horses at the little-used Richmond Park complex.

That passion has been rewarded with a steady flow of winners, especially in recent years.

Jazelle won 11 races while her half-brother Nerano was sold to Australia and went on to win two heats at the Interdominion Pacing Championships in Brisbane last December and finished fifth in the final.

“We let him go cheaply but his efforts there have helped make a name for our breed,” Robbie reflects.

As for Sideshow Bruce, he came through his tough run so well that he may head back to Canterbury again later this month. This time Addington Raceway, the South Island harness Mecca where the Stuarts have enjoyed success before.

“That’s the problem, finding the next suitable race after you win your first one.”

Beyond that, the West Coast Christmas circuit beckons as the Stuart’s love the atmosphere down there.

Robbie Stuart with his latest pacing winner Sideshow Bruce after a workout at Richmond Park. Photo: Stephen Stuart.

Waimea college looking to go one better

STEPHEN STUART

Secondary school basketball supremacy is on the line this week with Waimea College hoping to improve on its runners-up finish last year. Rather than fly, it was a long haul for the South Island champions who embarked on a road and ferry trip to Palmerston North on Sunday.

“Especially in this day and age, it’s a financial thing. It cost parents $1200 to send their son to Dunedin last month and now another $1400 to the North Island. So it’s important the boys do well,” team manager Steffan James says. There are four pools of six

sides and Waimea College coach Phill Jones insists the first goal is to make the top eight as after that it becomes a knockout tournament effectively.

But he warns that this Waimea side is not the same as last year’s.

“We have lost three key players so were are missing their size, speed and defence, but younger guys are coming through.

“We are still pretty good,” Phill comments.

That puts even more pressure on his son Hayden to lead the side.

“I think he likes the pressure of being the key guy. Hayden has probably been our best player for the past two years

and has grown since playing for the Nelson Giants this season,” his father says. He would love a rematch

somewhere along the way with Wellington College, which

by five points in last year’s final.

Team Racing Donkeys kick Spring Challenge

FROM PAGE 1

Try about eight and a half hours for the defending champions, Team Racing Donkeys, who are anything other than the name suggests.

As expected, Wakefield GP Eloise Fry, former Nelson doctor Sophie Hart and Cawthron Institute scientist Susie Wood were first to the finish line at Rabbit Island.

“I use age to my advantage so I don’t do sprinting anymore.

I just do long things,” Eloise says. She and her teammates come from mountainbiking backgrounds which proved ideal for the challenge with more than 50 kilometres of riding.

“We knew we were going quick. We looked at it before the race and we said we need to beat the nine hour barrier.”

Competitors only received the course details on the eve of the event to make sure locals wouldn’t have the advan-

tage of training on it.

A highlight this year was a water release from the Waimea Community Dam, in Lee Valley, which enabled a whitewater rafting leg to start the gutbuster.

“Going down the river was really cool because you can’t normally paddle that river. So we went over the weir which I wasn’t expecting to do at all. That was quite exciting,” the Hope resident declares.

A weir is a small barrier built

across a river to control water levels.

There was even a chance to take in the scenery with a 20 minute non-time-zone which enabled competitors to take a break to catch up with family and supporters Legendary adventure racer Nathan Fa’avae and his wife Jodie founded the Merrell Spring Challenge in 2007 and this was the fourth time they staged the event in their local Tasman District.

beat Waimea

Coach Phill Jones, left, and manager Steffan James are hoping their Waimea College basketball team can complete a huge season in Palmerston North. Photo: Stephen Stuart.

Trampers reunite for ping pong success

STEPHEN STUART

They used to tramp together, and now Brian Renwick and Lawrie Halkett are blazing new paths in table tennis.

The Richmond pair represented Nelson at the inaugural Ping Pong Parkinson’s Championships in Palmerston North and swept their division, winning two golds and a silver medal.

Ping Pong Parkinson’s is the worldwide brand name for the movement which encourages sufferers of the disease to take up table tennis.

Brian was diagnosed with symptoms three years ago with tremors coming more and more often in his legs, although his tramping mates questioned whether he was really sure he had Parkinson’s.

“I took that as a compliment,” the former New Zealand Navy marine officer says.

Once he started the weekly table tennis sessions at the start of this year, he realised how beneficial they were in terms of movement and concentration.

The 69-year-old was full of confidence heading to the nationals, which were part of the Manawatu Table Tennis Open.

