8 May 2024 The Blenheim Sun

Joseph and his Technicolor Dreamcoat

By Sarah Nathan

I have a complicated relationship with Joseph and his Technicolor Dreamcoat - written in the 60’s, based on the Old Testament and renowned for its long run featuring Donny Osmond.

Yet it contains some of musical theatres best loved ear worms, penned by Tim Rice.

If you share my hesitation, I can assure you that in BMT’s version of the production you have no need to fear. This Joseph is a joyous triumph.

The story follows Joseph, who is his elderly father’s favourite son.

So favourite, that it fuels deep jealousy from his 11 older brothers. They hatch a plan to dispose of him and he is whisked off into a life of slavery. You’ll have to go to see what happens next – but, spoiler alert, it involves a hilarious moment of clever puppetry.

Joseph features two exceptional lead performers. The Narrator played by Iona Panoho, delivers crystal-clear vocals and an engaging persona as the curtains rise, assuring us we are in very safe hands for the journey. Spencer Kingi in the title role of Joseph, gives the perfect balance of ego and vulnerability. Kingi’s vocals are mesmerizing

and if you don’t have goosebumps during ‘Close Every Door’ you need to get your pulse checked.

Panoho and Kingi are supported by a very busy and talented ensemble cast. Highlights include Vita Vaka’s Elvis inspired Pharoah, the cast of 11 brothers - a lovable troupe - and of course, the heart melting children’s choir. Their angelic and accurate vocals are a delightful highlight – there will not be a dry grandad eye in the house.

The cast is strongly supported by musical direction from Steve Campbell (vocally by Con O’Brien) with a wonderfully tight orchestra whose musicians have a time to

shine throughout the show.

This is Sam Baxter’s first time directing for BMT and she is to be commended for this cohesive production. The clever set, props and most costumes were designed and made locally by production members showcasing unique skills. She has brought a contemporary lens to the production and gives us an ever-changing delicious palette of colour and movement.

As the temperature drops in Marlborough, I can’t think of a better way to warm up than with a dose of pure joy, silliness and song, than by grabbing a ticket to Joseph this week.

ABOVE: Narrator Iona Panoho delivers crystal-clear vocals and an engaging persona.

RIGHT: Derek Harding plays the role of Jacob the father of 12 sons. PHOTOS: Lisa Duncan Photography

New depot to unlock opportunities for Marlborough

By Chris Valli

The opening of KAM Transport’s new 6000m2 depot at 40 Waters Avenue, Burleigh will provide Marlborough food and wine producers with previously untapped import and export opportunities.

KAM Transport, part of the Preston Corp Group, is a family owned and operated New Zealand Company who has been a key player in Marlborough region’s transport and logistics industry for 10 years.

KAM’s modern fleet of vehicles, and well-equipped warehousing facilities sees them providing innovative and tailored distribution and storage solutions, for products ranging from meat, aquaculture, and frozen goods to fresh produce and bulk farm seed.

South Island Branch Manager Jack Erasmus says the new depot will expand their services to help ease distribution out of the region for local businesses, as well as complementing the existing services and transport providers already established in the area.

“We noticed there was an opportunity to help Marlborough’s successful businesses with more avenues of distribution via easy access to three of New Zealand’s key ports,” Jack says. “Marlborough can be a tricky area to move product out of. With a modern depot now based in Blenheim, backed by our highly skilled and experienced team with a proven

track-record, this has all changed.”

Jack says KAM can shift a large volume of product south and across the Cook Strait, catering to almost anything that fits in a shipping container with their multi-functional logistics hub and state of the art equipment.

“We’re an MPI Registered Company and have CCA, RCS, and Transitional Facility accreditations, meaning we can provide

Something new and exciting coming soon!

We’re on the move.

We’ll let you know our new address as soon as we can.

In the meantime we’re still available to chat, contact us on 03 579 2368 or blenheim@peterrayhomes.co.nz

solutions for the distribution challenges many businesses face in the Primary Sector.”

With 8000m2 of yard area, KAM’s Blenheim branch will be able to efficiently handle almost any large-scale, bulk transport requirement for its diverse range of customers.

A team of 15 locally based staff is excited to hit the ground running for its community and

look forward to seeing what other opportunities they can provide for the local economy.

“We’re excited to see what this will lead to in the Marlborough area and to explore further employment opportunities for our community as the business continues to grow.”

The official launch was held last Wednesday May 1, with the depot in operation later this month.

Sun The

Have your say

Marlburians have just less than one week to have their say on Council’s planned expenditure over the next 10 years. Submissions to the Long Term Plan (LTP) 2024-2034 close at 5pm on 13 May. The Marlborough Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP) 2024-2027 also closes for public submissions at the same time.

To make a submission go to: https://links.marlborough.govt.nz/ haveyoursay or visit one of Council’s Customer Service Centres. Hearings are timetabled for 10 to 21 June with Council considering all submissions in the week beginning 24 June.

Returning GST on rates

New analysis shows returning the GST charged on rates back to councils would cost the government $1.1b. This money would then be available for councils to help fund the services and investments across the country.

In 2022, central government collected around $1.1b in GST from rates. In total, 29 of the 78 councils across New Zealand would receive more than $10m if GST on rates was returned to councils. The analysis can be viewed on the Infometrics website, at https://www. infometrics.co.nz/article/2024-04-thecost-of-returninggst-from-rates-tolocal-councils

Fatal crash name release

Police can now release the name of the person who died following a crash on State Highway 1, Seddon, Marlborough on Wednesday 1 May.

She was Yuki Nagano, 30, of Blenheim. Police extend our condolences to her family and friends at this difficult time. Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

KAM General Manager Bill Bamber, Branch Manager Jack Erasmus, Mayor Nadine Taylor, and Preston Corp Chief Executive Hamish Preston.

inbrief Sun The

Cheese Rolls on sale again

The Beavertown Lions Club is once again taking orders for their ever popular cheese rolls fundraiser which is now in its seventh year. Guaranteed to be the best cheese rolls you’ll ever have, they will be lovingly prepared by a wonderful team of volunteers from the Beavertown Lions Club. This kiwi delicacy is a must as we head into the colder months, but you’ll need to be quick and get your order in by this Friday 10th May. Text your order to Sue 027-555-6720 as soon as possible. Your order will be available to pick up on Saturday 18th May, between 10am and 1pm at the Redwoodtown Community Hall.

The cheese rolls are $1 each, and can be bought in packs of 5 or 10. All proceeds will go to local charities.

Wheelie bin rollout passes halfway point

More than 18,000 wheelie bins have been delivered across Marlborough ahead of the new kerbside collection service starting on 1 July.

There are around 36,000 bins to be delivered, so if you haven’t received yours yet don’t worry.

Remember the new bins will not be collected until 1 July - if you notice your neighbour has put one out, remind them the service doesn’t start until then. Collection begins at 7am so put your bins out the night before.

For advice on what to put in your new bins go to www.marlborough.govt.nz/ services/recycling-and-waste/changesto-waste-services-from-1-july-2024

Mobile Community Hub Caravan

By Chris Valli

Community support during emergencies and natural disasters is set to change, with a new mobile hub in Marlborough.

A mobile purpose-built caravan facility is being gifted to Fire and Emergency New Zealand [FENZ] through the generosity of Air Rescue and Community Services and the Rotary Clubs in Blenheim. It will play an important role in supporting Marlburians to respond, recover and develop resilience to natural disasters and emergencies.

The $130,000 purpose-built 5.5m-long caravan is one of a series of mobile community hubs being funded by nine Rotary clubs and several community funding agencies for placement across the top of the South Island and the West Coast.

Project manager, Whakatū Rotarian Trevor Marshall, was inspired after a talk to the club by FENZ. A prototype mobile community hub caravan proved its worth in Nelson during the flooding and landslips of August 2022.

“While emergency crews are dealing with the situation at hand, they can’t be helping people directly affected by it at the time.

These mobile community hub caravans can be quickly deployed by the FENZ community teams as a base for people to gather at, find guidance and support, and get up to date information,” Trevor says. They were designed to bridge the gap between the developing emergency and the arrival of other support agencies and local and central government assistance.

Local Rotary Clubs Blenheim Rotary and Rotary Blenheim South were quick to recognise the potential. Many people caught up in emergencies, found they had limited access to live information about what was happening and where they could get help, with many small communities cut off for days at a time.

The caravans, which are manufactured by Lysaght Ltd in Ashburton, will become part of the FENZ vehicle fleets, and are designed to be completely self-sufficient.

A basic kitchen and built in BBQ at one end can dispense hot drink and food, while a self-contained meeting room at the other end can be used for support services to deal with traumatised people, as well as providing a base for councils and government agencies to offer information and support where needed. A pair of large side doors

of Air Rescue and Community Services and the Rotary Clubs in Blenheim.

open to provide a platform from which a TV screen can be viewed, showing live information from agencies such as Civil Defence. While they can be hooked up to the national grid, the eye-catching caravans also function without mains power. They are fitted with roof-top solar panels, portable generators, gas for cooking and fresh and grey water tanks. They also contain a defibrillator, first aid kit and fire extinguisher, and have a charging station for technology such as mobile phones, as well as the ability to hook into Wi Fi.

Steve Trigg, Assistant Com-

mander of the Nelson Marlborough District of Fire and Emergency New Zealand says the caravan will serve various purposes such as community support during incidents, community events like A&P shows, post-fire incidents and investigations, station open days, recruiting initiatives, and other endeavours that brigades deem fitting to support the community.

