Diwali lights up Nelson
Founders Heritage Park became a living canvas of resplendency and culture on Sunday, with intricate rangoli designs, sitar melodies and Bollywood, colourful sarees and aromatic spices. Coordinated by Experience India, Diwali’s abiding message of light over darkness and a promise of new beginnings never looked dim. What unfolded was less a performance than an invitation for people of all backgrounds to wander, sample and take part in what felt like a mini-India.
Mayor backs ‘guerrilla gardener’
A mystery gardener has cleared the Annesbrook roundabout, weeks after someone tackled the Beatson Rd roundabout. Nelson Mayor Nick Smith said he was “delighted” to see a “friendly guerrilla gardener” clearing metre-high grass and weeds on Sunday evening and stopped to thank him. Nick says he is “frustrated beyond belief at NZTA’s inability to do the basic job of mowing their roundabouts”. He says he’s raised the issue every year since becoming mayor in 2022 with NZTA and at the Joint Nelson Tasman Regional Transport Committee but was “fobbed off with feeble excuses”. “I like to resolve such issues through the proper channels but, with NZTA having had years to sort it, back this practical protest”. The central circle took just 40 minutes to clear, while another person had tackled the outer ring on Friday.
Coastguard crew tackle five callouts in one day
Coastguard Nelson volunteers faced a hectic Sunday, responding to five separate incidents across the region. The first callout came in at 9.30am, with crews assisting vessels suffering mechanical faults, fuel problems, flat batteries and a damaged propeller. Two vessels required tows, one back to Motueka and another into Māpua. A fifth incident involved three people stranded on a paddleboard at Haulashore Island. That situation was resolved by Surf Life Saving. Coastguard Nelson thanked its volunteers and acknowledged the support of Surf Life Saving. With summer approaching and more boats heading out on the water, the organisation is reminding boaties to check their vessel, fuel, batteries and safety equipment before departure.
Guy Fawkes safety warning
More than 1,400 New Zealanders were injured by fireworks in the past five years, prompting ACC to issue a safety warning ahead of Guy Fawkes. ACC accepted 1,405 fireworks-related injury claims between 2021 and 2025, costing $3.45 million. Burns were the most common injury, while hands, wrists, fingers and eyes were frequently affected. ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker says about one in four claims last year involved children aged 10 and under. ACC is urging people to follow instructions, supervise children and keep a safe distance from fireworks.
Democracy sausage sizzle
Enner Glynn School is inviting the community to support its playground fundraising effort with a democracy sausage sizzle on election day. The fundraiser will run from 9am to 3pm on Saturday, 7 November, at the school on The Ridgeway. Visitors can enjoy bacon butties, democracy sausage sandwiches, freshly brewed coffee, homemade baking, cold drinks and lolly bags for children. The school is encouraging locals to stop by before or after voting. Both cash and EFTPOS payments will be available. All proceeds from the event will go towards new playground equipment.
Bigger battery bin put to the test
Tasman District Council is trialling a new battery disposal bin at Richmond Resource Recovery Centre as battery recycling volumes continue to grow. The larger-capacity bin is designed to accept bigger rechargeable batteries, including those used in power tools, e-bikes and e-scooters. The trial comes as damaged rechargeable batteries have become an increasing fire risk, with some capable of igniting unexpectedly. The new bin features a built-in fire suppression system, so if heat from a battery fire is detected, a valve automatically releases water into the bin, flooding the contents and extinguishing the flames. Residents can also dispose of used batteries at Resource Recovery Centres in Māriri/Motueka, Murchison, Collingwood and Tākaka.
Young artists share vision of peace
Forty-six young Tasman artists have explored the meaning of peace through this year’s Peaceful Towns Art Competition, part of the international Mayors for Peace initiative. Inspired by the theme What does peace mean to me?, children aged six to 15 submitted artworks after workshops in Motueka and Richmond led by artists Sue Birchfield and Caroline della Porta. Mayor Tim King selected 10 finalists for international judging in November. Finalists are Rylee Stevens, Rylee Miller, Daan Houtenbos, Neas Portuondo Alvarez, Annabel Perzigian, Eliza Rynvos, Sunny Wilton, Hazel Wilson, Maddie Brown and Erika Murray. Participants were celebrated at award ceremonies in Motueka and Murchison.
McKee camping call pending
The future of overnight camping at McKee Domain Campground in Ruby Bay remains uncertain, with Tasman District Council awaiting the results of a detailed geotechnical investigation. The study is assessing slope stability across the reserve, including the campground, and will help determine any risks and future use of the site. The reserve's coastal location is vulnerable to coastal inundation, erosion and unstable cliffs during severe weather and the area has experienced several weather-related issues in recent years. Council says lessons from the Davison Review into the Mount Maunganui landslide have reinforced the need to carefully manage natural hazard risks. A decision on reopening the campground for overnight stays is expected in early December. The reserve remains open for day visitors.
Not a sausage
Woolworths has removed in-store butchers from all its South Island supermarkets, citing ongoing difficulties recruiting skilled staff. The supermarket chain confirmed the move followed a gradual transition away from in-store butchery towards a centralised meat processing model. A Woolworths spokesperson says persistent recruitment challenges prompted the change and says the centralised system allows Woolworths to provide consistent quality, longer shelf life and improved freshness across its stores. Contact gordon@topsouthmedia.co.nz if you were affected by the change.
Museum seeks summer memories
Nelson Provincial Museum is inviting locals to share treasured photographs, home movies and personal memories for its upcoming exhibition, Wish You Were Here: Summer Memories from Te Tauihu. Opening on 11 December 2026 and running until 31 January 2027, the exhibition will celebrate the people, places and traditions that have shaped summer in the region from the 1950s to today. From family camping trips and beach holidays to favourite swimming spots and summer adventures, the museum wants to hear stories that capture the spirit of Te Tauihu summers. You can share your photographs, memorabilia and memories here.
Fishing fundraiser for Sea Scouts
The 2026 Stihl Shop Marine Tamaha Sea Scouts Fishing Competition will be held at Māpua Kite Park near Grossi Point on Saturday, 7 November. Weigh-in runs from 11am to 1pm, followed by prizegiving at 2pm. A sausage sizzle, bacon butties and baking will be available, along with a fish auction. Entry costs $25 for adults and $10 for under-16s, with all funds raised supporting Tamaha Sea Scouts and their 2026/27 Jamboree adventure. For further information, visit the Tamaha Scouts Facebook page or email tamaha.fishing@gmail.com
