Live Nelson

Making Nelson a better placeNELSON CITY COUNCIL

more inside...Suter redevelopment agreement signed page 3

Local Government comes to town page 3

Projects on the go page 5

Waste not, want not – the story of food page 6

Recycling - beyond the blue bins page 8

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Two new murals on the Maitai

Don’t miss Light Nelson this weekend

Fan worm alert52 4

Issue 380 12 July 2014

Check out our websitenelson.govt.nz

NBus changesDon’t forget the NBus timetable has changed and there are now new weekend services, making it even more convenient to catch the bus! Make sure you grab a timetable or visit nbus.co.nz to get all the details.

A 12-week trial of free parking every day in Nelson’s central business district is now underway. The aim is to encourage shoppers to enjoy all the city has on offer and the trial will run until 30 September 2014.

Mayor Rachel Reese says, “This is about providing a winter boost for our city centre. Business owners represent a significant slice of our community. This is one way we can respond to the needs of businesses in the CBD during the traditionally quieter winter months.”

Cathy Madigan, Manager of Uniquely Nelson says, “It’s fantastic that Council has listened to retailers' concerns and has agreed to support Nelson city with this free parking initiative over winter. We know people love Nelson city and we want to make it more enjoyable for them to experience the arts and culture, food and wine, fashion and shopping and of course, the great alfresco café scene and our gorgeous sunny winter days. We’d love to see the city busy year-round and this helps us toward achieving that.”

Council’s support for this trial follows on from the other initiatives it supports to keep Nelson vibrant through winter such as Light Nelson and the School of Music Winter Music Festival.

“It is clear that this trial is just one piece of the puzzle. It’s now up to local people to support their local shops. We’ve been hearing for some time that the lack of free parking is what keeps people away so with that

barrier removed, we’ll look forward to seeing Nelson streets bustling throughout winter,” Mayor Reese says.

What you need to knowThe free parking will be for the applicable time limit on that car park, to a maximum of three hours. The central area of Wakatu Square will remain as all-day paid parking, while the one hour parking spaces around the edge of the square will be free. Infringement notices will be issued for anyone parking over the time limits so please remember to check on the meter and parking signage to confirm how long you can stay.

Expired warrants, registration and safety issues will still be enforced but in some cases there may be a grace period and a reminder might be issued in the first instance rather than a fine.

Although Morrison Square is a private car park it will be included in this initiative and offer free parking for its normal time limit of 2 hours.

A map showing the areas where free parking applies is available on the website:

nelson.govt.nz

Free parking trial for Nelson city

Cathy Madigan, Manager of Uniquely Nelson, and Mayor Rachel Reese spread the word about free parking. Photo courtesy of the Nelson Weekly.

12 July 2014 • Issue 3802 nelson.govt.nz

LIVE NELSONCOMMUNITY LIVE NELSONCOMMUNITY

Don’t miss Light Nelson this weekend!Artists are working on the last details of their light installations, electricians have been roped in to problem-solve, arborists are working out how they’ll place lighting to illuminate trees, and the organisers have their eyes on the weather forecast.

It’s time for the switches to be flicked for Light Nelson, which runs from July 11-13.

Light Nelson Trust chair Brian Riley says it’s very different from last year when there was some anxiety over whether people would come.

“People who loved it last year will be back and those who missed it will come along to see what all the talk is about,” he says. “I know they’re going to be blown away by projects such as Fleur Stewart‘s quirky illuminated sheep, Jacob Barrow’s giant virtual reality game and Ben Clegg’s laser recreation of the Riwaka

Resurgence – Ben did the Rainbow Bridge last year so we know what he’s capable of.”

Brian says Light Nelson is a fantastic community event that really sums up what Nelson is about.

“Without funding from the Nelson City Council through the Economic Development Agency’s Events Marketing and Development Programme, we simply would not be able to gather-in other sponsors and put this show on,” he says. “We’re thrilled to play our part by staging a family event that brings our

community together, raises Nelson’s profile as arty and innovative, and helps to attract visitors in the down season.”

With the big crowd that is expected, Brian has a special message for parents:

“Really it’s just to take responsibility for children and to exercise common sense – it will be dark, there is a pond, some installations are delicate and some involve fire,” he says. “We are asking parents to talk to their kids about safety before they come to Light Nelson and keep an eye on them when they’re there.”

