News in brief

Aurora Australis returns to New Zealand skies

The shimmering splendor of the southern lights have continued to dance their way across our skies, with eagle-eyed locals hunting down some stunning shots of the lingering Aurora Australis. With high solar activity predicted until the end of 2025, there should be plenty of chances yet to view this phenomenon.

Sooner rather than later for cat snip ‘n’ chip

On 28 November, Tasman District Council will decide whether to adopt its draft cat management bylaw. The bylaw would require all cats to be microchipped, registered on the National Companion Animal Registration, and desexed by the time they reach 6 months old. During deliberations last week, councillors agreed to shorten the timeframe for cat owners to comply. Existing cats would need to comply by 1 June 2026, rather than 2027 as originally suggested, and new cats would need to comply immediately after the bylaw’s adoption.

More permissive public places

An updated bylaw for regulating public places is slated for adoption by Tasman District Council on 28 November. While the updated bylaw contains many of the same requirements as the old one, residents could do more without a permit. You would now be able to mobile trade, busk, or fundraise without a permit provided several rules are obeyed – such as not trading within 200m of fixed premises selling similar products, not busking for more than 2 hours in a single place, or fundraising on behalf of a non-profit organisation (among other rules).

Free cancer research lectures

Cancer Society Nelson Tasman is hosting the Otago University Mackenzie Cancer Research Group to deliver free community health talks at the Motueka Library on 4 November from 7-9pm and the Suter Theatre on 5 November from 7-9pm. This is an opportunity to hear cancer researchers in person and ask questions. Topics will include: strategies towards breast cancer prevention, can we prescribe exercise to improve cancer treatment, understanding the role of genetic changes or mutations to breast and ovarian cancer risk, how computer vision is revolutionising cancer diagnostics, and the role of Vitamin C in cancer progression and treatment. Cancer support coordinator Cyndy Smith says they are encouraging people to come along. “Given one in three NZ adults are affected by cancer in our lifetimes and cancer rates are expected to increase, developments in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment are relevant for all of us.” Go to here to register for the Nelson event, and here to register for the Motueka event.

Tākaka Hill works on track to finish before Christmas

Despite encountering “harder-than-expected" ground conditions, the New Zealand Transport Agency is making good progress in repairing the State Highway 60 underslip on Tākaka Hill. Since work began in August, piles have been driven 12 metres deep and concreted for a retaining wall while 37 metres of flume has been installed to divert water away from the worksite. One lane stop/go temporary lane management will remain in place until the work is completed, which is hoped to be before Christmas. Upcoming night closures for hill will help the work keep on track.