News Archives
News items for 2011.
[Click here for news items for earlier years]
David Wratt awarded New Year Honour
(December 31): Motueka-raised climate scientist Dr David Wratt was today named in the New Year Honour list, awarded The Queen's Service Order (QSO) for services to science.
Full article »
Wakatu chases food and beverages export dollars
(December 30): Wakatu Inc has spent $1.5 million on raising the profile for its new Kono NZ LP subsidiary, to chase food and beverages export dollars, according to a major article published last weekend in The Press and the Dominion Post. Full article »
Art Group ready for their 2012 exhibition
(December 28): The annual three-week exhibition of the Motueka Art Group will open at the Chanel Art Centre on Tuesday January 3rd, offering another wide range of paintings and other works my local amateur and professional artists. Full article »
Supreme Christmas lights award to Motueka home
(December 24): Two Motueka homes were among the four with the the best Christmas lights displays in Nelson and Tasman, with Maree and Ricky Smith of 46 Glenaven Drive being judged and voted the Supreme Winner. Full article, photos »
A year in the life of a community website
(December 23): Motueka Online has been running publicly for just on two years now, and we'd like to think it's become a part of the fabric of our lovely town. Evidence suggests this is so, at least for a fair number of residents. Full article »
Local agencies aim to research family violence
(December 22): A proaction cafe held on Tuesday December 6th at Te Awhina Marae was part of a broader Family Violence Prevention initiative being progressed by the Motueka Collaboration of Agencies. Full article »
Amalgamation decision now five weeks away
(December 21): The decision by the Local Government Commission (LGC) whether or not to proceed to a vote on the amalgamation of Tasman and Nelson councils will be made on January 31st. Full article »
New plan proposed for Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve
(December 20): The layout and management of the Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve is under review, and the revised development plan and the draft reserve management plan will be available for review and comment over summer. Full article »
Sunflower plantings to brighten community gardens
(December 19): A small but enthusiastic group of children and parents planted about 60 sunflower seedlings at the Motueka community gardens yesterday as part of a New Zealand-wide sunflower project. Full article, photos »
Kaiteriteri waterskiiers have new time limit
(December 16): Tasman District Council is trialling a new systems of priority times for water skiers at Kaiteriteri Beach this summer. This exception to the normal bylaw provisions is in force between December 16th and February 28th. Full article »
Tetchy meeting ends year for community board
(December 14): Motueka is suffering from Christmas-buildup pressures if yesterday's Community Board meeting is any indication, with numerous short exchanges in the public forum and board meeting proper producing a tetchy atmosphere. Full article »
i-SITE donation will smarten up southern roundabout
(December 13): A welcome donation by Motueka i-SITE will be used by Keep Motueka Beautiful to improve the landscape gardening within the High Street South roundabout, making the approach to Motueka more attractive. Full article »
Councils propose joint waste management and minimisation plan
(December 12): The release of the proposed Joint Waste Management and Minimisation Plan is a call for real behavioural change in the communities of Nelson and Tasman. Full article »
Carols by Lamplight draws even bigger crowd
(December 12): Motueka's very own, unique community carols event - Carols by Lamplight at Dyke's woolshed in Lower Moutere - threatens to become a victim of its own success with attendance this year meaning a packed building and standing room only. Full article, photos »
No evidence to back claims of toxic dumps
(December 11): Allegations that toxic materials had been dumped in at least two gravel pits near the Motueka River have been investigated by the community board and council and found to be unsubstantiated without supporting evidence. Full article »
Flat refusal for traffic lights deeply worrying
(December 9): A death or serious injury at the intersection of High Street with Pah and Greenwood streets is very likely if NZ Transit Authority continues to refuse the installation of traffic lights there, according to community board chairman David Ogilvie. Full article »
New rating valuations for TDC properties available
(December 9): The valuation rolls for Tasman District have been revised by Quotable Value Limited. The revised Rating Values are effective as at 1 September 2011 and the new notices of valuation will be posted to owners and ratepayers from today. Full article »
Submissions made to Green Paper for Vulnerable Children
(December 9): Several local people have made comments on the government's Green Paper for Vulnerable Children, and the Community & Whanau group is collating for a group submission in February. Full article »
Need seen for on-site social workers at GPs
(December 8): An on-site social worker at GP clinics such as Greenwood Health can provide valuable services to patients with wider needs, according to a report from Jolene Salmond about her recent student work placement at the clinic. Full article »
Full results from wet A&P show
(December 8): The 2011 Motueka A&P Show faced the challenge of running through very wet weather on Sunday, and considering the persistent rain especially into the afternoon the attendance was good. Full list of results »
Christmas in the Rec Centre
(December 5): After weeks of spring and summer weather, a bad weather forecast for this year's Christmas in the Park on Saturday caused the games and entertainment indoors from Goodman Park into the Recreation Centre. Photos »
Another big Starlight Parade crowd
(December 3): The annual street highlight of the Motueka calendar, the Starlight Parade, again drew a large crowd last night, with young families and young people enjoying the occasion. Article, photos »
Ceremony marks arrival of 'Best Town' award
(November 27): After nearly a year's wait, Motueka finally celebrated the winning of the "Best Town 2010" vote with a small cake-cutting ceremony and speeches at the Sprig & Fern this afternoon. Full article, photos »
The history of the Sprig & Fern, formerly Harts Bake House
(November 27): When Harry and Bertha Hart opened their modern bakery in 1925, little would they know that 87 years later there would be a lane named for them and that the bake house would be a community bar popular with locals. Full article, photos »
Wet weekends - no worries for Tramping Club
(November 27): The prospect of a trip being cancelled is more than many trampers can bear - they are even more determined to get into the hills when the only alterative offered is a wet weekend at home. Full article, photos »
Community survey highlights possible service gaps
(November 25): Most Motuekans believe they are part of a caring and safe community, but have suggestions for ways it can be approved, according to a recent survey by the high school Year 10 Community Issues class. Full article, results »
Aussie dog movie to show as SPCA fundraiser
(November 24): A hit movie about a legendary dog, Red Dog, in the Australian outback is coming to Motueka shortly in a fundraising performance for the SPCA. Full article »
Council decides not to set up Maori ward
(November 24): Tasman District Councillors have decided after much consideration not to initiate a Maori ward before the Local Government elections set down for 2013. Full article »
Preparations under way to complete inlet walking circuit
(November 23): The final stage of Keep Motueka Beautiful's five-year plan to surround the Estuary Inlet with a walking and cycling path is just about ready to proceed, and should be completed in mid-2012. Full article »
Festive events getting close now
(November 22): Three of the annual highlights of the Motueka calendar - Christmas in the Park, the Starlight Parade and the A&P Show - are approaching quickly, and a lot of organisational effort is going into centrepiece street parade on 2nd December. Full article »
Arts Council wins environmental award
(November 21): The Motueka Arts Council has won the $1000 Community Award at the Nelson/Tasman enviromental awards for the Welcome to the Godwit celebration it organised in September. Full article »
Tasman Bay beach clean clears 7.5 tonnes of rubbish
(November 21): Around 540 people took part in the in the Tasman Bay Big Beach Clean-up held on Saturday 19 November for the second year. They collected 7.5 tonnes of rubbish from 295 kilometres of coast from Abel Tasman National Park to Cable Bay. Full article »
Review of the property sales market in the Motueka area for November
(November 19): Locally last month saw a typical spring jump in listings, with a 32% increase in the number of properties listed in September when compared with August. This was also another strong month with 24 sales in the immediate Motueka area. Full review »
Good crowd appreciates meeting the candidates
(November 17): Secret tape recorders were not needed at the Meet the Candidates debate in Memorial Hall yesterday, with the five candidates giving clear accounts of themselves to an appreciative audience of 65 people. Full article, photo »
Upgrade for Kaiteriteri Road at last
(November 17): The most dangerous section of the Riwaka- Kaiteriteri Road at Turners Bluff, is to be re-engineered over the next four to five months. Full article »
Riwaka features on National radio programme
(November 17): Riwaka featured in a 40-minute "Your place" spot on today's Radio New Zealand National's Afternoon show with Jim Mora, with fascinating interviews with three of the town's best known characters. Article, hear the interviews »
Big clean up of Tasman Bay beaches this Saturday
(November 15): Hundreds of Nelson-Tasman locals will be out collecting rubbish off beaches this Saturday 19th November in a big community coastal clean-up, including beach zones bordering Motueka. Full article »
Our Town Motueka gears up for festive celebrations
(November 13): Our Town Motueka is gearing up for a busy time over the next month, to make sure Motueka shows and enjoys a vibrant retail and celebratory atmosphere for visitors and locals. Full article »
White Ribbon anti-violence campaign to visit Motueka
(November 11): Get Safe Motueka is preparing for White Ribbon day with plans to welcome motorbike riders from around the South Island at the museum forecourt with guest speakers, music, coffee and muffins on the High Street. Full article »
Tasman Council's reporting seen as a model for others
(November 10): TDC's Annual Report for the 2009/10 year has been identified with 5 other Regional, District and City Councils as better than most, particularly in terms of performance reporting. Full article »
High Street improvements unlikely in foreseeable future
(November 9): Motueka will likely have to wait a very long time for any improvements to traffic flow in High Street or a town bypass, under current government policy for road spending. Full article »
Community garden allotments off to flying start
(November 8): People renting allotments at the Motueka Community Gardens have made a flying start in transforming an old waste paddock into productive vegetable garden patches. Full article »
Motueka roller hockey players win gold medals at national champs
(November 8): The re-birth of Roller Hockey in Motueka has commenced with a successful weekend in Whanganui by two Motueka youth, Tiegan Maru and Brodie Maru, earning gold medals at the 2011 National Roller Hockey Championships. Full article, photos »
State of Motueka's streets again questioned
(November 6): The standard of Motueka's streets continues to annoy residents, and the Community Board will consider a recommendation to either improve the maintenance or reconstruct some of the worst maintained streets. Full article »
Community carers to submit ideas on vulnerable children
(November 3): Improving the lives and prospects of our community's most vulnerable children is an issue to be considered by Motueka's Community & Whanau group over the coming months. Full article »
Growing demands for Family Service Centre programmes
