guardian the 2 WEDNESDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2015 Briefly Mulch warning for gardeners Spending time in the garden is not as carefree as some would like over these warm summer months. A concerned caller to The Guardian this week has highlighted the need to take precautions when handling or preparing compost mulch and potting mix. The woman, who wished to be known simply as Mrs Caldwell, noted symptoms within 6-8 hours of using mulch product last week which included fever, shaking and difficulty in walking. “I couldn’t hold a glass of water, put it that way,” she said. A visit to her GP ruled out legionnaire’s disease, however after a second identical bout of sickness, Mrs Caldwell felt compelled to warn others of the dangers that dust and fungal spores present in outdoor horticultural activities. “I’m more scared for other people- it’s something I wouldn’t wish on anyone,” she said. While almost all commercial suppliers of gardening mix products include advisory notices on packaging, when using any compost mix or mulch matter it is recommended to wear gloves and to moisten the soil sufficiently. Godspeed, Godwit An incredible annual migration will shortly be underway as the bar-tailed Godwit or Kuaka leaves their habitat from estuaries around New Zealand to fly over 11,000km to Alaska for the winter months. Locally, the main dwellings of the estimated 2000 Kuaka are Farewell Spit and the Motueka sand spit, with smaller populations on the Waimea Estuary and Nelson Haven. Farewell celebrations are taking place around the country as the time draws near for their departure in the next three weeks. Spokesperson for the local ornithological society Pauline Samways says the organisation is in the early stages of planning a small blessing and send off on March 8 at the old Motueka wharf. As the second largest area in the top of the south, the sand spit provides a handy meeting place for the Godwit as they prepare to leave. “As they’re about to leave some of the other birds from the Waimea Estuary and the Haven will gather together, so there is a wee build up of numbers.” Research into the route taken by these birds indicates that while the trip from here to their northern destination is broken into stages between Australia and the Yellow Sea, the return journey in September is a non stop affair and is believed to be the longest such flight of any bird in terms of distance, taking between 7-9 days. The Godwit is not alone in it’s migration to Alaska. Approximately 300 Red Knots and a similar number of Turnstones leave around March- April. Free Business Seminar The First Class team in Mapua are hosting a free business seminar on Wednesday the 25th of March from 4.30pm at the Mapua Hall. The focus of the event is to provide a free business education opportunity to the local community of Mapua. The key theme for the event is to share with new and existing business owners the latest business trends, challenges and solutions. For the business forum they have secured key people from XERO, BNZ Motueka and The Angel Group. They are all nationally known corporate brands who are at the forefront of their respective industries. They will present to the Tasman businesses identifying how you can enhance your very own business entity. The event will be run from 4.30pm to 6.30pm on Wednesday 25th February. Refreshments and Nibbles will be available and attendance is absolutely free. To book your place call Mapua 03 5402751 or 021 402771 or email [email protected]. Toastmasters Club to host open evening A free open evening event is being hosted next Wednesday as an opportunity for the public to learn more about the Motueka Toastmasters Club. The Motueka Toastmasters Club was founded in 2006, and now includes around 25 members who meet on a fortnightly basis. The club aims to develop member’s confidence through public speaking with the aim of completing a series of speeches in order to obtain a high level of writing, preparation and delivery skills. Membership coordinator Dave Moloney says members join Toastmasters for a number of reasons; whether it be they want to deliver a good speech at a wedding or Motueka Toastmasters member Peter other significant event, Canton with Catrin Jacksties of the Nelson or if public speaking Toastmasters Club after winning the speech is part of their job and competition. they want to further develop their skills. This year’s winner was Peter Dave joined the club Canton with his speech “Whistle two years ago and says it has While you Work”. greatly developed his speaking Peter will compete against other and presentation skills associated finalists at the regional competition with his work. where the winner will go forward Club members are a variety of to compete in the South Islands ages from early 20s up to 70s who event. all offer support and camaraderie. The Toastmasters open evening Every year the club hosts an will be next Wednesday, 4th March International Speech Competition, at 7.00pm, at the St John rooms with the winner going forward to on Courtney Street, Motueka. represent Motueka in the Top of Supper will be provided and all the South Toastmasters competiare welcome. tion. One of the winning sandcastles at last Friday’s Flash Electrical Beach Fun Day hosted by Sport Tasman. 250 people turned out for the family event at Kaiteriteri lagoon where there was plenty of games and spot prizes.