Recent news items
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This index of news items runs back about FOUR MONTHS. If you wish to view stories older than four months ago, go to the News Archives page »
NZ newspaper reports: to read the latest news about Motueka that's been reported in NZ print media (presented via Google News).
Remaining winter workshops still have places left
(July 26): The Motueka Arts Council's Winter Workshop series is underway, and many workshops still have a few spaces left for late enrolments. Full article, photos »
Craft group shows broader uses of libraries
(July 25): The potential for the use of libraries as community hubs was demonstrated clearly this morning when about 30 people took part in a paper flower making workshop at Motueka Library. Full article, photo »
Brent Maru to stand for Community Board
(July 22): Popular community worker and youth advocate Brent Maru has decided to stand for the Motueka Community Board at the upcoming local body elections. Full article »
Motueka to celebrate local food production
(July 20): A team of people from a range of community organisations are planning a new annual event that will celebrate the great kai produced around Motueka. Full article »
Review of the property sales market in the Motueka area in July
(July 20): The average sale price was 9% over the current capital value with the median house price at $460,000 for June. The level of inventory available for sale has risen slightly from 6 to 8 weeks. Full article »
OTM adopts sound financial strategy for 2016/17
(July 18): The business support organisation Our Town Motueka has adopted its 2016/17 budget, placing more emphasis on broad promotion of the town and a more coherent online strategy. Full article »
Another professional show for Memorial Hall
(July 17): Motueka's Memorial Hall will be the venue for another piece of professional theatre, staging the show "Wicked Women of the Stage" on Saturday, 30th July.
Full article, photo »
New kohanga reo prepares for first occupants
(July 15): It's been 12 years in the making, but the spacious and warm new early childhood Centre, Te Kohanga Reo Te Awhina, is almost ready for its young occupants. Full article »
Motueka litter cart operation gathers support
(July 15): The ability to maintain Motueka's litter cart operation has received a boost in recent weeks with some added sponsorship and fundraising. Full article, photo »
Lions back pool project with big donation
(July 13): The Motueka Lions have provided the biggest boost yet to the project to build a local covered swimming pool, with a donation this week of $15,000. Full article, photo »
Paul Hawkes to stand for Council
(July 11): Community Board chairman Paul Hawkes will stand for Motueka Ward Councillor at the local body elections in October. Full article »
Problematic pedestrian crossing moved
(July 9): The makeover of the pedestrian crossing at the western entrance to Wallace Street is now complete, apart from garden bed planting. Full article, photos »
New community policing model being trialled
(July 8): Community disquiet about policing levels in Motueka have helped prompt changes to prevention strategies in the region that should help Motueka people.
Full article »
The people's beach is just a click away
(July 8): Keeping an eye on the people's beach at Awaroa in the Abel Tasman National Park is now a whole lot easier with a new webcam capturing real-time images of the beautiful spot. Full article »
OTM ponders low uptake of free website ads
(July 5): What is it with Motueka businesses, that they ignore an offer for free advertising on one of the region's premier websites that reaches a global market?
Full article »
Mapua investment provides lessons for Council
(July 1): Tasman District Council will fund the extra costs associated with work at the Mapua Wharf precinct through income from its commercial activities and by bringing forward next year's budget for landscaping at the wharf. Full article »
Highly respected Motueka artist dies
(June 30): The Motueka Art Group is mourning the death of one of its founding members and a much-respected figure in the local art scene, Don Halls. Full article »
Review of the property sales market in the Motueka area in June
(June 30): Moving into the coolest part of the winter the local property market does not appear to be easing up and it look like we will see the current hot level of activity continue into the spring. Full article »
Another good attendance at Community Board forum
(June 29): Another good crowd turned up at the Motueka Community Board open forum last night, where once again flooding issues took centre stage. Full article »
New cheerleading team aims for national level
(June 27): A high school-based team of cheerleaders is fundraising to enable them to take part in competitions in their newly emerging sport. Full article, photo »
Driveway improvements for Memorial Hall set to begin
(June 21): Long overdue driveway improvements around Memorial Hall will mean restrictions on vehicle and pedestrian access for two weeks, starting next week.