The Marlborough Mobile Community Hub caravan was blessed and formally handed over to FENZ at their premises at 4 Symons Street on Monday at 6.30am.

A $130,000 mobile purpose-built caravan facility is being gifted to Fire and Emergency New Zealand [FENZ] through the generosity

Aquabots put Marlborough on world stage

By Chris Valli

The Marlborough community have supported a local ‘aquabot group’ of primary school children with a $2000 travel grant from the Marlborough District Youth Council

Claudia Stafford, Sam Richardson, William Davis and Devon Marshall, collectively known as The BumbleBots, are a tight little team who are the Aquabot Primary School Age Group National Champions, after taking out the title in Christchurch last November.

New Zealand Aquabots is the first underwater robotics programme for school children in the country. The awesome foursome will be putting Marlborough on the world stage heading to the 2024 SeaPerch International Challenge in Maryland, United States from May 30 to June 1.

The SeaPerch program is an innovative underwater robotics program which equips students, educators and parents with the resources needed to build an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV). The learning is integrated through STEM education (science, technology, engineering, mathematics).

The awesome foursome met with Mayor Nadine Taylor in the council chambers last Thursday.

The group have been punching above their weight and have been busily fundraising the huge dollars to make the journey.

Mayor Taylor says she was really impressed with the group and their aquabot, ‘Emma’.

“They’re clearly a tight team. Each one has their area of expertise and together they’ve created a quite remarkably manoeuvrable wee aquabot,” she says. “Their success is impressive. It’s great that four young Marlborough students have been crowned the 2023 primary school champions and are now heading off to represent

us in America at the International Champs.”

One of the aspects Mayor Taylor was thrilled to see was coming from regional New Zealand was not in any way a drawback for the group.

“In fact, the way they described it, it was an advantage,” says the Mayor.

The team spoke about getting inspiration from some of Council’s marine science work. As part of the challenge, they had to design a practical application for their aquabot and used the Marlborough Sounds kina barren problem as the

challenge their aquabot could assist in overcoming.

“It was very cool to see that integrated science and tech thinking in our next generation. I can’t wait to catch-up with them after their May trip and hear how it went for the team and for “Emma -bot” at the international competition,” Mayor Taylor says.

A fundraising dinner and auction was held last night at the Bamboo Garden. Sun readers who wish to make a donation can at www.givealittle.co.nz/ cause/help-the-bumblebots-compete-in-america

Fire season changes

The Marlborough South zone moved from a prohibited fire season to a restricted fire season from 8am Wednesday 1 May, until further notice. This includes all Department of Conservation land.

This means no open-air fires can be legally lit unless a fire permit has been applied for and approved by Fire and Emergency New Zealand. At the same time, the Marlborough North zone moved from a restricted fire season to an open fire season from 8am Wednesday 1 May, until further notice. This excludes all Department of Conservation land which, as above, remains in a restricted fire season.

Future Planning Seminar

Marlborough District Council and Grey Power are hosting a Future Planning Seminar on May 30 th at the Nativity Centre from 10.15am. This is a free seminar open to anyone who is interested in taking the guesswork and worry out of capturing their arrangements/wishes. Light refreshments will be provided. All are welcome.

Quilter’s evening

Marlborough Quilters presents Sheila Christensen’s Trunk Show. Hear quilter, tutor and owner of Quilter’s Lane in Masterton unpack her quilting journey with a suitcase full of quilting treasures. This is open to the public on Friday 17 May. $5 at the door. St Mary’s Community Centre, Blenheim. 7-9 pm. Enquiries ph 021 206 7382.

BumbleBots unite: Mayor Nadine Taylor, Claudia Stafford, Devon Marshall, Sam Richardson and William Davis at the Council Chambers last Thursday. The group met with the Mayor about their impending trip to the United States for the International Sea Perch competition.

“What’s the plan for Mother’s Day on Sunday?

Spending

time

Mothers Day – when is it?

Letters

Letters on issues of community interest are welcomed. A maximum of 150 words please.

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

Keyboard warriors

Dear Editor

Blenheim is a top place and a gem in the Top of the South. However, like many small town communities it has its pros and cons.

It’s the cons I’d like to address. What has struck me in my three years since I’ve lived here after relocating for a job via Christchurch, has been the constant chat, albeit negative, gossip - whatever you call it - from parents, caregivers about their kids’ teachers. I’ve heard it in the car park, at pick up, in the supermarket, at sports events. If there is an issue, address it and have the audacity, maturity, adultship, to talk face to face and find solutions.

It’s a poor reflection when often that

Rates increase

Dear Editor

Thank you John Maffey for questioning Council’s proposed Rates increase.

Spending time with family, taking Mum out to lunch and definitely having a glass of bubbles.

abridge letters or withhold letters from publication. Email them to news@blenheimsun. co.nz or present to our office at 72 High St.

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

Spending time with my elderly mother and taking her out to lunch.

College reunion

Dear Editor

Hopefully chilling out in Paihia with perhaps a ferry over to Russell and back for the day.

I’m working. My Christchurch friends are here with me at the moment so big family bbq with lots to eat, drink and time with grandchildren.

TV news to the editor

I am aware that Marlborough Boys’ College is to hold the 125th Anniversary Reunion of the school, at Labour Weekend, 2024.

I am a past pupil of Marlborough College. Our extended family has a history of 5 generations attending the school, from first day pupils to present day students I contacted the school and the Events Manager has told me that the committee’s decision, supported by the Principal, is to hold the event this year to celebrate the first meeting of the Board in 1899, despite the college being opened on 26th March 1900 in the hall of the Church of Nativity.

I am reliably informed that no consultation had taken place with organisations or individuals with strong links to Marlborough College.

Despite the Events Manager’s assurances it seems this celebration is only for Marlborough Boys’ College not including pupils from the co-ed Marlborough College. There has been a paucity of publicity. I understand that it may be too late to change the date, plans being in place. I, along with others of our generation, will not be around to attend the 150th Reunion Celebrations.

Margaret Hatton Christchurch

chat is done via a medium like Marlborough Cool Cat Chat and the keyboard warriors who are gutless and need to grow a pair.

It’s misinformed and defamatory to those concerned and brings down the personal and professional character of the teacher(s) who are doing something rather special from 9am - 3pm, and then some.

You know who you are.

If you need to chat about others when it’s not factual or has nothing to do with you, focus on your own back yard and front fence.

A

Symonds Waikawa

Dear Editor

Whatever happened to the fact-based journalists who used to assemble television news items?

Regarding the recent political party poll which led to one television channel reporting, “This will rock parliament”, what a load of piffle.

Anyone with two brain cells to rub together knows that almost inevitably following an election, the incoming government goes down in the polls after their initial “honeymoon”, so to state that a drop of a couple of percentage points is going to “rock” anyone suggests that the writer is unaware of political history or they have deliberately replaced factual jour-

nalism with sensationalism for its own sake. I have never voted National but after the disasters of the past six years I’m willing to wait and see if this unique attempt at a coalition government can do any better. Perhaps those masquerading as television journalists would do better to curb their desire for sensation and try a little reality for a change.

It is, after all, “news” they are supposed to be reporting, not some figment of their immature imagination.

Yours sincerely, David Tranter.

Gore

precious rates resources.

Last autumn on my regular morning walks through the park, I was appalled by the noisy operation of a leaf blower employed daily to move every leaf away. The leaf blower was again being used at the Kingwell Drive Park earlier this week. What a waste of our

A whopping 12.5% annual increase in rates in times of hardship with increased cost of mortgage repayments, food and cost of living is unfair and is it really necessary? Is there really anyone to prudently check spending budgets before they become fait accompli? Is the sum of money being spent proportionate to the benefits gained for the majority, or a minority group?

Jo Lorraine Debby Arthur

Let the leaves fall and be part of the beautiful autumn scene. If the leaves clutter a path use a hand leaf rake which would appear far more efficient from my recent observation. Better still let the leaves wait until the end of autumn.

The Council needs to set an example of best practice environmental care. Please respect

the need to be frugal with our money and use it wisely only for our collective good. Please tell me the Rates Rebate margin and available discount is going to be increased by 12.5%.

If not, why has this not been agreed to, and how about it?

Jill Rogers Springlands

Adrienne Leonard Perth – formerly Blenheim

Linda McKinley Blenheim

Cheryl Alderlieste Blenheim

Carla Leeksma Wellington

Angela Cayford Dunedin

quality

with my daughter Liliana and husband Nick. No doubt with my favourite breakfast.

Lynn Hankey Spring Creek

Wheelie bin rollout passes halfway point

More than 18,000 wheelie bins have been delivered across Marlborough ahead of the new kerbside collection service starting on 1 July.

There are around 36,000 bins to be delivered, so if you haven’t received yours yet don’t worry.

Remember the new bins will not be collected until 1 July - if you notice your neighbour has put one out, remind them the service doesn’t start until then.

After 1 July bins should be placed on the kerb edge, facing the road and away from obstacles and overhanging trees. They need to be half a metre apart to allow trucks to lift them. Collection begins at 7am so put your bin out the night before.

