Saturday 24th April 2021, in Community Events

Come along for an opportunity to hear "Tales of a Pandemic" stories that reveal our individual Covid-19 experiences plus you can expect to hear a few stories that take us back to a pre-pandemic time and place.

Stories are just 5 minutes in length and our storytellers are: Heather Lindsay, Sophie Weenink, Aaron Stallard, Stephen Lee, Matthew and Ruth Benge, Adrian Curtis, Ros Pochin, Jacquetta Bell, Dan Callahan and Galen King. Couch Stories is hosted by Jo Ann Firestone and John Pinel.

Historically, Couch Stories sells out early. Be sure to book in advance.
This is a benefit for Save the Maitai.

Saturday 24th April 2021, in Community Events, Education, Heritage & Culture

A talk on what has been dismissed as 'social unrest' in the early settlement of Nelson. Was it in fact really workers standing up for their rights after promises made before departing England were not kept. Were shortages of food, decent housing and paid work the real issue? How did the workers experience of similar injustices in England agitate change to remedy their situation. Find what they did, and perhaps there is a legacy here today.

Saturday 24th April 2021, in Music & Performing Arts

After taking a Covid-19 break in 2020, Couch Stories returns with “Tales of a Pandemic”, Saturday, 24 April at NCMA.
Don’t miss this special night of ten true, personal and local stories plus a unique tale from a Nelsonian living in New York City.

A benefit for Save the Maitai.

Show starts at 7.00pm. (Bar opens 6.00pm)
All tickets $20.00 (booking fees apply)

Sunday 25th April 2021, in Community Events, Education, Heritage & Culture

Did your family serve in World War One? Is their name on the Wall of Remembrance? Come along and find out how to locate more information about your early relatives.

Sunday 25th April 2021, in Community Events, Education, Heritage & Culture

We will remember them. 10.45am - assemble at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints car park. 10.50am - march to Nayland College Assembly Hall. Service begins at 11am, wreaths will be laid at the College then taken to Stoke Memorial Gates. Following the service, all are invited to Nelson RSA at Greenmeadows for light refreshments and friendship.

Monday 26th April-Saturday 1st May 2021, in Music & Performing Arts

Join Nelson Youth Theatre as this timeless, captivating story is brought to life in this glorious musical filled with personal discovery, heartache, hope and everlasting love. Produced on Broadway, Little Women – The Broadway Musical has been praised by critics for its ambition in adapting such a well-known story for the stage.

Based on Louisa May Alcott’s life, Little Women follows the adventures of sisters, Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March. Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication, but the publishers are not interested – her friend, Professor Bhaer, tells her that she has to do better and write more from herself. Begrudgingly taking this advice, Jo weaves the story of herself and her sisters and their experience growing up in Civil War America.

Little Women embodies the complete theatrical experience, guaranteeing a night filled with laughter, tears and a lifting of the spirit. The powerful score soars with the sounds of personal discovery, heartache and hope – the sounds of a young America finding its voice.

Monday 26th April-Saturday 1st May 2021, in Music & Performing Arts

Join Nelson Youth Theatre on a fantastic musical adventure with an out-of-this-world car, based on the beloved 1968 film version of Ian Fleming’s children’s book, and featuring an unforgettable score by the Sherman Brothers (Mary Poppins), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang JR. is one unforgettable blockbuster that audiences will find “Truly Scrumptious”.

An eccentric inventor, Caractacus Potts sets about restoring an old race car from a scrap heap with the help of his children Jeremy and Jemima. They soon discover the car has magical properties including the ability to float and take flight. Trouble occurs when the evil Baron Bomburst desires the magic car for himself. The family joins forces with Truly Scrumptious and batty Grandpa Potts to outwit the dastardly Baron and Baroness and their villainous henchman, the Child Catcher.

Filled with amazing stage spectacle and unforgettable songs, including the Academy Award nominated title song, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang JR. is a high-flying fun-filled adventure for all!

Tuesday 27th April 2021, in Community Events, Education, Heritage & Culture

An event for all the family. An exciting hour of Māori stories and legends of Whakatū/Nelson by our fabulous storyteller, Te Ata.

Thursday 29th April 2021, in Community Events

Buy handmade woollen garments for babies and young children at affordable prices.
All proceeds support the work of the Library Knitters. Cash preferred.

Thursday 29th April 2021, in Community Events, Education, Heritage & Culture, Sports, Visual Arts & Crafts, Workshops & Retreats, Youth

Get ready for the colder days and stock up on winter woollies with the library knitters sale.

Buy handmade garments for babies and young children at affordable prices.

All proceeds support the work of the Library Knitters.

Cash only.
Thursday 29 April
10am-12pm
Elma Turner Library

Thursday 29th April 2021, in Community Events, Education, Heritage & Culture, Visual Arts & Crafts

Come join our popular children’s textile workshops teaching traditional crafts and sewing to children. Make your own sampler and learn a range of embroidery stitches. Ages 5 - 12 years, with a parent or caregiver.

*Booking Required*

Thursday 29th April 2021, in Community Events, Education, Heritage & Culture

Local writer Ro Cambridge is running a story telling workshop to explore local histories with a special emphasis on the Poorman Valley Stream.