“Despite the toes of my right foot clenching and a slight tremor in

my right arm, I really only felt the symptoms between games,” Brian reveals.

After winning five matches, he prevailed over Lawrie in the singles final.

He then combined with the 75-year-old to win the doubles as well.

“The organisers thought we were a couple of burglars, coming up to their tournament and taking the titles,” Brian laughs. It was a reunion of sorts for the

Richmond pair as they had been on tramping trips more than 15 years ago.

They had both played table tennis as teenagers and then given it away for outdoor pursuits.

Lawrie, a former president of the Nelson Tramping Club, remembers playing table tennis with his three brothers on the kitchen table.

“They had incredible endurance during their matches and that probably goes back to their

tramping times,” Table Tennis Nelson president Anna King notes.

She hopes their success will attract more locals to their Saxton Oval base which has had up to 13 people playing.

Anna also reckons Nelson would be an ideal spot to host next year’s Ping Pong Parkinson’s national tournament, especially as it is staging the New Zealand Table Tennis Championships for the first time later this month.

Hockey

Six young Tasman hockey players are off to a Future Black Sticks training camp in the North Island next week after their efforts at the recent U18 national tournaments. Nelson students Clara Gardiner, Maia Williams, Bob Foy, Scott Brown and Kurt Ward along with Waimea College’s Carl Quinn will be introduced to the high performance principles required to play at the sport’s top level. Jay Quinn, who starred in his time at Waimea College, has also been invited as it is an opportunity for the under 19’s. The girls will be based in St Peter’s School in Cambridge while the boys are just up the road at St Paul’s Collegiate School in Hamilton. The players have to pay their own way, almost $1500 a head, to attend what are billed as five day “ super camps”.

Table Tennis

Table Tennis Nelson is hosting its first-ever national championships at Saxton Stadium this week. After the success of the New Zealand Veterans Championships in Nelson year, the organisation was asked if it wanted to take the bigger event on board. Up to 300 individuals and 400 teams are competing over nine days.

Brian Renwick, left, and Lawrie Halkett laden with medals after cleaning up at the inaugural Ping Pong Parkinson’s Championships in Palmerston North. Photo: Stephen Stuart.

Community Notices

MONDAY

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

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.

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.

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

TUESDAY

WELLBY TALKING CAFÉ: Tues, 8 Oct, 1011.30am, Tapawera Community Centre. Wellby Talking Cafés are about social connection and finding out about groups, activities and services. www. wellby.org.nz Ph: 035467681.

WELLBY TALKING CAFÉ: Tues, 8 Oct, 1.30- 3pm, Richmond Library. Wellby Talking Cafés are about social connection and finding out about groups, activities and services. w ww.wellby.org.nz Ph: 035467681.

NELSON PHILATELIC SOCIETY MEETING

Tues, 8 Oct, Doors Open 6.30pm - Starts 7pm, Stoke

Baptist Church. Mitchener Cup – Letter “S” Something Technical Club Stamp & Book Sales Stamp Exchange among Members. Ph: Robin 0275442518

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

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

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

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.

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

WEDNESDAY

KICKSTART – Starts, Wed, 16 Oct, 1-2pm, Saxton Field. Free outdoor programme combining a mix of walking & manageable, fun exercises used to improve stamina, strength, balance & flexibility. Ph: 0272553125

10AM FRIDAY - 30 WORDS OR LESS BY EMAIL ONLYPLEASE SEND

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.

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.

THURSDAY

DO YOU WANT TO MAKE NEW FRIENDS join a friendly group for coffee and a chat.1st & 3rd Thurs of month, Paragon Cafe Langdale Drive Richmond. Ansley/ Phillip 5410 350 or 0272212943

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, 11-12pm, Richmond Library. Would you like to improve your English with a qualified, experienced ESOL teacher? Join our friendly English conversation group. Free.

TAI CHI: 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.

FRIDAY

WAITAKI OLD GIRLS’ SOCIAL GROUP NELSON. Fri, 4 Oct, 10am, Zink. Join us for Coffee and chat. Queries 0276731145.

ELYSIUM WIDOW AND WIDOWERS GROUP meet for lunch at The Bach, Fri, 11 Oct, midday, Turf Hotel, Ph: Margaret 0272600748.

