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 »
Exuberant Ugandan children inspire Motuekans with song and dance
(Sept 4): People passing through Motueka last night would wonder what big event had captured the minds of the locals. And big event it was for the local churches, which hosted the Watoto children's choir from Uganda for a powerful and exuberant performance and soulful plea for help. Full article »
What's in the papers: The week ending September 3rd
(Sept 3): Our weekly digest of the local stories that were published in the two Motueka newspapers this past week. Full article »
Politicians visit Community Whanau meeting
(Sept 2): In an unusual coincidence, two MPs visited the September Community Whanau meeting held yesterday, one finding a gap in his diary and the other already invited to speak to the group of 20 attenders. Full article »
Review of the property sales market in the Motueka area
(Sept 1): Residential property sales turnover was the lowest for a July in a decade, and looking at the activity for August it looks like also being at an historic low. Statistics for the Nelson/Marlborough area show a similar trend. Full article »
What's in the papers: The week ending August 27th
(Aug 27): Our weekly digest of the local stories that were published in the two Motueka newspapers this past week. Full article »
Community Grants closing next Tuesday
(Aug 27): A reminder that applications for TDC's annual Community Grants are closing Tuesday 31 August 2010. All applications must be in by 4:30pm. Full article »
'Boogie into Spring' to benefit St Johns Youth and Parish Caring Fund
(Aug 26): Motueka St Johns Youth and the Motueka Uniting Parish Caring Fund will benefit from the proceeds of a 50s-70s dance at the Parish Hall on Saturday September 18th, where Christchurch four-piece band "Sentimental Journey" will reunite for a fun evening of dance and singing. Full article »
Locals can benefit from tourism facilities in National Park
(Aug 26): Wilsons Abel Tasman has a "Local's Mailing List" that enable it to give Motuekans access to special deals during the quiet times in the tourism calendar. Full article »
Community Garden Group ready for first working bee
(Aug 25): The budding Motueka Community Garden Group met again on Monday 23rd September and settled on a course of action to get the garden construction project off to a start as soon as possible, in order to ensure momentum is built among a wider group of the community. Full article »
Motueka Floral Art Circle and Friends present a Floral Theatre
(Aug 25): The Motueka Floral Art Circle and Friends presented a Floral Theatre to support Daffodil Day and the Cancer Society Fundraising appeal, on Tuesday afternoon and evening, August 24th, at Imagine Theatre. Read the review, see the photos »
Jack Inglis a finalist in Kiwi Battler award
(Aug 25): Motueka's Jack Inglis has won his way through to be one of five finalist for the Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast region of the Kiwi Battler competition, and is asking all locals to support him and his work for the Jack Inglis Friendship Hospital by casting votes for him. Full article »
A busy month for restoration planting in Motueka
(Aug 22): It's been all hands on deck for groups involved in planting of natives and wetland species in various restoration projects as the spring growth period fast approaches. Full article »
Nominations finalised for local body elections
(Aug 20): Nominations closed today for the local body elections, and we have the list of candidates that Motueka ratepayers will be voting for. Full article »
What's in the papers: The week ending August 20th
(Aug 20): Our weekly digest of the local stories that were published in the two Motueka newspapers this past week. Full article »
Great environmental projects wanted by TDC
(Aug 18): Nominations for the Tasman Nelson Environment Awards officially open tomorrow, Friday 20 August. The Awards are a joint Nelson City and Tasman District Council initiative to recognise and celebrate people and organisations in our community who are making a difference both today and in the future. Full article »
Efforts under way to advance Wharf Road walkway project
(Aug 18): Committee members from Keep Motueka Beautiful will meet Council engineers to update their understanding of the planning and consent issues which lay behind delays in building the Wharf Road walkway, hoping to get the stalled project moving again. Full article »
Transition Towns has questions for Council candidates
(Aug 16): Transition Towns Motueka (TTM) aims to host a public meeting soon (perhaps September 8th) to put questions about environmental and sustainability issues to Tasman District Council hopefuls in the coming local body elections. Full article »
Council's project 'matrix' explained to Community Board
(Aug 13): Decisions about priorities of engineering projects, particularly related to footpaths and pram crossings in and around Motueka, are being put onto a more rational basis with "emotional" factors being removed, courtesy of TDC's engineering "matrix" computer program. Full article »
Local schools uneasy about National Standards
(Aug 13): Primary schools in the Motueka area are uneasy about their role in the government's policy to introduce and adopt National Standards for literacy and numeracy in schools, with most principals opting not to publicly comment on the controversial issue. Full article »
Positive response to BMX riders' appeal
(Aug 13): The group of BMX riders who have been building jump facilities beside the Skate Park, and who two weeks ago appealed for help from the public and Council for some extra needs, have received some positive assistance from Council and residents. Full article »
Tasman District Council launches revamped website
