Appleby School Country Fair draws fantastic turnout
The Appleby School Country Fair was held on Saturday and organisers struck it lucky with the weather, saying the turnout was “fantastic”. They thanked their local school community along with sponsors and everyone that turned out to support the fundraiser.
Nelson Intermediate marks 75 years
Former students, staff and whānau are being invited back to Nelson Intermediate as the school celebrates its 75th jubilee this month. A full day of events is planned for Monday, 21 September, including a mihi whakatau, school assembly, morning tea, guided tours and a shared dinner. Former student, teacher and principal Hugh Gully will be the guest speaker, bringing a unique perspective after spending decades connected to the school. Visitors will be able to contribute memories to a digital archive through a special memory recording booth. Registration details and information about the school’s history are available here.
Housing slowdown deepens across region
Market conditions remain subdued across the Top of the South, with buyers continuing to call the shots as house values edge lower across Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough. New figures from QV show Marlborough recorded the region’s sharpest decline over winter, with home values falling 2.2% in the three months to the end of August. Nelson’s average home value dropped 1.1% to $769,114, a slightly steeper decline than in the previous quarter. Values in the city are now 2.6% lower than at the start of 2026 and 1% down on the same time last year. Tasman’s average home value fell 1.3% to $814,342. The local figures mirror a broader national trend, with property values across New Zealand dropping 1.9% over the past three months, marking the largest quarterly decline in two years. QV Nelson/Marlborough manager Craig Russell says first-home buyers remain the most active group in the market, with most sales activity occurring below the $800,000 mark.
Research finds strong support for charitable legacies
More than half of New Zealand charity donors are open to leaving a gift in their will, according to new research released by Community Foundations of Aotearoa New Zealand. The BERL survey of more than 3,000 people found 52.3% were interested in including a charitable gift in their will, while 17.4% had already done so. However, only 20.2% of those who had received professional advice said charitable giving had been discussed. Top of the South Community Foundation chief executive Chelsea Routhan says the findings reflect the generosity seen across Te Tauihu, with many people wanting to support causes that matter to them. She says professional advisers can play an important role in starting conversations about charitable giving, particularly as significant intergenerational wealth transfers are expected in coming decades.
Kūmānu to close nursery
Kūmān is set to close its nursery on Atawhai Drive as part of planning for future project needs. The company says the closure will not affect its commercial operations, existing commitments or ability to deliver current and future projects. Landscape construction, ecological restoration, maintenance and other services will continue as normal, including the sourcing and supply of plants. Remaining nursery stock will be sold through a clearance sale, with details to be announced. Kūmānu says its relationship with Ngāti Kuia and Ngā Tai Pūrua Nursery will support native plant supply for commercial projects and help meet future demand.
Schools, sport and hospice backed by grants
Community groups, schools and sports organisations across the region have received a combined $114,822.97 in grants from New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT). Motueka Tennis Club received the largest grant, $40,142.50, to upgrade its floodlights. Nelson Tasman Region Hospice Trust was awarded $30,000 towards salary costs, while Mainland Football Federation received $16,033.56 for salaries. The Ngātīmoti School Board received $12,760 for IT equipment, Motueka Fragile Boxing and Activity Centre was granted $5000 for equipment, and The Brooklyn School Board received $4382.61 for accommodation costs. Buzz Incorporated was awarded $3432 towards salary costs and Kartsport Nelson received $3072.30 for equipment. The grants were generated through gaming proceeds from Hotel Motueka.
Community invited to grow Tasman open orchard
The Tasman Area Community Association (TACA) is inviting residents to help expand its public orchard at Tasman Memorial Recreation Reserve on 19 September, from 9am to noon. Part of the Nelson Tasman Climate Action Festival, the planting day aims to boost local food security and help ease living costs by increasing free food available to the community. TACA has secured sponsorship for more than 40 trees from Waimea Nurseries and Thirkettle Nursery. The orchard already produces feijoas, plums, apples, citrus and macadamias. Volunteers are asked to bring a spade if they wish to plant a tree. Organisers Steve Richards and Vivien Peters also welcome donations to support ongoing orchard maintenance and tree care.
Cupcake Day returns
Nelson Tasman residents are being encouraged to support animals in need by taking part in SPCA Cupcake Day on 16 September. The annual fundraiser sees people host bake sales, morning teas and other events to raise money for SPCA New Zealand’s work caring for vulnerable, injured and neglected animals. Funds raised help pay for animal rescues, veterinary treatment, rehabilitation and rehoming. While Cupcake Day is on 16 September, supporters who cannot take part that day can choose another date to join the campaign. Register here.
Historic Faulkner Bush gate to be repaired
There has been a second round of damage to a historic gate at Faulkner Bush Scenic Reserve. The gate is believed to have served as the entrance to the main driveway of the Faulkner family home in the late 1800s and bears a message on the top rail warning of a £10 fine for anyone blocking the gate. The first case of damage was reported in July and the Wakefield Bush Restoration Society had worked closely with Waimea MenzShed to rebuild the gate. Volunteers completed a temporary repair in the meantime. A Tasman District Council spokesperson says the latest damage hasn’t been noted as intentional, and the gate will be removed for repairs. “We are working with contractors and the respective community groups to get this on the move and hopefully we can soon see a fully fixed gate at Faulkner Bush.” If repair proves impractical, the plan would likely be to install a similar replacement gate, using the spare that has the ‘10 pound fine’ wording routed into it.