(November 3): There has been an increase in demand for budget advice and family support services offered by the Motueka Family Service Centre over the past year, bringing with it increased pressure on the organisation's capacity to respond. Full article »
Easier access to TDC building staff in Motueka
(November 2): Residents of Golden Bay and greater Motueka will soon be able to call on the services of a Building Consent Officer in their local Council offices. Full article »
Tasman District Council maintains its sound financial performance
(November 2): The assets of the Tasman District are worth in excess of $1 billion - one of the many highlights within the Council's Annual Report for the 2 year. Full article »
Subsidy rejection means Motueka's water supply reticulation on hold
(October 27): The long-running debate over the reticulation of Motueka's water supply has taken another turn, with the Department of Health turning down an application by Tasman District Council for a $4 million subsidy to part-fund what many residents feel is an unwanted project. Full article »
Big community needs assessment under way
(October 27): Motueka's a great place ... but it could be better. But what would make it a better community for us to live in? What is missing? Answers to this question are the focus of a Community Needs survey under way at present. Full article »
Playhouse Cafe to host pre-election political debate
(October 23): New Zealand is turning it focus towards the upcoming elections to be held on November 26th. The Mapua and districts community association and the Playhouse Cafe have joined forces to provide a political platform for the Tasman/West coast candidates to express their views, policies and answer a few questions. Full article »
Options for cycle trail route present potential problems
(October 20): The route of the new Tasman Cycleway through Motueka is still very much an open question, with few of the alternative paths under consideration currently satisfying requirements. Full article »
WINZ offers self-serve computers to clients
(October 20): Work and Income Service Centres are making it easier for people to access services and assistance, with self-service kiosks now installed in most centres in the region, including at Community Link in Motueka. Full article »
New chairman for Motueka's Community House
(October 20): Ron Sharp has relinquished his long-standing role as chairman of the Motueka Community House and handed over the reins to Grey Power representative Barry Simkin.
Full article »
Schools, businesses to promote positive behaviour around town
(October 19): A new community initiative developed by Motueka's schools is shortly to be launched, ready to start operating in February 2012, that will see businesses help reward students for good behaviour around town. Full article »
Port Motueka development plan a step closer
(October 15): A proposal for significant developments at Port Motueka advanced a small step this week when Motueka Community Board members voted to add it as a submission to TDC's Long Term Plan early next year. Full article »
Review of the property sales market in the Motueka area for October
(October 14): REINZ data on the New Zealand housing market for September showed 5,235 unconditional sales for the month, up 21.1% compared to September last year but only 43 higher than for August 2011, a modest result given the lift usually expected during spring. Full review »
It's all positive at Arts Council ideas forum
(October 14): Arts Council organisers and Our Town Motueka were very pleased with the outcomes of a community brainstorming meeting held on Wednesday for ideas on new and improved art-related events in Motueka. Full article »
Historical Assoc relive a day at the movies
(October 14): Tucked away in a very large shed at the back of a residential property is a piece of Motueka history and on Saturday the Historical Association went to see it. More to the point, we went to the movies - shown on the projectors saved from the fire that destroyed the Majestic Theatre in Motueka in 1983. Full article, photos »
Small project list still up in the air
(October 13): The items to be funded through the targeted "small projects" rate for the Motueka ward have still not been finalised, with the Community Board deciding to thrash out the options further at another closed workshop. Full article »
Desperate pipfruit orchardists banding together
(October 13): Desperate and disillusioned Nelson pipfruit orchardists are reactivating their old fruitgrower associations in a bid to press for change to the way their industry operates, according to a Nelson Mail article. Full article »
Valley landowners ask for review of management plan
(October 12): Motueka Valley landowners will meet next week to gauge the level of community support for a review of the Tasman Resource Management Plan (TRMP) so as to enable owners to have more than one dwelling on their land without requiring council consent. Full article »
Serious pollution claimed due to illegal dumping at CJs
(October 12): Alarming claims that Motueka's aquifers have been seriously polluted by illegal dumping at CJ Industries' pit near the Motueka River dominated the public forum before yesterday's October meeting of the Community Board. Full article »
Community grants for Motueka less than other wards
(October 7): The list of Community Grants recipients for 2011 from the Tasman District Council suggests that the Motueka ward received less than its ratings-based share for funds for community programmes. Full article »
Community leaders learn five ways to wellbeing
(October 7): Community leaders attending the October Community & Whanau meeting on Wednesday learned of a new mental health initiative supported by Health Action Trust Nelson called "Five Ways to Wellbeing". Full article »
Big beach clean-up day set for November
(October 5): A call is going out for groups to sign up for a big community spring clean of Tasman Bay beaches being run for the second year. Full article »
Grey Power to host meetings on elections, referendum
(October 3): Believe it or not, the rugby will soon be over and we'll be left with something else to ponder about apart from Dan Carter's groin - the general elections and MMP referendum. Full article »
i-SITE numbers remain strong despite challenges
(October 1): Despite harder economic times, the number of visitors using Motueka i-SITE increased in the past year, thanks to focused marketing and a stable sales force with growing product knowledge. Full article »
Amalgamation hearings prompt angry media exchange
(September 30): A scrap has broken out through the media over the past two days over criticisms by the Tasman District Council of the Local Government Commission (LGC) as it holds hearings on LGC's draft amalgamation plan. Full article »
Arts Council seeks ideas for future art-related events
(September 30): It's time for the Motueka Arts Council to plan for the next couple of years, and the council is asking the community what events could be held in the future. Full article »
Community gardens available for private vege allotments
(September 29): The Motueka Community Gardens Trust is offering a large part of their land in Old Wharf Road to individuals and groups who want to manage their own vegetable gardening plots for a nominal rental fee. Full article »
TDC accepts the stopbank refurbishment option
(September 28): The Tasman District Council unanimously accepted the engineer's recommendation to solve Motueka's flood control problem by refurbishing the existing stopbanks. Full article »
Service agencies collaborating on family violence issues
(September 26): The Collaboration of Agencies in Motueka is conducting a development project to assess family violence issues in our community and plan strategies to deal with them. Full article »
Community artists celebrate return of the godwits
(September 24): "If you're a godwit, obesity is good." So said one of the posters, repeated by Rev Gladys Taingahue in her short introduction and karakia at the official opening of the Welcome to the Godwit ceremony at Memorial Hall yesterday. Full article »
Tasman District Council gets 75% approval rating in annual survey
(September 23): Nearly three quarters of Tasman residents are satisfied with the way rates are spent on services and facilities provided by Council within the District, according to the independent annual customer survey undertaken for the Council. Full article »
'Best Town' sign to be installed soon
(September 21): After many months or discussion, the $3000 prize won by Keep Motueka Beautiful when Motueka was voted "Best Town 2010" last December will soon bear fruit in the form of a large metal plaque to be installed on the edge of the Museum Plaza. Full article »
Wharf Road cycle/footpath construction under way
(September 21): Work is actually under way to build the walkway/cycleway beside Wharf Road, after years of planning and arguments which have tested the endurance and stretched the patience of the project's main driving force, Bob Cooke. Full article, photos »
Schools benefit from Parkes Automotive promotion
(September 21): Parkes Automotive has raised $1355 for local schools and kindergartens through its winter promotion to donate $5 for each Warrant of Fitness done in their workshops. Full article »
Review of the property sales market in the Motueka area for September 2011
(September 21): REINZ reported a strong level of sales for August, up 21% compared to last year and 264 sales higher than for July 2011. The national median house price was also up 2.9% to $355,000. Full review »
TDC locks in Community Board delegations
(September 21): Last month the Tasman District Council agreed to a number of delegations to the Motueka and Golden Bay Community Boards following a process begun last year and further identified within the Local Government Commission's recent Draft plan. Full article »
Countdown under way for Motueka TV to go digital
(September 18): It's time for Motueka people to start thinking about what they may need to do to prepare for the end of the good old analogue television system and the start of purely digital transmissions. Full article »
Community Board opts for 'affordable' refurbished stopbanks
(September 16): The Community Board has settled on its submission to the consultation process on Motueka's flood protection scheme, saying it believes the community prefers the middle-ground stopbank refurbishment option. Full article »
First godwits arrived in Motueka this morning
(September 15): This morning the first of the godwits arrived on the Motueka Sandspit. At least 100 birds joined the over-wintering godwits and roosted waiting for the tide to go out so they could start feeding after their 11,700km non-stop journey from Alaska. Full article »
Hanging flower baskets to adorn High Street shops
(September 15): Motueka will this summer provide the colourful vista of hanging flower baskets along the High Street retail strip, thanks to an initiative by Our Town Motueka and voluntary assistance of the Rural Fire Network. Full article »
High Street power lines to be laid underground
(September 15): The power lines supplier for Motueka, Network Tasman Ltd, has signalled its intention to progressively move all the power cables in High Street underground over three years beginning mid-2012. Full article »
Council overrides local opinion on playgrounds
(September 14): Tasman District Council has declined a key opportunity to work cooperatively with the Motueka Community Board, choosing a report of its own staff over the recommendation of the board with regard to upgrading playground equipment. Full article »
No agreement by Community Board on choice of small projects
(September 14): It's back to the drawing board for the allocation of up to $40,000 of Community Board money after board members last night failed to agree on how the "small projects" budget should be spent. Full article »
Mapua ferry launch brings Tasman cycle trail a step closer
(September 9): Work on building the Nelson Tasman cycle trail toward Motueka is well under way now, with the section to Mapua set to launch within a month and meetings being conducted on fundraising for the extension to Motueka. Full article »
Tasman District Council to advertise for a new CEO
