Bull fight brings fiesta fun
To the fiery strains of the Spanish gypsy dance España Cani, matador Joe Cross waved his red cape at a charging blow-up bull, played by colleague Paul Boyle. The pair were part of Arvida Waimea Plains’ midwinter fiesta lunch at the weekend, which attracted about 160 residents and staff. By day, Joe is the village maintenance manager, while Paul is one of the gardeners.
Salvation Army winter appeal
The Salvation Army has launched its 2026 Winter Appeal, themed Hope for Homeless Families. It follows new research that reveals 33,000 children are living in severe housing deprivation in New Zealand and overall more than 112,000 people. Funds raised through the Winter Appeal will support essential, community-based services, including emergency housing, food support, budgeting advice and ongoing wraparound care to help families regain stability. Donations can be made at salvationarmy.org.nz or local Salvation Army centre.
Hope crash
Two people were seriously injured in a two-vehicle collision on State Highway 6, southwest of Nelson. Police said it happened on Main Road Hope near the Edens Rd intersection just before 5pm on Friday. The crash was on a rural road between Hope and Brightwater. Three people had been injured, two seriously. Motorists were advised to take alternative routes or expect delays.
First Dancing for a Cause contestant announced
Olive Estate Dancing for a Cause 2027 has introduced its first contestant for the major Nelson Tasman Hospice fundraiser - Ricki Hutton. Father of two, and self-professed “proud grandfather”, Ricki Hutton says he loves mountain biking, walking, fishing and all things outdoors. Working in the family business Pumps and Filters, he says he’s excited to be taking part in Dancing for a Cause. The second contestant will be announced on Thursday.
Plan Change 81 drop-in sessions
Homeowners, business owners, developers and those interested in the Tasman District’s future growth can attend upcoming Plan Change 81 submission writing drop-in sessions at Māpua and Wakefield. People can be assisted with finding their property in the Tasman Resource Management Plan, understanding the proposed planning changes, navigating online maps and planning documents and accessing the online submission portal. The sessions will be held on 16 July at Māpua Community Library and 23 July at St John’s Centre at Wakefield. Both sessions are from 10am to 12:30pm. Plan Change 81 submissions close 3 August.
Shellfish warning for Marlborough Sounds after toxin spike
New Zealand Food Safety is warning people not to gather or eat shellfish from parts of the Marlborough Sounds after toxin levels exceeded safe limits. “Routine tests on mussels from Canoe Bay have shown levels of paralytic shellfish toxin over the safe limit,” acting deputy director-general Mike Inglis says. “The warning extends from Tennyson Inlet to Fitzroy Bay. Please do not gather and eat shellfish from this area because anyone doing so could get sick. Affected shellfish include bivalve shellfish such as mussels, oysters, tuatua, pipi, toheroa, cockles and scallops, as well as pūpū (cat’s eyes) and Cook’s turban. “It’s important to note that cooking does not remove the toxin, so shellfish from this area should not be eaten.” New Zealand Food Safety is monitoring an algal bloom of Gymnodinium catenatum in the area. The algae produce a dangerous toxin which can build up in shellfish as they filter-feed. Generally, the more algae in the water, the more toxic the shellfish become.
Rātā Foundation funding for Tasman
Rātā Foundation has announced $349,385 will go to 20 community groups in Nelson Tasman in its latest funding announcement. Tasman-based organisations benefitting include Richmond Group Riding For The Disabled Incorporated with $18,000 and Richmond Waimea Toy Library Incorporated with $3000. Rātā also announced $747,000 in multi-region funding for organisations that bridge two or more of its funding regions. Tasman Regional Sports Trust benefits from this with $115,000.
Outstanding Community Service Awards nominations open
Dedicated volunteers with no airs and graces beavering away behind the scenes at the likes of Tasman District’s sports clubs, events and green spaces could be up for recognition. The annual Outstanding Community Service Awards nominations have opened for people to nominate those who have contributed more than two decades of voluntary service in the district. Nomination forms are available on Tasman District Council’s website with guidance on the information needed to support a nomination. Nominations close on 31 August and successful recipients will be recognised at a special awards ceremony later this year. Visit: tasman.govt.nz/community-awards to make a nomination.
Jazz Festival switches to winter
Nelson Jazz Festival is returning, and, for the first time, the festival has moved to winter, drawing people to Nelson and Tasman hospitality venues over a long weekend from 22 to 26 July. “We are keen to provide visitors and locals a menu of great live music to complement the food, drink and ambience of the regions cafes and bars,” says Jak Karaitiana, president of Nelson Jazz Club. “We are excited to offer a programme of some of New Zealand’s best jazz musicians to get us out and about in a Nelson winter. It promises truly outstanding entertainment, from the sultry to the high energy.”
