Waimea Weekly

Locally Owned and Operated Wednesday 30 October 2024

New speed limits hit road block

Just a year after being asked what they think of lower speed limits, Tasman residents may be asked all over again.

The revelation comes after Trans-

port Minister Simeon Brown’s new Setting of Speed Limits Rule would require speed limits adopted but not yet in force – with the speed signs up – by 30 October to be reversed.

This is despite the region’s speed management plan being consult-

Wakey Bakey owner hanging up her apron

ANNE HARDIE

Trish Sullivan’s team of bakers can churn out 1,000 pies a day from the Wakefield Bakery and after 14 years at the heart of the village, she’s ready to hand her recipes over to a new owner.

It was only going to be a four-month stint when she says she became a silent partner with her baker son, Steven, initially helping him establish the business before she returned to the Kapiti Coast.

Fourteen years later, she is still in the bakery and the business has grown to 25 fulltime employees that operate a 24/7 business and has affectionately become known as the Wakey Bakey.

“It was a six-person business back then and three of them were schoolgirls. I was serving at the counter and making filled rolls.

ed on last summer, submitted on by more than 2200 people, adopted in July, certified by NZTA last week, and most of its speed limits being in-line with those in the rule.

The lower variable speed limits around schools are not affected

by the new rule, but it leaves the future of more than a hundred Tasman roads uncertain.

The rule was causing “extreme frustration” for Tasman’s deputy mayor and regional transport committee chair Stuart Bryant.

“We were hoping for a bit more

flexibility from the Government, and it seems they’ve made it more complicated than it needed to be,” he says.

“I would like to push back [on the Minister] because of the time

SEE PAGE 3

Trish Sullivan planned to spend four months at the Wakefield Bakery and has stayed 14 years. Photo: Anne Hardie.

“I quite like when the kids dress up as ghosts in a blanket with the holes in it.”

“I saw a guy who had a tomahawk embedded in his head with bandages wrapped all around it and blood running down. It looked so authentic.”

“My daughter dressed up as a UFO, it was really cool. It was made out of cut-outs and three-dimensional.”

“I dressed up as an old lady. It was very funny. I went to the op shop and got old people clothes.”

FROM PAGE 1

The first thing Steven did was put out blueberry Danish and then croissants, and it just grew and grew from there.”

As the business rapidly grew, she stayed.

“When it became obvious I wasn’t going to return home, I bought the cheapest home I could find – because I’d put my money into the business.

“It was built in 1880 and the inside walls were the outside walls and the power lines and telephone lines were stapled to the inside walls. It was freezing, man.”

It was a full-on time and when her son decided to step out of the business and take a break, she bought him out and carried on, relying heavily on her bakers because “I’m no baker”.

refer

While locals and people passing through the village stop for its food and, in particular, its steak and cheese pies, Trish says it is her staff and the village that make the business a success.

Over the years she has employed several members from local families and proudly watched school students go on to succeed in their own careers.

“I’ve just built on the village concept – it takes a whole village to raise a bakery.”

As the business grew, so did the hours, leading to more shifts and more employees to make 95 per cent of the product in the shop by hand, every day.

“We were a six o’clock opening back in the day and then I saw all these Goldpine vans driving past in the morning – all those bums on seats with appetites. So, I approached them to see what time

they wanted me to open.

“We had people knocking at the door at quarter to six as well. Now we’re open at five and they’re still knocking at 4.45,” Trish recalls.

She expanded the bakery into the former video store and put out tables for customers to sit and eat because she “got sick of seeing people eating pies in cars”.

Over the years, the Wakey Bakey has had the top steak and cheese pie nationally and more recently the best pie and sausage roll in the region.

It has also made it to a New Zealand coffee table book on pie stops in New Zealand.

sands of dollars of food in the bin.

Then the Covid-19 pandemic, where she eventually managed to keep the bakery operating by reclassifying it from a café to a takeaway and thereby retain all her staff. The business missed the tourists going through the town though. The cost-of-living crisis followed and even though it has been financially tough for the past few years, she says she has tried to keep her prices down to help locals who have supported the business all the way.

The past five years have been tough though.

First there was the Pigeon Valley fire where the bakery was not allowed to feed the people fighting the fire and had to dump thou-

“I feel I’ve earned my retirement. I don’t have to sell – I’m looking for that person who is about people. Because I’m not just selling a bakery; I’m selling a team with a massive reputation.”

What is her own pick of pies in the bakery? The lambs fry and bacon is her long-time favourite.

Gavin Dawson Richmond

Jess Roberts Richmond

David Kerr Richmond

Andie Stacey Richmond

‘Extreme frustration’ over speed road block

we’ve spent consulting the community over a number of years.”

The speed management plan included both Tasman District and Nelson City Councils, and the city council last week brought forward two speed limit reductions to beat the 30 October date.

But Tasman, with more than a hundred roads slated to see reductions, did not have the capacity to lower the already-agreed-upon speed limits in time.

What exactly is required by the council under the rule is still unknown, but additional clarity is expected to arrive with the release of NZTA guidance on the rule on 30 October.

“It’s a little annoying. We haven’t even got all the information, and we’re having to tell the community that there’s going to be further delays,” Stuart says.

The Government’s setting of speed limits rule has changed “significantly” in recent years, first in 2017, and then again in 2022 and now in 2024.

“Each time we’ve been trying to address the community concerns, which haven’t gone away,” says council transport advisor Jane Murray. “It has taken longer than we probably all would have wanted, but we’re still stepping in the right direction.”

She hopes to still see some of the changes, likely those around some schools, implemented early next year.

However, the implementation of the plan – even for the speed limits around schools which won’t reverse under the rule – is currently on hold awaiting the guidance from NZTA.

The guidance might include best practice for the use of electronic signs to signal the variable speed limit in school zones.

However, a pair of the electronic signs costs $36,000.

With many schools across the district, and the implementation budget halved to only about $250,000 a year because NZTA declined the council’s full budget bid, mandating the electric signs on every road on the approach to every school would come at a significant cost and delay the implementation of other speed limit changes.

Jane couldn’t confirm how long the speed limit changes might be delayed for.

“Every time I think the finish line is close, it gets moved.”

The Government has been calling for councils to limit their spending, but re-doing the consultation on Tasman’s speeds will come at a cost.

That cost could be inflated by the

Located at the Richmond Vehicle Testing Station

13b McGlashen Ave, Richmond 035449111

Come check us out!

potential requirement for each individual road being consulted on having its own cost-benefit disclosure statement that examines, among other topics, the road’s crash history’s, expected safety benefits, and impacts on travel times.

Because the full extent of the consultation would likely be determined by a combination of the contents of the incoming guidance and a decision from councillors, the cost of consultation was also unable to be confirmed, though officers confirmed they would try to “minimise” the cost.

Questioned by Local Democra-

cy Reporting, Minister Simeon Brown said in a written statement that Kiwis had rejected “Labour’s blanket and untargeted approach to reducing speed limits”.

He added that consultation highlighted “broad support” for the Government’s new rule with 65 per cent of submitters supporting the reversal of blanket speed limit reductions.

“New Zealanders expect a sensible, common-sense approach to speed limits on our roads.”

The Minister didn’t directly respond to questions about why Tasman needed to re-consult on a speed management plan that

was largely in-line with both residents’ submissions and the Government’s own requirements. However, he said there is no requirement for variable speed limit signs outside of schools to be electronic.

While the council tries to figure out what its next steps are, Stuart asks local communities to have patience.

“Bear with us, we’ll get there as soon as we can.”

Deputy Mayor Stuart Bryant wants to push back on the Transport Minister’s new rule which has up-ended the district’s speed management plan. Many communities across the district that wanted lower speeds will have to wait a bit longer because of the Government’s new speed limit rule. Photos: Max Frethey.

