Tasman Report

Plan Change 81 on urban growth is now open for submissions. Jeremy Butler from the Urban and Rural Policy Team explains what the plan aims to achieve and how you can have your say: https://shape.tasman.govt.nz/urban-growth-PC81/council-agrees-notify-urban-growth-plan-changes

Council has adopted its 2026/2027 Annual Plan. Hear staff briefings from the meeting, along with Mayor Tim King outlining the context behind elected members’ decisions.

Preparations for the H5N1 bird flu threat are well underway nationally and locally. Guinevere Coleman, Marine and Terrestrial Biosecurity Manager, joins us to discuss what’s being done. Learn more: https://www.tasman.govt.nz/my-region/environment/environmental-management/biosecurity/update-on-avian-bird-flu-threat-to-new-zealand

Plus, Motueka and Golden Bay communities are advocating for local driver licence testing. Find out how this grassroots effort is gaining momentum and how you can get involved.

How far can a spatial plan take us? In this episode, we explore the potential and real-world impact of spatial planning. We visit the Moutere and the Old House Road Weir, take a closer look at the work of Mohua 2042 in Golden Bay, and discuss how Tasman can position itself in relation to international data on disaster preparedness.

Tasman Report catches up with CEO Leonie Rae as we talk about the Annual Plan, local government reform, Plan Change 81 and, the challenges and achievements in the year to date. Joseph Thomas shares the “water of our summer” story and if you haven’t figured out the “how to” for a good compost this episode is for you.

Links mentioned in the show
For the next Information Forum Meeting go to https://www.tasman.govt.nz/my-council/meetings/meetings-calendar

Check out the composting page here https://www.tasman.govt.nz/my-community/a-sustainable-community/rethink-waste/compost-worm-farms-and-bokashi

More information on Plan Change 81 and Change 1 to the Tasman Regional Policy Statement (TRPS) at https://shape.tasman.govt.nz/urban-growth-PC81 and the Plan Change webinar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rt4w1Vo8Dz4&t=999s

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 mohua2042@gmail.com