Marsden Valley forest closureSections of Marsden Valley forest are due to be closed from the first week in August for up to three months for the salvage harvesting of storm damaged trees.

The Barnicoat Walkway and Fincham Road will be closed for the duration of the harvest so please obey all closures and signs in place for your own safety.

Glider Road will be closed Monday to Friday but access will be available on weekends. The Widdershins/Involution Mountain Bike Trails and Scout Track will remain open. Sorry for the inconvenience but the damaged trees do need to be harvested to make this popular area safe for everyone.

Your questions answered….What is it? Light Nelson is a collaboration of art, science and technology, with 50 artists letting their creativity loose on 40 installations in a range of innovative media, including laser technology, digital imagery, performance, fire, music and poetry.Where is it? Queen's Gardens and surrounds, Hardy and Bridge Streets, plus Albion Square and NMIT Arts and Media building and campus. Neon synth band performs at the Cathedral at 5.30pm nightly. When is it? July 11-13, nightly 5.30-9.30pm. What does it cost? Entry is free!

Photo: Peter JenningsPhoto: Martin de Ruyter

Brook area walking and cycling changesDrawings outlining the revised scope of improvements to this area following earlier rounds of consultation have been sent to affected people. Construction will take place in the 2014/15 financial year.

The final plans do reflect, as much as possible, the outcomes people told us they wanted during the initial consultation phases, while balancing the engineering challenges and available budgets.

In summary, the revised scope of the project aims to improve pedestrian safety with pedestrian refuges, shorter crossing distances at the Tasman Street and Manuka Street intersection, and more footpaths. Stormwater systems will also be upgraded on Tasman Street as part of this work.

Road users will benefit from the changes at the Tasman and Manuka Street intersection, the formalisation of parking (where possible), and better roadside kerbs.

Photo: Ben Clegg

nelson.govt.nz 3Issue 380 • 12 July 2014

LIVE NELSON COMMUNITYLIVE NELSON COMMUNITY

John Peters John Murray Glenice Paine

Local Government comes to townThe Nelson regional economy will receive a welcome mid-winter boost thanks to the 2014 Local Government New Zealand Conference, which will be held on 20 – 22 July at the Rutherford Hotel. Nelson City Council is delighted to be co-hosting the event with Tasman District Council. With 550 delegates plus their partners expected to attend, it is likely that businesses throughout the region will benefit.

According to Nelson Tasman Tourism figures, conference attendees are likely to spend up to $450 a day in Nelson, but the benefits are also long-term, with many visitors returning at a later date to savour the region's delights at a slower pace.

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) and event organisers Conference Innovators have worked closely with both councils, along with Nelson Tasman Tourism to bring the event to the region. Holding an event of this size will help to establish Nelson’s reputation as a conference destination and showcase the scale and quality of the region’s facilities, attractions and export-focussed commercial sector.

Council hosted tours will take delegates to visit the World of WearableArt and Classic Cars Museum and the Cawthron Aquaculture Park, while their partners are invited to take part in tours that will showcase the region’s arts, crafts, local wine and craft beer producers as well as our restaurants, cafés and retail sector.

Council welcomes new appointeesNelson City Council is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to two key Committees.

John Peters and John Murray have been appointed to the Governance Committee, with their first engagement at last week's meeting.

John Peters has an extensive career in corporate leadership with a variety of private and public board memberships and 24 years as a Chief Executive/Managing Director, covering commercial and government sectors.

John Murray has vast governance experience, with a strong background in financial management and plays an active role in the Nelson business community and within the accountancy profession.

Governance Committee Chair Ian Barker says both appointments to the Governance Committee offer senior level professional expertise, with proven experience of value added audits, risk analysis and public body services. “These appointments follow the past practice of Council to seek the benefit of expert knowledge around the Council

table. I look forward to working with our new appointees for the betterment of our city.”

Glenice Paine has been appointed to the Planning and Regulatory Committee. With an extensive background in resource management and conservation, Glenice is an accredited resource management commissioner and has served on several Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) boards of inquiry. Glenice is the Chair of Te A- tiawa o Te Waka-a-Ma-ui Trust and was a member of Nga- Kaihautu- Tikanga Taiao for 11 years, the Statutory Ma-ori Advisory Committee to the EPA.

Planning and Regulatory Committee Chair Brian McGurk says, “Glenice brings to the table a wealth of experience in resource management and conservation, a huge knowledge of governance and treaty settlement legislation, and a strong insight into the modern Ma-ori world. We’re delighted to have her on board.”

