You may have already enjoyed some of the great events in the Tasman Nelson Summer Events programme but there are still plenty more to come.
Here are a few of the highlights to look out for:
• A & P Shows Golden Bay Saturday 18 January and Murchison Saturday 15 February – True country, familyfriendly shows and Murchison is marking its centenary!
• Tata Titanic Cardboard Boat Race Saturday 25 January – Don’t miss this annual classic!
• Sarau Festival Sunday 2 February – Celebrate the fabulous Moutere Valley, (formerly known as Sarau) its people, crafts and crops.
• Tasman Asian Night Food Fair Saturday 8 February – Lots of yum and fun in Washbourn Gardens.
• Nelson Wine and Food Festival Sunday 16 February – Celebrate sensational sounds, wine, food and summer. This popular event is back in a new venue at the Richmond Showgrounds.
• Family fun in our parks Treasure Hunt, Amazing Races and a Family Picnic are all happening in our parks – check the website for the times and dates of these free events. This is just a sneak peek of everything that’s going on so make sure you don‘t miss a thing.
Get all the details on the website (search summer events) and stay updated with any late changes on the Facebook page.
I was born and raised in Motueka and continue to call it home, with my wife Jody and children Tiegan and Brodie.
Working for Sport Tasman as General Manager – Facilities for almost 20 years allows me to engage with communities across the top of the South, including overseeing the management of Saxton Stadium, Pavilion and Oval, Richmond Town Hall and the Motueka Recreation Centre.
Service to the community is important and I continue to serve as a Justice of the Peace, Restorative Justice Community Panel Member, Ministry of Social Development Benefit Review Community Representative, as a member of the Lottery Grants Committee and as Motueka High School Board Chair.
Throughout the election campaign I was reminded of the diverse settlements in Tasman and the importance of elected members representing the aspirations of the communities they serve. As Chair of the Motueka Community Board this means being committed to advocating hard for the Motueka Ward.
Unlike councillors, who are obliged to take a district-wide view, community boards focus on the challenges and opportunities facing our ward. For Motueka there are some key focus areas. SH60/High Street, responsible camping, housing affordability and tiny homes, climate change and investment into essential infrastructure. However, we must never lose sight of the wonderful community and natural assets we all enjoy in the Motueka Ward.
The Motueka and Golden Bay Community Boards have committed to working more closely together on regional issues and I must acknowledge Mayor King for scheduling meetings with both myself and the Golden Bay Community Board Chair to bring a more open relationship between the two boards and the Council. Finally, my sincere thanks for re-election. I recognise that I was elected by the people and therefore work for and answer to you. Please feel free to contact me with any challenge, issue or comment.
Brent Maru, Motueka Community Board
The draft Te Tauihu Intergenerational Strategy that looks at the long term wellbeing of the region’s people, economy and environment is available for community feedback.
The strategy was developed with funding from the Provincial Growth Fund, support from local authorities, iwi and business, and convened by Wakatū Incorporation.
Following several months of community engagement including over 25 live events and online forums, the draft strategy has been published online for feedback from the communities of Te Tauihu (Top of the South). The development of the Strategy began in early 2019 and brought together business, iwi, local and central government and the community to discuss the future of Te Tauihu (Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough).
The draft Strategy includes a wellbeing framework – Te Tauihu Oranga. It also includes an overall strategy for the region with identified regional priorities. You can share your feedback on the draft Strategy, online at tetauihu.nz/strategy until Friday 28 February 2020.
For further information contact: Miriana Stephens at tetauihu@wakatu.org.
Welcome to the first issue of Newsline for 2020 – if you look closely you may notice a few things have changed.
In 2019 we ran a survey to find out whether Newsline was delivering the information you want, in a format that works for you. The feedback let us know that most of you receive a copy of Newsline every fortnight (87%), most of you read it regularly (72.5%) and some of the information you value most includes Council decisions, roadworks and closures, upcoming events, workshops and activities, projects and initiatives happening in your area.
There were lots of great ideas for things we could add or improve, and you will see many of those included in this and future issues of Newsline. That includes a regular sustainability section, information about volunteers and local achievements, greater coverage of youth initiatives, and a new What’s On in Tasman page, which features upcoming events and programmes run by the Council’s Community Relations teams, Tasman District Libraries and our community recreation facilities.
