Waimea Weekly - 11 October 2023

Locally Owned and Operated

Wednesday 11 October 2023

Waimea Weekly

End of life on own terms

Another shot at Trackman

‘Severe’ El Nino raises fire risk

ANNE HARDIE

As El Nino sets the rules for a dry summer, the local fire service is “planning for the worst and hoping for the best”.

Fire and Emergency New Zea-

land risk reduction advisor Jeff White says all the indications point towards a severe El Nino event which for Nelson and Tasman means more frequent southwest winds with low humidity. That equals less moisture, higher

Eyebright, ‘NZ’s happiest place’ for sale

ANNE HARDIE

From the hordes of people desperate to secure a Christmas tree on opening day to a guinea pig wedding, Peter Owen has had a blast at Eyebright for the past 37 years, but it is time to hand over the helm.

The popular shop on McShane Rd that is described on its website as ‘New Zealand’s happiest place’ is now for sale for the first time. Its Christmas shop is a destination in the lead-up to the festive season and sits alongside jewellery and home décor in an eclectic mix. While outside, the Wendleton Guinea Pig Village has its own following, and in the paddocks to the rear of the shop, customers choose their Christmas tree, pick peas or cut their own bunches of sunflowers in summer.

It all began nearly four decades ago when Peter began selling dried flowers with his former wife

temperatures and stronger winds that dry out the country faster.

Coupled with that is the “fuel growth” of grasses and other vegetation from a good spring that becomes a fire risk as it dries out.

“If we do have a fire start up, po-

tentially it could be significant.” He says everyone should be dealing with dry, flammable vegetation early, particularly around houses and before it dries out.

“Once it does start drying out, it’s often too late. Mowing and

Design & Build - Free Quotes

weedeating can potentially cause sparks and if they leave it until it has dried out, it’s not ideal. “We’re also encouraging people to take note of their surroundings. If

SEE PAGE 2

After 37 years, Peter Owen is selling Eyebright. Photo: Anne Hardie.

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STREET TALK

What have you enjoyed the most about the school holidays?

‘Severe’ El Nino raises fire risk

ing into a fully-fledged El Nino.

they live in those more vulnerable urban areas up the valleys or lifestyle blocks, be prepared and have a plan in their households to evacuate quickly. Have a graband-go kit with essentials.”

Fire and Emergency works closely with the councils, Department of Conservation and forestry to look at how each can reduce risk in their areas and consider shutting areas down as they become drier and a higher fire risk.

Jeff says the Pigeon Valley wildfire in February 2019 occurred during a weak El Nino period and this summer it will be a strong El Nino period. It is uncertain though whether this year will be more severe, the same, or have less impact than the previous El Nino.

“We’re definitely going to be go-

“You look out the window now and everything is green and doesn’t look too bad.

“But soil moisture levels are lower than they should be at this time of year, so potentially all it will take is two to three weeks of warm weather with some good westerly winds coming through that rapidly dries things out and things will change quite rapidly,” he says.

“It’s going to be a great summer if you enjoy the beach. Unfortunately, we don’t get to enjoy that so much in our line of work.”

Niwa meteorologist Ben Noll has similar warnings and says “planning and preparation are the key words” for this coming summer.

Wind is one of the threats and he says there will be some rounds of strong, potentially damaging, winds about the South Island and lower North Island, caused by big

The last El Nino saw the Pigeon Valley wildfire burn for weeks in hot, dry conditions. Photo: Supplied.

areas of high pressure north of the country and a big area of low pressure south of the country. Though most of the Nelson and Tasman region is a bit more sheltered than other areas, he says it will still be felt up in the ranges if

people are planning on hikes. “It’s something to be mindful of from a wildfire perspective as well.”

On the plus side, the Waimea Community Dam will be full just in time for the dry summer that is predicted from the El Nino

weather pattern.

Waimea Water’s Mike Scott says that after a delay filling the dam, it is now catching as much river flow as possible and is expected to be full in December, subject to average or better rainfall.

Lincon Jones, 12 “Hanging out with my family and riding my motorbike.”

Arabella Rowntree, 5 “Painting pumpkins for Halloween, and seeing my brother.”

Millie Hay, 12 “I went on a trip to Australia, (Gold Coast), went to Movie World and the beach.”

Cece Biggs, 12 “Hanging out with my friends, quite often go to Richmond Mall.”

Council’s digital overhaul cost increases to $20m

MAX FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter

Tasman District Council’s digital overhaul programme is now expected to cost $20million – $4 million more than first thought.

Council’s digital services are “not keeping up” with growing demand so the organisation agreed to upgrade its systems in 2020 at a cost of $16 million.

The price has now jumped by $4 million, or 25 per cent, to a total forecasted cost of $20 million.

The comprehensive project, named the Digital Innovation Programme (DIP), consists of several different projects, with the work and cost spread over a 10-year period.

Eventually, the DIP aims to give people greater choice in how they interact with the council services, deliver those services more efficiently, provide more accessible and transparent information, and allow council to better support its communities.

The increase in cost is largely due to rising licensing and labour costs, as well as a wider project scope.

Council information, science, and technology group manager Steve Manners says this resulted from a more detailed understanding of the technology changes that could benefit

Tasman.

“The council is facing similar pressures to those of other councils across New Zealand, as they look to maintain their levels of service under increasing cost pressures,” he says.

“We are examining all our programme costs, including the Digital Innovation Programme, with even more scrutiny to ensure that we only take on those activities that will deliver better outcomes for our community.”

Steve said the estimated costs for the programme over the next decade would likely remain the same, but some elements could be delayed or removed “in the interests of prudent cost management”.

Of the $4 million increase, $1.3 million stemmed from a revision of cost estimates to implement a minimum viable product.

About $900,000 is slated for a backfill for staff delivering key DIP transitional projects, and a further $800,000 will be spread across general resourcing costs in the first four years of council’s upcoming 2024-34 LongTerm Plan.

The remaining $1 million is split between upgrading the council’s current software to maintain its ability to deliver day-to-day activities, provisions for transition management, minor cost adjustments,

and a $400,000 contingency.

When presented with the cost increase last week, Tasman District councillor Christeen Mackenzie voiced concern about the jump, especially the $900,000 for staff backfill costs.

“It’s critical to the success of your project,” she acknowledged. “But organisationally, it’s a choice to be made. We can either decide this is an incredibly high-priority piece of work and that’s what we want the business personnel to be working on, or not.”

Steve said that subject matter expertise was one the of “critical limiting factors” of the project which is why the funding has been allocated. However, he agreed that other approaches were an option, but they came with a different cost. “There are other ways that we can solve that problem,” he said. “You take longer, for example, or you don’t do as much. And what we’ve done here is made a determination that the $900,000 is better spent in this context than it is in some others.”

Christeen would like the funding of the project to be considered further during the upcoming Long-Term Plan discussions.

The programme aims to more efficiently provide residents with council services, but costs have increased by $4 million. Photo: Max Frethey.

Journey’s end through assisted dying

ANNE HARDIE

Last Thursday, Brian Peel had the day planned to the last minute, content with his decision to bring an end to his life with the assisted dying process.

It was a choice between the looming suffering of his last weeks of bone marrow cancer as he ended blood transfusions, plus all the associated ailments that went with it, or taking control of how his life would end.

As the 83-year-old counted down his last days, he said he was incredibly proud to be living in a country where he could choose assisted dying and organise the process with such ease.

It had taken just three weeks from the time he first contacted the Ministry of Health’s Assisted Dying Service to the day it administered the intravenous injection that would enable him to go to sleep and not wake up.

“Absolutely brilliant,” he said. “Absolutely magic. I couldn’t believe you could tick all the boxes so easily.”

For his partner of 25 years, Rosie Ross, it has also been a positive process through conversations with the professionals to be sure it was the right choice for Brian and arranging the details for his final hour.

The End of Life Choice Act 2019 is the law that makes assisted dying legal in New Zealand and it

has been a health service since November 2021 and now run by Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand. It involves health professionals at each step of the process who assess and manage someone who has a terminal illness with less than six months to live and want to end their life by choice rather than the illness determining their final weeks or months.

Between November 2021 and the end of June this year there had been 482 assisted deaths, where people sought the Assisted Dying

Service to end their life.

Brian and Rosie first talked about assisted dying two years ago because they knew what lay ahead as his health declined. In the past few months his blood transfusions were every four weeks and no longer giving him respite. He was getting injections in his eyes every four weeks and he had polymyalgia. Alongside all that, he had heart disease that had been the cause of a major heart attack 20 years ago after he hauled a kayak across the Monaco mud-

flats when the tide went out.

Brian’s body was deteriorating, and he could “feel the walls closing in”. “I thought, this is it. I’ve had enough.”

They felt it was time to revisit assisted dying. People who make enquiries about assisted dying are usually pressed for time, and consequently, the service acts swiftly. Within 48 hours, Brian and Rosie had seen a specialist. Within a week they had seen a second doctor - a requirement of assessing the person who wants to end

their life. Then it was just a matter of choosing a time and place to die and whether it would be via an injection or a drink. Many people choose to die at home, though they can choose any location. Brian and Rosie chose a facility on a hill away from the lifestyle village where they lived. The Richmond couple say the response from people around them has been generally positive, though some were also worried about their decision. Rosie says visitors often did not realise how sick Brian was when they see him sitting in a chair talking. But getting through the day was very challenging for him and it was going to get much worse. For Rosie, it has been a confronting and emotional few weeks, but she says it was comforting to walk Brian’s final journey with him, knowing he left on his own terms. Brian said he felt no emotions about his final day looming. He was mystified more than anything about the fact he would not wake up the next morning. His life took him from sailing as a boy in the south of England to the other side of the world where he set up New Zealand’s first guide dog school. He went on to become a social worker for the blind in Nelson Tasman and then a supervisor for guide-dog puppy walkers in the region. Then finally, on Thursday, he called it an end.