Suter redevelopment agreement signedMayor Rachel Reese, Ian MacLennan and John Hambleton from the Bishop Suter Trust have signed the Heads of Agreement document that agrees the responsibilities for the two organisations on the Suter redevelopment project.

This agreement establishes a Project Governance Committee comprised of senior Council officers and members of the Bishop Suter Trust.

Mayor Rachel Reese says, “The redevelopment will honour the national significance of the Suter as New Zealand’s oldest art gallery on the same site. Once complete, the Suter Gallery’s rich history will be well and truly matched by its bright future. The Trust has worked professionally and efficiently with us on the project and we look forward to continuing that partnership.”

Mr MacLennan says, “The Suter is grateful to the people of the wider Nelson region, project benefactors and the Nelson City Council for having the vision and generosity to enable the Suter to continue to be a vibrant arts centre providing for our community and its visitors through its exhibitions, cinema, theatre, education and café overlooking Queen's Gardens.

A Project Manager has been appointed and expressions of interest have been called for construction of the redevelopment. This is the first stage of the tender process to appoint a main contractor for the upgrade works. The aim is to have a contractor appointed by late November with construction to start soon after. The project is jointly funded between Nelson City Council and the Bishop Suter Trust.

L – R Ian MacLennan, John Hambleton and Mayor Rachel Reese.

12 July 2014 • Issue 3804 nelson.govt.nz

LIVE NELSONCOMMUNITY

Seven things you may not know about your libraries...

1. Nelson Public Libraries' members can download e-Books and audio books in the same way they borrow physical items…just go to the website or catalogue armed with your library card number and PIN and follow the instructions.

2. Library notifications can be sent to you via text message – go to the catalogue or website and complete the online form, or visit your local library and staff will set this up for you.

3. Community groups can book to use Community Corner at the Elma Turner Library to meet with the passing public (groups must be non-profit, non-political). Display space is also able to be booked.

4. Nelson Public Libraries have monthly reading groups which gather at the Elma Turner and Stoke Libraries and which also take part in an international book group via Twitter each month…visit our website, select “enjoying our collections” tab and see “reading groups”.

5. You can read over 1000 newspapers from all over the globe and in any language via PressDisplay at all branches and at home via your library account – see “online resources” on our website or catalogue.

6. Your library card and PIN will give you access to a raft of subscription databases accessible via the website or catalogue – offering reputable information that is particularly useful for assignments or research projects.

7. Smalltime and Storytime programmes run each week at the Elma Turner and Stoke Libraries for preschoolers and babies – come along, join the fun and meet other parents.

Genealogy workshops at the LibraryHow is your family tree growing? With the constant release of new information a family tree is never finished.

August is Family History Month and a series of genealogy workshops tutored by Judith Fitchett from the New Zealand Society of Genealogists' Nelson Branch will be held at the Elma Turner Library on two Monday evenings 4 August 2014 and 11 August 2014, 5.30pm to 7pm.

Judith will guide participants through the multitude of genealogical websites, digitised archival documents and records now available.

Enrol at the Elma Turner Library Information Desk with course fee of $10 to participate. Numbers limited.

Founders Book Fair correctionAmy Brooke, who launched the Founders Park Book Fair nearly 30 years ago, with the help of neighbour Shona Banks, corrected the figure that ran in the last issue of Live Nelson regarding what was raised from the first Book Fair. The amount was around $9000, purely from the sale of books - not for admittance to the Park.

Amy writes, “Recognizing that a great deal of worthwhile and imaginative effort had already gone into establishing Founders Heritage Park in the first place, and that it was in severe financial difficulties at that time, my aim was to set up what would become an annual book fair to rescue pre-loved books being discarded, and so eventually help put the Park on a firm financial footing. It's good to see so many volunteers having come forward in succeeding years to make it what we hoped.”

Care needed from boaties following pest fan worm discoveries Nelson City Council and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) are urging the owners of moored boats to play their part in keeping Top of the South waters free of invading marine pests.

The call follows a third check of Nelson Marina for the presence of pest species, in particular the unwanted Mediterranean fan worm (Sabella spallanzanii). Sabella is a species that forms dense populations, affecting nutrient cycles, displacing native species, and potentially affecting our aquaculture industry. It is well established in Lyttleton and Auckland harbours.

