FEATURING GREEN LIGHT AS FIRST SOLAR CITY PILOT, CIRCUS OF OZ, SEA WEEK AND

DOES COUNCIL GIVE VALUE FOR MONEY?

LIVE NELSONNelson City Council • Issue 246 • 28 February 2009

Keeping the Community Informed

Tandem fun in the BIkewise family fun ride

SOLAR CITY PILOT LIVE NELSON

2 www.nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz 28 February 2009 • Issue 246

Mayor Kerry Marshall says Nelson City Council is proud to be a partner in this project and is delighted with the generous support from EECA and the Tindall Foundation. “This pilot will give Nelson residents and businesses confidence in the solar hot water systems available to them and demonstrate the financial and environmental benefits they provide. The project fits well with the Council’s push to make Nelson New Zealand’s first Solar City.”

EnergyShift, which is leading the development, says the pilot scheme is the next step in testing the Solar City concept, which aims to see solar water heating installed in 1,000 Nelson homes and businesses.

Andrew Booth of EnergyShift says ”We are thrilled to be awarded funding for the project from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority(EECA) ($100,000) and the Tindall Foundation ($50,000), which would enable it to go ahead”. Both amounts will be matched by an equal investment by EnergyShift in the development of the Solar City initiative.

EnergyShift says the pilot will provide chosen home owners and businesses with a free energy audit and a state of the art smart software system to help them optimise their solar systems to make a difference in the fight against climate change.

“We are trying to find families and business that are willing to pay for a solar hot water system to be installed on their roofs and then work with our technical team to maximise the performance and savings the system generates.”

“Those interested in taking part should check out the website www.solarcity.co.nz , which will take them through three simple

steps to see if their home or business is a good candidate to be part of the pilot,” Andrew Booth says.

“Our approach is designed to build Nelson as a national centre of expertise in Solar Technologies creating new green jobs here in Nelson and across New Zealand.”

BackgroundWhat is the Nelson Solar City project?

Nelson Solar City project is being developed by EnergyShift, and has the long term aim of improving energy security in the Nelson region, saving consumers money and fighting climate change by increasing the uptake of solar water heating systems.

The project aims to do this by providing an accurate measurement of the cost and environmental savings associated with solar water heating, and overcoming the up front capital cost barrier to investing in solar water heating through an innovative financing scheme.

How can solar energy create savings for consumers?

Around 40% of energy consumed by an average home is used to heat water. By installing proven solar hot water heating systems we can cut this energy use by up to 75% and generate a $450 tax free cash saving for an average family every year.

Nelson gets green light as first Solar City pilot

EnergyShift, in partnership with Nelson City Council, has secured a $100,000 grant from EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) and a $50,000 donation from The Tindall Foundation to fund a 25 home and business pilot of the Solar City project in Nelson. The pilot, which is the first of its kind in New Zealand will trial smart new software designed to optimise the energy and cash savings solar hot water systems can deliver.

Sun more known for fun, not power.

LIVE NELSON

www.nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz 3Issue 246 • 28 February 2009

ENVIRONMENT

Richard Popenhagen, who has over 30 years experience in the building industry, was appointed to the role late last year and has been busy offering free consultations with new and existing homeowners, and making presentations to architects and other industry groups and attending home shows and similar events since.

The services on offer range from questions over the phone or by e-mail through to full face to face consultations of up to two hours per project for residential home owners covering topics including energy, water, waste, sustainable materials and building-related health issues. Richard is also working with designers and building companies to provide them with information on sustainable best practice and its benefits.

The Eco Design Advisor service has been running around the country since 2007. It was set up in answer to three main issues:

• There is no specific point in the design and building or renovating process at which the home owner is prompted to make decisions about sustainability

• There is a lack of independent information and advice on implementing sustainable practices

• There is a lack of industry expertise and some times reluctance by designers and trades people to implement sustainability features.The service is being funded by Ministry for the

Environment, the Building Research Levy, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority and Nelson City Council.

Richard urges anyone building or renovating to contact him as early as possible in the process for a consultation.

“Ideally if I can sit down with people when they are still drawing up their plans, that’s when the service can offer them the most benefits. But there are still suggestions I can make throughout building and renovation projects.”

Cyanobacteria confirmed in Maitai

New, free eco design service welcomedThe free, independent eco design consultation service now being offered by Nelson City Council is being welcomed by residents.

Interested in a free consultation with the eco design adviser?

Towards better urban design

As a result, Council is warning owners to keep their dogs from swimming in the Maitai River system. With regard to human health, the public are strongly advised to avoid swimming in the Maitai River system until further notice. Council is erecting signage to this effect at the main swimming holes.

Cyanobacteria is thought to have been responsible for the deaths of several dogs in Canterbury and Wellington and one dog here in Nelson.

Cyanobacteria produces the neurotoxin anatoxin, which is potentially lethal to dogs, stock and humans when ingested in large enough amounts. Dogs that eat the algae are most at risk.

As this is a naturally occurring bacteria and not the result of outside contamination, there is little that can be done to eliminate it apart from waiting for the river to be cleared naturally.

There have been no further reports of problems in other rivers around the region and dog owners are advised to swim their pets in the permitted area at Tahunanui Beach.

Test results from the Cawthron Institute have confirmed the presence of cyanobacteria and the neurotoxin anatoxin in an algae sample taken from the Maitai River.

The review is being done because the NRMP is over 12 years old and many of the processes and rules are out of step with Council’s good urban design and sustainability policies, and with current national and international best practice. Council also wants to provide more flexibility for developments to be designed in response to the environmental features of the site.

A steering group made up of people in the building and planning industry has been brought together to help Council staff with the projects and meet for the first time this week.

Staff are also working on an Issues and Options discussion paper that will be circulated widely among the industry and key organisations next month before being discussed at a workshop on 7 April.

The response to this paper will go along way towards informing the draft plan changes that will be released for a first round of feedback in July this year.

If you are interested in receiving a regular newsletter update on this process please email: reuben.peterson@ncc.govt.nz or call 546 0295.

Council continues to make progress with its review of the Nelson Resource Management Plan (NRMP) rules relating to better urban design for subdivisions, residential intensification and comprehensive housing. This review will also focus on the process involved in implementing rule provisions.

For more information www.nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz/environment.htm

Call Richard on 546 0251 or email: richard.popenhagen@ncc.govt.nz

Richard Popenhagen

Be one in a billionEarth Hour began as a campaign to get Australians to turn their lights off and has grown to become one of the world’s biggest climate change initiatives. Last year 50 million people across 35 countries participated. This year at 8.30 pm on Saturday 28 March, around one billion people and 1,000 cities are predicted to turn their lights off for one hour.