For advice on what to put in your new bins go to links.marlborough.govt.nz/ WasteChanges

Until the new service starts please keep using Council-issued rubbish bags. There’s a limited supply available at Council offices in Blenheim and Picton. You can redeem your rubbish bag voucher at Council offices or get a rebate up until 30 June. From 1 July, rubbish bags will not be collected from the kerbside; however they will be accepted at transfer stations, the Waste Sorting Centre or the Resource Recovery Centre.

Once all new bins have been delivered, households in the collection areas will have two bins and one crate.

The red-topped wheelie bin is for waste, the yellow-topped bin for cardboard and plastic recycling and the maroon crate for glass recycling.

Waste and recycling will be collected on alternate weeks - to check your collection day, see the Smart Map here:

Picton’s Dublin Street West reopens

Mayor Nadine Taylor has welcomed news that the first step towards reopening Picton’s roads has been delivered on time.

The west side of Dublin Street including Market Street and the side streets have now reopened after kerbing and pathways were replaced. Some additional work will be needed to reinstate a water pipe and to finalise road resurfacing over the coming weeks.

Work is already underway to reopen the section east of Market Street. This is more complex as it requires design work and the reinstatement of the level crossing.

Mayor Taylor said she was pleased to see KiwiRail, Marlborough Roads and New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) working closely together to get the roads reopened as a matter of urgency.

“Well done to everyone involved for moving as quickly as possible on the work to reopen Dublin Street West. It’s great to see the first stage of the much-anticipated reopening of all of Dublin Street has now been completed,” Mayor Taylor said.

“Like many others in the Picton community, I am looking forward to the day that Dublin Street is fully reopened and restored to give the town its efficient east west road connection back.”

iReX Programme Director David Warburton said reopening east of Market Street would take longer, as it included the reinstatement

Looking east along Dublin Street . . .

Picton’s Dublin Street West as far as Market Street (pictured on right) has reopened. More work is required to reinstate the level crossing beyond before the whole street reopens

of the level crossing including new barrier arms and crossing management layouts to enhance safety.

“We don’t have firm dates but are working to do this as quickly as possible, however it does rely on the availability of specialist equipment. We are aiming for August.”

Council, Marlborough Roads and KiwiRail are working together on decisions about the roading network, including Broadway.

Discussions between Kiwirail, NZTA and Marlborough Council are ongoing, and no decision has been made on the next steps for the Dublin Street overbridge.

https://links.marlborough.govt.nz/rubbishsmart-map

People will be notified by mid-June whether your collection area starts with the red-top or the yellow-top bin.

If you have any questions, check out the frequently asked questions at: https:// links.marlborough.govt.nz/KerbsideFAQs, or contact Council; Ph: 03 520 7400 or email mdc@marlborough.govt.nz

One week to have your say on LTP and RLTP

Marlburians have just under a week to have their say on Council’s planned expenditure over the next 10 years. Submissions to the Long Term Plan (LTP) 2024-2034 close at 5pm on 13 May.

The Marlborough Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP) 2024-2027 also closes for public submissions at the same time.

To make a submission go to: https:// links.marlborough.govt.nz/haveyoursay or visit one of Council’s Customer Service Centres.

Hearings are timetabled for 10 to 21 June with Council considering all submissions in the week beginning 24 June.

McLauchlan Street water works on track

McLauchlan Street’s $1.7m water main upgrade is well on track to be finished ahead of time.

Contractors Fulton Hogan installed the difficult section in front of Marlborough Girls’ College and Bohally Intermediate during the school term break to cause minimum disruption to students, parents and teachers, Council’s 3 Waters Project Engineer Graeme Jackson said.

“They are currently working on installing the last 200 metres of pipework between Fulton and McCullum streets and hope to have this completed within the next two weeks,” he said

The work, which began in January, is to replace the existing old and undersized water mains that run the full length of

McLauchlan Street from Nelson Street to Old Renwick Road and extends 800 metres along Old Renwick Road to the west and 200 metres to the east.

There will be disruptions for residents over the coming months with a series of water shutdowns, the first is scheduled for Tuesday 7 May. All affected residents will be notified by letter drop and Antenno alerts.

“After this there will be a series of minor excavation works and water shutdowns to swap over to the new pipework over the coming few months,” Mr Jackson said.

“At this stage we hope to be finished by mid-August.”

Contractors working in McLauchlan Street

‘Even if it helped one person it was worth it’

Blenheim’s Linda Holdaway wanted to tell her story, a mental-health story that had some answers yet posed many questions. Linda speaks to Chris Valli about her purpose.

A brave, courageous post on Facebook recently gave an insight into Linda Holdaway’s journey. Linda has Functional Neurological Disorder, in what she says is ‘an unexplainable medical condition(s).’

FND is a problem with the functioning of the nervous system and how the brain and body sends and/ or receives signals, rather than a structural disease process such as multiple sclerosis or stroke. FND can encompass a wide variety of neurological symptoms, such as limb weakness or seizures.

“I decided it was time to come forward and tell my story after watching Robbie Williams Netflix documentary who had ripped off his “pop star” persona and decided to tell the truth about his own story to dispel any rumours,” she infers.

“I was at a real low and decided I didn’t have anything to lose because it didn’t matter what people thought of me. What was important was to make sure it didn’t take anyone else forty years to get to where I was now… even if it helped one person it was worth it.”

Linda confesses ‘things weren’t quite right’ in her teens. Small incidents that didn’t seem to be normal yet was embarrassed and kept it quiet.

“My first recollection of being unable to speak was straight after my UE exams. I was to leave for the United States the next day and Mum had to pack my bag because I was unable to do anything except laugh hysterically and uncontrollably for several hours and I knew something was wrong because I just couldn’t stop and there had been nothing funny to trigger it. I had no idea of

what had been packed until I arrived in San Francisco.”

In May 2023, Linda was diagnosed with FND after collapsing twice in two days. The second time she couldn’t walk, talk and struggled to open her eyes even a tiny amount although she was fully conscious and spent three nights in hospital.

“What was important was to make sure it didn’t take anyone else forty years to get to where I was now…”

“Side effects vary from person to person. Many people have extreme nerve pain, stabbing headaches, tremors and major loss of limb use,” she informs. “For me it is chronic fatigue, an unusual gait (walk), speech difficulty because my tongue feels thick and doesn’t work in sync with my jaw and sometimes loss of fine motor skills such as the ability to use a knife and fork or do two things at once such as walk and carry a cup or walk and talk at the same time.”

On her worst days she is ‘very light and sound sensitive’ and even with sunglasses on outside is uncomfortable.

“It is the fatigue that I find the most disabling and feel like I’m sleeping my life away.

Some days having breakfast and a shower is all she can manage before needing a nap. However, on others

she says she can vacuum, have visitors, cook and clean.

“I have to set my goals much lower than ever before because although today may be great it could catch up with me tomorrow,” she says. “When I have a bad day my being able to have a connection with friends, family and the outside world on my iPad is a huge help. I don’t feel so alone. If I don’t have a hand tremor painting is also a nice silent past time and helps to calm my mind. I spend many hours looking out the windows at our gardens, the birds and clouds and find peace in the plants.”

Linda has a team of specialists including a psychologist, psychiatrist, physiotherapist and is on the waiting list for a speech therapist. She adds ‘help’ requires a multi team approach.

“It has been difficult to have consistency in seeing the same people as they are often locums and there is a long waiting list. Medical professionals don’t know what causes this and that they aren’t deliberately being unhelpful. I need to accept the condition because fighting it and becoming distressed will most likely make the symptoms worse and slow any recovery.”

Many doctors she says attribute FND to past childhood or youth trauma however that’s not always the case. Holistically, she knows that she always needed more sleep than average and says she genuinely enjoys a fresh healthy range of food.

“I have had a great love of music since I can ever remember and wasn’t afraid even at primary school age to express an interest in classical which wasn’t the norm for other

students of my age.”

Her family have been her support crew for the last thirty years and many special friends along the way.

“Have I lost friends because of it? Yes I know I have because I have been fluctuating in and out of depression/ confusion/ frustration and been defensive for so long trying to work out if these unexplained symptoms are in fact fake or if I was crazy for so long I have worn “a mask” to cover up the cracks I felt I had in my being. Over thinking and over acting trying to appear normal.”

Government funding is avail-

able for those that fit into the sickness benefit guidelines and free healthcare for anyone who is a NZ citizen. Yet since her husband works and in his income bracket there is nothing available for someone like Linda which frustrates her.

“I thought I had my life planned out and had been intending to share my joy of music well into my 80’s just like my mentors had done. I now appreciate that despite what has happened I am lucky to have a loving family and group of friends and I appreciate what I am able to do and the really small things.”

Linda Holdaway has FND and says she needs to accept the condition as fighting it will most likely make the symptoms worse and slow any recovery.

‘Damning report’ for future of aged care services

By Chris Valli

The future of New Zealand’s aged care sector has been highlighted in a damning report released by Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora. It is the first main output of a review of funding and service models for aged care services, which Health NZ began in July last year, and includes feedback from key stakeholders. The review’s second phase has begun and is focused on developing recommendations for the sector.

If historic building rates continued, there could be a shortage of almost 12,000 aged residential care beds by 2032.

The Sun spoke to Metlifecare, who currently owns and operates 43 retirement villages throughout the country including Springlands Lifestyle Village in Battys Road.

Asked if there was a shortage of care beds at Springlands, Lara Harrison, External Communication Specialist from Metlifecare, says they are ‘unable to provide specific figures regarding resident numbers due to their dynamic nature’, but at present, Springlands care home is ‘fully occupied’.