Weather causes highway chaos

SARA HOLLYMAN

Heavy rain over the weekend closed State Highways on both sides of Nelson and Tasman, cutting the region off for a time over the long weekend. State Highway 6, at Pelorus Bridge and south of Murchison, was the first main highway to close on Saturday afternoon due to flooding and a slip respectively.

Bad weather continued to affect roads for the rest of the day and by 5.20pm the list of closures had grown to include a section of SH60 near Tākaka, between Pupu Valley Rd and Waitapu Wharf.

Shortly before 6.30pm Saturday, NZTA made the call that SH6 would remain closed between Murchison and O’Sul-

livan’s Bridge overnight, on Sunday morning aerial photographs of the slip at Dellow’s Bluff explained why.

By 8pm, SH60 in Tākaka had reopened. An hour later SH6 at Pelorus followed suit.

However, just two hours later, more slips on the other side of town closed SH6 between Kohatu and Murchison. This meant that there was no longer road access from Nelson to the West Coast or Christchurch via the inland route.

The situation continued to worsen overnight with the Kohatu road remaining closed due to more slips on Sunday morning.

By this time contractors were already working to clear the slips and get the roads cleared which meant the road could

reopen between Kawatiri and Murchison restoring access to Murchison, via SH63.

SH6 in the Buller Gorge had been closed because of flooding which later caused a slip on the highway at the West Coast end of the Buller Gorge.

A helicopter began to remove loose debris and overhanging rocks from the top of the slip face at Dellow’s Bluff. By 5.15pm, Murchison to the SH65 Junction had reopened, restoring the inland route to Christchurch.

On Monday, the Buller Gorge remained closed all day, meaning those trying to catch the last of the season’s whitebait on the coast would have to drive to Reefton, and Springs Junction before heading back to Nelson.

A slip on SH6 closed the road south of Murchison, reopening on Sunday evening. Photo: Supplied/NZTA.

Slips continued to come to across the region through Saturday and Sunday, including this one between Kohatu and Kawatiri Junctions. Photos: Supplied/NZTA.

Braving the haunted village of Willowbank. For seven years now, ghosts, witches and zombies have been stalking the streets of Willowbank Heritage Village near Wakefield at Halloween, intent on scaring the hundreds who brave the haunted village. Shaun Lines (left) – not that you would recognise him, Julian Eggers and Christine Grieder were part of a team of 20 volunteers doing their best to scare the hell out of kids and adults with the help of fog machines and strobe lighting to set the scene in the dark of night. Preparing for the kids’ night, the trio enjoyed a hearty dinner of not-particularly appetising organs. Photo: Anne Hardie.

Reserve classification up for debate

Tasman District Council are asking for resident’s views on the future of some local reserves. TDC are looking at classifying 235 parcels of land across Richmond Ward and Lakes-Murchison Ward, as well as Baigent’s Bush Scenic Reserve in Pigeon Valley, under the Reserves Act 1977. It says the reserves are a vital part of our communities, offering recreational spaces, scenic areas, and important local amenities.

To ensure they are appropriately protected and managed for future generations, council

are proposing to classify them into categories such as Scenic Reserve, Recreation Reserve, or Local Purpose Reserve –for uses like esplanades, walkways, community halls, and utility services. This will set a clear purpose for each reserve and help guide how they are managed and protected. It’s an administrative step that gives clarity around future use and ensures decisions align with the specific values of each reserve, council says.

While it’s unlikely to change how the spaces are currently enjoyed, classification is essential for their long-term

preservation and use, so they want your thoughts about the proposal.

Once the classification process is complete, a p draft Reserve Management Plan for both Richmond and Lakes-Murchison Wards will be prepared, as well as updating the MoutereWaimea Ward Plan to include Baigent’s Bush Scenic Reserve. Look at the proposals and share your views by making a submission so council can meet the needs of the community, now and in the future. Find out more and tell them what you think before 18 November 2024 at shape.tasman. govt.nz/rmp-reviews.

Sweet home Waimea

GORDON PREECE

Club Waimea was serenaded over Labour Weekend with country music notes that were as smooth as Tennessee Whiskey.

The annual NZ Sun City Country Music Awards saw 75 country artists from Nelson Tasman and the South Island kick up their heels for fame in gospel, new country, country rock, old time country and other country genres.

Convenor Jim Palmer says up to

500 people throughout the weekend walked the line to a front row seat for the 37th edition of the awards, and the winners of each age group are entitled to compete at the New Zealand Country Music Entertainer of the Year in October 2025.

The age groups included juniors, intermediates, seniors and veterans.

“We hope that we’re going to promote country music in New Zealand, try and get it more mainstream, and bringing on more young people is a big thing,” he says.

Long Stay Carpark.

To reﬂect this, charges for this carpark will be the same as the Main Carpark for short stays but get cheaper per day the longer you stay.

We’ll also be applying a modest inﬂation-based increase to the standard hourly rate for airport parking of 20c an hour. Your ﬁrst 15 minutes remains free.

Murchison’s Richard McCallum sang Guitars and Cadillacs in the Veteran Country Rock section. Photo: Gordon Preece.

Why doesn’t Tasman have any councillors under 30?

MAX FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter

With just one year until the next local government elections, getting more young people elected is a challenge across the country and Tasman is no different.

Despite having 14 elected members – a mayor and 13 councillors – none of the district’s current representatives are under the age of 30, unlike almost one third of its residents.

Joni Tomsett was 29 when she ran for a seat on the council last election. She missed out by just 22 votes.

Having previously sat on the Motueka Community Board, she ran for council in the hopes of ensuring the district’s trajectory aligned with the future she believed her generation envisioned.

“Tasman District Council faces many wicked problems in terms of housing, transport, and the environment, and planning for those in a sustainable manner is a big job,” she says.

“I wanted to be involved.”

A staunch believer in representa-

tion, Joni says that everyone experiences the district differently and younger people can offer a different view to consider changes. But getting onto council is not without its barriers.

Understanding council processes and the complex challenges facing the district, as well as financial sacrifice, were the key hurdles for Joni.

“It’s important to acknowledge how time-poor and financially-constrained some young people are, and it can be quite time consuming for people to engage with council processes,” she says. Members of the Richmond Youth Council agree.

Vice-chair Bonnie Hughes, 15, says the consideration of the youth perspective was “vital” but

she wouldn’t currently consider running for council in the future.

“It’s a hard thing for a young person to do.”

Familiarity with the council was low as it wasn’t taught at school, she said, and young people were further disincentivised from running because of the “insane workload” and poor remuneration on which it was difficult to raise a family.

Youth council member Jack Hall, 14, agrees, adding that there were social barriers in peoples’ perception of who should be sitting on council. As a result, Bonnie says, “youth perspective isn’t being heard because there isn’t that balance of ages and representation”.

Jack describes the lack of input from young people as a problem.

“We’re also the voice that needs to be heard because … we are the future.”

Safeguarding the future of the district for young people is a priority for councillor Trindi Walker, who is one of the district council’s representatives on the Richmond Youth Council.

“If we don’t listen to their voice

and look at what their needs are and their wishes and wants, they’re not going to be here.”

She said there were many barriers for younger people getting involved, from remuneration to the structure of local government, but her current priority was trying to shift perceptions.

“There is a big gap between what they believe local government is and the part that they could play, to what they’re currently able to see or deliver on.”

Joni is now living is Australia and won’t be running next year, but she says the district can “benefit hugely” from the perspective of young people and so any who were thinking of running shouldn’t be dissuaded.

“Contact someone who inspires you and ask them for advice or mentorship. Like anything, you will learn as you go and there are many people who will be so happy to help support you.”

Twilight gala set to roll

ANNE HARDIE

Food, activities, and plenty of community spirit will set the scene for the Wakefield School Twilight Gala on Saturday.

This year, the haunted house is back and joins other favourite activities such as the pony and motorbike rides, with the band Gentle Giant delivering the music. The silent auction is another favourite and, of course, the food, from hamburgers to spit roast. One of the organisers, Sonia Emmerson, says it is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the parent and teacher com-

munity (PTC) and the money will be put to good use.

