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February 10, 2021

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Dirtier emissions

By Celeste Alexander

Following the ‘safer speed limits’ introduced by Waka Kotahi NZTA last December, more specifically to State Highway 6 between Blenheim and Nelson, local A-grade automotive technician Jim Hasseldine believes there will be “unintended consequences” on diesel vehicles from “across the board reduced open road speed limits”.

He says while he has no issue with lower speed limits where road conditions are unsafe, the “major issue” is that he believes a reduced open road speed limit below 100km/hr will result in dirtier diesel emissions, extra maintenance costs for owners, and less fuel efficiency.

Jim’s family-owned business is Auto Super Shoppe Blenheim which specialises in European and Japanese vehicles, 4-wheel-drives and campervans.

Jim Hasseldine, owner of Auto Super Shoppe in Blenheim believes the recent open road speed reductions introduced by NZTA will have an effect on diesel emissions.

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Wednesday February 10, 2021

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Reduced speeds will affect diesel vehicles

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Jim has worked in the motor industry for 49 years including 18 years as a petrol injection specialist repairer for the Bosch Service Network.

“This has provided me with a very diverse technical background and qualifies me to comment on the consequences of reducing the open road speed limit below 100km/hr on a nationwide basis,” he says.

Jim has penned an open letter explaining his view.

“The major issue is the unintended consequence of an across the board reduced speed limit below 100km/hr on diesel vehicles.

“This will mean that diesel vehicles which are fitted with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) will not be able to self-regenerate the DPF when commanded to do so by the vehicle engine computer .

“This is a normal process designed to self-clean the DPF by heating the DPF and self-cleaning the DPF by high temperature exhaust gases which is achieved normally at approximately 90-100km/hour, and in many cases the process occurs seamlessly with-

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out the driver being aware that it is happening.

“This can take up to 30 minutes driving in some cases, and it should be noted DPF systems have been readily available on Japanese import vans since 2006.

“If the DPF cleaning cycle is not completed when the engine computer starts the process the vehicle will try again, but eventually the consequence will be extra fuel used and dirtier exhaust emissions.

“The side effect is also blocked exhaust systems and manifolds as well as significant additional maintenance costs for the motorist.

“This will directly contradict the Government’s stated aim of lower vehicle emissions to the atmosphere by increasing diesel exhaust emissions as they are unable to operate legally at a speed which will allow DPF regeneration as designed by the vehicle manufacturer.

“The Government wishes to lower emissions by vehicles in New Zealand, but imposing lower open road speed limits will, without doubt, reduce fuel

economy, increase exhaust emissions and increase maintenance costs for motorists.

“This is the direct opposite of the stated aims of cleaner emissions and a more efficient transport system,” he says.

The Blenheim Sun put this letter to NZTA for a response.

Jim Harland, director of regional relationships for Waka Kotahi NZTA acknowledged the changes “may contribute” to diesel motor efficiency and localised pollution.

“Around 81 percent of vehicles on NZ roads fuelled by fossil fuels are fuelled by petrol and 19 percent by diesel.

“With the increasing number of electric vehicles on our roads, as time goes on the country’s reliance upon these carbon-emitting fuels will reduce as well.

“Whilst lowering speeds in some areas from 100km/hr to 90 or 80km/ hr (bearing in mind heavy vehicles/ trucks, many on them diesel powered, already have a maximum legal speed limit of 90km/hr) may contribute to marginally less efficient use of a diesel

motor and more localised pollution, the bigger cost borne by all of us is the cost of crashes, loss of life and injuries caused by vehicles travelling at 100km/hr or more colliding or losing control.

“Saving people’s lives and reducing the incidence of serious crashes is the aim of the speed review programme,” he says.

Local MP Stuart Smith, the National Party’s spokesperson for Climate Change, also responded to Jim’s letter and agreed with the points made.

“The real issue that NZTA needs to be working with is getting the right camber and surface on roads, and geometric corners to make the road safer,” he says.

“NZTA’s reduction to speed limits will lead to higher emissions, higher costs to Kiwis, and higher fuel consumption, which goes against the Government’s recent climate change policy announcements,” he says.

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Picnic Day a winner

Address 72 High St, Blenheim P.O.Box 634 Blenheim www.blenheimsun.co.nz

Marlborough Racing Club was not allocated a gallops meeting day this year, so the club decided to act on a suggestion from trainer Kevin Myers of Marton.

He backed up his suggestion by sending down 13 horses for Monday’s Picnic Day and Gymkhana races.

Punters were able to buy $2 equalisator tickets on each of the six races which allocated them a horse, or a quinella selection, rather than their own.

Kevin’s generous gesture meant his was almost the only name on the race programme, though there was

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great local support for the gymkhana events from organisations like High Country Horse Treks, and local businesses provided generous prizes.

There were many novelty races, including the handicap bike race for children 15 and under, a side saddle demonstration, a musical dressage display, a children’s tug of war, and a novelty relay using a ball instead of a baton. (The last runner in each team had to pull a sulky.)

There was a real family atmosphere at the Waterlea racecourse under the blue skies of a typical Marlborough summer’s day, and the numbers attending were good. Photos Page 21.

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Rod Westenra, one of the High Country Horse Trek team, was out in force for the gymkhana events at Waterlea on Monday. He’s pictured helping prepare Kadey, with rider Kele Cheshire at right.

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The Sun

Wednesday February 10, 2021

Nixed Maori ward back on the table

By Chloe Ranford, Local Democracy Reporter

A Māori ward is back on the cards in Marlborough after the Government announced sweeping changes to a “racist” law.

The Marlborough District Council decided not to introduce Māori wards before the November deadline last year, under the region's latest review of its representation arrangements, as there was “no interest” lodged by iwi or the wider public.

But it will give the issue a second shake following Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta's announcement that a law relating to Māori wards would be changed.

The changes extended the deadline for decisions on Māori wards to May. Māori wards were areas where those on the Māori electoral roll voted for representatives, who sat beside general wards.

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Kuia chair Waihaere Mason said the law change gave an opportunity to have an iwi voice at the table.

“It will also help us to become collectively stronger in our partnership where we work together to make decisions for the good of all ... This is a great change and [it's] long overdue.”

Three of New Zealand’s 78 councils had Māori wards; Wairoa District Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Waikato Regional Council.

Nine councils were attempting to run Māori wards in next year's elections, with this week's law

change meaning the public could not overturn the council's decision.

Previously, if more than 5 percent of votes signed a petition then the decision went to the public, with the outcome being binding.

This rule had not applied to general wards.

Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō Trust chair Hinemoa Conner said in the past Ngāti Apa iwi had not prioritised proposing Māori wards because Māori wards were treated differently to other wards.

“It is however likely that under the proposed changes to the law, iwi interest and support for proposals will increase. Any decisions our iwi reach will be clearly communicated to councils with whom we have a relationship at the appropriate time.”

Ngāti Toa Rangatira Ki Wairau kaiwhakahaere matua (chief executive) Helmut Modlik said it would be inappropriate to comment before the board had discussed the law change.

Marlborough's other tangata whenua iwi were asked for comment, but could not respond in time for publication.

Marlborough Mayor John Leggett, who chaired the Te Ao Māori sub-committee, said the council had long supported increasing Māori representation around the council table.

It had invited members from Marlborough’s eight iwi to be on its committees, increased staff knowledge of te ao Māori and te reo Māori, and was recruiting a kaitakawaenga (iwi liaison).

“Marlborough’s iwi are close partners and post-settlement they are well-placed to help take our region forward. Iwi members are our neighbours, family, friends and

Massey University Māori historian and senior lecturer Dr Peter Meihana, who was mana whenua, says a change to Māori ward laws is "long overdue".

Photo by Chloe Ranford

business partners. Relationships here are positive and strong,” he said.

Speaking before this week's announcement, council economic, community and support services manager Dean Heiford said the council decided against establishing a Māori ward last year as there had been no interest from iwi or the community.

Marlborough also did not meet the population requirements, he said.

Just over 13 percent of Marlborough's population identified as Māori, compared to about 17 per cent nationally. None of the region's 14 elected representatives were mana whenua.

Heiford said introducing Māori wards would mean one councillor would need to be elected from the Māori electoral population, altering the number of councillors in other wards.

Massey University Māori historian and senior lecturer Dr Peter Meihana thought setting up a Māori ward had not been on the radar for Marlborough iwi as they were prioritising other tasks.

“We're pretty fresh out of settlement. We're still trying to organise ourselves. That's not to say that we're not interested in creating a

Māori ward, or that Māori in the future will not ask for Māori wards.

It could quickly become a focus for iwi.”

He said the law change was “long overdue”.

Peter, who was mana whenua, wrote his PhD on “the paradox of Māori privilege” – or how Māori have been portrayed as privileged from Cook's arrival in 1769 to 1940.

“I listen to what people who oppose it say, and they appeal to things like ‘Māori can stand for council like everyone else’, or ‘it's an attack on democracy’ ... But it's the opposite of these.

“It brings a Māori voice to the table. How can that be bad?”

Marlborough's review of representation, which had not yet started, aimed to ensure changes to the region's population and demographics were reflected in its elected members.

The review would determine whether the electorate should continue to be represented by three wards – Wairau-Awatere, Blenheim and the Marlborough Sounds – and whether the number of councillors elected to these wards should change.

A decision needed to be made on Māori wards by May 21.

inbrief

The Sun

Wellbeing workshops Nelson and Marlborough wellbeing workshops are planned for grape growers and winemakers.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is supporting these, as it has been a challenging 12 months for the industry, with weather events, and labour supply issues and market uncertainty caused by Covid-19.

“The workshops will give people the tools to help them tackle the year ahead with a positive frame of mind,” says an MPI spokesperson.

The workshops will take place in February and March in the South Island, prior to harvest.

Engineering the answer?

Houses could be built in Blenheim’s quake-prone east with innovative engineering, says MDC councillor David Oddie, concerned that its subdivision potential is being ignored.

The eastern edge of Blenheim has been ruled out for urban expansion since the earthquakes caused liquefaction that wrecked homes, streets and backyards a decade ago.

The issue resurfaced as the Marlborough District Council plans major pipelines along Redwood St and Alabama Rd, through the eastern area, to prevent new sections from flooding drains.

The council estimated the works would cost $17.4m and take up to five years to complete.

The first round of upgrades – burying an 80-metre-long culvert – has been completed.

Chinese New Year The Chinese community in Marlborough is holding its Chinese New Year celebration on February 13 at a private event in Blenheim.

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The Sun

Wednesday February 10, 2021

Bride of the Year show entries open

By Celeste Alexander

The annual Bride of the Year show is one of the leading bridal events on the Marlborough event calendar and brides, the 2021 show is only six months away.

Every year this charitable fundraising show is organised by the Beavertown Blenheim Lions Club which donates the money raised to local charities.

In the show’s history, hundreds of thousands have been raised to benefit the local community, something the club is very proud of.

Show convenor Carol Taylor is pleased to announce that the show will be held on August 28 at the Marlborough Convention Centre, and invites brides married between July 21, 2019 and July 31, 2021.

The show is open to brides who live in Marlborough, or were married in Marlborough. This includes brides who live out of the region but were married here.

The show is limited to 25 brides so get in quick!

The venue will be decorated as a wedding reception, courtesy of major sponsor Glamour Weddings and Events, with tables set up for guests to sit at and enjoy

the show.

A brand new judging panel has been formed and a refreshed list of prize categories has been put together.

Brides who enter will have the chance to win in the following categories: First Place, Second Place, Third Place, Mrs Photogenic, Mrs Hair & Makeup, Lucky Bride and Bridesmaids.

The introduction of Mrs Hair & Beauty and Bridesmaids categories is exciting Carol says, and allows the audience to appreciate more of what goes into the bridal preparation.

“The judges have always looked at hair and makeup as part of the judging process but by introducing a prize category for it, it allows us to shine a light on this area.

“We are also excited to include a Bridesmaids category,” she adds.

“It’s a fun element we’ve added where a bride can invite one of their bridesmaids to be part of the show, and they too can be part of the judging process and win a prize.

“Think of it as another opportunity to get dressed up again and share the experience together,” Carol says.

As more details are released leading up to the show on August 28, brides can start

Four of the beautiful brides who entered the Bride of the Year Show in 2019. The 2020 show was unable to take place due to COVID, but it's back again for 2021 and scheduled for August 28. File photo

entering by emailing Carol for an application form at carol.blenheimbrides@gmail.com Alternatively printed application forms will be available at the Sun Newspaper office on High Street.

Ticket sales will be announced in the coming months.

The Blenheim Sun is proud to once again be a major sponsor of the Beavertown Blenheim Lions Bride of the Year Show.

Purple patch for parking

By Chloe Ranford, Local Democracy Reporter Despite a move to one-hour free parking in two town centres, the Marlborough District Council’s parking fund still hit a purple patch last year – mainly through tickets.

The “positive” figures come amid claims of “overzealous” parking wardens in Picton even though residents say the loss of international tourists mean there is plenty of parking.

The council introduced the one-hour free parking initiative in October last year after a successful twohour free trial that started in lockdown. It was seen as a way of getting shoppers into town post-Covid to support businesses.

The council’s latest financial report – for the first five months of the financial year (July 1 – November 30) show the one-hour free parking has led to a loss in paid parking revenue of $228,000.

But the report showed this was offset by $260,000 made through leased car parks and parking tickets, with parking tickets bringing in $191,000.

The council was still predicting an overall revenue drop in its parking account of $636,000 by the end of June, when free parking was set to end.

If councillors decide to continue free parking, it could mean a 1 percent rates increase to balance the account’s deficit.

