Police blitz finds concerning numbers of Nelson drivers using cellphones
A worrying number of Nelson drivers are still using cellphones while driving, with police ticketing some drivers two days in a row. Nelson police have been cracking down on cellphone and seatbelt use following a horror week on the region's roads.
An operation on Tuesday caught 20 people using their mobile phone while driving in an hour. Overall police have issued more than 60 tickets during the operation. Read more here.
Penalties for using a cellphone while driving are an $80 fine and 20 demerit points. Drivers can only make a call while driving if it is an emergency situation and unsafe or impracticable to stop the vehicle to make the call.
The driver is responsible for ensuring all passengers under 15 years of age wear seat belts or an approved child-restraint for those under the age of 7.
A fine of $150 can be issued to all occupants not wearing a seat belt.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.5% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.4% ... It is complicated
Earth Emotions Silent Auction
Monday 16th February - Monday 2nd March
Bid on a special collection of 20 unframed prints by local photographers from an exhibition called Earth Emotions.
Glenn Allbrecht's book, Earth Emotions, inspired Ann Wheatley, Emma Jane Hughes and Peter Kemp to create a local exhibition exploring the health of our soils, waters, forests, and people, with support from the Nelson Tasman Climate Forum and the Nelson City Council.
Forty-seven photographers responded to an open call, contributing over 100 images. A selection of these was exhibited at the Refinery Art Space.
The photographers have donated 20 exhibition prints to raise funds for the hospice.
View on site at Nelson Tasman Hospice or check out the website here: sites.google.com...
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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