Nationally, anyone taking part in Earth Hour can go in to win a

Councils get behind Earth Hour

Toyota Prius via the website, www.earthhour.org/newzealand.

Win a candlelit dinnerNelson residents are invited to take part in Earth Hour and go in a draw to win a candlelit dinner for two at our local award winning restaurant – Hopgoods (conditions apply). E-mail details of what you plan to do for Earth Hour (a maximum of 200 words) to karen.lee@ncc.govt.nz to enter the draw.

ENVIRONMENT LIVE NELSON

4 www.nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz 28 February 2009 • Issue 246

Owners of heritage buildings listed as either Group A or Group B in the Nelson Resource Management Plan (NRMP) who commit to maintain their buildings are eligible for the rates remission, as long as the property owner is not the Crown, Council or their agencies.

Remissions for rates on heritage maintenance operates over a three year cycle, so a successful application in 2009 will mean the next application won’t be required until 2012.

Applications open for heritage rates remissionApplications are open until 5pm on 3 April 2009 for remission of rates for heritage maintenance.

Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council are lending their support to the global Earth Hour campaign.

Pictured: Tasman mayor,

Richard Kempthorne

and Nelson mayor, Kerry

Marshall.

Nelson artist Colleen Plank has won the Nelson City Council’s “Spirit of the Nelson Region” award in the 2009 National Fibre & Textile Art Awards. You can see her work “Unveiling the Haven”, along with selections from other New Zealand artists, at “Changing Threads” – the 2009 National Contemporary Fibre Art Award Exhibition at The Refinery Artspace, 3 Halifax St, Nelson. The Arts Council Nelson exhibit runs from 28 February to 7 March. For more information please ring 548 4640 or 027 326 9166.

Fibre art captures spirit of region

For more information, including an application

Contact Paul Harrington, Environment Planning Assistant, on 546 0388 with specific queries.

visit the Council’s website (search phrase = heritage rates remission).

Nelson artist Colleen Plank, textile winner

LIVE NELSON

www.nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz 5Issue 246 • 28 February 2009

This signalled a change in focus for the team who specialise in urban search and rescue scenarios. The inclusion of storm and flood recovery training recognises the prevalence of this type of emergency in the region.

Jim Burrows, Emergency Management Manager says “We aim to have the NZRT2 team well prepared and trained for a range of emergencies and certainly after the number of heavy rain events we experienced in the last 12 months it seems flood and storm response is an area we need to focus on.”

The training included basics of house construction so the team can make emergency repairs, especially to roofs, boarding windows

against wind and floods, getting safe access to houses through damaged roofs, removing the injured from houses, and effective sandbagging skills.

The exercise was held over two days at two derelict houses in the Washington Valley area.

NZRT2 is a volunteer rescue team consisting of 24 members. In recent months NZRT2 has been deployed to assist with evacuations during the Atawhai fire and sandbagging operations during the Maitai River flood last November. The team is funded jointly by Nelson City and Tasman District Councils.

Civil Defence storm response training

In response to a growing number of call outs, the Nelson emergency response team, known as NZRT2, had a two day storm response training exercise last weekend.

Heritage Inventory ProjectIn response to submissions received as part of the 2008/09 Annual Plan process Council has allocated funding for a Heritage Inventory Project that will seek to prepare a comprehensive list of heritage resources that aren’t currently protected. It will also aim to assess an appropriate level of protection for heritage resources.

Council aims to appoint a consultant to progress the project by next month. The Heritage Strategy Implementation Group will act as a reference group for this project. The Environment Committee has appointed Councillors Collingwood and Thomas to join the other stakeholder representatives when the Group acts in this capacity.

Building Consent and Resource Consent fees approvedThe Environment Committee adopted the new schedule of Fees and Charges for Building Consents and these will take effect as of 1 March 2009.

The schedule of Fees and Charges for Resource Consents was also approved for release for public feedback as part of the Long Term Council Community Plan process in late March.

Environment Committee meeting 12 February 2009

Kidson Place Road ReserveThe Committee passed a resolution that will see a narrow strip of Road Reserve land on Kidson Place in Annesbrook dedicated as road. This is part of the work upgrade of Kidson Place which includes a link with a new road (Venice Place) from Forests Road. Adjoining property owners have been given the opportunity to pay a share of the upgrading costs and obtain legal access to Kidson Place.

Value Vehicles Lease extendedThe Infrastructure Committee approved extending the lease on the Value Vehicles site on Rutherford Street. The land has been highlighted for a possible extension of Bridge Street under the Heart of Nelson Strategy. However the Strategy has yet to be adopted and it is likely that the timing of any potential development can be managed to meet the terms and conditions of the lease.

Total Mobility CommitteeAfter a lengthy discussion on the functions of the Total Mobility Committee staff have been asked to investigate options for addressing “accessibility issues” which are presently part of the Committee’s delegated authority.

Parking Bylaw updateThe Committee approved the addition of no stopping lines at intersections on Beatty Street, Covent Drive, Market Road/Flaxmore Place and Quebec Road in answer to safety concerns raised by residents.

Infrastructure Committee meeting 10 February 2009

Decisions made from the...

SEAWEEK LIVE NELSON

6 www.nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz 28 February 2009 • Issue 246

Wednesday 4 March Spectacular underwater gardens of the deep Southern ocean.Come and listen to a talk by NIWA scientists who will take you on a trip exploring the bottom of the coldest ocean on Earth, from New Zealand to Antarctica.

See amazing videos of sea lillies, sea spiders, bamboo corals, sea pigs, bubble gum coral, giant starfish, and krill. Hear how our scientists faced the challenges of working as the sea, equipment and even the ship froze before their eyes.

Venue: Suter Art Gallery/Te Aratoi O Whakatu, Bridge Street, Nelson.Time: 7pm.Please pick up your free ticket from either The Suter Art Gallery or

the DOC Nelson Regional Visitor Centre, corner Halifax and Trafalgar Streets.

Supper provided - gold coin koha/donation towards supper would be appreciated.

Contact: Jazz Scott - 03 546 3152 or email jscott@doc.govt.nz

Saturday 7 MarchHalf day snorkelling experienceCome and celebrate Seaweek with Abel Tasman Aqua Taxi, Abel Tasman Seal Swim and DOC, with a snorkelling trip to Mosquito Bay on the edge of Tonga Island Marine Reserve.

This event is aimed at young people from 12 to 18 years and parents who are keen to try snorkelling for the first time.

Participants need to bring wetsuits, fins, mask and snorkel. A limited amount of gear will be available from Abel Tasman Seal Swim.

You will also need to be confident around water and prepared to float and explore around these shallow reefs for about an hour.