The premiere event of the festival is at The Rutherford on Saturday night. The crowd will enjoy a double bill featuring the groups Jazz Embassy and Tiger Moth. Jazz Embassy brings together some of Nelsons finest players, Tiger Moth features top jazz players from Christchurch. “The Double Bill event promises to be one to delight and excite,” according to Graeme Nicholas, part of the organising committee. “Three hours of superb jazz from top musicians, I wouldn’t miss that. And it is here, in Nelson.”
Top of South Island home values edge down
Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough have all recorded slight drops in average home values over the past three months, with activity continuing to be driven by first-home buyers at the lower end of the market. Nelson (-0.7%), Marlborough (-0.8%) and Tasman (-1.4%) all saw modest reductions in average home values in the three months to the end of June 2026. Average values now sit at $773,805 in Nelson, $695,414 in Marlborough and $820,850 in Tasman. At the halfway point of 2026, Marlborough is the only one of the three to remain above its starting point for the year, up just 0.7%. QV Nelson/Marlborough manager Craig Russell says buyer behaviour remains consistent with recent QV House Price Index reports. “First-home buyers continue to dominate activity below the $800,000 mark, while property investors remain cautious with expected interest rate increases in the coming months.” Craig says land values also remain subdued across the top of the South Island. “The viticulture market continues to be affected by a worldwide oversupply of wine and changing consumer habits,” he added.
Utilities complaints see record increase
More than 27,000 New Zealanders contacted Utilities Disputes last year for help with electricity, gas, water and telecommunications issues, as complaints reached record levels. Utilities Disputes' 2025/26 Annual Report shows formal complaints increased by 62% to 13,554. Despite the sharp rise, 93% of complaints were resolved within 10 days. The increase continues a longer-term trend, with complaints rising more than 500% over the past five years. "The increase in complaints is due to a combination of factors, including tough economic conditions, price increases and a willingness by consumers to take action when you don’t think you’re being treated fairly,” Utilities Disputes Commissioner Neil Mallon says. "While many people see complaints as a negative, we see them as an opportunity to make a difference. With household budgets un-der pressure and utility costs rising, people are paying much closer attention to their bills and the service they receive. When something doesn't seem right, we're here to provide an independent, fair assessment."
Tasman District Council financial update
As of 31 May 2026, Tasman District Council’s total debt was $383.9 million, with net debt at $287m, about $76m below its policy limit. $198.6 million was fixed, while $185.3 million was floating. The vast majority of the debt – $341.9 million – was to the Local Government Funding Agency, which provides lower interest rates than the banks. The council’s total cost of borrowing (interest and fees) was 3.827% of its total debt, below its budget of 4.23%.
In the 11 months before 31 May, the council received $6.1 million less than it expected from its development and financial contributions, which the council attributes to how economic conditions are impacting local development. The council also received $20.7m more than expected in grants, though that was primarily due to flood recovery grants from government agencies. The floods have also caused maintenance costs to surge by an extra $29.6m.
Free resilience workshops
Community organisations in Nelson and Tasman are being offered support to tackle rising climate and economic pressures through a new workshop series. The Terra Nova Foundation’s Earth+ programme is delivering free, one-day online sessions, with the first on July 28. Up to 50 not-for-profit groups can join. The workshops focus on practical tools, including AI, risk planning and carbon tracking, while connecting organisations with a wider support network. Chief executive Rose Challies says the programme aims to help groups “navigate these challenges” and remain effective in a fast-changing environment. Information and registration link: https://terranova.foundation/our-work/nfpprogramme
Next step for Māpua MenzShed
More than 40 people turned up for Māpua MenzShed’s inaugural general meeting, setting up a committee with the goal of finding a shed or a place to build a shed.
Funding keeps seniors on board
Older people will continue to benefit from guided eBus journeys and community information sessions after Age Concern Nelson Tasman secured additional funding from Nelson City Council. The All on Board with Age Concern programme has helped hundreds of local seniors build confidence using public transport, stay connected with their communities and discover new places across the region.
Wassail returns to the orchard
Lanterns, cider, music, firelight, and a centuries-old orchard tradition will combine for Peckham's annual Wassail on Saturday. The traditional English custom, held among the apple trees at the Upper Moutere orchard, features songs, stories, warm cider and seasonal festivities to honour the trees that make the cider. Tickets are on Eventfinda.