We’ve increased the font size, to make Newsline more accessible to a greater range of people. We’re also planning to offer the option to receive to an emailed version of Newsline – keep an eye out in future issues for information on how to subscribe. We’re always keen to hear your feedback about Newsline and the other information we provide, such as the fortnightly Newsline Updates we include in local newspapers.
Feel free to email us to share your thoughts: tasman.communications@tasman.govt.nz.
Our region is blessed with wonderful recreational facilities and outdoor spaces and summer is a perfect time to enjoy somewhere new. We asked some of our team where they’d head on their day off.
Reserves officer Richard Hilton suggests a walk at LEH Baigent Memorial Reserve at the northern tip of the Kina Peninsula and Hoddy Estuary Park, among others.
“Hoddy Estuary Park is secluded and nice for picnicking,” he says. “There are also lots of walks around Wakefield; a good 45-minute circuit is to take in Edward Baigent Memorial Domain and Wakefield Recreation Reserve, go through the village to Faulkner Bush and up the hill on the upper terrace track to look at the views over to Rabbit Island.
“For some really good summer exercise to get rid of your Christmas pudding, there are great walks up into the Richmond Hills. Head up to Reservoir Creek gully to see what’s left of the native bush, including nikau and podocarps.”
For some of New Zealand’s best swimming, horticultural officer Lynne Hall suggests Motueka Saltwater Baths and Little Kaiteriteri.
“That is always just beautiful. In Golden Bay, go to Tata Beach or Paton’s Rock – in fact that whole coastline from Motueka. Ligar Bay has beautiful safe swimming with turquoise waters and golden sands. It’s magic.”
For indoor fun, community partnerships coordinator Lani Evans recommends the Richmond Aquatic Centre. “It’s great fun for the whole family, rain or shine. And mark your calendars for the centre’s national Children’s Day celebration from 10.00 am – 2.00 pm on March 1. There’ll be a range of interactive games and activities, including bouncy castles, balloon twisting, live music, obstacle courses and bike riding challenges, all for a gold coin donation.”
Remember, if you’d like to take your dog with you on your trip, double-check where you can exercise them off leash on our website: tasman.govt.nz/link/dog-control.
Tasman District Council has successfully delivered some big infrastructure projects in Golden Bay recently. Others are under construction now and even more is planned for the future. Here’s a summary of the projects, representing a total investment of approximately $6 million in this part of the region.
Recently completed projects:
• Gibbs Road Stormwater project
• Abel Tasman Drive road widening near Port Tarakohe
• Four Winds Pump Station upgrade Currently under construction:
• Takaka Resource Recovery Centre development – replacing some key equipment and updating the site.
• Takaka – Pohara Cycleway – a safe cycling and walking connection (a cycleway clip-on for the Motupipi Bridge has been designed and will be added later when budgets allow).
• Pohara Valley Wastewater Pump Station replacement – installing a new pump station and replacing old pipes. Future projects:
• Pohara Stormwater project – a resource consent application has been lodged for this project.
• Collingwood Water Treatment Plant – component renewal and upgrade to improve filtration.
We know there’s always some disruption when we carry out these projects but the long term good is worth the short term inconvenience.
Thanks for bearing with us as we invest in improved infrastructure for Golden Bay.
Have your say: Consultation open until 6 March 2020.
Kingsland Forest, on the flanks of the Barnicoat Range that forms the backdrop to Richmond, is a Council-owned plantation forestry block that has become a popular recreation destination for bikers and walkers.
A new harvesting cycle is about to start in Kingsland Forest. We’re proposing to gradually retire Kingsland Forest from commercial forestry operations as plantation forestry blocks mature and are harvested over the next 20 years. We’re considering replanting in a mix of native and permanent exotic trees, allowing us to progressively improve recreational tracks and facilities over time.
We have drafted a comprehensive plan that also considers stormwater management, biodiversity restoration and landscape enhancement. This is where you come in – what’s your vision for the future of Kingsland Forest? Have your say We want to know what you think of the draft Kingsland Forest Development Plan.
