Wear yellow for Harold
It was a sea of yellow at Waimea Intermediate to celebrate a giraffe, who has become somewhat of a celebrity in local schools. Friday marked the second edition of national Wear Yellow for Harold day, encouraging schools and businesses as a fundraising and awareness day for Life Education. It was the first time the Nelson Tasman region had taken part, and with all money raised locally staying local, trust educator Ingrid Kemp says it’s an important fundraiser. “It’s creating an awareness of what we do, who we are and the importance of our lessons in schools. It’s a great, fun fundraiser to help us provide these lessons because we charge very minimal per child but in reality, it costs quite a lot.”
Upgrade for mountainbike track
The city’s P51 mountainbike trail is undergoing a major rework. Nelson City Council and the Nelson Mountain Bike Club are collaborating on the project, which will see its lower section turned into a Grade 3 trail, that aims to keep it fun and engaging for riders of all abilities. Work was expected to start on 24 June and will see the track closed for at least a few weeks. Poor weather may impact the timing of the project.
Antarctic show in Wakefield
Wakefield will host Antarctic veteran Roger Lusby on 26 June, when he brings his illustrated talk to town to raise funds for the community hub. It’s 55 years since he wintered as a base mechanic at Scott Base in Antarctica, and he will revisit that time through photographs, stories, songs, poems and humour drawn from his experience on the ice. Tickets are available www.waimeasouth.org.nz/events
Curtain Bank moves to Hope
With support from Tasman District Council, the Curtain Bank has recently moved from Nelson into new premises at the Hope Domain. Started by Claire McKenzie and a small team of volunteers in 2024, the Curtain Bank collects donations of good-quality second-hand curtains and tracks. They then sort, cut, and sew these to fit in homes referred by health and social service agencies. The team is looking for volunteers on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you’d like to lend a hand, email curtainbank.nelson@gmail.com
Health workers ratify new pay deal
Health New Zealand is welcoming a new pay deal that will see about 83 hospital service workers in Nelson Marlborough receive wage increases over the next two years. Amalgamated Workers Union New Zealand (AWUNZ) members have ratified the Hospital Services collective agreement, covering a range of in-hospital roles. Executive national director, people and culture and health and safety Robyn Shearer says the settlement reflects a collaborative approach. “Health New Zealand welcomes the decision by Amalgamated Workers Union New Zealand members to ratify the Hospital Services (Nelson Marlborough) collective agreement.” Workers covered by the agreement will receive a 2.5% salary increase in the first year and a further 2% increase in the second year, over a 24-month term beginning on 1 April 2026.
Māpua Easter Fair raises $60k
Additional learning support, updated classroom furniture, and playground shade is on the horizon for Māpua School after $60,000 was raised at this year’s Māpua Easter Fair. The kura expressed its gratitude and pride, applauding the thousands who hopped into the festivities. “This outstanding result is a testament to the power of community and what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose,” the school said. "It takes a village to raise a child, and this year's Easter Fair was a shining example of our school village coming together for the benefit of our tamariki.” Volunteers were lauded, and the school gave special acknowledgement to Belinda Ellis who had the herculean task of organising the large event. “The Easter Fair is a huge undertaking, involving hundreds of moving parts.” “Belinda's dedication, leadership and countless hours of work helped make this year's event such a success”.
Night closures for Lower Queen
There will be a week of night closures for Lower Queen St as Tasman District Council nears the end of its bridge upgrade. The closures will allow the final phase of road sealing work to be completed. Running from 7pm to 6am, the closures will begin on 28 June and will repeat every night that week until 6am on 3 July. The road will also close on 4 July from 6am to 8pm for the final asphalting. Lower Queen St will close from the Arvida Waimea Plains Village entrance to Sandeman Rd, preventing access to McShane Rd. Headingly Lane remains closed until the project is completed. Access to the Artillery Place industrial area and Nelson Pine Industries will be via Swamp or Landsdowne Rds. Poor weather will see the work postponed by a week. The bridge upgrade is on time and on budget.
Submissions open on housing plan
Tasman District Council’s proposed suite of planning rule changes that were expected to enable 4000 more homes has been notified and is now open for formal submissions. Plan Change 81 is, in part, intended to provide for a wider range of housing options and increase housing density in urban areas. The council encourages residents to make a submission before they close on Monday 3 August. More information can be found at www.shape.tasman.govt.nz/urban-growth-PC81.
Nelson students win jazz gold
Nelson’s young jazz talent has hit the right note, with a combined Nelson College and Nelson College for Girls combo earning gold at this year’s JazzQuest. Grace Palmer, Ciara Higginbotham and Kinnaree Price from Nelson College for Girls joined Tully King Turner and Oliver Diamond from Nelson College to compete in the Ara Jazz competition in Christchurch from 15 – 19 June. The group delivered a 30-minute set and took part in workshops with Ara Music tutors before impressing judges at the gala concert and prize-giving.
