Celebration at Nelson Women’s Centre
Nelson Women’s Centre celebrated one year since their re-opening with a multicultural lunch at their Trafalgar St facility last month. During the past year, the centre has provided 1000 hours of social work, 750 hours of counselling support, 350 food supports and 450 workshop sessions. The centre also received a visit from New Zealand’s Governor-General, the Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro last week, who learnt about the services on offer and observed an Art Circle workshop.
Māpua’s big fair day
The popular Māpua Easter Fair returns on Sunday, 5 April, more than four decades after Māpua School and the local playcentre first launched the event. It now draws crowds of up to 10,000 people, making it one of the largest events on the Nelson-Tasman calendar. This year it features more than 200 stalls, a silent auction, a range of food trucks, a school-run cafe and live entertainment throughout the day. The fair continues to be a major fundraiser for the school and playcentre each year.
Funding from Richmond Lions
Richmond Lions presented cheques to two local organisations at their March meeting, the proceeds from its fundraising events during the summer holidays. Land Search and Rescue were their partners and beneficiary of the annual Camp Raffle at Tahunanui Beach Camp between Christmas and the New Year, and $1500 was donated towards their fund to update equipment involved in searches. Hate Hone St John were the partners and beneficiary for the Summer Fair at the Tāhunanui Sports field on New Years Day and $7000 was donated towards their building fund for the proposed ambulance hub in Richmond.
Rātā Foundation announces $249,000 for Nelson Tasman organisations
Rātā Foundation has awarded $249,000 in funding to 20 community organisations across Nelson Tasman, supporting services ranging from education and health to sport and social well-being. The successful recipients include Active Little Learners, Citizens Advice Bureau Nelson Tasman Incorporated, Diabetes New Zealand, Fa’alapotopotoga Tagata Samoa Nelson Tasman, Intentional Education Nelson Tasman, Nelson Multiple Sclerosis Society Incorporated, Nelson Tasman Region Hospice Trust, Respiratory Support Nelson Incorporated, The Murchison Mobility Charitable Trust, Wāhine Outdoors, Wakefield School and Wanderers Community Sports Club. In addition, the foundation announced $179,400 in multi-region funding for organisations delivering programmes that span funding regions.
Sepak takraw court almost completed
A new court for the Southeast Asian sport of sepak takraw is almost complete. Located at Victory Square Park, the project has been funded by Nelson City Council and led by the local 350-strong Karenni community, who originally hail from Myanmar. Construction has commenced and an opening ceremony is anticipated for early April, which may include a community vs council. The existing community-built volleyball court has also been upgraded with a permanent net and improved surface.
Givealittle for Angela
A Givealittle page has been set up for injured cyclist Angela Herbert, who was struck by a van on 8 February at the Vanguard St/Hardy St roundabout. As reported by Nelson Weekly 11 March, she suffered six pelvic fractures and has been in hospital ever since. Doctors estimate it will be around nine months before she can walk again, with a long recovery after that. Her Givealittle page can be found at: www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/please-help-angela-herbert-the-one-whos-always
New community centre for Atawhai?
St Peter’s Church has not been used for worship for several months after its previous vicar departed. Residents have since approached Nelson City Council requesting support to engage the Anglican Diocese about enabling community use of the premises. The Diocese agreed to undertake local consultation to understand community needs and wants, with the intention of either providing those services directly or through partnerships with other organisations. Residents of North Nelson can provide feedback until 4 April at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/atawhaicommunityneeds