Gardening tips for October

October is a truly wonderful month in our gardens. This is the optimum month for planting tomatoes outdoors. We have a fabulous range of tomato plants (including grafted) in-store now with more to come. Here are a few tips to help ensure you get a great crop. Tomato plants are very hungry so before planting, incorporate plenty of compost into your soil. If you have new raised beds, our garden mix is perfect. It is a mix of screened topsoil and Bill’s beautiful fish compost. You can also add our specific tomato fertiliser or blood and bone and sheep manure pellets before planting. Most tomatoes need good support, especially if they bear large and heavy fruit. Putting your stakes in place before planting will help avoid possible root damage. If you don’t have a lot of room but would love to grow tomatoes, our 35 litre grow bags are just the right size. A bag of our premium potting mix, plus some fish compost will fill them nicely. Place the grow bags in a warm, sheltered spot. There are so many tomato varieties to choose from. It can be confusing so here are some of our favourites. ‘Tasty Tom’ is Philippa’s tomato of choice.

‘’It reminds me of the tomatoes Dad used to grow when I was a child. They are mediumsized, firm and have a beautiful flavour’’. ‘Moneymaker’ is a consistent performer, bearing a large crop of medium-sized round fruit. ‘Russian Red’ is great for windy sites because it is shorter than other varieties and has very strong stems. An all-time favourite of many are cocktail tomatoes such as ‘Sweet 100’ or ‘Black Cherry’. They produce their small, delicious tomatoes over a long period. ‘Big Beef’ is a superior variety of beefsteak tomato. It produces large globeshaped fruit, is less prone to surface cracking and has superior flavour. ‘Roma’ is acid-free and wonderful for making tomato passata. Tomatoes are either determinate or indeterminate. It’s important not to take the laterals off determinate varieties such as ‘Tasty Tom’ as this will lessen your crop. Indeterminate varieties need their laterals removed or they will become triffids and the fruit may not ripen well. If you’d like to know which variety you are buying, please ask us and if we don’t know, we’ll look it up for you.

Lucy and Jasmin from Bay Landscapes are always ready with a smile and great gardening advice.

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

Rosie, Brian, and their dog Fred, with a tiny sailboat that reminded Brian of his sailing days which he took with him last Thursday. Photo: Anne Hardie.

Hill St damaged by eBus

KATE RUSSELL

Damage done to Hill St by the new eBus was to be “expected”, according to Tasman District Council, and other parts of the roading network are now being monitored for similar defects. The damage has occurred at the last bus stop on the street before the bus heading to Richmond turns into Queen St.

As of last Wednesday morning, the area had been coned off and a temporary bus stop is in place a few metres away.

Council communications officer

Tim O’Connell says the defect was first recorded with them on 13 September and a repair crew will be there “as soon as other high-priority work is complete”.

The damage is expected to take up to a month to fix.

“We are seeing some damage on sections of the bus routes, typical of increased heavy vehicle loading in areas where there has not been as much heavy traffic in the

past.

“We expected to see some of this,” he says. “We are monitoring defects elsewhere on the bus routes and will repair these as required.”

Tim says these kinds of defects, from heavy vehicle loading, show

up on the weaker parts of our roads. “Roads are not uniform in strength due to the types of materials used in their original construction, variations in the strength of the underlying ground, and other factors such as moisture - either from springs underground, common in hilly parts of Richmond, or water ingress from cracks in the road surface.”

He explains that the most cost-effective repair is usually to dig out and replace isolated areas of damage, but if it is clear that larger areas of road are weak and failing, it may be more cost-effective to programme a complete renewal of a length of road. The repair costs will come out of the roading maintenance budget,

but Tim says this is a “wider issue than just bus routes”.

“We have experienced increasing numbers of defects/deterioration more widely on our roads.

To address this the council is proposing an increased maintenance and renewals budget in their draft 2024-34 Long Term Plan.

“The main factors traced to this deterioration are less road maintenance funding being allocated to councils by the Government through the 2010s until 2021, and increased legal truck weights since 2010.”

Tim says the council is continually monitoring the state of the roads as part of routine checks and appreciates any notifications from the public if they see a spot that requires some attention.

Eyebright, ‘NZ’s happiest place’ for sale

FROM

PAGE 1

began selling dried flowers with his former wife Adrienne Matthews in the building that is now The Junction at the other end of McShane Road.

“The dried flower thing when we started in 1986 was huge, so we totally jumped on the bandwagon. But then dried flowers completely and utterly went into freefall. We managed to just keep ticking because we had the shop and we diversified.”

Keen to own their own space, they purchased “a flat cow paddock” at the other end of the road and with the help of a few “miracles” that included cheap building materials, a friend with a crane and cherry picker, plus a builder willing to let him work alongside him, the skeleton of a building was created.

“I cried when we were finished. It was just such an emotional thing

to get it completed. NBS totally went out on a limb for us when every other institution basically thought we were joking because we didn’t really have any money.

“It opened in time for Christmas and I absolutely remember the first person who stepped through the door. She just stopped there and said ‘this is marvellous’.”

A garden and pond evolved beside the shop, then the Wendelton Guinea Pig Village, complete with tiny houses and a bunch of guinea pigs. The romance between Hansel and Petal in the guinea pig village led to their wedding, complete with formal invitations, bows on chairs and an exchange of vows between the hairy couple.

“The guinea pigs have been extraordinarily popular. They’re fantastic animals.”

In 2010 the first crop of Christmas trees went on sale and

since then the business has sold 1,000 trees a year. “The first day of sale every year is crazy. Two

hundred people will front up at eight o’clock on November 25.”

Pick-your-own sunflowers,

cobs of corn and peas were other ideas that sprang up, giving customers the opportunity to harvest their own food – or flowers. Peas, in particular, have been a big hit. “Hell, yes. It’s such a rare thing to be able to do these days. Timing is critical because you have to have them ready to pick just before Christmas.”

At 67, Peter says it is time to find someone with the enthusiasm to take the business into the future. “I will totally miss it. I love what I do, but I could wait until I keel over in the paddock and it all turns to custard, or say ‘get real’. I want to see Eyebright continue and I want the right person to turn up.”

Once Eyebright is sold, he intends to find some land with his wife Annette and continue growing crops, but at a slower pace.

Owen, Rotoroa, Tutaki Valley, Shenandoah, Maruia and Springs Junction areas

when we completed our essential maintenance at the Murchison substation over the last two Sundays.

Transpower and Network Tasman would like to thank you for your cooperation

Hill St has suffered damage from the new eBus. Photo: Supplied.

Peter Owen’s Wendelton Guinea Pig Village is a popular attraction at Eyebright.

Photo: Anne Hardie.

Need for affordable housing continues to escalate

ANNE HARDIE

The latest Nelson Tasman Housing Trust survey shows “a story of growing pain” with a significant increase in the number of people needing affordable housing.

In the trust’s latest six-monthly survey that monitors the housing need beyond the Government’s housing register in the Nelson and Richmond area, there were 696 households that needed affordable housing. That was an increase from 633 households in the previous sixmonth survey and 528 households a year ago. Since 2018, the survey’s count has climbed a whopping 70 per cent. The latest figure is in addition to the 423 households on the Ministry of Social Development’s housing register that records those waiting for public housing.

The increase is a symptom of a “very significant, growing social problem,” according to Trust director Carrie Mozena.

“A number of housing providers are bringing more homes into reality, but this (survey) tells me the level of need is escalating beyond the speed with which we can build. So that’s a problem.”

She says the numbers in the survey are probably just the tip of the iceberg because they are the people asking community organisations for help or are staying in temporary accommodation.

“It shows the level of pain out there. It’s becoming harder for people to buy their own home and it’s becoming harder and harder – particularly for people on limited incomes – to afford private rentals.

“We have people paying 60 to 70 per cent of their weekly income on rent which leaves very, very little for food, clothing and transport. That’s the huge pain of it.

“Then there are those suffering in silence and it is hard to put numbers on them, though I think it is quite large.”

Carrie says the problem stems from the lack of social housing built in the past 30 years. In 1990, New Zealand’s population was 3.3 million and there were 85,000 state and council houses to provide affordable social housing. While the population has increased to 5.2 million, she says the total number of Kāinga Ora, council and community houses has remained much

the same. Though there are more developments underway now, New Zealand needs about

120,000 houses for those who cannot afford private rentals.

“It’s a mammoth task. It’s taken

New Zealand about 30 years to get to this point and it will take us another 30 years to build our way out of it.”

She says momentum is building in social housing developments in Nelson and Tasman, between local housing providers and Kāinga Ora. This year, the combined housing providers have completed 32 homes in the Nelson and Richmond areas. In the next two years, she expects between 60 and 100 new homes will be built, which will be the strongest growth in the subsidised housing supply for a very long time.