“This year’s fundraising is for teacher aide time in 2025. It’s the thing the teachers tell us makes the biggest difference in the classroom.”

The gala kicks off at 3pm and she says it is one of the biggest events on the calendar for the community.

“It’s an opportunity for the community to get out and mix and mingle and pick up some bargains as well. We’re putting in our request for fine weather, but it will be going ahead rain or shine.”

Proposed Plan Change 79 –Deferred Zoning

The Tasman Resource Management Plan (TRMP) has been updated to reflect our decision to notify Proposed Plan Change 79 –Deferred Zoning. The submission period for Proposed Plan Change 79 opens Monday 4 November and closes at 4.30 pm Friday 13 December.

An updated version of the TRMP is available online at tasman.govt.nz/volume-1-text

For further information including a copy of Plan Change 79 documents and how to make a submission, please refer to the full version of this notice at tasman.govt.nz/ news-and-notices or email TRMP admin on tasmanrmp@tasman.govt.nz.

Email: info@tasman.govt.nz Website: tasman.govt.nz Ph: 03 543 8400

Youth councillors Jack Hall, 14, and Bonnie Hughes, 15, say the voice of young people is “vital” for the future of the district. Photo: Max Frethey.

Last year’s popular ‘train’ ride behind the tractor will be back this year. Photo: Supplied.

Tales of a southern woman back in town

ANNE HARDIE

After writing her first book about her escapades as a townie thrown into farming life when she married a Southland farmer, Marg McCorkindale is now launching her second book about heading back to town.

A Southern Woman Goes to Town is a collection of short and humorous stories about life in a Queenstown menswear business that she ran with her husband Norm after moving off their Southland farm. Today, the couple are residents in the Olive Estate Lifestyle Village in Richmond and her books are about “reminiscing and humour”.

The couple moved to Queenstown in the late 80s when the town was yet to become the tourist destination it is today, and running a menswear shop was a complete change of lifestyle for both of them.

“We loved farming, but it gets to the stage you have to make some decisions. Norm was used to the farm, so it did take a bit of adjustment.”

The shop was about people and they provided plenty of

Marg McCorkindale has published her second book on her life from townie, to farm, to town. Photo: Supplied.

entertainment. Such as the Australian customer who took a liking to the mannequin and the French shopper who refused to use the dressing room and stripped to his underwear in the shop to try on clothes.

“The book is about those inci-

dences in the shop; short stories looking at the humorous side of the situations.”

Her book launch is being held at the Paragon Eatery on 14 November at 4pm and she says there is possibly a third book still to come.

Gumboot men take on an Ironman

ANDREW BOARD

Be prepared for a power outage

Our priority is to always respond and restore power supply faults as quickly as we can. However, when an outage takes longer than usual, a little planning and preparation goes a long way.

What to do if the power goes out?

z Make sure heaters, elements on your stove and other appliances are turned off to ensure they don’t turn back on unnoticed when the power is restored.

z Keep your fridge and freezer closed, they will maintain their temperature for a while after the power goes out. If you need to open the doors, be as quick as possible.

Things that can help you manage a power outage:

z A torch and spare batteries – to reduce the risk of fire, we recommend that you don’t use candles.

Two local men are taking their fundraising efforts for Gumboot Friday to the extreme – completing an Ironman to raise as much cash as possible. Glen Martin and Dave Orme will be swimming 3.9 km at the Richmond Aquatic Centre, cycling 180 km around the Saxton Velodrome, and finishing with a 42.5 km marathon at the Saxton athletics track, the equivalent of an Ironman race. This isn’t their first fundraising effort, but it’s certainly the toughest. Their previous stationary cycling event in 2022 smashed their $5000 goal by quadrupling it. This time, they’re hoping to raise at least $10,000 for the mental health charity, though both men believe the community can far surpass that.

“Why an Ironman? Well, after the bike ride fundraiser we did a couple of years ago, which raised almost $22,000, we wanted to push ourselves harder,” says Glen. “It’s all about doing something that people can appreciate, you know, so they’ll hopefully be more generous.”

The challenge isn’t just physical, though. Dave pointed out the mental battle they’ll face as they circle the velodrome and track for hours. “It’s easy when you’re heading towards a destination, but when you’re going round in circles, the mental side is huge,” he says. “We’ll be leaning on each other a lot to get through.”

Starting at 5:30am this coming Saturday with the swim, they aim to wrap up around midnight. The velodrome will be a hive of activity, with a bouncy castle, bake sale, and even a barbecue manned by Glen’s father. “I’m looking forward to a big steak sandwich during the bike,” Glen jokes.

The pair are no strangers to endurance sports, thanks to their background in CrossFit, but neither has completed an Ironman before. Glen and Dave encourage locals to come along and support them. Whether it’s cheering them on, buying a cupcake, or just soaking up the atmosphere at the velodrome. Or you can donate to their effort by visiting Givealittle and searching ‘Ironman Challenge’.

z A mobile phone and a charged battery bank – to ensure you can keep your mobile phone going throughout the outage.

z A radio and spare batteries.

z A supply of water that isn’t dependent on an electric pump.

z A barbeque or gas cooker – along with spare gas.

z A non-electrical heating source.

z Instructions on how to manually operate an electric garage door or gate – if you need to leave your property while your power is out, you may need to manually operate an electric garage door to do so.

If a member of your household is medically dependent on electricity, make sure they have a plan for what to do if the power goes off and let your electricity retailer know.

Safety is our priority. Please remember the power can be restored at any time, so treat all lines, electrical installations and wirings as live. Rest assured; we will be working hard to get your power back on as quickly as possible.

Also, in the event of a crisis, Civil Defence have a range of detailed information on how you can be prepared to manage a crisis; visit getready.govt.nz for more information. We recommend you go to the Nelson Tasman Civil Defence website for regional advice.

Dave Orme, left, and Glen Martin are preparing for their Gumboot Friday fundraiser this Saturday. Photo: Andrew Board.

Casting a kaimoana market

GORDON PREECE

Anchoring the Top of the South aquaculture sector is the target for three novice skippers of a kaimoana (seafood) market.

Husband and wife Timo and Olivia Neubauer, along with Lisa Dunker, are the steering group behind Nelson Fish Market at Port Nelson this summer to celebrate local aquaculture as the city’s holy grail.

Timo, who operates an agritourism business with his wife, says the idea was broached following last year’s What if Whakatū Nelson? discussion space and the City Revitalisation Summit in March.

“We were thinking about what makes Nelson different from any other place in the country, and

one of the points that is out there is one of our biggest industries is the fishing industry,” he says.

“You can’t quite sense that when you’re in Nelson so why don’t we bring it out into the open and actually have a fish market? Celebrate the fishing industry and bring the fishermen and the people of Nelson together so they can interact directly.

“It’s a real opportunity for the fishing industry here to showcase what it’s up to… it’s not often that people really get to see it or really understand what people do [at the port]. There’s so much great stuff going on,” Olivia adds.

“It’s also a matter of bringing some competition to the market… as opposed to a fish shop, a market has got different entities competing for selling their fish.”

Timo says the market could also be a catch for beleaguered fishers.

“Once we started diving into the topic… we realised that our independent fishermen are really doing it tough, and this market would be a real opportunity for them to get a leg up and have direct retail sales, which would make a huge difference to their bottom line,” he says.

“We’ve also had a lot of discussions with Port Nelson, Nelson City Council and The Ministry [for Primary Industries], and I

Whakatinanahia ō Manako

BELIEVE IT. BECOME IT.

Begin study this February

have to say they’ve all been incredibly supportive of the idea.”

Timo says details for the maiden market this summer were being finalised and Top of the South seafood vendors can get involved by taking a stall, whether it’s fish, mussels, oysters or other seafood.

“We’re looking at once a week… it really depends on what works best for the fishermen and the initial trial will just be for six months, and if that proves to be successful, then hopefully we’ll be growing from there,” he says.

