Latest news with #DancingforaCause
Scoop
5 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
‘We Erred' – Stadium Policy That Threatened Nelson Giants Reversed
The future of Nelson's basketball club looks brighter after a change of heart over a food and drink policy. Nelson City Council and Trafalgar Centre manager CLM (Community Leisure Management) have agreed to give three community groups exemptions to a policy that otherwise gives CLM exclusive food and beverage rights at the NBS Nelson Giants' home court. Four weeks ago, the Giants warned the council that the policy would 'likely kill' the basketball club, which derives about 14% of its income from food and drink sales. The policy was adopted without consultation with key users of the Trafalgar Centre when the contract for the facility was renegotiated last year. On Tuesday, the council's Tenders Committee met confidentially to discuss the issue and Mayor Nick Smith announced on Friday morning that a solution had been found for the city's 'beloved' club. 'The prospect of the Giants not being part of Nelson was just untenable,' he said. 'We erred in not engaging with our anchor tenants, like the Giants, when the change was made. You live and learn.' The Giants, the NBS Dancing for a Cause charity fundraiser, and Te Tauihu o te Waka a Maui Māori Cultural Council kapa haka are the three users of the centre that were granted exemptions from the policy until the end of the contract on 30 June 2027. The policy had been changed to align with other 'premier' venues around the country, and to reduce costs to ratepayers who subsidise the facility by $2 million annually. 'I have no apologies for the fact that we want to minimise the cost to the ratepayer,' Smith said. 'The bit we did not understand was just the scale of the impact that would have on the finances of an organisation like the Giants.' The addition of the policy allowed the council to secure a 'significantly' cheaper contract for CLM to manage the facility, but some of those savings will now be paid back to CLM as compensation for the variation to the contract. Smith said the cost of the variation for the council would not be disclosed because it was commercially sensitive. Next year, the council will conduct a high-level strategic review of the Trafalgar Centre, which will include engagement with groups that use the facility, to ensure that the new 2027 contract will work for the community. It was possible that other groups will secure exemptions through that process, Smith added. Giants head coach and manager Mike Fitchett said securing the exemption was a 'massive relief'. Since his presentation to the council a month ago, he said he had been 'surprised' by support from the community. 'It's fair to say we're pretty overwhelmed with the support we received.' Last Saturday afternoon, Smith was presented with a petition urging the council find a solution. 'For that to generate 1200 signatures, and in a pretty quick time – it was fantastic for us. We know we're really well supported, and this was another indication of that for us,' Fitchett said. CLM Nelson community venues manager Mark Mekalick said the company was 'proud' to be a gold partner of the Giants. 'Community's at our heart and the Giants are a big part of this community, so it wasn't a hard decision to make,' he said. 'We want this venue to feel like their home.' Dancing for a Cause trustee Michelle Byczkow was 'really grateful' to the council, mayor, CLM, and councillor and contestant Campbell Rollo that the fundraiser had been granted an exemption. 'It just provides a really promising outlook for another successful event in 2027.' She said that this month's biennial event had raised $670,000 for the Nelson Tasman Hospice, surpassing her expectations. 'That support has followed through to everyone getting behind us and saying how they were feeling about the way that we and the Giants, and other community groups, were being disadvantaged.' The fundraiser had already negotiated its event hire agreement for its 2025 event and was therefore unaffected by the policy this year. But she said losing food and beverage rights, which were normally supplied by sponsors for free, for the 2027 event could have made the event not financially viable. 'That's not even somewhere that I want my mind to go.' She called the three exemptions a 'good step', but said the fundraiser would be lobbying for 'as many local community groups and charitable groups as possible' to also get exemptions in the 2027 centre contract. In the meantime, Fitchett was confident that the Giants would make the play-offs. 'We are still looking to pick up our first win of the season at the Trafalgar Centre, but we believe we can win six or seven of those last seven games to sneak in there.' Smith was cheering the club on: 'Go the Giants!'
