Tasman Report

Fresh FM

Tasman Report is a fortnightly podcast about the work of your council. Each episode draws on business from council committees and community boards, plus stories from staff working across parks and reserves, planning, infrastructure, biosecurity, ports and marine, planning, and emergency management. You will hear directly from the council team and elected members on the projects, and ideas building a thriving, resilient Tasman region. If you have a topic you would like to hear more on or if you would like to hear from a particular Elected Member or staff, please let us know and we will do our best to cover it in an upcoming episode. You can email the team on tasman.communications@tasman.govt.nz.

  1. Sep 14

    Episode 15

    What can the stories of our past tell us about planning for the future? This week on Tasman Report, we explore that question with historian, author, and publisher Dr Carol Dawber, whose work has captured the voices, experiences and achievements of the people who helped build Te Tauihu. From early settlement and mining to the ships and coastal services that connected communities, these stories are more than a record of what has gone before. They show how earlier generations made choices, took opportunities, and built lasting foundations for the communities we live in today. That connection sits at the heart of the Legends of Mohua Aorere exhibition at Richmond Library which been produced by the TDC Environmental Policy Team. The exhibition tells the story of the region’s historic ports, ships, and industries, while looking forward to the opportunity presented by a 30-year Joint Regional Spatial Plan for Nelson-Tasman. Just as the people and enterprises featured in the exhibition created foundations that shaped the region for generations, the Regional Spatial Plan is about thinking ahead – making informed choices about growth, infrastructure, housing, environment, and resilience so that future generations have strong foundations to build on. We talk with Carol about her first book, Bainham: A History, researching oral histories, preserving family archives and the importance of recording the stories that might otherwise be lost. We also explore what history can teach us about our identity, our place, and the choices we make for tomorrow. Tasman Report is a production of Tasman District Council, broadcast fortnightly on Fresh FM, Mondays at 5.30pm. Finally, if your family has a connection to the Anchor Shipping Company, we would love to hear about those stories for the Legends oral archive, just email us at environmentalpolicyteam@tasman.govt.nz

  2. Jul 24

    Episode 12

    Episode 12 of Tasman Report brings together key updates, policy discussions, and stories from across the Tasman District. Plan Change 81 – Urban Development and Change 1 to the Tasman Regional Policy Statement submissions close Monday 3 August 2026. Team Leader Urban and Rural Policy Jeremy Butler talks about the benefits of the plan, what it means for growth in Tasman, and how to make a submission. Urban Growth Plan Change 81 https://shape.tasman.govt.nz/urban-growth-PC81 We discuss with Community Policy Advisor Cat Budai the proposed Community Occupancy Policy, which covers community group use on Council-owned land or in buildings. Feedback is now open on Shape Tasman thru to Sunday 9 August 2026. Community Occupancy Policy | Shape Tasman https://shape.tasman.govt.nz/community-occupancy-policy Find out about the new initiative for dog owners and best friends. Lifetime dog registration tags are being introduced and are designed to reduce waste and make it easier to reunite lost pets with their owners. We then head “Up the Lake” with author Annette Walker, who shares the story behind her book on Lake Rotoiti. Drawing on a remarkable international career and a deep connection to the area, Annette reflects on the people, history, and landscape that inspired her work. Finally, a reminder for residents with backyard birds to take precautions against bird flu. If you see three or more sick or dead wild birds together, report them to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) by calling 0800 80 99 66 or reporting them online. Avoid touching or handling sick or dead birds. For practical advice, including a short video on protecting your flock, visit the MPI website www.mpi.govt.nz and search "bird flu and backyard birds."

About

Tasman Report is a fortnightly podcast about the work of your council. Each episode draws on business from council committees and community boards, plus stories from staff working across parks and reserves, planning, infrastructure, biosecurity, ports and marine, planning, and emergency management. You will hear directly from the council team and elected members on the projects, and ideas building a thriving, resilient Tasman region. If you have a topic you would like to hear more on or if you would like to hear from a particular Elected Member or staff, please let us know and we will do our best to cover it in an upcoming episode. You can email the team on tasman.communications@tasman.govt.nz.