Check-in at the Kayak Abel Tasman base, Marahau, at 9am. Cost is $20 per person.

Contact: To make a booking, phone 03 527 8083 -bookings are essential as space is limited.

For further enquiries call Maria Fillary at Abel Tasman Aqua Taxi on

03 527 8083, or Rudy Tetteroo at DOC on 03 528 1424.

Sunday 8 March - Nelson/Tasman Forest & Bird have scheduled a walk and a picnic. Meet 9:30am at The Glen to walk to Cable Bay or meet at 12:30pm with a picnic lunch at Cable Bay, Pepin Island end. Explore rock pools there with KCC (Kiwi Conservation Club - children’s branch of F&B). If you would like a ride back to The Glen to pick up your car, contact Julie on 545 0989. Wednesday 11 March - Sue Waugh, Forest and BIrd’s representative on Bird Life International, talks on “Sea Birds and their Threats” at 7:30 pm, Senior Citizens Hall, 62 Oxford St, Richmond.

Seaweek Poetry competitionWrite a poem titled: “More than meets the eye” about what is under the surface of the sea.

Six age levels with four prizes in each level.For each level - 1st prize $50 book voucher, two second prizes of a

$25 book voucher each, 3rd prize is a free pass to the Touch the Sea Aquarium.

Entries close 6 March 2009.Post your entries - it must be on A4 paper to: Jo Martin at NCC, PO

Box 645, Nelson 7040; or Rob Francis at TDC, Private Bag 4, Richmond 7050. Or email poem as an attachment in ‘Word’ to

jo.martin@ncc.govt.nz or rob.francis@tdc.govt.nz

Seaweek Photo competitionFor amateur photographers only!

Email us your photo (nelsonvc@doc.govt.nz) showing a human impact on the marine environment (positive or negative), a rockpool scene (kids only).

Best entries will be displayed at the DOC Nelson Regional Visitor Centre, from 23 March to 26 March 2009.

Terms and conditions apply - contact DOC Nelson Regional Visitor Information Centre for further information.

Entries close 5pm on 13 March 2009. All prizes kindly supplied by Abel Tasman Outdoors, Motueka.

Seaweek 1 – 8 MarchOne Ocean - it starts with me

Kotahi Moana - ka timata mai I ahauEvents are being held around the region to celebrate Seaweek so choose your favourite way to get involved.

NIWA staff with giant starfish.

www.nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz 7Issue 246 • 28 February 2009

Whilst Nelson Tasman has a higher rate of child restraint usage than the national average, previous checks highlighted that around 75% of them are not fitted correctly.

One of the main problems is with tether straps. By law, all child restraints that are fitted with tether straps must have them correctly installed with an anchor bolt, usually in the rear of the vehicle. Often people are unaware of the safety benefits of tether straps or the $150 fine if they are not used. In many cases, people just don’t know how or where to fit them.

Sgt. Phil Wooding, Officer in Charge, Strategic Traffic Unit for Nelson Bays Police says, “We will be covering the whole region by operating roadside checks in key locations. We see this initiative as a great opportunity for us to work closely with other agencies for the benefit of our community.”

Longer ‘Checking Clinics’ are also planned, where people can come along to have their seats checked and obtain advice. People who have their seats correctly fitted will be invited to enter a prize draw and there will be stamps, stickers and balloons for the children. Top of the South Service Centre will be on hand to fit the first ten anchor bolts at each weekend event for free. As well as funding, Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council will be providing their seat belt sled, which demonstrates the force on a seat belt of a slow speed impact.

Child car seat checksThe Nelson Bays Police are joining forces with Plunket, Nelson City Council, Tasman District Council and Safe2Go, to run child car seat checks during their national restraint campaign week from 8 to 14 March.

Clinics will be held:• Sunday 8 March in Richmond

Mall Car Park from 11am to 3pm• Wednesday 11 March in Stoke Memorial Hall car park from

9:30am to 11am• Saturday 14 March in the Countdown/Warehouse Car Park,

Nelson from 11am to 3pm.

The initiative is receiving community support as well as funding from Road Safe Nelson Bays, who will provide anchor bolt fitting kits to those that need them. Baby on the Move is providing locking clips, to use for securing seats at the checks. People who do not have child seats, or who are using expired seats will be able to hire one at the Checking Clinics.

Highlighting the safety benefits of using booster seats beyond aged five is also a priority. Juliette Plank, Plunket’s Car Seat Rental Scheme Manager for Nelson & Marlborough, says, “There is definitely pressure from other parents and children to stop using booster seats once their children start school. We are trying to raise public awareness of the issues and hope to encourage more families to continue using booster seats until their children actually fit properly in an adult seatbelt.”

Event coordinator Antony Hodgson said there’s all day action this year: “Heats start at 10.30 and these races tend to produce some of the more spectacular crashes,” he said. “At 12.30 we have a demo race from the Smith and Son Wheelbarrow Classic, there is corporate racing from 12.30pm and the semi-finals of the derby begin just after 1pm.”

For those who come for the whole day there is a range of food and drink stalls and entertainment from stunt motocross during any gaps in the racing.

South Canterbury Finance Nelson Trolley Derby

Saturday 28 Feb, 10am – 3.30pm

Father Andy Williams working with son Louis Rowelll Williams, 5, on their trolley

derby entry, “Heart of Gold” #42.

From garages and sheds around Nelson, they are rolling out on wheels large and small, in styles that range from the simple to the super stylish…it’s the annual South Canterbury Finance Nelson Trolley Derby.

Running of the BallsWhen the races are over it’s time for Nelson’s inaugural Child

Cancer Running of the Balls competition. The balls will roll down the hill and into a capture chute at the bottom with some great prizes at stake, all valued over $300 - such as tickets to Circus Oz when it comes to Nelson in March. For minimum donation of $2 you can register for a ball on the day or before – look out for the displays at the BNZ and Nelson City Council in Trafalgar Street, Classic Hits in Selwyn Place and South Canterbury Finance in Wakatu Square.

Other new features this year include more sponsored prizes for individual events, a kids’ design competition for a ‘dream trolley’. The Collingwood Street Trolley Derby is presented by the Nelson City Council as part of the Summer in Nelson programme - a celebration for locals and an added attraction for visitors.

LIVE NELSON

8 www.nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz

RECREATION

28 February 2009 • Issue 246

Lots of people are rediscovering the joys of cycling during Bike Wise Month. There were free breakfasts for all on Go By Bike Day on Wednesday 18 February. On Sunday 22 February Mayors Marshall and Kempthorne led

the way on the family fun ride from the ASB Aquatic Centre. Around 500 cyclists turned out to enjoy the two rides on offer and many stayed on to get some free advice and safety checks.