Scoop
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
NBS Dancing For A Cause 2025 Raises Record $670,000 For Nelson Tasman
Press Release – Nelson Tasman Hospice The $670,000 raised will help Nelson Tasman Hospice continue to provide specialist palliative care to approximately 210 patients and their whnau/families every month. The final fundraising total is in — and it's nothing short of extraordinary. At a special thank-you celebration held on Thursday 29 May, the Dancing for a Cause Nelson Charitable Trust proudly announced that NBS Dancing for a Cause 2025 has raised an incredible $670,000 in support of Nelson Tasman Hospice. This record-breaking figure marks the highest amount ever raised by the biennial event and will directly contribute to providing free specialist palliative care for patients and their whānau across the region. Held over two unforgettable nights on the 16 and 17 May at the Trafalgar Centre, NBS Dancing for a Cause 2025 brought together ten extraordinary locals and their dedicated dance partners, who gave it their all in a dazzling display of community spirit, storytelling, theatre and dance. 'This journey has been about more than just dancing,' said Jayde Howe, BNZ Financial Adviser and winner of the Most Funds Raised award. 'It's about making a tangible difference in our community. The support I've received has been overwhelming, and I'm honoured to contribute to such a vital cause.' Jayde raised a remarkable $250,660 through multiple fundraisers, including a quiz night, gala dinner, and G.J. Gardner home build — a shining example of just how powerful community giving can be. The Overall Judges' Award went to Rhys Black and dance partner Rebecca Higham, whose dynamic jive wowed the judges and earned the top spot on the leaderboard. 'The competition was fierce with everyone committed to their journey through their own respective experiences with palliative care' said Rhys. 'These performances honoured not only loved ones passed or facing hardship, but also for those who remain and are committed to stepping up in whatever way to help the team at Nelson Tasman Hospice, so they can continue to help our community when we need them most. It's been an absolute privilege to share this journey with the Dancing for a Cause team and connect with remarkable community leaders. With fantastic performances across both nights, it could have been anyone's game – but especially sweet to get the result, managing to edge out my wife, professional dancer Hazel Black, earn a lifetime of boasting rights and keep the trophy here in Wakefield!' Ed Shuttleworth, Chief Executive of Sport Tasman, and his partner Brooke Silke-Atkins won the Yondi Foundation People's Choice Award on both performance nights for their unforgettable tango. 'With Brooke by my side, I was determined to enjoy the moment and make her proud.' said Ed. 'I am immensely proud of our collective fundraising, the profile we have generated for Hospice and importantly how we have connected with our community. Vitally we have brought the community together and created time and space for critical conversations and support. I feel very honoured to have been part of something so special and am committed to keep supporting Hospice.' More than 4,000 people attended the two-night event, and countless others supported contestants through raffles, events, and donations — all united in support of hospice care. Garry Hammond Chair of the Dancing for a Cause Nelson Charitable Trust says we are simply blown away with what the combined team have achieved, both creatively and from their fundraising. This event is made possible from the hard mahi of so many people and championed by Emma Silke-French who has for the last 18 months worked tirelessly to make it all happen. Since it's beginning's Dancing for a Cause has contributed $1,469,000 in support of free hospice service and we are so proud of this achievement and the difference it makes in our community. Nelson Tasman Hospice CEO Tony Gray says the biennial event makes a direct impact on our ability to do what we do: 'This total means so much to our teams, our patients, and their families. It reflects the compassion and strength of our community. We are immensely grateful to every single person involved — from the dancers to the donors, the volunteers, sponsors, and audience members. Together, we have made something truly meaningful happen.' The $670,000 raised will help Nelson Tasman Hospice continue to provide specialist palliative care to approximately 210 patients and their whānau/families every month. With nearly half of hospice funding needing to come from the community, NBS Dancing for a Cause is vital to enabling us to provide our services free over the next twelve months. The Dancing for a Cause Nelson Charitable Trust, along with Emma Silke-French, would like to express heartfelt thanks to all involved for their dedication, generosity, and enthusiasm.
Scoop
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
NBS Dancing For A Cause 2025 Raises Record $670,000 For Nelson Tasman
The final fundraising total is in — and it's nothing short of extraordinary. At a special thank-you celebration held on Thursday 29 May, the Dancing for a Cause Nelson Charitable Trust proudly announced that NBS Dancing for a Cause 2025 has raised an incredible $670,000 in support of Nelson Tasman Hospice. This record-breaking figure marks the highest amount ever raised by the biennial event and will directly contribute to providing free specialist palliative care for patients and their whānau across the region. Held over two unforgettable nights on the 16 and 17 May at the Trafalgar Centre, NBS Dancing for a Cause 2025 brought together ten extraordinary locals and their dedicated dance partners, who gave it their all in a dazzling display of community spirit, storytelling, theatre and dance. 'This journey has been about more than just dancing,' said Jayde Howe, BNZ Financial Adviser and winner of the Most Funds Raised award. 'It's about making a tangible difference in our community. The support I've received has been overwhelming, and I'm honoured to contribute to such a vital cause.' Jayde raised a remarkable $250,660 through multiple fundraisers, including a quiz night, gala dinner, and G.J. Gardner home build — a shining example of just how powerful community giving can be. The Overall Judges' Award went to Rhys Black and dance partner Rebecca Higham, whose dynamic jive wowed the judges and earned the top spot on the leaderboard. 'The competition was fierce with everyone committed to their journey through their own respective experiences with palliative care' said Rhys. 