Latest news with #Nelson-based
NZ Herald
19 hours ago
- NZ Herald
Name released of man accused of killing Nelson police officer Lyn Fleming
Tasker also pleaded not guilty to other charges, including the attempted murder of Senior Sergeant Adam Ramsay, who was with Fleming at the time. Hayden Donald Jason Tasker of Motueka has been named as the man accused of killing Nelson police officer Lyn Fleming in the early hours of New Year's Day, 2025. Photo / Tracy Neal Tasker further denied causing grievous bodily harm to Ramsay with reckless disregard for his safety as an alternative charge and three charges of driving a motor vehicle on a road in a manner that was dangerous to the public. At the same time, he pleaded guilty and was convicted on charges of drink driving and driving while disqualified. Fleming and her colleagues had been doing foot patrols in central Nelson when they were allegedly set upon by a vehicle in Buxton Square about 2.10am. Fleming, 62, was injured alongside Ramsay and another officer when a car rammed into her and then into a police car. Two members of the public were also injured. Fleming succumbed to her injuries in hospital that day, surrounded by her family, Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said at the time. Tasker was arrested soon after and made an initial brief appearance in the Nelson District Court on January 3, when he was remanded in custody. Chambers said Fleming was the first policewoman to be killed in the line of duty in New Zealand, and the first police officer to be killed while on duty in Nelson. Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming was killed after a car ramming in Nelson in the early hours of January 1, 2025. Photo / Supplied She was farewelled at a large ceremony in Nelson attended by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The service followed a community candlelight vigil in Nelson attended by thousands. Suppression has been in place since his first court appearance, and over several court appearances since, but it lapsed today. Crown prosecutor Mark O'Donoghue said in February that continued suppression was contrary to the public interest, but the court was bound to continue it in the circumstances at the time, in order to protect the defendant's fair trial rights. Tracy Neal is a Nelson-based Open Justice reporter at NZME. She was previously RNZ's regional reporter in Nelson-Marlborough and has covered general news, including court and local government for the Nelson Mail.
Otago Daily Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Appreciating the community-minded
Across the country people have made the brave decision to stand for local government elections in October. It is brave to stand up in your community; to have the courage of your convictions, realising you might not be successful and not everyone will appreciate what you have to say. It is brave because in recent years those who have the cowardice of their convictions (to mangle an expression used by award-winning educator Welby Ings) can anonymously hurl abuse online to anyone in the public eye. It can make the experience of standing for election unpleasant and scary. We are not talking about genuine disagreement which tackles the argument made by a candidate, but the abuse which is personal and sometimes downright dangerous. This sort of vitriolic discourse can also spill over into public places. None of this behaviour promotes rational discussion of pertinent issues and it should be called out whenever it occurs. It is also brave for candidates to be showing their willingness to enter local government at a time when its future role, under the existing government at least, looks unsure. Recent edicts from central government about what it sees as local government's role, including whether regional councils have a future, and the threat of a rates cap, make this a confusing time for candidates and voters alike. While in some parts of the country there are insufficient candidates to necessitate elections, in Otago and Southland, apart from a few instances, this has not been the case. There are contests for the mayoral chains in all centres in the South. In Dunedin, voters will have to get to grips with 16 candidates for the mayoralty, compared with half that number standing for the Invercargill position. One of the Invercargill mayoral hopefuls, Nelson-based Andrew Clark, brother of the outgoing mayor Nobby, will already have ruffled a few feathers, not least because he is also standing for mayor in the Tasman district. His aspiration has not been embraced by his brother, and his comment he had been to Invercargill a few times and would move there if successful was not the most enthusiastic endorsement of all things Invercargill. Voters can understandably be overwhelmed by the array of candidates they may never have heard of, and relying on the small amount of information in the booklets issued with voting papers may not help much. More attention is usually paid to mayoral elections in the traditional media, due to the logistics of in-depth coverage of hundreds of council and community board candidates. However, there will be online information available and opportunities for people to meet candidates and hear what they have to say at public meetings. Those who had not enrolled or updated their enrolment details by noon last Friday have until Friday, October 10, the day before the election, to do so (unlike the situation which will apply to the next general election if the proposed changes to the law are enacted). Those late enrolments will not receive their voting forms in the mail, however. Other voters can expect to receive their voting papers between September 9 and 22. That should give voters plenty of time to decide what the big issues are for them and who will best promote them. The other less prominent community election process under way nation-wide is for the triennial school board elections. Most schools will be using the September 10 election date, to elect either their full complement of parent representatives, or half of them. Nominations close this week, but at the end of last week there were concerns these were slower to come in than usual, with several thousand of the 10,000 places yet to attract nominees. Sadly, among the reasons some parents or other members of the community may be reluctant to take on the role is the risk of being attacked on social media by people in the school community if something controversial happens within the school. All of those who are brave enough to devote their time to these roles in schools and local councils deserve to be treated with good manners, even when we do not agree with them.