More information is available online at tasman.govt.nz/feedback, and at Council offices and libraries. You can have your say by:
• Making an online submission. Visit tasman.govt.nz/feedback
• Downloading a submission form from our website or picking one up from any Council office or library. You can return it either by:
» emailing to info@tasman.govt.nz with Kingsland Forest draft development plan in the subject line
» dropping it in to any Council office or library
» posting it to Kingsland Forest Draft Plan, Tasman District Council, 189 Queen Street, Private Bag 4, Richmond 7020.
Motueka’s Brooklyn Primary School has achieved a Bronze Enviroschools Award, recognising the committed group of students and educators who work to care for the environment.
Teacher Lara Schneider said the Enviroschool group, the Green Academy, was very proud of the Bronze Reflection process they completed in Term 4 of 2019.
“We think our greatest achievements were the Zero Waste Book Fair, creating waste stations in each classroom that include compost and recycling, forming relationships with Friends of Flora and the Abel Tasman Bird Song Trust, and community plantings, as well as experiencing our local environments and learning about what’s happening to help conserve these areas,” she says.
This year, members of the group are looking forward to building their environmental education, continuing to work together on projects such as extending their vege garden and increasing the capacity of the compost bins to make them more suitable for worm farming.
“We hope we can generate some funds through this project to put into future environmental initiatives,” Lara says.
The much-anticipated new cycleway from Takaka to Pōhara Beach will be officially opened with a celebration BBQ on Thursday 30 January.
With both Tasman’s Great Taste Trail and cycling in general becoming more popular, the cycleway is a welcome addition to the walking and cycling network in the Bay. The $1m gravel pathway is 7.5km long and connects the two areas along the road reserve of Abel Tasman Drive.
It offers a new way to travel for locals, schoolchildren, and the approximately 1,000 holidaymakers who come to the Pōhara/Tata area every summer, many of whom bring their bikes. Work began in early November at Totally Roasted Café in Pōhara Beach and project manager Graham Rimmer says Fulton Hogan has done an exceptional job.
The opening celebration begins at 12 noon at Motupipi School. Come along with the family to celebrate a new, fun and safe way to travel in the Bay.
This summer, we’re offering a range of cycle education sessions in Richmond and Motueka that will help increase your confidence on a bike.
Re-start cycling
This workshop is aimed at adult beginners/intermediate riders who want to get back out on their bike. By the end, you’ll feel more comfortable when riding both on and off-road.
Halfway through the session we’ll stop at a cafe for a coffee and chat about cycling and how you can make it easier to incorporate into your life. The last part will see us on the road learning how to bike confidently and safely. There are workshops for regular bikes and one for electric bikes. Spaces are limited and participants must bring a bike with working brakes and a helmet. The session is free of charge but you need to preregister on the website, tasman.govt.nz, search on cycling courses. You’ll get an email confirming the starting location of the session.
Richmond Electric bikes:
Saturday 18 January, 9.30 am – 12.30 pm
Regular bikes: Saturday 25 January, 9.30 am – 12.30 pm
Motueka Electric bikes: Saturday 15 February, 9.30 am – 12.30 pm
Regular bikes: Saturday 22 February, 9.30 am – 12.30 pm
Ladies only bike maintenance sessions
Ladies, come and learn how to look after your bike! The workshop is hands-on and will teach you how to change a flat tyre, along with giving your bike a little TLC. You will learn how to look after your chain and make sure your bike is road-ready and safe. Richmond Saturday 15 February, 10.00 am – 11.30 am (Richmond Library) Motueka Saturday 22 February, 1.30 pm – 3.00 pm (Motueka Recreation Centre).
Late last year, the Council consulted on speed limit changes for a number of roads around the District.
We received 485 submissions and the information and feedback provided showed the majority supported the proposed changes (77%), but also prompted some key changes to the proposal. Burnside Road, Gannet Heights, Lady Barkley Drive, Moonraker Way, Pippin Lane, Tokongawa Drive, Venture Cove and a short (500m) section of College Street will have speed limits lower than proposed.
Part of River Terrace Road will have a speed limit of 60km/h, higher than what was proposed and Gibbs Valley Road, Hoddy Road, Wharariki Road (unsealed section), East Takaka Road, Glenview Road and Paton Road (60km/h extension) will not have their speed limits changed.
Feedback we received on these roads indicated that a much lower speed limit than we proposed was preferred by the community. However, we can’t legally set a speed limit that is significantly different to what we proposed and consulted on. Our intention is to consult locally on lower speed limits for these roads in the near future.
