SH6 Rock Removal - March 29 - 30

These boulders fell off the bluff and onto SH6 in July 2022.

Dellows Bluff Rock Removal  -  to stabilise cliff face above SH6

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is advising all travellers and regular users of SH6 about rock clearing work at Dellows Bluff which had been a problem for years.

The intention is to reduce, as much as possible, the risk of more boulders falling onto the highway and closing the road during blasting works for two night closures.

In a statement, Waka Kotahi said the planned works are set to start Wednesday 29 March and continue on Thursday 30 March between 6pm and 8pm.

Travellers should plan ahead for two night closures from Hinehaka Road to the intersection of SH6/Sh65.

The road will be closed during this time so that contractors can start work on making the cliff face safer and reduce the risks of more boulders falling onto the highway. 

Blasting and rock clearance work will be done removing dangerous rocks and overhangs from the cliff face where previous rock fall happened in July 2022.

The road will be open to all traffic outside of working hours with a temporary speed limit of 50km/h in place.

The maintenance work continues on from last year which saw SH6 at Dellows Bluff reduced to one lane with a  protective container wall between the rock face and the road and with ongoing work to a drop out site near the rockfall.

A protective container wall had been installed at the site of a rockfall at Dellows Bluff, near Murchison, on State Highway 6, which was down to the single lane in the area in 2022.

No detours are available, but Emergency services will have access through the site if required.

Tasman District Council announced to allow extra time for your journey and please be patient while the crews carry out these essential works.

TDC advise that these works may be postponed at short notice due to weather or other unforeseen circumstance and be rescheduled.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond, Tasman.

Weather News Release - Cold coming - WARNING OUT FOR SOUTH ISLAND PASSES AND FARMERS IN HIGHER ALTITUDES

 

COLD TEMPERATURES AND SNOW ON THE SOUTH
ISLAND PASSES

First notable snowfalls of the year and drop in temperature

27/03/2023

Covering period of Monday 27 - Thursday 30 March

MetService is forecasting a cold southerly outbreak this week, which is set to bring cold temperatures, rain and the first noteworthy snowfalls of the year to Aotearoa New Zealand.

A cold front moves over the country from tonight (Monday) and brings a blast of cold air and rain. This rain will fall as snow on mountains and elevated areas. MetService expects snow levels as low as 400 to 700 metres above sea level over the southern and eastern parts of the South Island. 

MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane says: “The Queenstown-Lakes and Central Otago Districts may get noticeable snow accumulations from early morning Tuesday, where the first MetService Heavy Snow Watch of the year has been issued until midday Tuesday.”

These snowfalls may affect high country farms, as well as high-level roads and mountain passes. Road Snow Warnings have been issued for Lewis Pass, Porters Pass, Lindis Pass and the Crown Range Road for the potential of snow settling on the road.

Over the North Island mountains, snowfalls will be brief on Wednesday morning.

Below the snow in the mountains, other areas will experience a sharp drop in temperatures that will be strikingly felt, both in the daytime (maximum temperature), as well as overnight (minimum temperature).

“Christchurch and Wellington City only get a high of 12°C on Wednesday, which will likely feel colder due to the wind chill effect from those punchy southerlies over the eastern South Island and lower North Island. Overnight temperatures will be near freezing for parts of Southland and Otago into Wednesday morning, and central North Island Thursday morning, so no doubt those winter blankets will come in handy this week,” Makgabutlane advises.

The Chatham Islands don’t escape the weather. After a showery start to the week, Wednesday and Thursday bring periods of rain, gale force winds and large southwesterly swells. The east coast of the North Island will also likely see large swells on Wednesday, with a second pulse on Thursday. MetService advise to take care in coastal areas. 

A ridge of high pressure towards the end of the working week flips the script, and ushers in a settled close to the month.

“After a dip mid-week, it will certainly be a brighter end to March 2023,” Makgabutlane says.

MetService Report

Pigeon Post News, Richmond, Tasman.

A Golden Bay drinks with mates ends up in an ‘Impressive Achievement’

Tremendous fundraising effort in Takaka for Hawke's Bay Farmers started from a drink with mates

On Friday night 24 March saw the first ever Golden Bay Farmers Bull fundraising event take place at the Golden Bay Recreation Centre. A fundraising event for the Hawke's Bay farmers.