Marlborough Mayor John Leggett said at a recent assets and services committee meeting, when presented with the latest report, the council did not want to rely on parking fines to balance out its free parking.

Councillor Michael Fitzpatrick said councillors only had to “read the paper this morning” to see that ratepayers agreed, referring to a Local Democracy Reporting article on the “overzealous” wardens in Picton.

Hostel owners Sheira and Howard Hudson emailed the council requesting it take action after watching two wardens chalking tyres in front of their business, “even though there were more gaps than cars”.

They said visitors often got upset their car tyres had been chalked – a sign parking wardens were on the hunt for meter cheaters, despite the dive in demand for parks.

Councillor Mark Peters said the council had funded part of the free parking shortfall from its

Atlantis Backpackers co-owner Sheira Hudson is calling for the Marlborough District Council to take action over its parking wardens. Photo by Chloe Ranford emergency reserves fund.

Free parking was set to end on June 30 to give residents and businesses time to decide where the money came from, with their decision worked into the 2021-31

long-term plan review.

Feedback on the plan could be submitted from April 1.

Deputy Mayor Nadine Taylor said the goal was to return the account to “neutral”, or where

its revenue balanced expenses. “ [The parking account] shouldn’t be profit making, and it’s not, but it does ... need to support itself,” she said at the meeting.

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The Sun

Wednesday February 10, 2021

Blenheim Toyota

FINE SPECIMENS For 93-year-old Betty Foreman, there was a special presentation last Wednesday. It was made to celebrate her establishment of Marlborough's Child Cancer Foundation 40 years ago and family and friends gathered round to honour her work.

Service to child cancer honoured

By Glenise Dreaver

The Marlborough Child Cancer Foundation invited the Blenheim Sun to a secret presentation at the Springlands Lifestyle Village community room on Wednesday January 27.

It was for 93-year-old Betty Forman, who along with her daughter Sue Rose had been a key mover in the foundation of the group in 1987.

Officially, she had been invited to a farewell afternoon tea for two committee members who were leaving the district.

Betty had no idea that she was to be honoured for her role in helping found and serve the group since she lost her 11-year-old granddaughter Tamra Rose to cancer in 1987.

There had been a searing series of events as the rare bone tumour in Tamra’s leg necessitated amputation, but that failed to halt the spread throughout her body and within a year of the diagnosis they lost their beloved child.

Tamra’s mother Sue, and Betty, discovered there was no support branch here for families in their position.

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They decided to remedy that huge gap and those who spoke at Betty’s presentation paid heartfelt tribute to the support she offered them.

Trish Hildyard for example, who with her husband Gary is moving to Ashburton, was one of those.

She pointed out that this was not a group that you would choose to belong to, and Betty could so easily have chosen to walk away, but hers were not the only tears as she described her as her “go to” lady.

There was a special certificate and flowers for Betty, and flowers for the two committee families leaving. That included Vicki and Simon Neale who, with their two boys, are shifting to Cromwell as well as Trish and Gary.

Sue says the National Child Cancer Foundation is holding its annual appeal on February 26-27 and she is asking anyone who wants to help their work to contact her on 021 476 002, or at se.rose51@gmail.com if you want to help their work, which is done independently of the Cancer Society.

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The Sun

Wednesday February 10, 2021

Sun readers have their say... with the WORD on the Street.

How are you feeling about the COVID vaccine?

Kierra Velasquez Blenheim “I need it to go home to the Phillipines. So I’m waiting for it.

Brought to you by...

Dean Fox Renwick “Too many people are spending too much time listening and believing what they get in two hours on Google instead of listening to the professionals.”

Jhonelle Tui Hamilton “It’s not so bad here, so I don’t have strong feelings about it.”

Marsh Prashar Blenheim “They should be out as soon as possible. People are still a little bit scared of Covid.”

Christian Dillon-Williams Blenheim “I’ve no feelings about it.

Auckland has the big problem...”

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Letters to the editor Letters on issues of community interest are welcomed. Guidelines are that they should be no longer than 150 words.

They must be signed and a street address provided to show good faith, even when a nom de plume is provided for publication.

The editor reserves the right to abridge letters or withhold letters from publication.

Email them to news@blenheimsun.co.nz or send a fax to phone 577 -7863.

Please note that your name and street address MUST be provided with emails.

Weld Pass upgrade deferred I read with interest NZTA argument for deferring the Weld pass upgrade in favour of the Picton terminal upgrade.

While it will be very necessary to get on with the ferry terminal upgrades in readiness for the larger train and vehicle carrying ferries due in 2024.

The way that the NZTA has been cherry picking road upgrades to “better increase travel times,” as stated by Emma Speight reginal director of NZTA, but then to only reduce the overall speed limit, such as on the Blenheim to Nelson section of SH6 is absurd.

Consideration should also be

Penny Jones Christchurch “I will wait and see. I won’t be first in the queue.”

given to putting up some wind deflectors on the Lions Back section driving south just after Seddon, as wind gusts along here have the potential to knock over and certainly do push high sided vehicles off line as I’ve experienced on numerous occasions.

Likewise, I cannot understand why consideration of road improvements always has to be based on fatality rates.

I discovered recently, to my cost, a few weeks ago, the poor roundabout alignment of traffic entering onto SH1 and heading north from Alfred street that it has a high rate of accidents, non-fatal maybe, but at great cost to motorists

and insurance companies alike.

When I spoke to Marlborough Roads about this I was surprised to learn they were well aware of the problem and another unnamed Blenheim roundabout, but has a very low priority, even though a simple fix of just making it one lane could alleviate the problem.

Yet they are quite happy to spend millions of dollars on projects such as the Rapaura Road and SH6 intersection.

I do believe that if a road design is found to be a major contributor of accidents then the NZTA should be held legally responsible, maybe then it would get fixed sooner.

Chris Davies

Why cycle lanes?

Dear Editor Cycle lanes have appeared on the new Opaoa Bridge.

Why? There is a dedicated off road cycle way immediately adjacent.

Why would you mix cyclists and high volume heavy traffic when you don’t need to?

Perhaps you could look into this. On the face of it it seems to be gross stupidity

but hey, maybe not.

Doug Jones Andrew Adams, Senior Project Manager with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, clarifies: There is no separated cycleway on the new bridge.

The road shoulder (left hand side of the traffic lane beyond the edgeline) approaching the new bridge on SH1 continues over the bridge and there is nothing

stopping cyclists using this shoulder .

Racing cyclists are likely to use it, while recreational cyclists will cross and use the cyclepath on the old bridge.

As part of the project connections to the existing cycleway that goes to Spring Creek, these have been enhanced to better allow access to it at either end.

Wake up Blenheim!

Dear Editor Why are so few people in Blenheim scanning the Covid tracer QR code?

I walk along the street and see people going in shops without scanning.

Everywhere is the same: New World, Countdown, Pak n Save, Farmers, Mitre 10, Bunnings and many more.

Every café I go into I’m the only one who scans.

It’s not all the customers’ fault. Many stores have moved their QR code away from the front door inside so that customers have to look for the QR code poster.

And in too many stores the poster used to be in colour, now it’s in black

and white so less attractive.

We don’t have community transmissions in Blenheim, but that is no excuse for the complacency and apathy I see everywhere.

Wake up, Blenheim!

Covid is still out there!

Evan Robinson

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The Sun

Wednesday February 10, 2021

o Wairau He korero korerono noteteKaunihera Kaunihera o Wairau NEWS FROM MARLBOROUGH NEWS FROMTHE THE MARLBOROUGH DISTRICT COUNCIL DISTRICT COUNCIL

It’s time to ‘Go by Bike’

Submissions on marine and finfish farming variations close soon Just two weeks are left to lodge a submission on important proposed plan variations for the management of marine and finfish farming in Marlborough.

The submission process for the proposed plan variations was extended to ensure the public had plenty of time to comment – this closes on 26 February 2021.

Variations 1 (marine farming) and 1A (finfish farming) to the Proposed Marlborough Environment Plan were publicly notified in early December.

This came after two years of work by the Marlborough Aquaculture Review Working Group (MARWG).

The MARWG included members of the marine farming industry, Marlborough Sounds’ community organisations and central government agencies. The Ministers of Fisheries, Conservation, Environment and Transport, along with Te Tau Ihu iwi were also consulted.

In the variation, the MARWG and the Council have produced a spatial allocation for the majority of existing marine farms. The allocation is reflected in new Aquaculture

Management Areas (AMA).

(AMAs).Existing Existing marine farms will have to be located located within AMA when theythey re-consent. an AMA when This may involve moving linesmoving or, in re-consent.

This may involve some cases, farmscases, to relocate into a lines or, in some farms to relevant relocate AMA. into a relevant AMA. A system for monitoring and managing the cumulative effects of marine farming has also been developed and is included in the variation.

Finfish farming provisions also form part of the variations variations proposed proposed to to ensure all marine farming activity activity is catered catered for. for. The The Council Council proposal proposal has been informed by the report and and recommendations recommendations fromfrom the the Marlborough Sounds Sounds Salmon Farm Farm Relocation Relocation Advisory Advisory Panel.

Panel.

The proposed proposed variations variations and and background background material material is is available available at at the Council offices or public libraries in Blenheim, Picton, Havelock and Rai Valley.

For further information or toor Rai Valley.

For further information submit go go to: to: to submit https://www.marlborough.govt.nz/ https://www.marlborough.govt.nz/ your-council/resource-managementyour-council/resource-managementpolicy-and-plans/proposedpolicy-and-plans/proposedmarlborough-environment-plan/ marlborough-environment-plan/ variations/variation-1-and-1a variations/variation-1-and-1a

Abandoned vessel – owner sought The Harbourmaster is seeking the vessel pictured pictured above. owner of the vessel appears have been abandoned in The vessel to appears to have been abandoned in on Waikawa Bay on Waikawa Bay The vessel is now in the possession of mooring 2493. the Harbourmaster. it remains The vessel is now in Ifthe possession unclaimed for 30 days Ifit itmay be sold of the Harbourmaster. remains or destroyed. unclaimed for 30 days it may be sold If you have any information relating to or destroyed. vessel, contact the Ifthis you have please any information relating to this vessel, please contact the Harbourmaster’s office on 03 520 7400.

If you need an excuse to trade four wheels for two on your daily commute, here is the perfect reason.

Part of Aotearoa Bike Challenge month, Marlborough’s annual Go by Bike Day on Wednesday 17 February is a celebration of people riding their bikes, supported by the Council.

From 7.00 am at Liz Davidson Place in Blenheim, there will be free bacon butties and coffee for anyone who arrives by bike as well as local bike retailer ‘Bikefit’ on hand offering free bike checks.

In Picton, Le Café on London Quay is also joining the fun with a similar format with a free coffee and muffin on offer for participating bikers from 8.00 am.

Both events finish by 9am. No pre-registering pre-registering in is required.

Council staff will be handing out promotional and material thereand will there be will be giveaways giveaways on the on daythe too.day too.

So, come and join the fun and make a ‘wheely’ good start to your day!

Bike

DAY

WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY BLENHEIM: LIZ PLACE 7AM - 9AM BLENHEIM: LIZDAVIDSON DAVIDSON PLACE 7AM - 9AM PICTON: LE 12-14 LONDON QUAY 7AM 7AM - 9AM- 9AM PICTON: LECAFE CAFE 12-14 LONDON QUAY Hop on your bike for a free coffee and light breakfast toto kick start youryour day! day! breakfast kick start

Mar Award Marlborough Girls 'College sustainability team, winners of the 2019 Marine

March Environment Awards Dinner on March 5 Judging is over and now the 26 entrants in the Cawthron Marlborough Environment Awards are waiting to see who will be the winners.

Mayor John Leggett will welcome the entrants, judges, sponsors and guests at the Awards at the the awards Dinner inner at Centre on on 5 Marlborough Convention Centre March. 5.

March growing pine pine nuts nuts on on dry dry hills to From growing restoring mussel beds in the Sounds, there’s aa great great mix mix of of business business and and there’s community projects competing this year. Every entrant is showcased at the of dinner and winners receive prizes of

$1000-$3000. Free public field days are hosted by the winners from April to October. awards encourage businesses and The Awards community groups to share theirtheir and community groups to share experience in looking after our land, water and energy resources, and the Council has been the principal sponsor since they started in 1997. inner includes good food and The Dinner wine, an engaging guest speaker, and the chance to see what each of the 26 Awards entrants are working on. Tickets cost $90 and are on sale now at www.cmea.org.nz

Tender for Picton/Waitohi Parks, Cemetery and Open Space Maintenance Services Council invites the Marlborough Districttenders Councilfor invites above contract. tenders for the above contract. involves operation of the Picton The contract involves operation of maintenance of with various Cemetery the Picton Cemetery together open spaces in maintenance of various open spaces in

surrounding areas.

Picton and the surrounding areas.

Tenders close at 4.00 pm on Monday Wednesday 17 March 2021.

17 March 2021.

Tender documents can be obtained Council District Council from Marlborough

www.marlborough.govt.nz

www.marlborough.govt.nz/yourat www.marlborough.govt.nz/yourcouncil/tenders/tender-list All enquiries should be directed to: Grahame Smail Marlborough District Council

Street Address: Phone: 03 520 7400 15 Seymour Street Fax: 03 520 7496 Email: mdc@marlborough.govt.nz Blenheim 7201 New Zealand

PO Box 443 Blenheim 7240 Ph: 03 520 7400 grahame.smail@marlborough. govt.nz email: grahame.smail@marlborough. govt.nz

7

8

Wednesday February 10, 2021

The Sun

one on one with the Sun

Book inspired by struggle and success Melisa Bassett is a local businesswoman, mother and wife. She is also someone who knows first-hand the struggle with anxiety, stress and feeling unhappy.