Bike Wise rides fun for all

On Wednesday 18 March, between 7-9am, workers across the country are being encouraged to leave their cars at home, and Walk2Work with friends, family and colleagues. Chris Blythe, Community Recreation Adviser with Nelson City Council, says this new event follows on from the success of the Go by Bike day in February, promoting the positive benefits of gentle physical exercise on the body, the environment and the pocket.

“Walk2Work is a great excuse for people to get outside and enjoy walking, and reap the benefits of fresh air and gentle exercise,” Chris says.

Walking is a simple, free exercise, which helps reduce our stress and illness, lessen congestion on the roads and is kinder on our environment. Chris says workers taking part in Walk2Work in Nelson Tasman can win spot prizes, collect a breakfast snack and potentially change their habits.

Join in the breakfasts at the 1903 square in Nelson, at Sundial Square in Richmond, outside the museum in Motueka and in Takaka and Murchison.

Walk2WorkIf you biked in February, how about walking in March. Forget the car and grab a friend instead for Walk2Work day.

For more information:

on Walk2Work 18 March

Got to www.walk2work.org.nz or contact Chris Blythe in Nelson on 546 0427, chris.blythe@ncc.govt.nz or Krista Hobday in Tasman on 027 4056 888, krista.hobday@tdc.govt.nz

We have two family passes to give away for the opening night, Thursday March 19. Just send

in a stamped, self-addressed envelope, marked Live Nelson

Circus Oz Giveaway, to Festival Office, Nelson City Council,

PO Box 645, Nelson.

a Family Passto the opening night

WINis coming

March 19 – 22

ENTERTAINMENTLIVE NELSON

www.nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz 9Issue 246 • 28 February 2009

San Francisco Chronicle: ‘This is something almost completely different - a bit punk, undeniably in your face, refreshingly progressive, unapologetically off-colour and gleefully Australian.’ London Times: ‘Outstanding skill, wit, invention, innovation and beauty’.

The acclaimed contemporary Circus Oz is coming to the Trafalgar Centre next month.

Nelson City Council Festival Director Annabel Norman says she has wanted to bring this show to Nelson for a long time, and was thrilled when the opportunity arose to link in with the Circus Oz 30th Birthday Bash tour coming to this year’s Auckland Festival. Annabel says with no animals, this is a circus that really entertains at all levels.

“It’s a show that will wow all ages, I have seen children, adults and elderly equally enthralled by it.”

Circus Oz is the final event in Summer in Nelson, presented by the Nelson City Council as a celebration for locals and an added attraction for visitors. Check out the website for details of the five shows, and the family prices at www.circusoz.co.nz

Huge bouncing red kangaroos, ten people stylishly riding one bike, live music, whacky Aussie

humour and fiendishly difficult acrobatic acts…

Rockie Stone, Circus Oz.Photo: Rob Blackburn

Nicci Wilks, Circus Oz. Photo: Ponch Hawkes

CULTURE LIVE NELSON

10 www.nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz 28 February 2009 • Issue 246

The city of Nelson has been a family for 150 years – so it was appropriate the anniversary celebrations had a family focus. Last year we marked Queen Victoria’s signing of the declaration that Nelson would be a city with its own bishop. On February 15 a Family Fun Day at Founders Park marked the Royal Charter’s arrival in Nelson by sailing ship.

City Council community recreation advisor and event coordinator Chris Blythe says over 5,000 people turned out for the day, which was run in partnership between the city, the Nelson Anglican Diocese and the wider community.

“There were five activity areas so wherever you went there was something going on, whether that was a puppet show for kids or

a folk singer with early settler tunes,” he says. “Overall we had 15 performers and 60 community groups.”

150th activities are continuing with the Bishop’s Walk, where Bishop Richard Ellena follows the footsteps of the first Bishop, Edmund Hobhouse around the region; and the Future Nelson Forum in April where you can contribute on topics such as ‘Youth’ and ‘Faith in the Community’. Find out more at www.nelson150.org.nz

Pictured above: Whatakura kapa haka group performing for the launch of “The Prow” at Founders Heritage Park on Sunday 15 February 2009. Part of the Nelson 150th celebrations

A ‘Family’ for 150 years

The Prow is the result of a desire to develop an online ‘one-stop shop’ where people can read concise, fact-filled local stories and then use the subsequent lists of resources for further reading and research.

The resource lists give students and researchers the opportunity to dig deeper into each story, with lists and links to a wide range of relevant sources and resources. Some of the resources in the lists are available from libraries and museums, others are accessible online.

You can also join the voyage. The Prow has embarked with a number of fully researched stories – but there are many more stories to be told. You can comment on stories, or add your own, so that the Prow continues to develop as nga korero - our stories from the top of the South.

The Prow is a collaborative venture between the Nelson City, Tasman and Marlborough District Libraries, Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology and The Nelson Provincial Museum. Images are supplied by supporting institutions, please check their terms of use.

Below are condensed versions of the types of stories available.

NZ’s first game of rugbyThe crowd of Nelsonians gathered at The

Botanics one May day in 1870 had no idea that they were witnessing the birth of a New Zealand tradition, rugby.....

The first recognised game of rugby played in New Zealand took place on Saturday, May 14, 1870 between a Nelson College side and the Nelson Football Club. A crowd of around 200, including “a fair sprinkling of ladies and a goodly number of the opposite sex,” gathered at The Botanics to watch a new version of football, brought to New Zealand by Charles Monro.

Thomas CawthronA self-made man who used his

considerable fortune to make many gifts to his adopted city, Nelson. Thomas Cawthron has left many enduring legacies, including the Church steps and the Cawthron Institute.

A nose for business and a thrifty nature

saw Thomas Cawthron build a fortune, which he put to good use in Nelson. People sometimes mistook his thriftiness for stinginess; he hated begging letters and often turned down direct requests for money. He was known for helping anyone in genuine distress, however, paying the medical bills of poor families and willingly supporting disaster relief funds.

Isel House and ParkA historic park and house and a recreation

ground form part of the legacy left by the Marsden family of Stoke.

Thomas Marsden, a watchmaker/jeweller from Isel in Cumbria, England, arrived in Nelson with his wife Mary in December 1842. He built their first home on the corner of Sussex Street and Selwyn Place and set himself up as a watchmaker.

In 1848 the family moved to 930 acres of suburban land at Stoke, which ran through Poorman’s Valley (later to be known as Marsden Valley) and down to the Main Road.

Stories from the Top of the SouthThe Prow celebrates, preserves the history, culture and stories of the top of the South Island of New Zealand - Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman. The name was chosen because the region from Farewell Spit to Marlborough’s East Coast, has long been known by local iwi as “te tau ihu o te waka a Maui”, or the prow of Maui’s waka, from which he ‘fished’ up the North Island.