'These performances honoured not only loved ones passed or facing hardship, but also for those who remain and are committed to stepping up in whatever way to help the team at Nelson Tasman Hospice, so they can continue to help our community when we need them most. It's been an absolute privilege to share this journey with the Dancing for a Cause team and connect with remarkable community leaders. With fantastic performances across both nights, it could have been anyone's game - but especially sweet to get the result, managing to edge out my wife, professional dancer Hazel Black, earn a lifetime of boasting rights and keep the trophy here in Wakefield!' Ed Shuttleworth, Chief Executive of Sport Tasman, and his partner Brooke Silke-Atkins won the Yondi Foundation People's Choice Award on both performance nights for their unforgettable tango. 'With Brooke by my side, I was determined to enjoy the moment and make her proud.' said Ed. 'I am immensely proud of our collective fundraising, the profile we have generated for Hospice and importantly how we have connected with our community. Vitally we have brought the community together and created time and space for critical conversations and support. I feel very honoured to have been part of something so special and am committed to keep supporting Hospice.' More than 4,000 people attended the two-night event, and countless others supported contestants through raffles, events, and donations — all united in support of hospice care. Garry Hammond Chair of the Dancing for a Cause Nelson Charitable Trust says we are simply blown away with what the combined team have achieved, both creatively and from their fundraising. This event is made possible from the hard mahi of so many people and championed by Emma Silke-French who has for the last 18 months worked tirelessly to make it all happen. Since it's beginning's Dancing for a Cause has contributed $1,469,000 in support of free hospice service and we are so proud of this achievement and the difference it makes in our community. Nelson Tasman Hospice CEO Tony Gray says the biennial event makes a direct impact on our ability to do what we do: 'This total means so much to our teams, our patients, and their families. It reflects the compassion and strength of our community. We are immensely grateful to every single person involved — from the dancers to the donors, the volunteers, sponsors, and audience members. Together, we have made something truly meaningful happen.' The $670,000 raised will help Nelson Tasman Hospice continue to provide specialist palliative care to approximately 210 patients and their whānau/families every month. With nearly half of hospice funding needing to come from the community, NBS Dancing for a Cause is vital to enabling us to provide our services free over the next twelve months. The Dancing for a Cause Nelson Charitable Trust, along with Emma Silke-French, would like to express heartfelt thanks to all involved for their dedication, generosity, and enthusiasm.
Scoop
07-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Firewood Sale Helps Plug Charity's Funding Hole
Article – Max Frethey – Local Democracy Reporter Three Nelson Tasman charities are grateful for Tasman District Council's support through its annual Charity Firewood Days which raise money for those in need. Nelson and Tasman households can get their hands on cheap firewood at two council-led charity firewood days this year, but tickets to the first event are selling fast. This weekend, Tasman District Council will sell 200 trailer loads of dry firewood ahead of the cold winter months, thanks to the support of its forestry contractor PF Olsen, as well as Steve Thompson Ltd and Downer. To get a load, district residents must buy a ticket for $100 but just over three quarters have been sold as of Monday. Tickets can be bought at the Richmond or Motueka council service centres. Tickets were introduced to 2024's Firewood Charity Day after 2023's free-for-all event generated a 6km traffic jam, and ticketholders will be required to show up at a specific time on Saturday to limit traffic impacts. All proceeds from this week's event – about $20,000 total – will go to two local organisations: the Nelson Tasman Hospice, which provides palliative care to patients and whānau, and Whakatū Refuge, which supports women and children affected by domestic violence. Ana Fierek, marketing and engagement lead at the Nelson Tasman Hospice, said the support 'means a lot' to the organisation. The funds raised would go towards filling its 'huge' annual $4 million shortfall. Donations, bequests, funds from local Hospice shops, and the 'amazing' biennial Dancing for a Cause event help to plug the financial hole, but it was 'never a given' the Hospice would raise enough, Fierek said. 'It gets harder every year,' she said. 'The shortfall grows with the need and the costs of everything going up… We're so thankful for the myriad of ways the community always supports us.' The Hospice cares for 210 patients across Nelson Tasman, including as far afield as Golden Bay and Murchison. 'All the money raised here, stays here and looks after local patients and families.' A Whakatū Refuge spokesperson said the organisation was 'grateful' to be included as a recipient of the donations. 'We have watched this Charity Firewood Day develop over the last two years and commend the TDC and PF Olsen for working together in these tough economic times to offer such great access to affordable firewood. 'This donation will be put to good use ensuring women and children in need stay safe.' October 2025 will also see the return of cheap firewood sales targeted to families in need, as took place the year prior. The 2024 event was coordinated by the Fifeshire Foundation and saw $25 tickets sold for firewood that will be ready to use this winter. Fifeshire Foundation executive officer Shanine Hermsen said she was grateful to keep up the event with Tasman District Council, which she described as a 'great partnership'. Last year's 'spectacular' event saw 142 loads of firewood bought cheaply by low-income families. About $3600 raised from the ticket sales also contributed to the foundation's winter grants, which opened last week. Those grants last year saw about $80,000 spent on loads of firewood or direct power bill payments for struggling locals. 'It's hard to say what the demand will be this year, but I suspect it will be up there, and it's harder and harder for families. It's great that we can help out in this way,' Hermsen said. 'We're seeing more and more people coming to us for our monthly grants that are struggling to get by.' The foundation's typical clientele was changing, with more two-income families needing help than there have been historically. If residents wanted to help, Hermsen recommended that recipients of the Government's Winter Energy Payment who didn't need it, pay it forward to those who did, which the Fifeshire Foundation facilitated. Alternatively, the foundation took donations both financial and in firewood, and often needed volunteers for events. The publicity of last year's firewood event encouraged a forestry operator to donate firewood to the foundation, which was being chopped up by the local Menzshed. 'There's heaps of cool things … that have happened since then because of that drive we did, which is pretty neat,' Hermsen said.