(September 8): The Tasman District Council will be advertising for a new CEO following the recent resignation of the current CEO Paul Wylie. "The recruitment process will start within the next few weeks," said Mayor Richard Kempthorne. Full article »
Motueka's service providers combine efforts to tackle hardship
(September 8): Food banks and related services are meeting in an attempt to rationalise their operations, in the face of the continuing growth of economic hardship and unemployment in the Motueka community. Full article »
Survey shows most Motuekans oppose amalgamation
(September 7): A broad survey of Motueka residents has established that the majority oppose the proposed amalgamation of Nelson and Tasman councils, a result which will be submitted to the Commission designing the union plan. Full article »
Firewood project again helps people in need
(September 7): A small group of men from local churches have been holding working bees on the grounds at St Peter Chanel Catholic Church to produce firewood for the needy in our community. Full article »
Toad Hall offers prize for catchy tagline
(September 5): Well-known South Motueka organic food shop Toad Hall is using Facebook and the offer of a $100 voucher prize to unearth a catchy new tagline to advertise its products and service. Full article »
Congrats to Motueka's Brigette, NZ's Next Top Model
(September 3): Motueka people glued to their TVs last night were rewarded when our own Brigette Thomas was crowned New Zealand's Next Top Model. Full article »
Two more winning article contributors chosen
(September 1): Our monthly Take Note prizes for best articles submitted to Motueka Online during August were won by Coralie Smith and Rae Dozell. Full article »
All Blacks come to Motueka on Friday
(August 31): All Blacks Ali Williams and our own Ben Franks will visit the Motueka area this Friday September 2nd to hang out with their fans ahead of assembling for Rugby World Cup 2011. Full article, schedule »
How do we value Tasman rivers?
(August 30): What future would you like to see for local rivers? Should management of rivers give priority to swimming? Kayaking? Irrigation? Native species? Cultural values? At what cost? Full article, questionnaire »
Popular walkway threatened by rising sea levels
(August 29): Concerns are growing that rising sea levels are threatening the integrity of the Kumaras walkway at very high tides, with risks of parts of the track being washed away and allowing flooding up toward Thorp Street. Full article »
Cult classic Rocky Horror Show comes to Motueka
(August 29): Get out your horror outfits! Gecko Cinema has a special screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show on Saturday September 3rd at 8.30, complete with all the trappings that this cult classic movie has attracted over its 30-plus years. Full article »
Young photographers to capture the magic of Motueka
(August 26): Want a chance to show off the magic of Motueka? Feel like you're a bit of a pro (or a semi-pro!) with a camera? Here's your chance to show us what you've got! Full article »
Options clarified for community decision on river stopbanks
(August 26): Tasman District Council this week brought Motueka residents up to date with analysis and planning for the three possible options still in consideration for managing the risk of flooding from the Motueka River. Full article »
TDC chief executive resigns suddenly
(August 26): Tasman District Council CEO Paul Wylie yesterday morning unexpectedly announced his resignation to take up a new role as CEO of Buller District Council. He says his decision to move had nothing to do with the amalgamation issue. Full article »
Floral Art Theatre at its best for Daffodil Day
(August 25): Motueka Floral Art Circle members and friends demonstrated innovative techniques and created wonderful designs at the Daffodil Day theatre event held yesterday afternoon and evening at the Imagine Theatre. Full review article, photos »
Free health expo for Motueka people
(August 25): The Motueka Community House has organised a Health Expo to allow residents to find out about health services available to them and to talk directly with health provider. Full article »
Packed tavern for Great Debate 2011
(August 24): The "Great Debate" was held at the Sprig & Fern Tavernon last night in front of a packed crowd of Motueka residents. The pre-election debate was organised by Our Town Motueka and concentrated largely on issues affecting local people. Full article, photos »
Saltmarsh restoration under way at Inlet Reserve
(August 24): New work is quietly underway to restore the margins of the wetlands area beside the Inlet Walkway and Adopt-a-Plot area with native plantings, in an effort to take the saltmarsh area back to its pre-dump state. Full article »
Ideas sought by community board for Ten Year Plan
(August 24): The Motueka Community Board wants to hear residents' ideas and opinions on how the town should develop over the next 10 years. Full article »
Kate's first book tackles link between cannabis use and mental illness
(August 24): Motueka author Kate K this week released her first book "Matters To A Head: Cannabis, Mental Illness and Recovery", which explores the link between cannabis and mental illness, written from Kate's personal and professional experiences. Full article »
Wanted: One large community shed
(August 22): The first meeting to gauge interest in the development of a Motueka Community Men's Shed was held last week. It was agreed that such a facility would be a valuable addition to Motueka and serve a useful purpose. Full article »
Motueka hosts colourful Good Vibes skydiving event
(August 21): Over the past four days Motueka has hosted New Zealand's largest annual skydiving event, with around 150 skydivers from around the world coming together in perfect blue-skies conditions to enjoy their adrenelin-charged sport. Article, photos »
TDC makes submission against amalgamation plan
(August 21): Tasman District Council has voted to oppose the proposed amalgamation of Nelson and Tasman Councils and has made and published its submission backing its opinion. Full article »
Bridging gaps is the goal for ex-caseworker
(August 20): Matt Beech is using his past experience, first as a welfare beneficiary and then a case-manager, whilst being part of the clergy team within the Motueka Anglican Parish, to help bridge gaps between people in need, WINZ and the church. Full article »
Next protest bike ride is for flora and fauna
(August 19): The Motueka cyclists who recently rode up High Street to protest about oil and coal exploration and mining will be back on their bikes next Saturday, August 27th, to highlight the need to protect native flora and fauna. Full article »
Review of the property sales market in the Motueka area for August 2011
(August 12): The median sale price for residential properties in Motueka for July was $290,000, down on the $325,000 for June. All in all the local market is reflecting national trends prices, slipping sideways with steady demand. Full review »
Community board lists its preferred delegated powers
(August 11): The Motueka Community Board has prepared a list of delegations it would like to see implemented under either the current Tasman District Council or an amalgamated Nelson-Tasman District Council. Full article »
Winter workshops a boon for Arts Council
(August 11): The Motueka Arts Council's winter workshop series is proving a boon for both the council and the town, with a huge jump in enrolments this year and a bonus performance by three groups at the council's AGM last night. Full article »
Floral potential shown in engineered photos
(August 11): A picture tells a thousand words, indeed. And doctored photos produced by Lisa Ball have given Motueka retailers a good idea of what High Street could look like if the hanging flower basket project goes ahead. Full article »
Small projects budget allocated by Community Board
(August 10): A reinstated litter cart and the sealing of a popular walkway were the two leading contenders for spending by the Community Board of the proceeds of its targeted rate total of $25,000, according to the recently circulated questionnaire. Full article »
Sunday market remains under current management
(August 10): Motueka's Sunday market is likely to continue under the management and ownership of Judy Roper for at least another three years, with a right to renew, after the Community Board turned down a suggestion by Our Town Motueka to open to other groups the licence to operate. Full article »
Community Board votes to reject council amalgamation
(August 10): The Motueka Community board has shown its hand on the amalgamation issue, voting yesterday in a split decision to submit to the Local Government Commission its opposition to the draft scheme. Full article »
Tasman Nelson Environment Awards open for nominations
(August 10): The popular regional environment awards are now open for nominations until Friday 16 September. This year there are eight categories including a revamped Sustainable Design category, which has been broadened to include individual buildings. Full article »
Motueka Community Link officially opened
(August 9): Acting Regional Commissioner Lynne Williams and Advisory Chair Ron Sharp joined with Work and Income staff in greeting representatives from Community organisations along with local parliamentarians into the redesigned building. Full article »
Explanation of proposed delegated powers for Community Boards
(August 8): One of the key issues that has surfaced in the debate on the proposed amalgamation of Nelson and Tasman councils is that part of the Local Government Commission's proposal that grants extra delegations to Motueka and Golden Bay community boards. Full article »
Work begins on next stage of Friendship Hospital
(August 4): The ground is being prepared for the building of the next stage of the Jack Inglis Friendship Hospital, with volunteers helping with the extraction and delivery of gravel from the Motueka River bed. Full article »
Amalgamation information evening a lively affair
(August 3): Leading local body politicians fronted a small but lively audience of about 70 on Monday night ostensibly to provide information about the proposed amalgamation of Nelson and Tasman councils, but for many attending a chance to get local governance issues off their chest. Full article »
Motueka gearing up for visit of two All Blacks
(August 3): Motueka is laying out the welcome mat for the All Blacks impending visit on 2nd September. Plans are afoot to have as many people as possible meet the two All Blacks coming to town as a part of a country-wide town tour prior to the All Blacks going into camp. Full article »
Two more winning article contributors chosen
(August 1): Our monthly Take Note prizes for best articles submitted to Motueka Online during July were won by budding journalist Shirley Frater and High School student Sophie Harrison. Full article »
Cyclists use High Street to protest use of fossil fuels
(August 1): About 60 cyclists of all ages cruised down High Street from midday last Saturday in a whistle-blowing, pleasant natured demonstration against the expanding exploration and mining of oil and coal in New Zealand. Full article, photos »
The big snow comes to Motueka
(July 25): Last night we had a lot of snow in Motueka and the surrounding area, especially up the Motueka Valley. It started snowing lightly in Motueka about 6pm Sunday night and there were people in the street playing in the snow and throwing snow balls. Article, photos »
Top guns battle over amalgamation details
(July 25): As the Council amalgamation debate gains traction, opinions from two leading protagonists got down to the fine detail stage as the Tasman District Council published its concerns and Golden Bay political figure Joe Bell provided detailed rebuttal on most of TDC's points. Full article »
Unemployment in Motueka has doubled this winter
(July 25): Unemployment has doubled in Motueka since March, with the number of people on the dole in Motueka up from 91 at this time last year to 204 now, according to a report published in the Nelson Mail. Full article »
Local wood pellet initiative ready for wider market
(July 23): Darryl Wilson has developed a wood pellet production unit that uses waste sawdust to make an efficient, non-fossil fuel for wood burners, and is now preparing to take the pellets to market. Full article »
How would you like $25,000 spent in Motueka?
