News in brief

A million in fines for local drivers

Nelsonians were dished out more than a million dollars in fines during the first six months of the year for driving violations, police data shows. The fines include speeding tickets and infringements for using a mobile phone, not wearing a seatbelt, or driving under the influence. Between January and June of 2024, 499 people were caught not wearing their seatbelts. Police dished out $69k in fines for the offences. Thirty-six people were caught running red lights, collectively costing them $4350. Driving under the influence of alcohol caught out 326 drivers, the most being in June when 69 drivers were caught under the influence. Of the more than 300 drivers, 95 were caught driving within the lowered alcohol range of between 250-400mcg per litre of breath and 16 were under 20 years of age, so were required to have zero alcohol. Using their phone while drivving resulted in 768 drivers racking up a collective $111,450 in fines. Of the 482,966 vehicles that drove past a mobile speed camera during the six-month period, 5607, or 1.1 per cent, were going too fast, which put $335,480 in fines in the post. Police officers issued another half a million dollars in speeding fines during the first six months of the year, with 5792 drivers being posted a ticket for their driving ways.

Shine your light at Motueka’s Diwali celebration

Good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance? Yes please. Multicultural Nelson Tasman is hosing its first Motueka-based Diwali event this weekend, complete with a morning tea involving lots of Indian snacks and treats, a steaming cup of chai and a hands-on craft activity. Diwali is the annual Hindu festival of lights, cleansing and feasting, and Motueka’s event will be run by Nelson’s Anjali Puri, who has also led the hugely popular Diwali festival at Founder’s Park. This free, family-friendly event is to be held at Te Noninga Kumu-Motueka Library on Saturday, 9 November, from 10am-12pm.

Kmart Wishing Tree

The community is welcome to celebrate the launch of the Kmart Wishing Tree at its Richmond store on 12 November at 11am. The initiative involves donations of presents to Kmart for The Salvation Army to give to children in need this Christmas. Face painting and preschool and youth performances are planned for the launch event.

Pretty Crafty Christmas Market

The Pretty Crafty Christmas Market brings locally-made gifts, live music, kids’ activities and refreshments to the Richmond Town Hall on Sunday, 10 November. The market runs between 10am and 2pm, with a gold coin koha entry going to Lifeline Nelson.

There is still good in the world

In a touching story of resilience and community spirit, 93-year-old Janet Mary has dedicated her time and resources to supporting soldiers in Ukraine. Born in 1931, Janet has always knitted. She began making socks and scarfs for the army at age eight. Her father served in the Navy during World War II in the South Pacific, and her late husband, a highly decorated naval officer, inspired Janet’s children to pursue military careers. Janet believes that Jesus inspired her to take action in March 2023, prompting her to knit 64 beanies, bonnets, and booties for Ukraine, hoping to provide comfort and warmth to those in harsh cold war conditions. However, for reasons unknown, the items went missing during transportation, resurfacing nine months later in December 2023 with the Ambassador of Ukraine sending a thank you letter. Meanwhile, Janet had continued knitting completing an impressive 105 additional beanies. The beanies are not just colourful, they are practical and carry messages of hope. After completing the 105 beautifully-crafted beanies, Janet felt hesitant about how to send them due to the previous lengthy mishap. The Ambassador for Ukraine in Canberra offered to personally deliver them if they were received by 3 November. A Brightwater business and a small group of good Samaritans, including some members of the Labour party, rallied around Janet, contributing to the cost of sending two large boxes filled with her lovingly knitted creations. The beanies arrived safely to the Ambassador in Canberra and are now on schedule to reach the Ukraine soldiers this month when the daytime temperature will be around 5 degrees celsius and the nighttime temperature drops well below zero.