Built and completed in 2013, the village housed 170 residents and 70 employees in September 2023. Lara says the aged residential care home currently has 56 care beds.

The review says with an ageing population, its expected demand for care beds will increase, with the sector’s lack of beds and staffing for these people causing significant

issues.

The report showed there were a variety of levels of service in different areas of the country, for example, the waiting times for high priority individuals being admitted to an aged residential care facility ranged from 92 days in MidCentral (Manawatū area) to 219 days on the West Coast.

High needs dementia and psychogeriatric care residents were waiting, on average, nearly six months to be admitted to an ARC facility after being assessed as high priority for moving out of a home setting.

Chris Thornley, Springlands Managing Director said developing Springlands Lifestyle Village over the past 15 years had been a labour of love for all involved, adding the complex was being expanded with more units being built.

The review says with an ageing population, its expected demand for these care beds will increase, with the sector’s lack of beds and staffing for these people causing significant issues.

Health New Zealand ageing well director Andy Inder says it was vital they fully understood the challenges faced by older people and their whānau across the sector and work together on solutions.

The average cost Health NZ would spend on a subsidised client in a rest home was $65,000 a year whereas they would spend about $7400 per year on someone receiving in-home care and support.

HURRY!! TICKETS SELLING FAST!

Buy your tickets today and enjoy the magic of Joseph!

‘If I don’t talk about it,

The Road to Healing is a long road, according to Sam Troth. Nobody lives and breathes this more than Sam, as a survivor of sexual abuse. In New Zealand 62 percent of males in psychiatric care are sexually abused as children and 90 percent of males who suicide before age fourteen have been sexually abused.

Sam spoke to Chris Valli.

Sam Troth admits to making a few mistakes in life. That’s part of the journey, he infers. The 40-year old Waihi local (Waikato) grew up in Hamilton and was a methamphetamine addict for 15 years. Sam has a wife and ‘a tribe’ of seven children. He is also a sexual abuse survivor.

Sam was in Blenheim last week as part of The Road to Healing campaign to raise awareness about male survivors of sexual abuse. Sam was joined on the last league of his 2000kms South Island e-bike ride (Ward – Blenheim) by Lee Tepuia, of Redwoodtown’s Box on Boxing and a local mental health advocate. Yet, it’s more than awareness for Sam. It’s a passion, a cause. A purpose. To break down those two words…sexual….abuse. The abuse for Sam took place in the early 90s between the ages of 9-13.

Sam’s perpetrator is serving a preventative detention. Preventative detention protects the community from those who pose a significant and ongoing risk to the safety of

its members. His perpetrator got a 17-year non parole but ‘not for what he did to me’, Sam says.

The ‘scum’ was a work colleague of his Dad. Sam says his father often ‘worked his ass off’ to pay the mortgage and renovate the house and there wasn’t that traditional father-son relationship.

“He gained my father’s trust and then inserted himself into my life,” he says.

“He went on after me and perpetrated in Australia and did jail time there and was deported back to New Zealand. He perpetrated back here, did jail time and was on probation, release. He was caught doing it to three different children at the same time and online abuse material,” he says.

Sam reached out to his best friend when he was 15 and told him about his trauma. However, he says as his friend ‘didn’t have the tools’ albeit was sympathetic and offered support by ‘being there’ for him.

When Sam was 19 he disclosed to his family and confesses he ‘didn’t get a lot back’ although he reflects that his sisters were ‘really good’.

It was 2019, when at a crossroads Sam reached out to his wife.

“I had fully planned my suicide and juggled things around so that everything was going to be okay when I was gone,” he concedes. “Yet I didn’t want to leave her with the what-ifs and why. I just sat down and had the most awkward conversation

who will?’

full emergence into his trauma but outwards’.

I’ve ever had in my life.”

Sam says his wife knew firsthand the head space he was going through waking up during the night with terrors in a pool of sweat. He says he still battles with that now, although not like it used to be with ‘doing the work and telling his story’.

“I’m purging my trauma, I’m getting it out. I saw a psychologist for two years, a peer support worker, talked to people and started the social media platform. It’s been like

a full emergence into my trauma but outwards,” he says.

Throughout the interview, Sam’s rhetoric is poignant.

For those who haven’t suffered trauma of being let down by the system or a trusting adult, it doesn’t make sense, or even begin to. He understands that and says, that’s why talking, listening and networking are fundamental to his purpose.

So does he feel healed?

“I’m a work in progress bro,” he

suggests. “I’ll always be healing. I’ve been with my wife for 18 years and I still have relationship issues. I’ve got lots of work to do in other aspects of my life. I’ll never be what I would have been,” he says. Survivors of sexual abuse and sexual assault may never truly heal from the abuse they have been subjected to and mental health impacts can have lifelong effects with male survivors taking longer to disclose sexual abuse (22 years) than women.

SPREADING THE WORD: Blenheim’s Lee Tepuia, Tricia Walsh and Sam Troth after last week’s Road to Healing campaign/ride from Ward – Blenheim. Sam says his sexual abuse story has been ‘like a

Pig and Deer Hunt

By Chris Valli

The annual Woodbourne Tavern Pig and Deer Hunt is back for 2024 with more prizes, bigger prize money and no shortage of prizes for the kids.

Held on Kings Birthday weekend May 31, June 1 and 2, weigh in for the hunt takes place on Sunday, June 2 from 11am – 2pm.

There are three categories once again with Open (16 plus) Pig and Deer, Young Guns (16 and under) Pig and Goat and Whippersnappers (10 and under), hare, rabbit, possum. The Whippersnappers Prize giving will commence at 3pm

while the Young Guns/Opens is from 4pm.

The Major spot prize is a 2017 Mitsubishi Triton from Ben and the team at Marlborough Motor Centre in Nelson Street. The Triton has one previous owner, full service history including all the gadgets including bull bars and spotlights for that intrepid hunter or off road enthusiast.

Another spot prize is a Kawasaki KFX90 in the Young Guns section with a recommended retail price of $6195 There will be live music from 6pm at the Woodbourne Tavern. Entries for the hunt close May 30.

MBC alumni appointed ski manager

By Chris Valli

An ex Marborough Boys’ College head boy has been appointed by NZSki as The Remarkables ski area manager, completing a full circle.

Stephen Hall was head student in 1982 and recently led Queenstown’s only high school, Wakatipu, from 2012 to 2022. Ironically, Stephen worked at The Remarkables in the rental department in 1986.

After wrapping up his time at the high school, Stephen had a 12-month break, ticking off an adventure bucket list, which included skiing in Japan, Canada and Colorado, watching the Tour de France, and mountain biking the length of New Zealand on the Te Araora trail.

Stephen says he’s feeling genuinely excited about the new role.

“It’s a great role and it’s a really important role, because The Remarkables is so precious, not only to NZSki, but also to locals and Queenstown as the town and industry grows,” he says.

“I know there are going to be challenges along the way, but being part of figuring things out is what I’m really looking forward to.”

NZSki boss Paul Anderson believes given the breadth of experience Stephen brings to the table he’s the “perfect fit” for The

Remarkables.

Stephen has been an Outward Bound school director and Halberg Trust CEO, while also achieving a Master of Business Administration from Canterbury University, a Bachelor of Arts in economics and English, a teaching diploma, and stints at Harvard University, in the United States, completing two short courses in leadership and non-profit management.

Stephen replaced outgoing ski area manager Ross Lawrence after 16 years in the role.

Local hunter Jeremy Everson took out the Open category in 2022 with the heaviest deer at 121 kilograms and the overall heaviest head.

Former MBC Head Boy Stephen Hall (1982) has been appointed by NZSki as The Remarkables ski area manager.

Love the choice.

Love the life you choose. Dear diary, here’s to the 7-day weekend

Retirement can be blissfully laid back, or it can be wonderfully unretiring and active.

At Summerset, it’s your choice. From day to day, you have the freedom to pursue all your passions and hobbies, or just find a place to relax. All set within a secure, warm and friendly community.

Brand-new homes selling now at Summerset Blenheim*

Summerset retirement villages are designed to make sure you get the best out of your retirement and Summerset Blenheim is no exception.

Situated in the heart of Marlborough, surrounded by vineyards and mountain views, this brand-new village is close to everything Blenheim and the Marlborough Sounds have to offer.

We have a range of brand-new two and threebedroom homes available now. These single storey homes are thoughtfully designed, with generous

bedrooms, an ensuite, a separate toilet, and an internal access garage. Each home features a bright and spacious open-plan living area with a contemporary kitchen, perfect for entertaining friends and family.*

To see plans and pricing, or to view our stunning show homes, join us at one of our upcoming Open Days or book a private appointment today.

Love the life you choose.

Open Days, 10am - 2pm

Every Thursday in May

Summerset Blenheim

183 Old Renwick Road, Springlands 03 520 6042 | summerset.co.nz/blenheim

Indicative villa

Indicative villa

Artist impression

More nurses needed

More than 9000 New Zealand nurses have registered to work in Australia in the past 12 months - about 12 percent of the active workforce. The rate of nurses expressing interest is growing, despite a boost in pay last year. The latest figures show an average of 900 a month had signed up in the 10 months until January. In April last year, the average was 625 a month over eight months. A scan of nursing ads on job website Seek showed some offering NZ$117 an hour for contract work in very remote areas. Another agency was offering free trans-Tasman travel for locum work of eight weeks or more. An ad for a permanent role at a rural aged care home offers $17,000 in meal and entertainment allowance

and a $7500 sign up bonus over four years.