(July 22): This year all Motueka ratepayers will contribute $5 into a "small projects levy" that will amount to $25,000, to be spent by the Motueka Community Board on projects in the ward as chosen by residents. Here is your chance to have your say. Full article, questionnaire »
Consultation shows preference for repair of river stopbanks
(July 22): The round of consultations held in April seeking public input into proposals to improve the protection levels of the Motueka River stopbanks show a strong preference for refurbishment over rebuilding or other new designs. Full article »
Conjugal Rites sees adult themes return to Motueka stage
(July 21): Adult theatre will return to Motueka next week when Imagine Theatre stages the Roger Hall play Conjugal Rites. "It's typical Roger Hall material with its humour, social criticism and hints of pathos," said show director Cynthia Fowler. Full article »
Disagreement on funding for museum and other key Motueka assets
(July 20): Disagreement has arisen between Community Board chairman David Ogilvie and TDC's Community Services Manager Lloyd Kennedy over how Reserves funding is used to fund Motueka Museum repairs and maintenance, and not the Council's Museum Facilities Rate. Full article »
Review of the property sales market in the Motueka area for July 2011
(July 18): There appears to be increasing confidence in the economy with ongoing low interest rates, favorable borrowing conditions and an overall positive outlook. This is likely to lead to more buyers for local property - what effect this will have on prices will depend on how many sellers also come in to the market. Full review »
Large crowd at contentious Community Board meeting
(July 13): The July meeting of the Motueka Community Board was long (over three hours), mainly interesting and often fractious. About 30 residents attended, packing the TDC meeting room probably beyond what fire regulations would allow. All seven Board members attended. Full article »
Rumour leads to angry defence of Sunday market operator
(July 13): Rumour and speculation about the future of the Sunday market following a request for information by the Motueka Community Board brought an agitated crowd of mainly market supporters to the Board's July meeting yesterday afternoon. Full article »
Community Board struggles to reach any agreement on amalgamation
(July 13): If the Sunday market argument was a surprise for many at yesterday's Community Board meeting, the other main topic - the Board's approach to the Council amalgamation proposal - certainly was not, and again vigorous debate and interjections from onlookers featured. Full article »
An interview with departing Parklands School secretary, Lynda Frater
(July 12): Lynda Frater is interviewed by Kelsey Barrett and Quin Vuiyasawa, Parklands School students, on the occasion of her retirement after 27 years of service. Full article, photos »
Wedding donation a boost to Birdsong Trust work
(July 10): A recent wedding in the United States has resulted in substantial private donations totalling $600 to boost the efforts of Department of Conservation and commercial operators helping fund the Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust. Full article »
Community Board to make crucial decision on delegated powers
(July 8): Motueka Community Board members have a crucial decision to make this month about the future of their powers, following the Tasman District Council's recommendation last week that the board's spending power and delegations be extended. Full article »
Our Town Motueka ponders hanging flower baskets
(July 7): A request on Monday by Our Town Motueka for ideas about how to brighten up Motueka has drawn lively discussion from watchers of OTM's Facebook page mainly hanging flower baskets. Full article »
Anti-fossil fuel protest takes to wheels
(July 7): Buoyed by the strong turnout at the recent 'Hands Across the Sand' gathering at Motueka Quay, organisers of the Coal Action Network Aotearoa are planning a cycle ride up High Street to demonstrate for the phasing out of the burning of fossil fuels. Full article »
Police addressing drug use in Motueka
(July 6): Work being done by the Police to address drug use in Motueka, particularly among young people, was outlined by Youth Education Officer Gerry Tonkin to the July Community & Whanau meeting today. Full article »
Countdown for Good Vibes continues despite setback
(July 6): Preparations for New Zealand's biggest annual skydiving event, the Good Vibes Boogie 2011, are stepping up a notch, but the normal hype has been dampened by the death of one of its past key figures and co-founder, Ted Rudd. Full article »
Big day at Kaiteriteri for midwinter swim festival
(July 4): Swimmers and spectators lined the shore of Kaiteriteri Beach last Sunday in anticipation of Kaiteriteri's Midwinter swim and festival. Although a picturesque day, the morning's frost offered a prominent chill, leaving onlookers rugging up warm. Full article »
The poetry of a mid-winter swim day
(July 4): The sky was blue, the grass white with frost. The sun making tapering shadows as the fingers of rays shine through the shelters belts scaring Jack Frost away till another night. Full article, photos »
Green light for more upgrade work at Recreation Centre
(July 4): The costs of the Motueka Recreation Centre upgrade have been finalised and show a project under-spend of $204,000. The prudent management of the project has allowed the funds to be invested in further redevelopment of the centre. Full article »
TDC set to increase powers for community boards
(July 4): The Tasman District Council last Thursday considered a report suggesting that both the Motueka and Golden Bay Community Boards be given increased powers, and Chief Executive Paul Wylie has suggested that the Council approve them in principle. Full article »
Little Day Out draws a vibrant, happy crowd
(July 3): The Motueka Youth Council's, 'The Little Day Out' proved to be a success last Sunday when the event attracted approximately 160 youth from around the Tasman region. Full article, photos »
Motueka Online visitor numbers reach new records
(July 1): Motueka Online last month broke its record, held since last summer, for website visitor numbers and in doing so topped two target numbers, thanks probably to the use of social media to extend its reach. Full article »
Two more winning article contributors chosen
(July 1): Our monthly Take Note prizes for best articles submitted to Motueka Online during June were won by two High School students, Sophie Harrison and Gemma Lamont. Full article »
Tasman District Council adopts 2 annual plan
(June 30): Tasman District Council adopted its 2 Annual Plan today (30/6), confirming the General Rate Rise of 6.05% identified by the Council earlier this month. Full article »
Breakfast Club organisers receive youth volunteer award
(June 29): After successfully implementing healthy eating at Motueka High School for two and a half years, seven Breakfast Club volunteers have been presented with the Nelson Tasman Youth Volunteer Special Group award. Full article »
Meeting to urge emergency planning and disaster preparedness
(June 27): Motueka businesses are being urged to think about and investigate emergency planning and disaster preparedness in the face of an increasing number of natural disasters being experienced around New Zealand. Full article »
Historical Assoc awards life membership to Eileen Stewart
(June 27): The highlight of the AGM of the Motueka and Districts Historical Association, held on Saturday, was the presentation of Life Membership to Eileen Stewart who has been a member for almost 30 years, and was President for 6 years. Full article »
Strong beach turnout says 'no' to fossil fuels
(June 26): Around 130 people joined hands yesterday on the beach at Motueka Quey in support of phasing out fossil fuels. The symbolic action of joining hands, and literally drawing a line in the sand, occurred simultaneously in Nelson, Motueka and Golden Bay. Full article, photos »
Survey shows library upgrade should stay on-site
(June 23): When the Motueka Library receives its long-overdue expansion and upgrade, it should be on its current site rather than being built in a new location. This was the main finding of a resident survey conducted by the Motueka High School Year 10 Community Issues class. Full article »
Amalgamation or not: What do we think?
