News in brief

Kids fishing comp in Māpua

About 45 fishers as old as 12 took the bait and tried their casting luck at the Māpua Boat Club Kids Fishing Competition last Sunday.

Organiser Katrina Ballantyne says the free, family-friendly event was about giving back to the community and getting new anglers hooked on the outdoor sport.

Spotties, sprats and juvenile snapper were among the landed species. The catchers of the day were five-year-old Ryan Stillwell and 11-year-old James Babe, who reeled in prizes for their angling skills that were donated by sponsors.

$300k boost for new museum facility

The Nelson Provincial Museum’s long-awaited Archive, Research, and Collection (ARC) facility project to replace the dilapidated Isel Research Facility has been boosted by $300k from the Lottery Environment and Heritage Fund.

The current facility in Stoke is at the end of its useful life and not suitable to safely store the collection or provide decent working conditions for staff. The new facility will ensure the region’s collection is cared for appropriately and is easily accessible.

The facility will provide climate-controlled storage for the Nelson Tasman Regional Heritage Collection, a treasured community asset valued at $20 million, and will have a public research space, viewing area, and conservation lab.

The trust has applied for other public funds, and fundraising events will be held in 2024 for the community to get involved in before the build on Church St is due to start.

Open day at Kellys a success

More than 200 people came to the open day at Kelly’s Conservation Forest on 22 October.

Lindy Kelly says the day began with a blessing, led by the Rev. Archdeacon Harvey Ruru, and a new track was opened named after, and dedicated to the late Annie Currie, a benefactor of Kellys Conservation Forest.

Chrissie Turton and Peter Taylor, her trustees, cut the ribbon to open the new track. After this, the gates were opened and visitors enjoyed the bush walks, old and new, including the wetland.

Rangatahi Explorers grows

Rangatahi Explorers, previously known as Tapawera Connect Youth, has been growing in popularity with more than 20 intermediate and college-age kids taking part.

The youth group is designed to create opportunities for local rangatahi (youth) to meet up, connect and have fun while exploring new experiences and developing important personal and interpersonal skills in a caring and supportive environment.

Skills like the ability to think critically and solve problems, and the assumption of personal and group responsibilities are learnt.