“I think social and public housing is the fence at the top of the cliff. The bottom of the cliff is where you have people in cars and people trying to find emergency housing.”

She says Nelson Tasman needs a range of people with different skill sets and that includes those on lower incomes, which means affordable housing needs to be provided for them.

The survey calculates the affordable housing need by adding up waitlists for different social housing providers, campgrounds and refugee families working with Red Cross.

Nelson Tasman Housing Trust director Carrie Mozena says the survey reflects a growing social problem.

Appleby to Motueka resurfacing

Waka Kotahi has advised of a one-lane westbound closure on SH60 between Appleby and Motueka from 9 - 20 October, 6am - 6pm each day excluding weekends, for resurfacing works. Westbound traffic must detour via Moutere Highway, Main Road Lower Moutere, Wildman Rd, High St and back onto SH60. SH60 from Motueka to Appleby (eastbound) will remain open. People should allow extra time for their journey and expect delays of up to 12 minutes. The council eBuses will use their usual route through SH60, however, there may be minor delays.

Historic Murchision pub demolished

GORDON PREECE

Murchison’s Commercial Hotel and Café was demolished in recent weeks after 145 years standing in the town. The building on the corner of Fairfax and Waller St opened in 1878 during the influx of gold miners in the area and was operated by legendary prospector George Moonlight.

After the wooden building was destroyed in a fire in 1927, a new rough-cast building reinforced with concrete was established in its place in 1928, along with a BNZ office and a robust vault to weigh and store the

fortunes of local gold miners and the growing community.

Fast forward to 2020, and the building was deemed earthquake prone by Tasman District Council, and its owner was given seven years to strengthen the historic venue. Waimea Weekly understands demolition started in late-September following the purchase of the site by supermarket giant Foodstuffs, to build a new Four Square.

The Hocking family, who own the existing Four Square opposite the former Commercial Hotel and Café site, said on their Facebook page that

the new store, which is planned to be completed in mid-2025, will have double the retail space size. The family says it will also feature native planting, 28 sealed carparks and historical information panels on the Commercial and current Four Square will be removed and mounted on the new building. They say it will also endeavour to incorporate other Commercial Hotel and Café information in the new build in a modern way. Once demolition is finished, the site will be suitable for temporary parking until construction of the new building begins.

Design and Build

Richmond Cards 500 member Bob Reynolds presented club organisers, Kath and Dick Waghorn, with a Lake Rotoiti picture last week to acknowledge their four years organising the twice-weekly club meetings at Waimea Lodge for its more than 20 members to bond over card games. The club relocated to the venue at Richmond Park in 2019 from the Senior Citizens Rooms on Oxford St. From left are Dick and Kath Waghorn, and Bob Reynolds. Photo: Gordon Preece.

Murchison’s Commercial Hotel came down last Friday after 145 years standing on Fairfax St. Photo: Steve Page.

PLANNED POWER OUTAGE NOTIFICATIONS

Electricity retailers notify their power account holders about planned power outages.

Motorheads rev into adventure riding course

A late entrant to the full throttle world of adventure riding has developed a dedicated facility for motorheads to rev up their manoeuvres.

Electricity retailers are companies that sell electricity and send power bills to the power account holder.

There are a number of electricity retailers in the Nelson Tasman area including Contact, Meridian, Pulse, Genesis, Nova, Electric Kiwi, and others. Planned power outages happen when the power is turned off so that maintenance can be done on the power lines.

Electricity retailers will notify account holders affected by a planned power outage about three weeks before it is due to happen.

The notification could be by email, through the post or by text. If you are a power account holder:

Î Make sure your electricity retailer has the correct contact details for you.

Î If there are other people in your household or business who need to receive planned power outage notifications, ask your electricity retailer to add their contact details to your customer records.

Î Check that emails from your electricity retailer don’t get automatically diverted to an email ‘Junk’ folder by mistake.

Î Be aware that sometimes there are two or more planned power outages in a row. Separate notifications will be sent out for each one.

To be notified of planned power outages for a property where you are not the power account holder, find out who the power account holder is and ask them to forward notifications on to you.

The 80,000sqm facility, which is adjacent to the existing motorsport facility at Kohatu Park, near Tapawera, opened on Saturday and features a 5.8km track, log rides, and sand and gravel pits.

Kohatu Park board member and driver of the project, Dave McLeod, says, after purchasing an adventure motorbike in May and completing a training course at Cable Bay Adventure Park, he identified that a permanent adventure training area would spin other riders’ wheels.

He says he rode solo to develop his idea since fellow board members had different commitments, and leased 110,000sqm of land from the Kohatu Park Trust.

Along with about 20 volunteers and Garry Adcock’s tractors and diggers, Dave began

developing the facility in August.

“Overall, it’s a motorsport park so it fits with that criteria around providing a place to use motorcycles and whilst I focused initially on adventure bikes, we found that kids bikes suit the track as well,” he says.

“It’s not a motocross track, in that we don’t want high-powered motorbikes going round at one million miles an hour because it’s a very tight and twisty track to practice skill sets on turning, braking, clutch work.

“There’s plenty of interest and there’s a variety of people that

ride motorbikes… and I’m just hoping to give those people somewhere to go permanently.”

Dave says the facility will be open every second weekend on either a Saturday or Sunday and the open dates until December are available on its website.

He says there will be an initial charge of $30 per adult and $10 per child under 15, but once paid they will automatically become members to use the facility for free on future rides. There will be staff on site to comply with health and safety.

He says the open day on Saturday was a roaring success with more than 30 riders, and Nelson Motorcycle Club and Tasman Honda providing demonstrations.

Dave says he now plans to attract sponsors for the facility to cover its development costs, introduce more technical enduro features and onsite demonstration bikes, and build a 20km to 25km single loop track around the park’s

If you have a question about this article, contact us at info@networktasman.co.nz

GORDON PREECE

The new adventure riding facility opened on Saturday.

Photo: Ben Henry.

It was an all-ages event to mark the opening of the new track. Photo: Ben Henry.

Climate advocates: Hope Bypass won’t solve congestion woes

MAX FRETHEY Local Democracy Reporter

Nelson-Tasman’s two mayors have welcomed commitments from both Labour and National to build the Hope Bypass, but not everyone believes that the plan will solve Richmond’s traffic problems. “Cities do not solve their congestion issues, in the long term, by building more lanes and roading for private cars,” says Jace Hobbs, the Greens candidate for Nelson.

“These corridors will just encourage more sprawling development further from the business centre and this will revert back to the congested condition but now with the added problem of built communities in the wrong places.”

Jace, who has served on an Auckland Council transport committee with other experts and engineers, says the modelling on the defunct Southern Link proposal illustrates his point.

Waka Kotahi modelling shows that if the Southern Link was built, in most instances, travel times would be up to four minutes longer in 2048 when compared to 2018 travel times.

“We can learn here from the experience and failures of other cities and not build ourselves a future that we do not want,” Jace says.

Instead, he suggests the intersection is improved with flyover for pedestrians and cyclists to make active travel more attractive to commuters, similar to the Hovenring in the Netherlands.

“The real-world experience of dozens of metropolitan areas confirms this investment is the sound one.”

Peter Olorenshaw, convenor of sustainable transport group Nelsust, echoes Jace’s concerns.

“It’s like a dog chasing its tail. [The Hope Bypass] will relieve the congestion very briefly until more people are encouraged to drive because there’s all this additional capacity,” he says.

“If we could solve the… hot mess of this intersection, so that people weren’t held up, but also make it more attractive for people on bikes and walking, that seems to us a better solution.”

Peter suggests that instead of a bypass, the intersection of Gladstone Rd and Lower Queen St is replaced by a twolane roundabout, like those in Annesbrook, to help keep traffic flowing.

The Government owns the land between Stratford St and the Richmond Deviation which he says could allow enough room for the roundabout to be built.

And like Jace, he would like to see a flyover for active travellers built above the

intersection to cater for pedestrians and cyclists and give them safe passage over the road.

“At the moment, [crossing the intersection] is pretty horrendous.”

If that solution still results in congestion, Peter thinks the Richmond Deviation should then be widened to allow space for priority lanes for freight, trades vehicles, and buses to get past congested traffic.

“Once you’ve got people in buses actually travelling faster than people in cars, then people flock to the buses,” he says. “We keep that up our sleeve before we start building new highways with massive carbon expenditure.”

for Nelson

I’m proud to be a strong local voice for Nelson in the Chris Hipkins Labour Government As your local MP I am delivering on many of Nelson’s important priorities, like securing investment in critical projects like the Nelson hospital rebuild, our new public transport system, and more public and community housing.

I’ve advocated to fix the transport mess in Richmond, and Labour has announced a bypass will be built between Richmond and Hope, including a walking and cycling path This project will ease congestion, improve safety, and support active travel, like walking and cycling, and public transport

I know there’s still more to do, and that’s why Labour will continue to invest in projects that grow our economy, create high-wage jobs and reduce our emissions

Labour will give cost of living relief, stop National’s cuts to hospitals, schools, public transport and superannuation, and drive New Zealand forward

I’m seeking your support on 14 October to keep driving Nelson forward

NELSON PHILATELIC SOCIETY PRESENTS

The Hovenring in the Netherlands is an example of how a Gladstone Rd/Lower Queen St flyover could make the route more viable for active travellers, Jace says. Photo: Eduardo da Souza.