This pest was first found in Nelson through a routine check of the area’s coastline carried out by NIWA for MPI last November.

MPI’s Senior Advisor, Response, Kathy Walls says a single immature specimen was found by divers under a pontoon at the Nelson Marina.

As a result, Council and MPI commissioned a more exhaustive search of the area later in November, which uncovered eleven further fan worms in the marina,” says Ms Walls.

“We decided it was prudent to carry out a second survey in autumn, before the winter spawning season. This allowed any small worms which might have been missed during the first check to grow to a detectable size.”

Results were received from this autumn survey last month and divers found a further

22 worms in the marina. Although most of the worms were found growing on the underside of pontoons, one large worm was found on the keel of a vessel moored in the marina.

This is where boaties come in. Marine pests such as the fan worm are easily transported to new locations on dirty undersides of boats. As these recent detections of fan worms have been in the Nelson Marina, Council asks that boat owners berthed there pay particular attention to cleaning and antifouling their boats regularly, especially if this hasn’t been done for a while and there is visible biofouling on boat hulls.

And it’s not just recreational vessels. Earlier this year Sabella was found on a general cargo vessel which was in Nelson for maintenance. Its hull was carefully cleaned of all Sabella when it was slipped to remove any threat of it establishing at Nelson.

Owners and operators of commercial vessels are asked to ensure those vessels are regularly

maintained with good effective antifouling in place.

It’s also important that sea chests and other niche areas are regularly maintained. Having clean hulls and sea chests will also improve fuel efficiency.

If you spot anything that you are concerned could be an unwanted organism, please report it to MPI’s Exotic Disease and Pest hot line on 0800 80 99 66.

Information about ways to prevent the spread of marine pests is at:

biosecurity.govt.nz/biosec/camp-acts/marine/cleaning

nelson.govt.nz 5Issue 380 • 12 July 2014

COMMUNITYCOMMUNITYLIVE NELSON

Two new murals on the Maitai Another two mural installations have been added this month to the Murals along the Maitai project.

The two new murals have been funded by Nelson City Council and are on Council-owned buildings but private property owners and sponsors are also invited to support the project.

The overall project will deliver an outdoor gallery of eight different categories of murals on buildings along the Maitai Walkway between Paru Paru Rd and Bridge St.

One of the latest murals overlooks the carpark at the Elma Turner Library. It is a motif style design by Nelson artist Robbie Siataga-Kavanaugh. Produced on timber panels, the mural resembles a Polynesian tapa format. On closer inspection, repeated shapes and motif reveal transport icons, flora and fauna. Aeroplanes, shoes, skateboards, cars and canoes, to name a few, are arranged within three large blocks that bridge a water pattern underneath.

The content in this riverside mural, suggests the migration of people and the transportation of knowledge to Nelson.

The second mural added this month is on the eastern wall of the Riverside Pool.

Completely different in approach to materials and style, this art piece falls into the category of a “tiled” mural. It is a digital print on the back of polycarbonate glass panels and uses this modern production to enhance the ancient tile technique with convincing results.

The tiled image reflects a modern expression of an underwater world full of strange aquatic plant life, fish, crustacea and micro-biotic flotsam. It is the work of local artist Kathaleen Bartha.

“From the start of this project, it's been great to work with the artists and volunteers,” says Project Manager Chris Finlayson. ”We are half-way through the project and I hope Nelsonians are getting a feel for the variety and visual appeal this walkway gallery can provide.

"Besides the pathway improvements going on, colour and meaningful art on commercial buildings along the walk lift the tone. They create a conversation with the river environment, heritage and city culture in support of other public art around the place”.

Four more types of murals are yet to be realised. They are: sculpture relief, decorative, architectural and trompe l'oeil (trick of the eye).

Riverside Murals Project is expected to be complete by March 2015.For more info on the project, to get involved or to make a donation

go to:

Projects on the goHere’s an update on some of the many and varied Council projects that are happening all over our city at the moment. There is a lot happening to make Nelson a better place.

Nelson Intermediate School, Walk, Cycle ChangesWork is happening around Nelson Intermediate to make it easier and safer to walk or cycle to school. This includes kerb build outs at the intersection of Tipahi Street and Tukuka Street and a pedestrian refuge on Motueka Street at the Tipahi Street intersection where school children cross on their way to and from school.

