New café pours into Vanguard St
A former Christchurch food rescue container has found a new purpose in Nelson as the home of a new coffee spot focused on connection and community. Locals opened on Monday, 19 October, beside All Saints Church on Vanguard St. The venture is owned by Beth and Nick Schryvers, who also run Victus Coffee & Eatery on Bridge St. The café operates from the original shipping container used by Kairos Food Rescue, an organisation founded by Beth in Christchurch in 2018. The charity has since expanded into a warehouse after redistributing more than 80 tonnes of food in 2025. Beth says the container has always been rooted in kindness and community, making it a natural fit for the Nelson project. The site is on land recently purchased by All Saints Church after 113 congregation members pledged support, helping raise $340,000 in just 10 days. The church hopes the café will be the first of several community-focused ventures on the site.
Nelson Hospital cath lab gets $3m upgrade
Patients across Nelson Marlborough are set to benefit from a $3 million upgrade of Nelson Hospital's cardiac catheterisation laboratory, bringing new technology and a more modern environment for heart procedures. The refurbished Cath Lab features upgraded imaging and patient monitoring equipment designed to give clinicians clearer information during procedures and support treatment decisions. Interventional Radiology and Cardiology Charge Nurse Manager Kirstie Williams says the project is about more than new technology. "This upgrade is incredibly exciting for our team. It's not just about having new equipment, it's about creating a better experience and a more modern environment for our patients, whānau and staff. "The refurbishment also focused on improving the patient experience, recognising many people entering the Cath Lab may be facing an unexpected cardiac procedure. The project required the temporary closure of the lab for two months, with patients needing specialist cardiac interventions transferred to Christchurch or Wellington during that time.Health New Zealand says teams across Nelson Marlborough, Christchurch and Wellington worked together to maintain continuity of care. The upgraded facility was blessed last week and is now welcoming patients.
Council notifies police over LIM fee concerns
Prospective property buyers are being urged to check who they are paying for Land Information Memorandum (LIM) reports after Tasman District Council referred concerns about alleged extortion and significant mark-ups by a third-party provider to police. The council says some buyers may be paying substantially more than necessary through online brokerage services that appear official but simply lodge requests with councils on behalf of customers. Environmental services group manager Rob Smith says the council recently became aware of a case where a customer paid about three times the standard cost for information that could have been obtained directly from the council. The council is also concerned about the marketing of "express" LIM services, which in some cases claim faster turnaround times despite councils already working within regulated timeframes. The issue came to light after a customer contacted council staff about a LIM application. The council alleges the report was withheld by a third-party provider until additional fees were paid. Tasman District Council has referred its concerns to Netsafe and police and is urging buyers to check providers carefully before paying for property information services.
Community gets behind Hope School Country Fair
Chortling children darted between stalls while their caregivers chinwagged, the chocolate wheel spun, and a rumbling quad bike towed a sled beside a bleating pen. Hope School's Country Fair transformed the school grounds into a bustling celebration of rural charm and community spirit on Saturday. Principal Kathrine Mytton says that support from local businesses, volunteers and the organising committee, spearheaded by Tara Diack, went “over and above” to make the event a bobby-dazzler while raising funds to refresh the school's ageing pool. “It's great to see people that are not from our school community being part of our day, they say it's something they look forward to every year, and feel that it's getting bigger and better,” Kathrine says. “Realistically, on a day like this, about 80 per cent of our current community are actually hands on deck, supporting in some way, shape, or form, and the others are here enjoying the time with their tamariki.” As the final stalls closed and the crowds drifted home, the fair had done more than raise money, with the final figure yet to be confirmed.
Stoked up 80 years
Stoke Volunteer Fire Brigade marked 80 years since it sparked on 7 October after the Waimea Country Club identified a need for a local fire service in the suburb. A public meeting was held, and a committee was formed to establish the brigade, with 30 bucket pumps purchased to help protect the area. At the time, Stoke's population was about 600 people. Over the past eight decades, the brigade has grown alongside the community it serves. Today, the brigade continues its commitment to protecting and serving the Stoke community, operating with a modern fleet and equipment, and responding to more than 280 callouts each year.
Historic aircraft revisits Nelson
A restored Lockheed 10A Electra will return to Nelson Airport on 14 November, marking the first visit by the historic aircraft type to the city in 67 years. Known as Kuaka, the aircraft is one of only two flying Electras remaining in the world and has undergone a 25-year restoration by owner Rob Mackley. Electras operated scheduled services to Nelson from 1939 and throughout World War II. The aircraft type is also linked to Amelia Earhart’s ill-fated round-the-world attempt in 1937. During the visit, the public can view Kuaka at Nelson Airport, while two competition winners will enjoy a short flight aboard the aircraft.
Tāhunanui grants fund opens
Community groups and projects in Tāhunanui can now apply for funding through a new grants programme backed by Nelson Airport and the Tāhunanui Business and Citizens Association. The Tāhunanui Community Fund opened for applications on 12 October and will provide annual contestable grants for the next five years. Applications close on 22 November, with successful recipients expected to be confirmed before Christmas. Grants range from $500 to $5000, with up to $20,000 available for projects demonstrating significant community benefit. For more information, go to www.nelsonairport.co.nz
Quarantine Rd homes for Kāinga Ora
Eight new homes are taking shape on Quarantine Rd, with Kāinga Ora set to take ownership once construction is completed. Resource and building consent has been granted for the development at 157a Quarantine Rd, where Johnson Residential Ltd is building eight two-level terraced homes on a 1252sq m site. The development includes six two-bedroom homes and two three-bedroom homes. Kāinga Ora has agreed to purchase the homes, with ownership expected to transfer once construction is complete and agreement conditions are met. The project is currently scheduled for completion in June 2027.