Modelling on the Southern Link, which would have replaced Nelson’s Railway Reserve, showed it wouldn’t reduce congestion and Jace Hobbs says the same will be true for the Hope Bypass. Photo: Max Frethey.

Celebrating spring’s abundance

ELOISE MARTYN

Rolling with tradition, the Murchison Garden Club recently hosted its spring-themed competition which saw the community turn their green-thumbs to their gates. Previous years has seen the theme based around wheels and scarecrows, but this year it was gates. Participants were asked to decorate a garden gate using spring flowers, foliage, and anything gate-related. “All of our themes are based around celebrating spring’s abundance. We enjoy changing the theme each year, mixing it up and keeping it interesting,” Murchison Garden Club secretary Linda Darbyshire says.

The community competition is always run alongside the annual Spring Flower Show.

“Through the competition and flower show we are trying to encourage people to learn a bit more about what grows here and when things are in season.”

On judging day, participants put their creative pieces on display in their front yards and a hand-selected judge drove past, assessed the piece, and took photos.

“Our judges are always people with an artistic eye.

“This year our judge said it was a very difficult task to pick a winner as they were all great pieces.” Linda says.

The results were announced at the

Spring Flower Show with Lianne Farrow picking up this year’s top spot. Leanne has only recently moved to Murchison and through the move inherited a beautiful garden.

“She chose to decorate a big four-metre gate, which takes a lot of greenery and flowers. It was very creative and beautiful,” Linda says. Linda explains that the community spring competition and the Spring Flower Show are a great showcase for local creativity, including stunning artwork from the school children and sand saucers from the kindergarten.

“It brings everyone together; adults and children all get creative and truly observe nature’s beauty.”

Passenger demand rolls out extra bus

GORDON PREECE

An extra bus has been added to the Motueka-Nelson route after passengers in Mapua couldn’t be collected last week due to a lack of space.

Tasman District Council (TDC) group manager for infrastructure, Alec Louverdis, says on 5 October, eBus Route 5, which services Motueka and Mapua, reached full capacity, and required TDC and Nelson City Council to roll out an overflow bus.

Alec says the overflow bus, which is the same size and operates under the same timetable, has been introduced to Route 5’s Thursday and Friday service.

“When at capacity, the bus will stop where passengers are waiting and indicate that an overflow bus is not far behind,” he says.

“Data from the first month of

eBus showed just under 3000 journeys taken on Route 5, and anecdotally it seems as if usage has increased over the school holidays,

“The Regional Land Transport Plan envisages weekend services for Route 5 in the future, however Council could bring plans to commence these services forward if there is a clear demand.”

Alec says Route 1 from Richmond to Nelson has also reached capacity during peak hours on weekdays.

He says the route is already serviced by an overflow bus which uses Route 7, between Richmond and Nelson, and follows Route 1 between 8am and 3pm to collect passengers after the bus hits capacity.

Alec says Council will also monitor Route 5 demand during the summer school holidays and respond when necessary.

Its ‘all go’ at local boutique Flower Farm

Situated on the fringe of Richmond, on the Appleby Highway, The Flower Farm owners Viv and Shawn Deaker are prepping for the busy seasons ahead, tackling springtime weeds, sowing summer crops and new rose varieties along with the massive undertaking of transferring and overhauling their hothouse growing systems. Many of the beautiful florals available are hand grown and sold on site including Oriental and Asiatic lilies, roses, tulips, alstroemerias, dahlias and lots of other seasonal goodies along with product ranges from some of the country’s best growers. “We have lilies coming out of our ears,” says Viv. “There is lots of things going on at the moment, our new roses are being planted which is very exciting and we are really looking forward to offering some new varieties of these to our customers.” Collaborating with local garden expert, Ashleigh Hughes from The Wild Gardener Nelson, the team will be hosting a unique Terrarium Workshop at The Flower Farm on October 28, and a Kokedama workshop on November 4. “We have had an amazing time hosting our popular whimsical school holiday workshops and we are excited to start planning for the next lot of classes in the upcoming months.” “Ashleigh will be guiding

you through the step-by-step process of creating each stunning piece. The workshops are for adults and open to individuals of all skill levels. All necessary materials will be provided, and bookings can be made through our website. We have some examples of Ashleigh’s gorgeous work in store, for people to view prior to attending the workshops.” As business blooms and the busy season approaches, The Flower Farm are growing their team and are on the lookout for an amazing superstar florist to join them. “The part time role is 20 hours per week and involves creating stunning bouquets, that showcase the beautiful flowers we grow on the farm.” The boutique floral business also boasts stunning gift store with beautiful gifts and homewares. Whether you’re after something for home, a function or wedding, or to brighten someone’s day, The Flower Farm can help.

“We have a large selection of different freshcut flowers, along with an abundance of stock and Snap Dragons, for any occasion that can be pre-ordered by phone or website and delivered right to your door.” The Flower Farm’s super friendly team provide a large selection of flowers and bouquets crafted with love, care and precision. Business Update. Adv.

The winning spring gate, which was decorated by Lianne Farrow who has recently moved to Murchison. Photos: Supplied.

This year’s Spring Gate Competition winner, Lianne Farrow, who decorated a four-metre gate with spring greenery and flowers.

Hope Bypass

The Hope bypass could be managed in a quite different way than that imagined currently.

The section from the Salisbury Rd roundabout (on the Richmond deviation) to the Queen St intersection is the bottleneck, because it narrows from two lanes to one lane. It needs widening, with priority lanes for tradies, trucks, and public transport.

The Queen St/Gladstone Rd intersection could be sorted with a double-lane roundabout, to keep traffic flowing. The safety aspect of the Queen St/Lower Queen St double lane roundabouts are horrendous for people on bikes or walking but this issue could be addressed with a pedestrian and cycling flyoverthe Hovenring. The whole would be far cheaper than a truck flyover and would go some way towards making walking and cycling attractive transport options. Any new bypass promises even

design print deliver.

more congestion in the future, because it would encourage more car commuting.

Pam Henson

New siren for Murchison volunteer

Welcome on board, we are lucky to have you.

Heather Kelling

Enjoy the change bud, thanks for your service.

Rob Appleton

First brush with painting fame

I have seen the quality of her workmanship, top notch. Well done.

Bryce Cook

I’m not surprised, she painted my house and made an great job.

Pleased for you

Ellie.

Gayle Bloomfield

Top job, Ellie.

Julie Ian Burson

Very, very proud of you, my girl.

Tonya Marie

Go you, Ellie. Your future looks bright, good luck with it.

Glenn Mcisaac

Well done.

James Wilkinson

Well done, Ellie. That's fantastic.

Liz N Steve Packer

That's so awesome! Well done!

Shaz Nicholls

Youth thriving in hospo programme

This is awesome. We need more of these types of programmes in the community for our youth.

Elyse Sivyer

What a wonderful opportunity!

Kylie Young

Always service with a smile and

yummy treats.

Laura Nic Samhrain

Love your ginger crunch! Fabulous service.

Heather Kelling

Wonderful service from such a great little cafe.

Rebecca Blackler

Best cafe, we love going for coffee, food and amazing service.

Caroll Crapper

Punching up with high ambitions

Well done, Ash! Keep up the amazing work.

Mel Johnson

Awesome stuff, Ash. Super proud of you.

Stephanie Meehan

Jermaine’s on a rubbish crusade

Fantastic work, Jermaine!

Jenny Thomson

Costly parking for mall goers

I contacted the mall and ex-

Opening Night – Nelson Speedway

Saturday, 14 October, 5pm 123 Lansdowne Rd, Richmond

Join us for an electrifying evening at Nelson Speedway Association's Opening Night!

Get ready to witness high-speed action and adrenaline-pumping races as we kick off the season with a bang. Tickets: www.nelsonspeedway.co.nz/

Nelson Radio Sailing Club

Saturday, 14 and Sunday, 15 October, 10.30am start, Best Island

Top of the South Championship for IOM radio control yachts. All are welcome to attend.

Richmond Park Market

Sunday, 15 October, 10-3pm Richmond Park Showgrounds

Colorful market featuring food & coffee, picnic tables and large leafy trees to spread a picnic rug under; local & imported crafts, flea marketeers, health & wellbeing sector, kid's zone with free play activities, buskers... all in the cool green space of Richmond Park.

plained what happened and they have told me they would cancel the fine. Yet to get final confirmation though. Meantime, it was stressful. They have apologised for the stress. Wilsons could maybe have anticipated this issue? Maybe letting Wilsons do the parking was not the best move.

Janet Ellison

That's what happened to me. I stopped in an area that had no notice to say it was a no parking area because I was desperate for the rest rooms, when I came out I had a $65 fine. I appealed, then decided to pay the fine anyway, then Wilsons sent me a letter to say the fine had been waived. I could have saved myself $65.

Joyce Wharehoka

I don't know why it’s necessary to start with. Those fines are criminal. That’s what has killed a lot of the business in Nelson. People come to Richmond Mall to escape the hassle and end up with massive fines. Not a good thing.

Jason King

We had one of those fines. It's bull c***. Was doing good shopping to help people locked in at home with Covid. Good Samaritan act cost us $65. All it takes is a few long queues, have a feed and do shopping.

