Our Nelson Issue 170, 24 May 2023

Mayor proposes cost share for slip repair
Fixing the 18 landslips on Council land from the August storm to a standard that reduces future risk is going to cost $17.2 million, for which Nelson Mayor Nick Smith is seeking Government support.
“We need to do right by the 33 property owners affected by these 18 landslips and make them as safe as practical. Council’s legal obligation is to put the land back as it was, at a cost of $5 million, but this would leave the areas vulnerable to further slips in future. Reducing the future risk involves extensive engineering works at a cost of $12.2 million,” Mayor Nick says.
“I am seeking Government assistance for this ‘build-back better’ approach because the costs of the storm recovery are too much for Nelson ratepayers alone. There are benefits for Government in communities being more resilient to future storm events. It’s also about being fair to Nelson given the scale of Government support given to other regions grappling with disaster costs.
“The costs to Nelson of last August’s storm without this landslip remediation work is $57.1 million, of which $23 million is expected to be recovered from insurance and other sources leaving a net cost to Council of $34 million. The proposal I have put to Government is that the betterment portion of the landslip remediation works be shared 50/50, requiring $6 million in Government support. This will still push the total cost to Nelson ratepayers up to $45.1 million.
“The remedial work for these landslips affecting residential properties is the most complex of our storm recovery work. The repair to water damage from flooding is well advanced with most insurance cases settled. The work on repairing infrastructure and removing gravel from rivers is huge but advancing well. These landslips are the Achilles’ heel and most difficult part of the recovery. The timing of Nelson’s storm means we are ahead of the regions hammered by Cyclone Gabrielle but we are keen to share our experience with them to assist their recovery.”
There are two properties where the cost of necessary remediation works exceeds the value of the property and Council is engaged with the owners to compensate them by way of purchasing. This is a stressful situation for these property owners. Council is managing this difficult situation as fast as it is able and asks that the privacy of the families concerned be respected. 
“The completion of the geotechnical assessments means Council is now in the position to start the long-term landslip remediation works. We are cracking on with the design and consenting of this work because building back better and safer is the right thing to do for the city and for the residents who have been directly affected by these slips,” Mayor Nick says.
“The work involves 600m of timber barriers, 1500m2 of soil anchors, 150m of mesh catch fences, 3500m2 of erosion protection matting and 19,000m2 of revegetation.”
Mayor Nick says priority will be given to slips above red placard properties followed by yellow 2 and yellow 1 placard properties. Council has approved that the remedial programme be undertaken over two financial years (2023/24 and 2024/25). The physical work is due to start later this year after the completion of detailed designs and the securing of all necessary consents.
Recovery Manager Alec Louverdis says Council is cognisant of the need for these remedial works to be completed with as quickly as possible and thanked affected residents for their patience while this process was worked through.
“We appreciate it’s taken more than eight months to get to this point and we hope the decision the Council has reached to carry out remediation works will be another piece of the puzzle that will allow those who are still feeling the impacts of the August 2022 weather event to get on with their lives and we look forward to making positive progress.”
Mayor Nick says he acknowledges the work of Council staff, geotechnical consultants, the patience of affected homeowners and the Council taskforce, including Councillors Trudie Brand and Matty Anderson, in helping Council get to this point on the remediation work.
The 2023 planting season kicks off this weekend 
This winter, Nelson City Council aims to plant 50,000 native plants throughout Nelson, with 5,000 of these planted by volunteers across four public events.
These yearly planting events help to protect and restore our natural environment. They’re also a lot of fun!
These events wouldn’t be possible without the many volunteers who pitch in every year. 
So, if you or someone you know is interested, please do come along. 
Please wear sturdy shoes and bring your own gloves. Spades will be provided, but feel free to bring your own if you can.  
Grampians Reserve (560 plants)
Saturday 27 May at 10am (Rain day Sunday 28 May)
This planting is in conjunction with Braemar Eco Village, who undertake routine maintenance of this area of the Grampians. Parking: top end of Motueka St and Blampied place.
Tāhunanui Beach (1,600 plants)
Saturday 3 June at 10am (Rain day Sunday 4 June)
Nelmac and Nelson City Council are shouting a BBQ for volunteers at this planting event to celebrate Arbor Day. Parking: by the Beach Café. Planting is to the left of the beach volleyball courts.
Wakapuaka River (1,500 plants)
Saturday 15 July at 10am (Rain day Sunday 16 July)
Celebrate Matariki with this planting event in Wakapuaka. A BBQ will be provided for volunteers. Parking: by the Māori Pa Road bridge just off Cable Bay Road.
Maitai River (6,000 plants)
Saturday 5 August at 10am (Rain day Sunday 6 August)
This planting event will continue restoration efforts along the Maitai River, concentrating on an area that was badly damaged by the August 2022 severe weather. A BBQ will be provided for volunteers. Parking: available at site, 1.2km up Maitai Valley Road from the Sunday Hole carpark. Look for the signs.