“The market is funded mainly through stallholder fees and we’re hoping that we could access other funds.

“We’ve got a vision where the fish market grows into a real destination for Nelson and have it in a permanent market building on the waterfront with co-located hospitality, restaurants, takeaways, and maybe even a wine bar.” Contact nelsonfishmarket@ gmail.com if you’re interested in having a stall at the Nelson Fish Market.

Nelson Fish Market organisers Olivia Neubauer, left, Timo Neubauer and Lisa Dunker are in uncharted territory. Photo: Gordon Preece.

Tasman cuts road safety spending after NZTA funding gap

MAX FRETHEY

Local Democracy Reporter

A $5m hole in funding means less will be spent on road safety improvements in Tasman over the next three years than what had originally been planned.

Tasman District Council was not successful in all its funding bids to the New Zealand Transport Agency, leaving a $5 million hole between the council’s budgets and the funds it has available for the work.

The funding gap affects the 202427 period and left the council with the question of whether it can continue to fund all the work.

However, the council received an additional $2.1 million from NZTA in the 2018-21 period, and an additional $2.4 million in the 2021-24 period.

As such, transportation manager Jamie McPherson told elected members on Thursday that he was “quietly confident” that the council would eventually receive additional funding for pothole prevention and local road operations, which includes maintaining bridges, retaining walls, the environment, road signs, and streetlights.

But it was road safety and hazard mitigation works, along with footpath and cycleway works and

There will be fewer road safety improvements, like the River Terrace Road guardrail installed last year, over the next three years. Photo: Supplied. Mayor Tim King voted against raising the council’s spending, to try and limit future rates increases. Photo: Max Frethey.

maintenance, where Jamie had concerns after NZTA had “pretty much closed the door” on any additional funding. He requested the council approve an extra $1.47 million over the next three years to top-up the work in those areas which had been budgeted for but now lacked funding. Looking at 2024/25, that would mean an extra $453,000 of spending – equivalent to a 0.4 per cent rates increase.

The consequences of not approving the funding could impact the council’s ability to attend road

safety issues as they arise, as well as worse footpath conditions and deferring projects wanted by the community, such as the Upper Moutere shared path.

“There are a range of impacts, but it’s hard to get specific about exactly what those impacts would be,” he said.

“It comes with risk. But some risks, as we know, don’t pan out.”

Elected members voted against topping-up the funding in a bid to keep the council to its forecast future rates increases.

“Any increase in expenditure,

both in this year and the programme, will put significant pressure on the currently suggest 7 per cent rate increase for the following year,” said Mayor Tim King.

But councillor Mark Greening thought that instead of leaving the works unfunded, money should be re-directed from “less important” priorities, such as community facilities like the Tapawera community hub.

Councillors didn’t support that suggestion, though the district’s planned community facilities

are not funded by general rates and so diverting funds from that specific area would not have been possible anyway.

An NZTA spokesperson said that the Top of the South had received 66 per cent more funding for local road operations and pothole prevention in the 2024-27 period than in 2021-24, a $190 million increase.

Tasman specifically requested $76.3 million for 2024-27 and received $73.9 million from NZTA, up from $50.7 million in 2021-24. Of the $73.9 million allocated to the district, $50.7 can only be used on pothole prevention. “Local councils will have to operate and make their decisions within the local road funding they have been allocated.” Funding allocated by NZTA is determined by the policy direction from the Government. As such, the council received no contribution from NZTA for lowcost and low-risk improvements for public transport infrastructure, walking and cycling, and for local road improvements like hazard mitigation, and rural road and road safety improvements.

Out&About

Basil Turnbull, Laurel Turnbull and Peter Cairns

Dan and Tamsin Cosgrove

Diane Mikaere, Donna Finlayson, and Lou Reeves

Fiona and Kevin Stephens

Greg Harkerss, Debi McGirr-Harkerss

Lana and Phil Doublet

Laurie Rowse and Jim Reeves

Liz Donaldson and Dave Wilson

Matt Hantler, Arun O’Connor and Bex Brooks

Ruth Lau, Les Stilwell and Mary Price

Local History

Making a river crossing safe at Wai-iti

The need for a bridge across the Wai-iti River at Wakefield to enable the settlers of Dovedale, Pigeon Valley and surrounding country districts to travel in safety across the river was highlighted in April 1884 when Mr Cowin and his son narrowly escaped a fatal accident. They were driving home, their cart full of supplies when in crossing the river they fell into a hole that had been scoured out, resulting in the horse and vehicle going over a steep bank into deep water. Although they escaped with their lives, they lost all the stores, and the horse.

In April, ratepayers were canvassed, asking for consent to be rated at the extent of £50 a year for 10 years to build a bridge under the Roads and Bridge Construction Act. Ratepayers voted

and the result was overwhelmingly for the scheme.

Two thousand pounds was approved by the Public Works Department and tenders opened in June 1884 with 11 received by the closing date. Henry Baigent was the successful applicant and by November 1884, he had made good progress on the bridge de-

signed by Mr Akerston. The approaches were filled with gravel taken from the riverbed and the first row of piles were driven into place. The bridge was built of heart of totara cut from trees at Baigent’s mill in Tākaka.

The opening on 7 April 1885, became a gala day for the country communities. Access was now

possible to Wakefield from Pigeon Valley, Dovedale and other districts, irrespective of the state of the river.

After a celebratory luncheon, the Wakefield Brass Band played a selection of music before a procession formed in the Wakefield Recreation Grounds with J. Thomas acting as marshall. A double line of around 120 school children, Juvenile Rechabites, Good Templars, and Oddfellows formed. The Hon Mr Shephard, Rev. Baker, Mr Akersten, Mr H. Baigent, and the members of the Council and Road Board walked between the two lines preceded by the Band while many residents also joined in. The procession marched round the corner and through the village to the new bridge where Mr and Mrs E. Baigent were in readiness to join in.

The completed bridge consisted of ten spans of 35 feet each. The

Jungle Fever takes over teaching team

A classroom full of local kindy teachers, along with a few extras, will try their hand at performing over the next two weekends in aid of raising funds for the region’s tamariki.

Jungle Fever brings together the group of performers for a show of fun, lipsyncing and hilarity at Broadgreen Inter-

mediate.Production team

member Margie Meleisea says last year the show raised $36k which went back into local kindergartens enabling children to have excursions or experiences that wouldn’t otherwise be able to be budgeted for.

“We were also able to upgrade some resources at the hospital kindergarten, they use portable dvds for their

patients so we replaced them and some other resources,”

Margie says.

She says, this year the script that she’s written follows the journey of a group of passengers who start on a cruise and end up on a jungle safari, and all the mayhem that comes with the journey.

The show will involve three teachers who have performed every year since the first show

and some who are hitting the stage for the first time.

“One of the cool things this year, is a number of kindy parent-owned businesses have come on board to support the show,” Margie adds.

To buy tickets to the two evenings that still have availablity - Saturday 2 or Friday 9 November - visit Trybooking.com searching Jungle Fever.

total length was 354 feet, whilst its width was 14 feet outride measurement. It was built on the Corbie and Stringer principle with auxiliary girders, making it very strong and the decking was virtually level though provision for preventing rainwater lodging was secured by having the righthand side of the bridge (as one passed from Wakefield) slightly lower than the opposite side, thus giving a slight fall and enabling water to flow through the scupper holes provided. A scony railing set off the structure, and the piers were protected against floating logs in a simple but effective manner. The bridge was decorated with flags and native palms. Following the procession, the bridge was declared open for traffic. A bullock dray was driven across, as though to assert the importance of the first form of transport used in the Colony.

ROBYN PARKES

First bridge across Wai-iti river, 1885. Photo: Nelson Provincial Museum, N Baigent Collection.

SARA HOLLYMAN

Kindergarten teachers and supporters are taking to the stage this weekend for an evening of fun and laughter in support of Nelson Tasman Kindergarten Association. Photo: Sara Hollyman.