She talks to reporter Celeste Alexander about how she changed her life for the better, and how she is now helping others.

Melisa and her family are known for their Rapaura Road businesses, The Pot Shed and Flourish Gerberas.

Over a year ago Melisa also launched another business as a Rapid Transformational Therapist, and more recently became a co-author of a new book launched last week.

The book, Spiritpreneur Success Stories for the Soul: Intuition and Entrepreneurship for Women, is a collaboration between 13 women from around the world, including Melisa.

These women met online through a mastermind group based around a therapy they practice, and all realised they had a story to tell that could inspire and help those in emotional difficulty to show them how there is a way forward.

For Melisa it was a huge step; baring her soul and telling her own story. But it’s a decision she is thrilled with as she proudly introduces the book to the Marlborough community.

“One of the ladies in the mastermind group came up with the idea to do a book collaboration,” she says. “At the time I thought ‘Why would someone listen to my story’?

“So I said a very brave ‘Yes’.”

Melisa’s story began when she was struggling to feel good.

“At the beginning it was my health and physical body that I wasn’t happy with. I then spent a lot of time getting to where my body felt good, but my mind was not,” she says.

“I was experiencing feelings of being overwhelmed, anxious, stress… it was

all self-created.

“I had lots to be grateful for but I was unhappy and I got to a point where I wanted out.

“I was finding faults with my own life, my relationship, my businesses…

I hit a crisis point.

“When I hit rock bottom I began exploring psychologists, clairvoyants, yoga, meditation… you name it I was doing it.

“I found a coach and embarked on a three-month journey to figure things out, and it made a massive difference to my emotional and mental wellbeing,” she says.

Melisa came out of the experience feeling inspired.

“I had always had a passion for helping people so I decided I wanted it to be my work,” she says. “I discovered rapid transformational therapy.

“It’s a very effective form of therapy for people struggling with mental and emotional wellbeing.

“It gets to the root of the problem; the old stories of not being good enough, having a fear of failure, fear of success, or struggling to know who you are.

“These all weigh heavily on the mind and suck the vitality out of your wellbeing.

“People are driven to attain something outside of them, and when they don’t succeed it often leaves them feeling like a failure.

“No matter how successful they are they still don’t find peace and are always trying to attract more material

Local businesswoman and transformational therapist, Melisa Bassett, is one of 13 women worldwide who have collaborated on a book titled 'Spiritpreneur Success Stories for the Soul: Intuition and Entrepreneurship for Women' launched last week.

wealth.

“The question we ask ourselves is, ‘Who am I’? For me it was when I’m not a mum, a businesswoman, a daughter and a wife, what is my identity?

“My mission is to help support people to be happy and get back to who they are, and to prioritise how to be happy,” she says.

Melisa’s story, alongside 12 others in the book, tells how these brave women found their inner selves, overcame adversity, and their eventual epiphanies and successes.

“We love the way our chapters have illustrated our diverse cultural backgrounds and yet the journey of the human spirit and

the challenges faced are universally shared.

“We hope this book will inspire others to feel safe to be their fully authentic spiritual self,” she says.

Spiritpreneur Success Stories for the Soul: Intuition and Entrepreneurship for Women is available in a Kindle version or paperback on Amazon.

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The Sun

Wednesday February 10, 2021

9

Blenheim Maori pay tribute to one of their own legends Te Pātaka o Wairau presented their annual ‘Local Legend Award’ last Friday to well-known weaver, Margaret Bond who has been influential across social, cultural, arts, iwi, marae development and education fields.

Margaret was sitting with family when the Te Pātaka o Wairau crew gathered on stage, completely oblivious to the surprise announcement about to be made.

According to chairperson, Doctor Lorraine Eade, “the award celebrates and recognises the significant achievements of those working in the community with and for Māori and is aptly presented at the event in front of a huge crowd from all over the rohe”.

After the presentation Margaret said it was “unexpected” and “lovely” to receive the award.

“I was sitting with my great-grandchildren when I was told to look at the stage and listen,” she laughs. “I didn’t realise what they were talking about at first.

“It’s lovely to receive the award,” she says.

Known affectionately to many as ‘Aunty Marg’, Bond’s influence on the Māori community has been profound and far reaching over the past 40 plus years.

Heavily involved in the revitalisation of Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Margaret presented evidence to the

Waitangi Tribunal as part of the iwi’s claims process. She has been a trustee of iwi since then, working on their whakapapa, cultural and education committees.

Margaret has been a member of the Omaka Marae Maori Women’s Welfare League since she was a teenager and is the current chairperson for the Oranga Tamariki Wairau Iwi Advisory Board.

She has a close connection with the Department of Conversation.

Her heart lies at Omaka Marae as a founding member of Omaka Marae Incorporated Society she has been the chairperson since the passing of her mother, Kath Hemi.

Having been involved in different kapa haka groups including Tapuae o Uenuku and Omaka Honomai group, which performed at many of the community events in Marlborough and instrumental in the development of marae junior and intermediate kapa haka groups, her work has been invaluable in keeping cultural activities alive in Marlborough.

She played a part in setting up Omaka Kohanga Reo and cherishes those moments as whānau started to value te reo Māori and being at the marae.

She is also one of a handful of the original intake of local weavers who continues to contribute to the art of

Well-known weaver, Margaret Bond, was recognised for her many contributions to the Māori community last Friday night when Te Pātaka o Wairau presented her with their annual ‘Local Legend Award’. 'Aunty Marg' is pictured with younger generations of her family.

raranga.

Her work has been showcased both nationally and internationally. She has tutored for over 25-years and has tutored with Te Wananga o Aotearoa for the past 12-years teaching the certificate and diploma in Maori and Indigenous Arts.

Despite her humble character,

she has not gone unnoticed having been the recipient of a number of prestigious awards in the past including: Poumanawa Oranga Toi Maori Award – 2004, Rangitane Contribution to the Arts – 2012, Exceptional Adult Educator Award2015, and Marlborough Living Treasure Award 2017.

Dr Eade says; “Under the korowai of Mana Whenua Iwi; Rangitāne o Wairau, Ngāti Toa Rangatira ki Wairau and Ngāti Rārua, Te Pātaka o Wairau Incorporated Society present this award to celebrate our own ‘Local Legends’ who work tirelessly to make a difference for Maori in our community.”

10

The Sun

Wednesday February 10, 2021

Hospice ‘circle of support’ remains unchanged

By Glenise Dreaver

Hospice Marlborough general manager Nicki Kitson is reassuring the community that although the hospice is now forging its own path, nothing will be changing for patients and their whanau.

Following the January 26 handover from the Salvation Army to the Marlborough Hospice Trust , their “circle of support” will, she says, remain unaltered.

At the heart of the hospice movement is the belief that where there is a terminal diagnosis, their role is about making the most of the last days, weeks, months of life for the patients that they support, either, in their own homes or in the hospice if that is what they prefer.

The same staff, the same caring approach will continue as it always has.

However, over time the hospice management and board have been

preparing for the fact that the army’s administrative and organisational models have now gone and they are having to forge their own path.

“We now have to operationalise our own way of working,” says Nicki.

That includes governance, management and IT structures as examples of that. “There will also be other hidden things that emerge in the new model,” she says. “The most important thing about that will be that they are managed well.”

“It’s like the traditional duck.

Sailing along smoothly on the surface and paddling like anything underneath,” adds Nicki. “But it has to be seen as seamless.”

She adds that there is also a strong sense of togetherness among the team as they work towards the necessary changes.

“But where things are working well, why waste energy on what’s working?”

She adds that not only are board

and management planning for the immediate future, they are looking five years ahead.

Nicki says the Nelson Marlborough Health Board will be continuing funding the service as previously but don’t cover all of the hospice costs The NMDHB has never fully funded the Hospice and, says Nicki the additional community support and fundraising allows them independence to make important choices.

Last year, for example, they were able to raise $.5m from the Hospice shop in Redwoodtown, with more community fundraising and donations, some in the form of goods and services.

“That’s incredibly supportive.”

As we conclude our talk Nicky reflects on the huge contribution made by The Salvation Army over the last 17 years.

“Our visions were aligned so well.

Both working towards transforming lives and society.”

Nicki Kitson, general manager of the Marlborough Community Hospice, says models of care for their patients and whanau will remain unaffected by the change away from 17 years of Salvation Army administration and support.

Hospice handover marked

Marlborough Hospice trustees and staff gathered before the January 26 ceremony to mark the handover from Salvation Army management. From left, they are Phil Vink, chair, Christine Law, shop manager, Allison Lomax, vice chair, Lou McKenzie, trustee, Sandy Inwood, promotions, Tony Jordan, treasurer, Julie Patterson, trustee and Lilian Lawrence, trustee. Absent: Trustees Peter Tolan and Ian Fitzgerald.

Last Tuesday, January 26 at 1pm the Salvation Army and Marlborough Hospice Trust held an official handover ceremony to mark the withdrawal of the Salvation Army from the running of the Hospice Service.

The ceremony came 17 years after the Hospice was established Hospice Trust chairperson Phil Vink explains the original model had been created after a massive fundraising effort undertaken by the founding trust board and the people of Marlborough to raise the money needed for the hospice.

“However, they realised that after that, there were not going to be sufficient funds left in the community to run it.”

It was at this stage the Salvation Army “stepped up” he says. “That was fantastic.” And he added, some 3000 people had been cared for over the past 17 years in what was the only hospice model of its type in the country.

However, the time has come for the ‘passing of the baton’ and the ceremony marked that, as well as acknowledging local iwi and the importance of the bicultural relationship.

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The Sun

Wednesday February 10, 2021

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11

The Sun

12 Wednesday February 10, 2021

All day fun and entertainment this Friday in Blenheim’s CBD

By Celeste Alexander

In a celebration of what Marlborough has to offer two events will be held this Friday in Blenheim’s CBD. The Blenheim CBD Summer Market will feature a wide selection of over 85 new and old favourite stalls selling a range of products alongside some great entertainment, food, coffee and ice-cream carts.

The public is encouraged to go along and enjoy tasty honeys, cheeses, browse the jewellery, clothing, wooden furniture, garden sculptures, arts and craft plus many more products.

Music and street performers will entertain the crowds.

The market will be held all day from 9am – 5pm.

Following on from the market, at 5pm another exciting event will kick off – Savour in Marlborough. Organised by Pure Events Marlborough, this event will run from 5pm-8pm and will showcase a selection of tasty food

options paired with delicious Marlborough wine, beer, gin and cider.

A line up of entertainment including the Cass & Tee Crew and headline act, The Voice UK contestant Eden Kavanagh will take to the main stage.

A dedicated kids area will be set up in the Wynen Street pocket park offering inflatables, face-painting and a full programme of kids performers.

“We are excited and inspired about bringing something of benefit to the region that can form part of the Summer Feast calendar of events,” events manager Katrina Lange says.

“With the support from Marlborough District Council this is a free to enter event offering both locals and visitors an opportunity to enjoy a summer evening, sampling food and beverages, with some fabulous visual entertainment and music.

There will be a variety or savoury and sweet treats to match with wines from Two Rivers and

BD

mC nhei

er m Sum rket Ma

Ble

9am-5pm FRIDAY 12th FEBRUARY

MARKET ST

Offering a variety of over 80 stalls & a diverse selection of food carts + Clothing + Wooden Furniture + Garden Sculptures + Ice-cream & Coffee Carts + Kids Activities after 3pm in Wynen St Pocket Park

+ Jewellery + Art & Crafts + Tasty Honeys & Cheeses + Music & Street Entertainers

! y o j n E

FEBRUARY 12TH 2021, 5PM - 8PM MARKET PLACE, BLENHEIM CBD

Matching tasty gourmet food with delicious Marlborough wine, beer, gin and cider. Live bands and entertainment including headline act Eden Kavanagh from The Voice UK.

Katrina Lange of Pure Events Marlborough says cheers with a cone of wine sorbet with Delicia Cafe owner Peter Bristow ahead of this Friday's Summer Market Day and new food and beverage event, Savour in Blenheim's CBD. Delicia's wine sorbet will be one of the tasty options on offer.

Sugarloaf Wines, who will also be featuring their Somerton Sparkling Mead. As well as Adam & Eve Cider, Riot & Rose Gin and craft beers from Boomtown Brewing.

“Supported by Marlborough Dis-

trict Council, Pure Events Marlborough is delighted, with the help of our many food and beverage producers, to showcase Marlborough to the many visitors in the region as well as for our locals who love these

types of events on their doorstep,” Katrina says.

“So come along and join us for a wonderful evening to taste, to sip, to savour in our wonderful Marlborough region!”

Beach Fest for youth this Friday With summer now in its final month and the new school year starting, the Marlborough Youth Trust is inviting youth to come together for a fun event this Friday at Picton’s Shelly Beach called ‘Beach Fest’.

A live DJ, guest performers featuring local talent, a rock climbing wall and night swimming, there’s plenty to do and enjoy.

Food vendors will be set up and a range of competitions and games will take place during the evening.

The event is aimed at youth aged 12-24 and tickets cost $5 each. It will run from 6pm-9pm.

This will be the fourth year the Beach Fest has been held and those who have been involved in organising it are hoping for another great turn out.

“Last year was really good,” MYTAG member Taylah Rasmussen says.

“It gets everyone together for the beginning of the school year in a fun and safe environment,” MYTAG member Pare Edmonds-Raj adds.

Tickets are available at the MYSpace youth centre on Kinross Street.

Need a ride to Beach Fest? There may still be seats available on a bus leaving MYSpace at 5.30pm, $2 a seat.

