Stories by Max Frethey
News
Rogue turtle raising alarm bells in Tākaka
A lone turtle spotted in a Golden Bay lake has Tasman District Council rushing to ensure a population of pest turtles doesn't explode.
Departing council boss on the high and lows of 'all-consuming job'
After six years in the "incredibly stimulating" role, Janine Dowding is handing the reins over at the end of the month.
Stolen unicorn sculpture returned one year later
A year after a unicorn sculpture was stolen from an iconic house on Nelson's Rocks Road, it has been returned, albeit "a bit worse for wear".
Teeth and teddies: What's flushed down the loo - and the cost to clean it up
Contractors across Nelson Tasman have worked diligently in keeping the region's wastewater flowing, clearing blockages caused by all manner of strange items.
'It's going to cause a hell of a rumpus': Farmer seeks tougher cat control
A Tasman farmer wants tougher rules for cats after toxoplasmosis devastated his flock of sheep, costing him $14,000 in damages.
Half million for Stoke Library a 'band-aid'
Nelson City Council has approved half a million dollars of repair work for Stoke Library but the acting mayor describes the funds as a just another "band-aid" for the city's crumbling libraries.
West Coast-Tasman must stop regional decline, election candidates say
Putting a stop to regional decline was a prevailing theme delivered by West Coast-Tasman's hopeful candidates during an election debate.
Climate change challenges wastewater treatment plant
Climate change is already challenging a joint Nelson-Tasman wastewater treatment plant built on a low-lying island. Millions of dollars are proposed to be allocated in next decade to secure a site for…
Feral cats jumping through hoops to be included on pest plan
One would think allowing the control of feral cats would be a simple move, but for the Nelson-Tasman region, it has not been easy.
Nelson-Tasman councils support airport’s bid to be next-gen aircraft base
The Nelson-Tasman region's two councils have thrown their weight behind the Nelson Airport's bid to host Air New Zealand's first commercial next-generation, low-emission aircraft.
Nelson-Tasman disabled facilities a 'letdown'
A woman who cares for her paralysed husband has said that disabled facilities across the region are not adequate while councillors agree more needs to be done for accessibility.
Community board forum consumed by conspiracy theories
Concerns around the installation of Motueka cycleways have resulted in conspiracy theories consuming much of the community board's public forum time.
'Postcode lottery on death': Cost to buried loved ones rising across the nation
Burial costs around the country have risen but they are rarely uniform and reinforce a "postcode lottery of death," according to those in the funeral industry.
Gang list surge not proof of increased membership - police
A National party candidate says the growing National Gang List is evidence of Labour's 'soft-on-crime approach', but police say it's not that straightforward.
Council funding increase welcomed as community group workload grows
Nelson City Council originally planned to provide a 0 percent increase but organisations that support its communities of greatest need will now get 7.2 percent.
Nelson cyclists and pedestrians rally for 'travel justice'
The rally is calling for a more accessible city with equally viable travel options for all.
Salvaging the trees that 'became missiles' - Tasman tornado clean-up
Affected residents have begun repairs and clean-up after a tornado tore through Tasman's Moutere Hills, ripping up orchards and roads and leaving all sorts of debris amongst the wreckage.
Nelson council asks, what to do about a new library?
The topic of a new library has come before residents once again as Nelson City Council seeks feedback on its annual plan.
Native seabirds threatened by vehicles on Tasman beaches
Tasman District Council is investigating options to try and limit vehicles on beaches to protect native seabirds. A bylaw is not out of the question.
Possible 7.2 percent rates rise for Nelson
A 7.2 percent rates increase is one of five substantial deviations from its Long Term Plan that Nelson City Council is expected to consult with residents about.
Vandals cause $27,000 of damage to Nelson public toilets
Repeated vandalisation of Nelson's public toilets has cost ratepayers at least $27,000 with toilet bowls being smashed and pipework cut through.
181-year-old spelling mistake causing a stir
Many Nelson residents are pushing for a street's name change to more accurately honour the Māori chief it was named after.
'A grand old effort to get it down': Unicorn sculpture disappears
A unicorn sculpture has been stolen from a house on Nelson's Rocks Road which was left red-stickered and unoccupied after a mudslide in August.
‘Businesses are hurting’ – greater police presence wanted in CBD
Businesses in Nelson's city centre have called for more police in the CBD to deter the rise in crime that they're witnessing.
Mayor challenges Waka Kotahi on chaotic SH6 closure and weeds
Nelson Mayor Nick Smith has grilled Waka Kotahi on the chaotic closure of State Highway 6/Whakatu Drive and weedy roundabouts during the first meeting of the joint regional transport committee.