Have your say:

sara@topsouthmedia.co.nz facebook.com/waimeaweekly

Worried about kids on bikes and scooters

Very worried about kids on bikes and scooters before and after school. I was walking up Queen Street this morning at 8.10am and I got to the alley way next to the Swiss bakers, when an older child came bombing onto Queen Street from the alley way, he was so close to hitting me, it really frightened me. He did say sorry. At around 3pm every school day, [ I work at Tangos shoe shop] kids come across the crossing on bikes and scooters opposite Tangos shoes, they don’t even look half of them and they are going so fast, I tell elderly customers to go careful when leaving the store as one day someone is going to be knocked down by one of these kids, they seem to have no concept of the speed and injury they could cause, and an elderly person wouldn’t get over such an injury.

I had a real near miss this morning and carrying on up to the crossing

by Specsavers another lad shot out of Pat’s Plazza, and a lady walking the other way towards me shook her head. There is going to be a real bad accident soon if they don’t slow down or look where they are going. They need to treat these alley ways as a junction, God help us when they get behind the wheel of a car.

Ann Mcmurray

Faulkner Bush play space a destination

So love this for Wakefield, definitely will be spending lots of time here.

Brianna Lee Sinclair

Mountainbiker completes treble

Well done Pippi, great article.

Natalie English

Wahoo Pippi! Proud mama I bet, Jenny Cooper. So lucky to have calibre of Alistair and Karin Gembus.

event to be part of! We’re so appreciative of everyone’s hard work and generous support. Looking forward to the next one.

Cancer Society Nelson Tasman

It was an amazing day. Thank you all for your support and for making it such an epic event!

Richmond Glass Mowsworth Rampage

Weaving people together for 30 years

Waimea Weekly, thank you so much for the well-written article with lovely photo capture to match, telling our Multicultural Nelson Tasman story and humble beginnings. We are truly, deeply grateful. Thank you so much for supporting our ethnic migrants’ and refugees’ communities, and for continuing to be part of our multicultural whānau.

I also would like to commend your inclusion of ethnic migrants stories in the news and Out & About photos, including the Street Talks, reflecting the changing face of Aotearoa, and the increasing ethnic diversity in the Nelson region, as reflected in the latest Census 2023 Stat NZ results. Ka rawe!

Golden Bay LTD | Servicing all of the Tasman region TG |027 688 5699 |5259582

Jacinda Stevenson

Just like her parents but a younger model. Go Pippi.

Anna Salek

The Beast set to be unleashed on hill climb

Well, that looks like a winner. All the best, Brad. Julianne Jordan

How good is that!!!!

Scott Daly

Wow Brad, very clever! Have a blast out there.

Linda Huxford

The next Motueka Talking Café: Motueka Library, 32 Wallace Street Wednesday, 19th June, 10-11.30am Wednesday, 17th July, 10-11.30am

For more details: wellby.org.nz or phone (03) 546 7681

Ngā mihi nui, Marie Lindaya, ONZM (Service to Multicultural Communities)

Nelson swimmers star at international meet

Well done, William (and Brooke and Glen). So good to see you continue to excel after all the relentless hours in the pool.

Waimea College Sport

All the very best team, go well.

Eric Peterson

Well done, coach Glen, you are doing a great job with Team Nelson South, and congratulations to your swimmers.

Elizabeth Anne Peipi

Best of luck, Brad. Looks like it should do the job. We’ll done.

Trish Jordan

Lawn legends unleashed

An incredible event, we felt lucky to be part of the day. Thank you for your fantastic fundraising efforts!

Nelson Tasman Hospice

It sure was fun! Great pic, guys.

Tracy Manning

The Mowsworth Rampage was an amazing

Glen, you’re a champ coach.

Jon Ward

Awww congrats, William and Brooke... and Glen.

Lisa Stove

Yes!! Brooke and William, you two rock!!!!

Lesley Kotua

Brothers in arms at table tennis nationals

Brilliant event. Well done to all participants. Saxton Field

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Located on Quarantine Rd, opposite Mitre 10 Mega and the WOW Museum, the awardwinning gastropub The Speight's Ale House is the ideal place for Christmas work functions.

This modern, new-look premises has capacity for small and large groups with plenty of indoor seating, and outside there is a large open space and sundrenched garden bar area. The Speights Ale House is well known for its good healthy portions of southern-style food, Speight’s exclusive range of awardwinning tap beer, including Panhead and extensive wine list, so it’s the ideal place for functions. “We also have a courtesy coach available for pickup and drop off.” says co-owner Chris Watson. For great food and friendly service,

come to The Speight's Ale House this Christmas. Bookings are essential.

phone 03 547 7336 or email: admin@alehousenelson.co.nz.

For reservations, please use the form on the website: www.alehouse.co.nz. To find out more,

If you’re looking for somewhere to hold your end of year function or staff Christmas party, look no further than Cable Bay Adventure Park – Nelson’s number one adventure destination!

Our park is set amongst 400 hectares of regenerating native forest, boasting stunning views over Cable Bay, Delaware Bay, and D’Urville island. Our main attraction is the Skywire –one of the world’s longest flying fox experiences! Journey on 1.6km of slacked cable soaring high over the valley floor, reaching speeds of up to 100kmph. Other big draw cards to the park include our guided quad bike tours, paintball matches, mountainbiking and bespoke team building experiences.

We have two stunning venues to offer, our unique Skywire Café set amongst the tree canopy and our Base Café, both licensed until late with different catering options available for all group sizes.

Cable Bay Adventure Park are happy to customise packages to suit your group including a combination of different activities, transport, catering and more.

Get in touch with our team for more information or for a packaged quote deal, You can email our team

at; info@cablebayadventurepark. com or call us on 03 545 0304.

Celebrate in style with a fully customisable private yacht charter experience around the harbour and stunning Abel Tasman National Park, through Gourmet Sailing. With room for up to 30 people for a day cruise, or two nights' accommodation for up to eight guests, the spacious 65-foot yacht is ideal for any occasion including a family getaway, work function, or corporate event.

Owner Andy holds a wealth of experience in the industry and loves sharing the beauty of the region with his guests. Guests

will enjoy a comfortable, luxurious experience on the water and catering from the yacht’s personal chef or opt to self-cater. With a fully licensed bar on board, it's perfect for celebrating special occasions. Payment is for exclusive use of the boat, whether it's one guest or thirty! Spaces are still available for Christmas and New Year, so gather your group and set sail for a memorable adventure.

Greenacres Golf Club is a NZ top 40-rated course set in the beautiful Waimea Inlet with magnificent parkland scenery and stunning water views.

“We’re a friendly and relaxed

Left: Host Kimberly Coldren with stewardess Grace Winnington serving guests aboard Gourmet Sailing’s 65ft yacht.

club, and we ensure golf is for everyone” says manager Brendon Whitley.

“Over the summer break, we’re a popular destination for visitors of all abilities and ages. Our mission is to provide every golfer with a positive and memorable experience”.

The club has a vibrant membership and there are some great summer memberships running. “We have specials for ladies, for new members and for juniors” says Brendon. Not only are there specials over the summer but also She Loves Golf, which is a fun workshop for ladies new to golf and includes coaching, a muffin and coffee from the café, and a few holes for free. Greenacres offers everything required: A top-rated course, affordable prices, a friendly atmosphere and great facilities. To find out more visit www.greenacresgolfclub.

co.nz

Experience a magical Christmas at The Anchor Restaurant in Nelson, where festive cheer meets culinary excellence. Located by the picturesque Nelson Yacht Marina, the Anchor Restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for celebrating the holiday season.

Their special Christmas menu features an array of delectable dishes, including the freshest local seafood, tender steaks, and a variety of vegetarian delights. The restaurant’s attentive staff and exceptional service ensure that your dining experience is both enjoyable and memorable.