Orsman Crescent WalkwayThe walkway between Orsman Crescent and Murphy Street is being upgraded with the addition of concrete steps and a path.

Saxton CreekFish and Wildlife Services will be trapping in Saxton Pond over the coming weeks to assess fish numbers and to start transferring eels out of the pond in anticipation of works due to happen in the pond later in the year.

Champion Terrace Retaining WallWork on renewing the retaining wall on

Champion Terrace is under way. The road is scheduled to be closed for four weeks during daytime hours to allow the work to be carried out.

Melrose House Chimney RepairsWork is getting under way to remove the two existing brick chimneys which were damaged in the Seddon earthquakes and which could pose a significant risk in the event of further earthquakes. In consultation with the Historic Places Trust the chimneys will be replaced with two working chimneys replicating those originally built for the house in 1879. Work is expected to be completed in October. During this time the Melrose House café and gardens will remain open to the public.

Battery Observation PostWork on seismic strengthening of the WWII Battery Observation Post has begun. The work involves the drilling of anchors through the structure to hold it in place and can be undertaken without affecting traffic flows on Rocks Road.

Trafalgar Park Pedestrian BridgeThe Nelson Civic Trust has provided funding for the installation of LED lights on the Trafalgar Park bridge. The lights will run along the outside of the side beams and shine up under the arch and railing. The work should be finished by late July.

Pioneer Park PlaygroundPioneer Park is currently undergoing a playground upgrade including a new swing set and slide. New rubber matting is being trialled within the strike zone of the swing in place of the existing bark. Rubber matting is a sustainable option for reducing maintenance and complying with playground specifications.

Bridge Street EnhancementThe new seating and planters have been installed. The seats were chosen as they are heavy and can be placed as temporary fixtures or permanent, and don’t need to be fixed into the pavement. Pavement painting and some lighting embellishments are the next step in the programme.

riversidemurals.co.nz

12 July 2014 • Issue 3806 nelson.govt.nz

LIVE NELSONCOMMUNITYCOMMUNITY

Project Butterfly judged supreme winnerA group of volunteers behind a healing memorial pathway that pays tribute to children gone too soon called Project Butterfly were recognised at the Trustpower Nelson Tasman Community Awards on 1 July as the Supreme Winner.

Over 230 people attended the awards at the Rutherford, which were presented by Nelson Mayor Rachel Reese, Tasman Mayor Richard Kempthorne and Trustpower Community Relations Manager Graeme Purches.

For winning the Supreme Award, Project Butterfly received a framed certificate, a trophy and $1,500 prize money. Project Butterfly now has the opportunity to represent the region at the 2014 Trustpower National Community Awards, which are being held in the Wellington region in March 2015.

In total, Trustpower has given away over $5,000 to various community groups through the awards.

Trustpower Community Relations Representative Jess Somerville says, in a nutshell Project Butterfly aims to help families who have suffered an unimaginable loss; the loss of a child.

“This empathetic group do this by introducing them to other people in similar situations, sending them on workshops, helping pay for counselling if need be and they also support them with cooked meals too.

“On Mother’s Day this year, Project Butterfly took flight in a more tangible form too, with the first stage of a memorial pathway being opened. This pathway is beautifully decorated with colourful tiles that were created by the

families affected. It’s a place where parents can come and grieve and gives siblings a place to visit that is not a cemetery; but it’s very healing for the community too.”

One hundred and ten groups were entered into this year’s Trustpower Nelson Tasman Community Awards. Other award recipients were:

Heritage and EnvironmentCommendation: Founders Heritage Park Front of House VolunteersRunner-up: Brook Waimarama SanctuaryWinner: Natureland Wildlife Park

Health and WellbeingCommendation: St John AmbulanceCommendation: Nelson/Tasman Newcomers NetworkRunner-up: Nelson Host Lions ClubWinner: Nelson Tasman Region Hospice

Nelson AwardAge Concern Nelson

Youth Spirit Winner: Tullia WilsonRunner-up: Emily NarbeyFinalist: Jared KirkFinalist: Katie Barham

Sport and LeisureCommendation: Tasman Regional Sports Event TrustCommendation: Nelson Tasman Positive Ageing ExpoRunner-up: Nelson Underwater Hockey ClubWinner: Bowls Murchison

Arts and CultureCommendation: Nelson Youth CouncilJoint Runner-up: Golden Bay Community Arts CouncilJoint Runner-up: Takaka Citizens BandWinner: Vision Motueka

Tasman AwardGolden Bay Community Vehicle Service Trust or “Wrinkles Express”

Supreme WinnerProject Butterfly

Education and Child/Youth DevelopmentJoint Runner-up: Golden Bay High School Home School AssociationJoint Runner-up: Society of St Vincent de Paul Nelson Area Council VinniesWinner: English Language Partners Nelson

Monique Potter (right) from Nelson Environment Centre rewards Virginia Leary Sciascia with her grocery voucher for taking part in a week-long food diary project.