SATURDAY

CAKE DECORATORS are having an all day workshop. Sat, 5 Oct. You will learn how to do palette knife flowers using chocolate ganache on a 6 inch cake. Ph: Cindy 0272557280

RICHMOND OLD TIME DANCE, Sat, 5 Oct, 7.3011pm, Richmond Town Hall, Cambridge St. Live Music, Raffles and Prizes. Entry $8 and Supper Plate, please. Ph: Richard 5444120.

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

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

SUNDAY

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

Morning tea follows the service.

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

GENERAL GROUPS

NELSON RAILWAY FOUNDERS PARK. Railcar is running, Thurs, Fri, Sat this week, weather permitting. Train will run Sun, Both start 11am. Follow us on Facebook.

MAGENTA CREATIVE SPACE EXHIBITION, during Sept, Richmond Library. Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Week. “Community is what we create together.”

TRANSPORT FEST, Sat, 5 & Sun, 6 Oct, Pigeon Valley, Wakefield. Awesome Family Event. Lucky Ticket $80 Wakefield Hotel Meal Voucher. Fun Kids Rides. Chicken/Chocolate Wheel. Demos including Fire Brigade. Food Drinks Raffles Silent Auction, 0272222464.

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. RAKAIA LIONS LILY & FREESIA, proceeds (Cancer Rehabilitation). Bag of 4 oriental Lilies for $10. Bag 20 Freesias $5. e: margaret.ralph.c@icloud. com. Or Ph: 5476571 or Ann Law Ph: 5475661. Plant now & will flower this season.

PICKLEBALL, Mon & Wed, 4pm, Tues & Fri, 9.30am-11.30am, Richmond Tennis Club. Bats, balls and coaching available. $5 non-members. Enq Ph: 0274872480.

544 9037.

International Director

Permanent, Part Time position, 20 hours p/w over the full year Garin College is a Catholic co-educational College, Year 9 - 13, recognised for its provision of education with excellence. We are seeking an innovative, motivated, and professional International Director to lead our international student programme and administration team.

As International Director, the successful applicant will provide effective strategic leadership and management for our international programme, overseeing programme development, compliance, and financial sustainability. The successful applicant will lead marketing and recruitment efforts, collaborating with agents both locally and offshore, while ensuring a welcoming, supportive environment for international students.

The International Director will manage a team including an Administrator, Homestay Coordinator, and Teacher Aide, fostering a positive and inclusive school culture that celebrates diversity. The International Director will play a critical role in integrating international students into our Garin College community, aligned with the College vision for excellence in Catholic Education.

The successful applicant must contribute to the Catholic Special Character of Garin College.

Key responsibilities:

● Promoting Garin College’s international programme through marketing and recruitment

● Strategic planning and development of the international student programme

● Financial management, including budgeting and reporting

● Team management and leadership of international staff

● Integrating international students into the Garin College community

● Compliance with the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021

Position commencing January 2025. Duties as per Job Description; please refer to our website: www.garincollege.ac.nz/vacancies/ for an application pack and information. Email a cover letter, completed application form, CV and ID proof to hr@cloud.garincollege.ac.nz

Applications close at 9am, 9 October 2024.

BERTHELSEN

Judy Gordon Wallace invites the friends of Judy Berthelsen to a service for the interment of her ashes to be held at the Hope Garden of Remembrance, 95 Clover Road East, Hope on 12 October 2024 at 2pm, followed by refreshments. A plate would be appreciated.

Out-of-Zone Enrolment for 2025

The Brightwater School Board of Trustees invites applications for parents who wish to enrol their children for 2025 who live outside the enrolment zone. Enrolment at the school is governed by an enrolment scheme, details of which are available at school.

Families who wish to apply should do so in writing addressed to Glenda Earle stating the child’s full name, date of birth and current address.

The deadline for receipt of applications for out-of-zone places is Friday 18 October. Parents of new students who live within the home zone should also apply by this date to assist the school to plan appropriately for next year. The board has determined that 15 places are likely to be available for out-ofzone students for the next year. Preference will be given to those children who will be, or are currently in the Year 1-3 age group. The exact number of places will depend on the number of applications received from students who live within the school’s home zone. Please note that other age groups will also be considered. If the number of out-ofzone applications exceeds the number of places available, students will be selected by ballot. If a ballot is required it will be held on Friday 8 November. Parents will be informed of the outcome of the ballot within 3 school days of the ballot being held. Further information is available from the Ministry via the link below.

Enrolment Schemes (school zones) – Parents. education.govt.nz – Practical information about education for parents and carers