(Aug 12): TDC today launched its much-awaited new website, a significant rebuild of the old site which had long ago become outdated and hard to use. The new site is bright, attractive and well organised. Full article »
Community garden work to start within a month
(Aug 9): Preparation work is now under way for starting construction of the Motueka Community Garden within a month, before spring growth gets a hold, an on-site meeting confirmed yesterday. Full article »
Community Board surplus earmarked for pram crossings and footpaths
(August 6): The Community Board's hope that its 2009/10 operating surplus be spent on some new pram/scooter crossings and footpaths looks like being granted, with news from Tasman District Council engineering services that it will recommend such action. Full article »
Community Whanau hears more about Community Link
(August 5): The monthly Community Whanau meeting heard more about the Community Link project, which will see the current Work and Income Service Centre building in High Street morph into a multi-agency community hub to provide a wide range of more integrated services. Full article »
Tasman Council will support the amalgamation review process, not the outcome sought
(August 5): The Tasman District Council has reaffirmed that it will co-operate fully with the Local Government Commission in its investigation into the possible amalgamation of the Tasman District and Nelson City Councils. Full article »
What's in the papers: The week ending July 30th
(July 30): Our weekly digest of the local stories that were published in the two Motueka newspapers this past week. Full article »
Wharf Road walkway construction back on track
(July 29): The gravel walkway planned to run beside Wharf Road across the estuary to provide the final link in the coastal walkway system is back on track following a period of frustration for its promoters Keep Motueka Beautiful (KMB) and chief advocate Bob Cooke. Full article »
BMX enthusiasts need more clay to continue project
(July 29): A group of BMX enthusiasts have shown that if you want something enough you can achieve it with hard work, but now they need some help - in the unusual form of more clay - to further develop the jumping area they have created. Full article »
Community garden initiative gets nod at first meeting
(July 28): The prospect of restarting a Motueka Community Garden project received a huge boost yesterday when a solid group of interested and willing people attending a meeting at the Community House expressed their desire to help make it happen. Full article »
Motueka Online looking for more sponsors
(July 28): Motueka Online has spots available for one or two further sponsors, following the request from one of our earliest sponsors to back out. Full article »
What's in the papers: The week ending July 23rd
(July 23): Our weekly digest of the local stories that were published in the two Motueka newspapers this past week. Full article »
Motueka Online adds facility to link volunteers to groups
(July 22): Volunteers are the lifeblood of communities of the size of Motueka, and Motueka Online has responded to suggestions by community groups to provide a way for volunteers and organisations to "find each other" though its Volunteer Exchange. Full article »
Spread of rabbits hindering golf course tree growth
(July 22): Rabbits and hares nibbling at young trees on the Motueka Golf Course are a growing headache for Keep Motueka Beautiful (KMB) and Bob Cooke, who spends hours tending to the trees voluntarily. Full article »
Local Government Elections Process begins tomorrow
(July 22): Tomorrow sees the first milestone of this year's local government elections with nominations opening for Mayor, Councillors, Motueka and Golden Bay Community Boards and the District Health Board. Full article »
Accessibility issues in Motueka being investigated
(July 21): The issue of accessible parking and shopping in Motueka is getting a fresh looking over as part of Tasman District Council's "Accessibility for All" forum. Full article »
Community Garden idea to get an airing
(July 20): A meeting will be held next Tuesday to discuss the setting up of a Community Garden in Motueka. Community gardens are being built in many centres in New Zealand to promote local growth of food and sharing of resources and work. Full article »
What's in the papers: The week ending July 16th
(July 16): Our weekly digest of the local stories that were published in the two Motueka newspapers this past week. Full article »
Green MP guest at lively community board meeting
(July 15): Green list MP Kevin Hague used his visit to the Motueka and Golden Bay area to address the Motueka Community Board about three issues which he said were of mutual concern to himself and to Motuekans. Full article »
Concerns linger over lack of consultation in Motueka road planning
(July 15): Strong opinions were expressed at this week's Community Board meeting over the perceived lack of engagement by transport planners and engineers at Tasman District Council and NZ Transport Agency with Motueka residents and ratepayers. Full article »
Quiet community workers get funding help for winter day out
(July 14): Motueka Community Care, a voluntary group which quietly helps some of Motueka's elderly and disabled people to get out and about a bit more, has been granted $400 of discretionary funds from the Motueka Community Board to help cater for an afternoon tea next month. Full article »
Charity concert a real winter treat for music lovers
(July 14): A packed house of music lovers were treated to both quality and variety from local musicians at the annual charity concert at the Motueka Uniting Church on Sunday. Read the review »
What's in the papers: to July 8th
(July 9): Our weekly digest of the local stories that were published in the two Motueka newspapers this past week. Full article »