The evening event was huge success and a lot of fun and entertainment was had by all.

A massive total of just under $40,000 was raised for farmers affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.

The organisers thanked everyone that came along, to everyone that gave something, to NBS for helping with behind the scenes, to PGG Wrightsons for the massive massive support, Liqourland for running the bar and Wholemeal Cafe for the amazing food.

Shocked organisers, Stacey Strange, Tristan Strange and Phil Smith were happy, thrilled, shocked again and were very emotional at the support of the Golden Bay Community and businesses in achieving a wonderful amount of money in the fundraising for the Hawke's Bay farmers. 

“From an idea born while having a drink with mates to this is outrageous amount of money,” said Phil Smith he “thanked everyone.”

Phil Smith

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PUBLIC COMMENTS: 

Well over 100 positive comments on social media. Some examples:

This is so awesome, well done everyone who took part this is amazing!

Well done team! Great work!

Thank you all so much for being awesome ✨️💛✨️ my whenua is Hawks Bay. My father's family farm is in Tutira. To see you guys giving so much love from all the way over here glows my heart. Thank you thank you thank you 🙏🥰🙏

Soo cool, well done

That is amazing. What a wonderful gift to those that have suffered so much.

Awesome  work  people. Kapai. Nga mahi.   I’m sure it will be very much appreciated.

Thanks for organising this! It was a great night!

Wow fantastic nice work 🤩🤩

Wow what a night it was. Phil, Stacey & Tristan you are all absolute true legends 👌

Congratulations 🎉 and well done team.

Awesome 👏

Absolutely amazing well done😊

Holy smokes that’s an INCREDIBLE achievement!!!!!!

Well done, was a great night :)

Wowow! And a great night!

Wowser!!!!!!!! Awesome work!!!!!

Fabulous effort by all!   Well done indeed.

Awesome efforts. Well done.

Amazing! Good job team!

That is amazing. You guys are legends.

Awesome mahi you guys!! More than can be expressed here but good on ya’s!!

Thats an amazing effort from a great community of caring people.

Thats the stuff ! Congrats..Good example of what are capable of..Awesome.

Awesome food with Vegan and Vegetarian options for farmers who do not wish to eat their friends. Full plates and tastes with no wastes. Thanks Wayne Green for your generosity for good cause and leadership in food choices. 👍👍👍

Such an awesome result!  It was a fabulous night <3 Well Done Team!!!

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Pigeon Post News Richmond, Tasman.

email: editor.pigeonpostnews@gmail.com

Dairy Farming News

 

Research shows plantain can reduce nitrogen leaching by 20-60%

Innovative new research has signalled feeding cows the leafy herb plantain can reduce nitrogen leaching from dairy farms by 20 to 60 percent.

The results, from the DairyNZ-led Plantain Potency and Practice (PPP) Programme, prove using Ecotain plantain in pasture can significantly reduce nitrogen entering waterways.

Farm trials at Massey University and initial results from a trial at Lincoln University are showing similar trends. The trials are part of the nationwide PPP research and development programme that partners with dairy farmers, industry and government.

“These are exciting results – we now have robust scientific evidence that Ecotain plantain is an effective solution to help dairy farmers further reduce farm footprint and continue playing their part in improving water quality,” says DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle.

“Plantain can bring significant benefits to local waterways and communities – we all want healthy freshwater to swim and play in, and dairy farmers can confidently use Ecotain plantain on-farm to support that.

“These research findings are part of a broader programme of work to continue delivering on dairy’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint in our local communities, while maintaining profitable businesses,” says Dr Mackle.

The $22 million seven-year PPP Programme is funded by DairyNZ, by the Government through the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund, PGG Wrightson Seeds and Fonterra, working with six additional research and delivery partners.

The programme uses Ecotain environmental plantain from Agricom because it has proven effectiveness. An evaluation system is available to assess the environmental benefits of all plantain cultivars sold by a range of providers.

At the Massey University farm trial, scientists are measuring nitrogen leaching from paddocks grazed by 80 dairy cows. After two years, the trial results have shown reduced nitrogen leaching by 20 to 60 percent in perennial ryegrass and clover pastures containing 30 to 50 percent Ecotain plantain.

