Recent news items
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: Click here to read the latest news about Motueka that's been reported in NZ print media (presented via Google News).
First in new Motueka mural series finished
(May 23): One down and eight to go - that's the score for the Motueka Murals team as the last strokes are applied today to the "Adventure" mural on the Elevation Cafe wall. Full article, photos »
Entrance signs planned for incoming drivers
(May 22): Work is under way to design, build and install signs welcoming drivers to Motueka on the three less-used highways into town. Full article »
Community board submits wish-list for TDC annual plan
(May 21): A Motueka-based contractor to carry out much of the Council's simple maintenance programmes and minor capital works was one of the recommendations made by our community board for TDC's 2013-14 annual plan. Full article »
Free Expo for fundraisers returns
(May 20): The Nelson-Tasman free Funding Expo is back and bigger than ever, aiming again to help provide people with the skills to manage, fund and grow their not-for-profit organisations. Full article »
Choirs and brass combine for Pentecost concert
(May 20): The Catholic and Uniting Church choirs combined again to present, with the Motueka District Brass band, a good quality concert to an appreciative audience at St Peter Chanel Church yesterday. Full article, photos »
Innovative business collaboration launched
(May 18): A sizeable section of Tasman's small-business community attended the launch last night of what may be the most adventurous business collaboration in Motueka's history - the Dream Maker dream wedding promotion. Full article »
Negative attitudes are Motueka's 'biggest threat'
(May 17): The biggest threat to the ability of Motueka to strengthen into the future lies within the minds of its people, too often expressed in negative attitude, says Community Board chairman David Ogilvie. Full article »
Event list growing for Festival of Lights
(May 16): Planning for this year's Festival of Lights is now underway, and the leading organiser Our Town Motueka will be supporting community groups with the promotion of their events over the mid-winter period, July 18th - August 18th. Full article »
Vote on Motueka farmers market deferred
(May 15): The proposal for a Farmers Market in front of the District Museum was placed on hold at yesterday's meeting of the Motueka Community Board while it checks the rules on commercial activities in the space. Full article »
Beanie competition to warm Motueka heads
(May 15): Crafty, fun and appropriate for the season. Motueka Arts Council's latest project - a 'Make a Beanie' competition - will see Motueka's winter headwear a class above the rest. Full article »
TDC seeks public feedback on its performance
(May 14): As part of its on-going commitment to actively seek public opinion and involvement, the Tasman District Council is commencing its annual survey of residents from this Friday. Full article »
Review of the property sales market in the Motueka area in May
(May 14): For the Motueka area there was a sharp lift in the number of property sales recorded in April. However this was due to a large number of section sales that were released during the month. Full article »
Report analyses Motueka's stormwater handling
(May 13): Motueka's infrastructure "coped adequately" to the April 21st torrential downpour, but there are "some areas of concern that need attention", says Community Board chairman David Ogilvie. Full article »
Weekly farmers market proposed for Motueka
(May 10): Local business support group Our Town Motueka wants to start a weekly afternoon Farmers Market outside the museum to allow residents to buy fresh, locally grown produce and to showcase our growing region. Full article »
Protesters say 'no' to deep sea oil drilling
(May 10): The third running of the Hands Across the Sand event protesting deep sea oil drilling off New Zealand coasts will be held next Saturday, May 18th, with a gathering at Motueka Quay. Full article »
Youth Centre urged as part of new library / hub
(May 9): Tasman District councillors heard a submission yesterday urging a youth centre to be included as part of the Motueka library and community hub initiative currently being examined by council. Full article »
Approval given to plan for new pedestrian crossing
(May 7): Motueka will get a pedestrian crossing of High Street between New World and The Warehouse, although we will have to wait until funds are found to build the two mid-street traffic islands with hand rails. Full article »
Meet the Director at special movie showing
(May 6): The Gecko Cinema is hosting a special screening of award winning documentary Maori Boy Genius, followed by a question-and-answer session with the director/producer Pietra Brettkelly. Full article »
Residents view options for sewage system upgrade