Waste Minimisation Grants allocated 
A new round of community-led projects have received just over $40,000 in funding from this year’s first round of Rethink Waste Whakaarohia Waste Minimisation Grants. 
Thirteen applications for the $40,000 grant round were received, with requests totaling $94,425. The applications have now been assessed, and the grants awarded to six projects. 
The biggest single grant of $10,000 was given to Victory Community Centre to allow them to establish a comprehensive composting system and education around it to help both Victory Primary School and the wider community divert waste from landfill. 
Victory Community Centre Kai Coordinator Nadia Dysart says the school set a goal of zero food waste, and the community gardens needed replenishment, so it seemed like the perfect solution to create a robust composting system onsite. 
“This grant will allow us to set up a pest-proof system that will produce large amounts of compost to nourish the gardens, while providing learning opportunities, reducing waste and supporting sustainable food production for our community at the same time.” 
In addition, the following grants have been awarded: 
$5,000 to the Nelson Construction & Sustainability Alliance for an industry-led campaign to reduce construction and demolition waste 
$7500 to further extend the Recycle a Device programme in local schools and groups 
$7500 to Nelson Environment Centre for a cardboard perforator trial – this will enable diversion of used cardboard from landfill to provide packaging material which can be used instead of plastic bubble wrap and test whether this is a product which can be sold. 
$4825 to Small Time Developments to set up two biogas systems powered by food waste at the Nelson Christian Academy and the Nelson Baptist Church 
$2000 to Yum Inc Ltd to extend their network supporting refillable containers. 
One further grant remains to be confirmed in partnership with Tasman District Council for a deconstruction advisory service. 
Group Manager Infrastructure Alec Louverdis says the grants are a way to support our community to lead the charge in reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions. 
“Waste minimisation requires action from all of us. Community-led projects, using local knowledge, are invaluable in developing effective waste minimisation outcomes.” 
The next round of grants (repair activities) will be opening in October 2023. 

St Vincent Street closed, businesses open
Work to upgrade the stormwater network around St Vincent Street is moving into its second stage this week, which requires a full road closure at the Hastings Street intersection.  
Those with a last-minute crafting emergency, curtains to measure or cake to decorate can still access Spotlight and should follow on-street signage to make their way to the store entrance on Hastings Street via Washington Road.  
Access to and from The Warehouse and Countdown retail stores will be restricted to turning right into and left out of their St Vincent Street entry. 
All of this work will improve stormwater infrastructure to make sure the area can better manage the impact of more frequent heavy rain and future housing development. 
Businesses in the area remain open during the seven-month construction period. 
Due to this ongoing work, the bus stop on St Vincent Street between The Warehouse and Countdown will be closed. There will be a detour in place for Route 5 via Vanguard Street. The temporary stop will be opposite New World.  

Council wants YOU... to fill out the 2022/23 residents’ survey
Council wants to hear what the community thinks about Nelson City Council’s current priorities and direction.
The results of these surveys give us a valuable overview of public opinion and help us to improve how we deliver the services that impact you – everything from Nelson’s transport network to sporting and cultural events and how we look after the natural environment. 
An independent research company will survey at least 400 Nelson residents before the end of June. Some people were surveyed between February and March and others will be surveyed between May and June to create as many opportunities for people to participate as possible. We’ll make the survey results publicly available once the survey is completed, but individual responses will be completely anonymous. 
If you've been chosen to participate, you’ll get a letter in the mail with a QR code you can scan to complete the survey online. You’ll also be able to request a paper copy if that is easier for you. Either way, the survey should only take about 10–15 minutes to complete. As a thanks for taking the time to respond, you’ll go in the draw to win one of two Prezzy cards valued at $100 each, so make sure you check your mailbox.
Even if you aren’t selected to complete the survey, there are always plenty of ways to share your feedback with Council. Projects open for consultation are regularly updated online at shape.nelson.govt.nz and you can report any problems or issues through the Antenno App or by contacting our Customer Service Centre on 03 546 0200.