- -

ENTERTAINMENTLIVE NELSON

www.nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz 11Issue 246 • 28 February 2009

The exhibition opens Saturday, 28 February from 2pm in the Broadgreen Centre and runs though to Sunday 15 March.

Gowns and accessories from the Broadgreen Costume Collection, starting with the Flapper Frocks of the 1920s through to the glamous gowns of the 1950s, will be arrayed in all their eye-catching splendor.

You’ll see a gown that was worn to The Wakefield Ball and a dress from the Utility Scheme, which restricted the amount of fabric used in clothing during the Second World War.

Broadgreen Historic House maintains a research collection of clothing and

textiles from all periods of the house’s 100+ years of occupancy. The collection was donated by Nelson locals and is available to view for research purposes. Bookings are essential.

The exhibition counterpoints the Victorian clothing collection on display in the House and coincides with the “Antiques to Retro” Show at Founders Heritage Park on 7 March.

Broadgreeen Historic House, along with the Samuel’s Rose Garden is located at Broadgreen Park, 276 Nayland Road, in Stoke and is open everyday from 10am - 4.30pm. Broadgreen Historic House entry prices apply.

A wide range of schemes for 5 – 12 year olds were running throughout the city to provide affordable and safe childcare and opportunities for play. Nelson City Council provides grant funding for many of the schemes, and much of it goes towards special off-site trips.

Children in Tahunanui enjoyed a mystery double decker bus trip thanks to the Council funding. The programme for 58 children also includes gymnastics, sports, dance, trips to the beach and a range of themed days. Julie Townsend, Tahunanui Community Centre Manager says one highlight was a water sponge fight – not something most parents would encourage at home!

Families in the Victory community were able to access the Nelson YMCA and Parikarangaranga play schemes. The YMCA programme included arts, dance, cooking, craft, play and social learning, as well as trips to the waterslide and beach. The Parikarangaranga play scheme provided some special opportunities for tamariki, including a trip to Christchurch’s Orana Park.

Summer of fun winds up

With the first school term underway, it marks the end of a particularly busy summer of holiday play schemes.

Stepping Out in StyleYou’ll have a rare opportunity to see some of our fantastic vintage clothing collection at Broadgreen Historic House’s upcoming exhibition – ‘Stepping Out in Style”, a 1920s to 1950s retrospective show.

House 44 in Stoke and Truthfinders Church on Waimea Road also ran busy programmes over summer.

Chris Blythe, Nelson City Council’s Community Liaison Adviser – Recreation, manages the holiday funding scheme. “Council is delighted to be able to support summer activities for children in Nelson. It’s an important part of our social wellbeing policy to provide affordable child care and play time for our communities. Without the holiday schemes a lot of parents would struggle to entertain their children during the long summer break. The children get to make new friends and do things that would otherwise be out of reach for them.”

Nelson City Council also jointly funds tutors to visit each scheme once in the holidays, covering sport, dance and theatre. Chris says, “The tutors are provided through a partnership with Nelson City and Tasman District Councils and our local OSCAR (Out of School Care) network. This means we can provide high quality tutors and around 500 children were able to enjoy those experiences over the summer.”

Collection volunteer Carol Clayton dresses the “Flapper” for the exhibition in a late-1920s dress.

BUILDING CONSENTS LIVE NELSON

12 www.nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz 28 February 2009 • Issue 246

This area of Council’s work has undergone a great deal of streamlining and is now better resourced than ever. In part, this has arisen from the need for the Council to be an accredited Building Consent Authority and to put in place new procedures and quality driven processes. This has seen a significant increase in the efficiency of processing building and resource consents.

Clr Rachel Reese, Chair of the Environment Committee says “Council can be commended for responding to the need for improved levels of customer service and this has occurred in a relatively short space of time. The new charges ensure this can be maintained and can continue to improve.”

How Council charges for building and resource consent processing is affected by many factors, including central government legislation and the need to ensure those applicants for resource consents and building consents meet their fair share of the costs of that service and are not subsidised by the general rate.

Richard Johnson, Divisional Manager Planning and Consents says “It is important that the bulk of consent processing costs are met by the applicant, rather than Council having to dig into general rate funds, which would see a reduction in funding for other services and facilities that benefit the wider community.”

Nelson building consent charges also stack up well when compared nationally. Recent figures from the Department of Building and Housing show the average cost of Nelson City Council building consents is just 0.7% of the total value of the consented work.

Richard Johnson says “Some other New Zealand Council’s building consent processing costs are up to six times more than ours (Waitakere City 4.5%). To compare a Council of similar size, Lower Hutt City for instance, is at 1.55%, over double our level. Achieving these new levels of efficiency while maintaining some of the lowest consent fees in the country is something we can be very proud of.”

Building Consent fees and chargesCouncil has approved the following fees and charges for building consents, effective from 1 March 2009.

Space heaters – all fuel types: Free standing

Inbuilt

Wood Pellet Fires

Marquees >50m2 commercial

>100m2 residential

Demolition: Residential

Commercial

Solar Hot Water Heaters (stand-alone)

Swimming Pool/fencing application only

Application for exemptions under the Fencing of

Swimming Pools Act

Proprietary garages up to 50m¬2 (allows for 3

inspections). Includes PIM.

Bathroom alterations only. Wetfloor/wall system

will require an additional inspection charge of

$90.00. Includes PIM

$150.00

$190.00

$100.00

$200.00

$150.00

$200.00

$400.00

No fee

$150.00

$750.00

$600.00

$450.00

Pre-paid Fixed Charge Building Consents $ fee GST incl

1.1 Schedule of charges for Building Unit

A charge based on the

value of the work and any

staff time required for

evaluation of building or

planning issues charged

at the appropriate staff

charge rate.