The results are compared to traditional perennial ryegrass and clover paddocks (the most common pasture types in New Zealand). There was no difference in milk production between the plantain and control pastures in the trial.

The amount of reduced nitrogen leaching depends on the quantity of plantain in the pasture, the soil type, climate and farm system. The Massey University trial will continue for a further two years.

Initial results from the programme’s Lincoln University study in Canterbury, on lighter soils under irrigation, show similar trends to the Massey University trial, with a 38-50 percent reduction in nitrogen leaching from pasture containing 24 percent Ecotain plantain. More data are being collected to confirm these results.

Massey University Professor Emeritus Peter Kemp and his team have been researching the effects of plantain over several years and the experimental plots were established at the university in 2019.

“Building on decades of pastoral research at Massey, our team have designed an innovative drainage system that uses the soil structure on the farm to enable measurement of all the nitrogen leaching from each paddock,” he says.

“The four-year trial has had incredible success so far and our trial site allows the results to be directly transferable to current farming systems in New Zealand. Importantly for farmers, transition to plantain pastures results in no loss of production, while simultaneously reducing nitrogen leaching significantly from farms into freshwater.

“This supports current initiatives to protect our natural environment and improve waterways. Significantly, Massey University research has shown that this pasture regime also decreases the greenhouse gas emissions of nitrous oxide, a key issue for climate change,” says Prof Kemp.

PGG Wrightson Seeds (PGW Seeds) chief executive John McKenzie is pleased with the results.

“We are delighted to see these larger scale trial results support the earlier work we undertook in developing and commercialising Ecotain environmental plantain. With the numerous challenges farmers face, being able to provide an effective tool to help reduce nitrogen leaching is something we are immensely proud of.”

Ecotain environmental plantain reduces nitrogen leaching by increasing cows’ urine volume, therefore diluting the nitrogen in urine and reducing the total amount of nitrogen excreted in urine. It also retains nitrogen in the soil, preventing it entering waterways.

• For more information on the programme, visit dairynz.co.nz/plantain-programme
• For more information on how plantain works, visit: dairynz.co.nz/plantain-benefits

NZdairy

Pigeon Post News Richmond, Tasman.

Monaco House Fire

 

Fire destroys home near Nelson Airport

Firefighters fought hard to gain control of a fully alight house fire near Nelson Airport that destroyed the home in the evening of 23 March.

Emergency services were alerted to the fire on Grace Street, Monaco just before 7pm on Thursday.

The fire was well out of control when two crews arrived from Nelson sparking a call for back-up from three other crews some from Richmond.

No one was home or injured Fire and Emergency reported.

Firefighters finally gained control of the blaze after a massive amount of smoke drifted over the area and Police were called to assist with traffic control. 

Judy Marsh took this photo of the house fire and large amount of smoke on the evening of Thursday about 7.15pm

Pigeon Post News Richmond, Tasman.

Tasman District Council agreed to begin Public Consultation on the Draft Annual Plan 2023-2024.

Tasman’s Draft Annual Plan to go out for Public Consultation 

24 March, 2023

On 23 March 2023, the Tasman District Council agreed to begin public consultation on the draft Annual Plan 2023-2024.  

The community will be asked for their views on some tough choices the Council is having to make at a time when everyone is feeling the pressure of increasing costs.

 

Mayor Tim King said “the Council is keenly aware of the impacts being felt in the community of high inflation, increased interest rates and the overall of cost of living.” 

 

“The Council is proposing a 9.06% rates increase, which is being driven by a range of issues, including inflation, insurance, interest rates, and supply chain disruptions.  These increases that are affecting individuals, families and businesses are also impacting on Councils costs.”

“We have tried to strike the right balance, but we don’t for one minute underestimate the impacts - as a regional and district council Tasman needs to meet environmental and community needs."

Tasman District Council said “the District is one of only six unitary councils in New Zealand. This means our rates are charged for both our district and regional functions.”     

“Despite this, data that combines the district and regional council rates for 66 of the 67 territorial authorities in New Zealand shows Tasman’s rates per unit figure (total rates revenue ,including metered water charges, divided by the number of rating units) places us the 34th highest in the country.” 

 “We are trying to balance cost pressures without cutting the services and functions that our communities value the most, and to make decisions that consider the short, medium and long term interests of Tasman,” Mayor King said. 