The speed limit for Mytton Heights will be implemented once the road legally becomes a council road. The speed limit for Māpua Drive will come into effect once a separated shared path has been built to provide safe access for pedestrians and cyclists from Māpua to Dominion Flats. This is expected to be constructed later this summer.
In those areas where the changes have been adopted, the new speed limits will come into effect from 17 February 2020. Thanks to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts on this important issue.
Sundial Square cart site – expressions of interest
Council have a vacant cart site at Sundial Square on Queen Street in Richmond. This was previously the site of a coffee cart operation.
Council is calling for expressions of interest to establish a mobile cart on this site.
Another coffee cart is one option, but anyone with a different idea for the site is welcome to submit. The main focus is to ensure it adds to the public’s positive experience of Sundial Square.
The successful proposer(s) will be given a six month trial licence to occupy. The site will be available after 2 March 2020. A $300 documentation fee will be required by the successful applicant.
Written proposals should be sent to Christina Ewing either in letter form, or email to christina.ewing@tasman.govt.nz. Proposals should be received before 4pm on 11 February and cover the following:
What service will you offer? Preference will be given to services that are not available elsewhere in the immediate vicinity.
Do you have an existing cart, or do you intend to acquire one? A photo of an existing cart should be provided. Preference will be given to submitters with an existing cart.
What experience do you have? Preference will be given to experienced operators.
When would the service be available? Weekdays only? Seven days? What hours?
What weekly rental are you willing to pay?
Please confirm you that understand your cart will need appropriate certification (i.e. electrical, food etc) and you will take out appropriate insurance cover.
Proposals will be considered by an assessment committee. We hope to notify the successful candidates no later than
18 February 2020.
The Tasman District Council reserves its right to not accept any of the proposals received.
Keep an eye out for algae
Over the summer months, as well as monitoring swimming water quality, we are on the lookout for signs of toxic algae in our rivers. If any algae is found we put the location on our website so everyone knows which areas to be careful around. See tasman.govt.nz/link/toxic-algae.
If we experience extended periods of warm weather with slow river flows, algae is more likely to become toxic. This a natural process but the mats of algae can produce toxins, which are dangerous for children and pets. Keep an eye on children and dogs near the water – and don’t let them eat any algae.
You can report large mats of algae by emailing trevor.james@tasman.govt.nz with a photo of the algae attached, or by phoning us on 03 543 8400.
If you want to know more about swimming water quality, Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (LAWA) collects environmental data from regional and unitary councils and presents it in an easy-to-follow format. Visit lawa.org.nz to check it out.
Reminder when paying rates online
A friendly reminder: When you make electronic payments such as rates or water, you must quote the account number so we can allocate the payment to the right account.
For rates, this is your valuation roll number, which you can find near the top of your rates invoice usually starting with a 1. For water, the number is near the top of your water invoice and starts with a W.
Other Council accounts will also have a reference near the top of the invoice.
If you move house, please remember to update your online banking reference – or you may find yourself paying someone else’s rates.
We want to allocate your payment to your account, but despite our attempts at detective work occasionally we have to return funds to the account it came from due to lack of information.
Get your Good Wood now
Summer is the ideal time to get your firewood supplies stocked up so it’ll be nice and dry and ready to burn clean, bright and hot this winter.
We encourage everyone to choose a Good Wood supplier, so you’re getting a trusted source of dry firewood that will burn well, helping to keep your home warmer and our air cleaner.
All Good Wood suppliers have agreed to supply either:
For a list of suppliers visit the website, tasman.govt.nz/good-wood. There is also a good practice guide with tips for storing firewood correctly and how to operate your wood burner efficiently when winter rolls around.
Firewood survey
Thanks to everyone who completed our online firewood survey before Christmas. We had over 140 responses, providing us with useful data. The three winners of the $50 Prezzie cards were drawn and they have been informed.
Check current water restrictions
Head to our website for details of any current water restrictions – tasman.govt.nz/link/water-restrictions.
Gardner Valley Road / Moutere Highway intersection upgrade
Construction is about to begin to move the Gardner Valley Road and Moutere Highway intersection. We will construct a new section of road from Gardner Valley Road just north of where the intersection is now.