Book your seat by contacting Soni and Rory at (03) 579 3143.

RIGHT: Marlborough Youth Trust Advisory Group (MYTAG) members Ashleigh McElhinney, Pare Edmonds-Raj and Taylah Rasmussen (front) are looking forward to some beach fun this Friday at a youth event in Picton.

The Sun

Wednesday February 10, 2021

DESIGN BUILD

13

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talk to the professionals CUSTOMER SPEC ADS

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other people you default on your loan. bine a FirstHome grant with a There also are restrictions on the Some banks will THIS allow AD you AS to SOON First Home Loan or KiwiSaver PLEASE APPROVE AS POSSIBLE. NOTE THA value of the property you can buy, apply for a First Home Loan even HomeStart grant if you qualify MUST building BE FINALISED

BY OUR MATERIAL DEAD depending on the region you live if you’re considering for these. in and whether you are buying an rather than buying your first home And a tip from the professionals: old or a new property.

– you’ll need to check with your pay off your debts before you start If you meet the eligibility cri- individual lender or a mortgage saving! teria for a First Home Loan you broker for details.

You’ll never earn as much interwill still have to meet all your FirstHome est on your savings as you’ll pay bank’s other lending criteria, FirstHome is another initiative on your debt. And there’s no point too – they’ll consider your credit for eligible buyers with modest having savings in an account history, any other debts you have incomes. It applies to selected earning minimal interest if you’re and your ability to service your Housing New Zealand properties, shelling out much more than that loan repayments. which are offered for sale exclu- each month in interest on credit You may have to pay an applica- sively to first time buyers (if they card debt or other borrowings. tion fee and other administrative remain unsold after three months, Pay down your debts as quickly charges for your First Home the properties go on general sale). as possible, then focus on savings.

Loan, just as you would with any If you’re eligible for FirstHome Clearing your debt will also other mortgage. You’ll also be re- you can apply for a grant of 10 improve your credit rating and quired to pay a 1 per cent Lender’s per cent of the purchase price make it easier to get a mortgage Mortgage Insurance premium, (up to $20,000) to use towards since your cash won’t be tied up which protects the lender in case the deposit. You can even com- in other loan repayments.

Dawson

Housing in New Zealand for reasons of convenience and budgetary limitations.

The technical description of medium density housing is a comprehensive development including four or more dwellings with an average density of less than 350 m2 per unit.

It can include stand-alone dwellings, semi-detached (or duplex) dwellings, terraced housing or apartments within a building of four storeys or less.

In less populated areas, you may be able to purchase a stand-alone home, made with a timber frame and with space for an outdoor lifestyle, a family home with room for the kids to run around in.

New Zealand homes are generally built to make the most of the light and the outdoors.

We prize an ‘indoor-outdoor flow’ because it is ideal for barbecues and summer living.

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Having a place to call home is a big part of feeling settled in life and it can take time to find the one that’s right for you and your family.

For budgetary reasons, most of us now start off by renting. That’s not all bad - you can take time seeing what is available, save towards that ever-growing deposit, and decide where you would like to live before you make a commitment.

Historically we have built standalone houses, made with a timber frame and either timber or brick veneer cladding, but as cities become more populated, apartments and multiple unit houses have become more popular.

Medium density housing is starting to become the favoured choice of many who live in the cities, especially if they do not have children and that choice can be made

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Finding a home is an exciting time for individuals, couples and families.

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The Sun

14 Wednesday February 10, 2021

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Renovating your home is exciting but can cause a considerable amount of inconvenience, mess and stress. Whether you’re renovating to add comfort, or to sell, a Master Builder will help you through every step of the process.

In a renovation or alteration, your existing building’s construction may not be understood until part way through the building process. So, you may need to make compromises to work with what already exists.

Unlike a new build, when you renovate or extend a building you may have to compromise your design to work around what already exists.

In a renovation or alteration, you are working with an existing building. You should factor in that you might: • not have the original plans • not have plans that reflect what was built, or any other renovations • not be able to understand parts of the existing structure until your build starts (for example, inside walls) • want or need to keep existing features • need to retrofit items for example, insulation or windows

• need to meet additional requirements for the whole building, even if you are only altering part of a building, for example, smoke alarms • need to meet additional requirements if you are changing the use of the building, such as, means of escape from fire, access and facilities Do remember that matching existing materials, finishes and tolerances - how much the work varies from stated measurement - may be difficult or even impossible in renovations or extensions.

It is important too, to be conscious of common issues that can arise when matching old and new materials.

For example, older existing building materials will likely be machined or manufactured in imperial sizing where new materials often have a smaller finished size as they are manufactured to metric dimensions. This is typically an issue with materials such as weatherboards, skirting and scotia.

And last of all, be aware that because of the complexities of renovating, the project may take longer and may cost more than building new.

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The Sun

Wednesday February 10, 2021

DESIGN BUILD

15

RENOVATE DECORATE

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It’s time to say goodbye to all typical book shelving methods with hundreds of books arranged in a vertical or horizontal order.

Bookshelf organisation has gained huge momentum. Designers are innovating ideas to make their bookshelf display appealing and a traditional bookshelf can easily become a dynamic contemporary bookcase.

Make it a focal point of your home by adding modish geometrical designs, grouping colour schemes, or showcasing a statement piece on a book stack.

First, clear/empty and clean all bookshelves in a first step. Place your bookshelf against a coloured wallpaper or coloured wall.

Before setting the books out, place them all on a table. Set them according to gradient colours i.e. group bluish coloured book covers in one side, gather all whitish colored books on another or similarly reddish, brownish books etc.

You are better to restrict yourself to smaller numbers of books, rather than complete piles.

If you have a collection of 50 books, then use about15-20 books in each bookshelf and

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The Sun

16 Wednesday February 10, 2021

Steampunk competition a nod to the past

By Celeste Alexander

Just as the machinery, vintage and classic vehicles and public demonstrations were kicking off at Brayshaw Park’s Heritage Day last Saturday, so too was the third annual Steampunk Awards inside the Marlborough Museum.

A small crowd gathered inside to watch those entering who arrived in all of their steampunk glory, including adults and children.

Toddler Leo Bryant melted hearts with his cute outfit, hat and steampunk themed pacifier.

The older children embraced the competition with their outfits, models and portraits.

In the adult’s section Keith Westoby,

Lyn Spice and Diane Payton showed off their recycling skills with intriguing outfits made from old clothing, kitchen equipment, handbags and more.

It was a surprise reunion for Lyn and Diane who are cousins, and had no idea either had an interest in steampunk.

“I had no idea she loved steampunk,” Diane laughs.

Lyn’s inspiration for her outfit was her job as a theatre nurse and the Covid pandemic.

She had made a steampunk model of a Covid vaccine inoculation device, and on her belt were vials of colourful ‘vaccines’.

She even had a magnifying glass attached to her glasses.

“When do you get to dress up and have fun like this? I’ve done leather-

work and used multiple tools… you learn lots.

“You also laugh, you lower your inhibitions and recycle for fun,” she says.

For Keith it was also a fun experience putting his recycling skills to good use.

“I get a hard time at work for looking in the skip for stuff to recycle,” he says.

“Recycling is important; we are all responsible for it.

“Steampunk is about seeing something in a different light and working with it; thinking outside of the box and coming up with something creative,” he says.

Steve Austin, executive director of the Marlborough Museum and the Marlborough Heritage Trust, was Keith Westoby (aka Don Sim), Lyn Spice (aka Dr Lillian), and thrilled with the participation and the Diane Payton (aka Sarah Bone) embraced the Steampunk theme by entering into a costume competition held by the quality of entries.

Marlborough Museum last Saturday.

Summer snapper

By Tamzin Henderson

Henderson’s staff member Josh went camping with his family to Davies Bay in the Grove Arm over Waitangi Weekend. It was a great chance to try for some land-based snapper, putting to use the gear we sell in the shop.

Josh started off using pulley rigs but found that the bay had a large mussel bed when meant heavier gear was required to prevent the line from breaking.

Using squid and fresh kahawai on the Mustad Demon Circle hooks meant every snapper was lip hooked and could easily be released if under size. The cloudy late evenings and early mornings were definitely best, and overall Josh’s family caught around 18 fish, the largest being 6 or 7 pound.

The best reel to use is a bait-feeder style to ensure the snapper can make their initial run before setting the hook, Josh was using an Okuma Coronado, and a 13’6 surf rod to give good casting distance into the middle of the bay. If you are keen to do some land based fishing this summer, come in and see the team.

Ben Cooke was demonstrating the crusher by placing rocks into it which were crushed into gravel.

Olivia Hayter won the Steampunk Outfit competition in the under 12 section.

Heritage Day at Brayshaw Park last Saturday saw a variety of machinery on display including this small traction engine which was watched by the crowd Sophia Peters pictured serving up with interest. gelato.

For all your land-based fishing gear.

Follow us on Facebook- facebook.com/HendersonsLtd

BOARDING ROAD SHOWS Visit stac.school.nz for further information and to register online 22 February 23 February

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38 Grove Rd Blenheim • (03) 5789960 • team@hendersons.co.nz

The Sun

Wednesday February 10, 2021

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17

THERE IS A PLACE LIKE HOME Come on in, put your feet up, stay a while...

The Good Home The Derry family have for a number of years operated successful food and hospitality businesses in Marlborough, and their most recent restaurant venture has the taste of success all over it.

The Good Home Gastro Pub opened in Blenheim’s CBD in 2017, complementing John and Hayley Derry’s busy Speight’s Alehouse in Springlands.

A f t er some e a r t hqu a ke strengthening works, a complete new fit-out inside and décor designed for comfort, The Good Home quickly became somewhere for people relax.

At the bar an enticing array of drinks are available including local wines, beer, spirits and cocktails.

These go down well with the variety of meals on offer.

For those looking for a small bite to eat there is a selection of Bar Snacks available, as well as small plated meals including the Gin Cured Salmon, Pork Terrine, Yorkshire Puddings and Korean Fried Chicken.

In the Breads and Burgers section of the menu there are three mouth-watering burger choices; the Beef Burger with house-made pattie, the Korean Chicken Burger, and the Carribean Burger.

If a Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich, Bruschetta or Bao Buns sounds more tempting, these arrive at your table made fresh and full of flavour.

Moving away from the bread options, The Good Home’s salad selection are equally as delicious.

Choose from the Classic Chicken Caesar or the Caprese Salad.

And if these weren’t enough, the menu’s Mains options are sure to please with its Beef Short Ribs, Snapper, Fish and Chips, Cloudy Bay Clams, Venison Fillet and of course, the Ribeye Steak.

Kids can enjoy their own selection of meals and join the adults in sampling one of the delectable desserts.

Sit, sip, sample and relax with friends, family and work colleagues and discover what The Good Home has to offer.

An online ordering system is also available for takeaway.

Choose from an enticing array of drinks at the bar and tempting treats on the menu

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The Sun

18 Wednesday February 10, 2021

5

gardening this week

minutes with

Gardening in February : By Wally Richards

Whi Hapakuku Perfection Plus ‘House Dressing and Home Staging’ We are very proud to sponsor two horses for the RDA.  Are you a dog person or cat person?

I would have to say I’m more of a dog person, but think cats can be pretty cool also.  If you could donate $1m to any charity who would you choose and why?

I would gladly donate (if I had $1m) to the Heart Foundation and research. I lost my amazing brother recently to a heart condition, so this is very close to home.  Where did you grow up and was it a good place to be?

I grew up in trusty Blenheim! I had a pretty good childhood, but as a normal teenager, I couldn’t wait to leave and go to a city! Years later, I moved back to Blenheim when my son started school, and it was the best thing I ever did. I love the people in Blenheim and most of my family is here.  What’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever been?

I absolutely loved Huka Lodge in Taupo.

An amazing place to stay and very tranquil. A bit on the luxury side, but most of all, so peaceful, and the surrounding landscape is truly breathtaking and beautiful. A bit on the ‘romantic’ side.  Name your favourite and least favourite foods?

I adore my friend’s (Angela Bourke) chocolate brownie and I don’t normally

eat desserts, but I cannot turn this one down! Least favorite food would be tripe!!! ....couldn’t pay me to eat it!

 What thing do you really wish you could buy right now?

I’d love to buy a reasonable size section on the outskirts of Blenheim, so that I could put a David Wraight Cottage onto it.  If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be?

Music history - would be Freddy Mercury. I would have to find a time machine for that to happen. But I think Freddy is definitely one in a million!  Favourite programme currently watching?

I’m currently watching the mini series Snowpiercer. A pretty decent cast and easy to watch with a bit of an edge to it.  What do you do to prioritise your health and well-being?

Decent sleep, healthy food and a nice wine! My choice of work makes sure I stay fit. Moving and setting up furniture nearly every day is a ‘work out’ in itself.  What’s one thing on your bucket list?

To travel around Scotland and Ireland with my son Cairo and dear friends.

I have many ties there, so that will definitely be happening, once we can travel freely again. We’re just waiting now and planning.

February is usually the driest and hottest month of the year and the time when a lot of the earlier plantings of vegetables have reached maturity and been harvested.

It is the second to last month to plant out crops for winter harvesting so make sure the empty spaces are manured and replanted with winter vegetables this month.

Watering is likely to be one of the main jobs during February, especially your container plants.

Seeds or seedlings planted out need to have adequate moisture to establish so keep the growing medium moist but don’t soak.

Plants that require a lot of water can be helped by spraying the foliage under and over with Vaporgard.

This will reduce the plant’s water needs by about 30 to 40 percent and make life a lot easier on you and your plants.