(May 5): It may be a matter of 'out of sight, out of mind', but Motueka's Wastewater Treatment Plant needs urgent attention and upgrading it to an acceptable level won't be cheap. Full article, photos, plan »
Cycle trail coastal route to Motueka chosen
(May 5): The planned cycle trail from Mapua to Motueka will now follow a predominantly coastal route, because access could not be gained through private properties, according to a report in the Nelson Mail. Full article »
Library 'Hook Up' celebrations during Youth Week
(May 2): The final random books were taken home by teens at the end of the holidays, and now the rush is on to get ratings slips in for the prize draws being held during Youth Week. Full article »
Winter workshops offer wide artistic range
(April 30): The 2013 programme of the popular Winter Workshops series organised and run by the Motueka Arts Council was released today, featuring a lineup of 21 topics covering a wide range of artistic interests. Full article, programme download »
Vandals despoil War Memorial wreaths
(April 28): The wreaths laid at the War Memorial on Anzac Day have been vandalised. Coralie Smith saw them during her morning walk this morning in Pah Street this morning. Photos »
Elevation mural off to colourful start
(April 27): Ideal weather meant a brisk start to the painting of the mural on the Elevation Cafe wall on Saturday morning, with many volunteers offering time to contribute their part of the jigsaw. Full article, photos »
Commander Cozens gives Anzac service speech
(April 27): Motueka-based Commander Peter Cozens gave the address at the Anzac Day remembrance dawn service at the Motueka War Memorial, and for those not able to make it, here is the text of his speech to read and ponder. Full article, speech text »
Floods lead to water and shellfish warnings
(April 25): The recent floods have caused Tasman District Council to issue warnings about Motueka's drinking water and possible shellfish contamination in our coastal area.
Full article »
Councils gearing up for Youth Week events
(April 24): Young people and youth agencies in Nelson-Tasman are gearing up for a week-long programme of youth activities, events, workshops and exhibitions as Youth Week for 2013 is celebrated across the globe and in the Top of the South. Full article »
Rare blue duck sighting in National Park
(April 24): The sighting of a blue duck or whio in the Abel Tasman National Park has given hope a population of the rare native bird may be established in the park. Full article, photo »
Motueka to host sheep breeders conference
(April 23): Motueka Top 10 Holiday Park will be the host venue early next month for the AGM and national conference of the Black and Coloured Sheep Breeders Association of New Zealand. Full article »
Motueka Murals team ready to go
(April 22): Organisers are confident the recent persistent rains will not hamper preparations for the painting of the first in the series of nine Motueka Murals, scheduled to start on Friday. Full article »
Downpour drenches Motueka in near-record event
(April 22): All residents now know, from the lead news on TV and radio, that yesterday's extreme rain event neared historic record-breaking levels for Richmond, and Motueka received a decent share as well. Full article, photos »
Community survey shows approval for hub concept
(April 20): The proposal for a Motueka community hub built around a new library received a cautious tick from residents through a High Street survey of 251 people by Motueka High School students taken in May. Full article »
Vision Motueka planning community Christmas dinner
(April 19): Community development group Vision Motueka celebrated its first birthday last night with a big tick beside a set of projects now up and running, and the addition of another new community project. Full article »
Memorial Hall renewal one step further on
(April 18): The next stage in a long project to bring Memorial Hall's facilities into the 21st Century has seen the installation of an air conditioning plant into the hall's ceiling, says an article in the Motueka Guardian. Full article »
Memoir recalls difficult childhood in Motueka
(April 18): Former Motueka resident Lynette Robinson, who spent some of her childhood years in Motueka, has written and published a memoir titled Where the Rainbow Fell Down. Full article »
Moves to improve two major town assets
(April 17): Community organisations are planning to develop two of Motueka's prime but sadly underused spaces - the port and the riverbank - for recreational use. Full article, maps »
Review of the property sales market in the Motueka area in April
(April 16): The median price across the Nelson/Marlborough region rose by $13,500 compared to March 2012, with prices in Richmond and Motueka rising the fastest. Sales volume was 22% higher than the previous month. Full article »
Second exhibition under way at Resurgence Arts