(June 22): Motueka people have a big decision to make this year - to approve, reject or submit modifications on an amalgamation of Nelson City and Tasman District into one Nelson-Tasman District, based on a reorganisation plan recommended by the Local Government Commission. Full article, discussion »
Matariki performance returns to Riverside
(June 22): The 2011 Te Matariki Community Performance Group has announced its annual Matariki celebration to be held on Saturday July 9th at 6pm at the Riverside Community Oval, Lower Moutere. Full article »
Vinnies making blankets to ward off the cold
(June 22): Are you interested in helping people in need keep warm this winter? The Vinnies are launching a community-based Peggy Square project to create blankets for people in our local community to remain snug and warm over these cold Winter months. Full article »
High waters in Riwaka and Motueka
(June 20): The heavy rainful in our region over the weekend provided photographers with an unusual treat. Tania Fowler took these photos in Riwaka, mainly around Factory Road, and sent them to us. Photos »
Prizewinning photographs unveiled
(June 19): Prizes were handed out yesterday to the placegetters in the 2011 Photo competition, run by SeniorNet Motueka Digital Interest Group, at a ceremony at the SeniorNet clubrooms yesterday morning. Prizewinners, photos »
Plans afoot to make marae a community hub
(June 18): An estimated $10 million makeover is on the horizon for Te Awhina Marae, with hopes that the marae will become a "focal point" for the entire Motueka community, according to a report in the Nelson Mail. Full article »
Parkes Automotive outlines sustainability measures
(June 17): Parkes Automotive co-owner Anita Newport was asked to contribute to a recent report of business leaders talking about how they have introduced and worked through sustainability measures in their businesses. Full article »
Dedicated ballet class starts up in Motueka
(June 17): A specialist classical ballet school for children has come to Motueka, with two Motueka sisters teaching the Royal Academy of Dance Ballet Syllabus syllabus, an internationally recognised quality dance program. Full article »
Draft scheme issued for union of Nelson City and Tasman District
(June 16): The proposal to amalgamate Nelson and Tasman councils has passed its next hurdle. A unitary authority for a united Nelson-Tasman District, with five community boards, is the basis of a draft reorganisation scheme announced today by the Local Government Commission. Full article »
Floral Art Circle preparing for Daffodil Day
(June 16): Daffodil Day is coming on Friday 26th August, and Motueka Floral Art Circle is once again preparing for its annual floral performances around that date. Full article, photos »
Review of the property sales market in the Motueka area for June 2011
(June 16): The Nelson/Marlborough region sales volumes rose 23.6% in May 2011 compared to April 2011, although only up 2.6% compared to May 2010. The region's average days to sell remained steady at 57 days in May 2011 compared to April 2011. Full review »
Fishing gear available for people with disabilities
(June 16): CCS Disability Action has been gifted two sets of self-winding Shimano fishing reels and rods for use by people with disabilities in the Nelson Tasman region so that they can experience fishing without the strain of having to wind in their catch. Full article, photos »
Low turnout at Community Board meeting
(June 15): Yesterday's June Community Board meeting proved something of an anticlimax, with at times only three of the seven members present to decide on several key issues - including one measure designed to encourage board members take a greater part in proceedings. Full article »
Record number of Top Shop nominees in Motueka
(June 15): Twenty-seven Motueka businesses have been nominated in this year's Nelson Mail Top Shop Competition. A variety of stores ranging from bakeries and florists to homeware and fashion have been nominated by Motueka's local loyal shoppers. Full article »
Busy time ahead for Community Board members
(June 13): The second half of 2011 is shaping up to be a very busy and hopefully productive six months for the Motueka Community Board, with several projects ready to reach fruition, says board chairman David Ogilvie. Full article »
Extra targeted rate for Motueka ward projects
(June 10): The Motueka Community Board is to receive $25,000 from an increase to its targeted rate, which will be used to tackle several small local projects which have languished for long periods on the Council's works lists due to lack of funds. Full article »
TDC proposes 6.05% general rate increase
(June 10): The Tasman District Council has taken another step in determining its General and Targeted rates for the 2 year. The coming year's total figure has been determined with a 6.05% increase to the general rate. Full article »
Submissions open on management of Abel Tasman foreshore
(June 9): The public is invited to make submissions on the Abel Tasman Foreshore Scenic Reserve Draft Management Plan that contains proposals for management of the foreshore along the Abel Tasman coastline. Full article »
Meeting to examine benefits from Tasman cycle trail
(June 8): A meeting will be held next week which organisers hope will provide a springboard for ideas on how innovative Motueka businesses and organisations could benefit from the Nelson Tasman cycle trail soon to be built through town. Full article »
Motueka catchment management project airs to wider public
(June 8): A ground-breaking 10-year project by Tasman scientists aimed at understanding and better managing the Motueka River catchment is now being publicised to the world through conferences and some excellent videos available on YouTube. Full article »
Youth Council ready to host Little Day Out
(June 6): After months of planning and work, one of Motueka's big youth events for the year is just about ready and rearing to go on Saturday June 25th. Full article »
Tahi Takao awarded Queen's Service Medal
(June 6): Motueka man Tahi Takao JP has been awarded the Queen's Service Medal in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours, announced today, for services to Maori. Full article »
Motueka's adopted political prisoner freed
(June 3): The Motueka Amnesty International Group is celebrating a huge success with news that the second of two men supported by the Motueka group in recent times has been released from custody in Myanmar (formerly Burma). Full article »
Damien O'Connor talks with community service providers
(June 2): Labour Member of Parliament and Mahana resident Damien O'Connor discussed his party's core policies and listened to the concerns of local community workers at the monthly Community & Whanau meeting yesterday. Full article »
Two more winning article contributors chosen
(June 1): Our monthly Take Note prizes for best articles submitted to Motueka Online during May were won by one experienced writer, Coralie Smith, and one budding journalist, Will Garland. Full article »
Top snapper to speak at photo competition prizegiving
(June 1): Highly rated Nelson photographer Don Pittham will be the keynote speaker at this year's prizegiving for the SeniorNet Motueka Digital Interest Group's photographic competition. Full article »
Sandcastles organiser nominated for Youth Volunteer Award
(May 31): The Motueka High School Year 10 student who ran the "Sandcastles for Christchurch" competition will be recognised for his efforts at the Nelson Tasman Youth Volunteer awards ceremony to be held in three weeks. Full article, photos »
Godwits to be made welcome again
(May 30): The Motueka Arts Council is again holding a 'Welcome to the Godwits' Celebration to welcome our godwits back to the Motueka sandspit after their epic non-stop flight from Alaska, and to raise awareness of the importance of our estuaries. Full article, entry forms »
Programme for Winter Arts Workshop series announced
(May 30): The Motueka Arts Council has finalised and released its Winter Workshops Programme for 2011, providing Motueka people once again the opportunity to learn new skills and have fun as they learn, and perhaps help winter pass more quickly. Full article, programme »
Long-awaited journal of Motueka's history launched
(May 29): "... and so it began - Continuing the Story of Motueka, Volume 7" is the title of the new journal which was launched yesterday at the monthly meeting of the Motueka and Districts Historical Association. Full article, photos »
Dressage tuition offered for equestrian riders
(May 27): Equestrian sports are growing in Motueka from strength to strength, and a new course being offered by local rider Jeanette Garrett will help swell the numbers of the dressage group even further. Full article »
High School offers support for raising teenagers
(May 25): Motueka High School is setting up a Parent Support Group to help support parents and caregivers through what can be challenging times raising teenagers. The group is to be called TIPS, or Teen Info Parents Support. Full article »
Are Motuekans apathetic about their town's future?