With its stunning marina views and cozy indoor and outdoor seating options, the Anchor Restaurant provides the ideal setting for a festive gathering with family and friends. Whether you’re indulging in a traditional Christmas feast or savouring their signature creations, you’ll find the perfect blend of flavours and festive spirit. Be sure to book your table early to secure a spot for a delightful Christmas celebration by the water.

Located in central Stoke, The Turf Hotel and Bach Restaurant is the best place to host your Christmas function, fundraiser, get-together or breakup do.

Open for function bookings, owner Stan Holland says to get in early and book your gathering. “Get in early and get in touch with us. We can sort set menus with lots of different options to cater for all different types of functions.”

Proud of its great food and fantastic service, Bach Restaurant offers a warm and friendly environment for groups large and small, while the Turf Hotel offers a great atmosphere, good music, great food, fine wines and cold beers! Their two separate websites make it easy to view what's on offer at each venue. Check out thebachstoke.co.nz or turfhotel. co.nz or contact 03 547 7791 for more information.

Set in the beautiful Waimea Inlet on Best Island, Richmond. We offer everything required for a great day of golf in the sunny Nelson Tasman region.

Photo shows Mary Jordan and Linda Carrick who were runner-up at the chartered clubs ladies nationals 2024.

Indoor bowls season ends

Indoor bowls is a sport that can be played and enjoyed by all age groups from young to old, and it is great to see a mix of ages playing.

The season has come to an end for 2024 and the 2025 season will commence in March 2025.

The season has given

the section some good results for the year where we have had a number of our members selected to play in the rep teams throughout the year.

One of our ladies, Mary Jordan, played and won the Ladies Champion of Champions for 2024, along with pairing with Linda Carrick to be

runner-up at the Clubs NZ Ladies nationals.

Then to top the season off Club Waimea played the interclub and won the trophy for 2024 with having gone through the year unbeaten, which is a great achievement.

So until the 2025 season we wish you all a safe and happy Christmas.

Photo shows the interclub team that played and won the 2024 season. Left to right Linda Carrick, John Kenmare, Jean Mckenzie, Kevin McKenzie and Mary Jordan, absent were Monica Kennedy and Lewis Dellabosca.

CLUB WAIMEA

Simply Sensational - Sun City Rockers 'American Graffiti' 25th Birthday Dance

On 28th September 2024 Sun City Rockers Nelson Incorporated celebrated twenty-five years of Rock and Roll in the Nelson / Tasman area with an “American Graffiti” dance at Club Waimea.

Formed in 1999 by a dedicated group of enthusiastic dancers, the club, which is now based at Club Waimea, continues to thrive with a strong base of dedicated members and supporters.

Planning for this event began in 2023 and really gained momen-

tum in 2024 with regular meetings to organise what turned out to be an extremely successful evening with around 140 people in attendance.

Christchurch band Sweetazz did a wonderful job with their uptempo rock ‘n’ roll music that kept people dancing all night. There were many highlights to the evening. Participants were not only able to admire the beautiful ’32 Ford Roadster and the ’56 Chevrolet on arrival, they were

also able to view the wonderful display of rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia in the Club Waimea display window. There was also a best “dressed competition” that many took part in. Sponsors were also very generous with their support resulting in raffle sales of $1,000+. Thank you.

Participants were glowing in their praise of the dance, describing it as a 'fabulous evening,' with some commenting that they would like to see 'the same again next year'.

Sun 17 November – from 3pm Phil Marshall

Sat 23 November – Craig Allott

Sat 30 November – Nine95

Sat 7 December – Retro

Judi Eunson and Peter Grigg have done a great job of organising this monthly event, visiting all sorts of different destinations, and with a lucky draw each time and some great prizes, our numbers continue to grow, so come on down and join us.

Sunday 20th October saw around 50 people pack up their cars, trike, Harley Davidson, and head off to The Lodge at St Arnaud for lunch and refreshments to celebrate one year of Car Runs.

It was a beautiful day so lunch

out at the picnic tables, Judi serving out birthday cake, and then Donna Rae winning the lucky draw, (a weekend's accommodation at the lake), lots of laughter was had by all. Keep an eye on your email for the next date and destination.

Waimea Club Car Run

• Beach House

• Powered Sites

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Pakawau Beach Park is found at the Northern end of Golden Bay. We are surrounded by natures wonders and beauty.

Walk over the most northern form park to the famous Archway Islands of Wharariki Beach, Pillar Point with amazing views of Farewell Spit. The wilds of the West Coast and many other local attractions are calling.

Pakawau Beach Park sits on the beach front enabling you to enjoy the sound of the waves meeting the shore, waking to amazing sunrises over the sea.

Come and pitch your tent, park your camper van or stay in one of our beach front cabins. Relax on the beach or have a

Gina’s Garden dream blooms

ELOISE MARTYN

In the heart of Brightwater, Gina Chalmers has transformed her longheld dream into reality with the launch of her family-friendly, pick-your-own flower farm.

Once horse paddocks, the vibrant rows of blossoms now stretch far and wide, ready to invite visitors to immerse themselves in nature’s beauty.

“My love for picking flowers began many years ago, inspired by my mum and nana who both had a deep passion for flower gardening. It grew stronger when I found Louise Curley’s book The Cut Flower Patch. That's when I truly fell in love with growing cut flowers—sorry, veggie garden!” Gina chuckles.

Originally based in Stoke, Gina's garden gradually expanded and spilled into her neighbour’s yard, who appreciated the view of vibrant blooms and encouraged her to continue expanding in their yard.

Now, with a recent move to three acres in Brightwater, Gina’s garden dream is becoming everything she envisioned.

“When I married my husband Andrew I wanted a beautiful garden wedding,

but the restrictions and costs of using designated catering and drinks services were restricting. I kept thinking there should be more options for gardens that are beautiful yet affordable places where you can bring your own catering and drinks instead of being tied to theirs,” Gina explains.

In addition to the pick-your-own flower farm which will be up and running this summer, Gina is working hard to create a dedicated venue for weddings and birthday parties, aiming for completion by summer 2026.

“I’ve always dreamed of having a patch of land to turn into a flower farm, and I love seeing people delight in the flowers. When you simply sell them, you miss out on that experience,” she says.

“It’s been very exciting, yet busy. Seeing the progress we’ve made here in just six months has been truly amazing!”

“I can’t wait until February when everything will be in full swing, flourishing and beautiful. I’m looking forward to welcoming everyone to experience this with us.”

The Hapori fruit and vege boxes have got off to a slow start in Brightwater, but Paul Milson is hoping the service will fill the gap left by Kai with Love when it closed at the beginning of the year. As vicar of the Brightwater Community Anglican Church that acts as the distribution centre, he says up to 40 families used to collect their free fruit and vegetables from Kai with Love, but those numbers also built up slowly. The Hapori boxes are $15 and he says most of the people buying them so far are doing so for the conveniency, value for money and even environmental reasons because of less travel. Photo: Anne Hardie.

Gina Chalmers has turned her longheld dream into reality by converting three acres of

Nelson Tigers set to roar back to life

STEPHEN STUART

Six years after fading away, the Nelson Tigers are being relaunched with an injection of youth.

In fact, at 19, you could probably get away with calling the Superstocks team captain Blake Hearne a motorsport cub.

But it is that young enthusiasm which has former Tigers star Shane Harwood right behind reviving his old team.

“These young guys are interested in representing the Nelson province. It is a pride thing for them, so we, three or four of us, are just in the background doing what we can to help them out,” says Shane, taking a break from getting his own Superstock ready to race. Whether it is with admin, advice or just rounding up the five of them in the pits for an interview.

“Shane is definitely a guy you look up to. He’s a GOAT

(Greatest of All Time) in local speedway circles,” declares Blake.

Not just Nelson actually, as Shane was part of the Nelson Tigers when they won the 2010 Superstocks Team Championships in Palmerston North.

If you haven’t seen the victory celebration scenes, check them out on the internet.

The Tigers also triumphed in Auckland in 2014.

It is a tough act to follow for Blake, Callum Russ, Matt Inwood, Ben Taylor and Alex Hill.

