Tasman Report

In this episode of Tasman Report, we feature the latest moves from central government on proposed council amalgamations and a personal perspective from Tim King.

We also spotlight the Motueka Community Board, with chair Claire Hutt reflecting on how the new board has settled in and its early priorities. The episode also covers
progress on recovery from the June–July 2025 floods, with updates on infrastructure works and an overview of how insurance supports recovery efforts.

Looking ahead, Jeremy Butler outlines the upcoming notification of Plan Change 81 and changes to the Tasman Regional Policy Statement, while Mayor Tim King closes
with recognition of ANZAC Day volunteers.

In this episode, the Plan Stop has been lifted for Plan Change 81, the Tasman Annual Plan 2026–2027 is now open for public feedback, and a new road safety speed campaign is underway across the district.

We also highlight the upcoming Mohua Emergency Preparedness Expo, taking place at the Golden Bay Recreation Park Centre over the weekend of Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 May. The expo is designed to raise awareness and help communities prepare for emergencies such as earthquakes, flooding, and wildfires—especially when Golden Bay becomes isolated. It offers practical guidance for households, animal care, and community response.

On Saturday from 9am to 2pm, free sandbags will be available to help residents prepare for potential flooding. On Sunday, from 10am to 4pm, the full expo will be in action, featuring interactive displays for all ages, guest speakers, market stalls, entertainment, food trucks, and emergency vehicles.

This free event is brought to you by Tasman District Council, in partnership with Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Civil Defence Emergency Management, Hato Hone St John, and Mohua 2042—a community-led trust supporting a resilient and regenerative future for Golden Bay.

Volunteers are still needed for the weekend. If you’re able to help, please get in touch with Andy at [email protected]

In this episode, we follow the future of Natural Hazards Plan Change 85 as it transitions into upcoming Spatial Plan work under RMA reform. We feature discussion from the Council Chambers on options for the plan change.

Also in this report: the release of the Tasman Inundation Practice Note, and the Annual Plan 2026/27, which is now open for feedback until 3 May at shape.tasman.govt.nz.

In this episode Mayor Tim King is in front of the Environment Select Committee meeting with Barry Johnson Environmental Policy Manager speaking to the Tasman submission on the Natural Environment and Planning Bills. Read the submission here... https://www.tasman.govt.nz/my-council/key-documents/tasman-resource-management-plan/legislation-council-submissions
We talk wood for winter, and the service provided by our Good Wood Suppliers, check them out here... https://tasman.govt.nz/link/good-wood
And Golden Bay Community Board Chair Grant Knowles shares the feedback from the Board’s recent community drop-in sessions.

This episode features highlights from the Wednesday, 17 March, Information Forum Meeting and the presentation of the Environmental Policy Quarterly Review Report. We hear discussion about Plan Changes 81 and 84, anticipated growth projections, and the Motueka Master Plan.

The Port Nelson 125th Anniversary Open Day on Sunday, 22 March, showcases the Legends of Mohua Aorere exhibition, which tells the story of the Golden Bay–Tasman ports, wharves, and coastal shipping from the 1800s to the mid-1900s. We also talk with Antarctic and marine artist Sean Garwood about his painting Felicity and the Blind Bay Hookers, featured in the Legends exhibition — a work that transports the viewer back to a golden age of coastal trade