The film of Vaporgard lasts for about three months and will also offer protection from some diseases, pests and early frosts.

If you would like your roses to look really good you should dead head them and then spray the foliage with Vaporgard, it will turn the leaves into a darker, richer green and make them shine.

A problem with birds pecking the ripening tomato fruit? I string Bird Repeller Ribbon around my plants once damage starts to occur and that usually works a treat for a month or so.

The other way is to pick any fruit as they start to change colour and ripen them indoors.

They will often ripen faster off the plant and no bird damage.

Don’t put your ripe tomatoes in the fridge as it affects the flavour with sugar losses.

Tomato plant seeds or seedlings can be grown now so you can harvest tomatoes in winter when they are expensive to buy in the shops.

You need to grow cold tolerant types that will produce pollen and set fruit in the cold weather.

Russian Red is one type that will perform OK in cooler temperatures.

The key is to grow the plants now and get them into fruit as winter sets in. The fruit then can ripen slowly for you to pick.

With your existing plants keep feeding them and spray as required with Wallys Neem Tree Oil and Wallys Super Pyrethrum to control the white fly, caterpillars and psyllids.

Whitefly Sticky Traps will help too.

As the weather cools the problems caused by the Tomato Psyllid diminish as they do not breed so well in the lower temperatures.

If you are in the second season with psyllid problems then next season use the cell strengthening kit and solve the psyllid problem easily.

Dependent where in NZ you are and how severe your winter temperatures are will determine the success of your efforts.

A glasshouse or sun porch will help greatly and be very careful with your watering so they are kept a little on the dry side.

In milder winter areas using Vaporgard will protect against a possible frost.

You can strike laterals from currently grown tomato plants and once rooted up grow in containers so you can move them around to protect.

Zucchini or courgettes plants are great growers and prolific producers taking a fair bit of room if you have a smaller garden. I grow mine in 45 litre

containers which works well with a good amount of chicken manure for their tucker.

You can cut off the older early leaves as you are harvesting the fruit. This will free up room in the garden. If the leaves show any sign of powdery mildew then dissolve a tablespoon of baking soda into a litre of water, add 1mil of Raingard and spray the foliage all over.

Alternatively spray leaves with Wallys Super Neem Oil and they turn back to green immediately.

Aphids and whitefly like the plant so sprays of Neem Oil will be worthwhile especially under the leaves.

Dry times mean that annual weeds grow rapidly, flower and seed and then die if the soil is too dry.

This does not mean the seeds created have died, they are sitting around waiting for the rains to come then they will germinate and be off with a new batch of weeds.

You can use this to your advantage to control. During a dry period where the weeds have died off water the area lightly morning and night to germinate the weed seeds.

Once a good show is there of baby weeds then stop watering and let them dry off before they reach maturity. If it rains in the mean time you will need to kill them off with a Dutch hoe or similar. Problems? Phone 0800 466464.

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The Sun

Wednesday February 10, 2021

txt

talk

The Sun Lazy The person that walks their dogs/dogs on Lansdowne St. How about picking up their huge turds you choose not to pick up and leave 4 others to clean up!

Disgusting Utes all parking at rugby park, February 7, all evening and left all your takeaway rubbish behind. Ratepayers end up paying for that.

Come on Spark

Free gift

Do you really expect us to believe that you don’t know how many New Zealanders are tuning in to watch your coverage of what is now our national game? Especially when you were quite open about the rather low three percent viewing figure for our former national sport when the All Blacks bombed in their last World Cup sojourn.

Council takes back the Convention Centre, it owns from Scenic Circle and gifts the running of it to the Theatre. Why do I sense it’s all about reducing the loss making theatre? Fair? Transparent? Ethical? You decide. I have already!

MDC Disgusting To the loud obnoxious mob supposedly celebrating a 21st at Whites Bay on Friday night playing music until 4am, abusing DOC staff who rightly asked you to stop ... then letting fireworks off during a total fire ban.

Why do you think you can be that selfish and above the law!!!

Top cat Shame on you Well doc I hope you read the article in the Saturday Express on eradicating pests from a beech forest well done that guy. The forest is obviously now full of bird life, well done that guy. The birds are obviously in abundance.

Reason being there was no 1080 used. All the blocks you have poisoned there is nothing left. Example is Hokitika Gorge a beautiful spot created by you but not a bird to be seen or heard you can’t kill off breeding stock and hope for them to come back.

Wedding date?

Labour MP’s are muzzled as Cindy courts TV show host Stephen Colbert here, tax payer funded, for a seven day show about our loving ‘Magical Hugland’ for world audience. Covid Immigration Ministers and MBIE, silenced over ‘Opaque’ queue jumping! So, what better way to cover the great labour nuptials - perfect!

No date quite set, BUT arrangements being negotiated under secrecy. Hmmm open transparency! Gifts ready.

Re: Yucky Do you think it might be possible that you turning up just before closing could just maybe have been a little, Oh lets see, inconsiderate!

Think about it you fool.

That amazing Nelson Street, duck fetching cat is as valuable as James McKenzies dog, ‘Friday’.

Fetches without command, eco green friendly, lead/steel shot free pest control. Needs to be highly lauded, and bred from. Ours, town bred, only catches full sized rabbits, over 30 to date.

Would love to swap for a week. Quacking good idea! Goooo Socks!

I see the Marlborough District Council has taken over the running of the Convention Centre. I suppose you will have to get a resource consent now to hire it.

Slow down people Glancing through today’s Sun I was surprised to see headline ‘Dangerous’ Weld Pass overlooked upgrades. I have been driving the pass twice daily for 40 odd years and the only thing dangerous are the people not driving to the conditions! Love the iconic pass in all it’s glory.

No need to get upset

Looking at the new sections opposite Mitre10, amazed! Three foot plus of perfect top soil was being excavated to the level of the winter water table. Rushing home, talking to an agent, putting us at ease, explaining that it is like the firearms scheme. “We, when owners, can buy it back from the developers! Cost of section plus buyback-its a Marlborough thing darling,”he said! No bid!!

To the upset tricyclist my husband overtook and passed on Friday evening at 5.30pm just after the Courthouse corner .. we followed you as you turned left into Seymour Street.

You were in the middle of the lane as you have every right to. There were no double lines, and so my husband in our zippy EV grabbed the chance to overtake and pass you. The manoeuvre was completed level to the Council building and clock tower. What was the reason for your agro hissy fit? He gave you a wide berth. If you had been planning on turning right at the next roundabout, you had not indicated, because it was too premature to do so.

Wilding pines

No motorbikes

Buy back scheme!

In regards to all the wilding pines on the Tua Marina cemetery hill, west side of hill. What was once around 12 large ones, have now sprouted babies overt the years and the hill are being over run with them. They not only look awful, but can’t see the flag pole or the big memorial next door to it. We found it comforting seeing these things, now you see nothing but ugly dangerous wilding pines.

Please Council, can you sort them out, so we can see our hill and the moon coming up behind it again.

txt talk

of the week

Doing a great job Stop picking on the recycle workers.

They do a great job considering the high temps and useless people loading up their bins incorrectly. It’s not that hard to pick your bin up from an odd place. Why not leave them a six pack of something cold to cheer them up at the end of the day.

We welcome your texts on 027 242 5266.

Limit to 70 words please.

Name supplied please. We reserve the right to publish at our discretion. Please note the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Sun management.

Got an important issue To share with Marlborough?

Text your thoughts to: 027 242 5266

Re: Still Hope Must be on strong medication this house unable to know what on earth it’s supposed to tell us.

Sick of waiting It’s annoying enough to have to go pay for goods before the company will order them now but then being put on hold every time I ring to enquire if the parts have arrived in, as they don’t let you know when they do. Makes me feel they no longer want my custom. My money is good elsewhere. It’s simple trust your customer or lose them.

Be warned

The young ‘hoon’ on trail motorbike Tuesday February 3 on Taylor reserve 5pm, the reserve is not for motorcycles!

If the MDC multi story car park says you have a faulty ticket, which happens on a regular basis, then you have to pay $10 for a lost ticket to get out of the car park instead of $4 for all day parking!

Where are the workers

No lights in Blenheim

Drove to Nelson other day. Road works with traffic lights but no work happening. Does taxpayer foot the bill for totally unproductive work?

In Nelson and waiting and waiting at traffic lights to go through phase and pedestrian phase convinced me Blenheim doesn’t need traffic lights.

CELEBRATING 1 YEAR SINCE WE MERGED WITH ELITE TYRES! • Tyres • Batteries • Alignments • Servicing • Mechanical Repairs • Transmission Flushing • Diesel Intake Cleaning We have the latest diagnostic equipment

CHEAPEST TYRES EVERY DAY. GUARANTEED! 16 Auckland Street, Mayfield, Blenheim 7201

19

Phone 03 577 7783

We are here

ASB Theatre

20

The Sun

Wednesday February 10, 2021

y l k e e W s e i b a B

HAD A BABY?

Proudly sponsored by

THIS SPACE COULD BE YOURS! Ph 5777868 now

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YATES: Tyler Evan Born February 7, 2021 Weight 7lb 9oz Hospital Wairau

Yates: Chelsea and Kyle welcome Tyler Evan (7lb 9oz) born at Wairau Hospital at 11.30pm on Saturday February 7, 2021. Both well.

Thanks to Kathy Middleton and the team at Wairau.

If you missed our reporter at the hospital then email your photo and details to babies@blenheimsun.co.nz

Wednesday

‘Royal’ among 44 baby names rejected in 2020 We’ll never be royals with nearly a quarter of declined baby names featuring “Royal” in some form or another.

Te Tari Taiwhenua Department of Internal Affairs has released the list of names declined in 2020 by the Registrar-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Roya Ltee, Royal, Royal-Blue, Royal-Reign, Royalty, Royalty-Rain, Royele-Blue, and Royell are among the 44 names declined.

No new-born has been named Covid and the Registrar-General would consider carefully any application on the grounds it could be deemed offensive to those who have lost loved ones to the disease.

Registrar-General Jeff Montgomery says the guidelines make sure names don’t cause offence, are a reasonable length, and don’t unjustifiably resemble an official title or rank.

“There’s no problem if you want

to give your child a spelled-out number or even silly name, but remember your child has to live with it!”

If a name or combination of names appears to fail the criteria, it can be reviewed by the Registrar-General.

The family has an opportunity to present their reasons for the name, and these may be accepted by the Registrar-General, on a case-bycase basis.

Of the nearly 60,000 babies born

in New Zealand each year, less than 1 percent of babies have their name personally considered by the Registrar-General.

Tips for ensuring you can register your baby’s name Avoid official titles, using numeric characters or anything unpronounceable, like a backslash or a punctuation mark.

Rethink swear words.

Limit the name to no more than 70 characters.

Below is a list of names declined by the Registrar-General in 2020.

Bishop, Caius-Major, Commodore, Constable, Dukes, Justice, Justus, Kiing, King, Krown-Hayllar, Majesty-Faith, Major, Marley-King, Master, Messiah, Mistah, MyHonour, Nikita-Majesty, Padre, Prince, Princess, Prinz, Queen, Roya Ltee, Royal, Royal-Blue, Royal-Reign, Royalty, Royalty-Rain, Royele-Blue, Royell, Saint, Saint Cali, Sovereign.

Township gets village green lifeline

By Chloe Ranford, Local Democracy Reporter

The new owners of an old tavern have saved the Marlborough District Council from looking red-faced over a rural green-space project.

Residents of Marlborough’s Rai Valley, along the highway between Blenheim and Nelson, have spent years searching for a place to put down a village green and new public toilets.

The council agreed to help look, and even won $134,000 from the Tourism Infrastructure Fund in 2018 to put towards the new toilets, but the money was pulled after it failed to find land.

To the rescue came Tania and Kelvin Billingsley, who bought the 1970s tavern in August last year and within weeks offered half of their car park to residents and the council.

The couple, who had commercially developed old buildings in Nelson and Auckland, had long seen potential in the tavern and considered buying it years ago when it went up for sale.

Kelvin was a third-generation Rai Valley man and remembered the pub opening. His mother had worked there.

“We saw the Rai Valley Progress

League pitch to the council for years about a village green ... and we said, ‘Why can’t we chop that car park in half? It has too many parks’,” Tania said.

“It would be nice to help give the community a heart.”

Designers proposed keeping 29 of the car parks – two of which were disabled spaces – and replacing the rest with a 570-square-metre village green, a playground made of log structures, and an outdoor seating area and tavern courtyard.

The pair had already put in the seating area and playground, and repainted the tavern. Half the building had been leased to tenants, who renamed it The Millers Rest and refurbished it.

Tania said the transformation was really down to the efforts of the Rai Valley Progress League. “We didn’t have to do a lot.”

A new toilet block was suggested for the eastern side of the village green, along State Highway 6, with its wastewater piped into an effluent disposal field beneath the village green.

Council parks and open spaces officer Grahame Smail said this was cheaper than putting down sewage tanks and trucking waste to Bluegums Landfill, south of Blenheim.

The one downside was the effluent field needed to be aerated, so the village green would need to be “quite

The Rai tavern's new owners have already put down a play area featuring a giant Connect Four and artificial turf. Photo provided

open”.

“This is an open space that can be used for informal markets, kids’ birthday parties, and all that.

I think it’s a great concept.”

The current toilet block was about 40 years old and its waste feeding onto the next-door neighbour’s block.

The council had offered to lease the green from the tavern’s owners at $5000 a year for 30 years, or $150,000 in total, with a right to renew the lease for another 30 years once it ended.

But the contract was still under negotiation, as the village green’s value was being appraised by an independent party.