(April 16): Motueka's newest art gallery, Resurgence Arts at the clock tower corner, has opened its second exhibition featuring work by Sandra Campbell, a local artist and composer. Full article, photos »
Music at high school continues to impress
(April 15): The range and depth of musical talent at Motueka High School was again on show at the annual Showcase concert held in the school hall yesterday afternoon. Full article, photos »
Counting down the first of Motueka Murals series
(April 13): The countdown is on for the creation of the first in a series of nine themed murals on Motueka business walls, and people wanting to help in the painting are being invited to a briefing session. Full article, photo »
Annual plan opinions aired for Community Board
(April 12): At least the audience easily outnumbered the Community Board members and Council people this time, but still it was only 15 ratepayers who contributed opinions last night on the Council's draft annual plan. Full article »
Strong protest marks local 'Love DOC Day'
(April 12): About 50 people gathered between noon and 2pm yesterday in front of Motueka Museum to show their support for the Department of Conservation on "Love DOC Day". Full article, photos »
Random book selection a fun library promotion
(April 12): 'Hook up with a Random' is the latest catch-phrase for Tasman teens in a reading promotion at their local libraries over the next month. Full article »
Fabric arts to feature in next exhibition
(April 11): The second art exhibition to be mounted in four Motueka businesses starting Wednesday April 17th will showcase the work of Moutere textile artist Rowena Lukomska. Full article »
Riverside reserve proposed beside Motueka bridge
(April 10): A riverside reserve near the northern end of the Motueka River bridge, similar to the one beside the Appleby bridge over Waimea River, was proposed at yesterday's Community Board meeting. Full article »
Shake-up signalled for Tasman's i-Site operations
(April 10): Tasman District's three i-Site businesses at Murchison, Takaka and Motueka are due for a huge shake-up, although the outcome is still unknown for Motueka's better-performing i-Site operation. Full article »
Councillor says Motueka River ecology imploding
(April 9): Conservation group Forest & Bird is asking all New Zealanders to show their support for the Department of Conservation this coming Thursday, 11th April, on "Love DOC Day". Full article »
Conservation advocates say 'Don't knock DOC'
(April 8): Conservation group Forest & Bird is asking all New Zealanders to show their support for the Department of Conservation this coming Thursday, 11th April, on "Love DOC Day". Full article »
Local action urged on footpaths and cycleways
(April 7): The apparent lack of development work by Council on Motueka's footpaths and cycleways has prompted a proposal for a citizens' advisory group to be formed to plan a development and maintenance programme. Full article »
Motueka groups aim for Think Water prize
(April 4): Three Motueka community organisations are vying with dozens of others in New Zealand for a $50,000 project grant offered by irrigation system supplier Think Water, and your vote will help. Full article »
Blathwayt printing business changes hands
(April 3): Award-winning local signwriting business Image Creators has purchased Blathwayt Print Ltd, the well-known printing company beside the Decks Reserve car park. Full article »
Time to nominate voluntary groups for awards
(April 1): The call goes out for nominations of community volunteer groups that you think should be recognised at the prestigious annual TrustPower Community Awards. Full article »
Renowned blues artist to play Memorial Hall
(March 31): Memorial Hall will be the venue for another international music star in April when multi award-winning American blues singer/guitarist Watermelon Slim plays here as part of his New Zealand tour. Full article »
Churches combine to celebrate shared faith
(March 29): For the first time in many years, the St Peter Chanel Catholic Church and St Andrews Uniting Church communities conducted a combined service of worship this morning to remember Good Friday. Full article »
Poor attendance at draft annual plan talks
(March 27): There were more councillors and council managers than Motueka ratepayers at the Annual Plan question and answer meeting at Memorial Hall last night. Full article »
Stone mats the latest crafty skill
(March 26): A dozen more stone mats now adorn Motueka doorsteps and tabletops, following a creative workshop run by Crafty Tarts yesterday to learn the technique. Full article, photo »
Pro drummer to run public workshops
(March 25): Motueka-based professional drummer Gabor Irmalos is offering a workshop for people who have tried drumming and would like to know more, and even those who would like have a go for the first time. Full article, photos »
Plan to remove and recycle obsolete TV sets
