Three of Top South Media’s deliverers from Nelson, Waimea and Motueka have each been named Deliverer of the Month, acknowledging the behind-the-scenes work that keeps our local newspapers circulating each week. Leo Jury profiles all three who have received a double-pass to the movies for their consistency and commitment.
Ryder Cook goes the extra mile on Mapua paper runs
Ryder Cook has been delivering The Guardian in Mapua for almost a year, starting with a single run delivering 150 papers a week.
After moving house, Ryder took over a new Mapua run at the beginning of this year, delivering 185 papers each week. With no replacement yet found for his original round, he has generously continued delivering both runs.
His routes take him through The Village and newer residential area. Along the way, Ryder stops in at Four Square, passes the occasional barking dog and meets people in the neighbourhood who recognise him as ‘the newspaper guy’.
Growing Richmond run earns Samuel top delivery honour
Delivering nearly 300 copies of Waimea Weekly every week across a fast-growing part of Richmond has earned Samuel the title of Deliverer of the Month.
Samuel delivers just under 300 papers during each of his runs, covering Richmond and part of the expanding Hart Road subdivision. As the area has grown, so too has his workload.
He started his paper run in August 2024 and has steadily taken the increasing size in his stride.
Along the way, Samuel has made a few four-legged friends, regularly encountering cats that wander up for pats during his deliveries.
“As Hart Road and other subdivisions in Richmond grow, his run might eventually split into two,” says Rachel, his mum.
But until then, Samuel has been doing a great job keeping up with his deliveries.
“Plus, it’s good pocket money, it helps pay taxes,” says Samuel.
Sue stands out for delivery
Before most of Nelson has finished their first coffee, Sue Neill is already out on the streets with papers under her arm, greeting familiar faces, and stopping to pat a few four‑legged friends along the way.
Sue delivers around 720 copies of Nelson Weekly each week across three rounds and also distributes Nelson Magazine and Best Life to shops and businesses throughout the Nelson CBD. After three years on the job, Sue has built a reputation for reliability, positivity, and a genuine love for her route.
“When I first started three years ago, I was delivering 1,100 papers a week,” Sue says. “These days I mainly cover The Wood area, including Atawhai Drive and Tasman St. The Wood is definitely my favourite — I’ve been covering it for years.”
Along the way, Sue has got to know more than just the residents. Her weekly deliveries come with plenty of four‑legged encounters that have become a highlight of her rounds.
“There’s Arlo, who loves a good pat; Jacko and Chase; a small dog whose name I don’t know, so I call him Handsome; Lucy, Stormy, another Arlo, and Jimmy,” Sue laughs.
“There are also a few I call ‘Jazus’ because they give me such a fright when I forget they’re there. And then there are the ones out on walks with their owners - they get pats too.”
But one dog stands above the rest.
“My favourite is Bertie,” Sue says. “He follows me for about six letterboxes, jumping up and down for his paper. I shake his hand, give him the paper, and he gets a treat from me. Last week, he decided he wanted the treat before the paper.”
If you’d like to nominate your deliverer, please email sara@topsouthmedia.co.nz