Mayor’s Message
Government Backs Off Nelmac
Nelmac is a significant business for Nelson, owned by Council and employing more than 300 staff. It provides important services for our city in maintaining our prized gardens, cleaning our streets, collecting recycling, mowing our sports fields, controlling pests and weeds, fixing leaks in our water pipes and running our wastewater and drinking water networks.
My respect for Nelmac’s staff has been enhanced by their hard work through Nelson’s recent run of storm events. These are the people who go out in atrocious conditions to clear drains and fix broken sewer mains.
I was shocked to be told late last year that the Government, as part of the radical Three Waters reforms, was to dismember Nelmac by taking its water division. This meant that 50 staff and assets such as pumps and utes would be taken for the new water entities without compensation. Unfairly, this asset grab affected companies with water divisions that were owned by councils only. It did not apply to businesses doing the same work in Tasman or Marlborough as they are owned by private companies such as Downer and Fulton Hogan.
I was advised by Nelmac Board members that this raid on their business and assets would have dire consequences for the company. It amounts to a third of the turnover. The immediate impact would be a loss of dividends to Council, pushing up rates. They were also concerned about the job losses and the uncertainty for staff. They doubted the business would be viable without the water services division.
I have been working hard for months trying to convince the Government to leave Nelmac alone. I presented to the Parliamentary Select Committee with the Nelmac CEO in March. I appreciated having 100% support from all 12 Councillors in opposing this. I thought the battle was lost when other changes were announced to Three Waters last month without a backtrack on Nelmac. The good news came last week on the eve of the Budget.
This mess over Nelmac should never have got this far. The threat and uncertainty has harmed the business and been stressful for staff.
There is still much about the Government’s Three Waters changes that worries me such as the poor governance structure and splitting the management of stormwater, but I am pleased Nelmac is no longer at risk. I will be continuing to lobby whoever is in Government to get the best outcome possible for the future of Nelson’s critical water infrastructure.
Dog ownership fees 2023/24 
Dog registration fees for 2023/24 will increase by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to keep pace with inflation. 
This means a $7.00 increase for a standard urban dog registration fee. 
Please register your dog by 30 June 2023.
Penalty fees will be incurred for failure to register before 31 July 2023.
Registration fee
The registration fee is a renewable, annual fee. For new dog owners, the fee is charged on a pro rata rate of the yearly fee.  All dogs three months of age and older must be registered annually. Failure to register a dog three months of age and older will incur an infringement fine, as well as late registration fee. 

A late payment penalty of 50% of the registration fee shall apply to all registrations remaining unpaid on 1 August 2023. All dogs unregistered after 1 August can be impounded and incur a further $300.00 infringement fee in addition to any registration fee, plus penalty. 