Jamie Keen

Lake Rotoiti students study the impact of wasps

ELOISE MARTYN

Children from Lake Rotoiti School have been gearing up to learn about the negative impact wasps have on our native birds, insects, invertebrates, and recreation. The starting point for this saw the group spend time in a part of the Nelson Lakes National Park and using one metre quadrants looking for invertebrates. “Previously, we visited the park and looked at fungi and the plants. This time we were looking

at what is underneath it all,” says principal and teacher at Lake Rotoiti School, Mike Allen.

The wasp population feeds on a wide range of invertebrates, insects, spiders, ants, bees, and flies.

Their consumption of these heavily reduces what is available for our native birds and other insects to feed on.

The connection between wasps and invertebrates was completely new to the students.

“This is the pre-wasp stage, just as the weather warms up and ev-

erything comes to life again,” says Mike. “We selected invertebrate samples which we spent the afternoon looking at more closely through microscopes and jeweller loupes. Students identified and sketched their findings before releasing them back into the forest. It was a great day of learning in our natural environment.” Discoveries included learning that we have a very healthy and diverse environment, and how the invertebrates in our forest help it to grow.

Early next year the group will head to the same area and compare findings to understand the negative impact of wasps.

“We are going to have another look after the wasps have been through on their protein diet. There is a general fascination

from the students to have a look at what happens next,” Mike says. “The more contact you have with your learning, and why you are learning it, the better. Most of our learnings are related to where we live and the students always really enjoy it.”

Adults were taken back to their childhoods on Friday, while kids swarmed the dance floor at a joint Kath Bee and Suzy Cato performance at Alioke Eatery in Richmond. Suzy and Kath were celebrating the launch of their book/song collaboration ‘I Can Do It’. Pictured are Darcy Robinson, 11 months, Izzy Robinson, 2 and Elodie Widley, 5 with Suzy Cato and Kath Bee.

Photo: Sara Hollyman.

Lake Rotoiti students in Nelson Lakes National Park hunting for invertebrates to assist their study on the impact wasps have in the area. Photo: Supplied.

Cider making in Appleby

ROBYN PARKES

After emigrating to New Zealand, Charles Grainger settled at Appleby and erected cool stores in which cases of apples were stored annually for the fruit growers of the district. What he observed was that thousands of apples were going to waste each year, allowed to rot on the ground. Charles understood that cider making would prevent a great deal of waste. He had no experience in this field and set about learning as much as he could. Although handicapped by a lack of capital, he had two things in his favour –his ability to work hard and the cool stores. In an agreement with the Redwood Valley Fruitgrowers Association it was decided to establish a ‘cider works’

at Charles’s cool stores. On the 9th of April 1923 the mill and press were given a trial run using about half a ton of apples. This being satisfactory, the plant was put into permanent commission on a scale that enabled the finished product to be widely distributed. Several thousand bushels of apples came to the plant from all over Nelson in one season and several hundred barrels of high-grade cider were produced. Only sound fruit was treated, and the various varieties were blended in the correct proportions. The fruit was then passed through a power-driven self-feeding mill which reduced it to pomace or pulp. This was then placed in a heavy, power-driven hydraulic press and subjected to a squeeze of some 40 tons, which left the pomace comparatively dry and crumbly.

The fresh juice when leaving the press was insipid and charged with fine disintegrated apple particles. The juice was immediately chilled, setting up intense precipitation enabling the particles to be separated from the juice prior to fermentation, thus ensuring a perfectly clean ferment. The cider-making endeavour was very successful with the output at commencement being 500 gallons per day and doubling by 1926. During the years of work Charles was injured several times, once being hit by a blade from an industrial fan which struck him on the forehead resulting in a fractured skull, another having his forearm caught by a belt and his arm wrapped round a pulley which flung him on to the concrete floor, a distance of six to eight feet and

then being cut by a bottle which burst, causing an arterial bleed. In August of 1927 Charles sold the property at Appleby along with the dwelling house and in

1931 became the Manager of Cider New Zealand Ltd. The old cool stores were purchased by James Wyllie and became ‘Blackbyre Bacon’ factory.

Key Brand Cider, 1924. Photo supplied

Theatre offers affordable ticket options

KATE RUSSELL

Fancy going to the theatre for $15? Well, Whirimako Black is coming to Nelson next month and audiences will be able to pick their ticket price. The Theatre Royal Nelson is hosting Whirimako on 25 November, and thanks to special funding from the NRDA and NBS, they can offer reduced ticket prices to ensure everybody can attend if they wish. Tickets went on sale last week and customers can choose their price - but they’ll have to be quick to snatch up the cheapest options. There will be a limited number of ticket prices as low as $15. The other ‘pick your price’ options will be $20, $25 and $30. Door sales are $35.

Theatre Royal manager Eliane Polack says she wanted Whirimako’s Nelson performance to be “special and accessible to everyone”.

“These special ticket prices are something we would like

to repeat in the future to see if it will entice people to come to the theatre more often.”

Whirimako Black has been dubbed as Aotearoa’s “undisputed soul diva” and a “pioneer” of the Māori music industry. She has paved the way for Māori and te reo recording artists and has produced eight albums.

Her blending of folk, jazz, and blues incorporates traditional Māori music forms singing in English and te Reo Māori, making her one of the nation’s most distinctive singers. Whirimako has featured in numerous collaborations with some of the world’s most highly regarded musical artists and has won several awards, including Best Māori Album, Best Jazz Album, and a Silver Scroll award for Best Māori Composition.

Whirimako Black is performing at the Theatre Royal on Saturday, 25 November at 7.30pm. To get tickets, go to www.theatreroyalnelson.co.nz

Whirimako Black is coming to Nelson next month and a range of affordable ticket options are on offer. Photo: Andi Crown.

Arts Fest play ‘Tense’ highlights Nelson Tenths property claim

ELISE VOLLWEILER

Donna McLeod grew up carrying her Nanny’s kete into hui. Her responsibility, as a young child, was to be there to pass her great-grandmother a hanky, and mind her purse, and be an extra set of ears in case her Nanny missed something that was said. “I think I was privileged to learn how to hold space, as a young person, but I also got taught how to behave.

“I sat there in hui for days. And from a very early age, from preschool right up, I had to sit and listen.”

The hui were held in both Māori and Pākehā settings, and Donna (Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Rarua) remembers the formality and the musty air from stale, echoing halls, and the ray of light that illuminated the dust particles dancing in the air.

She is determined that her grandchildren will not carry the burden of her kete and the responsibility that goes with it.

“It was training for what was to come,” she said, thinking of her own experiences. “I don’t want my grandchildren to have that training. I want them to be polite and sit through hui, but I want them to go outside and play. I don’t want them to carry the responsibility of growing up to carry the responsibility of unfinished work.”

Part of this work is the Nelson Tenths, which is the subject of an ongoing High Court case and of Donna’s new play ‘Tense’, which is to have two showings at the upcoming Nelson Arts Festival. The Nelson Tenths refers to the country’s longest running property claim, dating back to the 1840s.

The “tenths” refers to the 10 per

cent of land that was meant to have been reserved for Māori in perpetuity.

Donna initially shied away from writing about the Tenths, because the subject matter, raw and unreconciled, is still an open wound.

“The plan was the court case would be over by the time Tense was presented, but it’s not, and it’s not going to be.”

The creative process took hold –and took over her kitchen table – and she created a 10-part show

which gives space for the talent of local performers of haka, waiata, and dance. Donna’s narrative is woven throughout.

“The words, the poetry, is structure, the story-telling’s the structure, but all the other is just magic.”

Donna is passionate about oral history – the small things that make up the nuances of life as well as the big issues that reverberate widely and impact profoundly – and says that she feels that we are forgetting our

stories.

“‘Tense’ is not a history lesson, but what we all have in common is the ability to tell our own stories,” she says. “I think that is very much what Tense is about –what’s my story, and how do we go forward?”

The Nelson Arts Festival runs from October 19-29.

‘Tense’ is performing at Te Noninga Kumu Motueka Public Library on Wednesday, October 25, and at Theatre Royal on Thursday, October 26.

Spring exhibit comes to Suter Art Gallery

ANTON MEYER

The Suter Art Society is bringing a Spring Exhibition to Nelson. It presents a curated selection of members artwork across various genres.

“There will be 30-40 different artist coming,“ says Gary Gibbens, who is one of the local artists who are exhibiting.

Gary, who has been involved in the exhibition for the previous two years, has been painting landscapes in various styles for over 40 years, painting in many overseas countries.

He is also the president of Tasman Visual Arts and the Nelson Independent Art Group.

He says he likes to invite artists from overseas or other NZ cities to create more of a mix in the exhibitions. Tonight’s opening night (Wednesday 11 October) features guest artist Bruce Mortimer who has been a

full-time artist since 1995. Bruce uses a range of mediums; drawing, painting, 3D mixed-media work, photography and cinematography - to express his love of landscapes.

As well as coherent and original series of work, they could be expressionistic paintings depicting cityscapes and landscapes or architecturally-inspired abstracts. In this year’s exhibition he has used monochromatic photorealism drawings. Bruce both worked and trained in several different countries, which has broadened his vision, and not confined his views to any one way of thinking.

Furthermore, he is a photographer who has photographed in over 20 countries on five continents. His major portfolios cover south and central Africa.

The Spring Exhibition runs daily from 9.30am-4.30pm from 11 to 29 October.