“The Consultation document explains what measures the Council is proposing to take to reduce costs, it also explains what other options were considered and why Council is not recommending those.” 

“We are being open about what’s possible, noting that Councils don’t have an option about the some of the services and functions we manage. We want to hear from our community before we make any final decisions”. 

Formal consultation will commence on 29 March. Copies of the ‘consultation document’ will be available at service centres, libraries and available online at shape.tasman.govt.nz. 

You can also keep up to date on the Annual Plan through Newsline and our social media platforms.  

Tasman District Council

PUBLIC COMMENTS: 

1/   Bloody shame you're willing to spend 100s of millions on a useless poxy dam that will only benefit a handful of people instead of fixing the lower queen st traffic lights that effects 1000s of people every day.

2/    You clowns have your priorities all up to hell and gone 
Fix the traffic problem first and foremost it is ridiculous the wait times and lack of flow the going on in Nelson Richmond area 

There are near missis every day along your main roads all because people are frustrated with shit roads and you have the balls to put rates up 

For what , what is it that you actually do for you locals 
Nothing we are paying for a damp only a few will benefit from , roads that’s are frustrating and killing people and services that just plain don’t function at any level 

Hell where I live you haven’t even been bothered to sort it out on any sort of a maps app

So what may I ask do I pay you expensive rates for 
SOD ALL

Pigeon Post News Richmond, Tasman

Water demand has dropped - Council relaxing restrictions from Phase B to Phase A as of Tuesday 21 March.”

Tasman District Council Water restrictions relaxed

 Waimea and Wakefield urban water restrictions ease back to Phase A

Thanks to a drop in demand for water consumption and adequate rainfall across the Tasman District, residents on council water supplies in Waimea, Wakefield and their rural extensions will return to Phase A water restrictions from Tuesday 21 March. 

Water users in the affected areas had previously been under Phase B restrictions, prompted by uncertain rain forecasts and Council concerns around exceeding the amount of water it could extract from its intakes.   

However, Tasman District Council Community Infrastructure Group Manager Richard Kirby said “the measures taken to reduce the level of abstraction in recent weeks had provided the necessary shift beyond the risk area for any exceedance.” 

“The demand has since dropped and we are relaxing restrictions from Phase B to Phase A as of Tuesday 21 March.” 

“We want to thank everyone for doing their part to conserve water so far.”  

Waimea includes Richmond, Brightwater, Hope, Redwood 1 and 2 and Māpua water supplies.  

Under Phase A restrictions, watering of grass or lawns is not permitted.  However, watering decorative and productive gardens is permitted using a handheld hose with trigger nozzle or time limited water system.     

For pool owners, filling a pool is prohibited at this time, however topping up a pool is still permitted.        

Nelson residents living adjacent to Champion Road, where water is supplied from the Richmond Water Supply Scheme, are also included in these Phase A water restrictions.   

This covers the Wakatu Industrial Estate, Champion Rd and parts of Saxton Road West.  

Tasman District Council

Pigeon Post News Richmond, Tasman.

METSERVICE WEATHER RELEASE

 

Present weather system 20 - 22 March 2023

Active weather to start the week

Covering period of Monday 20 - Thursday 23 March

MetService has issued a number of Severe Weather Warnings for heavy rain and severe gales from Monday through to early Wednesday associated with first a strong and moist northwesterly flow followed by a strong, cold southerly change. Later in the week high pressure builds again, signalling a return to more settled weather.

MetService Meteorologist Jessie Owen says, “The active weather has already begun on the West Coast today (Monday) where a front is delivering heavy rain. Thunderstorms are embedded within this front, contributing to the high rainfall rates and producing lots of lightning.”

Heavy Rain Warnings are in force for Fiordland and Westland and a Heavy Rain Watch for Buller comes into effect this evening. The heavy rain is also expected to spill over the Southern Alps and affect the headwaters of the Canterbury and Otago lakes and rivers. Severe gale northwesterly winds ahead of the front are forecast to affect Canterbury High Country and Marlborough from Monday afternoon until early Tuesday morning, and Wellington and southern Wairarapa from Monday evening until early Tuesday morning. Exposed places within these regions could experience wind gusts of up to 120 km/h and Strong Wind Warnings have been issued.