(March 25): Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council are doing their bit to ensure unwanted televisions are recycled responsibly. Full article »
Network to connect and promote musical Motueka
(March 22): Calling music teachers and performers in the Motueka area. A web-based network is being set up to connect and promote the town's abundant musical talent and to showcase the music scene in Motueka. Full article »
Review of the property sales market in the Motueka area in March
(March 21): The median price for Motueka homes rose to an average of $380,000 with the median days on market at 131. These figures reflect the sale of a number of higher value properties that had been on the market for some time. Full article »
Motueka's history recorded along Decks Reserve path
(March 16): A series of 55 plaques summarising key aspects of Motueka's history is being installed along the path around Decks Reserve, giving visitors and locals a glimpse into what made our town what it is. Full article, photos »
Big promotion to encourage local shopping
(March 16): Our Town Motueka has organised a "Shop in Motueka" promotion over the coming two months, with a prize of over $5,000 in vouchers for products and services from local businesses. Full article »
Low rate rise signalled in TDC's Draft Annual Plan
(March 15): Tasman District Council's Draft Annual Plan for the 2013-14 year, which will be open for viewing and submissions by ratepayers next Wednesday, signals the lowest overall rates increase for many years. Full article »
Vinnies raise donations for children in foster homes
(March 14): Kids helping kids in need was exactly what St Peter Chanel Vinnies of Motueka were up to on Thursday March 7th as part of Purple Cake Day celebrations. Full article, photos »
Motueka West development plan ready to view
(March 13): The revised plan for the proposed long-term Motueka West development will be presented to Tasman District Council in April and then be publicly notified for consultation, Motueka Community Board members were told yesterday. Full article »
Board wants halt to camping at Beach Reserve
(March 13): The community board has asked council to close the camping area of Beach Reserve, and to report on options to solve the ongoing problems caused by non-complying freedom campers using and abusing the area. Full article »
Big art auction to raise funds for Tasman School
(March 11): Twenty-eight local Nelson artists have donated work for an art auction, to be held as part of the centennial celebrations at Tasman School this coming weekend. Full article, photos »
Parklands School celebrates cultural diversity
(March 9): A good crowd filled the front playground of Parklands School yesterday for this year's multi-cultural festival, celebrating the Motueka's growing ethnic diversity. Full article, photos »
Solution plotted for sewage treatment odour
(March 5): Work is under way to monitor objectionable odours from Motueka's wastewater treatment network and the sewage plant, and to try different techniques aimed at eliminating them. Full article »
Steiner School to hold autumn harvest fair
(March 5): Motueka Rudolf Steiner School will hold its first ever Autumn Fair on Saturday April 6th, to celebrate the region's summer of abundance and have fun with a "Saint Michael and the Dragon" theme. Full article »
Range of activities celebrate our children
(March 4): A variety of events were held around Motueka over the weekend as families celebrated their treasurers - the children who will grow up to create the future of our town. Full article, photos »
More opportunities for local artwork displays
(March 3): Tasman artist Jane Smith is taking her work to the public, as more Motueka businesses open their walls for exhibitions of local artists. Full article »
Scouts wash and buff to raise funds
(March 3): Scouts Susanna Adams, Hamish Knowles, Joe Cunningham and Awatea Teaukura, with the help of a few parents, washed and buffed there way through a epic morning of car washing. Full article, photos »
Parklands pupils go on strike over Novopay
(March 2): Parents and children of Parklands School went on strike yesterday to protest about the way the failing Novopay payroll system has affected the teachers at the school. Full article, photos »
New ideas for Arts Council events in 2013
(February 27): Several ideas for new art-related events were put forward at the Motueka Arts Council annual general meeting held last night, but the winter workshop programme remains the jewel in the group's crown. Full article »
Hub concept strikes chord in Golden Bay
(February 27): Vision Motueka's proposal for a community and visitor hub is striking a chord in Golden Bay, where similar issues of best utilisation of public buildings are becoming evident. Full article »
Help sought for whitebait spawning site survey
