Kāhui Ako Cultural Festival
Kapa haka performers from schools across the Waimea plains took to the stage at Waimea College last week to as part of the annual Kāhui Ako Cultural Festival. Hosted by Waimea College’s Tama Tū Tama Ora, the festival sees school groups perform across the day including from Wakefield, Ranzau, Hope, Appleby, Henley, Brightwater, Richmond, Waimea Intermediate, St Paul’s and Waimea College.
Supermarket underway at Berryfields
Construction is underway on stage 2 of the commercial corner at Berryfields Crossing which will include a supermarket, gym, hair and beauty salon, café and other businesses. The new development sits alongside Silky Otter Cinemas and adds to the established food and entertainment precinct at Richmond West.
Nelson Airport posts $2.4 million profit
Nelson Airport has reported a strong financial result, posting a net profit after tax of $2.4 million and declaring a $1.5 million dividend to its shareholder, Infrastructure Holdings Ltd. The airport's annual report for the year ending 30 June 2026 shows earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation, amortisation and loss on disposal (EBITDA) of $11.3 million, despite what chief executive Brendan Cook describes as a challenging economic and aviation environment. Key results included 844,874 passengers, total revenue of $19.4 million, a 22% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and zero lost time injuries.
Miyazu friendship marks 50 years
Nelson’s 50-year friendship with sister city Miyazu was celebrated at the annual Cherry Blossom Festival at Miyazu Garden last Saturday. The event marked a significant milestone in Nelson’s longest-standing sister city relationship, which has grown over five decades through cultural exchanges, school visits, hospitality and community connections. A delegation from Miyazu, including Mayor Kizaki, joined the celebrations alongside the Ambassador of Japan. The festival featured Japanese and other ethnic food stalls, music and cultural performances, drawing the community together to recognise the enduring bond between the two cities.
Nelson Clay Week is here
Hundreds of potters and ceramic artists from New Zealand and overseas are expected in Nelson for Nelson Clay Week from 3-9 October. The biennial event will feature exhibitions, workshops, artist talks, demonstrations and free community activities, celebrating Nelson's long-standing reputation as one of the country's leading centres for ceramics. Highlights include the free Potters Market on Upper Trafalgar St this Saturday, daily demonstrations and hands-on activities at Potters Square in 1903 Square, and the national contemporary ceramics exhibition Pushing Clay at Tāwera. More than 20 exhibitions and showcases will be staged across Nelson, while 39 workshops led by national and international tutors will run throughout the week. Full programme details are available at www.clayweek.nz
More than $13,500 raised for cancer support
The Nelson Vintage Car Club’s Daffodil Rally for Cancer Show & Shine has raised $13,537.82 for local cancer support services. Cancer Society Nelson Tasman thanked the Nelson Vintage Car Club, Moutere Hop crew, MS Ford Nelson, volunteers, car enthusiasts and attendees for their support. Funds raised through the August event will help the society continue providing free support to people affected by cancer and their whānau across the Nelson Tasman region.
Technology goes live at Brightwater intersection
New technology goes live at Brightwater’s busy State Highway intersection this week, temporarily reducing the speed limit when vehicles are turning. The new system, installed by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi at the intersection with Ellis St and River Terrace Rd, has electronic signs to temporarily reduce the speed limit on a 350m section of the highway. The signs will activate when a vehicle approaches SH6 from either road, or a vehicle on the highway is waiting to turn right. Drivers must then slow to 60kmh until they pass the sign showing the speed limit has returned to 80kmh. At other times, the speed limit will remain at 80kmh.
Port Nelson posts strong profit
Port Nelson has reported an underlying net profit after tax of $12.7 million, with strong cargo volumes helping lift revenue 15% to $96.3 million. The port handled 3.8 million tonnes of cargo during the year ended 30 June 2026 and has declared a dividend of $6.5 million to shareholder Infrastructure Holdings Limited, which is owned by Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council. A 66% increase in log exports following the 2025 windthrow events played a major role in the result. Port Nelson chair Jon Safey says the result was achieved despite challenging economic conditions. “Supported by a 66% increase in log exports following the 2025 windthrow events, Port Nelson delivered a strong underlying financial result.”
Lion’s mane jellyfish return
Lion’s mane jellyfish are being spotted again along Nelson’s coastline as warmer months bring them closer to shore. Named for their long, flowing tentacles, lion’s mane jellyfish in New Zealand waters are usually about 50cm across, although they can grow much larger in colder regions. Young jellyfish are light orange, tan or almost transparent, while older jellyfish are darker red. The jellyfish drift near the water’s surface and rely on ocean currents to move. They are most commonly seen washed up on beaches during spring and summer. Their sting is painful but not usually dangerous. Beachgoers are advised not to touch them, even when stranded ashore, and to keep dogs away.