The next chapter of the active weather story comes courtesy of a deep low which is forecast to form to the east of the South Island on Tuesday. This low is expected to direct a strong, cold southerly change up the country. Heavy Rain Warnings for Southland, Clutha, and Dunedin have been issued, along with Heavy Rain Watches for the remainder of Otago, and Canterbury. A Strong Wind Watch for south to southwesterly winds is also in force for Dunedin, North Otago, and the Canterbury coast and plains, while Banks Peninsula is under a Strong Wind Warning and can expect gusts of up to 120 km/h.

Heavy southwesterly swells brought on by the southwesterly winds are forecast to affect western coastlines right up to Northland, and eastern coasts of the South Island and lower North Island from Tuesday through until Wednesday. 

“A noticeable drop in temperatures will be felt across the South Island on Tuesday (and the North Island on Wednesday) following the southerly change. Overnight temperatures are set to plummet through the single digits; Alexandra, Wanaka, and Queenstown are forecast to drop to 3°C overnight Tuesday, Taumarunui can expect 3°C and Taupō 4°C overnight Wednesday,” says Owen.

Snow may fall as low as 800 m above sea level in the eastern South Island in the heaviest precipitation associated with the southerly change. 

While most of the severe weather will be concentrated over the South Island this week, the North Island can still expect a period of rain on Tuesday as the front travels across. Western areas will see heavier rain than the east, and colder temperatures can be expected throughout following the southerly change.

From Wednesday onwards the active weather is set to move away to the east as a new high pressure system from the Tasman Sea pushes its way over the country. This will mark the return of more settled weather to round out the working week although Owen says, “those colder nights will remain”. 

It’s a busy week of weather, as always people are advised to keep up to date with the latest severe weather warnings at http://bit.ly/AllWarnings

Pigeon Post News Richmond, Tasman.

MetService Press release - Weather

A week of ups and downs in the weather

Weather Tuesday 14 to Thursday 16th March

A ridge of high pressure moved over Aotearoa last night (Monday), clearing skies and bringing lighter winds. 

The clearer and calmer conditions persist into Wednesday with just a few showers about the coasts of Southland and Westland. 

On Thursday a low from the Tasman Sea reaches New Zealand, resulting in a bout of wet and windy weather that affects almost all the country, with significant rain likely for Westland and Fiordland. 

More of the same is expected for Friday as another front ploughs into the South Island.  

Current forecasts indicate that a ridge takes hold for next weekend bringing sunnier and more settled weather, although showers will still be likely over the north on Saturday morning.

Weather moving in through the week - MetService

Pigeon Post News Richmond, Tasman.

SUMMER TANGO IN NELSON FESTIVAL IS OVER FOR ANOTHER YEAR MARCH 2023

TASMAN / NELSON, NEW ZEALAND

The opening night of the Nelson New Zealand Summer Tango Festival held at Nelson College. Photo R Therkleson

Energy and Excitement continues through the entire  Summer Tango in Nelson Festival

The 11th annual INTERNATIONAL SUMMER TANGO IN NELSON FESTIVAL started on the evening of Friday 3 March and ended on Sunday 5 March at Nelson College in Nelson.

The festival for 11 years now has always been 

organised and produced by Mrs Anne-Maree Therkleson director, event organiser and Tango teacher of Tango Libre Richmond.

I asked Anne-Maree how she felt about the opening night. Mrs Anne-Maree Therkleson said “I was so excited to see everyone arriving full of energy and excitement at what the weekend would hold. We have had to cancel the last two years festivals due to Covid and it was obvious from the buzz in the room that dancers were very happy to be in each other’s arms again, feeling that awesome tango embrace.”  

“This year we have the most international visitors which is really exciting for us - being able to share our love of Nelson with people who speak the same language as us, but who come from all over - Venezuela, Germany, Vancouver, Hawaii and just about every state in Australia is represented here." 

What a stupendous event! 

Most impressive attendees tangueros (dancers), beautifully dressed participants, splendid dancing, the   tenderness, serenity and emotion of the dancers filled the hall, a special distinctive quality of DJ Tango music, out of this world decorations mostly centred above the dance floor, unmatched hall spot-lighting, food for all tastes, excellent layout of the hall, perfect floor for dancing on, just a wonderful crowd and splendid organisation and festival.