Blake has been around speedway since he was five years old and remembers all the hype the Tigers generated.

What the Trinder Engineering apprentice forgot to mention is that he is following in his father Justin’s path. Dad was also a team captain, leading the Tasman Thunder.

“He gave up racing so me and my brother could come

through the ranks, starting with mini stocks,” says the Richmond driver who has kept his father’s No. 83 on his car.

While competing in Palmerston North is still seen as the ultimate test, Blake acknowledges the rookies aren’t ready for that brutal level of crash and bash yet.

Their immediate mission is hosting a Christchurch development team on 16 November.

“They probably expect to come up here and knock us over but we will give it our best shot to try to beat them,” warns the team captain, who can’t wait to get their racing stripes on the Superstocks.

Having former individual national champion Shane Harwood in their corner will certainly help the cause.

“The Nelson Tigers Team was really good and will be again. It just takes time,’” insists Shane.

National ocean swim returns to Nelson

New Zealand’s national ocean swim series returns to Nelson after nearly five years when swimmers hit the water off Tāhuna Beach on Saturday, November 2.

The Big Tahuna is race two of the Banana Boat series and includes racing over distances from 100m to 3.2km.

Last here in March 2019, the series was disrupted by Covid and business changes, then held off Christchurch and Wellington as one of the preferred locations for this season.

The main race, over a triangular course off Tāhuna Beach, has attracted nearly 300 entrants from all over New Zealand, including a large contingent from Nelson.

Hopes will be high for age group medals, with Nelson College for Girls student Lilly Claridge the top contender for overall honours. It will be just two weeks since Lil-

ly took third place overall in the women’s field at the 3.2km Harbour Crossing in Auckland and she’s been training hard to get the best possible result from the Nelson race. At the other end of the age spectrum, Nelson’s 82-year-old Bishop Derek Eaton will be going for gold in his age group. Also included in the programme are swims over 1.3km and 500m. Young swimmers between the ages of seven and 12 are encouraged to take part in OceanKids swims of 100m or 200m. Entry for these races is free, with each competitor taking away a medal along with their free swim cap. Registration for the OceanKids events is at 10.30am on the beach.

Spectators will have great views of the 3.2km race from Rocks Rd.

The Big Tahuna starts at 10am on a course that circuits Fifeshire Rock. Full detail at oceanswim.co.nz

The Nelson Tigers Development Team. Callum Russ, left, Matt Inwood, Blake Hearne, Ben Taylor and Alex Hill in the pits at the speedway track in Appleby.

PETER GIBBS

Lilly Claridge will be aiming to improve on her third placing in the recent 3.2km Auckland Harbour Crossing. Photo: Peter Gibbs.

Trio putting it best foot forward

STEPHEN STUART

Nelson couple Graeme Kettle and Andrea Jones are hoping to kick, punch and block their way at the World Taekwondo Poomsae Championship in Hong Kong next month.

It is the first time Graeme, who has attained the rank of Master by becoming a 4th dan, and 3rd dan Andrea will represent New Zealand at the worlds.

Joining them is 17-year-old Waimea College student Kiara Puche-Struben, who is already a 2nd dan.

The martial artists have been putting in some gruelling training ahead of the competition.

“We went to a training camp in Christchurch earlier this month, under national coach Anthony Chan, and were on the mat from 9am on Saturday to 9.55pm at night.

“And then we were back at it from nine the next morning,” says Graeme, who works for Nelmac at its Bell Island Wastewater Treatment Plant

The 49-year-old admits he has been “wasted” by the competition a few times in the past.

“I have had a shoulder and two

knee reconstructions but I am in really good shape at the moment,” confirms the black belt.

Through the sport he met Andrea who tutors in commerce and IT at NMIT.

They are both instructors at Richmond Taekwondo where Kiara has been a stand-out there.

“She is our protegee with so much potential,” enthuses Graeme.

All three comfortably secured enough rating points to qualify for the world championships, but it involved a lot of travel.

“We have been to six tournaments. Christchurch, Auckland and everywhere in between. And between us, we won gold at all the events.”

But they have realistic expectations at the international level where more than 50 countries are competing.

“Just getting through the first round is the immediate goal and we will bring that experience home,” says Graeme.

Richmond Taekwondo was formed by 6th dan Hamish Wybrow and operates out of the Henley School hall.

“It is booming. We have more than a hundred students across three classes, from five-year-olds

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to adults,” declares Graeme. Getting to Hong Kong is expensive, try $6,000 each, so the trio has been busy fundraising.

The 16 strong New Zealand team wasn’t named until September which didn’t leave them a lot of time to boost the coffers.

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Busy fundraising for their trip to the Taekwondo World Championships. Manning the barbecue at the Junction are Master Graeme Kettle, left, Andrea Jones and Alfredo Puche Lozoya, whose daughter Kiara rounds out the locals contingent. Photo: Stephen Stuart.

A winning formula of muscle and balance

ANNE HARDIE

It takes grit and determination to build up the muscle and strength that former Wakefield lad, Ashley Langbein, needed to win Australia’s national bodybuilding title for men’s classic physique. His parents watched the competition live this month from their home in Wakefield, as Ashley went through the various poses to display the right symmetry of muscle to win the competition and his mother Katrina says it’s harder than it looks.

“He has to eat the right food to get the body mass up and body fat down for the competition and then have the energy, because the poses require quite a lot of energy.

“He said he was sweating bullets through the competition,” she says.

The 31-year-old began competing for fun and won the Queensland men’s classic physique title in 2021. It was

prompted by a career working in gyms after studying sport and recreation at the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology.

His national win came just a week after coming second in the Queensland competition and his parents were “absolutely stoked”.

“It’s nice to live vicariously through your children!”

By the time of competition, Ashley had his body fat down to just three per cent to display his muscles and then it’s all about getting the poses right.

“The winning formula is the poses you do to display your muscles. The judges have to be able to see all the muscles individually, so it’s about how you do your poses and your balance. It’s also about your transitions between poses, so you have to be smooth and artistic.”

Katrina says it’s a tough sport on the body after trimming fat before a competition and Ashley will now have an offseason before deciding whether to take on another competition.

Back in Wakefield, Ashley was home-schooled and then went to Waimea College.

Before body building, his main sport was soccer where he played for Nelson Suburbs.

Olympians go head to head

STEPHEN STUART

Three Paris Olympians headline the 110 athletes in the running for the Sport Tasman annual awards.

Rugby Sevens gold medallist Risi Pouri-Lane and track cyclist Shaane Fulton, who won silver in the team pursuit, are vying for the Bowater Toyota Sportswoman of the Year award. Another Olympic track rider, Keegan Hornblow, who claimed gold in the Oceania team pursuit earlier this year, is up for Golden Edge Sportsman of the Year.

His competition includes five rugby players from the Tasman Mako which won and briefly held the Ranfurly Shield. They are All Blacks Ethan Blackadder and David Havili, Finlay Christie, who took over as captain late in the season, William Havili and Timoci Tavatavanawai, who was arguably the best player in the NPC. The most nominations, 41, were received for the CNX & Johnston Associates Emerging Talent awards. They cover 20 sports with 11 nominees from rugby. Entries are up on the previous year with organisers declaring the standard “insanely high.”

The winners will be announced on 6 December at the awards function at the Rutherford Hotel.

Ashley Langbein is Australia’s top bodybuilder for men’s classic physique. Photo: Supplied.

Cricketer upbeat on return

STEPHEN STUART

The effects of jetlag gave Nyxons and Central Hinds cricketer Claudia Green every chance to appreciate her peers’ remarkable performances at the T20 World Cup in Dubai.

After spending the off-season playing and coaching in Ireland, Claudia was still adjusting to the local Nelson time zone so kept waking up to catch the White Ferns’ early morning matches.

And winning the final made the 26-year-old swing bowler even more determined to play her way back into that international environment.

