Ceremony marks arrival of 'Best Town' award

November 27th, 2011
[by David Armstrong]

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. (See our earlier story here.)

About 25 people relaxed in the garden room of the Sprig & Fern, mainly members of Keep Motueka Beautiful and Our Town Motueka, which jointly sponsored the event. The sign which was made using the $3000 winner's award was on display at the front of the building (photo, right), and will shortly be installed in its home outside the museum.

The celebration cake, organised by Anita Newport, was cut by KMB stalwarts Bob Cooke and Eileen Wilkins. A video slideshow was running within the Sprig & Fern during the afternoon showcasing the work done by KMB on rejuvenating the estuary inlet and building the surrounding walkways.

Of several speakers at the short ceremony, KMB chairman David Ogilvie said he has long held a vision of Motueka becoming known as the best town in New Zealand for parks, gardens and reserves, and hoped the work of Keep Motueka Beautiful would be instrumental in achieving this.

Bob Cooke thanked all those who had helped build the walkways and cycleways, and outlined the final steps of the five year plan to surround the inlet with recreational paths, including the Wharf Road - Link Park section. He said that when the Tasman Cycle Trail extends from Mapua to Motueka, these paths will form an attractive set of options for touring cyclists as they pass through or around town.

The cake was made and donated by local Stella Smith from Flour Cake Studio, who works out of the Moutere Gold shop in Upper Moutere.

Anita Newport with the celebratory cake

Note the detail including the 'Rest a While' entrance sign

Eileen and Bob cutting the cake

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