What a breathtaking venue, and location!

A must repeat location at the magnificent Nelson College, Assembly Hall, Waimea Road, Nelson and the extensive mature grounds. The beautiful main building with the well appointed spacious hall surrounded on two sides with internal gardens which kept the noise low from outside. Outside on Saturday night in the  beautifully kept grounds were young school borders, on their free evening, flashing their phone lights throughout the dark grounds, magical inside the hall and outside!

The venue being a special one for the Nelson Tango Festival, after losing the Masonic Hall in Nile Street, Nelson to a fire.

The venue had a large dance floor large enough for everyone to be comfortable, spacious ceiling space for decorations, lovely stained glass windows by day, adequate seating area, room to mingle around the hall and outside on a deck over one of the internal gardens. There was a compact and accessible area for food and soft drinks tables. A hall worthy of use by the public. 

One Nelson College teacher told me that the hall may have been used in the past by large orchestras, but this would be Nelson College first time at allowing a Tango Festival to go ahead.

Wonderful setting created for festival participants.  Photo R. Therkleson

Special hall decorations planned ahead for months, but “actually years” Anne-Maree said as they had to cancel two festivals due to covid. The decorations were assembled during the days before the festival and all put in place by a dedicated small team of Tango volunteers, under the close eye of Anne-Maree. 

These were the DJs that played at the Summer Tango Festival 2023:

The opening night DJ Frida Kotlyar (Sydney). Photo R. Therkleson

Frida Kotlyar (Sydney)

Junko Kobayoshi (Nelson)

Deb Waltenberg (Christchurch)

Brendon Varcoe (Nelson)

David Bagshaw (Nelson)

I asked Anne-Maree the organiser of the event how she felt, now that the Summer Tango Festival was finally over for 2023.

Anne-Maree Therkleson

“Tired, ecstatic and overwhelmed! Tired because I think I only managed 4 hours sleep a night for three nights!  Ecstatic and overwhelmed at the plentiful positive feed back, the happy faces and warm smiles. The most important aspect for me is seeing everyone dancing in a state of absolute presence. It really was magical.” 

In regards to the different festivals Anne-Maree organises each year, I asked her to explain?

“All the festivals have a very different flavour and they are all very special in their own way. I call them the ‘4 Seasons of Tango.’ They also have different themed milongas depending on where in NZ they are held. It’s quite exciting preparing for a festival!”

'A Splash of Colour' Milonga  Trafalgar St. Hall Nelson, New Zealand. Photo R Therkleson

“The other three festivals are: Autumn Tango located in Arrowtown and has the warmth of the autumnal colours to flavour the festival which has more of a homemade crafty feel to it.” 

“Winter Tango is in Hanmer Springs so it is very cold, and snowy and the theme is like a winter wonderland.” 

“Spring Tango is in Martinborough when all the flowers are coming out and the wine season is open!” 

“This is the way that I like it - so that if a dancer came to all four festivals (which they do!) they get a different experience from the space they are dancing in whilst getting the same good quality organisation, and always awesome dancing opportunities with great floors.” 

“Participants who have danced in Buenos Aires mentioned that the Nelson College Assembly Hall reminded them of milongas in Buenos Aires.” 

“The old world feel of the large dance halls in Buenos Aires, the wooden panelling and the amazing floor for dancing on.” 

“I feel so grateful to have found this space as it is very difficult to find a large enough hall for dancing in here in Nelson while I am trying to grow the festival.  I want to make Nelson the Tango capital of NZ - I think we are well on our way!”

'Glitzy night' Milonga

During the Festival weekend each Milonga had a different dress theme. The ‘Welcome Milonga,’ was casual on the Friday night. On Saturday afternoon the Milonga was meant to be held in the Queens Gardens Nelson. It was themed ‘A Splash of Colour,’ but due to rain the Milonga was held in the Trafalgar St Hall on Trafalgar Street Nelson. Even though the venue was changed at the last minute everyone loved the venue by the Maitai River. The hall was packed with Tangueros all in different colours - a splendid afternoon.

On Saturday evening the theme was a 'glitzy night' of dancing so tangueros were dressed up in their finest threads, glamorous and fabulous. Many arriving in glorious special dress for the evening. 

