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

OPENING NIGHT - New Zealand International Summer Tango in Nelson Festival

 

Opening Night NZ Summer Tango Festival - Nelson College -  Photo Stevan Polder

Energy and Excitement evident at Opening Night of the Nelson International Summer Tango Festival

The 11th annual International SUMMER TANGO IN NELSON FESTIVAL started last night, Friday 3 March, in Nelson and will end on Sunday 5 March.

The festival has always been organised and directed by Mrs Anne-Maree Therkleson Director and Tango teacher of Tango Libre Richmond.

Opening night DJ was Frida Kotlyar from Sydney playing Tango music for the first nights ‘Welcome Milonga,’ during which well over 150 tangueros from throughout New Zealand and overseas all danced away a wonderful evening in the spacious and magnificent Nelson College, Assembly Hall, Waimea Road, Nelson.

Opening night DJ was Frida Kotlyar from Sydney 

Walking into the hall felt like walking into a magical other world of colour and sparkle, a space where you knew something phenomenal was about to happen. 

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. 

The boys and teachers at assembly on Friday morning must have had quite a surprise with the decorated assembly Hall.

A very inviting supper was supplied which was enjoyed by all. I noted there was little left by the end of the evening.

“A splendid well organised evening” was one comment I received from one of the Tango dancers and another said “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!”

Opening Night Nelson Summer Tango Festival 2023

Anne-Maree produces four festival per year around the country, but this festival is a special one in her home town.

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." 

Magical decoration with different changing colour combinations made by Mike from Westport - one of the Tango Dancers

"We have four more milongas over the weekend with different DJs and tonight is the best opening night I could have hoped for. The hall looks magnificent, fit for a tango journey.”

Anne-Maree said “We will be dancing in the Nelson  College Assembly Hall on Friday and Saturday night and on Sunday afternoon. We were going to have the Queens Garden Milonga in the Queens Gardens on Saturday afternoon, where we put down a dance floor, but we may have a few showers so we have to go to the alternative venue the Trafalgar St Hall.”

The DJ’s for this afternoon’s ‘a splash of colour' Milonga is Junko Kobayoshi from Nelson. This evening is a glitzy night of dancing where tangueros will be dressed up in their finest threads, nothing being too glamorous or too fabulous! The DJ for this evenings dancing is Deb Waltenberg from Christchurch.

Anne-Maree and her husband Stevan Polder hope this afternoons festivities go off with a great show of colour and then this evenings Milonga, back at Nelson College, where they hope all dancers will have a fabulous glitzy evening ending at midnight just in time for that carriage ride home!

www.summertangoinnelson.co.nz

www.tangolibre.co.nz

Pigeon Post News Richmond, Tasman.

4 March 2023

Wakefield Community Transport - New Bus for Wakefield-Brightwater-Richmond Service

 

New Bus for Wakefield-Brightwater-Richmond Service

OVERWHELMING PUBLIC INTEREST IN THIS ARTICLE

Nelson Tasman Community Transport Trust Purchase New Bus - Possible More Flexible Service Coming

The Nelson Tasman Community Transport Trust has recently bought an 8 -seater Nissan Serena Hybrid, which is replacing the 12-seater bus the Trust have been running on hire from the Wakefield Homestead.

Rachel Mason, the Marketing Co-ordinator of the Nelson Tasman Community Transport Trust said “the transport is still currently running every Tuesday. However, now that we have our own bus, we are able to run it as often and when we like, provided there are enough volunteer drivers.” 

The Trust are currently exploring the possibility of hiring out the transport to groups or individuals. Rachel said “the hire rate is expected to be equivalent to the current bus fare of $5 for a return trip to Richmond with the vehicle half full. This would be about $25 for the distance from Wakefield to Richmond, equating to $5.50 per person including driver.” Rachel believes that if a group or individual can fill the vehicle to capacity, the cost per person would be even less.

The NTCTT is currently finalising the hire agreement form and procedures, but you can already register your interest by texting or phoning 022 6822 373. You will be sent details on how to hire the bus as soon as the hire agreement form and procedures have been finalised.

Rachel said “the vehicle will still be running the door-to-door service on Tuesdays as a bus for individuals who want to travel to Richmond for the $5 fare, or $4 from Brightwater.” 

USE THE BUS! WAKEFIELD - BRIGHTWATER - RICHMOND RETURN.
VISIT www.ntctt.org.nz FOR TIMETABLE,
PHONE 020 4195 8866 TO  BOOK A SEAT OR FOR INFORMATION

Rachel went on to explain “we would like to expand the service to at least two days per week provided there is sufficient interest and also volunteer drivers. If you would like to use the bus or would like further information, please phone or text 022 6822 373.”

The new Bus being a Nissan Serena Hybrid delivers generous cabin space and comfortable seats for all with an electric powertrain that eliminates any delays in charging the vehicle. There are also many clever features such as the electric sliding doors. It has smart looks, practical boot and high torque from the electric motor. The Serena has a fuel consumption of 14.2km per litre and can travel up to 852km on a tankful.