Once the new portion of road is ready, the section of Gardner Valley Road between the cemetery and the Moutere Highway will be closed off. This will straighten out the intersection and make it safer.
All work will take place in the road reserve, so there shouldn’t be any impact on road users during construction.
For more details on all current projects, visit the website, tasman.govt.nz/projects.
Help keep Tasman fire free this summer
Let’s keep Tasman free from fires this summer – check it’s alright first!
As well as obeying all fire restrictions, you need to think about any work you are doing that could start a fire. One spark is all it takes when the fire conditions are right, so check it’s alright before you start.
Go to the website checkitsalright.nz for the latest fire weather updates, which will tell you what activities you need to avoid or how to reduce the risks involved in the work you can carry out.
There are updates on local radio stations throughout the summer keeping you informed on the current fire weather conditions.
Brightwater Town Centre Upgrade
Work on the project has restarted following the holiday break. The upgrade work begins at the Lord Rutherford Road intersection and will be working along Ellis Street toward SH6.
Stop-go traffic controls and temporary traffic diversions will be in place in the work areas.
This project will make Ellis Street a safer, more attractive public space.
Proposed road closure
Applicant: Downer NZ / Tasman School
Event: Muddy Buddy
Location: Aporo Road between Dickers Road and Baldwin Road – Vehicles will be detoured via
Goddard Road
Date and time: Sunday 15 March 2020, 10.00 am – 2.00 pm
Objections Close: Thursday 6 February 2020
Hope to Wakefield speed review
The NZ Transport Agency is reviewing speed limits on State Highway 6 between Hope and Wakefield and they want to hear what you think about speed on this road.
Do the current speed limits feel safe, or not? What parts of the road do you think are more dangerous than others?
You can provide feedback online until 7 February 2020 at nzta.govt.nz/hope2wakefield
What do you love about your local parks?
Consultation closes 31 March 2020. We’re reviewing the way we manage Moutere/Waimea Ward parks and reserves, and we need your help to make sure these public spaces suit locals and visitors now and in the future. Over the next few months, we’ll be asking you to tell us which reserves you use regularly, what you love about them, and any changes you would like to see to the way they are used or managed. The most important thing we want to know is: What’s your vision for their future?
Have your say: Visit tasman.govt.nz/feedback for more information.
Alcohol licence applications
Current applications for alcohol licences, including information on how to object, are advertised on our website.
Motueka Summer Picnic
Tuesday 21 January, 10.30 am – 12.00 pm at Memorial Park, Motueka
Bring along a picnic to enjoy while watching Box of Birds puppet show by Birdlife Productions. There will be giant games, chalk art and more. It’s free and everyone is welcome!
Fantasy Talk with Robyn Prokop
Tuesday 21 January, 1.00 pm – 2.00 pm at Richmond Library
Fresh new voice in young adult fantasy writing, Robyn Prokop, talks about her debut novel Taelstone. Not to be missed. It’s free and everyone is welcome.
Teen Style Me Sustainably
Friday 24 January, 11.00 am – 2.00 pm at Takaka Library
Clothes, chats, challenges, op-shopping and tips for teenagers with fashion guru Sonya Leusink-Sladen. Spot prizes, refreshments, and a $10 op-shop allowance provided. Book your spot at Takaka Library. It’s free and it’s fun.
Kick Start Your Business workshop
Thursday 13 February, 9.45 am – 1.45 pm at Richmond Library
This free workshop is presented by the Nelson Tasman Business Trust and covers lots of practical tips for anyone considering starting a business. You need to register to attend the workshop at ntbt.co.nz as numbers are limited. For more information email admin@ntbt.co.nz or phone 03 539 0824.
Nelson Wine & Food Festival 2020
Sunday 16 February, 11.00 am – 5.00 pm at Richmond A & P Showgrounds
Features a great music line-up including the New Zealand Army Band and the chance to sample renowned Nelson wines, ciders, craft beers and delicious local food specialties. Get tickets now from Ticket Direct and see the website, nwff.co.nz for more information.
Library events
There's always lots going on at your local library, with weekly games and reading activities along with loads of special school holiday events to keep the kids busy.
You can find all the information online at tasmanlibraries.govt.nz/about-us/events.
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