The 'Glitzy Night' Mark and Julie from Golden Bay, Tasman. Photo R Therkleson

The final formal Milonga was on Sunday March 5 from 1pm to 5pm. The theme or dress code was 'stunning spots and stripes' for a fun afternoon Milonga back at the Nelson College. Many of the stripes and spots of the dancers were nice and bold making for a fun afternoon of dancing.

'The stripes and spots' Milonga Sunday afternoon 5 March at Nelson College.    Photo R Therkleson

At the end of this Milonga Anne-Maree Therkleson gave a closing speech. “It has been an amazing festival” then very loud applause, “we’ve been waiting a couple of years for this - Summer Tango is so very special” more appreciation from the crowd.

She continued,“What do you think of this piece of art?” (Referring to the wonderful centrepiece of decorations over the dance floor) - more thunderous appreciation. Anne-Maree went on to thank the group of volunteers who helped her create and put up the decorations and she thanked the volunteers who helped during the festival. 

 

She continued, “a special thanks to all the DJs and to you all for attending the festival as without you it doesn’t happen!  See you all in Arrowtown for the next festival and have safe travel home!” the festival tangueros erupted into even more applause.

Many festival goers went to the after party at ‘The Freehouse’ in Nelson to relax where the DJ kept many of the tangueros dancing for another 5 hours I heard - totally waring out those dancers’ feet.

Festival participants came from throughout New Zealand and overseas and some of the overseas visitor have gone on to tour the country.

Some comments I received from the participants at the festival:

“A splendid well organised event.”

“So much work has been done creating such beautiful decorations.”

“Anne-Maree is always so welcoming and her festivals are always really well run - it is a joy to be here.”

“We go to all of her festivals every year - we are tango junkies!”

“A flawless festival - everything is here when we arrive.”

“A quality of serenity in the wonderful space Anne-Maree created.  I am very grateful”

Some of the decorations. Photo R Therkleson

Some of the decorations. Photo R Therkleson

The event makes history for the Nelson College by being the first Tango Event to be held in the spacious, comfortable, and delightful Nelson College Assembly Hall.

One of the two large stained glass windows in the Nelson College Assembly Hall where the event took place.  Photo R Therkleson

The second stained glass window in the Hall.  Photo R Therkleson

A little history of interest

Nelson College has overcome challenges in the past with damage caused to its main building by fire and earthquake.

The original building built of wood in 1861 was destroyed by fire in 1904. The story is explained below in the captions of the photos.

The first grand building of Nelson College built on these grounds in 1861. Photo Nelson College

The first Nelson College main building destroyed by fire in 1904. Photo Nelson College

The second Nelson College main building built in 1906.

The above second main building damaged by a Nelson earthquake in 1929 and demolished in 1939. Photo Nelson College

The third main Nelson College building today, built in 1942, where the Summer Tango Festival took place March 2023. Photo Ray Therkleson

Back to the Festival

Finally, I asked Anne-Maree if she had any further comments.

She said "thank you to the marvellous Nelson College for their spectacular hall - we couldn't  have run the festival without them!"

"My next festival is 'Autumn Tango' in Arrowtown 28-30 April amidst the wondrous autumnal colours … in the meantime - time to rest up.”

“www.tangolibre.com has the info on classes and festivals should anyone be super keen to join this great community of dancers."

More Photos of DJs:

Junko Kobayoshi (Nelson) DJ for the 'A Splash of Colour' Milonga  Trafalgar St. Hall. Photo R Therkleson

Deb Waltenberg (Christchurch) (left) DJ for the 'glitzy night' Milonga at Nelson College and Julie (right). Photo R Therkleson

Brendon Varcoe (Nelson) DJ for the 'stunning spots and stripes' Milonga at Nelson College.

Photo R Therkleson

Photo of Anne-Maree and her helpers.

From left to right Mark, Jo, Anne-Maree, Jeanneane, Julie, Mike, Peter, Ray, finally Stevan Anne-Maree's new husband.

For Tango Information See:

www.tangolibre.co.nz

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www.autumntango.co.nz  

Look up the website now to get all the information so far and to start getting excited.  Tell all your tango friends and let's have a great get-together in Arrowtown very soon!

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Your Local News From:

Pigeon Post News Richmond, Tasman. New Zealand

11 March 2023