Nelson Tasman’s new bus service is a game changer

More buses, more often
A fleet of 17 electric buses will operate on a half-hourly timetable on all urban routes around Nelson and Richmond, 7am - 7pm, 7 days a week. That means there will be a bus from Nelson City Centre via Stoke to Richmond, or vice versa, every 15 minutes.
More destinations
New peak hour rural express routes servicing Motueka, Māpua, Wakefield and Brightwater. These buses run express from Richmond to Nelson City Centre (via the hospital), so perfect for commuting to work.
Zero emissions
Electric buses are quiet and clean and will help Nelson-Tasman reduce greenhouse gases associated with transport.
Lower flat fare
We’re introducing a low $2 flat fare (on Bee Card) for all buses in the urban area (that’s journeys between Nelson and Richmond). That’s without a concession applying, so if you have a Community Connect card, Gold Card or are a student the fare is even less.
Stoke on demand
Stoke’s hail and ride loop service is being replaced with an On Demand service. This will allow passengers to order a bus to their nearest ‘virtual’ stop with an easy-to-use app or by making a phone call. The bus will reach the stop within 40 minutes - much less waiting around in bad weather!
Less changing bus
We have changed the way our routes work so people have to change buses less often. For instance, a journey from Atawhai to Nelson Hospital used to require changing bus at the Bridge Street interchange, but the new Route 3 will take passengers all the way to the hospital in one journey.
Airport bus
Route 4 now extends all the way from the Brook to the Airport, travelling via Nelson City Centre and Tāhunanui. Setting off every 30 minutes, 7am to 7pm, 7 days a week, Nelsonians and visitors will be able to get to the airport for a $2 fare (less for concessions).
Easier to use
Improved real-time bus tracking, and e-readers at major interchanges will allow passengers to be more confident about when their bus is about to arrive.
Free wifi
All of our new buses come complete with access to free wifi, making them the perfect choice for commuters. Why not see if you can start your workday on your journey to work? Or if you prefer just relax with a TV show or your favourite podcast.
For more information, a detailed route map, our new fare system and to ask us a question, visit shape.nelson.govt.nz/ebus

What’s happening with the bus interchange in Stoke
You may have seen news stories or heard about plans for a new bus interchange being created outside the Stoke Central Mall. This is part of Nelson Tasman’s new bus service launching on August 1, and will provide the large residential area of Stoke West with a half hourly bus service that goes to Tahunanui, Stoke Central, Nelson and Richmond.
“Council staff met with Stoke businesses in April to talk about options for the placement of the bus interchange in Stoke,” says Group Manager Infrastructure Alec Louverdis. “After taking on board their feedback about the placement of the interchange, we returned to businesses to outline a proposed solution, which we believe strikes a balance between taking reasonable steps to incorporate the views of local businesses and addressing the public transport needs of Nelson and Stoke.”

Our proposal 
Placing the interchange outside Stoke Central Mall, a location supported by the office of Blind Low Vision NZ and further supported by the Blind Citizens Nelson group. They have stated they feel the new stop will ‘provide pedestrians, particularly those with impaired vision, easier and safer access to the pedestrian crossing and the Stoke shopping area’.
One of the key concerns we heard was that the main impact a bus interchange on Main Road Stoke, between Songer and Putaitai Streets, would be the loss of car parks affecting people wanting to make a quick stop to much loved businesses. To help mitigate that valid concern we are proposing that the on-street parking on this stretch of Main Road Stoke go from a 180 minute time limit, to 60 minutes. This will increase turnover in the area and mean spaces for customers who want to park, buy and dash will be more readily available. 
Three car parks will be removed from Main Road Stoke between Songer/Putaitai, but this will be offset by an extra four car parks just outside Countdown further up the road where the old interchange used to be. 
Some minor changes to kerbs and crossing points, but there will be no change to the current parking layout on Putaitai Street. 
The effectiveness of this solution will be reviewed in 12 months’ time.