110.00

138.00

180.00

310.00

525.00

Administration FeesNon-Fixed Charge Building

$ fee GST incl

$ value of work

Up to 20,000

20,000 to 50,000

50,000 to150,000

150,000 to 500,000

Over 500,000

Consents Administrator,

Building Consent Officer (Category 1)

Building Consent Officer (Category 2)

Senior Building Consent Officer, Building Consent

Officer (Category 3 commercial) & Duty Building

Consent (future position)

Building Inspectors

Technical advisor, senior staff, engineers & IQP’s

Team Leaders of Processing & Inspections

Manager Building

Divisional Manager Planning and Consents

External consultants or Council staff contractors engaged by the Council to provide expertise not available in-house for building consent related reviews

$75.00

$80.00

$100.00

$100.00

$90.00

$125.00

$125.00

$125.00

$150.00

At cost or $125 per hour whichever is lesser plus admin costs

Schedule of Charges $ fee GST incl

1.2 Hourly charge out rates of BCA Building Unit

Commercial

Residential use, housing or

apartments

Additional administration

$150.00

$300.00

$300.00

$150.00

$300.00

$500.00

$500.00

$75.00hr

Administration & BCA/QA FeesNon-Fixed Charge Building

$ fee GST incl

$ value of work

Up to $250,000

$250,000 to $500,000

Over $500,000 and

every $1,000,000

thereof

Up to $250,000

$250,000 to $500,000

$500,000 to

$1,000,000

>$1,000,000

$54.90

Insurance Levy (based on value of works)

Building Research Association New Zealand Levy (set by BA2004)

Department of Building and Housing Levy(set by BA2004)

Levies as required by BA2004 and fixed by legislation

$ fee GST incl

$ value of work

$20,000 and over

$20,000 and over

$0.75 per $1,000 or part of

$1.00 per $1,000(GST exempt)

$1.97 per $1,000

Note: For Pre-paid Fixed Charge Building Consents any additional processing or information required over 1hr will be charged at $80/hr.Additional inspections will be $90.00 each and invoiced before a Code Compliance Certificate is issued.

BUILDING CONSENTSLIVE NELSON

www.nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz 13Issue 246 • 28 February 2009

a) The expected number of site inspections will be assessed at consent stage and charged as part of the consent cost. The inspections will be identified on the issued Building Consent.

b) Any additional inspections that are required to monitor compliance with the NZ Building Code will be charged as additional costs and separately invoiced prior to issuing the Code Compliance Certificate.

1.3 Project Information Memorandum (PIM)a) An administration fee of $75.00 will be charged for each project

information memorandum.b) Time taken to process the report will be charged at an hourly

rate of $80.00 for a residential activity and $100.00 per hour for commercial and all other activities.

c) The PIM fee is included only for pre-paid fixed charge building consents.

1.4 Register of Suppliers of Producer StatementsApplication for addition to the Register Chartered Professional Engineers (CPENG) $50.00Others $150.00

1.5 Reports of Building Consents ProcessedPhotocopied details (per annum) $75.00

1.6 Compliance Schedule and Building Warrant of Fitness Application

1.7 Notice to Fix (NTF)Administration fee of $50.00 plus the recovery of the Building

Consent Officer or Building Inspectors’ time at the hourly rates to process and issue the NTF.

1.8 Photocopying Charges A4 $0.20 A3 $0.50 A2 Actual cost from copy service plus staff time A1 Actual cost from copy service plus staff time

1.9 Registration of documents with Land Information New

Section 73 Building Act 2004

Section 75 Building Act 2004

Removal of either Section 73 or 75 Building Act 2004

$150.00

$210.00

$125.00

1.10 Certificate of Acceptance (COA) and Unauthorised Building Works Reports(UBWR)

Certificate of Acceptance (COA)

Section 96 BA2004

Form 9, Building (Forms)

Regulations 2004

• $450.00 fixed lodgement fee• $100.00hr to assess COA• $75.00 administration fee• Insurance, DBH & BRANZ levies• PIM fees• NCC Development or Financial Contributions if applicable• NCC inspection fee $90 each if required• Compliance schedule fee if applicable

Certificate of Acceptance

Un-authorised building works report Not a Council or BA2004 function

NCC will no longer assess & approve. Information will be placed on site file only

Unauthorised Building Works Report

1.11 Certificate of Public Use (for public buildings)Administration fee of $100.00, plus recovery of staff time at an

hourly rate of $100.00 or part there of.

1.12 Determinations, Lapsed and old consents (pre BA2004)

Administration fee of $100.00, plus recovery of staff time at an hourly rate of $100.00 or part thereof.

1.13 Inspection FeesBuilding Inspectors’ site inspections will be charged on a time basis:

Building Inspectors (all). Each inspection is charged

out at $90.00 for the initial inspection and then

an additional $90.00 hour or part of for extra

time onsite, recording inspection findings and

reviewing documentation within the office at NCC

Inspections Administration Fee (per consent)

$90.00 each

$150.00 flat fee

Building Inspections Schedule of Charges (Inc GST)

Additional $ Per Hour

1.14 Code Compliance Certificates (CCC)Category 1 Buildings $200.00Category 2 Buildings $200.00Category 3 Buildings $200.00Plus additional hourly rate of $90hr or part thereof

An additional invoice will be generated prior to issuing the Code Compliance Certificate if additional inspections, administration and processing were carried out after the building consent was issued and during the inspection and certification process. Council will require full payment prior to issuing a CCC.

Compliance Schedule Compliance Schedule amendment

Building Warrant Of Fitness

Administration Audit/inspection/technical assessment

Register of independent qualified persons (IQP’s) Application to be on register

$125.00$125.00 + any additional time to review if applicable

$150.00 each renewal + any additional time to review 12A forms$75.00 (per hr)$90.00 (per hr)

$150.00

Compliance Schedule and Building Warrant of Fitness

$ fee GST incl

These three fees will apply from early July 2009

14 www.nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz 28 February 2009 • Issue 246

CONSULTATION CORNER LIVE NELSON

Consultation CornerA chance for you to have your say on what is happening in your community

OPEN FOR SUBMISSION

Proposed amendment to the Reserves Bylaw

Notice is given that the Council has resolved to amend the RESERVES BYLAWS (No 211) to enable it to have better control over the use of Motor Vehicles on public reserves.

The proposed amendment consists of two changes to the bylaws being: (i) That a new sub-clause 7.2 be inserted within the bylaw, to read: “No person shall drive, ride or park any motor vehicle on any area of any reserve except on those areas developed and/or set aside specifically for such purpose or where indicated by signs or markings that motor vehicles are permitted, or at the direction or with the permission of any authorised officer.”

And: (ii) That a new Sub-clause 14.2 be inserted within the bylaw, to read: “Any person who breaches any restriction or control imposed, pursuant to Clause 7 of this bylaw, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding $300.00.”

The amendment is now open for public comment.Copies of the parent “Reserves” bylaw and the proposed

amendment, are available at the following places during normal office hours: Civic House - Trafalgar Street, Elma Turner Library – Halifax Street, Stoke Library – Neale Avenue, Stoke and Nightingale

Drinking in Public Places Bylaw review 2009Submissions welcome through 2 March

Council is seeking feedback on proposed changes to the Drinking in Public Places Bylaw 2003 that mainly focus on the areas where drinking is prohibited, adding locations to both the 24 hour/7 day list and the 9pm to 7am daily during daylight saving/7pm to 7am rest of the year list.