High Street roadworks prepares for completion at last
(July 8): The pungent aroma of road tar drifting across town this morning was for once a pleasant experience, knowing it spelt the topping off of the roadworks stretch of High Street after months of retail inconvenience, business anger, traffic stoppages and rain-filled potholes. Full article »
Community Link introduced at Community Whanau meeting
(July 8): The monthly community whanau meeting held yesterday was again well attended, with 20 people interested in community activities and services gathering over lunch hour at the Community House to share their news and concerns. Full article »
Council takes a creative approach to Graffiti Vandalism
(July 8): A creative youth-led approach could help to stamp out graffiti vandalism in Richmond and Motueka. The 'Pride of Place - Tasman Graffiti Vandalism Prevention Project' has had a productive first year, creating a plan on how to tackle the problem. Full article »
Ideas sought for Skate Park improvements
(July 2): The council has allocated some money to the Motueka skate park. What would you like to see it spent on? More jumps and pipes? Better drainage? A reseal of the skatepark? Make your suggestions here »
Arts Council offers winter workshop series
(July 1): The Motueka Arts Council has published the full programme for its popular winter workshop series, offering courses ranging from belly dancing and garden design to fabric painting and photo framing. Full article and programme »
Competitions announced for godwits' welcome
(July 1): The Motueka Arts Council is supporting "Welcome to the Godwits" with events including a children's art competition, adult's photographic and literacy competitions. Full article »
Tasman District Council Annual Plan adopted
(July 1): The Annual Plan for the 2010/11 year was adopted at the Council meeting yesterday. The total rates will approximately increase across a range between 3.57% and 5.71% depending on the location of ratepayers and services received. Full article »
Festival of Lights breaks mid-winter blues
(June 28): Despite a mixed bag of weather, Motueka's mid-winter Festival of Lights was a great success with many people taking part in a range of events. Read our reports, view the 108 photos »
Community board submits opposition to targeted rates
(June 28): The Motueka Community Board has put forward a submission to central government on the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill, opposing sanctions that allow Councils to fund Community Boards through targeted rates. Full article »
Discount and GST rise provide focus on early payment of rates
(June 26): In its Corporate Services Committee meeting yesterday the Tasman District Council identified the benefits available to ratepayers in light of the impending rise in GST in October 2010. Full article »
High School research highlights High Street traffic issues
(June 25): Results of research by Bruce Reid's Year 11 Community Issues class show that Motueka residents are concerned about traffic problems in High Street, and that the road's owner NZTA needs to work more on public relations so Motueka people feel better consulted. Full article »
Community Board reviews Discretionary Funding guidelines
(June 25): The community board is taking another look at the way it grants funds to community groups which each month ask for financial help on initiatives and programmes. Full article »
"Will: The Lost Years" a hit for energy and not-stop action
(June 24): Got the mid-winter blues? Need an energy boost? Then you could do far worse than watching the high-octane production of "Will: The Lost Years" at Motueka High School. Don't rest your eyes for a second - there's always some action taking place somewhere on the set. Read the full review »
Local body election details announced
(June 24): The next local government and district health board elections will be held on Saturday 9th October, just over three months off now. Full article »
Motueka registers at World Cup game
(June 22): Motueka's name waved proudly on World Cup TV coverage last night as the All Whites drew with Italy. Get the story here »
Laura Mueller wins a 2010 regional Volunteer Youth Award
(June 17): The community work of Motueka High School year 13 student Laura Mueller was acknowledged at the recent Tasman Volunteer Youth Awards ceremony held in Nelson. Full article »
Efforts under way to save firewood project
(June 17): The Motueka Community Board is looking at ways to shore up the future of the Community Firewood Project, which over the past year has delivered wood sourced from orchard prunings to low income households. Full article »
Arts Council appalled at street contractors' "vandalism"
(June 16): The committee of the Motueka Arts Council were out in force at Tuesday's Community Board meeting to express their dismay and anger at the poor treatment of the artist-designed seating and other street artworks by the High Street roadwork contractors. Full article »
Miccio's Nelson / Tasman amalgamation petition falls short
(June 16): The petition championed by Aldo Miccio for a Review of Council Amalgamation Options regarding Nelson and Tasman councils, has been found not to have passed the 10% mark of the electors of Tasman District Council. Full article »
Anita Newport nominated for business awards
(June 16): Anita Newport, co-owner of Parkes Automotive in Motueka, has been nominated in three categories of the Business Woman of the Year Awards at the Bloom Forum this year. Full article »
MEND programme for fitter, healthier and happier kids
(June 16): The world-famous free MEND programme is coming to Motueka. MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition ... Do it!) is dedicated to reducing global overweight and obesity levels. It helps children and their families improve their health, fitness and the way they feel about their bodies. Full article »