Despite this, the council was read-

ying itself to reapply for $150,000 in funding from the Government next month to help offset the cost of building the new toilets, put at $350,000.

Council property and community facilities manager Jamie Lyall asked councillors at a public meeting last week for permission to continue discussions, to which they agreed.

Councillor Jenny Andrews said developing the tavern’s “quite sad looking” car park would be a “winwin” for everyone.

Councillors Cynthia Brooks, Barbara Faulls and Marlborough Mayor John Leggett also voiced their support for the project. Their decision had to be approved at full

council on February 25.

The campaign to find a village green started in 2007. Residents had over the years put forward an old mussel factory, land set aside for a cheese factory, and the tavern as a location.

Rai Valley Progress League chair Faye Leov said the tavern’s proposal recognised a vision long championed by residents.

“Rai Valley needs a central point, a place for people of all ages to get together ... A safe place to rest and take some time out from travelling or for locals to enjoy themselves.”

The Billingsleys would decide whether to lease out the remaining half of the building if the village green went ahead.

The Sun

Wednesday February 10, 2021

EVENT: Picnic and Gymkhana Day A good crowd turned out in very warm conditions for Monday’s Waitangi Day Picnic and Gymkhana event held at Waterlea Racecourse .

21

Out & About Have an event ? contact The Sun

Angel Johnston of Blenheim, at left, from the High Country Horse Trek group, was helping prepare Jazz, Melissa Rae’s horse, for the Gymkhana events. Melissa pictured with daughter Miranda.

Committee member Richard Marlow with local horse enthusiast Stuart Moffat were two of those in the office at the Marlborough Racing Club’s Picnic Day on Monday at Waterlea.

Clerk of the course Anna Gale was riding Nick, 18 hands of Clydesdale. Those in the know might just recognise 15-year-old Nick, owned by Peter Radich of Tua Marina, as a screen star in Lord of the Rings.

Frances Gee and husband Wayne, with Jill Van Angeren at left, lining up - hopefully - at the equalisator payout window on Monday.

“I’m here to admire the horses!” Lindy Forbes of Blenheim enjoying the Waterlea Gymkhana day. The former Central Otago horsewoman said the day brought back memories of the Glenorchy races.

“We’re off to feed the troops!” Sarah Leov, left and Megan Rouche off to take a lunch break with Felix Leov, two, Harriet Leov six, at left front, Madalyn Sharpe 9 and William Sharpe six.

EVENT: Heritage Day Brayshaw Park was visited by large crowds which flocked to experience the history on display last Saturday.

Barry Wilson chats with Ed and Julie Matkin who displayed their 1956 Austin A35 van.

Participants in the Steampunk competition who all won prizes in a variety of categories.

Fresh food, made on-site everyday!

Check out our delicious range: Sandwiches, Wraps, Desserts, Slices, Jellies, Muffins, Salads, Meals and much more.

Plus all the stuff we’re famous for: Hot Food, Cold Drinks, Milk Shakes, Ice Creams and the BEST COFFEE IN TOWN!

Helen Campbell was greeting the public at the Pioneer Cottage which was built in the 1880s.

22

The Sun

Wednesday February 10, 2021

URGENT services

Wanted to Buy

Death notices

Urgent Care Centre: Wairau Hospital Grounds. Entry off Hospital Rd, Blenheim, 8am-8pm daily. Phone (03) 520 6377.

Ambulance: Urgent 111. Non urgent 579 4870.

After Hours Chemists: Springlands Pharmacy: Monday - Friday 8.30am - 6pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am - 5pm, Public Holidays 10am - 5pm. Closed Christmas Day. Ph 578 2271.

Community Care Pharmacy: Within the Blenheim Warehouse, open 7 days 9am8pm. Only closed Christmas Day. Lifeline Marlborough: 0800 543354, 24hr helpline.

Women’s Refuge and Sexual Violence Support Centre Marlborough: Crisis line number phone 0800 refuge or 03 5779939.

Victim Support: 0800 VICTIM (0800 842 846) Alcoholics Anonymous: 0800 AA WORKS - 0800 229 6757.

Citizens Advice Bureau: Free, friendly, confidential advice. Mon - Fri 9.30am 4pm. Phone 578 4272.

Wairau Hospital: Hospital Visiting Hours: Daily 11.30am-7.30pm, children under 12 may visit parents only.

Maternity Ward: 10am-noon, 4pm-7pm.

Children's Ward: Daily 10am-8pm. Visiting at all times is subject to the discretion of the nurse in charge of the ward.

Picton: Ambulance: Urgent 111. Non-urgent 579 4870.

Chemist: Picton Healthcare Pharmacy. Ph 573 6420 Mon -Fri 8.30-5.30pm, Sat 9-2pm.

Medical Centre Pharmacy, Ph 928 4265, Mon-Fri 8am-5.30pm

news tips Send your tips to news@blenheimsun.co.nz

Wednesday 72 High Street, Phone 03 577 7868

WANTED TO BUY: Young family of four seeks older house to renovate and raise family. Villa or bungalow preferred but open to all options.

Please contact Alan 0273457672 or Kim 0273573676.

KEE, Ronald Richard (Ron): At rest, on Saturday January 30, 2021, at Redwood Lifestyle Care and Village. In his 93rd year.

Adored husband of Julia for 67 years. Dearly loved father and father-in-law of Bev and Andy, and Phillipa. Loved “Pa” of Matthew, Peter and Helen. Loved brother of Gavin.

Special thanks to the staff at Redwood Lifestyle Care and Village for their compassionate care. Messages may be sent to 99 Maxwell Road, Blenheim 7201. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Hospice Marlborough would be appreciated and may be sent to P O Box 411, Blenheim 7240. A private family farewell has been held.

Wanted to Rent 155A MULLER ROAD. Sunday 14th, 8am not before. Furniture, garden tools etc

URGENTLY required 2 to 3 bedroom house.

Prefer double garage. Blenheim/Picton area by a retired couple. Very keen gardeners. Good references. Needing to find a home due to the one we are in being sold. Phone 0273889054.

Book your space now in our next (by 3pm Tuesday)

Entertainment

Garage Sale Column!

Man to man massage. Asian Terry ph 027 510 3715

Phone 5777 868

Asian nude massage. Hot fun. ph Lena 021 235 7452

Respectfully cared for by GEOFFREY T SOWMAN FDANZ Tel 03 578 4719

fact of the week

Church Notices Lighthouse Christian Fellowship Senior Citizens Hall, 172 High Street. Sundays 10 a.m.

All welcome. 5785030.

Situation Wanted HOUSE KEEPING 5 star references. Own gear.

Phone 0274272189.

Community notices Te Rerenga o Te Ra Kapa Haka Housie Fundraiser

In Memoriam

1pm Saturday 20th February, Clubs of Marlborough. 40 Games and 2 Supers, Raffles.

Remember your lost loved one on their anniversary.

Share your community events!

Community Noticeboard is for non-profit organisations!

The deadline is Monday 5.00pm. Please contact the Sun for further details.

72 High Street, Blenheim, email office@blenheimsun. co.nz or phone 577 7868.

For $10.00 + GST you can publish up to 25 words.

EXCLUDES: AGMS, sporting notices or special meetings. All notices must be pre-paid. Call into our office at 72 High St.

All pandas in the world are on loan from China.

Call 03 570 2298

Bringing you the

for a free no obligation quote 5A Sutherland Tce e. info@mintair.co.nz www.mintair.co.nz

Quick crossword Across 1. Badger (6) 4. Desert plant (6) 9. Tramp (4) 10. Cherries or plums (5,5) 11. Period of instruction (6) 12. Dishearten (8) 13. Neither gain nor lose (5,4) 15. Singing voice (4) 16. Curve (4) 17. Reproduce (9) 21. Cruel, hard-hearted (8) 22. Pouch (6) 24. Pickled veges (10) 25. Competent (4) 26. Spin around (6) 27. Population count (6)

1

Down 1. Innovator (7) 2. Footwear (5) 3. Nature, character (7) 5. Strongly against (6) 6. Finish (9) 7. Ghosts (7) 8. Callously (4-9) 14. Broadcaster (9) 16. String of small flags (7) 18. Whim (7) 19. Climbing frame for plants (7) 20. Wooden hammer (6) 23. Extreme disorder (5)

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Fill in the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9

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Last week

www.thepuzzlecompany.co.nz

Sudoku

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Puzzles © The Puzzle Company

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8

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Across: 1. Recycle, 5. Sadness, 9. Lemur, 10. Valuation, 11.

Professor, 12. Nitre, 13. Exist, 15. Repossess, 18. Pineapple, 19.

Sushi, 21. Ogles, 23. Crescendo, 25. Apologise, 26. Rhino, 27.

Assumed, 28. Triplet.

Down: 1. Relapse, 2. Commotion, 3. Curve, 4. Eavesdrop, 5. Solar, 6. Diagnosis, 7. Evict, 8. Singers, 14. Transform, 16. Precedent, 17.

Essential, 18. Pro rata, 20. Iron out, 22. Loops, 23. Child, 24. Corgi.

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F L A P S R E B U T

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Insert the missing letters to complete ten words — five across the grid and five down. More than one solution may be possible.

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Last week

S T I F F

T O N A L

A W A R E

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F R E E S

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The Sun

Wednesday February 10, 2021

23

Trades and Services Air Conditioning

Carpet install & service

Building

PROMOTE

THE HEAT PUMP, AIR CONDITIONING & VENTILATION SPECIALISTS

YOUR BUSINESS

YOUR BUSINESS

Advertise on the sun’s

Advertise on the sun’s

pAge

pAge

Trades & services

MARLBOROUGHS AUTHORISED DAIKIN DEALER

Trades & services

CAll us todAy

1 Freswick St, Blenheim Ph 578 0030 www.martella.co.nz

computers

PROMOTE

CAll us todAy

577 7868

577 7868

for detAils

electrical

Detailing

for detAils

furniture

For all your electrical needs

For all your home & business IT needs

EXCELLENCE IN AUTOMOBILE DETAILING • Professional Exterior & Interior Detailing • Upholstery Shampooing • Buffing & Polishing • Pick up & delivery

30+ Years in the Automotive Industry

Call us now!

Ph: (03) 577 9498 17 Kinross Street

sales@bpcomputers.co.nz

Ph Aaron 027 256 0808 aaron@carspa.page carspa-detailing.com

jeweller

PhiliP Gibbison

Jewellers

We service all Commercial Kitchen & Laundry equipment.

Local agent for Starline Dishwashers.

Ph: 579 4445 www.cmelectrical.co.nz

All Workmanship Guaranteed

Mobile 0272 472 784

ENGINEERING MARLBOROUGH POWDERCOATING • Sectional Doors • Roller Doors • Tilt Doors • Commercial Doors • Gate Systems • Garage Door Openers 41 Grove Road BLENHEIM Ph 578 8251 info@dominatorblenheim.co.nz

See the experts for:

Sandblasting Powdercoating Gates, Fencing Furniture Pool Fences

6 Nelson St, Blenheim

Ph/Fax 578 0374 a/h 021 838 550

YES We Repair Everyday Vehicles

Loca ll

PROMOTE

YOUR BUSINESS Advertise on the sun’s

Trades & services

Panel & Paint Approved Gold Repairer for Classic Cover Insurance • Panel and paint specialists • Plastic welding • Large and small repairs • Fully equipped paint booth • Touch-ups and full re-sprays • Insurance work

pAge

by Cantwell Joinery Visit us online at www.mastercraft.co.nz or call us on 03 578 3375 Showroom: 15 Bristol Street, Riverlands, Blenheim

Plasterer

PROMOTE

YOUR BUSINESS Advertise on the sun’s

Trades & services pAge

CAll us todAy

davereespainters@xtra.co.nz

Classic Gates

and m y design ed anufa Make sure there is a cture d Mastercraft Kitchen at the heart of your home

PAINTER

Interiors, exteriors, residential, commercial Including wallpapering, varnishing, roof spraying, new homes, repaints - we do it all

GARAGE DOOR SYSTEMS

panel & paint

Ph 578 2595

For all painting and decorating needs

For friendly efficient service call Dave Monahan today 0274 419 028 or 578 3312

gates GATES

kITCHENS

Quality repairs to all brands.

DAVE REES PAINTERS & DECORATORS

Quality assured!

www.uptonoaks.co.nz 33 Hammerichs Rd, Blenheim

Your Watch & Clock professional.

Cleghorn St Redwood Village

• Furniture and Kitchens • Bespoke Designs • Remodelling • Restorations • Repairs

garage doors

577 7868 for detAils

CAll us todAy

577 7868 for detAils

Jared Hall 027 454 4023

velvetplastering@gmail.com

TREE CARE

Plumber

BLENHEIM TRUSTED PLUMBERS, GASFITTERS AND DRAINLAYERS • Exterior plaster systems • Speciality coatings and painting • Approved EQC repairers Over 25 years local experience locally owned and operated

03 578 0086

info@classicandcustom.co.nz | classicandcustom.co.nz | 3 Warwick Street

WHETHER YOU NEED GAS, DRAINAGE OR PLUMBING SERVICES, WE HAVE GOT YOU COVERED.

PROMOTE

YOUR BUSINESS Advertise on the sun’s

Trades & services pAge

Call Steve today 03 577 6920 021 625 378

CAll us todAy

577 7868 for detAils

Tree Removal Height Reduction Trimming/Thinning Branch Chipping Hedge Trimming Line Clearance Stump Grinding Mulch Supplies Fully Insured FREE QUOTES

Ph. 03 578 0083

(Lance) 021 361912 cts@xtra.co.nz

24

Public Notices

Public Notices

Clothing Alterations:

by Lynette Atkinson-Parker

Situations Vacant

Win a Fishing Charter Sponsored by

RENWICK ARMS COUNTRY CLUB Family

For your sewing requirements Phone 03 578 1010 or 027 578 1010

Harvester & Tractor Operators for 2021 Grape Harvest

Friday March 5, Saturday March 6 and Sunday March 7

Quality Service Guaranteed

$15,000+ worth of prizes to be won

Missed an issue?