(May 23): It would seem that Motueka residents are an apathetic bunch when it comes to having their say about the future of key elements of the town. Full article »
Imagine Youth Theatre prepares for comedy drama
(May 18): Motueka's Imagine Youth Theatre is set to present its second stage show for the year, with the British comedy-drama Teechers running from next Thursday, May 26th, through to the following Sunday. Full article »
Coastal restoration project restarts for planting season
(May 16): The restoration project at the Raumanukas Reserve (also well known as The Kumaras) restarts this week for the ideal planting season through to September. Full article »
Photo competition entries close this week, prizes announced
(May 16): Entries for SeniorNet Digital Interest Group's annual photographic exhibition and competition will close on this coming Friday, May 20th, and the list of prizes in all categories have been announced. Full article »
Review of the property sales market in the Motueka area for May 2011
(May 13): The local market had a small lift in local sales volumes compared with March as well as a lift in the average sale price against the 2008 capital values; which is a reversal of the downward trend we have seen since January. Full review »
Theatre production to address youth partying
(May 12): A safer-partying theatre production will play in Motueka as part of a tour of the top of the south, to encourage young people to make better choices around partying. Full article »
Electronic waste recycling now available year round
(May 12): A newly launched initiative has brought electronic waste recycling to the Tasman/Nelson region. The Nelson ReUse and Recycle Centre at 6 Vivian Place, Tahunanui is now accepting electronic waste for recycling as part of the e-Cycle Project. Full article »
Airport issues again feature at Community Board meeting
(May 11): The lack of openness in the District Council's dealings with the Motueka Aerodrome was again a major topic at the May meeting of the Community Board, with broad concerns expressed that no-one local is involved in any decision making or can access key information. Full article »
Port users ask for port entrance to be fixed
(May 11): In a submission to Tasman District Council's draft annual plan, users of Port Motueka have asked that $1.07m be budgeted to dredge the channel, cut through the sandspit and rebuild the training wall on the channel's eastern side. Full article »
Young people gear up for Youth Week activities
(May 9): Young people and youth agencies in Nelson-Tasman are gearing up for a week-long programme of youth activities, events and exhibitions as Youth Week for 2011 is celebrated across the Top of the South. Full article »
Transition Town Motueka opposes mining plans in Golden Bay and Tasman Bay
(May 8): Transition Town Motueka opposes any intention to test-drill or mine in this area. The citizens' organisation, formed to work on the transition of the town away from use of fossil fuels and towards a low-carbon footprint, opposes the idea on several grounds. Full article »
Wharf Road walkway is one step closer
(May 7): An application has been made by the Tasman District Council (Engineering Department) to the Tasman District Council for resource consents to reclaim about 2500 square metres of the coastal marine area within the Motueka Inlet for the construction of a walkway and two bird refuge areas. Full article »
Nominations open for Nelson Tasman TrustPower Community Awards
(May 7): The once a year opportunity to celebrate and recognise local volunteers has arrived, with nominations now open for the TrustPower Nelson Tasman Community Awards. Full article »
Exasperation at Motueka's 'arrogant' treatment by NZTA
(May 7): Community Board chairman David Ogilvie is becoming exasperated by what many see as the lack of respect shown by NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to the clearly stated request by Motueka people to address safety concerns in High Street by installing traffic lights at Pah Street. Full article »
Get Safe Motueka renews plans for the future
(May 5): A presentation setting out the options for the future of the agency Get Safe (Motueka) Inc was given to a large group of attenders at the Community and Whanau meeting on March 2nd. Full article »
Problems for sickness beneficiaries discussed
(May 5): A discussion on ways to help people who are being 'encouraged' to move off the sickness benefit ended another well-attended and informative Community and Whanau meeting yesterday at the Community House. Full article »
Community groups cooperate to solve manure removal issue
(May 5): One man's meat is another man's poison. Or, in this case, one community group's rubbish is another group's treasure. Horse manure from the Marchwood Park equestrian area will be used to feed the vegetable plots at the Community Gardens. Full article »
Meeting to raise awareness of internet risks for children
(May 5): Parklands School is hosting a presentation by an internet safety and risk assessment expert to explain and advise on managing the problematic issues that online media pose for children and their parents. Full article »
Art Group to sell paintings for Christchurch
(May 5): At least 30 members of the Motueka Art Group are raising funds for the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal by donating their paintings for sale over the next month. Full article »
Dressage group finds a strong following
(May 4): The recently formed Motueka Dressage group has hit on a winner, with its resurrected winter event series proving very popular among horse and pony riders in the district. Full article »
Malcolm, Joni win first Take Note journalism prizes
(Apr 30): Malcolm Garrett and Joni Tomsett have been chosen as winners of the first two monthly prizes - $20 giftcards from Take Note - for their story writing contributions to this website. Full article »
Future design of Motueka township up for discussion
(Apr 29): Possibly the most important document for many years to emerge from town planners about the future shape and function of Motueka has been released for all residents to study and comment on. Full article »
TDC passes bylaw banning freedom camping
(Apr 28): Tasman District Council has passed a bylaw that severely restrict, at least in principle, the activities of freedom campers in the district, after years of heated debate as to the extent and effects of the problem. Full article »
Community Board makes submissions on TDC's 2 Annual Plan
(Apr 27): The Motueka Community Board has made its submission on Tasman District Council's 2 Annual Plan, which be heard on Friday May 13th. In it, three items have been raised including ongoing complaints about the Community Board "target" rate. Full article »
Nominations open for the Nelson Tasman Youth Volunteer Awards
(Apr 27): Know a young person making a difference in our community? Nominations are now open for the Nelson Tasman Youth Volunteer Awards. Full article »
Motueka to host Rudolf Steiner celebration event
(Apr 24): The Motueka/Nelson Anthroposophical Group is hosting a Celebration of Rudolf Steiner's Life and Work as part of a worldwide initiative for the 150th anniversary of his birth. Full article »
Groups publish submissions for TDC Draft Annual Plan
(Apr 22): Two of Motueka's largest community and advocacy groups, Grey Power and Keep Motueka Beautiful, have prepared submissions that they will present to Tasman District Councillors at hearings about the 2011/12 Draft Annual Plan. Full article »
Motueka West and Central draft plan change up for consultation
(Apr 21): West Motueka, between Pah Street and King Edward Street, has been identified as providing an opportunity for significant future residential and business development in an area close to the heart of Motueka, but to do this will involve a plan change. Full article »
Museum prepares for exhibition about converted churches
(Apr 20): With the current exhibition 'Wawata Tawhiti - Distant Dreams' ending in June, work is underway at the Motueka Museum for the next two, the spring and summer exhibitions. The Spring exhibition, titled Converted, is about three churches that now serve a new purpose. Full article »
Regular budget advice seminars now open to all people
(Apr 20): A 2-hour budget advice seminar at the Community Link offices last week, for mostly Work & Income clients, was such a success that it is decided we will make this a regular seminar and run it once every three weeks until further notice. Full article »
Cycle Trails Trust calls on local artists to design logo
(Apr 20): The Nelson Tasman Cycle Trails Trust is getting into gear with the appointment of an executive officer and the launch of a logo competition to raise the profile of the trust and what the region has to offer in cycle tourism. Full article »
Review of the property sales market in the Motueka area for April 2011
(Apr 20): The Motueka area reflected the regional trend with property sales numbers up on January and February. On average properties in the wider area sold a little under their 2008 capital values while in the Motueka residential area they sold a little above. Full review »
Photo competition goes ahead despite cancellation of Festival of Lights
(Apr 18): The entries for the photographic competition and exhibition organised by the Digital Interest Group of SeniorNet Motueka close on 20 May 2011. The exhibition of accepted photographs opens in the Motueka Museum & Muses CafĂ© on Saturday 18 June and goes till the 29 July. Full article »
Big projects coming up for community consultation
(Apr 14): Some of the most important infrastructure projects that will affect the growth and prosperity of Motueka for decades to come are up for community discussion and consultation this month, with hopes that ratepayers make their opinions known while plans are still at draft stages. Full article »
Submissions open for Motueka flood control options
(Apr 13): Tasman District Council is investigating improving the flood control measures for the Lower Motueka River near Motueka township and Riwaka. After an initial round of community consultation and investigation five options have been identified for further consideration. Full article »
Working group formed to guide Motueka Plains Water Supply project
(Apr 13): A working group including local councillors and Community Board members will be formed to monitor and guide progress on developing and improving the water supply to the Motueka Plains. Full article »
$1659 raised for Christchurch as Terrors beat Demons at cricket
(Apr 11): The charity cricket match raised $1659 for the Christchurch Earthquake Red Cross Appeal yesterday as Howie Timms' Terrors beat Phil Donaldson's Demons on the High School pitch. Full article, photos »
High School runs workshops for gifted primary students
(Apr 8): Motueka High School have expanded their annual workshop series for Year 7 and Year 8 "gifted and talented" students from surrounding primary schools, which began last week. Full article »
Community garden trustees plan next steps after bumper harvest
(Apr 8): The Motueka Community Gardens trust has concluded most of its huge summer harvest and is now preparing plans for the future development of this community initiative, to be ready for an even better year when the 2011/12 season begins around September. Full article »
Free internet to remain without restrictions at Motueka Library
(Apr 7): The partnership agreement between the Tasman District Council and the Aotearoa Peoples Network Kaharoa (ANPK), the central government authority that provides the free broadband internet access in libraries, has been extended through a Council decision. Full article »
Community meeting identifies local increase in financial stress
(Apr 7): The monthly Community Whanau meeting yesterday found itself paying special attention to growing accounts of financial hardship being experienced by some families and individuals in the district. Full article »
School survey finds support for restricted free internet access at library
(Apr 7): The Motueka High School community issues class presented the findings of its Term 1 investigation, which shows that Motueka people would prefer that the free internet access provided by the Motueka Library be restricted to card-holding residents and discourage tourists from using the resource so freely. Full article »
NZTA not interested in High Street traffic problems
(Apr 6): Community Board chairman David Ogilvie has expressed disappointment that the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) remains apparently uninterested in Motueka's problems with High Street traffic and will not put the issue on its planning agenda. Full article »
Take Note offers rewards to citizen journalists
(Apr 4): It's always been the case that anyone can write articles for publication on Motueka Online, but the best each month can now win prizes thanks to an offer by Take Note Motueka to encourage budding citizen journalists. Full article, rules »
Marian Painter wins pastel scholarship
(Apr 4): Motueka Art Club member Marian Painter recently won a scholarship from PANZ (Pastel Association New Zealand), which entitles her to tuition from a pastel tutor of her choice to a sum of $500. Full article, photos »
