What's on in the Nelson-Tasman region
Seafood Saturday: A celebration of all things seafood will bring a buzz to downtown Nelson tomorrow. The second Seafood New Zealand event will be held in Upper Trafalgar St from noon, showcasing marine activities, including fish filleting and net fixing, plus food carts, live entertainment, kids activities and 150 servings of free fish and chips. A progressive five-plate seafood lunch for 120 people has sold out. Historic former fishing boat Gleam will be open to the public from 8am to noon at Nelson Marina. Nelson-Tasman’s blue economy cluster, Moananui, will also open its Trafalgar Square headquarters to the public from noon, displaying world-leading science and tech companies.
Boulder Bank Walk: Walk Nelson’s iconic Boulder Bank, see the historic baches, visit the lighthouse and, if you’re keen to help, protect wildlife by picking up plastics and other rubbish. After being dropped off at Boulder Bank Drive, you will walk 9km to the Cut, before being transported back by boat. Or you can go “Boat Both Ways” to a point 100m from the lighthouse – some walking required. Sunday, March 10, departures from 8.15am. Tickets from $28 (adults) and $18 (children under 14). Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon: Around 1500 kids will swim, bike and run around the Tāhunanui Beach Reserve in age-group categories on Sunday, March 10, from 7am. They will be cheered on by Black Fern sisters Chelsea and Alana Bremner, who competed in the event several times as kids. Sun City Soul: An afternoon of soul music in the Fairfield House courtyard, Sunday, March 10, from 4pm. $25 on the door.
Slice of Heaven: Four-piece band Gentle Giant will pay tribute to the bands and songwriters who have made their mark on Kiwi music over the last 50 years. The Boathouse, today at 8pm. $25.
George Jackson and Brad Kolodner:
New Zealand-born, Nashville-based fiddler George Jackson and Baltimore-based American banjoist Brad Kolodner met in a late-night jam session at the hallowed Appalachian String Band Music Festival in West Virginia and have since formed a musical bond that runs deep. Fairfield House, today at 7.30pm. $25. Mountain-bike rally: A week-long allinclusive enduro-format race, traversing the top of the south. Comprising worldclass trails in a pristine backcountry environment, sandwiched between three national parks. From three basecamp locations, 120 competitors will complete a circular itinerary out of Nelson, taking in both historic tracks and IMBA gold-level mountain bike trails. From March 9 to 16. Variety Entertainment Club of Nelson: Concert, tomorrow, from 2pm at Stoke
School Hall, Main Rd. Admission $5.
Swap Meet: The Nelson Vintage Car Club is holding its annual Swap Meet/Bazaar at the Nelson Speedway grounds, Lower Queen St, tomorrow. Gates open 8am, $5 entry. Tasman Skatepark Series: Skate, BMX and scooter competitions – split into junior, senior and open categories – will return to Richmond Skatepark tomorrow, at noon. Social dance: The Nelson Social Dance Club is holding another event tomorrow from 7pm at Club Waimea. Members $8, non-members $10.
Sophie Labelle: The Assigned Male Comics artist will speak about her art and activism tomorrow at Elma Turner Library, 2pm. Koha appreciated.
Waitapu guided snorkel drift day: Bring the whole whānau to explore the waters of Waitapu, Golden Bay during a drift snorkel and community day activities. Tomorrow, from 9am. Parking north of Takaka, just before the bridge over Takaka River on State Highway 60.
Impact Dance Experience: Watch a display of high-energy dance featuring dancers from the top of the south. All dance genres will be on display, from hip-hop and jazz to contemporary. Theatre Royal, tomorrow from 7pm. $22.50.
Author talk: Constance Barnicoat was a pioneering journalist and mountaineer who deserves a place in history, says author Annabel Schuler. She will speak about her book Constance Barnicoat, A Cool Head and A Sharp Pen at Richmond Library at 1pm on Tuesday, March 19.
Motueka Orchid Show: At the Motueka Library Rooms, Wallace St, from 10am to 2.30pm on Sunday, March 24. Sales table, displays, information. $2 entry fee.