Scoop
07-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Firewood Sale Helps Plug Charity's Funding Hole
Nelson and Tasman households can get their hands on cheap firewood at two council-led charity firewood days this year, but tickets to the first event are selling fast. This weekend, Tasman District Council will sell 200 trailer loads of dry firewood ahead of the cold winter months, thanks to the support of its forestry contractor PF Olsen, as well as Steve Thompson Ltd and Downer. To get a load, district residents must buy a ticket for $100 but just over three quarters have been sold as of Monday. Tickets can be bought at the Richmond or Motueka council service centres. Tickets were introduced to 2024's Firewood Charity Day after 2023's free-for-all event generated a 6km traffic jam, and ticketholders will be required to show up at a specific time on Saturday to limit traffic impacts. All proceeds from this week's event – about $20,000 total – will go to two local organisations: the Nelson Tasman Hospice, which provides palliative care to patients and whānau, and Whakatū Refuge, which supports women and children affected by domestic violence. Ana Fierek, marketing and engagement lead at the Nelson Tasman Hospice, said the support 'means a lot' to the organisation. The funds raised would go towards filling its 'huge' annual $4 million shortfall. Donations, bequests, funds from local Hospice shops, and the 'amazing' biennial Dancing for a Cause event help to plug the financial hole, but it was 'never a given' the Hospice would raise enough, Fierek said. 'It gets harder every year,' she said. 'The shortfall grows with the need and the costs of everything going up… We're so thankful for the myriad of ways the community always supports us.' The Hospice cares for 210 patients across Nelson Tasman, including as far afield as Golden Bay and Murchison. 'All the money raised here, stays here and looks after local patients and families.' A Whakatū Refuge spokesperson said the organisation was 'grateful' to be included as a recipient of the donations. 'We have watched this Charity Firewood Day develop over the last two years and commend the TDC and PF Olsen for working together in these tough economic times to offer such great access to affordable firewood. 'This donation will be put to good use ensuring women and children in need stay safe.' October 2025 will also see the return of cheap firewood sales targeted to families in need, as took place the year prior. The 2024 event was coordinated by the Fifeshire Foundation and saw $25 tickets sold for firewood that will be ready to use this winter. Fifeshire Foundation executive officer Shanine Hermsen said she was grateful to keep up the event with Tasman District Council, which she described as a 'great partnership'. Last year's 'spectacular' event saw 142 loads of firewood bought cheaply by low-income families. About $3600 raised from the ticket sales also contributed to the foundation's winter grants, which opened last week. Those grants last year saw about $80,000 spent on loads of firewood or direct power bill payments for struggling locals. 'It's hard to say what the demand will be this year, but I suspect it will be up there, and it's harder and harder for families. It's great that we can help out in this way,' Hermsen said. 'We're seeing more and more people coming to us for our monthly grants that are struggling to get by.' The foundation's typical clientele was changing, with more two-income families needing help than there have been historically. If residents wanted to help, Hermsen recommended that recipients of the Government's Winter Energy Payment who didn't need it, pay it forward to those who did, which the Fifeshire Foundation facilitated. Alternatively, the foundation took donations both financial and in firewood, and often needed volunteers for events. The publicity of last year's firewood event encouraged a forestry operator to donate firewood to the foundation, which was being chopped up by the local Menzshed. 'There's heaps of cool things … that have happened since then because of that drive we did, which is pretty neat,' Hermsen said.
