Consumers asked to weigh in on Network Tasman ownership
An independent review has recommended that Network Tasman remain in consumer trust ownership, with local consumers now being asked for their views before trustees make a final decision. The review, required every five years under the Network Tasman Trust Deed, considered alternatives including listed and unlisted company ownership, local authority ownership and a co-operative model. Independent reviewer Vincent Pooch of Key Business Partners concluded continued consumer trust ownership remains the preferred option, citing the company’s low distribution charges, operating efficiency, reliability and long-term financial strength. Network Tasman Trust chair Gwenny Davis says the trustees’ preliminary view is to support the recommendation, subject to public consultation. The review found Network Tasman continues to perform strongly across a range of measures. The company’s costs were about one-third below the industry average during the past five years and it has remained in the lowest-cost quartile of New Zealand electricity distribution businesses for eight of the past 10 years. Consumers also continue to benefit from some of the lowest electricity distribution charges in New Zealand. The ownership review and supporting information are available here.
Musical theatre favourites take centre stage
Nelson Musical Theatre is bringing two giants of musical theatre head-to-head in its latest ‘A Night of Music Theatre’ concert this Saturday night. The theme for this show is Webber vs Sondheim, celebrating the work of acclaimed composers Andrew Lloyd Webber and Stephen Sondheim. “We have 11 performers presenting a variety of their favourite songs by either Andrew Lloyd-Webber or Stephen Sondheim, or one by each,” Nelson Musical Theatre spokesperson Suzanne Borlase says. “There will be songs showing off the intricate lyricism of Sondheim from Into the Woods, West Side Story and Follies, and the classic operatic melodies of Webber’s Cats, Evita and Phantom of the Opera, among others.” MCs Jake Danson and Keith Marshall will guide audiences through the evening with commentary, historical context and light-hearted banter, along with the possibility of a performance or two of their own. Live piano accompaniment will be provided by Louis Lucas-Perry. A Night of Music Theatre will be held at Red Door Theatre, 95 Atawhai Drive, on Saturday, 29 August. Doors open at 6.30pm and the show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are available here or at the door.
Motorhome, Caravan & Outdoor Show called off
The Motorhome, Caravan & Outdoor Show has been postponed. The organising committee from Rotary Club of Richmond and Whakatū Rotary says while it was “very grateful” for the exhibitors who had shown interest in attending the popular event at Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park in early November, the current economic climate and the timing of the NZ Fishing, Hunting & 4x4 Expo at the Trafalgar Centre a fortnight prior had affected exhibitors commitments. “Given the number of sites still to be sold, the committee believes it would be unrealistic to deliver the quality event that exhibitors & visitors have come to expect,” organisers say. “By making this decision now, we are able to avoid further unnecessary costs. “We remain hopeful that our event will return in 2027.”
Strict dog control implored following lamb death
“On-lead means on-lead, no exceptions during lambing season”. That’s the message from Nelson City Council to dog walkers in the Grampians and Sir Stanley Whitehead Reserve areas after a recent lamb death in a reserve. Council insists even friendly dogs off-lead can startle or injure the woolly residents. “Let's all look after the mums and lambs at this special time,” a spokesperson says. “Look out for signage and keep dogs on-lead where required. These spaces are shared with our woolly friends, and it's important to give them the peace they need.”
Electrify Nelson Expo
Initial or stronger interest in Nelson’s energy future could be sparked by those who attend this Saturday’s Electrify Nelson Expo at Annesbrook Events Centre. The free event from 9am to 4pm will feature MyMiniSolar and SUPA, and a panel of local political candidates who will share their views of electrification in Aotearoa and New Zealand’s energy future. Isaac Construction will showcase the electric construction machinery it's currently testing on Bridge St, and landlord Harry Pearson who is installing solar and planting productive gardens to cut tenants power and grocery bills, while creating happier tenants more likely to stay long term. Financiers will also be on hand to explain green loans, with interest rates as low as zero to one per cent helping make upgrades more accessible and allowing energy savings to offset the cost of investment. Register free for Expo updates and alerts and go into the draw to win a Goover lift-free bike rack worth $1499 +GST, donated by Hybrid Bikes.
Strong returns for Rātā
The South Island's largest community investment fund has reported a solid financial result, enabling it to invest more than $24 million into communities across its regions. Rātā Foundation's investment portfolio was valued at $717 million for the year ending 31 March 2026, delivering an 8% return despite a challenging global investment environment. Rātā supports community initiatives that help people connect, learn, participate, access support and care for the environment. Through local partnerships, the foundation backs projects aimed at strengthening wellbeing, reducing barriers to opportunity and helping communities thrive. Since its inception in 1988, Rātā has invested more than $631 million through community investment programmes and grown its trust fund by $352 million.
Māpua Garden Tour
The seeds have been sown by Māpua School for late November’s Māpua Garden Tour. Outdoor spaces from the garden variety to the more big dill for visitors to frolic between 21 and 22 November are being sought. The school wants to showcase the variety, personality and creativity of gardens in its local patch. If you’re interested in featuring your garden or would like to find out more, contact foms@mapua.school.nz or 021 784 801.
Solar coming to Tasman schools
West Coast – Tasman MP Maureen Pugh has welcomed last week’s announcement that seven Tasman area schools are part of the Government’s 500 schools to receive solar power over the next three years. Appleby, Brightwater, Motueka High, Riwaka, Tākaka, Tapawera Area and Wakefield Schools will all be part of the Government’s initiative to generate more clean, renewable energy from school rooftops with a projected average saving of $8,000 per site. Maureen says that this frees up money that can instead be spent on learning and teaching. “It also gives school age children a first-hand example in energy in action, cutting schools’ electricity use from the grid, reducing emissions and lowering power bills at the same time. The Government is making a smart and practical investment that is good for our schools, great for taxpayers and even greater for the environment,” she says.
Motueka water storage upgrades
In the next few weeks, work will begin on a new water storage tank at Tasman District Council’s water treatment plant on Parker St. The project will replace eight existing storage tanks with a single tank with capacity for 1000 cubic metres of treated drinking water. The tank will strengthen Motueka’s water network by creating a more reliable supply by increasing storage capacity, maintaining a more consistent water pressure, improving resilience, and providing additional water during periods of high demand, like when firefighters need to access water. The Parker Street treatment plant opened three years ago and treats water with UV, cartridge filtration, and chlorination to meet national drinking water standards.