Donna McLeod (left) will perform in her play ‘Tense’ as part of the Nelson Arts Festival. Photo: Melissa Banks

Tō tātou reo Advance Care Planning

What

matters most to you when you think about your health changing?

Advance care planning is the process of thinking about, talking about and planning for future health care should you become unwell. Having an Advance Care Plan in place means the people who are important to you, and your healthcare team, know what you want, especially when you can no longer speak for yourself.

Come and learn more with Mary-Ann, the Advance Care Planning Facilitator from Nelson Bays Primary Health.

WHERE: Tākaka Library, 3 Junction St, Tākaka

WHEN: Wednesday 18 October 2023 TIME: 10:30am – 11am

To find out more about Advance Care Planning visit: www.myacp.org.nz

With Practice Plus, you’re only a few clicks away from a same day virtual Clinician consultation that suits you. We help Tautoko (connect) you with trusted medical care quickly, as an extension to your regular medical centre team and Clinician. Practice Plus is available weekdays until 10pm and weekends and public holidays 8am-8pm.

Fuelling dreams and excellence for over a decade, My Ride Richmond has been focused on changing lives for the better over the last 11 years. Established on Queen Street in 2012, owner Mike Anderson and his crew are the go-to destination for cycling enthusiasts of all levels and are all about inspiring riders as they prepare their equipment and their bodies for the next leg-burning adventure. Living a dream that is centered around outdoor exploration and adventure, Mike says the journey to date has been an epic one. “We started here from scratch, and we have steadily built the business up to include more bike brands, a greater range of parts and accessories and our service department now has three

full-time mechanics.”

“A stand-out moment for me would be when Covid hit, and we were forced to be very creative with how we did business. Around that time cycling just exploded and the demand for all things related to cycling went off the charts! The key changes we have seen are e-bikes and the technology around this. A lot of people who hadn’t even thought about cycling for a long time were suddenly able to get out and about and cover reasonable ground with some E-bike assistance.” Keeping up with a constantly changing world is all part and parcel of life but, for Mike and the team, it is seeing the life-changing effects of people tackling new challenges that continues to drive the pas-

sion for their role.

“I like the evolving technology and how far it can go, but what gives me the biggest kick is seeing someone go from almost zero fitness to becoming an avid cyclist and how this changes them personally. Within months some people are completely changed, not only physically, but mentally.

As I was told a long time ago –we aren’t just selling bikes, we are selling freedom.”

Never compromising on providing a top-quality service, the future looks bright for the My Ride Richmond team. “We would like to thank the community for their continued support over the past 11 years, and in the future. We hope to see our customer base continue to expand so that we can continue to grow. People need to watch this space for exciting future developments!”

Stocking all bike-related things under one roof, and offering ser-

vices on any brand, make or model, My Ride Richmond have all of your cycling needs covered. From beginner cyclists through to experts, the professional team are keen to help with advice, maintenance, cycling apparel, bike gear, tips, tricks, tubes and grips!

In celebration of their milestone, My Ride Richmond will be hosting a month-long sale for the duration of October with up to 35%

off selected top-quality brand mountainbikes and e-Bikes, including Avanti, Scott and Rocky Mountain, and 50% off Race Face products from Marleen Wholesalers. “We're here to fuel the relentless pursuit of dreams and excellence that creates everlasting memories. We want to change lives for the better, ours and yours, whether you’re a beginner or a professional athlete.”

My Ride, Mitchell Cooper & Mike Anderson.

Seamus O'Donnell, Patrick Anderson and Gary Due.

Eager for another crack at the Trackman Trophy

JACK MALCOLM

Vaughan Cornelius has his eyes set on having his name and his car etched into the history of the Trackman Trophy.

After he and the team had won pretty much everything they could have won last season, he says the opening night trophy remains elusive after seven seasons behind a production saloon wheel.

Having twice previously finished runner-up in the New Zealand GP and twice been runner-up at South Islands, as well as a twotime Nelson Club champion, Vaughan believes he has what it takes to bring home the goods.

“We put in one of the best seasons (last year). . . any trophy we could have won, we did win.

“The most special was the Pam Nixon Memorial Trophy. She's a former racer who died of cancer in the last off-season and it's pretty special to be the first winner of that.”

While the off-season is often a time to work on your car, Vaughan and his 12N Honda Prelude hadn't much to do before opening night.

With the car less than two years old, having been built up after be-

ing gifted by fellow local speedway enthusiast and competitor

Steve Russ, it's still in top condition despite a couple of superficial scrapes and dents.

While only the chassis, engine and body are the same as the car that rolled out of the factory,

Vaughn says they didn't know what to do before Steve jumped on board with an offer of help. “He gave us a couple of cars. “It helped us heaps because we didn't know what to do, our car was getting a bit too old and we had no idea how we were going

Maureen Pugh For West Coast-Tasman GET WEST COAST-TASMAN

to get a new one.”

With memories of falling asleep behind the local speedway grandstands, Vaughan says it was never a question if he was going to race as well.

“I got sick of watching him doing it and thought I should myself.

And now he's the one who's fulltime pit crew.

“It's always been in my blood.” While his dad, Chris Cornelius, drove Street Stocks, Vaughan says he always wanted to race production saloons.

“I credit a lot of it to the car, my dad does the set-up. There's a little element of the driver, but you have to have the car under you as well.

“Because you can't hit other cars out of the way, you need to rely on speed.”

Vaughan says, without his dad's input and expert knowledge he wouldn't even have a car out on track.

And with a couple of good practice runs already in the books, he's confident in their chances as they eye up another season. With the newly-formed Aotearoa Cup in Cromwell and a number of other big races in the upcoming calendar, Vaughan says it wouldn't be possible without the support of his sponsors, Fitzgerald Construction, Specialised Structures, JAK Raceworks, Troopers Tyre Services and Nightrave Greyhounds.

“If we didn't have them, we wouldn't be able to go down south to race.”

Authorised by Maureen Pugh MP, 4 Bert Mercer Drive, Hokitika

Vaughan Cornelius and his 12N production saloon are in top shape ahead of another exciting season of speedway, which kicks off this Saturday with the Opening Night Trackman Trophy. Photo: Jack Malcolm.

A brotherhood of Bogans

ANDREW BOARD

Disclaimer: Back in 2008 I was asked by a good mate of mine if I’d like to play football in a new team he was making. I didn’t know a lot about football, particularly how to play it, but I did know him and some of the other guys and I thought it would be a bit of fun. I’ve played for the team ever since so the following article does come with that bias.

It started as a joke, as many brilliant things in life do.

Fifteen seasons later the Richmond Bogans have claimed two league titles and three cup championships but, more importantly, created dozens of enduring friendships.

The Richmond Bogans started as a touch team in the early 2000s, a bunch of mates who went through Waimea College together. That morphed into other sports such as summer football. At the end of one summer football season, over a beer, Hayden (Houst) Bryant – a former rugby

player with Wanderers – turned to his mate Stew Greep and joked about entering a team into a proper winter football league.

The team was registered just a week before the start of the season and most of the players met each other for the first time the night before the first game, at the Turf Hotel.

“One of my mates, Ivan Tava, had invited a guy he worked with and a bunch of guys he sort-of knew that had recently moved to Nelson,” says Houst.

“When he got to the pub there were two sets of guys in their mid-20s eyeing each other up but unsure if that’s who they were there to see. Ivan walked in and pointing at each group, said ‘you and you, you’re playing together tomorrow’. That was it.”

The team took to the field with only three people who had played 11-a-side football before, the rest were mainly rugby players and the odd basketballer.

It went about as well as you’d expect.

“We were pretty rubbish,” says

Houst. “We lost the first game and the other team weren’t all that happy, we were quite over-physical. We didn’t really know the rules, we didn’t even know each other’s names.”

In goal was a German exchange student from Nayland College who was told a condition of his exchange to New Zealand was that he didn’t play football, as he was a member of a professional academy back in Germany, but he felt playing in goal for a low-level men’s team didn’t count. The rest of the team did a lot of running but didn’t know positions, what the offside rule was, or that you couldn’t call “mine”, which turned out to be a constant problem in the first season. However, the team carried on, started to win the odd game, moved to Richmond Football Club and won its first league title in 2016. At various stages it has had other teams associated with the group, including a women’s netball team called the Bogettes, a women’s football team, a basketball team and touch teams.

The players have never practised, apart from some ill-fated attempts in its second season, and recruits are based on if they’re a good bugger, rather than skill. In fact, most new recruits are also new to the sport.

Now it has two teams playing in the Nelson Bays Football senior men’s competition – one in the 4th division and one in the masters division – and celebrated its 15 seasons on Saturday with a friendly game at Jubilee Park and function afterwards at the Waimea Old Boys clubrooms.

Houst says the team is about much more than football.

“Early on, one guy, who was from Nelson, arrived back after being in the UK for a few years. He said he felt out of place because everyone’s lives had moved on. But playing for the Bogans made him feel part of the community again, and we have heaps of those examples. Some of the guys are quite emotional about it, the impact it has had.

“Everyone’s lives have those high and low moments and having a

support system has been amazing. We have had guys fight cancer, another guy lost his wife, and the team has just rallied around. The football is actually just the spark for the good bit, which is catching up with good mates.”

He says 99 people have played for the Bogans over the 15 seasons. “One of the main reasons we went to two teams was that we hated the idea of not fitting everyone in or having people not playing. So hopefully we’ll continue to bring in new players. But it doesn’t really matter if the team carries on for another 15 years or not. We’ve achieved way more than I thought it we would, maybe we’ll turn into bowls team as we get older. I don’t know, but it has been something special and something I’m really proud to have been involved with.”