“There are always trade-offs to be made with decisions like this and it should be remembered that successful bus services need to be situated close to large concentrations of people,” says Louverdis. “The new direction for Route 2, via Nayland Road, will provide a large residential catchment in Stoke West with a bus service every 30 minutes to Tāhunanui, Stoke Central, Nelson City Centre and Richmond between 7am and 7pm, seven days a week. This is one of the key things we need to do if we are to increase the number of people who live within 10 minutes walk of a bus stop from 35,200 to 57,100.
“A number of alternatives have been suggested by businesses and the community and these have been assessed but deemed not suitable for a variety of reasons. Turning the bus at Bunnings, for example, and travelling west along Saxton Road to access Nayland Road has a number of complexities including the fact that there is no suitable location on this section of Main Road Stoke for a bus shelter and interchange, and it is an isolated location away from the hub of Stoke Central.  
“Moving the route to Saxton Road would also result in there being no direct connection between Stoke Central and Tāhunanui, which does not provide any benefit to residents and businesses in both Tāhunanui and Stoke. This would also mean that only one bus (Route 1) would operate between Saxton Road and Songer Street, resulting in reduced frequency of services for a significant residential catchment, bigger than the southern end of Nayland Road. 
 A final decision on the placement of the bus interchange will be made by elected members at the Hearing Panel meeting held on 16 June, where the public will be able to speak or make submissions. 
Once the decision is made, and should this approve the bus interchange in the proposed location, Council will review how well it is working for all parties, across a range of criteria, in twelve months.
If you would like to provide feedback on the positioning of the Stoke Interchange visit shape.nelson.govt.nz/catching-ebus or phone our customer service team on 03 546 0200.
Annual Plan 2023/24 Consultation Document
Members of the public spoke about their submissions on the Annual Plan 2023/24 Consultation Document with elected members at a full meeting of Nelson City Council last week. 
Council received over 350 submissions to the proposals in the Consultation Document, which focused on key items including:  
Cost of recovery from the August 2022 severe weather event
Reducing 2023/24 funding for a new library while still allowing further community engagement and investigating a new location
Changes to the timing of the Bridge Street Linear Active Transport Corridor partly funded by the government’s Infrastructure Acceleration Fund
Setting aside money for connecting the Mahitahi Bayview development to water and transport services (if the development goes ahead)
An approach to rates that seeks to keep the average increase at no more than the mid-year rate of inflation: 7.2%. 
The next steps in the process are the deliberations, where elected members consider the submissions and what impacts they have on the Annual Plan 2023/24, and then final adoption in June. The deliberations will take place across the 25 and 26 May. 
To read all the submissions to the Annual Plan visit: meetings.nelson.govt.nz

Councillor’s Comment
Healthy river catchments ensure a better future for everyone
Healthy rivers and careful land management in river catchments are important for biodiversity, flood mitigation, recreation, and tackling climate change. Ongoing flood events throughout the motu mean that rivers and land use are firmly in the spotlight. In my role as Nelson North Liaison Councillor, I know that many people in rural Nelson are concerned about the links between flooding, land use, and climate change.
In this context, it’s great news that Nelson City Council has been awarded a grant of up to $900,000 from the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) for two Catchment Advisers to work with iwi and catchment groups in the region including the Wakapuaka and Whangamoa catchment areas in Nelson North to improve waterway health.
The Integrated Catchment team’s work programme will support community development, implement flood recovery projects, enhance biodiversity and river health, which will help improve the areas’ resilience to future weather events. This work will complement the existing Project Mahitahi, which aims to restore the native forest ecosystems of the Maitai Mahitahi Valley.
To achieve these aims, Council will work with the community and landowners on catchment management plans, bolstering riparian planting and fencing, reducing the discharge of E. coli and nutrients such as nitrates into the water, and preventing erosion and sediment discharge.
This work is part of the government’s 2020 Essential Freshwater reforms, which aims to prevent further degradation of Aotearoa New Zealand’s freshwater by making immediate changes so water quality improves within five years; and reversing past damage to bring waterways and ecosystems to a healthy state within a generation.
On a related note, Council has established the ‘Right Tree, Right Place’ taskforce to make recommendations to Council on the most appropriate land use for the 650ha of Council reserve land that is currently used for clear-fell pine forestry. All options are on the table, and a decision on the future use of this land is due later in the year, so watch this space.
Finally, please get in touch with feedback or ideas on the issues covered in this comment. My email is aaron.stallard@ncc.govt.nz. Working together is key to making positive changes for our environment.
Upcoming workshops for drivers and non-drivers 
Would you like to feel more comfortable in your car? Do you want to review your driving practices and knowledge? Or are you looking for tips on adjusting to life without a car? Check out some of the following workshops.
Staying Safe driver refresher course 
Brought to you by Age Concern Nelson Tasman, these free courses provide opportunities for people to review their driving practices and knowledge. The interactive sessions will feature a driving instructor and plenty of time for questions. Sessions limited to 25 attendees.  
Session dates: 
Thursday 22 June | 10am to 12:30pm | Nelson Hinemoa Croquet Club, Nelson (corner of Haven & Halifax streets)  
Thursday 17 August 10am to 12:30pm | Waimea Plains, Richmond  
Wednesday 6 September 10am to 12:30pm | Nelson Golf Club, Tāhunanui 
AA CarFit 
CarFit is a free 20-minute ‘in your car’ safety check assessment to help people find the proper fit for their vehicle.  
Trained community volunteers and/or health professionals help people review their driver seat, steering height, and wing mirror positioning to ensure they are comfortable and have good visibility.  
Learn why the proper fit in your vehicle is essential for both your safety and the safety of others on the road.  
Date: Friday 26 May, 10am to 3pm, Hinemoa Croquet Club, Saltwater Creek Lane, Nelson 
Life without a car course 
Adjusting to life without a car doesn’t have to mean losing independence and freedom. 
This free information session will help older adults find ways to stay connected to whānau, friends and places in their community without having to drive. 
The course explores alternative ways to remain mobile, how to stay involved with activities, and insights for adapting to a lifestyle without driving.  
Date: Thursday 29 June, 10am to 11:30am, Waimea Plains Retirement Village Clubhouse.
For more information about these courses or to make a booking, please call Jackie at Age Concern Nelson Tasman on 021 195 8108.  