Full article »
Swimming pool fundraising gains crucial backing
(June 18): The campaign to build an indoor community swimming pool has received a vital boost with an agreement by Lotteries to pay for an independent professional feasibility study. Full article »
Community board focuses on flooding problems
(June 15): The recent series of flood events in Motueka and Riwaka was the main item of business at yesterday's Community Board meeting. Full article »
Port parking area gets long awaited facelift
(June 15): The next stage of the project to develop Beach Reserve and the Motueka harbour entrance was begun this week with work on a new parking area. Full article »
Planning under way for saltwater baths upgrade
(June 13): Planning is under way to upgrade Motueka's saltwater baths to remove health and safety risks associated with its regular cleaning schedule. Full article »
Three extra classrooms for High School
(June 8): $1 million will be invested under Budget 2016 to expand capacity at Motueka High School, say Education Minister Hekia Parata and Associate Education Minister Nikki Kaye. Full article »
Calendar to promote Motueka's top spots
(June 8): A 2017 calendar featuring photos of Motueka's attractive parks and scenery is being developed in time for the Christmas and tourist retail season. Full article, photo »
Music party to shake off midwinter blues
(June 6): The midwinter blues will be off the playlist at the upcoming Matariki Party, a celebration of local musicians performing in aid of the Motueka Music Network. Full article »
Community survey indicates need for new library
(June 1): A wealth of feedback and ideas for improvement has come out of the Community Board's online survey about the future of Motueka's library. Full article, survey data »
Donated sewing machine to help Vanuatu village
(May 31): A sewing machine and packages of haberdashery and fabrics are on their way from Motueka to a village in Vanuatu to help the women there make and repair their clothes. Full article, photo »
Unwanted cellphones needed for women at risk
(May 30): Had a cellphone update recently and have no need of the old one? It could be a life-saver for a woman isolated by domestic violence. Full article »
Library survey building clear message
(May 20): With one week to run, the survey of opinions of Motueka people about their library and a future one is producing clear messages to those dubious of the future of libraries. Full article »
Motueka environmentalist advocates the use of biochar
(May 19): A Motueka scientist is working on an initiative to introduce biochar as a way to improve soil productivity and reduce some major environmental issues. Full article »
Review of the property sales market in the Motueka area in May
(May 19): The number of new listing matched the number of sales last month. Along with the last couple of months where sales exceeded listings, we now have a market that is very short on properties for sale. Full article »
New Facebook group to debate issues
(May 18): A local Facebook group called Motueka Uncut has been set up to allow and encourage people to air their concerns on any topics or issues that are important to them. Full article »
KMB sets project list for 2016/17
(May 17): Keep Motueka Beautiful has confirmed its budget for the 2016/17 year, with the development of Port Motueka and improvements to Sanctuary Ponds being allocated most of the funds available. Full article »
TDC brings library project timeline forward
(May 13): Tasman District Council has agreed to a compromise on starting the Motueka library project by bringing forward the required feasibility study and community consultation into the 2017/18 Annual Plan. Full article »
TDC confirms 1% rates income increase for 2016
(May 12): The Tasman District Council has adopted its Annual Plan for 2016, confirming a 1% rates income increase and progress on certain projects. Full article »
Winter workshops offer wealth of learning
(May 10): With winter on its way the Motueka Arts Council is again planning to provide opportunities for locals to participate in the arts. Full article, programme »
First business sponsor for community swimming pool
(May 10): The fundraising campaign to cover the Motueka Community Swimming Pool has received its first business sponsor. Natural House Company has signed up for advertising signage and made a cash donation. Full article, photo »
Imagine Theatre's latest comedy 'delivers'
(May 9): Imagine Theatre's latest foray into adult New Zealand comedy has been highly successful with the staging of Joe Musaphia's 'Mothers and Fathers'. Full article »
Survey gauges community opinions on Motueka library
(May 6): Putting debate about a new Motueka library "to bed once and for all" is the aim of a survey being run to gauge the community's attitudes and opinions.
Full article »
Campgrounds insist offensive campervan slogans be hidden
(May 5): Campgrounds owned by the Tasman District Council are asking those with campervans displaying offensive slogans to cover them before entering to camp.