Imagine Theatre show delights audience with local talent
(Apr 1): There can be no argument that Imagine Theatre's Christchurch Earthquake Performance is value for money - after all, admission was just $5. But it was much more than that, offering both a lively, fun-filled variety concert and an insight into some of the emerging entertainment talent of the district. Full article, photos »
Violence prevention programme comes to Motueka
(Mar 31): Nelson Women's and Children's Refuge Services are now running the Stopping Domestic Violence Tamariki and Rangatahi programmes in Motueka. These are education groups for children and young people aged 5 to 17 years. Full article »
New date and venue for postponed charity cricket match
(Mar 29): The Charity cricket match for Christchurch, postponed from last Sunday due to rain, will now take place on Sunday April 10th at the Motueka High School grounds. Full article »
Guided coastal walk to mark World Heritage Day
(Mar 28): The old stone wharf at Motueka, erected in 1887, is one of only three heritage-registered stone wharves in New Zealand. A guided Motueka heritage coastal walk will take place on Monday, 18th April. Full article »
Happy crowd at Parklands Turangawaewae festival
(Mar 26): A large and happy crowd mingled, ate and laughed at Parklands School's Turangawaewae multi-cultural festival yesterday as they were entertained by a variety of performances by the school's range of ethnic groups. Full article, photos »
Imagine Theatre prepares to launch another creative year
(Mar 25): Motueka's theatre group, Imagine Theatre, will kick off its 2011 year of fun, drama and creativity with its Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Performance concert starting next Thursday, March 31st. Full article »
Modified consent application should allow Wharf Road walkway construction to start soon
(Mar 24): Tasman District Council engineers have come up with a new resource consent application for the long-stalled project to construct a walkway beside Wharf Road, which will hopefully allow the application to go ahead more easily. Full article »
Keep Motueka Beautiful loses leader but still makes progress
(Mar 23): Despite finding itself without an elected leader with the stepping down of Eileen Wilkins, Keep Motueka Beautiful (KMB) continues to rack up achievement points with several of its beautification projects making excellent progress. Full article »
Top of the South Maps project wins national award
(Mar 23): The recently launched Top of the South Maps website, a collaborative GIS online system developed by Nelson City and Tasman District Councils, has been recognised by winning the National Award at the ALGIM (Association of Local Government Information managers) GIS Symposium on Monday night. Full article »
Large permaculture event to be hosted at Riverside
(Mar 21): The Permaculture in New Zealand (PINZ) national permaculture hui is being hosted this year at Riverside Community, Lower Moutere, on the Easter weekend 23rd - 25th April. This is the first time in 20 years that the event will be hosted in the South Island. Full article »
Mayor, CEO front up to questions from Grey Power
(Mar 17): The Tasman District Council Mayor Richard Kempthorne and CEO Paul Wylie met with Motueka people yesterday to answer questions and hear suggestions as to the Council's performance and how it could perhaps better address ratepayer needs. Full article »
'Praise Be' singers do Motueka proud
(Mar 16): A combined gathering of over 100 singers, mainly from across Motueka churches, did the town proud as they sang their hearts out at last night's recording of the congregational singing parts for TVNZ's 'Praise Be' programme. Full article, photos »
Review of the property sales market in the Motueka area for March 2011
(Mar 16): The national housing market staged a modest recovery in February in terms of both prices and volumes during the month. Across the country 4,502 unconditional sales were reported, a 38% increase over the prior month. The national median price increased $10,000 from January to reach $350,000. Full review »
Entries invited for SeniorNet's 2011 photo competition
(Mar 15): Entries are now open for this year's photo competition and exhibition, to be run during June by the SeniorNet Motueka Digital Interest Group in conjunction with the Motueka Festival of Lights. Full article, entry form »
Community choirs to perform at charity concerts
(Mar 14): The Golden Bay, Motueka and Nelson Combined Choirs will give two charity concerts for the Christchurch earthquake relief fund, one in Motueka on Sunday, March 27th. Full article »
Marae's Christchurch refugee assistance programme scaled back
(Mar 14): Te Awhina Marae has scaled back its facilities set up to cater for people seeking some form of relief in our region from the Christchurch earthquake aftermath, but its work looking after and catering for people needing help continues. Full article »
Freedom camping bylaw may soon come into effect
(Mar 13): Some relief may be in sight for those concerned about the detrimental effects of freedom camping in the region. The Tasman District Council has voted to enter a consultation period for a new Freedom Camping Bylaw that will replace the current Freedom Camping Policy. Full article »
TDC's next Annual Plan up for discussion
(Mar 11): The Tasman District Council has prepared its 2011/2012 Draft Annual Plan and later this month will meet with Motueka ratepayers to discuss what it is proposing to do in the district for the next planning year. Full article »
Community Board supplies wishlist for possible targeted rate
(Mar 11): The Motueka Community Board is mulling the possibility of an extra TDC rate targeted at residents in the Motueka ward for discretionary local funding, and has prepared for Tasman District Council a wishlist of items the rate money could be used for. Full article »
Good apple harvest predicted following great start
(Mar 10): Market prospects for one of ours major apple varieties, royal gala, look promising as packhouses process one of the better crops of recent seasons, according to a report published this week in the Nelson Mail. Full article »
Aircraft noise concerns raised again at Community Board meeting
(Mar 9): Twice every year the Motueka Community Board gets the opportunity to join with TDC to voice its concerns and priorities to the state roading authority NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and consultants MWH and Opus, and such is the importance of several large transportation issues at present that a draft agenda has been drawn up for the meeting on March 31st. Full article »
Community Board to meet roading authorities, consultants
(Mar 9): Twice every year the Motueka Community Board gets the opportunity to join with TDC to voice its concerns and priorities to the state roading authority NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and consultants MWH and Opus, and such is the importance of several large transportation issues at present that a draft agenda has been drawn up for the meeting on March 31st. Full article »
Ledger Goodman Park neighbours vote on improvements
(Mar 7): Following a request by some residents last year to the Community Board, David Ogilvie and Eileen Wilkins conducted a residents' survey about the state, appearance and use of the 5043m2 Ledger Goodman Park, which links Goodman Drive, Kingstan Place and Ledger Avenue. Full article »
Action needed to make cycling safer in Motueka
(Mar 7): Why are there no cycle lanes marked along the streets in Motueka? This is the question being asked by Community Board chairman David Ogilvy in his report to the Board for its March meeting to be held tomorrow afternoon. Full article »
Get Safe seeks ideas and help to keep its services operating
(Mar 4): Get Safe Motueka has been unable to recruit a suitable manager since October 2010, and has only an interim Board. It used the March Community Whanau meeting to ask for help and ideas on how its vital service in violence prevention can continue operating. Full article »
Health directory noticeboard unveiled at Community House
(Mar 3): After about a year gestating, the Motueka health directory noticeboard was finally unveiled yesterday in a short ceremony and blessing outside the Community House in Decks Reserve, where it has been installed. Full article, photos »
Information sought to fill gaps in Lower Moutere history
(Mar 2): There is an area of our district that is lacking in any sort of comprehensive study and that is the Lower Moutere area. The Motueka and District Historical Association addressed this problem when they met at George and Gwen Bunn's property. Full article, photos »
Emotional memorial service for the people of Christchurch
(Mar 2): Just over 50 people showed their solidarity and support for Christchurch people at an emotional memorial and thanksgiving service held at St Andrew's Uniting Church in Motueka yesterday during the lunch hour. Full article, photos »
Tasman and Nelson open arms to Cantabrians
(Mar 2): Significant numbers of people from Christchurch have been arriving in the Nelson Tasman region over the weekend seeking a break from the earthquake aftermath. Full article »
Catering for earthquake refugees: Te Awhina shows how it's done
(Feb 28): Te Awhina Marae has raised the bar to a new level of organisation and planning, with its detailed preparations and readiness for any number of Christchurch people choosing or forced to seek temporary living arrangements after the February 22nd earthquake. Full article, photos »
Motueka community responds to Christchurch disaster
(Feb 24): The Motueka community is responding to the Christchurch earthquake disaster, with Te Awhina Marae leading an initiative to house and care for Christchurch people needing to get away from their wrecked homes and shaky city for a break. Full article »
Motueka people feel the pain of Christchurch earthquake victims
(Feb 23): The major Christchurch earthquake has saddened and shocked people around the country and around the world, and many people living in and around Motueka will have extra reason to feel the pain, with loved ones and old memories affected by the destruction, the loss of lives, and fear for the future of that city. Full article »
Planning under way to spend "Best Town" prize money
(Feb 23): Having won Keep New Zealand Beautiful's "Best Town" competition, the local beautification group is working on ideas on how to spend the $3000 signage package which was the first prize. Full article »
Year's highest tide produces interesting results
(Feb 20): The saltwater swimming baths almost became an island as Motueka experienced its highest king tide in a year today around noon - a 4.6-metre tide that showed just how vulnerable some of our coastal walkways will be to rising sea levels. Full article, photos »
Applications sought for Tasman Youth Council
(Feb 17): Recruitment for the 2011 Tasman Youth Council has begun, with applications currently being accepted for interested young people to join and make a difference in their local communities. Full article »
Cyberworld Internet cafe still fighting bureaucrats for survival
(Feb 16): The owners of Cyberworld Internet Cafe in High Street say they are facing bankruptcy while the authorities at Tasman District Council and the National Library of New Zealand continue to procrastinate or fend off their pleas to remove free internet access, including wireless, to all tourists at the Motueka Library. Full article »
Review of the property sales market in the Motueka area for February 2011
(Feb 16): Activity remained muted in the residential property market in January and the number of sales fell below the record low set in January of last year. Across the Nelson/Marlborough district the median price decreased from $327,000 in December to $318,500 in January with the number of sales decreasing from 159 to 136. Full review »
Motueka River flood control options presented to Council
(Feb 14): Tasman District Council's Engineering Services Committee has been presented with five options for Motueka's future flood control. Once approved by the committee, the five options would form the basis of ongoing public consultation begun last year in Motueka. Full article »
High Street North stormwater pipe to ease flooding
(Feb 14): Council will be installing new stormwater pipes in High Street Motueka, north of the shopping centre, to address flooding problems in this area. The Decks Reserve car park is also being resealed. Full article »
Library seeks opinions on its CD collection
(Feb 14): Tasman District Libraries need your help. They're looking at the use of the library's music CD collection and whether there are new directions they could be taking it, and asking for your opinions. Full article »
Signs of further growth for Motueka
(Feb 13): Some good news for those of us who are happy to see Motueka's steady continued growth. Two small statistics were reported in recent days that are pointers to such growth. Full article »
Community Board mulls water reticulation subsidy
(Feb 9): A subsidy for a water reticulation supply in Motueka was just one of several issues faced by the Community Board yesterday at its first official meeting for 2011. Full article »
Who manages activities at the aerodrome?