He says the support from the Richmond Football Club has been outstanding over the years. “They’ve allowed us to be ourselves and grow. They are a great club and have been super supportive to us.”

Bogans on Saturday from left; Derek McLachlan, Harrie van den Berg, Andy Selwood, Joseph Kanyi, Greg Monk, Gareth Kerr, Phil Smith, Glen Pearless, Ra Hippolite, Stephen Patterson, Aaron Bier, Dave Clark, Houst Bryant, Jaden Whiunui, Dave Tippett, Tane Rameka, Glen Martin, Nick Milne, Rhys Hall, Simon Ashby, Julius Kolk, Kane Hart, Seamus Knox, Daniel Hawke, Marcus Lovell, Andy Clover, Craig Morice, Aaron Walton, Aaron Roberts, Nathan Lines, Liam Connelly, Aidan Barnett, Kipp O’Donnell, Ben Douglas, Flynn Reif, Dan Sharp, Kim Bryant, Andrew Board, Jared Rameka, Tim Young, Nick Shuttleworth, Murray Roeske and Ivan Tava. Photo: Jenna Lyall.

Bumper start to the Speedway Season

JODY SCOTT

Hitting the ground running, Milestone Homes Top of the South Speedway boasts a hectic pre-Christmas calendar which includes the Amber Court NZ T.Q Championship, with the Brightwater Cabinet and Joinery Paddy North memorial, and Sunshine Classic Sprint Car all featuring on a double-header weekend, December 8 and 9.

The first major NZ title of the season will be hotly contested, with four times NZ champion Jeremy Webb heading a star lineup with defending champion Aaron Humble.

There are plenty of new drivers campaigning around the North Island who could fly under the radar and the local cars will be

keen to excel on their home track. Morgan Frost, Alicia Hill, Dylan Bensemann, Jayden Corkill and John Schoester all have feature wins under their belts, while a huge field of cars will make their way from Canterbury. Throw in a couple of tricky wee Coasters and organisers promise a ‘rib tickler’ of a meeting.

The Trackman trophy for all grades opens the season once again, rumbling into action on October 14, before Nelson’s premier Coca-Cola Fireworks display lighting up the sky on November 4, along with the ‘Racing for the Kids’ cycle race.

The Street Stocks host night two of a Tri-Series, along with the Dirtworks Triples feature for them and the Stock cars on November 18.

The festive season sees the Nelson Garage Doors Demolition Derby and Streetcar race then the T.Q.’s return for the F.V. Management Services South Island title with Webb going for seven in a row. The Hydralink War of the Wings series returns on Janu ary 27, and stock cars from all around the country will do battle at the Ceramic Style NZ Grand Prix on February 10, with visiting Midgets also featuring on the night.

to

SPEEDWAY

TRACKMAN TROPHY NIGHT

STARTS 6PM

held on March 31, and the season winds up with the new ‘Stock Car Queen of the Clay’ title, and ‘Sam Satherley Remembrance for the Sidecars’ on April 13. There are plenty of new drivers making their debuts, while a few have moved up the grades. Third generation driver Callum Russ will be debuting his Top Gear Super Stock, watched closely by his father and club President Wayne Russ, and his grandfather and life member Malcolm Russ.

Alicia Hill once again is running

SATURDAY 14 TH OCTOBER

double duty, the T.Q. will be main drive early with a home NZ title to aim for, while her husband Alex Hill will have a busy January with the NZ title in Napier before the World 240’s in Rotorua.

A couple of Amber Court T.Q.’s of Liana Levien and Maia Nicholson make their debut, adding to the large number of ladies who drive at the Nelson track.

Cando Fishing hosts the ’Best Pairs’ on February 24, a huge field of Super Saloons will battle for the Nelson Garage Doors ’Black Baldy Xtreme’ series on March 2, before the Double Header weekend with the Nelson Club's cornerstone meeting, the PTS Super Stock Stampede, Nelson Tyre Centre Ministock Mania and Ansco Engineering Summer Slam.

The Richmond Exhaust and Radiator Easter Extravaganza will be

The Youth drivers are continuing to make their way through the club, Locky Martin will be making the move from ¼ midgets to Ministocks while Conley Webley will continue to have dual drives in both youth grades.

The battle in the youth Ministocks to sort their pecking order should be interesting, throw in the younger generations of Burson (Jack), Higgins (Luke) and a Musgrove (Andre), and add a Walker to the mix and there’s plenty of pride on the line.

It promises to be another busy season trackside, the Nelson race surface is one of the best

in the Country and the NZ T.Q. title might be one of the most hotly contested titles this year. There’s plenty happening throughout the summer months, and you can keep up-to-date via the club Facebook page or the club website: www.nelsonspeedway.co.nz Entry prices for the new season are still $20 for adults, and $10 for children under 15. Pensioner and members are $15 while a family pass (consisting of two adults and three children) is only $40. Adult season passes are $260, and family season passes are $520. Tickets can be purchased online via the Club website, at the Richmond Mall kiosk, or at the gate. Junior Members Club passes are just $25. With the Junior Members Club being sponsored by Nelson Tow and Salvage, children aged up to 12 years old can participate in pre-race activities, Christmas parades and get a tshirt as part of their package.

The Junior Members Club can be found via the Nelson Speedway website or Facebook page; ‘Nelson Speedway Junior Members’.

Last ball thriller starts cricket season with a bang

JACK MALCOLM

An edge past the keepers’ outstretched glove has seen the opening game for the summer of local premier-grade cricket decided on the final ball.

After Nelson College posted 142/8, Waimea Toi Toi United took every delivery of their 20 overs to come away with the win in a game that went right down to the wire.

With the tension ramping up as the balls remaining counted down, the game could have gone either way, as both teams gave themselves a chance at the death. For WTTU, there will be a sense that they dodged a bullet after Bradley Norris wasn’t able to get more than an edge on the last delivery of the game with the scores tied.

They started their run chase positively, as Parminder Kular opened the batting and made a handy 23 at almost a run a ball before

he was caught on the boundary looking for a maximum.

His dismal at 50/2 had WTTU well in the driver’s seat, comfortably inside the required run rate and with a wealth of wickets in hand.

But the school boys showed heart and fight as they dragged themselves back into the game with tight line and length from their bowlers and youth-filled energy in the field.

While the WTTU batsmen could get established they struggled to get their scores out of the teens and when Hogan Ward bowled captain Jack Aldridge (36), Nelson College looked to have gained the momentum with 27 required from the last four overs.

Another wicket, that of vice-captain Sam Baxendine (11), saw two new batters at the crease and by the time of the final over, 11 runs were needed.

With Gux Bixley on his premier debut, he got a first-class view of

the winning runs after contributing four runs himself in the over. With a no-ball and two miss-

RUGBY TIPPING

fields in the last six balls, Nelson College will be rueful that they couldn’t close out the game. With 26 extras from the innings, they would also have two catches disallowed because of no-balls. But, it wasn’t all sorrow for their captain Kurt Ward, who scored a game-high 54 not out from just 32 balls and could see the positives from their performance while also saying the extras were

a game changer.

“When it comes down to the last ball and it gets snicked for four, there’s not much you can do. “At the end of last season, we were not even competitive. And to come out in our first game and do that, it shows we’ve got what it takes.”

WTTU captain Jack Aldrige says it was special to see Gus in the mix on debut, with the whole team deserving praise for starting off in the winning column.

“A couple of wickets in clumps really put us under pressure at the end, but it’ll be good for the boys to win those close games and get the knack of winning early on.

“It was a bit closer than we’d hoped to expect. . . but there were periods there where we were just cruising.”

“It’s the first game and it’s good to get a bit of rust out of the system.”

The game, which was rescheduled to match Nelson College’s school competition calendar, was the only premier grade game played over the weekend.

For the rest of the teams, the competition starts this Saturday with a series of one-day games as Stoke-Nayland takes on WTTU, Nelson College plays Wakatu and Wolves (Wanderers/Motueka) hosts ACOB.

Pochin

“I

into people for a living.”

Waimea Toi Toi United batsmen Bradley Norris and Gus Bixley were all smiles as they left the park having hit the winning runs on the final ball of the game to beat Nelson College. Photo: Jack Malcolm.

Community Notices

MONDAY

LIGHTHOUSE SPIRITUAL AWARENESS. Mondays at Trafalgar St Hall. EXPO NIGHT 30th Oct from 7.15pm. Entry

$5. Readings, healings etc. Ph Carolyn 5474613

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

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

TUESDAY

WELLBY TALKING CAFÉ: 10am – 11.30am, Tues. 17 Oct., McCashin’s, Stoke. Wellby Talking Cafés are about social connection & finding out about groups, activities & services. www.wellby.org.nz 03 5467681.

LUNCH ON THE HILL. Come join us for hot drinks at 11am and lunch at noon on Tuesday the 17 October. Koha welcome. 27 Dorset St, Richmond. Ph (03) 5448844

NZ CHRISTIAN WRITERS Nelson Group. Tues. 17 Oct. Richmond Baptist Church Lounge. 1-4pm. Open to writers at all stages from wanna-be writers to published authors of all ages & whatever genre you use. For details Kay 0275476777 or kaypeterson4@xtra.co.nz.