The Nelson Tasman Community Transport Trust have a number of public transport options available in Tasman make sure you have a look at their website www.ntctt.org.nz or call 0204 195 8866

The service is run entirely by volunteers with financial assistance from Tasman District Council and others.

Volunteer Drivers Needed

Volunteer drivers are needed by the Nelson Tasman Community Transport Trust to drive the Wakefield Community Bus. If you are interested, please phone/text Rachel on 020 4196 0553 for further details. 

MAPUA WILLING WHEELS, CONTACT
TO BOOK A RIDE  PHONE RACHEL
022 6822 373

MOTUEKA COASTAL BUS - MOTUEKA-TASMAN-MAPUA-RICHMOND SHOPS & POOL RETURN

BOOKING ESSENTIAL PHONE 

MOTUEKA I-SITE 03 528 6543

Rachel Mason

Nelson Tasman Community Transport Trust 

www.ntctt.org.nz

Pigeon Post News Richmond, Tasman.

MetService - Press release Monday 20 to Thursday 23 Feb 2023

Rain and Cold Creeping North

Cold & rain rolling in Mon - Thursday

20/02/2023

Covering period of Monday 20 - Thursday 23 February

MetService is forecasting a substantial drop in temperatures this week, as a cold front moves over the country from the Southern Ocean. The arrival of the cooler airmass will bring rain to many of the parched areas of the South Island. Several Heavy Rain Watches have been issued for the southern areas before this system travels further north. 

MetService meteorologist Alwyn Bakker said, “The change in temperature will be quite dramatic for some locations. Plenty of places in Otago and Canterbury will see a fall of ten degrees from Tuesday to Wednesday.” 

Alexandra is in for a particularly remarkable drop, with a forecast high of 30°C on Tuesday and a mere 15°C on Wednesday. 

“This isn’t the largest change in temperature they’ve ever recorded in 24 hours, but it is close,” notes Bakker, “And if Alexandra doesn’t rise above 15.7°C on Wednesday, they will see their coldest maximum temperature this summer.” 

Along with the cooler temperatures comes the rain.  

“The parched south and east of the South Island will be in for some relief, with some locations forecast to see 40mm of rain in 24 hours.  That’s as much rainfall as parts of inland Otago have had all year,” adds Bakker. 

Heavy Rain Watches have been issued for Otago, Southland, northern Fiordland, and the ranges of Westland south of Otira. Coupled with the cold temperatures, that rain may fall as snow dusting the peaks of the ranges down to 1000 metres. 

As the front travels further north, cooler temperatures continue but rainfall amounts are expected to decrease.  

“The arrival of cold air may not be welcomed, but decreased rain intensity will be a relief for those parts of the North Island affected by Cyclone Gabrielle last week. MetService advises keeping up to date with our forecasts, as the criteria to trigger Heavy Rain Warnings have been lowered in many areas,” Bakker cautions.

MetService

Pigeon Post News Richmond, Tasman.

TASMAN donations going to Hawke’s Bay

Transport Company Westhaul transporting aid to Hawke's Bay

 

MOTUEKA  Westhaul offer transport for public donations - orchardists offer equipment for Cyclone-ravaged Hawke’s Bay

A Motueka-based trucking company is donating a truck and trailer to take a truck full of supplies donated by the public and orchardists to the Hawke's Bay early this week.

The trucking company is Westhaul. The managing director Karl Westrupp is calling for the public to donate household items that will be required in the recovery.

“Our trucks are frequent visitors to the Hawke’s Bay region with up to three loads per week. We usually transport in and out of the area. To see these floods wreak havoc on the lives of our customers and their family and friends is heart-breaking.”

Westrupp says people can donate “whatever they can find as long as it’s good – furniture, kitchen items, non-perishable foodstuffs, canned foods, clothing, blankets and bed linen.”

One of many destroyed homes in Hawke's Bay

People can take items to Wairepo Holdings in Weka Road, Tasman. Goods must arrive by Monday evening and the truck will then head north on Tuesday morning on the Cook Strait ferry.

The Tasman area is similar to Hawke's Bay in that it is home to many orchards. Westrupp said one orchardist asked if he could send some equipment to Hawke's Bay, which encouraged him to spread the word.

Orchards devastated in Hawke's Bay

People can take items to Wairepo Holdings on Weka Road, Tasman, by Monday evening. 

The truck will head north on Tuesday morning on the Cook Strait ferry.

This was noted on Facebook

We've just been contacted by Westhaul Motueka - They are organising a "charity drive" collaborating with Wairepo Holdings and Fairfield Orchard to take a truck up to Hastings this coming TUESDAY.

Westhaul are taking the truck up, Aaron Drummond is putting his digger and bob cat into the truck, Wairepo Holdings are using their cool store in Mariri to hold the items ready to load on Tuesday.

They want to make the most of the truck - so if you have any items you would like to donate to the displaced families up there please drop off to the cool store. 

Items such as food, adult & children's clothing, gloves, buckets, shovels, sanitary products for women, nappies, plus any other items you think will be useful to families who have had to leave their beloved homes.

Pigeon Post News Richmond, Tasman