(Feb 9): Just who is managing activities at Motueka Aerodrome and controlling its growing use, particularly with respest to the noise it generates? This was a question exercising Councillors and Board members at the public forum before yesterday's Community Board meeting. Full article »
High Street a key focus of Community Board's work for 2011
(Feb 7): The appearance and congestion of the town, particularly of High Street, will be key issues to be addressed by the Community Board this year if chairman David Ogilvie's first report of the year to Tuesday's meeting is anything to go by. Full article »
Date set for 'Praise Be' programme recording
(Feb 7): The 'Praise Be' television programme will be recorded in Motueka at the Uniting Church on the evening of Tuesday 15th March from 6.30pm, and will be shown on a Sunday morning June 5th. Full article »
Big Waitangi Day festival returns to Motueka
(Feb 6): A large and festive turnout to the Waitangi Day celebrations at Te Awhina marae today augers well for a return of this event to the Motueka calendar after five years of no local celebrations of New Zealand's founding day. Full article, photos »
Large attendance at year's first Community Whanau meeting
(Feb 3): The monthly Community Whanau meetings got off to a great start for 2011 with 27 community leaders yesterday sharing information about the services they provide and gearing up for another year working with local people in need. This was one of the largest attendances for some time. Full article »
Yes, it was a scorcher - 33 degrees!
(Feb 3): Motuekans endured one of the hotest days in recent years yesterday, February 2nd, when the temperature reached just over 33 degrees as a warm nor'wester, familiar to Christchurch people, blew over the ranges and fanned the Motueka plain. Full article »
Community Link up and running in Motueka
(Feb 3): If you have been to Motueka Work and Income recently, you may have noticed some new faces and a new name on the building - Motueka Community Link. But there's much more to it than that. Full article »
Combined community choir prepares for new season
(Feb 3): The Combined District Choirs of Golden Bay, Motueka and Nelson is looking for new members to join them for another year of learning new choral music and performing it at community concerts around the district. Full article »
Sales increase at annual Art Group exhibition
(Feb 2): The Motueka Art Group's annual January exhibition at the Chanel Art Centre was a resounding success, resulting in more than half the 200-plus paintings on display being purchased by locals and many visitors.
Full article, photos »
Johny O'Donnell to speak at global forum
(Feb 2): One of Motueka's budding young politicians, Johny O'Donnell, has been selected to speak as the youth voice at the Global Summit on Corporal Punishment to be held in Dallas, Texas in early June. Full article »
Motueka celebrant offers secular wedding services
(Feb 2): Motueka has a new marriage celebrant who is a member of the NZ Association of Rationalists and Humanists, and therefore specialises in non-religious weddings. Full article »
Motueka people urged to give cycling a go in February
(Jan 30): Motueka is flat, not too busy (most of the time), and has weather ideally suit to outdoor activities. So why not get around more often by bike? That's the local flavour of the message from the organisers of this year's Bike Wise events to be held throughout New Zealand during February. Full article »
'It's In The Bag' recorded in Motueka for Maori TV
(Jan 30): Maori Television's version of It's in the Bag, made famous by the late Selwyn Toogood during the 1950s, 60s and 70s, visited Motueka's Memorial Hall last Wednesday to test locals' knowledge of their town and record the television show. Full article »
Community garden distributes produce from surplus harvest
(Jan 29): The surplus produce from Motueka Community Garden's first bumper harvest is being distributed to places of need as the organising committee encourages more people to take part in this growing community facility. Full article »
Perfect weather for happy Teddy Bears Picnic
(Jan 23): Ideal weather and the perfect setting drew dozens of happy families and over 200 people to Thorp Bush on Saturday to the New World-sponsored Teddy Bears Picnic, to relax, play and celebrate the joy of the world of children. Full article, photos »
Motueka leisure marchers host Top of the South event
(Jan 23): One of Motueka's two leisure marching teams, the Beezneez, played host to a successful day of team skills and fellowship among the 16 teams from around the top of the South Island, at a busy event based at the Riwaka Rugby Club grounds yesterday. Full article, photos »
Review of the property sales market in the Motueka area for January 2011
(Jan 20): December's sales and residential property values ebbed from November levels but on a more positive note, both market activity and median prices remained up on figures from earlier in the year, according to statistics released today by the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ). Full review »
Recreation Centre prepares for big Term 1 programme
(Jan 19): The Motueka Recreation Centre has put together its first term programme, aiming to build on the growing interest in its use following the major facility upgrade completed last year and opened in November. Full article »
Atamai Ecovillage achieves some key milestones
(Jan 16): The Atamai Ecovillage on the foothills of the Motueka plain is steadily taking shape, with several milestones achieved in 2010 including the purchase of several lots by intending residents, the successful production of fruit and vegetables, and the first new house. Full article »
Land care camp to clean up Mountain Valley Centre
(Jan 16): Pokororo will host a week-long gathering of energetic people from around the world - what could be termed a live-in working bee - to help with Land-Care at Mountain Valley Centre. Full article »
Ideas and people sought for 2011 Festival of Lights
(Jan 14): The time has come for planning to begin on the June 'Festival of Lights', and the committee is asking for ideas to make it even better than last year's event and personnel to help make it happen. Full article »
'Praise Be' TV show to be recorded in Motueka
(Jan 13): An initiative from the Motueka Uniting Church to have an episode of the Sunday morning hymn programme "Praise Be" recorded in Motueka has had a positive response from TVNZ. Full article »
Thursday social cycling group takes off
(Jan 11): A small group of social cyclists have been enjoying the good weather and the Thursday evening cycling trips during the festive season. Full article »
Bright sunshine bathes crowds at Pokororo Fair
(Jan 9): Another perfect day greeted the hundreds of fair-goers yesterday at the Pokororo Community Hall grounds on the west bank of the Motueka River valley. Full article, photos »
Mixed report on holiday tourist business activity
(Jan 8): Motueka retailers and tourism-oriented businesses report mixed results so far this holiday period in the face of worries that the global recession could have serious impact on their livelihoods. Full article »
Destination debated for surplus of bumper Community Garden crop
(Jan 6): The Community Garden has reached its next milestone - the harvesting of its first crops - leaving the trustees to decide how best to distribute the bumper surplus of produce. Full article »
Top-notch art exhibition opens 2011 arts calendar
(Jan 4): The Motueka Art Group has opened its annual three-week exhibition of more than 200 excellent works by local professional and hobby artists, displaying yet again the strength of the arts in the Motueka district. Full article »
Participation in town planning projects urged for 2011
(Jan 4): Motuekans will be asked this year to make their opinions known about several major town planning projects that will reach interesting stages during 2011, according to community board chairman David Ogilvie. Full article »
T-shirt designer offers 'Best Town' products
(Jan 2): Motueka's recent award as New Zealand's Best Town 2010 has prompted T-shirt designer Lisa Ball to create a range of shirts advertising the award, providing the first effort at using the award to promote Motueka to tourists and locals. Full article »