Waste not, want not – the story of foodOne of the more interesting (and occasionally messy) things Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council do as part of their joint waste plan is to look at what is actually going into our landfills. The latest analysis points to a high level of food waste.

In New Zealand, there is very little information on food waste, which has prompted the councils to fund a study to find out which foods people are throwing out, how much, and the reasons why. Once the results are finalised, a programme will be developed to help households reduce food waste and, at the same time, food bills. This campaign will be based upon ideas like the internationally acclaimed UK campaign: Love Food Hate Waste, which has reduced food waste in London by an impressive 21%.

Conducting the study on behalf of the councils is the Nelson Environment Centre (NEC), which is collecting information on food waste in our region, focusing on the reasons why food ends up in the rubbish bag, by asking people to submit detailed diaries. NEC targeted households with young children as international research shows that this group wastes more food than any other sector. Working with these families to demonstrate how food waste can be cut down will provide useful examples for many other households too.

In Nelson and Tasman, the diaries reveal the main items wasted are bread, chicken, school lunchbox leftovers (especially sandwiches) and breakfast cereals, following behind fruit and veggies as the main items wasted. The main reasons edible food is wasted seem to be that food is left to go off before it can be eaten and portion sizes may be too big, especially for young children. School lunchboxes produce a lot of waste. Interestingly, one mum noticed that after the school implemented a zero-

waste lunch policy, with the children supervised until they have eaten their lunch before being allowed to play, the result was that the lunchbox waste was halved.

“The really great news that the diaries show is that nearly every family we surveyed cooks loads of fresh fruit and veggies. Also, 44% of food waste in our region is thrown in the compost and 23% is fed to animals, with just 24% going to landfill," says Sarah Langi, NEC’s waste education facilitator. “This may be painting too bright a picture, as the families all volunteered to take part in the survey. It may also reflect the variety of fresh food available in our region and all the compost workshops the councils have funded in recent years.” A local campaign to reduce food waste will now be designed, with a strong focus on practical tips including cooking, storing and shopping for food.

L – R Mayor Rachel Reese, Rebekah Malthus and Aine Byrne from Project Butterfly, Mayor Richard Kempthorne and Graeme Purches from Trustpower.

nelson.govt.nz 7Issue 380 • 12 July 2014

Meetings

LIVE NELSON COMMUNITY

FROM THE COUNCIL TABLEBringing you the results of what has been discussed and decided at the Council table

The following meetings of the Nelson City Council have been scheduled:

Council meeting9am 17 July

Works and Infrastructure Committee9am 24 July

Planning and Regulatory Committee9am 31 July

Notes:

1: Unless otherwise shown, the meetings will be held in the Council Chamber, Civic House, Trafalgar Street, Nelson.

2: A public forum is held during the initial period of the Committee/Council meeting. Anyone wishing to speak at this public forum is asked to give prior advice to an Administration Adviser on 546 0200.

3: Agendas will be available for perusal at the Customer Service Centre in Civic House, or at Nelson Public Libraries, two days prior to the meeting.

4: Agendas and minutes for Council meetings can be viewed on Council’s website nelson.govt.nz

I’ve been thinking about what happens to food scraps. At home I have an Insinkerator and when I realised that it ends up in the sewer network and how many chemicals the Council is forced to use because I put food scraps down my sink I looked for an alternative. I found one that works for me and it may well work for you. It’s called the Bokashi and you can find out all about it on the

internet at www.bokashiboost.co.nz. Basically you can put your food scraps in a double-bin system and add a “mix”. I have played around with what I put in mine but I am a big fan. My major issue was that I live in an apartment and my garden is very small so I don’t have an actual compost bin outdoors. Fortunately I have Sue, a neighbour who “collects” scraps from the neighbours, and she was happy for me to add mine to her bin. The Council supports Nelson residents by subsidizing the Boskashi – just get a form from the Customer Service Centre or from the website. I would encourage you to have a look at this system. If we all do a little bit it actually makes a big difference.

