A kaleidoscope of colour at Waimea College
Uniforms were cast aside as students transformed into a kaleidoscope of colours at Waimea College for the annual House Day last week. The main competition of the day was the six-minute chants, with each of the six houses performing to match their chosen themes. Taking out the top honours this year, were Cooper and Ngata – the reds and purples. The rest of the day featured a mix of activities from hula hoop relays and giant whirlpools, to land-ski races and karaoke.
Local charity named a NZ Community Leader of the Year finalist
Stoke‑based Safeguarding Children Initiative has been named a finalist for a prestigious national award recognising “communities achieving powerful collective impact”. The charity — which has grown into a global movement for strengthening child protection — is in the running for the 2026 Mitre 10 New Zealand Community Leader of the Year award. The announcement was made last week, leaving the team “excited” and “so humbled”. Safeguarding Children Initiative was acknowledged by judges for its “innovative training”, “policy advocacy”, and “nationwide collaboration” to improve how organisations respond to child abuse and neglect in homes and in the spaces where children commonly gather. “We would like to say a sincere thank you to the judging panel for recognising the work we do,” the organisation said on reaching the finals. “We know this mahi matters to the safety and protection of children across Aotearoa, and this acknowledgement truly means the world to our team.” The winner will be announced on 19 March.
Damage to Busch Reserve
More damage was done to Tasman District Council reserves last week by “selfish hoons” ripping up the grass in their vehicles. A council spokesperson says that multiple vehicles were racing on the grass area at Busch Reserve, frightening residents up the Aniseed Valley. For the safety of all reserve users and residents in the area, the council has again had to close off the wider grass area of the reserve to vehicles. “Unfortunately, this impacts other reserve users who aren't behind this, but this dangerous behaviour leaves us with no choice as we need to prioritise people’s safety.”
Get muddy with your buddies
The annual Muddy Buddy Adventure Fun Race at Tasman School is happening on 15 March. Starting at the school, the course is a short loop (approximately 1km) in and out of the Moutere Inlet. Runners can choose to enter either one, two or three laps. This is a team event, and teams can be made up of between two and 15 members. Go to www.tasman.school.nz/muddy-buddy to register.
Weet-Bix TRYathlon returns
The Weet-Bix Tryathlon returns to Nelson this Sunday, 8 March, bringing hundreds of young athletes and their families to Tāhunanui Reserve for a day of swimming, cycling and running. The Nelson event, part of the nationwide series, will see children aged six to 15 take part in age-appropriate triathlon courses designed to encourage fitness, confidence and fun. The event focuses on participation rather than competition, with every child receiving a medal and race pack. Go to www.tryathlon.co.nz/locations/nelson/for more information.
Costumes prompt police callout
Students in costumes which appeared to be tactical gear prompted a police response in Richmond last week. A police spokesperson said police were called around 12.40pm on Friday with concerns that two people could be seen wearing what appeared to be tactical gear, on Oxford St. Police spoke with the pair, who were high-school students in costumes for dress-up day. The spokesperson said the matter had been used as a learning opportunity for the students and the school.