Community choir provides outstanding harmonic entertainment
(June 14): Soaring soprano tones, rock-solid harmonies, and outstanding ensemble work by the guest soloists were highlights of an excellent choral concert by the Combined Community Choir at the Memorial Hall on Sunday. Full review »
David Ogilvie makes recommendations to Community Board
(June 11): David Ogilvie will table a report and a list of recommendations on several contentious issues at next Tuesday's monthly board meeting. These include opposition to targeted rates, the community firewood project and a cycle lane in High Street. Full article »
TDC Annual Plan keeps average general rate rise under 4%
(June 10): Tasman District Councillors have taken a hard line within their Annual Plan deliberations and managed the average general rate rise this year to less than 4%, down from 5.2% predicted in the Ten Year Plan. Full article »
High Street roadworks a problem for retailers
(June 3): The ongoing roadworks have had a huge impact on the businesses at the southern end of the CBD as well as the entire town. Our Town Motueka is currently seeking an explanation and improvement to the situation and aims to keep us all informed. Express your opinion »
'The Voyage of the Jumblies' was top family entertainment
(June 3): Imagine Theatre produced a highly enjoyable stage story with the family production The Voyage of the Jumblies at Motueka's Memorial Hall. The show was full of young talent in both acting and singing departments. Full review »
Consent granted for water take from Motueka Plains aquifer
(June 1): A Panel of Independent Commissioners has granted resource consent to the Tasman District Council's Engineering Department to take up to 16,000 cubic metres of water per day for the proposed Motueka Coastal Community Water supply. Full article »
Request for more funds for footpaths
(May 31): At the May 27 2010 meeting of the TDC Engineering Services Committee meeting, committee chair Trevor Norriss asked the Council to consider reinstating the Footpath Rehabilitation Budget to $100,000 district wide. Full article »
Tara Forde, Vinnies win Volunteer Youth Awards
(May 29): Nelson Volunteer Centre held Volunteer Youth Awards ceremony in the New Hub in Nelson. The big indivdual prize for Tasman went to Tara Forde, and the youth group award went to St Peter Chanel School Young Vinnies. Full article »
Eating Locally catches on
(May 27): Forty enthusiastic local eaters shared their food and recipes last Saturday at Riverside community and Cultural Centre. The fragrance of Richard Hirst's (The Good Bread Man) new sourdough bread and the mellow jazz piano of Emery and Dawn Jones accompanied the conviviality. Full article »
Farewell and Thanksgiving party for Vanuatuans
(May 24): Close on to 100 people were in the meeting room at the Community House, at least 60 of whom were from Vanuatu. After some speeches and connections made or strengthened between the 25 or so Motuekans who had gathered to farewell the workers, there was singing and dancing that practically lifted the roof off the building. Full article »
Memorial bridge planned for Inlet Walkway
(May 20): A combination of generous offerings has led to Keep Motueka Beautiful preparing plans for a "Remembrance bridge" to a small island near the Inlet Walkway, a place for walkers to sit and remember past environmental workers. Full article »
Human Rights Award made to Colin Iles
(May 19): Colin Iles, who lives at Riverside, in Lower Moutere, has worked for human rights and political independence of East Timor for decades. He protested the oppressive Indonesian occupation and then the atrocities of the invasion in 1999. Full article »
Students help keep needy residents warm
(May 17): Students at St Peter Chanel School associated with St Vincent de Paul, also known as the Vinnies, has been loading and distributing firewood to Motueka's needy folk to help them keep warm through the winter. Full article »
Motueka Transportation Study: big changes ahead, but over a long period of time
(May 13): The Tasman District Council and NZTA this week released their long-awaited planning document - the Motueka Transportation Study - telling us how they intend to deal with Motueka's growing traffic congestion problem. Full article »
Engineering issues dominate community board meeting
(May 13): Engineering issues dominated the May public meeting of the Motueka Community Board on Tuesday this week, with road works and transport plans replacing the usual discussions about water reticulation and river control. Full article »
Event explores ways of eating more from local sources
(May 10): Transition Town Motueka will hold an exploration of Eating Locally on Saturday May 22nd, with a challenge to Motueka residents to go further in eating what grows within a 100 km radius of home. Full article »
Didymo hits Riwaka and Pearse Rivers
(May 7): The Derpartment of Conservation says results from its annual survey of rivers shows that the didymo weed is now in the Riwaka River and the Pearse River in the Motueka Valley. DOC is appealing to water users to clean and dry their gear between usages of waterways.
End of funding for arts projects
(May 6): The Encouragement Grant Scheme, which gives up to $500 for arts-related groups, ceases in June. Applications need to be in by the end of May for events in July and by the end of June for events from August to the end of the year.
Motueka Online offers update notification service
(May 2): Thanks to a reader's suggestion, we have introduced a subscription service where you can be informed by email once a week of all the new articles and comments published on Motueka Online during the past week. 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 »