Councillor's Comment - Gaile Noonan

nel.so/n/cac

Join the Eureka Sister City CommitteePeople with American heritage or who are interested in cultural and social ties with Nelson’s sister city Eureka, California, are warmly invited to a special meeting to discuss ways to continue to foster relations with our American sibling.

The Eureka Sister City Committee meeting is at Nelson City Council Chamber on Tuesday 15 July from 4.30pm to 5.30pm.

Nelson Sister City Co-ordinator Gail Collingwood says the session gives the chance to review the sister city relationship with Eureka and to look at the future direction of the organisation.

“We want to consider the potential identified back in 2004 when this relationship was formalised, with the opportunities to foster closer ties in relation to education, culture, trade, tourism and friendship. We’re also really keen to revitalise and increase our membership,” she says.

“Ultimately, it’ll be a great opportunity to share ideas about the way forward for this sister city relationship over some delicious American brownies and hot coffee.”

Speakers will be Nelson Mayor Rachel Reese and Eureka Sister City Committee Chair Marilyn Gibbs.

The philosophy behind Sister Cities is to increase global co-operation at a local level, promote cultural understanding, stimulate economic development and foster a citizens’ network of organisations and individuals devoted to creating and strengthening partnerships.

For catering purposes, if you wish to attend please RSVP via email to gibbs@ts.co.nz or geedeecee@actrix.co.nz

Plan to guide decisions on the BrookNelson City Council is taking a broad view on the future of the Brook Valley Holiday Park.The Community Services Committee resolved to prepare a Management Plan under the Reserves Act 1977 for the recreation reserve that contains the Brook campground.

Community Services Chair Pete Rainey says the process will allow everyone to comment about what the reserve may look like in the future including what activities happen within it.

“We’ve had some really good, robust discussions

with people living at the camp and the wider community about the future of the camp and the reserve in general.

“This is an important city asset. We need to take a strategic approach that looks at all the issues,” says Clr Rainey. “There are many considerations to take into account in relation to the reserve. Involving the Nelson community in the development of a Management Plan is the most effective and efficient way to move forward.”

The Brook campground will continue to operate with an on-site camp manager, however it will not accept any new campers at this stage.

Sister City Co-ordinator Gail Collingwood (left) and Eureka Sister City Committee Chair Marilyn Gibbs check out the latest news from our Californian friends.

8 nelson.govt.nz Ph 546 0200, enquiries@ncc.govt.nz • Layout: HotHouse Communications • Printing: Fairfax Media

LIVE NELSON

CHECK OUT

Light Nelson - Light Nelson is set to brighten up the winter with an outdoor gallery of brilliant light installations, clustered around the lily pond and massive trees of the city’s historic Queens Gardens, Albion Square and into the NMIT campus. In a collaboration of art, science and technology, over 40 artists let their creativity loose through a range of innovative media including laser technology, digital imagery, performance, music and poetry. Light Nelson thrilled thousands of viewers last year as it’s an irresistible mix: a garden walk in the clear dark night of winter with magic moments of illusion, beauty, interaction and fun. Free entry.

What’s on - at a Council venue near youSaxton Stadium

Art Expo Nelson, 11 - 13 July, Friday 10am-8pm, Saturday 10am - 6pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm

The Truck; skatepark setup, sports, music, Xbox, free Wifi activities. Drop-in recreation for school age children during the holidays. 17 July, 12 - 4pm (also at other venues during the holidays)

Queen's Gardens and Central Nelson

Light Nelson, 11 - 13 July, 5.30pm - 9.30pm

Albion Square

Jeu Play; interactive digital art and music installation in a shipping container 11 - 13 July

Stoke Memorial Hall

The Truck; skatepark setup, indoor sports, music, Xbox, free Wifi activities drop-in

recreation for school age children during the holidays. 11 and 18 July, 12-4pm (also at other venues during the holidays)