“It was awesome to see the girls doing so well. Coming off a few losses to then come together with that belief as a team was awesome and showed what they can do when they play their best cricket,” says Claudia, who has twice been in the White Ferns squads but is yet to make her debut. She hopes that same self-belief in her own ability will eventually pay.

“I am still working towards that. Contributing for teams I

play for, being the best cricketer I can be, and if I get selected for higher honours it is a bonus,” declares Claudia.

Part of that journey was testing herself in different conditions with the Balbriggan Cricket Club about 30 minutes from Dublin.

“It is a new club going through a very young development phase. It was a tight-knit community, really family-based, so it was cool to be a part of it.”

She felt like a veteran being up to 10 years older than most of the players, except for her Nelson teammate Anna Gaging who had also travelled to Ireland. It was a good time to be there as the Irish women’s team beat England in T20 and ODI matches.

“Their top batters challenged me in club cricket, putting me under pressure, so hopefully I gained a lot of skills that I can now use back here this season.”

Entrusted with opening the bowling, she regards her in swinging deliveries as a real weapon. “You can always be attacking the batters when the ball is swinging.”

She’s more confident these days

about returning to bowl in the middle stages of matches or at the death. It’s a niche role with current White Ferns bowler Jess Kerr her main rival. “It is tough competition but there’s a lot I can learn from her game,” says Claudia, who prefers 50 over-a-side matches to the more hectic pace of T20.

“ODI’s give you more time to settle in to a bit of a rhythm whereas T20 can be a bit rough on bowlers.”

Returning to her teaching role at St Paul’s Catholic School in Richmond, the school holidays work in well with the busy T20 Super Smash season and she can’t wait for the Central Hinds to get another go at last season’s winner Wellington. The match came down to the final over in Auckland with Claudia coming in for the final ball with three runs needed to win She wasn’t facing but was run out as they went down by one run.

“I love batting. I am aggressive and won’t die wondering,”

So the Wellington Blaze better be on guard when the sides clash at Saxton Oval in January.

Nelson cricket player Claudia Green back in the nets ahead of the domestic season. Photo: Stephen Stuart.

Community Notices

MONDAY

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

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

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.

TUESDAY

PARIHAKA - THE FOREVER STORY OF PEACE TOLD BY DONNA MCLEOD. Tue 5 Nov, 1-2pm,Richmond Library. Have you heard of Parihaka? Join us to commemorate Parihaka Day.

NELSON 50+ WALKING GROUP Weekly walks average 10 kms. Tues 5 Nov, Barnicoat - Glider Rd. Meet at the top of Marsden Valley at 9.45am. BYO lunch. Contact Noeline 021 0591667.

TUESDAY MUSIC Tue 5 Nov 10am Richmond Town Hall Mtg Room. Usual wide variety of items includes popular German baritone “Heino”- also brass and pipe bands. Something for everyone.

Bring a friend. Ph Christine 0212486038

NELSON/TASMAN ENDOMETRIOSIS group meeting Tues 5 Nov, 7pm, 16 Venice Pl Stoke. Join us to hear Rosies Endo & Fitness journey. Gold Coin Donation. All welcome. Info nelsonsupport@nzendop.org nz

LUNCH ON THE HILL Come join us for hot drinks at 11am and lunch at noon on Tues 5 Nov. Koha welcome. 27 Dorset St, Richmond. Ph (03) 5448844

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.

WEDNESDAY

COMMUNITY SING A LONG Wed 6 Nov 1.30pm, Nelson-Tasman Methodist Parish lounge, 94 Neale Ave Stoke. Afternoon tea. Gold coin donation for Nelson Hospital Chaplaincy. All Welcome.

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.

COMMUNITY SING A LONG Wed 6 Nov 1.30pm, Nelson-Tasman Methodist Parish lounge 94 Neale Ave Stoke. Afternoon tea. Gold coin donation for Nelson Hospital Chaplaincy. All Welcome.

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 car-

egivers. Free.

DEADLINE: 10AM FRIDAY - 30 WORDS OR LESS BY EMAIL ONLYPLEASE SEND TO: events@topsouthmedia.co.nz

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

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.

TAICHI Thursdays 9:30-11:00 during school term. Anglican Church community hall, Dorset Street. Learn qigong and taichi. Stillness, breath, movement. Contact Merrick, Ph:0210636620, email: taichi.internal.arts.aotearoa@gmail.com

FRIDAY

ELYSIUM WIDOW AND WIDOWERS GROUP to meet for lunch Fri 8 Nov, 12pm, Appleby Garden Bar. Margaret 0272600748

RUMMIKUB AND BOARD GAMES Fri 1 Nov 1-3pm, Richmond Library. Please bring a game if you have one. Koha. Ph Linda 0226814129.

SATURDAY

RICHMOND TENNIS CLUB SOCIAL TENNIS, Sat, 1.30-3pm. Open to club players, visitors & members of other clubs. $5 non-members. 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.

NELSON ELECTRONIC ORGAN & KEYBOARD CLUB, meet 1st Sat of month, 1.30pm, Stoke Baptist Church Hall. If you enjoy music as either a listener or player, please come along. Ph: Yvonne 0276070050.

SUNDAY

HIGGINS HERITAGE PARK Open day, Sun 3 Nov, 222 Pigeon Valley Rd, Wakefield. Steam-Up, Jigger & Honey Barrel rides, Museum display sheds of vintage machinery, vehicles & equipment, model trains & kids books. A great place for a picnic. Contact 0276316786.

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

CRAFT POTTERS X-MAS SALE Sat 2 & Sun 3 Nov, 10am-4pm, 202 Ranzau Road, Hope EXPLORE THE REALITY OF SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES. Find your own proof, the easy way! Eckankar Soul Adventure Seminar, Sat 2 Nov 1pm, Sun 3 Nov 12pm, Hotel Nelson Conference Centre. Free. Ph 0211882036

LINEDANCING For everyone. A new Beginners class for keen people. Warnes hall Songer St. Free morning tea friendly and social. We are a caring Community. Ph: Diane 0274491569.

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

THEY DID WHAT! - Occupations from the Past Exhibition, Richmond Library. Opening hours until Sunday 3 November. A fun display from the Nelson Museum to share with your tamariki.

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

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

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

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

GARAGE SALE

3 Phoebe Place, Richmond. Saturday 2nd and 3rd November 8.30am. Large family tent 10 Man, three room tent. Rotary hoe. Tables of all sizes, chairs. Lots of crafts suitable for Christmas presents. Plus, lots more and lots for free.

BIRTHDAY

Happy 50th Andrew 28 October

Love from John, Lorraine, Craig and Stuart

2nd November 9am-12 (Sign outside) *Furniture *Kitchen stuff *Linen *Christmas decorations *And lots more. 88 Valley Road Wakefield (Cash Only) GARAGE SALE

Kitchen Benchtops

Installed by Christmas STONE, ACRYLIC, CERAMIC Prices direct to you ZERO & LOW SILICA

Ph Murray 027 229 8494 LIVE KITCHENS & BENCHTOPS

CHURCH NOTICE

CHRISTADELPHIANS

The Bible Our Guide

We warmly welcome you to hear Jonathan Clark World Chaos –Prelude To Armageddon Join us Tuesday, 5th November 2024 at 7.30pm Richmond Library, Constance Barnicoat Room, Queen Street Entrance www.nelsonchristadelphians.nz

ANDERSON

Mark

With heavy hearts, we share the peaceful passing of Mark on October 20, 2024, at the age of 66, surrounded by his family. He was a dearly loved father to Dean Anderson and partner of the late Deidre Pratley, cherished by their families and grandchildren. Mark’s generous heart will be deeply missed by his siblings, his mother, and the many friends he made throughout his storied life.

A service to celebrate Mark’s life will be held at the Nelson North Country Club, Hira, on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. Messages of condolence can be sent c/- Shone and Shirley Funeral Directors, 164 Tahunanui Drive, Tahunanui, Nelson 7011, or shared online at shoneandshirley.co.nz