(February 26): TDC scientists are seeking help from people keen on understanding and protecting our environment to help with the annual survey of the volumes of inanga in our waterways this month. Full article »
Celebrated cook takes on local food challenge
(February 25): Motueka Library and the Motueka Community Gardens have challenged well-known local author and chef Chris Fortune to transform a mystery box of fresh produce into tasty treats to share. Full article »
Have your say on Tasman road speed limits
(February 25): Council is proposing raising the speed limit from 50kph to 70kph on parts of Marchwood Park Road, Queen Victoria Street and Lower Moutere, plus speed reductions around the Tasman settlement, and wants to hear you opinion. Full article »
TDC signs off Development Contribution policy
(February 22): The Tasman District Council has confirmed its "Once Paid Always Paid" Development Contribution policy at yesterday's Council meeting. Full article »
Remembering the February 22 earthquake
(February 22): A poem written by a Motueka resident for the first anniversary of the main Christchurch earthquake, which is still appropriate on the second anniversary of the February 22, 2011 quake. Read the poem »
Motueka hosts national aero club championships
(February 20): The skies over Motueka will be buzzing for the next few days as the Motueka Aero Club hosts the Royal New Zealand Aero Clubs' national championships. Full article, photos »
Extra activities this year for Children's Day
(February 20): A range of creative activities, along with a repeat of last year's big family Pool Party, have been organised this year to celebrate Children's Day in Motueka.
Full article »
KMB begins path to new strategic direction
(February 19): With most of the town's off-road walkways now built, Keep Motueka Beautiful (KMB) is turning its attention to smaller beautification projects including tree planting and improvements at Port Motueka. Full article »
Council report examines future of Motueka library
(February 18): Tasman District Council's options for the upgrade of the Motueka Library have been set out in a report by Property Services Manager Jim Frater to be considered at the full Council meeting on Thursday. Full article, report »
Romantic dreams come true in Motueka
(February 18): For the past few weeks our region has been a hot spot for couples coming from further afield to make their vows to each other here rather than in their home town. Full article, photos »
Arts Council planning for another year's work
(February 18): The Winter Workshops, run for the Motueka Arts Council by coordinator Jane Wells, saw a record high in 2012 for the number of workshops as well as attendances. Full article »
Permaculture village expansion approved by TDC
(February 18): Tasman District Council has just approved a second stage development for the unique Atamai permaculture village 10 minutes' drive from Motueka. Full article »
Views of recent migrants sought for project
(February 18): Calling people who were born overseas and who have recently settled in the Tasman region - your viewpoints are sought for a focus group on your experiences.
Full article »
Review of the property sales market in the Motueka area in February
(February 14): For the Motueka area there were a surprising good number of new listings over the holiday period. Sales for the month showed a continuing strong growth in the sale of sections. Full article »
Council drops library plan in favour of hub development
(February 13): Council will defer its planned upgrade of Motueka Library possibly for a year while a working party investigates building a new community and visitor hub, with library, in Decks Reserve. Full article, plans »
Cruise ship pays visit to Kaiteriteri
(February 13): The first cruise ship in at least a decade visited Kaiteriteri yesterday, leading to a busy time for local water operators ferrying tourists to parts of the national park. Full article, photos »
Hub-based proposal prepared for library upgrade
(February 11): A proposal that may advance a proper upgrade of the cramped Motueka Library, as well as provide a starting point for a community and visitor hub, will be put to the Motueka Community Board tomorrow. Full article »
Solutions sought for affordable housing in Motueka
(February 9): Work to address problems with housing affordability in Motueka took a step forward today when 20 people met to offer views on the problem's causes and possible solutions. Full article »
Challenge put to local body politicians in election year
(February 8): Local politicians are being challenged to work together this year to achieve positive results for the people who elected them to their positions on Council and the Motueka Community Board. Full article »
Litter cart returns to the streets
(February 7): The litter cart operation is operating again in the Motueka central business district, with Nolan Duff starting as the operator on January 9th. Full article, map »