Conewatch: Ongoing
Project name	Likely 
end date	Location	Benefit	
Saxton Creek 
Upgrade Stage 4 	End of 
October 2023 	Main Road Stoke 	Flood mitigation 	
Washington Valley Infrastructure Upgrade – Stage 1 (Hastings Street) 	End of May 2023 	Hasting Street	Improve stormwater network and reduce flooding risk	
Awatea Place Wastewater Pump Station	August 2023	Awatea Place & Parkers Road 	Improve wastewater network capacity and protect environment from overflows	
Wastney Terrace Stormwater Upgrade	May 2023	Atawhai Crescent (Corder Pond) via private property to Wastney Terrace and up to Sunnybank Rise	Improve stormwater network capacity and reduce flooding risk	
Collingwood Street Sewer Renewal	May 2023	Woods, Manuka Street – Bronte Street	Improving the sewer network 	
Saxton Pathways 	30 June 2023 	Saxton Fields	Connecting to existing pathways and shared paths	
Devenish Place Recovery Project	July 2023	Devenish Place	Reconstruction of road and underground services following Aug 2022 Weather event	
Maitai River Swallow Main	May 2023	Maitai River by Riverside Pool	Repairs to Swallow main following August 2022 weather event	
St Vincent Street Stormwater 	November 2023	Intersection of St Vincent Street & Hastings St 	Improve stormwater network and reduce flooding risk 	

Nelson Tasman Climate Forum invites you to Take the Jump – Tangohia te Peke
This Climate Action column was supplied by the Nelson Tasman Climate Forum, as part of an ongoing series on climate change.
Climate change is front of mind for many of us as flooding and slips become a frequent theme in the news.
In Nelson Tasman, we’ve felt its effects close to home over the past few years – first the drought and Pigeon Valley fire in 2019, and then the massive floods and landslips in Nelson last year. The world is experiencing more extreme weather events as the world heats up. Like us, you may be asking yourself what can we do about it?
Reducing carbon emissions is essential, and to keep global temperature increases to 1.5˚C, in Nelson we need to each cut our carbon footprints by 8% a year, every year until 2030. That’s a tall order.
We at the Nelson Tasman Climate Forum have been searching for ways to help people make achievable changes that will bring down our overall emissions. This year during Climate Action Week (CAW) 26 May to 3 June 2023 we will launch Take the Jump – Tangohia te Peke to enable our region to come together around climate action. 
Take the Jump is a science and evidence-based global movement that has identified some feasible lifestyle shifts that reduce our carbon output. Research shows that these individual and household shifts will get us about 27% of the way towards the 1.5˚C limit. The remaining 73% needs big changes to economics, politics and systems. History shows this usually happens when mass changes in mindset and culture lead the way. This starts with citizens and communities taking the jump – that’s you!
The Nelson Tasman Climate Forum has been working closely with the global Take the Jump team over the past year to adapt the lifestyle shifts to fit with Kiwi culture and context. The seven shifts that will have the largest impact on carbon emissions at household level are: 
Some of these may seem daunting at first but Take the Jump – Tangohia te Peke is not about making all these changes in one go. It’s about making a start, trying out what is possible, and working from there with no shame, and lots of encouragement. We are aiming for an inclusive and supportive environment through local events, community groups and social media. 
Take the Jump overall means less consumption, but with more time left over for creativity, care, comedy, camaraderie, contentment, craft, connection, celebration, culture and community. Taking action is also a great way to reduce climate anxiety. 
During CAW (26 May to 3 June) the local Take the Jump – Tangohia te Peke team will be present at several events, including a Nelson Saturday Market and the Electric Bike and Vehicle expos. For those of you interested in learning more, there is a webinar on Thursday 1 June at 7.30pm – to register, and to see the full CAW schedule go to: ntcf.nz
Get jumping!
Chris Wheatley, Deputy Chair, Nelson Tasman Climate Forum