Entries cost members $25.00.

Non Members $30.00 Junior under 12 - $5.00

Catch up with The Sun online at blenheimsun.co.nz

Entry Forms available at outlets displaying posters or at Renwick Arms Country Club 92 High Street, Renwick.

All enquiries to Renwick Arms Country Club ph: 027 572 8597 email: renwickarms@xtra.co.nz Entries close 9.00pm Thursday 4 March HEATPUM P supply, service, install.

Free quotes. Call now 0284052863

Something for Everyone Saturday 10.00am – 1.00pm December 12, 2017

Sunday 28 March Weld Park, Ward

March 4, 2021 December 17, 2017

Schedules available Online entries www.showdayonline.com Entries close 26 February FREE TRADE & CRAFT SITES AVAILABLE on application Bernadette Gilmore Phone 577 7174

March 13, 2021 February 11, 2018

flaxbourneshow@gmail.com

March 23, 2021

March 17, 2018

April 20 – May 5, 2018

World of Musicals March 25, 2021

April 23, 2018

September 26, 2021

23 & 24 May, 2018

May 30th, 2018

October 19, 2021

Gates Open to Public 9am Live entertainment throughout the day Sturgeons, competitions, Rai Challenge, Live Band, BMX/MotoX Course Display, Harcourts Really Young Farmer contest

We look forward to seeing you at our biggest little show!

Adult $10, Child 5-16yrs $5, Under 5yrs Free.

www.raivalleyshow.co.nz

CELEBRATING & RECREATING THE MAGIC OF THE ORIGINAL HOWARD MORRISON QUARTET WITH STORIES, LAUGHTER & MUSIC

May 13, 2018

November 11, 2021

Book online at asbtheatre.com June 20, 2018 Nov 8 & 9, 2018 Or phone 03 520 8558 Purchase from ASB Marlborough, Book online atTheatre asbtheatre.com

FEATURING: HOWARD MORRISON JNR, RUSSELL HARRISON CHRIS POWLEY & JACK GRACE

FEBRUARY 2021

09 TAURANGA BAYCOURT THEATRE 10 NAPIER MUNICIPAL THEATRE 11 WELLINGTON OPERA HOUSE 14 BLENHEIM ASB THEATRE MARLBOROUGH 16 NELSON THEATRE ROYAL 17 GREYMOUTH REGENT THEATRE 18 CHRISTCHURCH JAMES HAY THEATRE

Blenheim.

Purchase2 Hutcheson from ASBStreet, Theatre Marlborough, Service fees apply.

2 Hutcheson Street, Blenheim.

Visit asbtheatre.com for more #asbtheatremarlborough information and to join our Theatre Club.

Visit asbtheatre.com for more information and to join our theatre club.

CH-7838750AA

#asbtheatremarlborough Service fees apply.

Situations Vacant

Got an important issue to share with Marlborough?

Text your thoughts to: 027 242 5266

STAFF WANTED INDIAN CHEF - Full time FRONT OF HOUSE - Part time Please call Naveen 021480238

yeletinaveenreddy @gmail.com

Charcoal Indian Restaurant

2019 2021 Grape Harvest Tractor & Harvester Drivers Vintage modern fleet fleet of ofharvesters harvesters Vintage Harvesters Harvesters operates operates aa modern and and tractors tractorsthroughout throughoutthe theMarlborough MarlboroughDistrict.

District.

We for experienced experienced harvester harvester and and tractor tractor We are are looking looking for drivers. minimum of of aa class class 11 driver’s driver’s drivers. You You will will need need aa minimum licence endorsement for for licence for for tractor tractor driving driving and a wheels endorsement harvester harvesterdriving. driving.

We commence approximately midWe anticipate anticipatework workwillwill commence approximately March and finishing mid-April.

Drivers must be must available mid- March and finishing mid-April.

Drivers be for extended and hours weekends. available for hours extended and weekends.

Please phone the office on 578 5300,

Please phone the office on 578 5300, text Jason Tripe on 027 043 427 12421 ororemail email admin@jtcvit.co.nz admin@jtcvit.co.nz www.vintageharvesters.co.nz www.vintageharvesters.co.nz

Saturday 6th March Carluke Domain in Rai Valley

HOWARD MORRISON QUARTET

April 21, 2021

September 10, 2021

Public Notices

Rai Valley A&P Show

FLAXBOURNE A & P SHOW

March 14, 2021

Valley Harvesting has a no drugs and alcohol policy.

Phone/Txt 022 322 6515

December 9 & 10, 2017

NEW ZEALAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Please email resume with references supporting your application to: Tim Leslie (03) 577 8006 / (021) 54 40 70 Or email tim.leslie@valleyharvesting.co.nz

Blenheim Renwick Picton

Monday to Friday 10.00am – 5.00pm

March 9, 2021 January 21, 2018

Valley Harvesting operates throughout the Marlborough District.

We are currently seeking experienced harvester and tractor operators for the 2021 Marlborough grape harvest.

You will need a minimum of a Class 1 driver’s licence.

We anticipate work will commence mid-March and finish late April.

Operators must be available to work extended hours and weekends.

Preference given to applicants with previous vintage experience.

Ryan Lawnmowing

New opening hours:

February 14, 2021 December 16, 2017

The Sun

Classifieds Advertising Ph 03 577 7868

Wednesday February 10, 2021

20 DUNEDIN GLENROY AUDITORIUM 21 INVERCARGILL, CIVIC THEATRE 24 PALMERSTON NORTH REGENT ON BROADWAY 25 NEW PLYMOUTH THEATRE ROYAL 26 HAMILTON CLARENCE STREET THEATRE 27 AUCKLAND BRUCE MASON CENTRE 28 WHANGAREI FORUM NORTH

BOOK ONLY AT AUTHORISED OUTLETS: TICKETEK, TICKETMASTER, EVENTFINDA, GREYMOUTH THEATRE www.pacificentertainment.co.nz

Vintage Truck Driver Mount Riley Wines is a proudly family owned and operated business that is currently looking for a Vintage Truck Driver to join our small passionate team.

If you have: • A Full and clean HT license (minimum class 4) • Previous experience in vintage harvesting operations would be an advantage • The ability to work extended hours where required • A strong commitment to workplace Health & Safety Competitive rates offered to the right candidate.

Call Sam 021897681

• Students • Adults • Retirees The Sun newspaper is looking for reliable deliverers and relief delivers in Renwick and all areas of Blenheim.

This could suit retire, semiretired or school students. Are you up for a bit of exercise and some extra pocket money, if so give us a call or email.

Phone the office (03) 577 7868 or E: office@blenheimsun.co.nz

Wednesday

The Sun

Classifieds Advertising Ph 03 577 7868 Situations Vacant

Wednesday February 10, 2021

25

Situations Vacant

Driver Required

Qualified Timber Machinist 9 Competitive rate plus bonus system 9 Modern machinery 9 Strong team culture

The Kaituna Sawmill is owned by OneFortyOne (OFO), a forestry company with 80,000 hectares of forests in the top of the South Island, NZ. The sawmill is located 20km west of Blenheim.

Wood sales are strong, and demand for our products is high, creating an opportunity for an experienced and or qualified timber machinist.

Driver Required for part time casual/permanent position. Passenger Endorsement a must have. Hours Negotable Email application to marlborough@ drivingmissdaisy.co.nz Applications close February 17th 2021

To Apply: Email: willie.rae@onefortyone.co.nz or 027 334 0349

txt talk

NER

027 242 5266

ROGER NICHOLLS We have 3 cleaning vacancies CELL PHONE: 027 578 1163 • Picton QCC, mainly in woodwork WEB: WWW.STEAMCLEANZ.CO.NZ and metal work.

EMAIL: INFO@STEAMCLEANZ.CO.NZ

• Back-up school cleaner, on call across several sites.

• Commercial cleaner for weekends.

These positions may be ideally suited to retired or semi-retired people.

Requirements.

• A clean driver licences • Reliable • Trustworthy • Be able to pass Police Vetting • Be able to work as part of a team • Have NZ residency or work visa If you are interested in these roles go to www.steamcleanz.co.nz/employment and fill in the application form.

Outdoor Power Equipment Technician Stihl Shop Blenheim is a leading outdoor power equipment business located in Blenheim and servicing the diverse Marlborough region.

We sell and service industry-leading brands like Stihl, Honda Power Equipment, Walker, Hustler, Cub Cadet, Rover and Masport.

We provide an outstanding working environment with a purpose-built building, air-conditioned workshop and up-to-date equipment. In addition, your skills and experience will be rewarded with a competitive remuneration package.

We are looking for an experienced technician to work on outdoor power equipment in our workshop and occasionally in the field.

Two spitfires go head-to-head at the Classic Fighters Omaka show in 2015.

Photo by Gavin Conroy, Classic Aircraft Photography

Experienced, qualified builder required for a busy local company. Varied work.

Remuneration dependent on experience.

Reliable, hard-working and attention to detail a must. Please email admin@dkhandylimited.co.nz to apply

Eldercare Worker 15 hrs per week The Eldercare Ministry of St Christopher’s seeks to reduce social isolation and enhance the mental and physical wellbeing of older people living in the Redwoodtown area.

The role includes the organisation of activities and working alongside volunteers and other agencies involved in Eldercare services.

For a copy of the job description, please contact Tineke, ph. 578 0139 or office@stchristophers.co.nz Applications close Friday 19th February 2021

Airshow reaches for the sky Two months out from Yealands Classic Fighters Airshow (April 2-4), Marlborough’s largest multi-day event, organisers reflect on the up-and-coming 20th Anniversary and a year like no other.

The first Classic Fighters Airshow was held over Easter 2001 and immediately established a precedent for creating a theatrical experience for attendees not previously seen anywhere else in the world.

In a Southern Hemisphere first, a WW1 battle sequence involving multiple aeroplanes dominated the sky and the action on the ground was multi-faceted. Incorporating reenactors, complex sets, a broad range of exotic vehicles, some vaudeville, and some set-pieces presented historical events from both peace and wartime.

The Covid-19 pandemic has thrown the world into a tailspin with mass cancellations of events, including prestigious air shows.

Organisers are grateful to still be able to hold this year’s Yealands Classic Fighters possible, despite the lack of access by the thousands of international travellers who usually attend.

For the 2021 show, the organisational team are planning a spectacle that will be the

largest theatrical display ever seen to date at an airshow in the Southern Hemisphere.

Graham Orphan, Yealands Classic Fighters show director says, “Something we’re especially proud of this year will be the display of both the V-1 flying bomb (aka the ‘Doodlebug’) and the V-2 rocket, both of Adolf Hitler’s ‘vengeance weapons’ to be seen in action at the same venue over the same weekend.

The bringing together of these two distinctive historic projectiles, will provide visitors with a spectacle never seen before at any event, anywhere in the world. But that is just part of the WW-II sequence.

“We also have some great plans for Edwardian era displays, ‘Golden Age’ (late 1920s through 1930s) presentations of period cars and aeroplanes, and some additional presentations that can’t be spoken of just yet!”

The small but dedicated team behind the Yealands Classic Fighters Airshow have been working hard to put together a show that is full of variety, speed and drama and hope that New Zealanders will back their own backyard and enjoy this world class event.

The show is 2-4 April and tickets are available at www.classicfighters.co.nz or at the gate.

This permanent position is Monday – Friday with the possibility of rostered Saturday mornings if required.

with STIHL

To apply you need: A relevant trade SP E• • ND $ 4 0 0 * qualification NZ residency or a valid NZ work permit • A current clean NZ driver licence • A clean criminal record and be drug free.

AVE $50 AVE $100 AVE $150

To be successful you must be: • A team player • Well presented Self-motivated SP E• ND $700* • Accurate and show attention to detail • Efficient and organised • Level headed and able to work unsupervised and under pressure • Have great customer service and people skills.

SP EPlease ND apply $ 1,in0 0writing 0 * with a covering letter,

up-to-date CV and two relevant and current references supporting your skills and work ethic.

Applications close Friday 26th February 2021.

Applications to: Steve Metzger 0272345682 Croads Motor and Mower Services Ltd P O Box 485, Blenheim steve@croads.co.nz

pating retailers for details. Spend and Save only applicable on selected STIHL products. Minimum of one machine per transaction must be to reach the Spend and Save thresholds.

LOVE YOUR LAND

A photograph was sent in by a Sun Newspaper reader. "I was walking on the lower tracks of the Wither Hills on a scorching hot day when I spotted this rather peculiar cloud hanging in the sky. As if someone just playfully stroked their brush around on a massive blue canvas."

26

sport

Wednesday February 10, 2021

The Sun

Two nights of wheel-to-wheel action Eastern States Speedway put on some great racing over two days, January 29-30, featuring some classes not regularly seen in Blenheim.

The Tasman Grass Kart Club raced on the Friday night and on the Saturday the MINCA Midget Series put on a show for the crowd, alongside the final night of the two-day production class meeting.

Next up on the ESS race calendar is Saturday, February 27 where the second round of the Precision Tyre & Auto Streetcar Series kicks off, as well as the Production Mike Inwood Trophy and the Stockcar State of Turmoil.

The 22e stockcar of Brandon Schumacher with committee member Anna McElhinney and streetcar rep Brooke Gambell riding the back.