Full article »
Two projects under way, others argued over
(May 4): Two long awaited projects - a re-sited pedestrian crossing on Wallace Street and the completion of High Street power line undergrounding - are now under way. Full article »
Library project still on Community Board agenda
(April 29): Debate about the timing of construction of a new library is set to continue at next Tuesday's meeting of the Motueka Community Board. Full article »
Tsunami evacuation maps now available
(April 29): Nelson Tasman Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group (CDEM) this week published comprehensive tsunami evacuation maps for the entire region. Full article »
Residents to have say on Council's performance
(April 27): From Friday 6th May, the Tasman District Council will conduct its annual survey to find out how Tasman residents think the Council is performing. Full article »
Tasman community grants open next week
(April 26): Are you planning a great community event or project - but need a little help to make it happen? The Tasman District Council may be able to help.
Full article »
KMB addresses path maintenance cost issues
(April 26): Ongoing maintenance costs have forced Keep Motueka Beautiful to close off some of the paths in the "Adopt-a-Plot" restoration area off Old Wharf Road.
Full article »
Port entrance car parking area to be constructed
(April 20): The next major phase of the rejuvenation of Motueka's Beach Reserve is about to begin with the creation of a proper quayside car parking area. Full article, plan »
Godzone team sparks business celebration
(April 19): The trials and triumphs of the Team Motueka Godzone competitors were shown and told at a social gathering held last night by Our Town Motueka to wrap up the busy summer business season. Full article, photos »
Street piano ready for first public performance
(April 19): It's taken the time of a human pregnancy, but the idea and creation of a Motueka street piano has finally given birth and will be literally wheeled out to the public on Thursday. Full article, photo »
Community feedback shows Motueka needs new library
(April 18): Feedback obtained through a popular Facebook page suggests that most Motueka people feel a modern library is a community need, not just a "nice to have". Full article »
Mapua project brought forward in Council plan
(April 15): Less than a week after Motueka residents were told there would be no unbudgeted spending by TDC in the 2016/17 year, Council has decided to release $300,000 for an unbudgeted Mapua project feasibility study. Full article »
Review of the property sales market in the Motueka area in April
(April 15): The median price across the region is now over $400,000 with strong price growth coming from Motueka and Marlborough/Kaikoura. Full article »
Motueka the feature town on 'Neighbourhood'
(April 14): Motueka is the location to be featured on the half-hour TV One programme 'Neighbourhood' showing this coming Sunday, April 17th, at 11.00am, and then available on TV On Demand. Full article »
Workshop offered for community organisations
(April 14): Trustees and committee members of community organisations have an opportunity to sharpen their governance and management skills and understanding at a workshop to be held in Motueka next month. Full article »
Craft sharing group celebrates fourth anniversary
(April 13): The Motueka craft sharing group Crafty Tarts this week celebrated four years of productive activity and learning new skills. Full article, photos »
Pool fundraising committee seeks "friends"
(April 12): The fundraising committee for the Motueka Community Swimming Pool want to set up a network of supporters - "Friends of the Motueka Pool" - who can help sell raffle tickets, man information booths and other small tasks. Full article »
Call made to acknowledge true value of libraries
(April 11): Motueka resident Beth Bryant has sent an open letter to Cr Jack Inglis following his remarks at last week's community forum, and over recent years, that libraries are no longer important to communities. Full article »
TDC confirms its commitment to dam consultation
(April 11): The Tasman District Council has confirmed its commitment to run a timely, well-informed engagement process about the proposed Waimea Community Dam with its residents and ratepayers in 2017. Full article »
Community Board forum draws record crowd
(April 8): The presence of the Mayor and Council CEO brought a record crowd of 20 to the Motueka Community Board open forum held last night. Full article »
Sewerage plant upgrade progressing well
(April 8): The final stages of work on a major upgrade of Motueka's wastewater treatment plant are about to begin, and progress so far is already showing big improvements in bacterial concentrations and odour. Full article »
Facebook page widens Motueka Online readership
(April 6): The move to post Motueka Online news items onto Facebook is proving a success, providing a wider readership and more immediate news delivery. Full article »