Meetings
The following meetings of the Nelson City Council have been scheduled. 
Council – to deliberate on submissions to draft Annual Plan 2023/24
9am each day	25 and 26 May
Audit, Risk and Finance Committee
9am	1 Jun
Council
9am	8 Jun
Hearing Panel
9am	16 Jun
Council
9am	22 Jun
Council - to hear submissions to Traffic and Parking Bylaw (if required)
1pm	23 Jun

The Bridge Street bus stop is on the move (temporarily) 
In August, Nelson City Council will be introducing a new fleet of electric buses that will provide Nelsonians with a reliable and cheaper alternative to travel into the City Centre. 
To make sure these buses have a safe place to park, we need to make a couple of changes to the current bus depot.  
This will involve the deconstruction of the small building on the site, followed by the reconstruction of the bus parking and upgrade of the passenger area. This will provide the space required for the extra buses that are part of the new service. We expect this work to take around eight weeks, weather permitting. 
While this work takes place, passengers will get on and off the Route 1 and 2 bus at Haven Road. This stretch of road will remain open to public use; however, our recommendation is to use alternative roads. Buses for all other routes will continue to leave from the usual place in Wakatu car park. 
For the duration of this project, the carpooling section of Wakatu car park will be reserved for Suburban Bus Lines (SBL). The car parks on Haven Road will also be reserved for SBL. This is temporary; all car parks will revert to public use once the project is finished.   
This land has been strategically purchased by Nelson City Council as a part of the Infrastructure Acceleration Fund. This fund supports the infrastructure and associated transport improvements to build approx. 1000 extra residential units in the central city. The removal of the old building will make way for projects in this area.  
Feedback from the public was for us to bring the new bus service forward by three years. This has meant we need to modify this bus interchange now and a new interchange will be constructed in the future.