LINE DANCING. New Beginners 9am starts 1st Tues Nov. 9am Stoke Warnes hall next to Vet.

FITNESS & FRESHAIR RICHMOND. FREE exercise sessions for seniors. 30 mins walk, use the outdoor equipment safely + strength & balance exercises. Tuesdays 11.30am. Bill Wilkes Reserve, Hunter Ave. Ange 021 790415

WRIGGLE & RHYME RICHMOND LIBRARY 10am–10.30am, Tuesdays during term time. Ages 0 – 2 years

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

NELSON 50+ WALKING GROUP Tuesday Oct. 17. Centre of NZ to Miyazu. Meet at 9.45am at Botanics, Milton St. BYO lunch. Contact Denis 027 2513223.

JUDO IN RICHMOND 20A Gladstone Rd, access via stairs at rear of Waimeo Old Boys Rugby Building. Juniors Tuesday/Thursday

6-7pm. Seniors Tuesday/Thursday 7pm. Pee wees Thursday

5.15pm. Contact Michelle 0275422254

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

RICHMOND TENNIS CLUB - Tuesday 10 - 11.30am POP Tennis.

$3 non-members Contact pop@richmondtennisclub.co.nz.

Come, enjoy and have a go. ALSO Tuesday from 6pm Social fun night. Lights and balls provided. Contact Trish 0274 872 480

WEDNESDAY

FOREST & BIRD Wed. 11 October. Evening talk by Nate Wilbourne about Forest & Bird Youth. Cup of tea available before the meeting.

7.30pm Tahunanui School Hall, Muritai Street, Tahunanui.

PILATES IN RICHMOND Multi-level Pilates classes, suitable for most all abilities. Term 4 $165 starts Wednesday Oct 11th 11:30am & 5:30pm. Enrolments essential as classes fill quickly. Meetingroom, Richmond Town Hall, Cambridge St. Email sue@suewilson. kiwi.nz or call 0292 813 735. Facebook Classical Pilates with Sue.

STORYTIME RICHMOND LIBRARY, 10am-10.30am, Wednesdays during term time. Ages 2 – 5 yearS

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

THURSDAY

WELLBY TALKING CAFÉ: 1.30pm – 3pm Thursday 19 Oct., NMIT Café Ake Ake. Wellby Talking Cafés are about social connection & finding out about groups, activities & services. www.wellby.org.nz 03 5467681.

DEADLINE: MIDDAY FRIDAY - 30 WORDS OR LESS BY EMAIL

ONLYPLEASE SEND TO: events@waimeaweekly.co.nz

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

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

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

RICHMOND WELCOME GROUP: Do you want to make new friends join a friendly group for coffee & a chat.10am the 1st & 3rd Thursday of each month at Paragon Cafe Langdale Dr. Richmond

FRIDAY

E LYSIUM WIDOW & WIDOWERS GROUP meet for lunch at Lemon Grass, Queen St, Friday 13 October at 12 noon. Ph Margaret 027 260 0748.

LINE DANCING, Fridays 9am Richmond Birch Hall A&P show grounds Free morning tea. Just arrive. Dianeneil6@gmail.com

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

WAITAKI OLD GIRLS’ SOCIAL GROUP NELSON. Pop in for a coffee & chat from 10am Friday 6 October Venue is The Coffee Factory Cafe (Pomeroys),16 Elms St, Wakatu Estate, Stoke. All Oamaruians welcome. Queries 027 673 1145 RICHMOND TENNIS CLUB - Friday 9.30 - 11.30am. Pickle ball$. $3 non-members. Contact pickleball@richmondtennisclub.co.nz Come, enjoy and have some fun.

TAI CHI Qigong All welcome, lasses at Tahunanui Community Hub, 55 Muritai Street, Tahunanui. Every Friday until 2nd June

9.30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Koha. Contact Jodie 021 259 5876.

SATURDAY

VARIETY ENTERTAINMENT CLUB of Nelson Concert Sat.

14 Oct. 2pm Whakatu Presbyterian Hall Songer St Stoke Admission $5 All Welcome Ph Ken 5474301 Robyn 5473231

PINK RIBBON YOGA with Sue Ransom & Jamila Knopp, Sat 14 Oct 10.30-11.30am, Church Hall, Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Richmond - all donations to Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. All welcome jamila.knopp@gmail.com sue.ransom@xtra.co.nz

HIGGINS HERITAGE PARK 222 Pigeon Valley Rd, Wakefield - Sun.15 October, enjoy time at our park open day of museum sheds, vintage vehicles, machinery & equipment, model trains, bush rail jigger. & honey barrel rides.10am- 3pm info@higginsheritagepark.co.nz

WAIMEA HARRIER S. Sprig + Fern 10k at Mapua. Saturday October 14th. Details, please go to waimeaharriers.nz Queries 0276731145.

NELSON RAILWAY. Railcar will run Sat 14th & Sun 15th Oct from 11am, weather permitting.

SUNDAY

WAIMEA MUSIC CLUB meets at Methodist Church Hall, Neale Ave, Stoke on Sunday, 15th October at 1.15pm. All welcome. Ph Jim 5449446 or Clive 0211431138

NELSON TASMAN METHODIST PARISH warmly invite you to their regular Sunday worship at 10 am followed by morning tea.. An inclusive, Christ focussed, community supporting church at 94 Neale Ave Stoke. Everybody welcome.

GENERAL GROUPS

FREE RICHMOND LIBRARY EVENTS: 1. Author Talk: April May, 1pm – 2pm, Tues 17 Oct. Free. April May, author of “He is Faithful”, writes books that will inspire, encourage & breathe hope into readers. 2. Book Group for Adults 3pm – 4pm, every 3rd Wednesday

each month, 18 Oct. Free. Meet new people share what you have been reading. 3. Intro to ChatGPT 10am - 11.30am, Wedn 25 Oct.. Learn about this AI technology. Free to attend but please book your spot by phoning 03 543 8500. 4. Intro to ChatGPT 1pm – 2.30pm, Thurs. 26 Oct. Learn about this AI technology. Free to attend but please book your spot by phoning 03 543 8500. 5. Intro to ChatGPT 10am - 11.30am, Fri. 27 Oct. Learn about this AI technology.

NELSON HAVEN CLUB PROJECT Pinc Next Steps (cancer rehabilitation), now available Rakaia Lions Lilies. Bag of 4 Oriental Liliy Bulbs $10, bag of 20 Freesias $5 plant now & will flower this season. Available until end November. Email margaret.ralph.c@xtra.co.nz or Ann Law ph 5475661 Margaret Ching ph 5476571

RUTHERFORD ROTARY New members welcome. Please contact 021 147 5357

U3A – Interest groups & social activities for the over-55s. From Quiz mornings to walking groups, digital photography to wine appreciation. Meet like-minded inquisitive people who share your interests. www.u3anelson.org.nz

FALLS PREVENTION. More Stable More Able. FREE 2 hour session for anyone who has fallen or is at risk of falling. Relaxed & informal setting. Book in with Ange 021 790415 Nelson Bays Primary Health NELSON AMATEUR WINEMAKERS & BREWERS CLUB welcomes anyone currently making, or interested in making, their own wines, ciders & beers. Meet monthly. Ph Will 5447650 or John 021 2167143.

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

WAIMEA MENZSHED - catering for the interests, health and well-being of men since 2010. The shed is open Monday - Friday at Richmond Park, 384 Lower Queen St. Inquiries: mens.shed. waimea@gmail.com 027 282 0185

JOIN CAKE DECORATORS Come & learn how to work with fondant, sugar paste & chocolate. Desiree 027 630 2359.

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.

Dentures 546 4455.

to 11.00am 110 Aldinga Ave, Stoke Various household items, knitwear, clothing, Knick knacks and loads more. Come and have a look!

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

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

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

Ladies Bicycle with gears, Excellent Condition $60. Commercial Wheelbarrow $40. Outdoor Table and 6 Chairs $60. Phone 547 6918

DEATH

SHEA Laureen Barbara

Passed away peacefully on 30 September 2023 at Nelson Hospital after a short illness. Loved wife and soulmate of Pete. Loved mum and mother-in-law of Andrea; Aaron and Steph and nana of Kaylim. Loved sister of Karen, Michael and Warwick. No flowers by request. A private funeral service has been held.

Your to let ad here. Phone 544 9037.

MEMORIAM

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DEATH

HOLLAND Leslie

Born 1951 passed away 29 September 2023 at Melvale Lodge Wellington. A Patient sufferer at Rest. Love husband of Jill. Father and father in law of Karla and Ray Connor and Terri and Ryan Boote. Son of the late Carlie and Betty Holland. Brother and brother in lawof Philippa (Pip) and Ian Murdoch, brother to the late Desmond and Peter Holland. As to his wishes a private cremation has taken place. He will be interred at a later date.

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DEATH

NICHOLLS Gary Allan

16/02/76 -23/09/23

At peace now gone but not forgotten. Love from mum, family and friends. A special thanks for love and care from Nelson Tasman Hospice, Nelson Dialysis Unit, Dr. Bruce King, A&E Department and other Nelson Hospital departments. The Wood Rest Home and Simplicity Funerals. Messages to 575a Main Rd Stoke, Nelson.

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ANNIVERSARY

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563 Main Road, Stoke, New Zealand

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