Kerri Nuku, the kaiwhakahaere of the union the Nurses' Organisation, says she knew of many nurses who were going to work in Australia, often on short-term locum work.

"They are also going because it does have a different quality of work and different opportunities and professional development and training so there are a number of factors that are making nursing in Australia seem slightly better than here in Aotearoa," she says.

Base pay rates for Te Whatu Ora nurses had increased last year to be similar to Australian hospital rates.

Source: Rowan Quinn – Radio New Zealand

Base pay rates for Te Whatu Ora nurses had increased last year to be similar to Australian hospital rates.

Nurses Day

Sunday, 12 May 2024

Our Nurses – Our Future

By Chris Valli

International Nurses Day (IND) is celebrated on May 12 annually, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth, English social reformer and the founder of modern nursing.

The nursing shortage in New Zealand has been well documented in recent times with nearly 5000 New Zealand nurses registered to work in Australia in the past 12 months, often taking up lucrative short-term contracts of up to NZ$8500 a week.

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) says it’s great the Government has announced five new health targets (last month) including faster cancer treatment, improved immunisation rates, shorter stays in emergency departments, and shorter wait times for first specialist assessments and elective treatment.

However, NZNO wonders how they will be met without a full nursing workforce that is locally grown and culturally safe. NZNO Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku says they are not going to achieve reduced wait times and better treatment, while hospitals and emergency departments remain clogged and Primary Health Care centres are closing.

“Every day we read news reports

of GP practices shutting up shop or reducing services while they lose both doctors and nurses. Nurses are increasingly looking at moving overseas, because they feel disillusioned with a health system that remains underfunded, understaffed and fundamentally unsafe,” says Kerri

However, one nurse who is a shining light in the industry is Nelson nurse Shannon Norton, who works for the Cannabis Clinic as their head nurse.

Shannon grew up in Nelson and completed her Bachelor of Nursing degree in 2020. She jumped straight into the DHB surgical, cardi ovascular and specialist infusions unit where she was able to make special human connections as well as see a range of ailments and how best to treat them not only biomedically, but holistically too.

2024 theme... Our Nurses. Our Future. the economic power of care

Shannon is extremely passionate about ensuring focus on all aspects of a person’s well-being, which has led her to the unique position of helping others with the safe use of medical cannabis. Shannon believes that plant medicine when used correctly, in combination with healthy lifestyle factors, holistic healing techniques and a balanced mind can change people’s lives and

the trajectory of their individual health journey.

Shannon says the sheer exhilaration of pushing the boundaries on what ‘conventional’ medicine should and could look like is the best part of her job. “It’s about so much more than just treating symptoms; it’s about empowering individuals to take control of their health and well-being,” she says.

Outside of work, Shannon meditates daily and practises the art of yoga. She is currently completing her Reiki course - an ancient technique used for stress reduction and relaxation which has benefits for both physical and mental health.

She spends a lot of time connecting and staying grounded with nature and her whanau.

Nelson nurse

Shannon Norton, who works for the Cannabis Clinic as their head nurse.

Student’s involvement –validation of programme

By Chris Valli

Marlborough Girls’ College students and teachers are taking the plunge to raise funds to help future students.

A veritable parachute regiment from MGC are amongst the 86 Marlburians tipped to take part in “Drop for Youth Marlborough 2024”.

Drop for Youth, they key fundraiser for local youth charity, Graeme Dingle Foundation Marlborough, sees Marlburians plummet from 10,000 feet in a breathtaking skydive – with ‘Droppers’ asked to aim high and set a fundraising target of at least $1,010. All funds raised support the work of the foundation in transforming young lives within the Marlborough region.

Among the 19 MGC students taking the plunge all have benefitted from the Foundation’s “Stars” programme, either as a mentee, or mentor, or both. Stars trains senior college students as mentors, and pairs them to work with incoming Year 9 students, to create an effective and positive transition to the school. The seniors deliver a wide range of resilience, life skills, wellbeing and teamwork-related

lessons – which are delivering real benefits for both juniors and peer mentors alike. So, when the opportunity to give back came up, Kate Wilkes says she jumped at the chance:

“I got to be a ‘little sister’ in Stars back when I was a Year 9, and so this year I’ve stepped up to be a Peer Mentor – or ‘big sister’. Stars is great as it helps build self-confidence, stronger connections between the

students and lots of helpful and relevant life skills,” she says.

McKenzie Haronga was a Stars student in her Year 9 year and says it made a difference for her.

“The Stars Camp really helped our whānau class become like a real whānau. We made connections that have lasted - we still have those bonds.”

MGC Head of Music, Christianna Morgan says she was inspired to

make the Drop because she has witnessed first-hand how much the foundation truly impacts their students positively, helping to support their learning and career pathways.

While Emily Stenhouse was proud of the students resolve to help.

“To see the students themselves get in behind the cause is real validation of the impact of the

programme. They themselves are standing up and saying that this matters to them. We want to make sure these same opportunities are also available to all our future students too.”

‘Drop Day’ is scheduled for May 25 at Skydive Abel Tasman at Motueka.

To sponsor the Daring Droppers visit www.bit.ly/DropForYouth2024

Back row: Christianna Morgan (Head of Music), Gemma Rae, Margot Taylor, Chloe Pettigrew, Liv Howard, Kate Wilkes, Kandoo Kiwi, Tessa Unwin, Isla Read, Leni Manson, Chloe Jones, Emily Stenhouse (Acting Principal). Front row: Mya Blackmore, Olive Paterson, Ayla Shaw, Hazel Glover. Absent: McKenzie Haronga, Clara Watt, Audrey Xie, Baylee Murray, Addison Gousmett, and Ella Barnes.

LEARN FROM THE BEST!

•

•

• Refresher

Check

Trusted expert in radiator services

Owner/operator Tony Flood has been operating Blenheim Radiator Services out of his premises at 44 Main Street since 1988.

He’d bought the business in 1983, but moved it to its current central site five years later.

Stability and reliability are keywords – and when your return business is not just your first generation of customers, but their children and even the grandchildren, you know you’ve got it right.

Brett Uren, on the workshop floor with Tony, is another pointer to the firm’s reliability and stability, having been there since 1999.

Tony says their customers trust them, sometimes to do the impossible. And, he says: “We often find a way.”

After so many years in the business, Tony can call on people he knows personally, all round the country, to find what is needed.

That in turn means he can almost always have a new radiator in 24 hours, even unusual ones.

Some of those unusual requests are for vintage cars, a specialist area in which Tony is a trusted expert.

“And Brett is on to that now - that’s good for the future.”

He also has some expert advice about antifreeze and coolants for your car.

“They don’t last forever.”

He’ll check your radiator to make sure that what you have is still operating properly.

And, he advises: “You don’t necessarily buy the cheapest antifreeze or coolant.“

Different cars have different needs.

“Mercedes and BMW’s are examples.”

He has new stocks of the latest coolants for almost all of them. •

Radiator Services: at 44 Main Street since 1985

5 minutes with...

Enny LEong

Event Manager for the New Zealand Chinese Association

Marlborough Branch

 Are you a dog or cat person?

I am a dog person. Dogs are not just companions but loyal guardians who protect their owners.

 My friends would say I am…

Serious, hard working and dedicated person when conducting tasks at work or for the community.

 The best advice I ever received was?

It’s alright to ask for help but it’s not alright not asking for help when you need it.

 What would you buy if money was no object?

I would like to buy a bay view holiday home in Marlborough Sounds or a winter ski view holiday home in Queenstown so I can enjoy my holiday at any time.

 Local coffee haunt?

Cappuccino from CBD Eatery.

 Favourite takeaway?

Noodle Canteen especially dish number 3 in the menu, which is my favourite dish, one of the Malaysian famous dishes.

 The shop you can’t walk past is...?

The Blue Penguin Gift Shop because I can’t resist myself to buy gifts for my family and friends in Malaysia.

 What’s the most thoughtful gift you’ve ever received? In general, all gifts are thoughtful but the most thoughtful gift was from my daughter, Olivia.

 Where is your happy holiday place?

Hot pools in Hanmer Springs.

 Favourite programme or series currently watching?

Just finished watching Avatar The Last Airbender Season 1, which is one of my favourite series, can’t wait for the upcoming Season 2 and 3.

 What’s one thing on your bucket list?

Skydiving. I want to experience the feeling of floating in the sky.

Bryophytes: By Wally Richards

Bryophytes is a name that you are not likely familiar with but if I was to say ‘moss’ or ‘liverwort’ you would know about them.

Bryophytes is the informal group name for mosses, liverworts and hornworts.

They are non-vascular plants, which means they have no roots or vascular tissue, but instead absorb water and nutrients from the air through their surface (e.g., their leaves).

Mosses can be dangerous on walkways and paths making the surface slippery.

Moss in lawns is not good for appearance and healthy grasses.

Liverwort in gardens and soil, on fences and roofs is unsightly and will spread rapidly given moist conditions.

A curse on glasshouses reducing the light from the sun.

Lichens are a complex life form that is a symbiotic partnership of two separate organisms, a fungus and an alga. The dominant partner is the fungus, which gives the lichen the majority of its characteristics, from its thallus shape to its fruiting bodies.