Community pest traps vandalised 
Unfortunately, community pest traps around the region have been tampered with, damaged and in some cases, destroyed. 
This is disheartening as community trapping efforts play a crucial role in bringing back native birds and other wildlife to our city.
We would like to remind everyone that the traps used by community trapping groups around our city have been approved as humane by the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee. They are designed to cause the least amount of stress possible to the pest animal and only allow undesired species to enter. The small size of the opening of ground-based traps excludes animals larger than rats. Possum traps are placed high enough off the ground to be out of reach of dogs or children and are baited to only attract possums. Baits are all natural – no toxins or poisons are used. Cats are uninterested in the traps or bait. 
Please do not interfere with traps or monitoring devices. It’s important to remember why community trapping takes place, it’s not for the sake of killing, but rather to protect our native species from introduced predators such as rats, possums, and stoats. These introduced animals can also spread diseases to humans and other animals, which is why we are attempting to break this chain and help native birds and their young fledge from the nest without being killed by predators.
Nelson City Council’s Halo programme supports more than 20 community trapping projects over about 1700 hectares (that’s equivalent to around 1700 rugby fields) with more than 3000 traps.
The majority of community trapping projects are carried out by volunteers. Nelson City Council supports these community volunteer groups by providing funds and materials to assist the purchasing of baits and traps. Each week, volunteers will visit most of these traps, walking many kilometres over rough terrain to rebait traps, remove any trapped animals and record data in a national database via Trap.NZ. This is a massive effort and without the determination of these volunteers, Whakatū Nelson is unlikely to see many native species flourish in our parks, reserves and backyards.
If you would like to join in and protect birds and other fauna in your area, you can take advantage of the Nelson Nature-subsidised predator trap scheme for your own backyard – more than 400 residents have already made use of this offer. Traps are available in a variety of types and sizes, ranging from $15 to $60. To purchase traps, Nelson residents can visit the Department of Conservation Visitor Centre by Millers Acre carpark. You can also email nelson.nature@ncc.govt.nz to find out if there is a trapping group near you or to find out more.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us protect our native animals.
IT's on... at a Council venue near you
Saxton Stadium
Table Tennis Nelson Junior Coaching – Mondays and Fridays during term time 3:30 – 5pm
Trafalgar Centre
Dancing for a Cause – Saturday 27 May, 7pm
Nelson Giants vs Wellington Saints – Friday 2 June, 7pm
Nelson Giants vs Canterbury Rams – Sunday 11 June, 4pm
Nelson Giants vs Hawkes Bay Hawks – Friday 16 June, 7pm
Founders Heritage Park
Hours: 10am – 4:30pm Daily
My Time, My Life – Sunday 18 June, 11am – 3pm
Stoke Memorial Hall – Temporarily Closed
Trafalgar Street Hall
Ceol Aneas Traditional Irish Music Festival Ceili Dance– Saturday 3 June, 7pm – 9:30pm
Isel House and Park
Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 10am – 3pm
Saturday: 12pm – 4pm
Sunday, Monday and Public Holidays: Closed
Brunch in the Park – every Saturday until 23 September, 9am – 1pm
Nelson Public Libraries:
Elma Turner Library – Open as the Pop-up Library
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:30am – 6pm
Wednesday: 10am – 6pm
Saturday: 10am – 4pm
Sunday: 1pm – 4pm
Library Knitters – every Thursday, 10am – 12pm
Rising Scientess – Wednesday 24 and 31 May, 4pm – 5pm
Community Corner with Employable – Thursday 25 May, 10am – 12pm
Introduction to Tai Chi – Thursday, 25 May, 12pm – 12:45pm
Community Corner: Telehealth – Friday 26 May, 10am – 12pm
NZ Music Month: Alvaro – Friday 26 May, 12:30pm
NZ Music Month: The Bay Organ Trio – Saturday 27 May, 12:30pm
NZ Music Month: Nelson Guitar Orchestra – Sunday 28 May, 2pm
Techy Time – Tuesday 30 May, 4pm – 5pm
Being a Rocket Scientist and Other Tales – Sunday 4 June, 2pm
Author Talk: Emerald to Pounamu – Saturday 10 June, 2pm
Sunday Craft Club, Cross Stitch – Sunday 11 June, 1pm
Pop up Pukapuka – Wednesday 14 June, 5:45pm – 6:30pm
Living Library – Sunday 18 June, 2pm – 4pm
Nightingale Library Memorial
Hours: Monday – Friday: 12pm – 4pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 1pm – 4pm
Stoke Library
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:30am – 5:30pm
Wednesday: 10:00am – 5:30pm
Saturday: 10am – 1pm
Sunday: Closed
Small Times – every Friday until Friday 30 June, 10:30am
Crafty Creators – Friday 26 May and Friday 2 June, 4pm – 5pm
Museums and Galleries:
Broadgreen House and Samuels Rose Gardens
Hours until 31 May: 10:30am – 4:30pm Daily
Hours from 1 June: 12pm – 3pm Daily
Langbein Time: 10:30am – 4:30pm Daily
Twill Felt Flower Workshop – Sunday 28 May, 10am – 4pm
The Suter Art Gallery & Theatre
Hours: 9:30am – 4:30pm Daily
Exhibition: Gary Baseman: Memento Moa – Wednesday 22 March – Sunday 11 June, 9:30am – 4:30pm
Exhibition: Night Life – Saturday 22 April – Sunday 8 October, 9:30am – 4:30pm
Refinery ArtSpace
Hours: Monday – Friday from 10am – 5pm, Saturday from 10am – 2pm
Exhibition: Changing Threads Contemporary Textile Fibre Art Awards – Saturday 13 May – Saturday 10 June, During opening hours
Nelson Provincial Museum
Hours: Weekdays from 10am – 5pm, Weekends & Public Holidays from 10am – 4:30pm