Jack Rarity takes a chequered flag in the stockcars.

Photos by SK Photography Aaron Marshall rides the back of his youth ministock in the grand parade.

Blenheim streetstock driver Daniel Honey spins and pushes a Nelson car out of his way.

Young Taylor-Rose Blick gets a ride on the back of the 77e stockcar during the grand parade.

what’s on in marlborough

Wednesday 10 February Saturday 13 February Monday 15 February Support group for postnatal mothers: Every Wednesday from 9.30 am to noon.

Child minders help with the babies. Call Tatiana 027 901 9807.

Thursday 11 February Ulysses Retreads Group: Meet Brayshaw Park Thursdays 11am. Ride to various destinations for lunch. Come by bike, tin top or magic carpet. Bring your laughing gear, a thermal to wear and a story to share.

Picton Mahjong: Marina Cove 1:15pm. Contact Gyllian 573 5383.

Friday 12 February Marlborough Youth Trust Beachfest Event: Picton Foreshore 6pm-9pm. Marlborough Youth Trust, "Beachfest" Beach party is a youth event for 12-24 years old's- Welcome to 2021! Bring your jandals,beach shirt and friends for a fun night to reconnect with your friends after the summer holidays. Food vendors, Music, dancing and games R12. $5.

Kidzone: Fridays 3.30 to 5.30pm, Riversdale Community House, 131 Budge Street. Avon 579 2440.

Vintage Farm Machinery: Open daily, 10am to 3pm, Brayshaw Vintage Farm. John 5777 442.

Marlborough Artisan Craft Market: Blenheim CBD 9.30am-2pm. The market is a showcase of local Artisans with a large selection of craft products to select from. The market has a vibrant atmosphere to browse and enjoys at your leisure. Children are catered for with an activity zone with outdoor games for young and old to enjoy. The market encourages local organisations to occupy a free site for fun raising and promotion.

Sunday 14 February Marlborough Farmers' Market: Marlborough A&P Showgrounds. 9amnoon. Fresh produce from your local farmers. Come and see the tasty line up of fresh and seasonal, gourmet and artisan produce and products that this region has to offer.

Pollard Park Summer Concert: Pollard Park 4pm-7pm. The Summer Concert Series 2021! The Summer Concerts are a series of 3 free, family-friendly outdoor concerts, held in various locations around the Marlborough Region.

The concerts feature entirely local musicians and entertainers, food trucks and vendors. There will plenty for the children to do, with a variety of activities at each concert. Pack a picnic blanket and settle in for a summer evening out in the park.

Rotary Clubs in Blenheim: Meet Monday & Tuesday evenings at 5.30pm.

Rotary is a world-wide service club for men & women – doing great things in your community.

For further information on meeting venues, please phone Kevin on 021 173 8784, or Jon on 027 222 9505.

Tuesday 16 February Art therapy group for pregnant women: Every Tuesday 5pm to 8pm. Call Tatiana 027 901 9807.

Coming Up: Forest & Bird Monthly Talk: Thursday 18 February. Marlborough District Council River Engineer, David Aires will talk aboutWairau River Regional Park Concept. Blenheim School Hall, 7.30pm. Everyone is welcome.

Marlborough Quilters TLC day: Saturday, February 20. 10 am – 3pm. Marlborough Quilters Teach, Learn and Create day. Join experienced quilters to learn patchwork and quilting. Sewing machines available. Beginners and newcomers welcome. St Mary's Parish Community Centre, 59 Maxwell Road, Blenheim. Gold coin.

Phone Jenny 5778598 Marlborough Quilters Club night: Monday, February 22. Marlborough Quilters invites you to join us on our club night for a varied programme of speakers, challenges, sharing areas of interest, show and tell, friendship and more.

Newcomers welcome. St Mary's Parish Community Centre. Last Monday of the month. 7 pm. Phone Jenny 5778598.

Crop Swap Blenheim: Saturday, February 27, 2pm-3pm, Crossroads Café, 2 Redwood Street. $2.00 to register. Sharing abundance from our gardens: Fruit, vegetables, preserves, relishes, jams, herbs, eggs, flowers, seedlings, baking; - Giving generously and mindfully taking. Further details 027 372 2897.

Market on the Green: Sunday, February 28. 12:30pm- 3:00pm. 12 Mills St, Seddon. Artisan and community market with a local charity feature. February charity is Friends of Seddon School.

Tea @ Ten: Every 2nd and 4th Friday of the Month, Marina Cove Lounge, Picton, great tea, coffee & conversation.

Rides Calendar Thurs 11th Feb. 11am. Retreads Group.

Sun 14th Feb. 11am. Kaikoura, Bernies Diner. SH1 for Lunch. Meet Canterbury Ulysses.

Thurs 18th Feb. 11am. Retreads Group.

Thurs 18th Feb. Branch AGM Redwoodtown Community Hall 7pm.

Sun 21st Feb. 1pm. Social Ride, Linkwater, Queen Charlotte Tavern.

Thurs 25th Feb. 11am. Retreads Group.

Sun 28th Feb. 11am Reefton for Lunch.

Thursday rides depart Brayshaw Park.

Sunday rides depart Railway Station Carpark.

All rides are weather dependant.

If you have an event for the next issue of ‘What’s On’ email The Sun office@blenheimsun.co.nz

The Sun

sport

Wednesday February 10, 2021

27

sports talk With Jacob Page

Backing these Black Caps for redemption With New Zealand qualifying for the World Test Championship cricket final at Lord’s in June, the plotting and planning can now begin.

It will be a game of redemption for many Black Caps, not to mention fans, after the bitterly disappointing “loss” and that term is used extremely loosely in the 2019 World Cup final at the same venue to host England.

While Australia, England and India all have a mathematical chance of being the second team in the match, the Black Caps now have the advantage of time to prepare.

They have made a great start, by ensuring they have two tests against England locked-in to get used to

English conditions and the Duke ball prior to the game.

A lack of preparation was the huge failing in the tour to Australia in 2019 and it appears the powers that be have learnt from that error.

Another failing of that test series against the Aussies was the tinkering with the playing XI. Remember Matt Henry playing instead of Tim Southee?

Gary Stead and co got too cute and the Aussies made us pay in full.

Because this is the golden era of Black Caps test cricket, the team is settled with selection.

While players like Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, BJ Watling and the pace quartet of

Neil Wagner, Kyle Jamieson, Trent Boult and Southee (we hope) all pick themselves, there are still three key spots up for debate.

Is Tom Blundell the best choice to open with Latham?

Yes is the likely answer. While Blundell had a lean summer, there is a lack of opening depth.

Blundell has a test century against Australia, in Australia which always carries weight with us Kiwis.

The other option is batting whiz Devon Conway who has not put a foot wrong with the exception of the fact he’s unproven, and not an opener by trade.

Conway could be considered for Henry Nicholls’ spot at No 5 in the

batting order but the Cantabrian has been a steady force for the team and certainly made the most of his luck against the West Indies and Pakistan during the home summer and I would certainly stick with him.

The debate with the most validity is what to do with the all rounder spot at No 7.

Daryl Mitchell got a test century at Hagley Oval this summer but offered little with his seamers with the ball.

Spinner Mitchell Santner has had countless opportunities to make the spot his own but is not a genuine wicket-taking threat and is erratic with the bat.

The best choice in my view would be Colin de Grandhomme.

While injured for the entire home campaign, he has proven to be a threat with his medium pace in swinging conditions which he will get in England and he’s been a destructive lower-order batsman with the ability to get quick runs.

While he may not be able to graft his way to a century like Mitchell, I feel he compliments the balance of team well for the task at hand.

It would be a stretch to consider the Black Caps favourites but there must be a bullish feeling with how the team is constructed that they can stone for the disappointment 18 months ago and give this era of players some much deserved silverware.

Local car club drivers head south to contest hillclimb championship Five drivers from the Marlborough Car Club are this week heading south to Lawrence for the final of the New Zealand Goldstar Hillclimb Championships being hosted by South Otago Car Club.

Local members are current holders of the two titles with Richard Bateman winning the Goldstar event in his Evo 9 and Steve Cattermole winning the 2WD class in his Suzuki powered Datsun.

This event is one of the longest running championship events of Motorsport New Zealand, with the first event run in 1956.

Previous members of Marlborough Car Club to win this event are Lyn Hatton in 1975, Russell Greer in 1979, and Neil Webb in 2010 and 2015.

After the drivers had completed the two regional rounds in the South Island late last year with the

gravel (two events) being organised

by Marlborough Car Club and the two sealed events hosted by RATEC Club on Akoroa Hills, Jason Clark in his Evo 5 is second in the 4WD class on 398 points just behind Auckland driver Jack Hawkeswood in Mazda AP4 car on 100 points.

David Gee in his Subaru Impreza is fourth with 386 points.

The other three drivers are all

competing in the 2WD class led

by Dean Cameron in a Starlet in third position on 370 points from Brendon Wadsworth, Ford Fiesta, fourth on 368 points and followed by local junior driver Liam Gee in a Toyota Levin in fifth on 360 points.

The event is being run over two events with the first being the Gravel Hillclimb held on Burma Road approx 3.5kms on Saturday.

The event has sponsorship from

Winmax Pads in conjunction with Hayden Paddon who has organised the event to be live-streamed on either Paddon Rallysport or NZ Clubsport facebook page from Noon – 4pm. Also, on the Saturday Hayden is planning a demonstration run in the Hyundai NZ Kona EV rallycar.

Sunday’s event is the sealed portion being held on Tuapeka West Road and is approx 5kms long.

Golf Results Rarangi Golf Club

Marlborough Golf Club

The results for Rarangi Golf Club for week ending 7 February 2021 Wednesday 3 February 2021 – Men’s Midweek Stableford – Red Tees Phil Hill 39; Chris Harvey 39; Ray Tomlinson 38; Tony Nichol 38; Allan Shutkowski 37; Roger Mitchell 37; Graham McCarthy 37; Guido Bertogg 36; Hans Bloemberg 36; Graham Ilott 36; Ezra Kahaki 36; Terry Lane 36; Owen Gibbs 35; Mike Walker 35; Arthur Ross 35.

Thursday 4 February 2021 – Summer Stableford Best Overall – Kathy

3 February, Diana Pye stableford Div.1:Tessa Sutherland 38, Lesley Corbett 36, Gloria Rodgers 35, Lynn Dowler 35. Div.2: Helen Lissaman 37, Francie Shagin 36, Pam Pullar 36.

4 February, men’s stableford Div.1:Ian Newport 40, Bede O’Malley 38, Terry Shagin 36, Ken Steel 36,

Payne 42; Mariann Grant 39; Dale McCrindle 38; Denise Hodson 38.

Saturday 6 February 2021 – Waitangi Russian Roulette Terry Grant/Allan Ryder 75; Pat Olliver/Terry Allen 73; Kathy Payne/Bruce Verry 66; Helen Neame/Clarry Neame 65.

Sunday 7 February 2021Medal - Net Jim Thomas 69; Brian Gill 69; Alan Rutledge 70; James Sutherland 70; Phil D’auvergne 71; Tony Nichol 71; Murray Ingram 72; Laurie McGlone 72.

Rick May 36. Div.2:John Rodgers 38, Richard Anderson 38, Werner Plus 38, Paul Ham 37, Neal Ibbotson 36.

6 February, women’s monthly medal. Best Gross & Net :Lizzie Turnbull 90 & 71. Net medal Div.1: Lucy Jefferis 75, Tina Marfell 79. Div.2:Gloria Rodgers 73, Julia Knowles 78, Lynn

Dowler 79. Men’s Monthly Mug. Best Gross:Paul Silke 73. Best Net:Lance Nuttall 67. Net medal Div.1:Stephen Harvey 68, Bruce Snowden 69, Bede O’Malley 71. Div.2:Scott Allen 67, Greg King 71, Jock Glennie 73, Brian Chippendale 73.

John Saxon 37.

January 28 – Mark Ivamy 42; Len Barlow 41; Graham Couldrey, Ron Frisken, Alan Butland, 40,; Rowdy Robinson, Ron Peters, Barry Nitz, 38.

January 30 – Mike McGuire 41; Ron Peters 41; Andrew Sunley, Ian Johnson 39.

February 4 - Ron Peters 44, Grant Aikman 43; Barry Nitz 40; Ron Jones, Mark Ivamy 39; Paul Howden, Damien Pollard, Graham Couldrey 38.

February 5 – 9 Hole – Joyce McClelland 21; Margaret Frisken 17; Mary Butler, Joyce Allen, 15; Lyn Pawson 14.

Picton Golf Club January 17 - Andrew Sunley 35; Jeff Pascoe 33; Mike Ashworth, Brian Carver, 32.

January 21 – Mark Ivamy, 39; Ian Molloy 38; Barry Nitz, Ezra Kahaki, Damien Pollard, Don Jamison 37.

January 23 – Ron Peters 38; Leigh Somerville- Smith, Rowdy Robinson,

28

Wednesday February 10, 2021

Congratulatory Message Service If your friends or loved ones are approaching one of the milestones below, please let me know so that I can arrange for them to receive an official congratulatory message.

Birthdays: 100 and above Wedding anniversaries: 50th, 55th, 60th, 65th, 70th, and every year thereafter.

Congratulatory message service application forms can be requested from my electorate office: 22 Scott Street, Blenheim.

Stuart Smith MP for Kaikoura Address: 22 Scott Street, Blenheim Office hours: 9am-5pm Phone: 03 579 3204 Email: stuart.smithmp@parliament.govt.nz Website: www.stuartsmith.national.org.nz

Authorised by Stuart Smith MP, 22 Scott Street, Blenheim.

The Sun