Weather just right for Waitangi Day festival
(February 7): Goldilocks weather - not too hot, not too cold - was the ideal setting for a relaxed, happy Waitangi Day festival hosted yesterday in the back fields of Motueka's Te Awhina Marae. Full article, photos »
Vision Motueka building on solid first year
(February 2): After a solid start in 2012, the community development group Vision Motueka is preparing to deliver a set of initiatives and programmes this year that should help get Motueka moving. Full article »
Superb farewell performance from young actors
(February 1): A superb dramatic performance by the Imagine Youth Theatre ensemble last night showed just how sadly Motueka will miss a group of young thespians who have risen through the High School ranks and are now heading off to follow their dreams. Full article »
New art gallery opens in Motueka
(January 31): Resurgence Coffee and Retrotonic have created an art gallery at their premises on the corner of High and King Edward streets, for use by local artists to exhibit their works. Full article »
Weather affecting Freeview picture quality
(January 30): If your Freeview terrestial TV viewing has been patchy in recent days, don't start blaming your TV unit or set-top box. Instead, blame the current string of warm days. Full article »
Library offers advice on using electronic books
(January 29): Motueka Library is offering to help book readers wanting to join the popular trend of reading electronic books using e-reader devices currently available on the market. Full article »
Resources and help offered to community groups
(January 25): Vision Motueka is offering support, resource and advisory services to community groups wanting help with applying for funds, setting up charitable trusts or simply connecting with other groups. Full article »
Opinions sought on further cemetery beautification
(January 23): Residents are being asked to give Tasman District Council feedback on concepts that have been published by Council for further aesthetic developments and beautification at Motueka Cemetery. Full article »
Quilting exhibition to benefit St Andrews church rebuild
(January 22): A quilting exhibition by local expert craftswoman Bev Dyke will be a great fundraising start for a programme to rebuild the St Andrews Uniting Church after the building was condemned as being an earthquake risk. Full article »
Subjects chosen for nine town murals
(January 22): Vision Motueka has settled on the themes, designs and contents of a set of nine wall murals to be painted in the Motueka CBD over the next few years, starting with the first two hopefully over the next couple of months. Full article »
Bumper season for sky diving business
(January 18): If you thought you've been seeing more people falling out of the sky this summer, you're not wrong. The December business figures at Motueka-based Skydive Abel Tasman have seen the largest in the firm's 21-year history. Full article »
Opening ceremony for Great Taste cycle trail
(January 18): The first stage of the Great Taste cycle trail that will soon extend out to Motueka, Riwaka and Kaiteriteri and up the valley, will be officially opened next Saturday at a ceremony at the new Waimea Cycle Bridge, near Richmond. Full article »
Deluge flushes toxic algae from local rivers
(January 17): As well as pleasing domestic gardeners, a positive outcome of the recent deluge of rain has been the flushing of the District's rivers of the toxic blue green algae.
Full article »
Imagine Youth Theatre tackles 'surreal' comedy
(January 16): Imagine Youth Theatre is tackling New Zealand playwright Angie Farrow's surreal comedy 'Amnesia' for its summer production which opens in two weeks. Full article »
Review of the property sales market in the Motueka area in January
(January 16): The number of new listings was up slightly on December, and about one-third of the properties new to the market were located outside of the immediate town area. Considering the short working month a strong number of sales were recorded. Full article »
Another happy community craft fair at Pokororo
(January 14): Uncertainties over the weather may have caused the turnout at the annual Pokororo Fair to be down a bit on previous years, but those attending yesterday's event enjoyed warm weather and colourful stalls. Full article »
Al fresco summer movie a popular drawcard
(January 10): Around 70 people (it's hard to count in the dark) packed into the surrounds of the Jester House restaurant last night to enjoy a "golden oldie" movie in balmy conditions. Full article »
Council offers free bike check-up
(January 9): Does a flat tyre, squeaky chain or worn out brake mean your bike has taken up residence in the shed? Now is the time to get your bike out and come to one of the Council's free Big Bike Tune Ups during January. 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 »