You see them on trunks of trees and other places which on trees can cause ring barking if left without taking care of it.

Then there are moulds which can form on outdoor furniture and in your shower in the bathroom. In damp homes moulds become a health risk and are not good if anyone has breathing problems.

Many years ago when I owned Nature Spirits Garden centre a friend in the horticulture business had secured a chemical that had been used in the medical industry for sterilising medical instruments.

The chemical is Gardiquat 1450 and it was found that it is very good at cleaning up Bryophytes by just spraying them and the added advantage is it does not affect plants if they are hit with it .

Anyway my friend suggested that I sell the product which he called ‘Surrender’.

The smallest size he had available was in 1L jerry cans so that is what I promoted and sold. It soon became very popular and was well sort after to clean up those Bryophytes

around the house.

For Moss and Liverwort use at the rate of 25 to 50mls per litre of water.

For Lichen and Algae use at 10 to 20mls per litre of water.

If spraying over plants rinse off with a hose 30 minutes after application.

Some mosses may need further treatments.

On sphagnum type moss and Liverwort, to get the best results adjust your sprayers nozzle to a bit of a jet rather than a mist.

A jet forces the product into the target bryophyte where it is absorbed and kills the whole bryophyte.

Unlike Sulphate of Iron used for moss control which only burns off the top of the moss and it returns fairly quickly and often requires several treatments.

From my own experience with the chemical, when used correctly on moss etc more often than not there is no further problems in the treated area for some months and sometimes a year or more.

It depends on how long it takes for fresh spores to colonise the area.

The product can be used to clean up fish ponds as long as the fish are removed before treatment, and the pond is aerated after treatment before returning a test fish.

In bird baths or in chickens water bowls put a couple of drops then agitate the water, it will remove any algae.

Years ago I suggested to Yates that they should market Surrender in smaller containers such as 200mls to make it more readily available

to gardeners that did not want 1L of product.

Of course Yates took up my suggestion and they have it available in garden shops.

Some years later I saw that the price of 200mls had got much dearer selling now days from $22.00 to $28.00 for 200mls.

So with that in mind I started marketing Wallys Moss & Liverwort Control in 500mls and 1L containers to retail at $30.00 for 500mils and $48.00 for 1L.

A litre of Moss & Liverwort Control can go a long way; at the top rate of 50mls per litre it makes 20 litres of spray.

At the lessor rate of 20mls it will give you 50L of spray for $48.00. Some other products sold in 5L containers making 30L of spray costing $99.00.

It makes Wallys Moss & Liverwort Control excellent value. With winter chills and frosts starting to happen don’t forget to spray your sensitive plants with Vaporgard, spray on frost protection. Place bottle into jug of hot water so it pours better when warm, and mix with warm to hot water at 15mls per litre of water.

Spray over the foliage of plants on a sunny day in full sunlight so the film dries quicker.

Within 3 days it gives frost protection down to 3 degrees for 3 months. Works a charm for the occasional frost but if two or more frosts occur night after night then you need some frost cloth, extra protection as the plant has not fully recovered from the first frost.

Five Buck a Duck Derby

Life Education trust Marlborough held their Five buck a Duck Derby fundraiser at Pollard Park on Sunday. 650 plastic ducks raced through the Pollard Park stream, and congratulations to duck numbers 358, 403, and 238 for taking home the top prizes.

BumbleBots

Marlborough.

Purchase tickets from the Hospice Shop, 78 Cleghorn Street, Redwoodtown.

the bumblebots met with Mayor Nadine taylor discussing plans for their trip to the united States .

Sam Troth’s Road to Healing Aotearoa

Educator Graeme Brent gets ready for proceedings.

Harold the Giraffe meets and greets locals before the race.

MORE FM Nelson’s Promotions Manager Jane Baken handing out the prizes.

ROV (remotely operated vehicle) in the water at Grovetown School practising for the USA.

The Mayor and BumbleBots discuss the attention to detail and their creative design ahead of their trip to the United States.

Blenheim’s CBD Eatery provided an opportunity for a $20 casual breakfast and chat for locals to meet with Sam. Pictured are Lee Tepuia, Mike Godsall and Sam Troth.

Brendon and Angie Clemett from Cycle World Blenheim, provided an e-bike for Sam as part of his South Island bike ride. They met up with Sam, Lee Tepuia and supporters in Blenheim last Tuesday.

7. Cross the threshold (5)

8. Miser (colloq) (7)

9. Central linked computer (6) 15. Napkin (9)

17. Whole note (music) (9)

18. Performance pay (9)

19. Highly poisonous element (7)

21. Balance unsteadily (6)

23. Feeling of anxiety (5)

24. Military fabric (5)

26. Dog restraint (5)

Crossword

Across: 1. Chest of drawers, 10. Ennui, 11. Slaughter, 12. Voyager, 13. Embargo, 14. Roots, 16. Assertive, 19. Arboretum, 20. Yacht, 22. Seasick, 25. Balance, 27. Negotiate, 28. Afire, 29. Catherine wheel. Down: 2. Honeycomb, 3. Swing, 4. Observant, 5. Drape, 6. Argy-bargy, 7. Enter, 8. Scrooge, 9. Server, 15. Serviette, 17. Semibreve, 18. Incentive, 19. Arsenic, 21. Teeter, 23. Angst, 24. Khaki, 26. Leash.

WordBuilder

doe, dole, eld, elf, fed, fled, floe, foe, fold, FOLDER, for, ford, fore, fro, led, lode, lord, lore, ode, old, older, ore, red, redo, ref, rod, rode, roe, role

Sudoku

DECODER

Life Insurance

Bypass

Re a text on the needed bypass for Blenheim, the obsession with building roundabouts in some instances not needed is misuse of public money which could’ve paid most of bypass cost.

MDC CEO

At the moment we are being bombarded with adverts on TV to take out life insurance. It’s using investors money just like ten years ago when we were encouraged to invest in higher interest. Then all those companies went out of business. Watch this space it will all happen again.

Re: Honesty box

In regards to the honesty box on Murrays Road, my kids and I enjoyed those cheap fresh apples. Just takes a piece of #% to ruin it for others. If you got no money go get a job!

Country Stuffed

The country is stuffed whoever is in parliament. National is going to screw the workers and Labour will continue spending. Seems the Greens are the only prudent ones.

Re: Health NZ

I’d assume that you’re a champion of free speech or should we all toe the line of your own very personal and small understanding of the world?

Springcreek Stop Bank

Looks like everytime it rains Springcreek is going to be evacuated for ‘fear of catastrophic stop bank failure’. Perhaps the council could put the displaced people up in the lovely new library each time until the stop bank is repaired?

Still Listed

Looked through the new phone book the other day and was surprised to find us still listed in the White Pages. We have not had a land line for over 10 years. Takes away our anonymity a bit as still have the same address.

Thoughtless Politicians

Given the recent ‘conduct’ of some (not so very) Green Party Parliamentarians, it would be no surprise if this Party adopted ‘How Bizzare’ as their Party ‘Theme Song’.

Can someone please explain why MDC is employing a CEO? Didn’t remember voting for 2 mayors.

Food For Thought...

As ‘click & collect’ Supermarket Consumers are not charged for having their shopping done for them....for $50+ spends, shouldn’t In-store Customers be eligible for a reasonable discount to compensate for the price increases to products that have been made to pay for the C & C wage costs?

And, by logical extension, shouldn’t Self Serve Customers be entitled to a discount for serving themselves, thus saving on wage costs?

Rates Increase

Rates a real kick in the guts. All councillor’s must take a 12 and half percent pay cut do the right thing.

Parenting

Cycling with toddlers on the front? Poor decision. These innocent children don’t know the danger and are trusting their parents to keep them safe. Parenting seems to need improvement in a lot of areas. There’s no manual but common sense should prevail.

Fine pies and mobiles

Is Blenheim the pie eating capital of New Zealand, I was recently waiting for a lift to work outside a local bakery, over a period of around fifteen minutes I counted five vehicles pulling away from the bakery with the drivers male and female munching away at their pies. I assume these pie eating driver’s think there’s fat chance of them being pulled over by the police.

Re Yellow Pages

To the selfish person who only thinks of self when texting about Yellow Pages. We do not have a computer or online facilities so use the Telephone Book and Yellow Pages frequently. When we need the services of a business the Yellow Pages is where we look. So, the business who advertises in the Yellow Pages gets our phone call!

Re Same Old

Nine years of enriching the wealthy at the expense of mainstream NZ led to the 6 years of Labour. Five months in to the new Govt and again it’s attack the most vulnerable to provide money for tax cuts. Who benefits most from tax cuts? The wealthy. It’s not rocket science.

Bagging Government

‘Same old’ from last week bagging the previous Govt. Labour got us through a pandemic with admiration from the rest of the world. Saved thousands of lives [ including possibly yours]. Saved thousands of jobs [including possibly yours]. Look and the chaos from this new Govt cutting services everywhere. Health, education, police, customs. Our ferries and colleges canned. No surprise the latest poll has your coalition of chaos out of Govt.

Cycling safely

It’s a shame to hear the disgruntlement of pedestrians on the Taylor river paths, re cycling. These paths are a major asset to the town, for commuters and children alike. The roads are completely unsafe for cycling; not because of the infrastructure, but the standard of driving. The simple solution to sharing the river paths would be to prioritise the sides. Nelson st side, priority for cycling, town side for walking and dog exercise. Not blanket banning, but compromise.