Scoop
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
The Spectacle Selected For Air New Zealand's New Regional Event Sponsorship Programme
The Nelson Regional Development Agency (NRDA) is thrilled by this week's announcement that The Spectacle running festival is one of the first two major events that will be supported by a new Air New Zealand Regional Event Sponsorship programme. NRDA Chief Executive Fiona Wilson says the announcement is wonderful news for the region. 'The Spectacle made a bold debut in December 2024, proving itself to be a game-changing, iconic event with real legacy potential. It has the power to put Nelson on the map as a destination for quality, diverse and accessible running, walking, jogging routes – welcoming everyone from world-class athletes to first-time participants. The event attracted over 1,500 participants and with supporters and spectators included, brought around 10,000 people into Nelson City over two days. That resulted in an estimated $2 million boost to the region. With no cap on participant numbers and strong annual growth projected, this is a perfect partnership with Air New Zealand to help deliver even more people to enjoy The Spectacle in 2025 and beyond.' Nelson Mayor Nick Smith says this three-year Air New Zealand sponsorship deal is huge for The Spectacle and for Nelson. 'The inaugural Spectacle in 2024 brought road, trail, ultra and elite races to Nelson, with several events finishing in front of the Church Steps. I participated in the 5km, and my ambition is to do the 10km this year. I was in awe of the running talent from Nelson, New Zealand and around the world who came to compete. I love what The Spectacle brings to Nelson, reinforcing our brand as the most active city in New Zealand and I cannot wait to see it grow.' The Spectacle has been created by elite Nelson-based athletes who understand what motivates people to take part in an event like this – and how to make it truly inclusive. This is not your average running event. With broad appeal across ages, abilities, and backgrounds, it has genuine international appeal. From world record-holding elite athletes to pre-schoolers, and from relays and 1 mile to 100-mile distances, there is something for everyone. The celebration continues after the finish line, with an evening concert for participants and supporters. The event is also delivered in partnership with Athletics New Zealand. This marks the first time Athletics New Zealand has partnered with an independent event, reflecting a fresh and innovative approach to revitalising athletics in New Zealand. Air New Zealand's three-year Regional Event Sponsorship commitment to The Spectacle will play a key role in supporting local tourism and driving long-term, sustainable economic activity. The event has also received funding for both 2024 and 2025 through the NCC Economic Events Fund and MBIE Regional Events Promotion Fund, facilitated by the NRDA. Beyond funding, the NRDA supports regional events through marketing, promotion, and by building connections both within and beyond Nelson Tasman to maximise the benefits of events for the wider community. Fiona Wilson added 'While the exact level and type of marketing support from Air New Zealand is still being confirmed, this announcement couldn't come at a better time for our visitor, retail, and hospitality sectors. After the recent heavy rain events in Nelson Tasman, it is wonderful to have and share good news! A big thank you to Air New Zealand for their support and congratulations to Julian, Anni, Kurt and the rest of the Spectacle team for their hard work to create this world-class event for New Zealand. About Nelson Regional Development Agency (NRDA) NRDA's purpose is to accelerate economic growth, improving wealth and wellbeing for the people of Nelson Tasman. With a focus on increasing regional productivity, we deliver on our purpose by supporting collaboration, building capability, and attracting resources. NRDA is a Council-Controlled Organisation (CCO), 100% owned by Nelson City Council. NRDA was established on 1 July 2016 following merger of the former Nelson Regional Economic Development Agency and Nelson Tasman Tourism. Partnership funding contribution from Tasman District Council enables NRDA services to be delivered with a combined Nelson Tasman regional focus. NRDA's activity spans strategic economic development, business and key sector support, investment attraction and, as Regional Tourism Organisation, fostering and promoting regional visitation.
