Detection buoys being trialled
More than 50 pilot whales recently fell victim to Farewell Spit’s natural whale trap. The Department of Conservation lists on its website its deterrent proposals to prevent the strandings over the years had included beacons, sonar reflectors, nets, and noise generating devices. DOC Golden Bay operations manager Ross Trotter says these had been considered and determined not to be practical for a range of reasons including potential effects to other marine mammal species and logistical challenges. However, Project Jonah, HealthPost Nature Trust, and independent marine experts are trialling AI-enabled marine mammal detection buoys at Farewell Spit this season, to give DOC early alerts when pilot whales are in the area. “Which means we could send a boat out to try and deter them from the intertidal zone,” Ross says. The buoys will also collect data about pilot whale movements which might help DOC better understand why the whales strand.
Protective mesh to be installed on Rocks Rd
Work to improve cliff stability on Rocks Rd continues this week after the arrival of protective meshing. An NZTA spokesperson says the protective mesh needed for the next stage of work has now arrived in the country. This is scheduled to be installed before Nelson Anniversary Weekend and Waitangi Day to help keep the route safe and reduce disruptions. Work will take place on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 January, between 9am and 4pm, as crews place the mesh along the crest of the cliff. Traffic on Rocks Rd will be unaffected. Night works will be undertaken from Sunday, 25 January which will involve crews unrolling the mesh and securing it to the cliff face. During night hours, stop/go management and temporary speed restrictions will be in place with delays of up to 10 minutes expected through till the early hours of Thursday, 29 January. During the day, both lanes of the road will be open. While traffic management is in place, crews will also take the opportunity to clear material behind barriers, extend fencing, and carry out general tidy-up work.
Nelson Tasman make finalists for best beach
Three local beaches have been named as finalists in the Herald’s NZ’s Best Beach 2026 competition. The top 10 finalists across five categories: family, camping, surfing, city and hidden gems are now live, with Kaiteriteri flying the flag as the only South Island beach named in the Best Family Beach category. It also made the Best Camping Beach list, alongside Tōtaranui. Tāhunanui is a finalist in the Best City Beach category – again the only South Island sand on the list. You have until 11.59pm on Sunday, January 25, to vote for your favourites in each category. You can vote at nzherald.co.nz/bestbeach with winners announced on 1 February.
Airport trees above the rest
The winners of the 2025 Nelson Airport Trees of Remembrance campaign have been announced, with innovative newcomer Digital Diligence taking top honours in this year’s fun competition for a cause. Nelson Airport Trees of Remembrance is an annual fundraising and awareness campaign for Nelson Tasman Hospice, where local businesses sponsor and decorate Christmas trees that go on display in the airport terminal over the busy summer travel period. The trees are judged by celebrity judge Dame Suzie Moncrieff - founder of the World of WearableArt - and by the travelling public, who vote for their favourite in the People’s Choice competition. Over the past three years, the campaign has raised $124,700 for hospice, including $49,000 this year. Digital Diligence was named this year’s Overall Winner at a prizegiving ceremony at Nelson Tasman Hospice last Wednesday, after impressing Dame Suzie with its “totally unexpected tree topper”. The technology company’s topper was a digital slideshow displaying the Digital Diligence logo, images of their projects and their team. Hamish Fletcher Lawyers took home the People’s Choice prize. There were 15 sponsor businesses involved in this year’s campaign. All funds raised will go towards helping to continue to provide free hospices services.
Beer Chair comp returns
The Beer Chair Competition is returning for 2026 after the inaugural feat garnered 50 entries from across the country. The comp tasks participants to deconstruct one aluminium beer can to make a miniature chair, which has to fit within the can from which it was constructed. Last year’s first prize went to William Samuels, a Nelson architect for his entry, The Buckminster. First prize is $3000 with the runner up receiving $500. Digital entries are due 1 March, and the results will be announced at The Free House, 95 Collingwood St, on 31 March. The chairs will be shown at Lee Woodman Studios, 259 Hardy St, Nelson immediately after the awards’ presentation.
Sika Sound Journey - ‘Between the Worlds'
Tākaka sound musician Sika Rose will have audiences zenning out at Red Door Theatre on Saturday, 24 January with one of his Sound Journey performances. Between the Worlds blends primal rhythm, atmospheric voice, deep didgeridoo, and field recordings - shifting from dynamic, embodied energy into vast, cinematic stillness. Guided by the myth of the Wandering Forest Spirit, it invites a reconnection with self, with nature, and with something older than language. Ceremonial, immersive, and deeply evocative, it’s an evening to slow down, listen deeply, and cross into the unseen. Advance booking is recommended and door sales will be avalaible if there is space. The event takes place between 7:30pm and 9:45pm. For tickets visit: www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/sika-sound-journey/nelson/ticket