*Booking Required*

Friday 30th April 2021, in Community Events, Education, Heritage & Culture

Do you remember the sounds of Pacman? Or Super Mario? Discover or revisit some classic games. All software and hardware provided

*Booking Required*

Saturday 1st May 2021, in Music & Performing Arts

Update: This postponed event is back on in 2021!

Nelson Dancing for a Cause is a Charitable Trust Board with it’s Trustees volunteering their time and working tirelessly with many other individuals and organisations in the Nelson/Tasman regions.

Their aim is to put on a spectacular show every two years and most importantly, to raise needed funds for amazing local charities and organisations. We are supporting the Nelson Tasman Hospice in 2021.

Dancing for a Cause held its first event in May 2018 to a sold-out crowd at Nelson’s Trafalgar Centre, raising $111,000 for Nelson Tasman Hospice.

Our 2021 event sees another eight local personalities partnered each with a trained ballroom dancer. They will perform a ballroom dance in front of a panel of judges in order to be declared the Nelson Dancing for a Cause winner!

Roz Pochin, a Nelson breast surgeon, with partner Anthony Hewson, took to the stage donned in a sparkling dress, performed the samba and became the first to win the title of Nelson Dancing for a Cause champion.

Who will become the next Champion?

Sunday 2nd May 2021, in Community Events, Education, Heritage & Culture, Visual Arts & Crafts

Simon Starr has been a stonemason for well over 40 years and is passionate about his craft. His early years in his chosen trade included restoration work to churches, barn conversions, as well as undertaking the more traditional aspects in and around the family home, creating many features including, natural stone fireplaces, stone paving, gated entrances, feature stone paneling and dry stone walling.
Simon takes great pleasure in talking about his life as a stonemason, an occupation he feels deserves to be shared and appreciated.
He has also turned his talents to carving Oamaru stone!

Monday 3rd May-Sunday 25th July 2021, in Community Events

Tech Taster Sessions

Every Monday, starting 3 May, 2-3pm, Elma Turner Library

Dip your toe into the world of online tools and activities. Have a go at writing an online diary, take better photos on your phone, find your way with Google maps and listen to stories and music online.

Have fun exploring the digital world and find out what all the fuss is about. We’ll demystify digital jargon and make sure you’re safe in cyberspace. At the same time we’ll take a walk down memory lane, share family favourites and record your stories for future generations.

Come and have a laugh, along with afternoon tea, and gain some new skills to show off to the grandkids.

• Online diaries
• Maps and virtual travel
• Exchanging recipes
• Ebooks, music and old time radio
• Taking and looking after photos

Complete beginners welcome. Contact Laura for more information on 03 546 0414.

Wednesday 5th May 2021, in Music & Performing Arts

Originally from Southland this acoustic folk duo play original music as well as a diverse repertoire as a covers band. Sweet harmonies and groovy bass lines drive their sound.

Thursday 6th-Saturday 15th May 2021, in Music & Performing Arts, Workshops & Retreats

Nelson Fringe Festival is back with a line-up of plays and workshops. We've also got a couple of try-out Scratch Nights for some of our region's best undiscovered performers.

We're using 2021 as a year to re-group, re-energise and use the Festival as a building block for future Festivals, by thinking a bit laterally, a bit sideways, and a bit backwards (by showcasing some recent top-performing shows). It’s part of the constant challenge of figuring what being a Fringe is all about.

Stay tuned for details on the programme to be released!

Thursday 6th May 2021, in Music & Performing Arts

Allison is a classically trained Spinto Soprano, she enjoys Opera, both comical and serious.
Born in Dunedin, grew up in Dannevirke, Hawkes Bay and Levin. Allison moved to Nelson from Wellington in 2007.

Allison studies singing at Victoria University, she has a diploma in Performing Arts - Voice from E.I.T and spent a year studying voice at Queensland Conservatorium of Music in Brisbane.

Allison has sung solo with the Auckland Philharmonia, Orchestra Wellington, Christchurch Symphony, Wellington Youth, Waikato Youth, Nelson Symphony, Hutt Valley, Kapiti Symphony, Victoria University and Hawkes Bay Orchestras.

In 2005 Allison won both Sealord Aria Nelson and Ramon Opie Aria - Wellington competitions and was runner up in both the prestigious Lexus Song Quest, Perkel Operatic Scholarship and the NZ Aria.

Allison has been involved both behind the scenes and performs with local theatre groups and is also the founder of AVID OPERA.

Thursday 6th-Thursday 13th May 2021, in Music & Performing Arts

Here’s where new shows (and stars) are born!
An innovative way for creators to experiment with new shows, performers will present short pieces of work in development and take your feedback.
Some will succeed, some will need development, and some will fail. Be in to help with the creation of new work and perhaps you will be buying tickets to the full shows in 2022.

Genres include scripted drama, fooling, comedy, poetry and more with creators from across Te Tau Ihu.
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Nelson Fringe Festival is using 2021 as a year to re-group, re-energise and create building blocks for the future, by thinking a bit laterally, a bit sideways, and a bit backwards. It’s part of the constant challenge of figuring what being a Fringe is all about.