Wakefield Quay, Sunderland Marine Pier

Blessing of the Fleet, 19 July, 12.30pm

Museums and galleriesNelson Provincial Museum

Weekdays; 10am - 5pm, weekends and public holidays; 10am - 4.30pm

Starting with Plants, until 18 August

Memories of the First World War, until 13 July

Suter Art Gallery and Theatre

7 days, 10.30am - 4.30pm

A Long Look for a Long Time, until 13 July

The Last Picture Show, until 31 July

New Members' Exhibition, until 13 July

Marama: Pacific Winter Night, 19 July - 7 September

Suter Cinema

Nelson Film Society presents: ‘Marti: The Passionate Eye’ 10 July, 6pm

‘Tomboy’ 17 July, 6pm

Nelson Public LibrariesElma Turner Library

BookChat, second Tuesday of each month, 10.30am

BookChat Online via Twitter, #rwpchat, last Tuesday of each month, 9pm

Stoke Library

BookChat, third Wednesday of each month, 5pm

BookChat Online via Twitter, #rwpchat, last Tuesday of each month, 9pm

Computer classes at Stoke Library:

Fridays 8.45am - 9.45am,

11 July - Mouse class

18 July - ebooks

8 August - Basic Internet

15 August - Facebook etc

Book at Stoke Library or ring 546 8100 and ask to be put through to Stoke Library

Kerbside recycling is an established part of the Nelson lifestyle and many of us like the idea that we’re reducing stress on the environment by taking part.

Recent developments at the Vivian Street Recycling Station allow residents to self-sort used glass by colour. This ensures that household glass is returned to use in the most efficient way.

Colour-separated glass is 100% infinitely recyclable and sought-after by the market. From an environmental point of view sorted glass is doubly good. Not only does it reduce raw material use but it also requires less energy to melt glass than is does to make it in the first place.

Mixed glass is a different market but one that is developing. New ways of using crushed glass in areas such as roading, landscaping, bench-tops and sports ground surfaces are evolving all the time. Eventually more crushed glass will be repurposed in this way. Plastic recycling is similar in that new developments are beginning to see more types of plastic able to be reused in more ways.

For newspaper and cardboard recycling the news is also good. Strong market prices for pulp mean that boxes and paper placed for recycling are quickly reused within New Zealand.

In Nelson, environmental management company Nelmac holds the Council contract for recycling. Nelmac manages both kerbside collection and processing through the Nelson Recycling Station.

As part of their role, Nelmac’s refuse and recycling team also host school and community groups wishing to learn more about local recycling and the processing operation.

According to Commercial Team Leader Neal Thompson, this can be an eye-opener. “When school parties come through it's often the parents who're most surprised at how efficient the process is. And many people don't realise that everything collected from the kerbside is hand-sorted once it gets to the depot.”

Overall, Nelson’s kerbside recycling scheme runs like clockwork but there is one area where Neal thinks we could do better. "Mostly things work really well because in Nelson we're lucky that people tend to consider the environment, but there are a few who don't understand the flow-on effect of what they put in for recycling."

Used syringes, nappies and broken panes of glass are among the undesirable items regularly found in the mix. Runners and processing staff have been seriously hurt as a result of items like this being placed for collection - many obscured in thin plastic bags.

"Some people might not realise there are human beings involved in sorting through what arrives at the depot," says Neal. "It's also ideal if people take the lids off plastic bottles before collection. Bottles which become pressurised during the recycling process have exploded on more than one occasion."

Once the recycling arrives at the depot it's piled in a large open warehouse. From here it's raked onto a conveyor belt, which carries it up into a sorting room where four staff filter every item into cages stored below the building.

The next step involves crushing and baling

each batch, ready for transportation. Unfortunately the team are yet to find a use

for Tetra Pak, meat trays and polystyrene, so for now these should not be put in the recycling bins. But that's not to say that in future these items won't be added to the list.

“Developments in recycling techniques are happening all the time which is encouraging for those who really make an effort," says Neal. "It's not difficult to recycle. It's just a matter of getting systems in place to make it as easy a process as possible. Whether that means sitting the recycling bin under the kitchen window or for businesses, organising more regular collections - there are ways to make it simple."

And for anyone who considers recycling unviable on a personal basis, Neal has an important message. "The amount of recyclables that people put in rubbish bins is shocking. On the whole Nelsonians are doing a great job but there are still improvements to be made - and there's definitely a market for it to be reused."

Please remember:

• No broken glass• Keep lids off plastic bottles• No food• No plant pots (they have traces of soil, which

renders them undesirable to be reused)• No plants - though these can be useful in the

green waste• No polystyrene• No batteries

Recycling - beyond the blue bins