Call for 10% of Council surplus for community projects
(April 3): A call is being made for TDC to use a small amount of its unexpected surplus this year for much-needed community development projects. Full article »
St John's big annual appeal runs next week
(April 1): St John is holding its Annual Appeal Week next week from 4th - 10th April, with the theme of Supporting Team Green, the ambulance teams which are so essential to our service. Full article »
Special concert to celebrate hall re-opening
(April 1): The re-opening of Memorial Hall after renovations will be celebrated on Sunday by a special choral concert performed by the Nelson Civic Choir. Full article »
TDC to review development contribution charges
(March 31): The Tasman District Council will review the way it charges developers for the infrastructure needed because of growth. Full article »
Parkes' car boot sales to help fundraisers
(March 31): Motueka's car repair firm Parkes Automotive is setting up a regular weekly car boot sale for non-profit organisations to raise funds. Full article, photo »
Vision Motueka confirms its 2016 project list
(March 30): The Vision Motueka Board of Trustees has decided upon its 2016 annual plan for community development and projects. Full article »
Project De-Vine extends to Motueka Valley
(March 29): Project De-Vine leader Chris Rowse will share expertise with Motueka Valley residents on how to deal with vines like old man's beard, banana passionfruit and climbing asparagus. Full article »
DOC investigates wheelchair access to park
(March 29): The Department of Conservation is looking at ways to improve access to its longer tracks and trails for people with mobility issues. Full article, photo »
Council investigates Wicked campervan ban
(March 25): The Tasman District Council will look into the feasibility of banning Wicked campervans from Council campgrounds in response to the growing public concern at the company's controversial slogans. Full article »
TDC listening, but mind made up on annual plan
(March 24): Tasman District Council is asking Motueka residents what they think about the 2016/17 annual plan, but is unlikely to make any changes to it. Full article »
Rainfall records broken in latest flood event
(March 24): Rainfall records were broken last night in Motueka (179mm) and especially Riwaka (227mm) in the downpour that lasted locally about 15 hours.
Full article, photo »
Litter cart operation to be discontinued
(March 23): The litter cart operation for the Motueka CBD will be discontinued shortly due to lack of funds to continue the part-time contract. Full article »
Mitre 10 development ready to start
(March 23): Work will begin this week on the expansion and redevelopment of Motueka's Mitre 10 hardware store. Full article »
Cohesive national response to freedom camping needed
(March 23): Tasman Mayor Richard Kempthorne has welcomed the Prime Minister's offer of Government assistance to council's to deal with the issues of freedom camping. Full article »
Board chairman's report slates TDC decisions
(March 21): Community Board chairman Paul Hawkes has strong criticisms of several Council decisions and policies in his report to be presented at the Board meeting tomorrow. Full article »
Great Taste Trail grows business opportunities
(March 20): Tasman's Great Taste Trail is providing greater opportunities for small businesses in the District, particularly those outside the main urban centres. Full article »
NZ movie premiere to show at State Cinema
(March 9): Motueka's State Cinema will host a premiere red-carpet party and showing of Taika Waititi's new film "Hunt for the Wilderpeople", with proceeds going to the Community Swimming Pool project. Full article »
Steady-as-you-go annual plan for Tasman
(March 3): Tasman District Council has released its annual plan for the 2016/17 year, reflecting a largely steady-as-she-goes strategy based on last year's Long Term Plan. Full article »
No rates to be used for swimming pool project
(March 3): The fundraising committee for the Community Swimming Pool are frustrated in their efforts by people who continue to believe that funds to enclose the High School pool will be paid for through their Council rates. Full article »
Nelson-based policing model for Motueka criticised
(March 2): Nelson-based police chiefs defended the current policing model for the district in the face of numerous criticisms and complaints at a public meeting in Motueka last night. Full article, photos »
'Incredible Edible' founder speaking in Motueka
(March 1): A founder of the "Incredible Edible" project that has turned the West Yorkshire town of Todmorden into a world-renown tourist attraction is speaking in Motueka tomorrow. Full article »
This index of news items runs back about FOUR MONTHS. If you wish to view stories older than four months ago, go to the News Archives page »