For the full list of proposed changes, visit the website (search phrase = drinking public places) or contact Richard Palmer, Administration Adviser, on 546 0436.

Submissions welcome through 30 March

Bells Island Pipeline UpgradeSubmissions closed 27 February

Submissions to The Nelson Regional Sewerage Business Unit’s (NRSBU) regional pipeline upgrade strategy for the Bells Island Wastewater Scheme have closed. An update will be available in the next issue of Live Nelson.

For more information, visit the website (search phrase = bells island pipeline upgrade) or contact Michael Schruer, Senior Executive Infrastructure, 546 0309.

Heart of Nelson StrategyKey projects to be included in LTCCP

Public feedback received through the consultation that closed on 3 February will be considered by Council and incorporated into the Strategy. Major projects will then be included for public submission in the LTCCP due out in late March.

For more information contact David Jackson, Senior Policy Planner Environment on 546 0432.

Library Memorial – Rocks Road, Tahunanui.Any person or body interested is invited to make submissions on

the proposed amendment. These are to be in writing and forwarded to the: Chief Executive, Nelson City Council, PO Box 645, Nelson 7040, or emailed to enquiry@ncc.govt.nz to be received no later than 4.00pm on Monday 30 March 2009.

Anyone who wishes to will have an opportunity to present their submission in person to the Council at a later date.

Any enquiry should be directed to Richard Palmer on 546-0436.

CLOSED FOR SUBMISSION

Runners on the Tahunanui Beach reserve.

www.nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz 15Issue 246 • 28 February 2009

CONSULTATION CORNERLIVE NELSON

Does Council provide value for money?

Q1. Thinking about this average rate amount (as highlighted above), which of the following statements best describes how you personally feel about your rates? Would you say they are...

Name Phone Email

Value for Money surveyNelson City CouncilFREEPOST 76919PO Box 645 Nelson 7040

Alternatively you can go online to complete the survey – go to www.nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz (search phrase = value for money)

Please post your comments to:

Council is looking to improve customer services.

One measurement of community satisfaction with Council performance is the perception of value for money.

Each year a residents’ survey looks at satisfaction with all Council activities – like water supply, stormwater management or parks. The residents’ survey digs down to the nitty gritty, but nowhere have perceptions of value for money been tested.

A telephone survey was conducted last week to get an idea of residents thoughts on the value for money question. This week the survey is included in Live Nelson to give all residents and ratepayers a chance to comment. Your feedback will help prioritise service improvement projects.

Whether you rent or pay rates, Council is interested in your thoughts on value for money.

What services does council provide?To give you a bit of context, the following list describes some of the key Council services:

• facilities like Saxton Field • parks and playing fields • the Libraries • heritage and arts activities • stormwater • sewage • fresh water • building and resource consents • rubbish and recycling • roads • cycleways, buses

Very good value for money

1 2 3 4 5Good

value for moneyPoor

value for moneyVery poor

value for moneyDon’t know

Q2. Why do you say that?

Q3. What would be the ONE THING Council could do to provide you with greater value for money?

Please fill out the following panels to give us an idea who we are hearing from? You are not required to answer any or all of the questions and all information you supply will be treated as confidential.

4.1 GENDER 4.2 AGE

4.3 Do you rent or own the house you are currently living in?

Thank-you for taking the time to respond. Results from the survey will be published in Live Nelson during April. For any queries on the survey please call the Public Communications Manager, Penny Bloomberg, on 546 0223.

4.4 SUBURB

4.5 What was your total household income before tax last year?

4.6 Would you be interested in participating in focus groups or ongoing research looking at Council services?

4.7 If yes, please supply your contact details so Council can get in touch with you. This contact information will NOT be included in any analysis, or linked to any responses you’ve provided today.

Does Council provide value for money?• civil defence• dog registration, liquor

licensing • funding for our economic

development and tourism

The average rateThese services cost the average Nelson household $39.45 in rates per week (this includes water charges).

Yes No

Female Male Under 20 Between 20 - 39 Between 40 - 59 Over 60

Rent Own

Annesbrook

Atawhai

Bishopdale

Britannia Heights

Brooklands

Cable Bay

Delaware Bay

Dodsons Valley

Enner Glynn

Hira

Maitai Valley

Maitland

Marybank

Moana

Monaco

Nayland

Nelson

Nelson South

Ngawhatu

Port Nelson

Richmond

Saxton

Stoke

Tahunanui

The Brook

The Glen

The Wood

Todds Valley

Toi Toi

Wakapuaka

Wakatu

Whangamoa

< $20,000 $21-40,000 $41-60,000 $61 - $80,000 $80,000 +

"

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FEBRUARY - MARCH LIVE NELSON

16 www.nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz

community noticesMeetings for March 2009The following meetings of the Nelson City Council have been scheduled for March 2009

Council – LTCCP Monday 2 March 9.00am

Total Mobility Committee (In Ruma Mahitahi) Monday 2 March 9.00am

Council – LTCCP Wednesday 4 March 9.00am

Council Thursday 5 March 9.00am

Council – LTCCP Friday 6 March 9.00am

Hearings Panel Wednesday 11 March 9.00am

Community Services Committee Thursday 12 March 9.00am

Nelson Youth Council Friday 13 March 1.00pm

Council – Adoption of LTCCP Draft Thursday 19 March 9.00am

Infrastructure Committee Thursday 19 March 9.15am

Property Sub-Committee (In Ruma Aorere) Thursday 19 March (Following the Infrastructure Committee meeting)

Hearings Panel Wednesday 25 March 9.00am

Founders Heritage Park Sub-Committee (In Ruma Mahitahi) Wednesday 25 March 9.00am

Environment Committee Thursday 26 March 9.00am

Civil Defence Emergency Management Group (In Ruma Ana) Friday 27 March 3.30pm

NOTES: 1. Unless otherwise shown the meetings will be held in the Council Chamber, Civic House, Trafalgar Street, Nelson.2. A public forum is held during the initial period of the meetings of all Standing Committees, other than the Hearings Panel. Anyone wishing to speak at this public forum is requested to give prior advice to an Administration Adviser, on 546 0200.3. Agendas for these meetings will be available at the Ground Floor Reception in Civic House, or at any Nelson Public Library, two days prior to the meeting.

what’s happening

Safe with age - the older driver refresher courseAre you an older driver and would like to brush up on the Road Code to give you more confidence? Do you find driving in today’s traffic daunting? Are you too nervous to venture further than your local area but would like to? Would you like your driving professionally assessed for a minimal fee?If you answer yes to any of the above, then the Safe with Age course is what you need.The next courses are being held as follows:RICHMOND - March Thurs 12 and Fri 13NELSON - April Mon 6 and Tues 7TIME: 1 - 3 pmPlease phone John Steel on 547 4010 to enroll, or for more information.