Let’s not forget those pedestrians who carelessly amble along with headphones, or dog owners with no idea what their pets are doing. It’s not all the cyclists fault. We’re just trying to keep away from the cars!

Taylor river walkway

As someone who cycles and walks the Taylor river walkway, bell ringing and verbal cues for pedestrians to move out of the way quickly is intrusive and sets up users for conflict. The road code for cyclists using shared paths states “Pass other people with patience and care”. It is common sense for cyclists and other faster modes of transport to give way to pedestrians. The shared status needs to change. Cyclists can still use the path when clear but must go around pedestrians when passing.

Re Poop

Yes you see it alot in public toilets - disgusting messes. Left by fellow humans. Worse than animals.

Talk of the week

Thank You

A big thank you to whoever found the foot plates belonging to my husbands wheelchair and handed them in to local Police station. You are an Angel.

Tailgaters

There is a serious problem in this town of tailgating when driving. The amount of aggressive amped up idiots following far too close is beyond a joke. The police need to crack down on it as it is so dangerous. For now I am reporting every single car. Such selfish behaviour and poor driving. Back off!!!

Sad to read

I don’t know about others but I am so alarmed and sickened by all the child abuse in the news in NZ. Something has to be done. Protecting these little ones must be a high priority NOW.

We welcome your texts on 027 242 5266.

Limit to 70 words please. We reserve the right to publish at our discretion. Please note the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Sun management.

No Frills Living

Members of our wider family are struggling with the cost of ‘no-frills’ living. Iwi have received $millions for concepts like ‘protecting the mauri of the river’. Who has paid up? Power companies needing resource consent etc to function properly. One thing is for sure; it’s not hard working taxpayers who are laughing all the way to the bank!

Marlborough Sauvignon still surprises

By Chris Valli

International Sauvignon Blanc Day last weekend (May 3) was an ‘opportunity to recognise the contribution of the Marlborough viticulture industry’.

Wine Marlborough General Manager Marcus Pickens says Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc has earned its place on the world stage and has made a massive impact from the very first taste all those decades ago.

“It sort of shocked and surprised everyone with its intensity of aromas and flavours,” Marcus says. “While Sauvignon Blanc is produced in many countries, Marlborough wine stands on its own for its purity and flavour intensity. Our Sauvignon Blanc is crisp, zesty and tropical – undeniably aromatic.”

With the emergence of new and alternative styles, Sauvignon Blanc is still surprising and delighting people says Marcus.

“Diversity is part of the Sauvignon Blanc success story. Growers, winemakers and the hospitality and tourism industries are exploring and innovating with the style, subregions, business models and experiences they create for both New Zealanders and international visitors.

“This is a fascinating sector where we have family-owned, pioneering brands branching out in new areas, in the spirit of continuous advancement, working alongside newer corporate-owned brands.

“Each is doing different things with Sauvignon Blanc, but on the whole the industry is collaborating and pushing forward,” Marcus says.

Continual advancements in viticulture and winemaking have seen the emergence of alternative Sauvignon Blanc styles, says Marcus, made using different techniques such as oak-aging, barrel fermenting, wild fermenting and the creation of low or no-alcohol wines.

“We are blessed with the type of climate, terroir and water purity that Sauvignon Blanc grapes thrive in, but the flavour and quality is brought to the fore by incredibly skilled viticulturalists and winemakers,” Marcus says.

“In Marlborough, we have a phenomenally-skilled industry. We attract and retain

to recognise

of

We are looking for a reliable Class 4 Driver/Rear Mounted Hiab Operator to join our small team.

The position involves the transport and delivery of supplies using our 6.3-metre long modern truck, with 6 tonne cartage capacity; and rear mounted Hiab crane with 5 tonne lifting capacity.

Although we are seeking a full time driver, the position has the potential to be job share or part time for the right candidate.

We are looking for someone who has:

· A current full, clean Class 4 NZ Drivers Licence

some of the world’s best winemakers and trainees.

Marcus says another reason to celebrate International Sauvignon Blanc Day is the remarkable provenance story of Marlborough wine

“We have a lot to be proud of in Marlborough. Sauvignon Blanc is our signature wine that restaurants and hotels worldwide have embraced.

“It is worth reflecting on the fact that in those pioneering winemaking days, few people would have predicted Marlborough’s rapid ascent to become one of New Zealand’s preeminent – and internationally renowned – wine-growing regions.

“For many of our winegrowing pioneers – Frank Yukich, the Rose, Sutherland, Ibbotson, Marris and Scott families, just to name a few – it would have been gut instinct backed by climate science,” Pickens says.

Marlborough viticulture has expanded from 6,831 hectares in 2003 to the nearly 30,000 hectares of vineyard Marlborough boasts – about 71 percent of the national total. Annually, Marlborough produces 300 million to 400 million bottles of wine.

Completion date for SH6

The final stage of construction for the roundabout at the State Highway 6/Bells and St Leonards Road intersection is about to begin.

Work on the project has been underway since January. During the first three stages, contractors built new drains, installed new streetlights and utilities, and laid around 4,500m2 of pavement and road surfacing. That’s as well as building the new roundabout, which will make it much easier and safer for drivers to get through the intersection.

The final stage is due to start this Friday, 10 May. Planned work includes

landscaping, road surfacing, line marking and signage.

SH6 will be open in both directions with a temporary speed limit of 30 km/h during this stage The intersection of SH6 and St Leonards Road will be CLOSED. Residents will need to continue to use a detour.

People living on St Leonards Road who want to travel to Blenheim will need to go up Old Renwick Road and follow the detour to Colemans Road. Those heading to Renwick/Nelson must go via Jacksons Road. Cyclists will be able to travel with care through the site.

Guest Speaker: Sam Baxter: Director Marlborough Children’s and Youth theatre All Welcome Please note only financial and life members may vote.

· Qualifications and experience in operating a HIAB

· Forklift F endorsement

· Strong Health & Safety focus

· Ability to pass a drug & alcohol test

· Be physically fit as manual handling is sometimes required

Apply now by emailing us at accounts@grouphire.co.nz for an application form, and email it back to us with your CV or supporting documents attached, or drop it into our office at 89 Seymour Street, Blenheim. Applications close Friday 24th May 2024

Boathouse Theatre

Marlborough r epertory Society i nc

Annual General Meeting

International Sauvignon Blanc Day last weekend (May 3) was an ‘opportunity

the contribution

the Marlborough viticulture industry’. Wine Marlborough General Manager Marcus Pickens says continual advancements in viticulture and winemaking have seen the emergence of alternative Sauvignon Blanc styles.

URGENT services

Urgent Care Centre: Wairau Hospital Grounds. Entry off Hospital Rd, Blenheim, 8am-8pm daily. Phone (03) 520 6377. Ambulance: Urgent 111. Non urgent 578 0797.

After Hours Chemists: Springlands Pharmacy: Monday - Friday 8.30am6pm. Saturday 9m - 5pm. Sunday 10am - 4pm. We will be closed on the following days: Anzac Day 25 April, Kings Birthday 3 June, Matariki 28 June

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 9.30am4pm. Phone 578 4272.

Wairau Hospital: Hospital Visiting Hours: Daily 2.30pm - 8pm, 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

BENSEMANN, Monica Valery. Passed away peacefully on Monday 29th April, 2024 at Maxwell Life Care, aged 96. Much loved wife of Noel (deceased). A loved mother and mother of Valerie (Brisbane), Ivan and Kathryn (Richmond), Beverley and Ross, Dawn and Norman (Brisbane), Pamela and Owen (Helensville). Loved Nana of 11 precious grandchildren and loved Nana of 25 precious great grandchildren. Loved sister and sister-in-law, and Auntie of many. Thank you to the staff of Maxwell Life Care and Marlborough Hospice for their care and attention of Mum over the past 6 years. A celebration of Monica’s life has been held at Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, followed by a private cremation. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date to be advised. Messages to c/- PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www. cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

Death notices

MORRISON, Barbara May (née Evans). On 1 May 2024 peacefully at Maxwell Lifecare, aged 73 years. Much loved wife of Dennis. A loved mother and mother-in-law of Rhonda; Lindsey and Angela. Loved Nanny of Jacob; Sarah and Kate. Loved sister and sister-inlaw of Lesley Evans (dec) and Ken Yaxley, and Robert and Carol. A loved aunty to her nieces and nephews. Messages to 20 Gilbert Street, Blenheim 7201 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz Thank you to all the staff at Hospice Marlborough, Maxwell Lifecare, Wairau Hospital and Dr Henderson for their love and care shown to Barbara. A celebration of Barbara’s life was held at the Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services on Monday 6 May followed by a private cremation. This service was live streamed and can be viewed on the Cloudy Bay Funeral Services website.

THOMAS, Lorna Evelyn (née Powell). On 2 May 2024, Lorna passed away in her 95th year, peacefully at Ashwood Park Retirement Village. Lorna was a much loved wife of the late Alan (Digger) Thomas. A very much loved mum and mother-in-law of Wayne and Judy, Peter and Donelle, Graham and Sue, Laurie and Angel, and Jill and Rob Ashfield. A much loved Gran of her 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren R.I.P Messages to 5 Puketea Place Blenheim 7201 or www.cloudybayfunerals. co.nz The family appreciate the care she received from all the staff at Ashwood Park over the many years she was in their care. A Memorial service for Lorna was held at the Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services on Tuesday 7 May. This service was live streamed and can be viewed on the Cloudy Bay Funeral Services website.