Honest Lawyer 5k Fun Run and Walk Series: This popular 5km series is back for
an eight-week run to Easter. Registration is from 5.15pm on Mondays at The Honest Lawyer garden in Nelson’s Monaco. Schedule: Early runners and walkers (over 30 minutes) 6pm start; runners (under 30 minutes) 6.15pm start; results and spot prizes 7.15pm. All proceeds to good causes in Nelson-Tasman.
Sharland Cycles 5k Fun Run and Walk Series: This series of 5km events for runners and walkers is organised by Waimea Harriers and based at Club Waimea in Richmond. Held on Wednesday evenings, it runs until March 27. The safety briefing is at 6pm at Club Waimea, followed immediately by the walkers’ start and then all runners 10 minutes later. Cost: $3 entry; free for schoolchildren.
Jazz on the Village Green: Pack your picnic basket, grab your blanket and comfy chairs, and top it all off with sunscreen and a hat. Whether you’re a seasoned jazz fan or simply looking for a relaxing afternoon, this series promises something for everyone. Sunday afternoons until the end of March, 1pm to 3pm, at Founders Heritage Park. Feasts On Fridays: Enjoy your favourite street food from Nelson-Tasman at Kirby Lane every Friday between 4.30pm and 8.30pm this summer. This is a familyfriendly event. Until March 15.
Tākaka Open Mic Night: The Gypsy Pickers host and perform for the Open Mic Night at Takaka’s Roots Bar every Thursday. This is a popular night with locals and travellers. Bring along your songs, instruments and dancing shoes for a fun evening. Starts 8.30pm. No cover charge. Animal Antics: A hilarious exhibition curated from the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards Collection. Immerse yourself in a world of mischievous monkeys, clumsy cats, and photo-bombing fish, captured in their most comical moments. Until May 5 at the Nelson Provincial Museum.
Golden Bay art exhibition: Painting, photography, jewellery and fibre art, with guest artist Elaine Robinson. Pakawau Memorial Hall, March 30 (Easter Saturday) 10am-3pm; Sunday, 10am-3pm, Monday 10am-1pm.
Te Hītori Aotūroa: Learning from Nature: A thought-provoking exhibition that delves into the world of birds, bones and bugs, showcasing natural history highlights from the Nelson Provincial Museum’s collection. Precious specimens on display range from majestic toroa (southern royal albatross) and snowy owls to New Zealand’s newest celebrity, the pūteketeke. Until May 5.
Fire & Earth exhibition: Nelson is rich in ceramic art, with a long history and a vibrant community of clay artists. Fire & Earth showcases the best of this creative scene, featuring works by selected ceramicists from across the region. Until March 10 at the Suter Art Gallery.
Katoitoi – Response: Golden Bay/Mohua artists were asked to respond to an artist they have a strong preference for, or are akin to, and who has created a well-known work that represents or references Golden Bay/Mohua. Until April 30 at the Golden Bay Museum.
Inakord World Music Choir: Inakord, an “open access” community world music choir, was established more than 20 years ago to fulfil a desire in the Motueka area for people to gather and sing together regularly. No auditions are required – just a love of singing for fun and friendship. Mondays, 7pm. Cost: $4 a session. Disruptive Order: A showcase of abstraction from the Suter’s permanent collection. The fourth in a series of exhibitions looking at different themes and approaches to abstraction. Until March 24 at the Suter Art Gallery.
The Wairoa Bike Park: The Gorge, owned and operated by the Nelson Mountain Bike Club, is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Bookings are preferred. Motueka Sunday Market: Supporting local businesses for more than 35 years. Fresh produce, small goods, artisan creations, arts and crafts. Every Sunday from 8am at the Decks Reserve car park, by the library.
Visit: motuekasundaymarket.co.nz.
The Nelson Market: Grab your friends and family and head down to this local institution. Every Saturday at Montgomery Square, in the heart of Nelson city.
Nelson Farmers Market: Fresh, local and seasonal produce, food stalls and gourmet food items from all over the top of the south can be purchased. Every Wednesday between 8am and 1.30pm, rain or shine. Halifax St beside the Elma Turner Library.