News in brief

Blue Duck midwinter swim

An 82-year-old great grandmother was among a group of 20 swimmers who took the plunge at the annual Blue Duck midwinter swim at St Arnaud last Sunday.

Organiser Bill McEwan says the family-friendly event is quiet, small and natural.

“Most of us share a love of our greater-than-human world, gratitude for life and a sense of fun.”

The idea for the swim was thought up at a Department of Conservation staff midwinter dinner in 2002 and is now in its 21st year. At 600 metres, it’s the highest altitude midwinter swim in New Zealand.

Swimmers go in at the East Jetty at Lake Rotoiti’s Kerr Bay as it’s away from the eels.

“It’s a great opportunity to do something elemental. Nakedness is really bonding and if you get a group of people who are willing to be naked together, you know you have a fine bunch of interesting people to talk to.”

Cold water swimming has been scientifically-proven to stimulate the body, increasing blood flow for major health benefits.

Salisbury Rd feedback

Tasman District Council say that feedback from their pilot layout of separated cycle lanes on Salisbury Rd has been positive.

Comments in a survey of users said they appreciate the buffer it provides between cars and pedestrians, the slower traffic, and raised features that increase awareness of crossing sites.

Using the input from survey respondents the council are now ready to make some tweaks and consider extending the lanes further along Salisbury Rd.

The use of the white upright lane markers outside Waimea Intermediate has not been successful and these will be removed. Locally-made concrete lane separators on either side of the raised crossings will be trialled.

Entries open for Mask Carnivale

The much-loved Mask Carnivale will be back this year on 27 October and entries are now open.

The event, which is part of the Nelson Arts Festival, is set to transform Nelson’s inner-city streets into a colourful explosion of joy, community, and creativity.

The theme of this year’s Carnivale is ‘Rewild, Regenerate’. People can interpret the theme as they see fit and are encouraged to get creative.

If you’re keen to be part of the Carnivale, register here by 30 September.

Te Ramaroa returns

The outdoor light festival, Te Ramaroa, is on from 30 June until 4 July, with more than 40 installations created by primary school kids, artists, community groups, architects, scientists, and even dentists.

This year, installations will be spread across Nelson’s city centre - including upper Trafalgar St, around the Cathedral, Hardy, and Bridge Sts, Morrison Square, NMIT, Albion Square, and Queens Gardens - and range from tiny discoveries to massive projections.