DIXON, Beverly Joan “Bev”. Passed away peacefully on May 2, 2024. Dearly loved wife of the late Aaron and a loved mother and mother-in-law of the late Linda and Tim McPadden, and the late Bruce. A loved Gran of Ashleigh, Jessica and Luke and also a Great Gran. A loved Aunty and Great Aunty of her nieces and nephew. Messages to c/- PO Box 9, Blenheim 7240 or www. cloudybayfunerals.co.nz In lieu of flowers donations to Hospice Marlborough would be appreciated or can be made at the service. The family wishes to thank all staff of Bethsaida Retirement Village for their care of Bev. A funeral service was held at St Andrews Presbyterian Church, on Monday, 6 May followed by private cremation. This service was live streamed and can be viewed on the Cloudy Bay Funeral Services website.

NAYLOR, Ann Maree. Passed away on Tuesday, 30th April, 2024 at Hospice Marlborough. Adored wife of Andrew and loved mother and mother-in-law of Heath and Emily, and Emma. Nana to Bronte. Daughter of the late Roland and Marie Price, sister and sister-in law to David and Annie Price, Gary and Mel Price, Tom and Liz Naylor. Loved aunty and great aunty to all her nieces and nephews. Cherished friend of so many. Special thanks to the team at Hospice Marlborough and all the health professionals for their care during Ann’s journey. Messages to The Naylor Family c/- PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz In lieu of flowers, Ann asked for donations to be made to Hospice Marlborough (Acc. No.03 1369 036520700 Ref: Naylor) A service will be held at the Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, 15 Boyce Street, Blenheim on Friday 10 May at 2.00pm.

WHITE, William “Bill” Douglas. Died peacefully at Marlborough Hospice on 2nd May 2024, aged 64 years. Sincere lifelong friend to the late David. Loved uncle and great-uncle to his nieces and nephews. Dearly loved friend to Delwyn and Keith. Messages to c/- PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz “Bill will be dearly missed by all who knew him.” Thank you for the staff at Marlborough Hospice. At Bill’s request, a private cremation has been held.

Acknowledgements

ELVY, Stanley Morriss (Stan): On Saturday April 27, 2024, at his home at Springlands Lifestyle Village, Blenheim. Aged 94 years. Dearly loved husband of the late Mary and much loved dad of John and Marion, Dianne and Peter, Kevin and Bernadette, Shirley and Bryan, and David and Gaylene. Treasured and devoted grand and great-grandfather. Messages may be sent to the Elvy Family, c/- PO Box 110, Blenheim 7240. A family farewell has been held in accordance with Stan’s wishes.

T: 03 578 4719

E: sowmans@funerals.co.nz W: www.sowmans.co.nz Visit us online at blenheimsun.co.nz

MCKINNON, Ian Bruce. Passed away peacefully on 30th April 2024 in his 80th year, at Bethsaida Rest Home. Beloved husband and soulmate of Patricia; cherished father and father-in-law of Sheena and Raphael, Peter and Bridget, and Alexander; treasured grandpa of his four grandchildren. Sincere thanks to the staff at Bethsaida for their wonderful care and support. As Ian wished, a private family farewell and cremation has been held.

NEVILL, Graham George. Passed away peacefully on Thursday 2nd May 2024, aged 82 years – now at rest with his Lord. Graham was able to remain at home until the end, as he wished. Graham was the much loved husband of Cheryl; father and fatherin-law of Craig and Kirsten, Michelle and Jonathan, and Rachel. Survived by his sister Alethea and her husband John, brother Clive and his wife Jenni, his late brother David’s wife Dawn and his late brother Colin’s children, and sister-in-law Lyn. Adored grandfather (Papa) of Annabelle, Samuel, Kate, George, Grace, Phil, and Katie; grandsonin-law Jordan and granddaughter-in-law Abby; great-grandfather of Milo, Eliza, and Robbie. Graham will be greatly missed by family and many long-term friends. Graham was a talented aircraft mechanic and his love for aircraft extended beyond his work. Throughout his life, his church involvement sustained him and he shared his love of God with all he met. He led youth groups, served as a church elder, played trumpet at church, and lived his life with Jesus as his guide. Many who met him remarked on the twinkle in his eye. His family appreciates all the support from those who cared for him during his last months. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimers Society, Marlborough A/c no. 02 0600 0112284-00 Ref. Nevill A celebration of Graham’s life will be held at St. Christopher’s Anglican Church, 92 Weld Street, Redwoodtown, Blenheim, on Wednesday 8th May at 2pm, followed by private cremation at the Cloudy Bay Crematorium. All are welcome.

HADFIELD, Robert John, 05/11/4406/02/24 The Family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to you all for your prayers, messages, emails, cards, phone calls, floral tributes, meals, baking, and presence at the service for Robert. Also all other expressions of concern that you have shown during our time of Bereavement. Never more than now was your kindness needed and more appreciated. Anne, Gavin, Fiona, Stacey, and Michael (Woody).

WILLIAMS, Susan Mary (Sue), née Wentworth: Chris and families would like to sincerely thank work colleagues and friends for the support, cards, flowers, phone calls, baking and visits at the time of Sue’s sudden passing. Also a big thank you to Sowman’s Funerals. Please accept this as a personal acknowledgement – we are forever grateful for the support, and Sue will be hugely missed.

Gold for MGC water polo squad

By Chris Valli

The future of water polo at Marlborough Girls’ College is in good hands with the team winning gold in Division Two at the New Zealand Secondary School Tournament in Hamilton.

Held in the first week of the school holidays, it was the first time the 2024 squad had competed in the national tournament. There were 16 teams vying for the title in the division. Adding to the success was

Year 10 goalie Poppy Clark winning MVP. Poppy was instrumental in the team’s success stopping many goals over the tournament and was ‘very vocal’, reading the game astutely.

The squad took on strong opposition from much larger private schools, the likes of Auckland, Tauranga and Christchurch. Four

Year 10 players had dispensation from NZ Waterpolo to enter.

Team Manager Jo McCormick says the win was definitely a surprise.

“The girls had come third in the

South Island tournament a few weeks before and the three other top teams from there were also entered so we knew it would be some good competition,” she says.

“We have a very young team mostly made up of year 10’s and 11’s. Being a senior secondary school we were playing teams with much older players so we were nervous not knowing what the North Island school teams would be like,”

Jo believes the success of the squad is they have played together for many

years and are good friends in and out of the pool.

“Being a smaller town our provisional Marlborough team is the same as the MGC team so they have played many tournaments together and know exactly how each other play. We have two amazing coaches who give their time to train and prepare the girls and also attend tournaments,” she says.

Jo says the girls do a lot of fundraising to get to each tournament and being from Blenheim they often are

the travelling team.

“We have great support from Blenheim Toyota with the use of their community van and we had a grant from Redwood Trust, this tournament, to help with travel costs,” she says. “The time that the Club, coaches, support of the parents over all those years is finally paying off and exciting years ahead as they get stronger.”

Next year Jo says they will hopefully have the same team and would plan to go to Division One.

Gus finishes 6th in Oceania

By Chris Valli

Blenheim triathlete Gus Marfell has done himself, the region and New Zealand proud finishing a credible sixth at the Oceania Triathlon Super-Sprint Championships at Runaway Bay on the Gold Coast.

The 19-year-old made the 16 man A grade final and showcased his resilience and determination which saw a grueling event format featuring qualifiers, repechages, semi-finals, and the final. Fellow Kiwi, Aucklander James Corbett, 22, finished fourth in the final, a career-best performance considering he was ‘poorly’ in the lead up to Friday’s event. Canterbury 18-yearold Benjamin Airey also claimied a notable top 10 with 8th place.

The super sprint format tested the athletes' versatility and adaptability as they progressed through multiple rounds of racing. The fast-paced nature of the event required strategic pacing, technical proficiency in transitions, and the ability to recover quickly between races.

Triathletes raced the following distances Swim - 150m (pool swim), Bike - 4km (criterium track) and Run - 1km (athletics track).

Australian Jayden Schofield took out the men’s final with fellow countrymen Luke Schofield and Byaden Mercer making it an Australian podium. The future looks bright for Gus who in 2022 placed second in the U19 National Duathlon Champs, first in the U19 NZ Sprint Distance Triathlon and first in the Junior Elite Triathlon Cup in Taupo.

Golf Results

GOLDEN GIRLS: The Marlborough Girls’ College water polo squad won gold in Division Two at the New Zealand Secondary School Tournament in Hamilton during the recent school holidays. Pictured from back is: Jo McCormick, Manager, Mia Lindfield, Chloe Sell, Koko Wong, Lizzy Douthett, Katie Marsh, Eric Munro, Alastair Keay, coaches. Front: Libby Senior, Poppy Clarke, India Nathan, Gabby Miller and Hayley McCormick.

27 Apl International S/F- Hiram Taylor 13; Anita McCaffrey 11; Andrew Sunley 8; Ben Blackman 6, Richard Avery 6, Ian Aldridge 6; Maria McConway 4;

Blenheim triathlete Gus Marfell finished sixth at the Oceania Triathlon Super-Sprint Championships on the Gold Coast last Friday.