SPORTEvery Thu night until 5 Mar. 6.45pm-8pm the summer canoe polo league at Nayland Pool, open to all levels of players. Turn up on the night & join in a game. All required gear is provided & pool entry is covered in the charge. Contact polo@nelsonkayakers.co.nz. Cost $5.

1 Mar, Sun. 1pm Marching Nelson will be celebrating 60 years of Marching. Join in the March Past of Decades & afternoon tea.Guppy Park. Free. Ph Jocelyne 021 566 253.

3 Mar, Tue. 6pm NBS Nelson Striders Grampians Grunt, from the Botanics see how fast you can run or walk to the top of the Grampians. Ph Averil 021 303 160 or www.nelsonevents.co.nz. Free

7 Mar, Sat. Frontrunner Kaiteriteri Half Marathon & 10km run or walk. Ph Averil 021 303 160 or www.nelsonevents.co.nz Cost half marathon $35, 10km $25

MUSIC1 Mar, Sun. 2pm-3.30pm Isel House 160th Jubilee, music in the park with Nelson City Brass Band. At Isel Park. Purchase afternoon tea & get a free tour of Isel House. Ph Ian 547 7226.

3 Mar, Tue. 1.30pm-2.30pm The Italian Singers in concert. At Stoke Social Seniors Hall. Ph Anne 547 2660. Cost $2 includes afternoon tea.

13 Mar, Fri. 7pm Coolgrass play Bluegrass in the meadow. Outdoors at Fairfield House. Cash bar. Tickets $15 Fairfield House. Ph 548 3640.

ARTCurrent-22 Mar. Maui Dynasty investigates the influence of Maori, Pacific Island & Asian cultures on contemporary New Zealand art. At The Suter Art Gallery. Floortalk Sun 8 Mar at 2pm.Ph Jeanette 548 4699 or info@thesuter.org.nz.

Current-5 Apr. White Gold The Business of Milk is a portrait of the New Zealand dairy industry as seen from the Waimea Plains studio of artist, Sally Burton. At The Suter Art Gallery. Floortalk Wed 4 Mar at 12.10pm. Ph Jeanette 548 4699 or info@thesuter.org.nz.

Current-26 Apr. Our Stories will change your perception of people with disabilities. The exhibition uses photographs, words & film to tell the stories of people with disabilities. At Nelson Provincial Museum. Ph 548 9588. Free.

4-5 Mar. 7.30pm Tutus on Tour Royal New Zealand Ballet. At Trafalgar Centre. Tickets from NSOM. Ph 548 9477.

DRAMA28 Feb, Sat. 8pm D’Arranged Marriage is a one man show with a few Bollywood-style songs & dance routines & a wickedly funny look at Indian culture & life in New Zealand. Cost $25 full, $20 concession, $18 members. At The Independent Theatre & Arts

Centre, 12 Church Street. Ph 546 6661.

HERE & THEREFree courses, certificate in small business management & first steps to business. Various dates. At Tahunanui Beach Function Centre. Ph Pip or Susan 544 9812.

Current-15 Mar. Stepping Out In Style retrospective from the 1920s-1950s. At Broadgreen Historic House. Ph 547 0403.

28 Feb, Sat.10am-3.30pm Trolley Derby & Running of the Balls. At Collingwood Street. Everything you need to know at www.derby.co.nz.

28 Feb, Sat. 7pm-9.30pm Dance Start, introduction to Scottish country dancing for new dancers & improvers. Soft flat shoes needed. At St Andrews Hall, Stoke. Cost $5. Ph Margaret 547 3913.

2 Mar, Mon. 5.30pm-7.30pm Business Support Network Meeting, guest speaker Sari Hodgson-Getting more out of your accountant. At Nelson Tasman Business Trust. Ph Sarah 539 0824. Cost $10 including refreshments.

3 Mar, Tue. 9.30am-10.30am New Business Network Meeting. At Nelson Tasman Business Trust. Ph Sarah 539 0824. Free.

5 Mar Thurs NELSON SCIENCE SOCIETY in association with the Royal Astronomical Society of NZ - Jennie McCormick gives a Gifford-Eiby Memorial Lecture, “Planet Hunting the Amateur Way - All in a Days Work”. 730pm Lecture theatre A211 Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology. Ph Robert 5445241

Riding the the roof of the world on a bullet at 5500m Join local motorcyclist Willy Cooper with a helmet cam view of this amazing journey. Thursday 5 March 6.30pm The Suter Cinema. Door sales only $8

STAR PARTY - View the Moon, stars and Saturn through the telecsope. Also astronomy videos on big screen. Friday 6 March, 8.30-10.30pm at the Cawthron Atkinson Observatory, Clifton Terrace School (weather permitting). Gold coin donation. Ph Robert 544 5241, email Paul at wildlands.nelson@xtra.co.nz

7 Mar, Sat. 10am-12.45pm Friends of the Nelson Library Monthly Book sale. At Elma Turner Library. Ph Jill 548 0075.

7-8 Mar. 9am-4pm Antique & Retro Show, the largest antique & collectable show in New Zealand. At Founders Heritage Park. Cost $5 adults, under 12’s free, in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society Nelson. Ph Judy 545 2181.

10 Mar, Tue. 10.30am Bookchat in Elma Turner Library activity room, tea/coffee & time to talk about books. Ph Annette 546 8100.

15 Mar, Sun. 1.30pm Friends of the Nelson Library “Armchair OE” illustrated talk “Walk the West of Ireland” with Rachel Ryan. At Elma Turner Library.Activities Room. Ph Barbara 545 1646. Cost $2.

Library computer classes at Elma TurnerWant to improve your computer skills and learn more about your library’s internet services? Check out the upcoming computer classes at the Elma Turner Library, 27 Halifax Street, for the Nelson community.The classes will run every Thursday in the Learning Centre.26 FebruaryLibrary catalogue searching 10 - 11am5 MarchInternet searching (basic) 10 - 11.30am12 March Aotearoa People’s Network overview 10 - 11.30am19 March Research using databases and websites 10 - 11.30am26 March Mouse and page navigation for beginners 10 - 11am2 April Internet searching 1 - 2.30pm9 April Aotearoa People’s Network overview 1 - 2.30pmSign up nowNumbers are limited so early booking is essential. Signing up is easy:• Telephone the Elma Turner Library, 546 8100• email library.ref@ncc.govt.nz• or book in person at the Elma Turner Library Information Desk.For more information phone the Nelson Public Libraries on 546 8100.

28 February 2009 • Issue 246