NZ Herald
26-07-2025
- NZ Herald
Nelson's Le Posh bakery duo escape to Australia amid debt claims
Now, two more people have come forward saying they are also owed money. Veronica and Didier Crevecoeur appear to have left Nelson quickly, abandoning a vast accumulation of clothes and shoes, and a 40-year collection of souvenirs from around the world. I need your help Software engineer Steve, who lived near the Crevecoeurs in an exclusive area of Nelson's port hills, considered the couple as friends. 'At some point, Veronica came to see me - I think it was in November last year. She called me and said, 'I need your help, can I come to see you'?' Steve alleged that Veronica then told him a 'very strange story' about her father, and someone she knew in Spain, and how they needed about 3000 to 4000 Euros ($NZ5800 to $NZ7804) to send. He said she was very convincing, but he did not have that kind of money to lend. In the days before the Crevecoeurs left, Steve said Veronica sent him another message, asking again for money. He alleged she needed almost $1000 to cover what he believed might have been rent. 'I didn't send the money, but she was very insistent. 'She sent me many messages in a way that was very strange.' Steve said he began to get suspicious, but finally relented and gave Veronica a couple of hundred dollars. 'She was saying, 'I will pay you back tomorrow, I will pay you back tomorrow', and then she sent me more messages asking for more (money).' Steve arranged to pay $300 via a bank transfer, so he had a record, then tried to reach the couple a few days later, but says he got no reply. The Crevecoeurs had left, without paying it back, Steve said. Steve understood the couple flew to Perth where they had family, a few days after his final communication with them on February 20 this year. He said he was curious about why she was not responding to his text messages, so he went to the home they rented. He found them gone, and the landlord sorting through a stack of expensive clothes, a huge collection of shoes, and the large collection of souvenir 'bells' from around the world that they had left behind. Latin band left out of pocket Members of Nelson-based Latin band Los Galanes: Raffaele Bandoli (left), the late Jose Luis Perez and guest member Marco Sangiorgi. The band were left short by more than $1000 for a Bastille Day gig the Crevecoeurs hired them to play at. Photo / Los Galanes Nelson-based Italian/Kiwi musician, Raffaele Bandoli said the Latin band he played in was left out of pocket when the Crevecoeurs failed to pay in full after hiring them to mark France's Bastille Day at an event in Blenheim in July 2019. Bandoli said the band, Los Galanes, was paid a $1100 deposit for the $2245 gig, but he claims they never saw the rest of it. Bandoli said band leader and founder, Jose Luis Perez, paid individual band members from his own pocket. Los Galanes, which at times has been a 10-piece band, was then a seven-piece. 'He was such a responsible and nice person that he paid all the members of the band, regardless,' Bandoli said. He wanted to speak out, in honour of Perez, who died suddenly in March last year, while travelling in Europe with his partner and band administrator Rebecca Knox. Knox said Perez always paid his musicians a set fee, but the 'biggie' for them was Veronica Crevecoeur. 'At first, she was really lovely to deal with,' she said. The band covered its own costs travelling from Nelson to Blenheim, the event went well and the Crevecoeurs seemed pleased. An invoice was sent, but she claims there was no reply. Another statement was sent, they tried contacting the Crevecoeurs by phone, but still nothing, Knox said. They hired a debt collector to recover the money, but when he went to serve them the notice in Blenheim, the premises were empty. Knox said Perez had pleaded with Veronica to pay the remainder of the fee. 'Jose would leave messages saying, 'Veronica, this is really urgent, for the survival of the band'.' When she noticed the shop, Le Posh pop up in Nelson, it was 'a massive red flag'. Knox was then floored when she saw the second Le Posh open up near Nelson's Tāhunanui Beach. The Crevecoeurs moved to Nelson from Marlborough around 2021. The opening of the second store was the beginning of the end of their New Zealand chapter. Le Posh: Unpaid rent The property investment firm, Tawero Holdings (No 2) Ltd, from whom the Crevecoeurs leased the second premises in November 2022, lodged court action when they abandoned the lease, owing $13,175 in rent and outgoings. A spokesperson for Tawero claimed the couple were masters of deceit. He said that taking legal action was a decision not made lightly but 'a lot of deception' had been at play. 'We are not novices at this, and we were taken in.' Tawero Holdings sought, and was granted, a summary judgment of $22,547 against the Crevecoeurs, plus several thousand more in costs associated with re-letting the premises, plus damages. The Crevecoeurs ran two French themed patisseries in Nelson, named Le Posh. NZME composite image A final dinner before they were gone Steve decided to share his story, after reading about what else they had done. He and his wife had shared a few dinners with the Crevecoeurs, at each others' homes, or at a nearby Thai restaurant. Their last dinner together was earlier this year, when the Crevecoeurs brought French food to share, and some drink. He believed they had Australian citizenship, and planned to spend six months there and six months in France where they owned a small house, near Dieppe, where Didier was from. 'They want to split their time in France between there and Paris, because Veronica really loves Paris,' Steve said. NZME has been unable to locate the Crevecoeurs for comment. Tracy Neal is a Nelson-based Open Justice reporter at NZME. She was previously RNZ's regional reporter in Nelson-Marlborough and has covered general news, including court and local government for the Nelson Mail.
NZ Herald
15-07-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Nelson-based ice cream producer Appleby Farms acquires Little Island brand and assets
Appleby Farms CEO Peter Findlay (right) has confirmed the Nelson-based ice cream producer has acquired the brand and assets of Little Island. Photo / Supplied Listening to articles is free for open-access content—explore other articles or learn more about text-to-speech. Access to Herald Premium articles require a Premium subscription. Subscribe now to listen. Appleby Farms CEO Peter Findlay (right) has confirmed the Nelson-based ice cream producer has acquired the brand and assets of Little Island. Photo / Supplied Plant-based dairy brand Little Island has been given a lifeline under new ownership after going into liquidation last month. Nelson-based ice cream producer Appleby Farms announced today it had acquired the brand and assets of Little Island. Appleby Farms said it will be manufacturing all existing Little Island ice cream flavours, with plans to relaunch in Foodstuffs and Progressive supermarkets in August. 'This marks a bold step in our vision for sustainable growth,' said Appleby Farms CEO Peter Findlay. 'It allows us to utilise our expertise to bring high quality products to both traditional dairy and plant-based categories.'
