Tasman Report

This episode features highlights from the Wednesday, 17 March, Information Forum Meeting and the presentation of the Environmental Policy Quarterly Review Report. We hear discussion about Plan Changes 81 and 84, anticipated growth projections, and the Motueka Master Plan. The Port Nelson 125th Anniversary Open Day on Sunday, 22 March, showcases the Legends of Mohua Aorere exhibition, which tells the story of the Golden Bay–Tasman ports, wharves, and coastal shipping from the 1800s to the mid-1900s. We also talk with Antarctic and marine artist Sean Garwood about his painting Felicity and the Blind Bay Hookers, featured in the Legends exhibition — a work that transports the viewer back to a golden age of coastal trade

In this episode, we hear from new Golden Bay Community Board Chair David Knowles about his priorities for the triennium, how the Board can better champion local concerns and ideas to Council, and what’s hoped to be achieved at the upcoming March community drop-in sessions. The sessions will run from 6.00 pm to 8.00 pm at the following locations: Pākawau Hall – 2 March, Bainham Hall – 3 March, Onekaka Hall – 4 March, Golden Bay Rec Park Centre – 5 March, East Tākaka Hall – 9 March, and Upper Tākaka Hall – 10 March. We then turn to the Strategy, Finance and Performance Committee for discussion about how national economic trends are influencing Tasman and the impact of interest rates on funding for the June–July recovery work. There’s also an update on the Lower Queen Street Bridge Capacity Upgrade project in Richmond, the latest Annual Quality Report, and what’s being done to manage the safe disposal of lithium-ion batteries following a spate of fires at our Resource Recovery Centres.

In this episode, we feature highlights from the first full council meeting of the new triennium and the launch of a new Information Forum designed to strengthen governance and ensure all voices are heard. We explore what “local water done well” means for the community, including the endorsement of a Water Services Delivery Plan and the establishment of a new in-house business unit to manage water services into the future. Hear the thinking behind the options considered and what this approach aims to achieve. There’s also an opportunity to have your say on the future of local parks and reserves, with community feedback now open. We unpack the difference between parks and reserves and how you can help shape these valued public spaces. Plus, an update on the Motueka River Stopbank Refurbishment project, building on previous improvements and continuing important flood protection work for residents and businesses. We also look ahead to the upcoming Positive Ageing Expo and check in with participants in this year’s summer internship programme to hear how hands-on local government experience is helping shape future careers.

Tasman Report a fortnightly news wrap about what’s happening in your council. In this episode a new committee structure, submissions on the RMA replacement bills, the granny flats need to know, mooring licences and the lifejacket library, local alcohol policy feedback and a June July Floods recovery update.